Communication method and device

Abstract

A communication method and device are applied to the technical field of communication. In the method, a first device outputs first information, the first information is used for configuring M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands for a second device, the M first frequency bands are located in the same carrier frequency band, M is a positive integer greater than 1, and N is a positive integer. The first frequency band is used for the first device to acquire a random access preamble, and the second frequency band corresponding to the first frequency band is used for the first device to output a random access response in response to the acquired random access preamble. Visibly, in the method, the first device configures a plurality of frequency bands capable of being used for transmitting the random access preamble for the second device in the same carrier frequency band, so that the second device selects a frequency band from the plurality of frequency bands for transmitting the random access preamble to initiate access, and the frequency band selection range of the second device is expanded. The method provides more access resources, can support more second devices to output random access preambles to initiate access, and improves access performance.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In cellular systems, initial access is crucial for a terminal device's first connection to the network. During this initial access process, the terminal device first searches for the synchronization signal and PBCH block (SSB), where PBCH stands for Physical Broadcast Channel. By decoding the SSB, the terminal device obtains the system messages required for cell access, which indicate the resources available for initiating access. When a large number of terminal devices are performing initial access within a cell, insufficient resources for initiating access can negatively impact access performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can improve the access performance of terminal devices.

[0004] Firstly, this application provides a communication method applicable to a first device. For example, the first device may be a network device, or a component within the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. As another example, the first device may be a terminal device, or a component within the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The following description uses the first device as an example.

[0005] The method includes: a first device outputting first information, which is used to configure M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands for a second device, wherein the M first frequency bands are located within the same carrier frequency band, M is a positive integer greater than 1, and N is a positive integer. The first frequency bands are used by the first device to acquire a random access preamble, and the corresponding second frequency bands are used by the first device to output a random access response in response to acquiring the random access preamble.

[0006] As can be seen, in this method, the first device configures multiple frequency bands within the same carrier frequency band for the second device to transmit random access preambles. This allows the second device to select a frequency band from these multiple bands to transmit the random access preamble and initiate access. This method expands the frequency band selection range for the second device to transmit the random access preamble. Therefore, this method provides more access resources, supports more second devices outputting random access preambles to initiate access, reduces the impact of insufficient access resources on access performance in scenarios with many second devices initiating access, and improves the access performance of the second device.

[0007] In one alternative implementation, M equals N, and there is a one-to-one correspondence between the M first frequency bands and the N second frequency bands. This implementation simplifies the configuration of the correspondence between the first and second frequency bands.

[0008] Alternatively, at least two of the M first frequency bands correspond to the same second frequency band among the N second frequency bands. It is evident that the correspondence between the first and second frequency bands can be flexibly configured. For example, the first device can flexibly configure the correspondence between the first and second frequency bands according to service requirements.

[0009] In an optional implementation, the first information is further used to indicate the correspondence between M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands. This embodiment enables the second device to determine the correspondence between the M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands, so that after the second device outputs a random access preamble on a first frequency band, it can detect the second frequency band of the random access response on the corresponding second frequency band. This facilitates the second device in timely obtaining the random access response and improves the access performance of the second device.

[0010] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: a first device acquiring a random access preamble on a third frequency band, the third frequency band being one of M first frequency bands; the first device outputting a random access response on a fourth frequency band, the fourth frequency band being one of N second frequency bands corresponding to the third frequency band, wherein, in the case where multiple first frequency bands among the M first frequency bands correspond to the fourth frequency band, the random access response is carried in downlink control information scrambled using a first radio access network temporary identifier, the first radio access network temporary identifier being determined based on the index of the third frequency band among the M first frequency bands.

[0011] In this method, since the indices of different first frequency bands among the M first frequency bands are different, the first radio access network temporary identifier is determined based on the index of the third frequency band, which makes the first radio access network temporary identifier different from the following radio access network temporary identifier: the radio access network temporary identifier used by the first device for the downlink control information output on the fourth frequency band in response to the random access preamble obtained on other first frequency bands.

[0012] As can be seen, in scenarios where different second devices use different first frequency bands corresponding to the same second frequency band to output random access preambles, this implementation enables the first device to scramble random access responses output on the same second frequency band for random access by different second devices using different radio access network temporary identifiers; and enables different second devices to descramble random access responses acquired on the same second frequency band using different radio access network temporary identifiers, so that the second devices can correctly acquire random access responses for their own random access, thereby improving the access performance of the second devices.

[0013] In one alternative implementation, the first information is further used to indicate the same configuration information for multiple first frequency bands among the M first frequency bands.

[0014] In this approach, multiple first frequency bands may have the same configuration information. Therefore, the same configuration information can be uniformly indicated in the first information, instead of individually indicating each first frequency band, which can reduce signaling overhead.

[0015] In one alternative implementation, N is greater than 1; the first information is also used to indicate the same configuration information for multiple second frequency bands among the N second frequency bands.

[0016] In this approach, multiple second frequency bands may have the same configuration information in some parts. Therefore, in the first information, the same part of the configuration information can be uniformly indicated, instead of indicating each second frequency band separately, which can reduce signaling overhead.

[0017] In an alternative implementation, the first information is further used to indicate configuration information that one or more of the M first frequency bands are the same as one or more of the N second frequency bands.

[0018] In this approach, there may be some overlap between the configuration information of the first frequency band and the configuration information of the second frequency band. Therefore, the overlapping configuration information can be uniformly indicated in the first information, instead of requiring separate indication for each first frequency band and each second frequency band, which can reduce signaling overhead.

[0019] In an optional implementation, the first information is further used to indicate the number of first frequency bands configured by the first information, and / or the number of second frequency bands configured by the first information. This implementation allows the first device to flexibly adjust the number of first frequency bands and / or the number of second frequency bands.

[0020] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a second device. For example, the second device can be a terminal device, a component within the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The following description uses a second device as an example.

[0021] The method includes: a second device acquiring first information, the first information being used to configure M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands for the second device, wherein the M first frequency bands are located within the same carrier frequency band, M is a positive integer greater than 1, and N is a positive integer; the second device outputs a random access preamble on a third frequency band, the third frequency band being one of the M first frequency bands; and the second device acquiring a random access response on a fourth frequency band, the fourth frequency band being one of the N second frequency bands corresponding to the third frequency band.

[0022] As can be seen, in this method, the second device is configured with multiple frequency bands within the same carrier frequency band capable of transmitting random access preambles. This allows the second device to select a frequency band from these multiple bands to transmit the random access preamble and initiate access. This method expands the frequency band selection range for the second device to transmit the random access preamble. Therefore, this method provides more access resources, supports more second devices outputting random access preambles to initiate access, reduces the impact of insufficient access resources on access performance in scenarios with many second devices initiating access, and improves the access performance of the second device.

[0023] In one alternative implementation, M equals N, and there is a one-to-one correspondence between the M first frequency bands and the N second frequency bands. This implementation simplifies the configuration of the correspondence between the first and second frequency bands.

[0024] Alternatively, at least two of the M first frequency bands correspond to the same second frequency band among the N second frequency bands. Therefore, the correspondence between the first and second frequency bands can be flexibly configured.

[0025] In an optional implementation, the first information is further used to indicate the correspondence between M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands. This embodiment enables the second device to determine the correspondence between the M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands, so that after the second device outputs a random access preamble on a first frequency band, it can detect the second frequency band of the random access response on the corresponding second frequency band. This facilitates the second device in timely obtaining the random access response and improves the access performance of the second device.

[0026] In one optional implementation, multiple first frequency bands among the M first frequency bands correspond to a fourth frequency band. The second device acquires a random access response on the fourth frequency band, including: acquiring downlink control information carrying the random access response on the fourth frequency band, wherein the downlink control information is scrambled using a first radio access network temporary identifier, and the first radio access network temporary identifier is determined based on the index of the third frequency band among the M first frequency bands. Optionally, the method further includes: the second device descrambling the downlink control information using the first radio access network temporary identifier to obtain the random access response.

[0027] In this method, since the indices of different first frequency bands among the M first frequency bands are different, the first radio access network temporary identifier is determined based on the index of the third frequency band, which makes the first radio access network temporary identifier different from the following radio access network temporary identifier: the radio access network temporary identifier used by the first device for the downlink control information output on the fourth frequency band in response to the random access preamble obtained on other first frequency bands.

[0028] As can be seen, in scenarios where different second devices use different first frequency bands corresponding to the same second frequency band to output random access preambles, this implementation enables the first device to scramble random access responses output on the same second frequency band for random access by different second devices using different radio access network temporary identifiers; and enables different second devices to descramble random access responses acquired on the same second frequency band using different radio access network temporary identifiers, so that the second devices can correctly acquire random access responses for their own random access, thereby improving the access performance of the second devices.

[0029] In one alternative implementation, the first information is further used to indicate the same configuration information for multiple first frequency bands among the M first frequency bands.

[0030] In this approach, multiple first frequency bands may have the same configuration information. Therefore, the same configuration information can be uniformly indicated in the first information, instead of individually indicating each first frequency band, which can reduce signaling overhead.

[0031] In one alternative implementation, N is greater than 1; the first information is also used to indicate the same configuration information for multiple second frequency bands among the N second frequency bands.

[0032] In this approach, multiple second frequency bands may have the same configuration information in some parts. Therefore, in the first information, the same part of the configuration information can be uniformly indicated, instead of indicating each second frequency band separately, which can reduce signaling overhead.

[0033] In an alternative implementation, the first information is further used to indicate configuration information that one or more of the M first frequency bands are the same as one or more of the N second frequency bands.

[0034] In this approach, there may be some overlap between the configuration information of the first frequency band and the configuration information of the second frequency band. Therefore, the overlapping configuration information can be uniformly indicated in the first information, instead of requiring separate indication for each first frequency band and each second frequency band, which can reduce signaling overhead.

[0035] In an optional implementation, the first information is further used to indicate the number of first frequency bands configured in the first information, and / or the number of second frequency bands configured in the first information. This implementation facilitates flexible adjustment of the number of first frequency bands and / or the number of second frequency bands.

[0036] Thirdly, this application also provides a communication device. This communication device can be a first device, a chip, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device, and has the function of implementing some or all of the embodiments described in the first aspect. Alternatively, the communication device can be a second device, or a chip, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second device, and has the function of implementing some or all of the embodiments described in the second aspect. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0037] In one possible design, the communication device may include a processing unit configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions described in the above methods. Optionally, the communication device may also include a communication unit for supporting communication between the communication device and other communication devices. Optionally, the communication device may further include a storage unit coupled to the processing unit and the communication unit, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. Additionally, the processing unit may be used to control the communication unit to transmit and receive data / signaling.

[0038] In one embodiment, the communication unit is configured to output first information, which configures M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands for the second device. The M first frequency bands are located within the same carrier frequency band, where M is a positive integer greater than 1 and N is a positive integer. The first frequency bands are used by the communication device to acquire a random access preamble, and the corresponding second frequency bands are used by the communication device to output a random access response in response to acquiring the random access preamble.

[0039] In addition, other alternative implementations of the communication device in this regard can be found in the relevant content of the first aspect above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0040] In another embodiment, the communication unit is configured to acquire first information, which configures M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands for the communication device. The M first frequency bands are located within the same carrier frequency band, where M is a positive integer greater than 1 and N is a positive integer. The communication unit is also configured to output a random access preamble on a third frequency band, which is one of the M first frequency bands. The communication unit is further configured to acquire a random access response on a fourth frequency band, which is one of the N second frequency bands corresponding to the third frequency band.

[0041] In addition, other alternative implementations of the communication device in this regard can be found in the relevant content of the second aspect above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0042] As an example, the communication unit can be a transceiver or a communication interface, the storage unit can be a memory, and the processing unit can be a processor. The processor is coupled to the memory, which stores programs or instructions for the processor. The processor can be used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, and / or, through logic circuitry, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the first or second aspect above. The transceiver or communication interface can be used to transmit and receive signals and / or data.

[0043] In another embodiment, the communication device is a chip or chip system. The processing unit may also be a processing circuit or logic circuit; the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip system.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the processor can be used for, for example, but not limited to, baseband-related processing, and the transceiver or communication interface can be used for, for example, but not limited to, radio frequency transceiver. The aforementioned devices can be disposed on separate chips, or at least partially or entirely on the same chip. For example, the processor can be further divided into analog baseband processors and digital baseband processors. The analog baseband processor can be integrated with the transceiver (or communication interface) on the same chip, while the digital baseband processor can be disposed on a separate chip. With the continuous development of integrated circuit technology, more and more devices can be integrated on the same chip. For example, a digital baseband processor can be integrated with multiple application processors (e.g., but not limited to graphics processors, multimedia processors, etc.) on the same chip. Such a chip can be called a system-on-a-chip (SoC). Whether the various devices are disposed independently on different chips or integrated on one or more chips often depends on the needs of the product design. This application does not limit the implementation form of the aforementioned devices.

[0045] Fourthly, this application also provides a processor for executing the various methods described above. In the execution of these methods, the processes of sending and receiving the aforementioned information can be understood as the process of the processor outputting the aforementioned information, and the process of the processor inputting the aforementioned information. When outputting the aforementioned information, the processor outputs the aforementioned information to a transceiver so that the transceiver (or communication interface) can transmit it. After being output by the processor, the aforementioned information may require further processing before reaching the transceiver (or communication interface). Similarly, when the processor receives the aforementioned input information, the transceiver (or communication interface) receives the aforementioned information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver (or communication interface) receives the aforementioned information, the aforementioned information may require further processing before being input into the processor.

[0046] Unless otherwise specified, or unless it contradicts its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission and reception operations involved by the processor can be more generally understood as processor output and reception, input and other operations, rather than transmission and reception operations directly performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas.

[0047] In implementation, the processor can be a dedicated processor for executing these methods, or it can be a processor that executes computer instructions stored in memory to execute these methods, such as a general-purpose processor. The memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or disposed on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the arrangement of the memory and processor.

[0048] Fifthly, this application also provides a communication system including means for performing the method described in the first aspect and means for performing the method described in the second aspect. In another possible design, the system may further include other devices that interact with the means for performing the method described in the first aspect, and / or other devices that interact with the means for performing the method described in the second aspect.

[0049] Sixthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when run, causes the methods described in the first or second aspect above to be executed.

[0050] In a seventh aspect, this application also provides a computer program product including instructions, the computer program product comprising: computer program code, which, when executed, causes the methods described in the first or second aspect above to be performed.

[0051] Eighthly, this application provides a chip including at least one processor for executing instructions to cause the method described in the first or second aspect to be performed. Optionally, the chip further includes an interface circuit for receiving the executed instructions and transmitting them to the processor. And / or, the interface circuit is used to receive information from the processor and output information. Optionally, the chip further includes a memory for storing instructions and data. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an SSB and SIB1 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an access process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another access process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram of an RO provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram of another RO provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an IoT provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a carrier frequency band provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 9a This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of a first frequency band provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 9b This is a schematic diagram of another first frequency band distribution provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 9c This is a schematic diagram of another first frequency band distribution provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an RO configured on a first frequency band according to an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 11a This is a schematic diagram illustrating the correspondence between a first frequency band and a second frequency band provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 11b This is a schematic diagram illustrating another correspondence between the first frequency band and the second frequency band provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 11c This is a schematic diagram illustrating another correspondence between the first frequency band and the second frequency band provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 11d This is a schematic diagram illustrating another correspondence between the first frequency band and the second frequency band provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 11e This is a schematic diagram illustrating another correspondence between the first frequency band and the second frequency band provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 11f This is a schematic diagram illustrating another correspondence between the first frequency band and the second frequency band provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 12a This is a schematic diagram of a cell used to indicate a first frequency band, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 12b This is a schematic diagram of another cell used to indicate a first frequency band, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 12c This is a schematic diagram of a cell used to indicate a second frequency band, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 12d This is a schematic diagram of another information cell used to indicate a second frequency band, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 13a This is a schematic diagram of a first information element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 13b This is a schematic diagram of another first information element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 14a This is a schematic diagram of a third information element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 14b This is a schematic diagram of another third information element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a fourth information element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a second device for selecting RO provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of another first frequency band distribution provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of a first type of information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of another type of first information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 20 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device;

[0086] Figure 21 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device. Detailed Implementation

[0087] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0088] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems. For example, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTX), 4th Generation (4G) mobile communication system, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication system, New Radio (NR) system, Next Generation Cellular Communication System, and with the continuous development of communication technology, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can also be used in future communication systems.

[0089] For example, Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication system includes network devices and terminal devices, and the network devices and terminal devices can communicate with each other. Figure 1a The number and form of devices shown are for illustrative purposes and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In actual applications, they may include two or more terminal devices and two or more network devices. Figure 1a The terminal devices in this example are mobile phones, and the network devices are base stations.

[0090] Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication system includes different terminal devices, and the different terminal devices can communicate with each other. Figure 1b The number and form of the devices shown are for illustrative purposes and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In actual applications, more than two terminal devices may be included. Figure 1b The terminal device in this context is a mobile phone.

[0091] The following section describes network devices and terminal devices.

[0092] 1. Network equipment

[0093] Network devices are entities on the network side used to transmit or receive signals, possessing wireless transceiver capabilities for communication with terminal devices. Network devices include, but are not limited to: access network equipment, radio network controllers (RNCs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home network equipment (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), baseband units (BBUs), relay devices, donor nodes, wireless controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios, transceiver nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, transmission and reception points (TRPs), transmission points (TPs), wireless fidelity (WiFi) access points (APs) (i.e., WiFi APs), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, mobile switching centers, and network devices in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems, which can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites. Network equipment can also function as a base station in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Optionally, network equipment can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the access network equipment can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0094] Access network equipment can be a base station (BS), a device deployed in a radio access network that provides wireless communication capabilities. Examples include evolved Node Bs (eNBs or e-NodeBs) and Node Bs in LTE systems, gNodeBs or gNBs in 5G systems, and base stations in future communication systems. A base station can contain a Base Unit (BBU) and a Remote Radio Unit (RRU). The BBU and RRU can be located in different places; for example, the RRU can be deployed remotely to a high-traffic area, while the BBU is located in the central equipment room. Alternatively, the BBU and RRU can be located in the same equipment room. They can also be different components within the same rack. Base stations can take the following forms: macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small stations), indoor stations, pico base stations, relay stations, access points, balloon stations, etc.

[0095] For example, in traditional UMTS or LTE systems, network equipment can be traditional macro base stations (eNBs). In heterogeneous network (HetNet) scenarios, network equipment can be micro base stations (eNBs). In distributed base station scenarios, network equipment can include BBUs and RRUs. In CRAN scenarios, network equipment can include baseband pools (BBUpools) and RRUs. In future wireless communication systems, network equipment can be gNBs.

[0096] Optionally, multiple network devices can collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different network devices each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, network devices can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as RRUs, active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). It is understood that network devices can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or devices including both CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, CUs can be classified as network devices in the radio access network (RAN) or as network devices in the core network (CN); no restrictions are placed here.

[0097] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open-radio access network (O-RAN) system, CU can also be called an open CU (open-CU, O-CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0098] The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the wireless access network equipment. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a wireless access network equipment in the following description. It is understood that a base station can be referred to as a communication device. For example, a base station can be understood as a device with base station functions. For example, the device used to implement the functions of a base station can be a base station; or some components in a base station, such as CU, DU, etc. It can also be a device that can support the base station in implementing this function, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module, which can be installed in a base station or can be used in conjunction with a base station. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0099] The network device deployment methods listed above are merely examples. As standard technologies evolve, network devices may have other deployment forms, and this application does not limit them.

[0100] 2. Terminal equipment

[0101] A terminal device is an entity used to receive or actively transmit signals. Terminal devices can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), user communication equipment, terminal, access terminal, user unit (subscriber unit), user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile terminal (MT), mobile device, user terminal, user agent, or user equipment.

[0102] The terminal device in this application embodiment can be a handheld device with wireless communication function, an in-vehicle device, an in-vehicle communication module or other embedded communication module, a wearable device, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, or a device used to provide voice or data connectivity to a user. The terminal device can also be an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The terminal device can be a terminal with the function of connecting to a cellular base station. For example, the terminal device can be a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a PDA, a mobile internet device (MID), a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a wireless modem, a handset, a laptop computer, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch, a smart bracelet, a pedometer, smart glasses, etc.), an in-vehicle device (e.g., a car, a bicycle, an electric vehicle, an airplane, a ship, a train, a high-speed rail, etc.), a satellite terminal, etc.

[0103] Terminal devices can also include virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, smart point of sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), light user equipment (UE), reduced capability user equipment (REDCAP UE), wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless communication equipment in smart factories, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), smart robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, and flying equipment (e.g., smart robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), etc. Terminal devices can also be vehicle devices, such as vehicle devices, vehicle modules, vehicle chips, on-board units (OBUs) or telematics boxes (T-BOXs). Terminal devices can also be other devices with terminal functions. For example, a terminal device can also be a device that performs terminal functions in D2D communication.

[0104] The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal. It is understood that a terminal can be referred to as a communication device. For example, a terminal can be understood as a device with terminal functions. For example, the device used to implement the terminal functions can be a terminal itself; it can also be a device capable of supporting the terminal in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module. This device can be installed in the terminal or can be used in conjunction with the terminal.

[0105] The embodiments disclosed in this application will be presented to illustrate various aspects, embodiments, or features of this application in relation to systems including multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0106] The relevant concepts involved in the embodiments of this application are described below.

[0107] 1. Initial Access

[0108] Initial access refers to the first random access made by a terminal device after it is powered on; that is, the first time the terminal device connects to the network after powering on. After powering on, the terminal device can connect to the network through the initial access process so that the network can provide services to the terminal device.

[0109] Taking a 5G system as an example, network devices broadcast SSBs. After a terminal device powers on, it first searches for the SSB to obtain downlink synchronization, and then decodes the SSB to obtain the system messages necessary for cell access. These system messages include System Information Block 1 (SIB1). For example, combining... Figure 2 After decoding the SSB, the terminal device obtains the search space corresponding to the control resource set (coreset) #0 (i.e., coreset#0) from the SSB. Then, in the search space corresponding to coreset#0, the terminal device detects the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) corresponding to SIB1, so that the terminal device can further obtain SIB1 based on the detected PDCCH.

[0110] SIB1 specifies the resource configurations that can be used by the terminal device to initiate a random access channel (RACH), including carrier position and bandwidth, initial uplink bandwidth part (BWP) configuration, and initial downlink BWP configuration. The initial uplink BWP configuration includes the configuration of random access resources, which includes the time-frequency resources for the random access occasion (RO) and the random access preamble (RAP). The RO can be used by the terminal device to transmit the random access preamble.

[0111] In one alternative approach, in a 5G system, after the terminal device obtains SIB1, it can... Figure 3 The process shown connects to the network. Figure 3 The process shown includes the following steps.

[0112] S101, The terminal device sends message 1 (Msg1) on a RO, where Msg1 includes a random access preamble. Correspondingly, the network device receives Msg1.

[0113] The terminal device can select an RO from the ROs configured in SIB1 to send Msg1, and select a random access preamble from the random access preambles configured in SIB1 to carry it in Msg1 for transmission. The selection of the RO and the random access preamble by the terminal device can be randomized, for example, without restriction.

[0114] S102. After detecting the random access preamble, the network device sends message 2 (Msg2). Msg2 includes the random access preamble identifier (RAPID), random access response (RAR), and backoff indicator (BI) detected by the network device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives Msg2.

[0115] The RAR includes a timing adjustment indication for uplink synchronization, a temporary cell-radionetwork temporary identifier (TC-RNTI), and an uplink grant (ULgrant). The uplink grant is used to configure uplink resources for the terminal device to send message 3 (Msg3).

[0116] S103. If the terminal device receives Msg2 within the specified time window, and the identifier of the random access preamble contained in Msg2 matches the random access preamble sent by the terminal device via Msg1, then the terminal device sends Msg3, which includes the terminal device's identity information. Correspondingly, the network device receives Msg3.

[0117] The time window mentioned in step S103 can be indicated in SIB1 or it can be pre-configured, without any restrictions.

[0118] S104, the network device sends message 4 (Msg4), where Msg4 includes the terminal device's identity information. Correspondingly, the terminal device listens for Msg4 sent by the network device within a time window.

[0119] If the terminal device identity information contained in Msg4 is the same as that contained in Msg3, the terminal device access conflict is successfully resolved. The terminal device will determine the TC-RNTI contained in Msg2 as its unique identity identifier in the access cell, that is, the cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI).

[0120] The steps S101 to S104 above constitute the four-step network access process for terminal devices in a 5G system, which can be simply referred to as the four-step access process. To enable terminal devices to access the network even faster, a two-step network access process has also been proposed, which can be simply referred to as the two-step access process. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the difference between the two-step and four-step access procedures lies in the following: In the two-step access procedure, the terminal device sends Msg3 along with Msg1, while the network device, after receiving Msg1 and Msg3, sends Msg2 and Msg4 to the terminal device together. It is evident that in the two-step access procedure, when the terminal device sends the random access preamble, it also sends its identity information, used to resolve access conflicts, to the network device; similarly, when the network device sends the random access response, it also sends the terminal device's identity information to the terminal device. This allows the terminal device to resolve access conflicts while simultaneously determining the random access response, shortening the access time and enabling the terminal device to access the network more quickly.

[0121] It should be noted that the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to both four-step and two-step access processes. With technological advancements, the communication method provided in this application embodiment can also be applied to subsequent evolved access processes.

[0122] 2. RO, Random Access Preamble

[0123] During the process of a terminal device accessing the network, the terminal device sends a random access preamble to the RO to initiate random access. For details, please refer to the explanation of the relevant concepts of "initial access" mentioned above, which will not be repeated here.

[0124] RO can be configured in SIB1 by network devices, and terminal devices can obtain the time and frequency resources corresponding to RO from SIB1.

[0125] For example, Figure 5a and Figure 5b These are schematic diagrams of an RO provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 5a Eight Remote Access Controllers (ROs) are configured. These eight ROs are located in the same Initial Uplink Preamble (BWP) in the frequency domain and in the same RACH time slot in the time domain. The terminal device can select one of these eight ROs to send the random access preamble. Figure 5b At least two RACH time slots are configured, and eight ROs are configured on each RACH time slot. The ROs configured on different RACH time slots are located in the same initial uplink BWP in the frequency domain. The terminal device can select one RO from the multiple configured ROs to send the random access preamble. Figure 5a and Figure 5bThe example shown is the RO selected by the terminal device, indicated by the gray square.

[0126] The 5G NR standard specifies that a maximum of eight frequency division multiplexing (RFD) preambles (ROs) can be configured in a single BWP (Blocking Preamble) on each RACH slot, with each RO corresponding to a maximum of 64 different random access preambles available. However, in real-world scenarios, because a portion of the random access preambles needs to be allocated for non-contention-based access or other purposes, the number of random access preambles available for a terminal device to initiate a random access procedure is typically less than 64. Therefore, the resources available for initiating random access in the system are limited. When the number of terminal devices performing random access within a cell is large, the cell will face insufficient resources for initiating random access, which will affect the access performance of the terminal devices. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, when a large number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices need to access the network, due to the limited resources available for initiating random access, some IoT devices may send the same random access preamble on the same RO. This makes it impossible for network devices to distinguish between random access initiated by different IoT devices, thereby affecting the access performance of IoT devices.

[0127] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can improve the access performance of terminal devices.

[0128] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments of this application illustrate the corresponding methods using a first device and a second device as examples of the execution subjects. For example, the first device is a network device, and the second device is a terminal device. Alternatively, the first device and the second device may be different terminal devices. However, this application does not limit the execution subject of the method. For example, the device in the method can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the device in implementing the corresponding method, or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the device.

[0129] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication method includes the following steps.

[0130] S201. The first device outputs first information, which is used to configure M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands for the second device. The M first frequency bands are located within the same carrier frequency band, where M is a positive integer greater than 1 and N is a positive integer. The first frequency bands are used by the first device to obtain a random access preamble, and the corresponding second frequency bands are used by the first device to output a random access response in response to obtaining the random access preamble.

[0131] In this embodiment of the application, when the first device is a device (e.g., a base station or a terminal), the first device outputs information by transmitting information through an antenna equipped with the device, and the first device acquires information by receiving information through an antenna equipped with the device. For example, the first device outputs first information by transmitting the first information through an antenna equipped with the device. As another example, the first device acquires a random access preamble by receiving the random access preamble through an antenna equipped with the device. Yet another example, the first device outputs a random access response by transmitting the random access response through an antenna equipped with the device.

[0132] When the first device is a chip (e.g., a chip in a base station or a chip in a terminal), the first device can output information via the chip, and the first device can acquire information via the chip. Optionally, the chip includes an interface, and the first device can output or acquire information through the interface in the chip. For example, the first device outputting first information can be done by the chip. As another example, the first device acquiring a random access preamble can be done by the chip. Yet another example, the first device outputting a random access response can be done by the chip.

[0133] Optionally, the first device outputs the first information via broadcast. For example, the first information can be carried in the master information block (MIB) or SIB1 broadcast by the first device; or, for example, the first information can be sent via signaling such as downlink control information (DCI), medium access control element (MAC CE), or radio resource control (RRC); this application does not limit this.

[0134] The first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the first information are illustrated below by way of example.

[0135] 1. First frequency band

[0136] In this embodiment, the first frequency band can be an uplink frequency band. Alternatively, the first frequency band can be a portion of the uplink frequency band. For example, the first frequency band is an uplink BWP or an initial uplink BWP.

[0137] In one optional implementation, "M first frequency bands are located within the same carrier frequency band" in step S101 can be understood as: M first frequency bands are located within the same carrier frequency band.

[0138] For example, the carrier frequency band is located within the channel frequency band. Combined with... Figure 8 The channel band can be understood as the frequency band between the channel edges on both sides in the frequency domain. The bandwidth of the channel band (i.e., the width of the channel band) is called the channel bandwidth, and the unit of channel bandwidth can be megahertz (MHz). The carrier band is the frequency band occupied by multiple resource blocks (RBs) configured given a channel bandwidth and subcarrier spacing. The bandwidth of the carrier band (i.e., the width of the carrier band) can be indicated by the transmission bandwidth configuration. The maximum number of resource blocks (RBs) that can be configured given a channel bandwidth and subcarrier spacing is N. RB In N RB Of the multiple radio receivers (RBs), some are activated for information transmission; the bandwidth occupied by the activated RBs can be called the transmission bandwidth. Additionally, combining... Figure 8 In the channel frequency band, in addition to the frequency band occupied by RB, it also includes N. RB The protective strips on both sides of each RB can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

[0139] In one alternative implementation, the interval between any two adjacent first frequency bands in the M first frequency bands is greater than or equal to zero.

[0140] For example, the interval between two first frequency bands can be understood as the difference between the minimum frequency of the first frequency band with the relatively larger frequency and the maximum frequency of the first frequency band with the relatively smaller frequency. For instance, first frequency band #1 is the range from f1 to f2, and first frequency band #2 is the range from f3 to f4, where f1, f2, f3, and f4 all represent frequencies, and f1 < f2 ≤ f3 < f4. Therefore, in first frequency band #1 and first frequency band #2, the frequency of first frequency band #1 is relatively larger, and the frequency of first frequency band #2 is relatively smaller. The interval between first frequency band #1 and second frequency band #2 is equal to the value obtained by subtracting f2 from f3.

[0141] Alternatively, the interval between the two first frequency bands is zero, which can be understood as: the minimum frequency of the first frequency band with the relatively larger frequency overlaps with the maximum frequency of the first frequency band with the relatively smaller frequency, or it can also be understood as: the minimum frequency of the first frequency band with the relatively larger frequency is adjacent to the maximum frequency of the first frequency band with the relatively smaller frequency.

[0142] The spacing between two adjacent first frequency bands in the M first frequency bands will be specifically described below, as described in optional implementation methods 1.1 and 1.2.

[0143] In implementation method 1.1, the interval between any two adjacent first frequency bands in the M first frequency bands is equal to zero. Therefore, the M first frequency bands can be continuously distributed.

[0144] For example, if M equals 5, the M first frequency bands are sorted in ascending order of frequency as follows: First Frequency Band #1, First Frequency Band #2, First Frequency Band #3, First Frequency Band #4, First Frequency Band #5. Figure 9a As shown, the maximum frequency of the first frequency band #1 overlaps with or is adjacent to the minimum frequency of the first frequency band #2, the maximum frequency of the first frequency band #2 overlaps with or is adjacent to the minimum frequency of the first frequency band #3, the maximum frequency of the first frequency band #3 overlaps with or is adjacent to the minimum frequency of the first frequency band #4, and the maximum frequency of the first frequency band #4 overlaps with or is adjacent to the minimum frequency of the first frequency band #5.

[0145] In implementation method 1.2, the interval between any two adjacent first frequency bands in the M first frequency bands is greater than zero. Therefore, the M first frequency bands can be discontinuously distributed. Specifically, this can be described in optional methods 1.2a and 1.2b.

[0146] Method 1.2a: The interval between any two adjacent first frequency bands in the M first frequency bands is greater than zero.

[0147] In mode 1.2a, when M is greater than 2, the interval between any two adjacent first frequency bands in the M first frequency bands can be equal or unequal.

[0148] For example, if M equals 5, the M first frequency bands are sorted in ascending order of frequency as follows: First Frequency Band #1, First Frequency Band #2, First Frequency Band #3, First Frequency Band #4, First Frequency Band #5. Figure 9b As shown, the interval between the first frequency band #1 and the first frequency band #2 (i.e., interval #1) is greater than zero, the interval between the first frequency band #2 and the first frequency band #3 (i.e., interval #2) is greater than zero, the interval between the first frequency band #3 and the first frequency band #4 (i.e., interval #3) is greater than zero, and the interval between the first frequency band #4 and the first frequency band #5 (i.e., interval #4) is greater than zero. Intervals #1, #2, #3, and #4 can be all equal, unequal, or partially equal and partially unequal.

[0149] Method 1.2b: M first frequency bands simultaneously exist in the following two distributions: the interval between two adjacent first frequency bands is equal to zero, and the interval between two adjacent first frequency bands is greater than zero.

[0150] For example, if M equals 5, the M first frequency bands are sorted in ascending order of frequency as follows: First Frequency Band #1, First Frequency Band #2, First Frequency Band #3, First Frequency Band #4, First Frequency Band #5. Figure 9c As shown, the interval between the first frequency band #1 and the first frequency band #2 is zero, the interval between the first frequency band #2 and the first frequency band #3 (i.e., interval #2) is greater than zero, the interval between the first frequency band #3 and the first frequency band #4 is zero, and the interval between the first frequency band #4 and the first frequency band #5 (i.e., interval #4) is greater than zero. Intervals #2 and #4 can be equal or unequal.

[0151] In one alternative implementation, one or more Remotely Operated (ROs) can be configured for frequency division multiplexing on the first frequency band. For the second device, the RO is used to output a random access preamble. For the first device, the RO is used to acquire a random access preamble.

[0152] Optionally, the distribution of ROs configured in different first frequency bands among the M first frequency bands can be the same or different. The distribution of ROs configured in the first frequency bands may include, for example, the number of ROs configured in the first frequency band, the arrangement of the ROs configured in the first frequency band, and so on.

[0153] For example, M equals 4, and the M first frequency bands are designated as first frequency band #1 to first frequency band #4. The distribution of ROs configured in different first frequency bands is the same across these four bands. For example... Figure 10 As shown, four remote operating units (ROs) are configured on each first frequency band, and the four ROs configured on each first frequency band are evenly spaced in the frequency domain. In addition, the ROs configured on first frequency bands #1 to #4 occupy the same time domain resources.

[0154] In one optional implementation, the bandwidth of the first frequency band does not exceed the bandwidth range supported by the second device. In this embodiment, the bandwidth of the first frequency band can be understood as the width of the first frequency band.

[0155] In this embodiment, the bandwidth of each of the M first frequency bands does not exceed the maximum bandwidth supported by the second device, so that the second device can use any of the M first frequency bands to output a random access preamble, avoiding bandwidth limitation issues for the second device. For example, the second device includes a lightweight (reduced capability, RedCap) device. The maximum bandwidth supported by the RedCap device in the 5G system is 20MHz, and the bandwidth of the first frequency band does not exceed 20MHz.

[0156] In one alternative implementation, the first frequency band can be used not only for the second device to output a random access preamble, but also for the second device to output other information besides the random access preamble. For example, the first frequency band can also be used for the second device to output information indicating the type of the second device, and / or information indicating the capabilities of the second device, etc., without limitation. For example, the type of the second device can be a normal device, or a reduced capability (RedCap) device, etc., without limitation.

[0157] 2. Second frequency band

[0158] In this embodiment, the second frequency band can be a downlink frequency band. For example, the first frequency band is an uplink frequency band, and the second frequency band is a downlink frequency band.

[0159] Alternatively, the second frequency band can be a portion of the downlink frequency band. For example, the first frequency band is the uplink BWP, and the second frequency band is the downlink BWP. Or, for another example, the first frequency band is the initial uplink BWP, and the second frequency band is the initial downlink BWP.

[0160] In one optional implementation, the interval between any two adjacent second frequency bands in the N second frequency bands is greater than or equal to zero. This implementation is similar to the aforementioned "the interval between any two adjacent first frequency bands in the M first frequency bands is greater than or equal to zero," and can be referred to the relevant descriptions above, which are briefly described below.

[0161] For example, the interval between two second frequency bands can be understood as the difference between the minimum frequency of the second frequency band with the relatively larger frequency and the maximum frequency of the second frequency band with the relatively smaller frequency.

[0162] Alternatively, the interval between the two second frequency bands is zero, which can be understood as: the minimum frequency of the second frequency band with the relatively higher frequency overlaps with the maximum frequency of the second frequency band with the relatively lower frequency, or it can also be understood as: the minimum frequency of the second frequency band with the relatively higher frequency is adjacent to the maximum frequency of the second frequency band with the relatively lower frequency.

[0163] In one alternative approach, the interval between any two adjacent second frequency bands in the N second frequency bands is equal to zero. Therefore, the N second frequency bands can be continuously distributed.

[0164] In another alternative approach, the interval between any two adjacent second frequency bands in the N second frequency bands is greater than zero. Therefore, the N second frequency bands can be discontinuously distributed.

[0165] For example, the interval between any two adjacent second frequency bands in the N second frequency bands is greater than zero. Optionally, when N is greater than 2, the interval between any two adjacent second frequency bands in the N second frequency bands can be equal or unequal.

[0166] For example, N second frequency bands can exist in the following two distributions simultaneously: the interval between two adjacent second frequency bands is equal to zero, and the interval between two adjacent second frequency bands is greater than zero.

[0167] In one optional implementation, N equals 1. This second frequency band can be configured by the first device using the first information in step S201, or it can be the frequency band of coreset#0 defaulted to by both the first and second devices. In this method, the first information does not need to be used to configure the second frequency band, reducing signaling overhead. Furthermore, besides the method listed here where the first and second devices default to the frequency band of coreset#0, other frequency bands can also be defaulted to by the first and second devices; there are no restrictions on this. Therefore, the first device can explicitly configure the second frequency band using the first information, or it can choose not to explicitly configure the second frequency band by defaulting to the second frequency band by both the first and second devices.

[0168] 3. The correspondence between the first and second frequency bands

[0169] In one optional implementation, there is a correspondence between the M first frequency bands and the N second frequency bands. The term "correspondence" in this embodiment can also be replaced with terms such as "mapping," "association," or "related," without limitation. For ease of explanation, the term "correspondence" will be used as an example in the following description.

[0170] The correspondence between M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands is illustrated below by example, as described in optional implementation methods 2.1 and 2.2.

[0171] In implementation method 2.1, M equals N, and there is a one-to-one correspondence between M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands. It can be seen that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the first and second frequency bands; that is, each first frequency band corresponds to one second frequency band, and different first frequency bands correspond to different second frequency bands.

[0172] For example, M equals N equals 5, the M first frequency bands are designated as first frequency band #1 to first frequency band #5, and the N second frequency bands are designated as second frequency band #1 to second frequency band #5. Combined with... Figure 11a The first frequency band #1 corresponds to the second frequency band #1, the first frequency band #2 corresponds to the second frequency band #2, the first frequency band #3 corresponds to the second frequency band #3, the first frequency band #4 corresponds to the second frequency band #4, and the first frequency band #5 corresponds to the second frequency band #5. Figure 11a The dashed lines in the text indicate the correspondence between the first and second frequency bands at both ends of the dashed lines, as mentioned later. Figures 11b to 11f Similarly, this will not be repeated hereafter.

[0173] Alternatively, in the case described in embodiment 2.1, the center frequency of the second frequency band can be aligned with the center frequency of the corresponding first frequency band. This method can be applied to time division duplexing (TDD) scenarios. Alternatively, the center frequency of the second frequency band can be misaligned with the center frequency of the corresponding first frequency band. This method can be applied to both TDD and frequency division duplexing (FDD) scenarios.

[0174] In implementation method 2.2, at least two of the M first frequency bands correspond to the same second frequency band among the N second frequency bands. Therefore, at least two of the M first frequency bands have a corresponding relationship with the same second frequency band. Implementation method 2.2 can be applied to scenarios where N is less than M. Specifically, it can be described as follows: optional methods 2.2a and 2.2b.

[0175] Method 2.2a: There is only one correspondence between the M first frequency bands and the N second frequency bands: at least two first frequency bands correspond to the same second frequency band.

[0176] For example, N equals 1, and each of the M first frequency bands corresponds to this one second frequency band. For instance, M equals 5, N equals 1, the M first frequency bands are first frequency bands #1 to #5, and the N second frequency bands are second frequency band #1. Combined with... Figure 11b The first frequency band #1 to the first frequency band #5 all correspond to the second frequency band #1.

[0177] For example, N is greater than 1, and each of the N second frequency bands corresponds to at least two first frequency bands. For instance, M equals 5, N equals 2, the M first frequency bands are first frequency bands #1 to #5, and the N second frequency bands are second frequency band #1 and second frequency band #2. (Combined...) Figure 11c The first frequency bands #1 to #3 all correspond to the second frequency band #1, and the first frequency bands #4 and #5 all correspond to the second frequency band #2.

[0178] Method 2.2b: There are two correspondences between the M first frequency bands and the N second frequency bands: at least two first frequency bands correspond to the same second frequency band, and one first frequency band corresponds to one second frequency band. Method 2.2b can be applied to scenarios where N is greater than 1.

[0179] For example, M equals 5, N equals 2, the M first frequency bands are designated as first frequency band #1 to first frequency band #5, and the N second frequency bands are designated as second frequency band #1 and second frequency band #2. (Combined) Figure 11d The first frequency band #1 to the first frequency band #4 all correspond to the second frequency band #1, and the first frequency band #5 corresponds to the second frequency band #2.

[0180] For example, M equals 5, N equals 3, the M first frequency bands are designated as first frequency band #1 to first frequency band #5, and the N second frequency bands are designated as second frequency band #1 to second frequency band #3. (Combined...) Figure 11e First frequency band #1 and first frequency band #2 both correspond to second frequency band #1, first frequency band #3 and first frequency band #4 both correspond to second frequency band #2, and first frequency band #5 corresponds to second frequency band #3.

[0181] For example, M equals 5, N equals 3, the M first frequency bands are designated as first frequency band #1 to first frequency band #5, and the N second frequency bands are designated as second frequency band #1 to second frequency band #3. (Combined...) Figure 11f First frequency band #1, first frequency band #2 and first frequency band #3 all correspond to second frequency band #1, first frequency band #4 corresponds to second frequency band #2, and first frequency band #5 corresponds to second frequency band #3.

[0182] Alternatively, in the case described in embodiment 2.2, the center frequency of the second frequency band can be aligned with the center frequency of one of the corresponding first frequency bands. This method can be applied to TDD scenarios. Alternatively, the center frequency of the second frequency band can be unaligned with the center frequencies of all the corresponding first frequency bands. This method can be applied to both TDD and FDD scenarios.

[0183] In one alternative implementation, a first frequency band cannot correspond to multiple second frequency bands.

[0184] If a first frequency band corresponds to multiple second frequency bands, after the second device outputs a random access preamble on one first frequency band, it cannot determine which second frequency band to obtain a random access response from among the multiple second frequency bands, which will affect the access performance of the second device. In the embodiment provided in this application, one first frequency band cannot correspond to multiple second frequency bands. Therefore, one first frequency band corresponds to one first frequency band, so that after the second device outputs a random access preamble on one first frequency band, it can determine the second frequency band used to obtain a random access response, which is beneficial to improving the access performance of the second device.

[0185] 4. First Information

[0186] In one optional implementation, the first information is used to configure M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands for the second device, including: the first information includes configuration information for each first frequency band and configuration information for each second frequency band.

[0187] The configuration information of the first frequency band may include one or more of the following: the index of the first frequency band, the bandwidth of the first frequency band, the frequency domain location of the first frequency band, the subcarrier spacing (SCS) of the first frequency band, the cyclic prefix (CP) of the first frequency band, generic parameters, common RACH configuration information (RACH-ConfigCommon), common physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) configuration information (PUSCH-ConfigCommon), common physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) configuration information (PUCCH-ConfigCommon), and so on.

[0188] The configuration information of the second frequency band may include, for example, one or more of the following: the index of the second frequency band, the bandwidth of the second frequency band, the frequency domain location of the second frequency band, the SCS of the second frequency band, the CP of the second frequency band, general parameters, general physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) configuration information (PDSCH-ConfigCommon), general physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) configuration information (PDCCH-ConfigCommon), etc. In the embodiments of this application, the bandwidth of the second frequency band can be understood as the width of the second frequency band.

[0189] In an optional implementation, the first information is further used to indicate the correspondence between M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands. This implementation helps the second device determine the correspondence between the M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands, so that after the second device transmits a random access preamble on a first frequency band, it can determine that a random access response will be received on the corresponding second frequency band, which is beneficial to improving access performance.

[0190] This application does not limit the specific way in which the first information indicates the correspondence between M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands. For example, it can be indicated by tables, text, etc., as illustrated below.

[0191] Example 1: The first information is presented in the form of a table to indicate the correspondence between M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands.

[0192] For example, if M equals N equals 5, the correspondence between the M first frequency bands and the N first frequency bands is as follows: Figure 11a As shown in Table 1, the correspondence between the M first frequency bands and the N first frequency bands indicated by the first information can be represented by the following table.

[0193] Table 1

[0194] Index of the first frequency band Index of the second frequency band corresponding to the first frequency band Index of first frequency band #1 Index of second frequency band #1 Index of first frequency band #2 Index of second frequency band #2 Index of first frequency band #3 Index of second frequency band #3 Index of first frequency band #4 Index of second frequency band #4 Index of first frequency band #5 Index of second frequency band #5

[0195] For example, if M equals 5 and N equals 2, the correspondence between the M first frequency bands and the N first frequency bands is as follows: Figure 11d As shown in Table 2, the correspondence between the M first frequency bands and the N first frequency bands indicated by the first information can be represented by the following table.

[0196] Table 2

[0197]

[0198] It is understood that the correspondence between M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands is indicated in the form of a table in this application, and may also be indicated only by a portion of the rows and / or columns in the table. Furthermore, Tables 1 and 2 above are merely detailed examples to facilitate understanding of this solution by those skilled in the art, and do not constitute a unique limitation on the possible forms of tables in this application.

[0199] Example 2: In the information cells used to indicate the first frequency band included in the first information, in addition to the configuration information of the first frequency band, it also includes first indication information, which is used to indicate the second frequency band corresponding to the first frequency band. The information cells used to indicate the first frequency band may, for example, be initial uplink BWP information cells.

[0200] For example, M equals 5, and the M first frequency bands are designated as first frequency band #1 to first frequency band #5. The first information includes information cells #1 to #5. Information cell #1 indicates first frequency band #1 and includes its configuration information. Information cell #2 indicates first frequency band #2 and includes its configuration information. Information cell #3 indicates first frequency band #3 and includes its configuration information. Information cell #4 indicates first frequency band #4 and includes its configuration information. Information cell #5 indicates first frequency band #5 and includes its configuration information.

[0201] Assuming N equals 5, the correspondence between the M first frequency bands and the N first frequency bands is as follows: Figure 11a As shown. Combined with Figure 12a Cell #1 also includes the index of the second frequency band #1, cell #2 also includes the index of the second frequency band #2, cell #3 also includes the index of the second frequency band #3, cell #4 also includes the index of the second frequency band #4, and cell #5 also includes the index of the second frequency band #5.

[0202] Assuming N equals 2, the correspondence between the M first frequency bands and the N first frequency bands is as follows: Figure 11d As shown. Combined with Figure 12b Cell #1 also includes the index of the second frequency band #1, cell #2 also includes the index of the second frequency band #1, cell #3 also includes the index of the second frequency band #1, cell #4 also includes the index of the second frequency band #1, and cell #5 also includes the index of the second frequency band #2.

[0203] Optionally, Example 2 can be implemented by adding a field to the field indicating the first frequency band included in the first information. For example, in addition to the field carrying the configuration information of the first frequency band, the field indicating the first frequency band included in the first information also includes a field carrying the index of the second frequency band corresponding to the first frequency band.

[0204] Example 3: In the information cells used to indicate the second frequency band included in the first information, in addition to the configuration information of the second frequency band, second indication information is also included. The second indication information is used to indicate the first frequency band corresponding to the second frequency band. The information cells used to indicate the second frequency band may, for example, be initial downlink BWP (Broadband Initial Downlink Potential) information cells.

[0205] For example, if M equals N equals 5, the correspondence between the M first frequency bands and the N first frequency bands is as follows: Figure 11a As shown. Combined with Figure 12c The first information includes information elements #6 to #10. Information element #6 indicates the second frequency band #1, and includes configuration information for the second frequency band #1 and an index of the first frequency band #1. Information element #7 indicates the second frequency band #2, and includes configuration information for the second frequency band #2 and an index of the first frequency band #2. Information element #8 indicates the second frequency band #3, and includes configuration information for the second frequency band #3 and an index of the first frequency band #3. Information element #9 indicates the second frequency band #4, and includes configuration information for the second frequency band #4 and an index of the first frequency band #4. Information element #10 indicates the second frequency band #5, and includes configuration information for the second frequency band #5 and an index of the first frequency band #5.

[0206] For example, if M equals 5 and N equals 2, the correspondence between the M first frequency bands and the N first frequency bands is as follows: Figure 11d As shown. Combined with Figure 12dThe first information includes information element #6 and information element #7. Information element #6 indicates the second frequency band #1 and includes configuration information for the second frequency band #1, an index for the first frequency band #1, an index for the first frequency band #2, an index for the first frequency band #3, and an index for the first frequency band #4. Information element #7 indicates the second frequency band #2 and includes configuration information for the second frequency band #2 and an index for the first frequency band #5.

[0207] Optionally, Example 3 can be implemented by adding a field to the field indicating the second frequency band included in the first information. For example, the field indicating the second frequency band included in the first information includes, in addition to the field carrying the configuration information of the second frequency band, a field carrying the index of the first frequency band corresponding to the second frequency band.

[0208] In one alternative implementation, the first information is further used to indicate the same configuration information for multiple first frequency bands among the M first frequency bands.

[0209] In this approach, multiple first frequency bands may share some identical configuration information. Therefore, the first information can uniformly indicate these identical configuration details, eliminating the need for separate indications for each of the multiple first frequency bands and reducing signaling overhead. Furthermore, for configuration details that differ between each first frequency band and the others, the first information can provide separate indications for these differences for each first frequency band.

[0210] For example, multiple first frequency bands may share one or more of the same following: SCS, bandwidth, partial PUCCH configuration information, partial PUSCH configuration information, partial RACH configuration information, etc. The partial RACH configuration shared by multiple first frequency bands may include, for example, one or more of the following: the starting frequency of the RO within the first frequency band, the bandwidth of a single RO, the number of ROs in frequency division multiplexing (FDM), etc.

[0211] Optionally, the first information may also include a first information element, which includes configuration information that is the same for multiple first frequency bands among M first frequency bands.

[0212] For example, the first device can place the shared configuration information in the original format in the first cell, and then omit the shared configuration information in each cell used to indicate the first frequency band, which can reduce signaling overhead. For the configuration information that is not shared in the first frequency band, the first device places it in a separate cell used to indicate the first frequency band.

[0213] In addition, the first cell can also use other names, such as the shared uplink BWPconfig cell, etc., without any restrictions.

[0214] For example, consider the configuration information of the first frequency band, including its index, bandwidth, frequency domain position, and SCS. M equals 3, and the M first frequency bands are designated as first frequency band #1 to first frequency band #3. First frequency bands #1, #2, and #3 have the same bandwidth (bandwidth #1). First frequency bands #1, #2, and #3 have the same SCS (Segment Classification) (SCS #1). The indices and frequency domain positions of first frequency bands #1, #2, and #3 are all different.

[0215] So, combining Figure 13a The first information includes information cell #1 (i.e., the first information cell), which includes bandwidth #1 and SCS #1. The first information also includes information cells #2, #3, and #4. Information cell #2 indicates the first frequency band #1 and includes the index and frequency domain position of the first frequency band #1. Information cell #3 indicates the first frequency band #2 and includes the index and frequency domain position of the first frequency band #2. Information cell #4 indicates the first frequency band #3 and includes the index and frequency domain position of the first frequency band #3.

[0216] Optionally, if the configuration information of multiple first frequency bands in the M first frequency bands is partially the same, the first information cell may also include the indexes of these multiple first frequency bands respectively, so that the second device can determine the first frequency band to which the configuration information included in the first information cell applies.

[0217] For example, consider the configuration information of the first frequency band, including its index, bandwidth, frequency domain position, and SCS. M equals 4, and the M first frequency bands are designated as first frequency band #1 to first frequency band #4. First frequency band #1 and first frequency band #2 have the same bandwidth (bandwidth #1) and support the same SCS (Screen Class #1). First frequency band #3 and first frequency band #4 have the same bandwidth (bandwidth #2) and support the same SCS (Screen Class #2). The indices and frequency domain positions of first frequency bands #1 to #4 are all different.

[0218] So, combining Figure 13bThe first information includes information cell #1 (i.e., the first information cell), which includes information cell #1a and information cell #1b. Information cell #1a includes bandwidth #1, SCS #1, the index of the first frequency band #1, and the index of the first frequency band #2. Information cell #1b includes bandwidth #2, SCS #2, the index of the first frequency band #3, and the index of the first frequency band #4. The first information also includes information cells #2, #3, #4, and #5. Among them, information cell #2 is used to indicate the first frequency band #1, and information cell #2 includes the index of the first frequency band #1 and the frequency domain position of the first frequency band #1. Information cell #3 is used to indicate the first frequency band #2, and information cell #3 includes the index of the first frequency band #2 and the frequency domain position of the first frequency band #2. Information cell #4 is used to indicate the first frequency band #3, and information cell #4 includes the index of the first frequency band #3 and the frequency domain position of the first frequency band #3. Cell #5 is used to indicate the first frequency band #4. Cell #5 includes the index of the first frequency band #4 and the frequency domain position of the first frequency band #4.

[0219] In one optional implementation, N is greater than 1, and the first information is further used to indicate the same configuration information for multiple second frequency bands among the N second frequency bands. Similar to the aforementioned "the first information is further used to indicate the same configuration information for multiple first frequency bands among the M first frequency bands", the relevant descriptions above can be referred to, and a brief description follows.

[0220] In this approach, multiple second frequency bands may share some identical configuration information. Therefore, the first information can uniformly indicate these identical configuration details, eliminating the need for separate indications for each of the multiple second frequency bands and reducing signaling overhead. Furthermore, for configuration details that differ between each second frequency band and the others, the first information can individually indicate these differences for each second frequency band.

[0221] Optionally, the first information also includes a second information element, which includes configuration information common to multiple second frequency bands among N second frequency bands. Additionally, the second information element can use other names, such as the shared downlink BWP configuration information element, etc., without restriction.

[0222] Optionally, if the configuration information portions of multiple second frequency bands in the N second frequency bands are the same, the second information cell may also include the respective indices of these multiple second frequency bands, so that the second device can determine the second frequency band to which the configuration information included in the second information cell applies.

[0223] In an alternative implementation, the first information is further used to indicate configuration information that one or more of the M first frequency bands are the same as one or more of the N second frequency bands.

[0224] In this approach, there may be some overlap between the configuration information of the first frequency band and the configuration information of the second frequency band. Therefore, the overlapping configuration information can be uniformly indicated in the first information, instead of requiring separate indication for each first frequency band and each second frequency band, which can reduce signaling overhead.

[0225] Optionally, the first information also includes a third information element, which includes configuration information that is the same for one or more of the M first frequency bands and one or more of the N second frequency bands. Furthermore, the third information element can also use other names, such as shared configuration information element, etc., without restriction.

[0226] For example, consider the configuration information of the first frequency band, including its index, bandwidth, frequency domain position, and SCS; and the configuration information of the second frequency band, including its index, bandwidth, frequency domain position, and SCS. M equals 2, and the M first frequency bands are designated as first frequency band #1 and first frequency band #2. N equals 1, and the N second frequency bands are designated as second frequency band #1. First frequency band #1, first frequency band #2, and second frequency band #1 have the same bandwidth (bandwidth #1). First frequency band #1, first frequency band #2, and second frequency band #1 have the same SCS (Screenshot #1). The indices and frequency domain positions of first frequency band #1, first frequency band #2, and second frequency band #1 are all different.

[0227] So, combining Figure 14a The first information includes information cell #1 (i.e., the third information cell), which includes bandwidth #1 and SCS #1. The first information also includes information cells #2, #3, and #4. Information cell #2 indicates the first frequency band #1 and includes its index and frequency domain location. Information cell #3 indicates the first frequency band #2 and includes its index and frequency domain location. Information cell #4 indicates the second frequency band #1 and includes its index and frequency domain location.

[0228] Optionally, if the configuration information of one or more of the M first frequency bands is partially the same as the configuration information of one or more of the N second frequency bands, the third information element may further include the respective indexes of the one or more first frequency bands and the respective indexes of the one or more second frequency bands, so that the second device can determine the first and second frequency bands to which the configuration information included in the third information element applies.

[0229] For example, consider the configuration information of the first frequency band, including its index, bandwidth, frequency domain position, and SCS. The configuration information of the second frequency band includes the same information. Assume M equals 2, with M first frequency bands designated as first frequency band #1 and first frequency band #2. N equals 2, with N second frequency bands designated as second frequency band #1 and second frequency band #2. First frequency band #1 and second frequency band #1 have the same bandwidth (bandwidth #1) and the same frequency domain position (frequency domain position #1). First frequency band #2 and second frequency band #2 have the same bandwidth (bandwidth #2) and the same frequency domain position (frequency domain position #2). The indices and SCS of first frequency band #1, first frequency band #2, second frequency band #1, and second frequency band #2 are all different.

[0230] So, combining Figure 14b The first information includes information cell #1 (i.e., the third information cell), which includes information cells #1a and #1b. Information cell #1a includes bandwidth #1, frequency domain position #1, index of the first frequency band #1, and index of the second frequency band #1. Information cell #1b includes bandwidth #2, frequency domain position #2, index of the first frequency band #2, and index of the second frequency band #2. The first information also includes information cells #2, #3, #4, and #5. Among them, information cell #2 is used to indicate the first frequency band #1, and information cell #2 includes the index of the first frequency band #1 and the SCS of the first frequency band #1. Information cell #3 is used to indicate the first frequency band #2, and information cell #3 includes the index of the first frequency band #2 and the SCS of the first frequency band #2. Information cell #4 is used to indicate the second frequency band #1, and information cell #4 includes the index of the second frequency band #1 and the SCS of the second frequency band #1. Cell #5 is used to indicate the second frequency band #2. Cell #5 includes the index of the second frequency band #2 and the SCS of the second frequency band #2.

[0231] In an optional implementation, the first information is further used to indicate the number of first frequency bands configured by the first information and / or the number of second frequency bands configured by the first information. In this embodiment, the number of first frequency bands configured by the first information is equal to M, and the number of second frequency bands configured by the first information is equal to N; that is, the first information is further used to indicate the value of M and / or the value of N.

[0232] Optionally, the first information may also include a fourth information element, which includes the value of M and / or the value of N.

[0233] For example, the fourth cell can be located before the cell indicating the first frequency band and the cell indicating the second frequency band. For instance, M equals 2, and the M first frequency bands are first frequency band #1 and first frequency band #2. N equals 1, and the N second frequency bands are second frequency band #1. Figure 15As shown, the first information includes cell #1 (i.e., the fourth cell), cell #2, cell #3, and cell #4, with cell #1 preceding cells #2, #3, and #4. Cell #1 indicates that the number of first frequency bands is 2 and that the number of second frequency bands is 1. Cell #2 indicates first frequency band #1, cell #3 indicates first frequency band #2, and cell #4 indicates second frequency band #1.

[0234] In an alternative implementation, the first device can update the first information and flexibly configure the first and second frequency bands. For example, the first device can sense the service load of access requests and dynamically adjust one or more of the following according to demand: the number M of the first frequency bands, the number N of the second frequency bands, and the correspondence between the first and second frequency bands. Correspondingly, the first device can periodically update one or more of the following in the first information: the number M of the first frequency bands indicated in the fourth information element, the number N of the second frequency bands, the configuration information of the first frequency bands, and the configuration information of the second frequency bands.

[0235] In an optional implementation, the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes the following steps S202 to S204.

[0236] S202, the second device acquires the first information. For a detailed explanation of the first information, please refer to the foregoing related explanations, which will not be repeated here.

[0237] In this embodiment of the application, when the second device is a device (e.g., a terminal), the second device can acquire information by receiving information through an antenna equipped with the device, and the second device can output information by transmitting information through an antenna equipped with the device. For example, in step S202, the second device acquires the first information by receiving the first information through an antenna equipped with the device. As another example, in step S203, the second device outputs the random access response by transmitting the random access response through an antenna equipped with the device. Yet another example, in step S204, the second device acquires the random access preamble by receiving the random access preamble through an antenna equipped with the device.

[0238] When the second device is a chip (e.g., a chip in a terminal), the second device can output information via the chip, and the second device can acquire information via the chip. Optionally, the chip includes an interface, and the second device can output and acquire information through the interface in the chip. For example, in step S202, the second device acquires the first information, which can be acquired by the chip. As another example, in step S203, the second device outputs a random access response, which can be output by the chip. Yet another example, in step S204, the second device acquires the random access preamble, which can be acquired by the chip.

[0239] Optionally, step S202 can be executed after the second device is powered on. After powering on, the second device acquires the first information to determine M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands, and then the terminal device can execute step S203.

[0240] For example, the first information is carried in SIB1. After the second device is powered on, it can search for SSB. The second device obtains SIB1 by decoding SSB, and then obtains the first information. The specific explanation of the second device searching for SSB and obtaining SIB1 by decoding SSB can be found in the explanation of the relevant concepts mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0241] S203. The second device outputs a random access preamble on a third frequency band, which is one of the M first frequency bands. Correspondingly, the first device acquires a random access preamble on the third frequency band.

[0242] Optionally, the second device outputs a random access preamble on an RO configured on the third frequency band. Additionally, the bandwidth of the third frequency band can also be understood as the transmission bandwidth.

[0243] In this method, the second device can determine M first frequency bands by acquiring first information. The second device selects one first frequency band from the M first frequency bands, and selects one or more Remote Access Regulators (ROs) configured on the selected first frequency band. The second device outputs a random access preamble on the selected RO. For example, combined with... Figure 16 The first information configures four first frequency bands: first frequency band #1, first frequency band #2, first frequency band #3, and first frequency band #4. Each first frequency band is configured with four frequency division multiplexing (ROs). After acquiring the first information, the second device selects first frequency band #3 from the four configured first frequency bands and selects one RO from the four ROs configured on first frequency band #3 to output the random access preamble. Figure 16 The gray squares in the diagram represent the RO selected by the second device for outputting the random access preamble.

[0244] Furthermore, this application embodiment does not limit the manner in which the second device selects a third frequency band from M first frequency bands, nor does it limit the manner in which the second device selects an RO for outputting a random access preamble from one or more ROs configured on the third frequency band. For example, the second device may randomly select one first frequency band from the M first frequency bands as the third frequency band, and randomly select one RO from one or more ROs configured on the third frequency band for outputting a random access preamble.

[0245] Optionally, the random access preamble output by the second device on the third frequency band can be carried in message 1. In this mode, the second device outputs message 1 on the third frequency band, and message 1 includes the random access preamble. For a detailed explanation of the second device outputting message 1, please refer to the description in the aforementioned related concepts, which will not be repeated here.

[0246] S204. The first device outputs a random access response on the fourth frequency band, which is one of the N second frequency bands corresponding to the third frequency band. Correspondingly, the second device acquires a random access response on the fourth frequency band.

[0247] For the first device, after acquiring the random access preamble on the third frequency band, it determines one second frequency band from N second frequency bands that corresponds to the third frequency band, and outputs a random access response on the second frequency band corresponding to the third frequency band. For the second device, after outputting the random access preamble on the third frequency band, it listens for the random access response on the second frequency band corresponding to the third frequency band. For example, the second device listens for the PDCCH and PDSCH on the second frequency band corresponding to the third frequency band to decode the random access response.

[0248] For example, if the first information also configures the correspondence between M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands, the second device can determine a second frequency band corresponding to the third frequency band through the first information.

[0249] For example, in the case where the first information is configured with M first frequency bands and 1 second frequency band, the second device sends a random access preamble using any of the M first frequency bands, the first device outputs a random access response on the 1 second frequency band, and the second device obtains a random access response on the 1 second frequency band.

[0250] For another example, in the case where the first information configures M first frequency bands, and the first device and the second device default to using the frequency band of coreset#0 as the second frequency band, the second device sends a random access preamble using any of the M first frequency bands, the first device outputs a random access response on the frequency band of coreset#0, and the second device obtains a random access response on the frequency band of coreset#0.

[0251] Optionally, the random access response output by the first device on the fourth frequency band can be carried in message 2. Therefore, when the first device outputs message 2 on the fourth frequency band, message 2 includes the random access response. Additionally, the fourth frequency band can also be used for the first device to subsequently output message 4. For a detailed explanation of the first device's outputs of message 2 and message 4, please refer to the aforementioned related concepts; further details will not be repeated here.

[0252] Optionally, the first device outputs a random access response on the fourth frequency band, including: the first device outputs downlink control information (DCI) carrying the random access response on the fourth frequency band, wherein the downlink control information is scrambled using a radio access network temporary identifier (RA-RNTI).

[0253] Accordingly, the second device acquires a random access response on the fourth frequency band, including: the second device acquires downlink control information carrying the random access response on the fourth frequency band. Optionally, the method further includes: the second device uses a radio access network temporary identifier to descramble the downlink control information to obtain the random access response. Specifically, it may include the following optional implementation methods 3.1 and 3.2.

[0254] In implementation method 3.1, the downlink control information is scrambled using a first radio access network temporary identifier (RANTID). Correspondingly, the second device uses the first RANTIDID to descramble the downlink control information to obtain a random access response. The first RANTIDID is determined based on the index of the third frequency band among M first frequency bands. Optionally, the random access response includes the index of the third frequency band. For example, a field can be added to the random access response to carry the index of the third frequency band.

[0255] This implementation method 3.1 can be applied to scenarios where multiple first frequency bands in M ​​first frequency bands correspond to the fourth frequency band.

[0256] The multiple first frequency bands corresponding to the fourth frequency band include the third frequency band. In scenarios where multiple first frequency bands correspond to the fourth frequency band, since the indices of different first frequency bands among the multiple first frequency bands are different, the index of the third frequency band is different from the indices of other first frequency bands among the multiple first frequency bands besides the third frequency band. Implementation method 3.1 is advantageous in making the first radio access network temporary identifier different from the radio access network temporary identifier determined based on the indices of other first frequency bands among the multiple first frequency bands besides the third frequency band, so that the second device can distinguish whether the random access response sent by the first device on the fourth frequency band is used for the second device to perform random access.

[0257] Optionally, the first radio access network temporary identifier is determined based on the following: the index of the third frequency band in the M first frequency bands, the time-domain and frequency-domain information of the RO used by the second device to transmit the random access preamble, and the relevant information of the carrier carrying the random access preamble. The indices of the M first frequency bands can be, for example, 0, 1, 2, ..., M-1.

[0258] For example, the first wireless access network temporary identifier satisfies the following formula (1).

[0259] RA-RNTI=1+s id +14×t id +14×80×f id +14×80×8×c id +14×80×8×2×b id (1)

[0260] Among them, s id The index of the first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol occupied by the RO used for sending the random access preamble to the second device, 0 ≤ s id <14.

[0261] t id The index of the first time slot occupied by the RO used to send the random access preamble to the second device in the system frame, 0≤t id <80.

[0262] f id The index of the RO used to send the random access preamble to the second device is one or more ROs configured in the third frequency band, where 0 ≤ f id <80.

[0263] c idIt depends on the type of carrier carrying the random access preamble. If the carrier carrying the random access preamble is a normal uplink (NUL) carrier, c id =0. If the carrier carrying the random access preamble is a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier, c id =1.

[0264] b id This is the index of the third frequency band among the M first frequency bands.

[0265] For example, both first frequency band #1 and first frequency band #2 correspond to second frequency band #1, with the index of first frequency band #1 being b1 and the index of first frequency band #2 being b2. Figure 17 As shown, frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols RO#1 to RO#4 are configured on the first frequency band #1, and their indices in the first frequency band #1 are f1 to f4, respectively. Frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols RO#5 to RO#8 are configured on the first frequency band #2, and their indices in the first frequency band #2 are f1 to f4, respectively. Furthermore, RO#1 to RO#8 occupy the same time-domain resources. The index of the first OFDM symbol occupied by RO#1 to RO#8 is s1, and the index of the first time slot occupied in the system frame is t1.

[0266] The second device #1 is located on RO #3 and uses an NUL carrier to output a random access preamble. The second device #2 is located on RO #7 and uses an NUL carrier to output a random access preamble.

[0267] Then, in response to acquiring the random access preamble on RO#3, the first device transmits DCI#1 scrambled with RA-RNTI#1 on the second frequency band #1. DCI#1 carries the random access response #1. Among them, RA-RNTI#1 satisfies the following formula (2).

[0268] RA-RNTI#1=1+s1+14×t1+14×80×f3+14×80×8×0+14×80×8×2×b1 (2)

[0269] In response to acquiring a random access preamble on RO#7, the first device transmits DCI#2 scrambled with RA-RNTI#2 on the second frequency band #1. DCI#2 carries the random access response #2. RA-RNTI#2 satisfies the following formula.

[0270] RA-RNTI#2=1+s1+14×t1+14×80×f3+14×80×8×0+14×80×8×2×b2 (3)

[0271] It can be seen that since the index b1 of the first frequency band #1 is different from the index b2 of the first frequency band #2, RA-RNTI#1 and RA-RNTI#2 are different.

[0272] The second device #1 uses RA-RNTI #1 to descramble DCI #1 received on the second frequency band #1, thus obtaining the random access response #1. However, the second device #1 using RA-RNTI #1 cannot correctly descramble DCI #2 received on the second frequency band #1. Therefore, the second device #1 can determine that the random access response #1 is used for the random access of the second device #1.

[0273] Similarly, the second device #2 uses RA-RNTI #2 to descramble the DCI #2 received on the second frequency band #1, thus obtaining the random access response #2. However, the second device #2 using RA-RNTI #2 cannot correctly descramble the DCI #1 received on the second frequency band #1. Therefore, the second device #2 can determine that the random access response #2 is used for the random access of the second device #2.

[0274] As can be seen, in scenarios where different second devices use different first frequency bands corresponding to the same second frequency band to output random access preambles, implementation method 3.1 enables the first device to use different RA-RNTIs to scramble the DCIs output on the same second frequency band for random access by different second devices, and enables different second devices to use different RA-RNTIs to descramble the DCIs obtained on the same second frequency band, avoiding RA-RNTI conflicts, so that the second device can correctly descramble the DCIs used for its own random access to obtain a random access response, thereby improving the access performance of the second device.

[0275] In implementation 3.2, the downlink control information is scrambled using a second radio access network temporary identifier (RANID). Correspondingly, the second device uses the second RANID to descramble the downlink control information to obtain a random access response. The second RANID is determined based on the following factors: the time-domain and frequency-domain information of the RO used by the second device to transmit the random access preamble, and relevant information about the carrier carrying the random access preamble. The second RANID in implementation 3.2 does not necessarily need to be determined based on the index of the third frequency band.

[0276] This implementation method 3.2 can be applied to the case where only the third frequency band and the fourth frequency band correspond to each of the M first frequency bands.

[0277] In the case where only the third and fourth frequency bands out of the M first frequency bands correspond, if the second device transmits a random access preamble on any of the other first frequency bands besides the third, the first device will not transmit a random access response on the fourth frequency band. If the second device transmits a random access preamble on the third frequency band, the first device will transmit a random access response on the fourth frequency band. Therefore, the second device can identify that the random access response received on the fourth frequency band is for its own random access.

[0278] For example, the second wireless access network temporary identifier satisfies the following formula (4).

[0279] RA-RNTI=1+s id +14×t id +14×80×f id +14×80×8×c id (4)

[0280] Among them, s id The index of the first OFDM symbol occupied by the RO used to send the random access preamble to the second device.

[0281] t id The index of the first time slot occupied by the RO used to send the random access preamble to the second device in the system frame.

[0282] f id The index of one or more ROs configured on the third frequency band for sending the random access preamble to the second device.

[0283] c id It depends on the type of carrier carrying the random access preamble. If the carrier carrying the random access preamble is an NUL carrier, c id =0. If the carrier carrying the random access preamble is a SUL carrier, c id =1.

[0284] For example, first frequency band #1 corresponds to second frequency band #1, and first frequency band #2 corresponds to second frequency band #2. Figure 17 As shown, frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols RO#1 to RO#4 are configured on the first frequency band #1, and their indices in the first frequency band #1 are f1 to f4, respectively. Frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols RO#5 to RO#8 are configured on the first frequency band #2, and their indices in the first frequency band #2 are f1 to f4, respectively. Furthermore, RO#1 to RO#8 occupy the same time-domain resources. The index of the first OFDM symbol occupied by RO#1 to RO#8 is s1, and the index of the first time slot occupied in the system frame is t1.

[0285] The second device #1 is located on RO #3 and uses an NUL carrier to output a random access preamble. The second device #2 is located on RO #7 and uses an NUL carrier to output a random access preamble.

[0286] Then, in response to acquiring the random access preamble on RO#3, the first device transmits DCI#1 scrambled with RA-RNTI#1 on the second frequency band #1. DCI#1 carries the random access response #1. Among them, RA-RNTI#1 satisfies the following formula (5).

[0287] RA-RNTI#1=1+s1+14×t1+14×80×f3+14×80×8×0 (5)

[0288] In response to acquiring a random access preamble on RO#7, the first device transmits a DCI#2 scrambled with RA-RNTI#2 on the second frequency band #2. The DCI#2 carries the random access response #2. RA-RNTI#2 satisfies the following formula (6).

[0289] RA-RNTI#2=1+s1+14×t1+14×80×f3+14×80×8×0 (6)

[0290] It can be seen that RA-RNTI#1 is the same as RA-RNTI#2.

[0291] Since the second device #1 receives DCI #1 on the second frequency band #1, and the second device #2 receives DCI #2 on the second frequency band #2, even if the RA-RNTI #1 used by the second device #1 to descramble DCI #1 is the same as the RA-RNTI #2 used by the second device #2 to descramble DCI #2, the second device #1 can still recognize that the random access response #1 in the DCI #1 received on the second frequency band #1 is used for the random access of the second device #1, and the second device #2 can still recognize that the random access response #2 in the DCI #2 received on the second frequency band #2 is used for the random access of the second device #2.

[0292] In summary, in this communication method, the first device outputs first information, which is used to configure M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands for the second device. The M first frequency bands are located within the same carrier frequency band, where M is a positive integer greater than 1 and N is a positive integer. The first frequency bands are used by the first device to obtain a random access preamble, and the corresponding second frequency bands are used by the first device to output a random access response in response to obtaining the random access preamble.

[0293] As can be seen, in this method, the first device configures multiple frequency bands within the same carrier frequency band for the second device to transmit random access preambles. This allows the second device to select a frequency band from these multiple bands to transmit the random access preamble and initiate access. This method expands the frequency band selection range for the second device to transmit the random access preamble. Therefore, this method provides more access resources, supports more second devices outputting random access preambles to initiate access, reduces the impact of insufficient access resources on access performance in scenarios with many second devices initiating access, and improves the access performance of the second device.

[0294] For example, in this method, the second device can be any terminal device or a chip / module / unit in any terminal device. For any second device that can obtain the first information, the M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands configured by the first information can be used.

[0295] For example, in this method, the first information may be used to configure M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands for a first cell, and the second device may be any terminal device in the first cell or a chip / module / unit in any terminal device. Thus, the first device provides more access resources to the first cell, so that any second device within the first cell can use the M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands configured by the first information.

[0296] The following uses the first device as a base station and the second device as a terminal as an example to illustrate the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0297] Example 1: M equals 2, N equals 2, the first information output by the base station is used to configure the first frequency band #1 and the first frequency band #2, and to configure the second frequency band #1 and the second frequency band #2. The first frequency band #1 corresponds to the second frequency band #1, and the first frequency band #2 corresponds to the second frequency band #2. Wherein, as... Figure 17 As shown, four frequency division multiplexing ROs, namely RO#1 to RO#4, are configured on the first frequency band #1, and four frequency division multiplexing ROs, namely RO#5 to RO#8, are configured on the first frequency band #2. RO#1 to RO#8 occupy the same time domain resources.

[0298] Combination Figure 18 The first information includes information element #1, information element #2, information element #3, and information element #4. Information element #1 indicates the first frequency band #1 and includes configuration information for the first frequency band #1. Information element #2 indicates the first frequency band #2 and includes configuration information for the first frequency band #2. Information element #3 indicates the second frequency band #1 and includes configuration information for the second frequency band #1. Information element #4 indicates the second frequency band #2 and includes configuration information for the second frequency band #2.

[0299] Optionally, cell #1 further includes an index of the second frequency band #1 to indicate that the second frequency band corresponding to the first frequency band #1 is the second frequency band #1; cell #2 further includes an index of the second frequency band #2 to indicate that the second frequency band corresponding to the first frequency band #2 is the second frequency band #2. And / or, cell #3 further includes an index of the first frequency band #1 to indicate that the first frequency band corresponding to the second frequency band #1 is the first frequency band #1; cell #4 further includes an index of the first frequency band #2 to indicate that the first frequency band corresponding to the second frequency band #2 is the first frequency band #2.

[0300] Optionally, the first information also includes information element #5, which includes information that is the same between the configuration information of the first frequency band #1 and the configuration information of the first frequency band #2. Then, information element #1 includes information that is different between the configuration information of the first frequency band #1 and the configuration information of the first frequency band #2. Information element #2 includes information that is different between the configuration information of the first frequency band #2 and the configuration information of the first frequency band #1.

[0301] Optionally, the first information also includes information element #6, which includes information that is the same between the configuration information of the second frequency band #1 and the configuration information of the second frequency band #2. Then, information element #3 includes information that is different between the configuration information of the second frequency band #1 and the configuration information of the second frequency band #2. Information element #4 includes information that is different between the configuration information of the second frequency band #2 and the configuration information of the second frequency band #1.

[0302] Optionally, the first information also includes information element #7, which is used to indicate that the number of first frequency bands is 2 and to indicate that the number of second frequency bands is 2.

[0303] Assuming that both terminal #1 and terminal #2 need to access the network, the operation of terminal #1 and terminal #2 in the case of Example 1 is described below.

[0304] 1. Operation of Terminal #1

[0305] After powering on, terminal #1 acquires initial information, selects a first frequency band from first frequency band #1 and first frequency band #2, and selects one of the four Remote Access Registries (ROs) configured on the selected first frequency band to transmit the random access preamble. Taking RO #3 configured on first frequency band #1 as an example, terminal #1 transmits the random access preamble on RO #3, and the base station receives the random access preamble on RO #3 accordingly.

[0306] Since the first frequency band #1 corresponds to the second frequency band #1, after the base station receives the random access preamble on RO#3, it transmits DCI#1 carrying the random access response #1 on the second frequency band #1. DCI#1 is a DCI scrambled with RA-RNTI#1. RA-RNTI#1 is determined based on the index of the first OFDM symbol occupied by RO#3, the index of the first time slot occupied by RO#3 in the system frame, the index of RO#3 among the four ROs configured on the first frequency band #1, and the carrier type used by terminal #1 to transmit the random access preamble on RO#3. The calculation method of RA-RNTI#1 can be described as in the aforementioned formula (4), and will not be repeated here.

[0307] Accordingly, based on the first information, terminal #1 can determine that the first frequency band #1 corresponds to the second frequency band #1. Then, after sending the random access preamble on RO #3, terminal #1 receives the DCI #1 carrying the random access response #1 on the second frequency band #1 and uses RA-RNTI #1 to descramble the DCI #1, thereby obtaining the random access response #1.

[0308] 2. Operation of Terminal #2

[0309] After powering on, terminal #2 acquires the first information, selects a first frequency band from first frequency band #1 and first frequency band #2, and selects one of the four Remote Access Registries (ROs) configured on the selected first frequency band to transmit the random access preamble. Taking RO #7 configured on first frequency band #2 as an example, terminal #2 transmits the random access preamble on RO #7, and correspondingly, the base station receives the random access preamble on RO #7.

[0310] Since the first frequency band #2 corresponds to the second frequency band #2, after the base station receives the random access preamble on RO#7, it transmits DCI#2 carrying the random access response #2 on the second frequency band #2. DCI#2 is a DCI scrambled with RA-RNTI#2. RA-RNTI#2 is determined based on the index of the first OFDM symbol occupied by RO#7, the index of the first time slot occupied by RO#7 in the system frame, the index of RO#7 among the four ROs configured on the first frequency band #2, and the carrier type used by terminal #2 to transmit the random access preamble on RO#7. The calculation method of RA-RNTI#2 can be described as in the aforementioned formula (4), and will not be repeated here.

[0311] Accordingly, based on the first information, terminal #2 can determine that the first frequency band #2 corresponds to the second frequency band #2. Then, after sending the random access preamble on RO #7, terminal #2 receives the DCI #2 carrying the random access response #2 on the second frequency band #2, and uses RA-RNTI #2 to descramble the DCI #2, thereby obtaining the random access response #2.

[0312] In the above process, the RA-RNTI#1 and RA-RNTI#2 obtained based on formula (4) may be the same. However, since terminal #1 uses RA-RNTI#1 to descramble the DCI#1 received on the second frequency band #1, and terminal #2 uses RA-RNTI#2 to descramble the DCI#2 received on the second frequency band #2, terminal #1 can determine that the random access response #1 in the DCI#1 received on the second frequency band #1 is used for the random access of terminal #1, and terminal #2 can determine that the random access response #2 in the DCI#2 received on the second frequency band #2 is used for the random access of terminal #2.

[0313] Example 2: M equals 2, N equals 1. The first information output by the base station is used to configure the first frequency band #1 and the first frequency band #2, and to configure the second frequency band #1. The first frequency band #1 and the first frequency band #2 both correspond to the second frequency band #1. For example, Figure 17 As shown, four frequency division multiplexing ROs, namely RO#1 to RO#4, are configured on the first frequency band #1, and four frequency division multiplexing ROs, namely RO#5 to RO#8, are configured on the first frequency band #2. RO#1 to RO#8 occupy the same time domain resources.

[0314] Combination Figure 19 The first information includes information element #1, information element #2, and information element #3. Information element #1 indicates the first frequency band #1 and includes configuration information for the first frequency band #1. Information element #2 indicates the first frequency band #2 and includes configuration information for the first frequency band #2. Information element #3 indicates the second frequency band #1 and includes configuration information for the second frequency band #1.

[0315] Optionally, cell #1 further includes an index of the second frequency band #1 to indicate that the second frequency band corresponding to the first frequency band #1 is the second frequency band #1; cell #2 further includes an index of the second frequency band #1 to indicate that the second frequency band corresponding to the first frequency band #2 is the second frequency band #1. And / or, cell #3 further includes an index of the first frequency band #1 and an index of the first frequency band #2 to indicate that the first frequency band corresponding to the second frequency band #1 is the first frequency band #1 and the first frequency band #2.

[0316] Optionally, the first information also includes information element #4, which includes information that is the same between the configuration information of the first frequency band #1 and the configuration information of the first frequency band #2. Then, information element #1 includes information that is different between the configuration information of the first frequency band #1 and the configuration information of the first frequency band #2. Information element #2 includes information that is different between the configuration information of the first frequency band #2 and the configuration information of the first frequency band #1.

[0317] Optionally, the first information may also include information element #5, which includes configuration information common to multiple second frequency bands. However, since N equals 1 in Example 2, information element #5 is empty. Alternatively, the first information may not include information element #5.

[0318] Optionally, the first information also includes information element #7, which is used to indicate that the number of first frequency bands is 2 and to indicate that the number of second frequency bands is 1.

[0319] Assuming that both terminal #1 and terminal #2 need to access the network, the operation of terminal #1 and terminal #2 in the case of Example 2 is described below.

[0320] 1. Operation of Terminal #1

[0321] After powering on, terminal #1 acquires initial information, selects a first frequency band from first frequency band #1 and first frequency band #2, and selects one of the four Remote Access Registries (ROs) configured on the selected first frequency band to transmit the random access preamble. Taking RO #3 configured on first frequency band #1 as an example, terminal #1 transmits the random access preamble on RO #3, and the base station receives the random access preamble on RO #3 accordingly.

[0322] Since the first frequency band #1 corresponds to the second frequency band #1, after the base station receives the random access preamble on RO#3, it transmits DCI#1 carrying the random access response #1 on the second frequency band #1. DCI#1 is a DCI scrambled with RA-RNTI#1. RA-RNTI#1 is determined based on the index of the first OFDM symbol occupied by RO#3, the index of the first time slot occupied by RO#3 in the system frame, the index of RO#3 among the four ROs configured on the first frequency band #1, the carrier type used by terminal #1 to transmit the random access preamble on RO#3, and the index of the first frequency band #1. The calculation method of RA-RNTI#1 can be described as in the aforementioned formula (1), and will not be repeated here.

[0323] Accordingly, based on the first information, terminal #1 can determine that the first frequency band #1 corresponds to the second frequency band #1. Then, after sending the random access preamble on RO #3, terminal #1 receives the DCI #1 carrying the random access response #1 on the second frequency band #1 and uses RA-RNTI #1 to descramble the DCI #1, thereby obtaining the random access response #1.

[0324] 2. Operation of Terminal #2

[0325] After powering on, terminal #2 acquires the first information, selects a first frequency band from first frequency band #1 and first frequency band #2, and selects one of the four Remote Access Registries (ROs) configured on the selected first frequency band to transmit the random access preamble. Taking RO #7 configured on first frequency band #2 as an example, terminal #2 transmits the random access preamble on RO #7, and correspondingly, the base station receives the random access preamble on RO #7.

[0326] Since the first frequency band #2 corresponds to the second frequency band #1, after the base station receives the random access preamble on RO#7, it transmits DCI#2 carrying the random access response #2 on the second frequency band #1. DCI#2 is a DCI scrambled with RA-RNTI#2. RA-RNTI#2 is determined based on the index of the first OFDM symbol occupied by RO#7, the index of the first time slot occupied by RO#7 in the system frame, the index of RO#7 among the four ROs configured on the first frequency band #2, the carrier type used by terminal #2 to transmit the random access preamble on RO#7, and the index of the first frequency band #2. The calculation method of RA-RNTI#2 can be described as in the aforementioned formula (1), and will not be repeated here.

[0327] Accordingly, based on the first information, terminal #2 can determine that the first frequency band #2 corresponds to the second frequency band #1. Then, after sending the random access preamble on RO #7, terminal #2 receives the DCI #2 carrying the random access response #2 on the second frequency band #1 and uses RA-RNTI #2 to descramble the DCI #2, thereby obtaining the random access response #2.

[0328] In the above process, since the indices of the first frequency band #1 and the first frequency band #2 are different, the RA-RNTI#1 and RA-RNTI#2 obtained based on formula (1) are not the same. Thus, terminal #1, using RA-RNTI#1, cannot correctly descramble the DCI#2 scrambled with RA-RNTI#2 received on the second frequency band #1, but can correctly descramble the DCI#1 scrambled with RA-RNTI#1 received on the second frequency band #1. Therefore, terminal #1 can obtain random access response #1 for random access. Similarly, terminal #2, using RA-RNTI#2, cannot correctly descramble the DCI#1 scrambled with RA-RNTI#1 received on the second frequency band #1, but can correctly descramble the DCI#2 scrambled with RA-RNTI#2 received on the second frequency band #1. Therefore, terminal #2 can obtain random access response #2 for random access.

[0329] To achieve the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the network element / device may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0330] like Figure 20 As shown, this application provides a communication device 2000. The communication device 2000 can be a first device, or a component of the first device (e.g., an integrated circuit, a chip, etc.). Alternatively, the communication device 2000 can be a second device, or a component of a second device (e.g., an integrated circuit, a chip, etc.). The communication device 2000 can also be other communication units used to implement the methods in the method embodiments of this application. The communication device 2000 may include a processing unit 2001. Optionally, the communication device 2000 may further include a communication unit 2002, where the processing unit 2001 controls the communication unit 2002 to perform data / signaling transmission and reception. The communication unit 2002 may also be referred to as a transceiver unit. Optionally, the communication unit 2002 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit; the sending unit can be used to send data / signaling, and the receiving unit can be used to receive data / signaling. Optionally, the communication device 2000 may also include a storage unit 2003, which can be used to store information and / or data and / or instructions, etc. The storage unit 2003 can interact with the processing unit 2001 or the communication unit 2002.

[0331] In one possible design, regarding the case where the communication device 2000 is used to implement the function of the first device in the above method embodiments:

[0332] Communication unit 2002 is used to output first information, which is used to configure M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands for the second device. The M first frequency bands are located within the same carrier frequency band, where M is a positive integer greater than 1 and N is a positive integer. The first frequency bands are used by communication device 2000 to obtain a random access preamble, and the corresponding second frequency bands are used by communication device 2000 to output a random access response in response to obtaining the random access preamble.

[0333] In another possible design, regarding the case where the communication device 2000 is used to implement the function of the second device in the above method embodiments:

[0334] Communication unit 2002 is used to acquire first information, which is used to configure M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands for communication device 2000. The M first frequency bands are located within the same carrier frequency band, where M is a positive integer greater than 1 and N is a positive integer. Communication unit 2002 is also used to output a random access preamble on a third frequency band, which is one of the M first frequency bands. Communication unit 2002 is also used to acquire a random access response on a fourth frequency band, which is one of the N second frequency bands corresponding to the third frequency band.

[0335] The embodiments of this application and the method embodiments shown above are based on the same concept and have the same technical effects. For the specific principles, please refer to the description of the embodiments shown above, which will not be repeated here.

[0336] This application embodiment also provides a communication device 2100, such as... Figure 21 As shown. The communication device 2100 can be a first device, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the first device in implementing the above-described method. Alternatively, the communication device 2100 can be a second device, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the second device in implementing the above-described method. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above-described method embodiments, and for details, please refer to the description in the above-described method embodiments.

[0337] The communication device 2100 may include one or more processors 2101. The processor 2101 can be used to implement some or all of the functions of the terminal-side device or network-side device through logic circuits or by running computer programs. The processor 2101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, etc. For example, it may be one or a combination of one or more of the following: baseband processor, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, central processing unit (CPU), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), microprocessor unit (MPU), microcontroller unit (MCU), graphics processing unit (GPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), artificial intelligence processor (AI processor), or neural processing unit (NPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control communication devices, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. Communication devices include, for example, base stations, baseband chips, terminals, terminal chips, DUs, or CUs.

[0338] Optionally, the communication device 2100 may include one or more memories 2102, which may store instructions 2104 that can be executed on the processor 2101, causing the communication device 2100 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memories 2102 may also store data. The processor 2101 and the memories 2102 may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0339] Memory 2102 may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory such as cache, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD). Memory 902 may also include random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), ROM, or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures that can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited to this. The memory in the embodiments of this application may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions for storing computer programs or instructions, and / or data.

[0340] Optionally, the communication device 2100 may further include a transceiver 2105 and an antenna 2106. The transceiver 2105 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmission and reception functions. The transceiver 2105 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0341] In one possible design, regarding the case where the communication device 2100 is used to implement the function of the first device in the above method embodiment:

[0342] Transceiver 2105 is used to output first information, which is used to configure M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands for the second device. The M first frequency bands are located within the same carrier frequency band, where M is a positive integer greater than 1 and N is a positive integer. The first frequency bands are used by communication device 2100 to obtain a random access preamble, and the corresponding second frequency bands are used by communication device 2100 to output a random access response in response to obtaining the random access preamble.

[0343] In another possible design, regarding the case where the communication device 2100 is used to implement the function of the second device in the above method embodiments:

[0344] Transceiver 2105 is used to acquire first information, which is used to configure M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands for communication device 2100. The M first frequency bands are located within the same carrier frequency band, where M is a positive integer greater than 1 and N is a positive integer. Transceiver 2105 is also used to output a random access preamble on a third frequency band, which is one of the M first frequency bands. Transceiver 2105 is also used to acquire a random access response on a fourth frequency band, which is one of the N second frequency bands corresponding to the third frequency band.

[0345] In another possible design, the processor 2101 may include a transceiver for implementing receive and transmit functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receive and transmit functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be used for reading and writing code / data, or it may be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0346] In another possible design, the processor 2101 may optionally store instructions 2103, which, when executed on the processor 2101, cause the communication device 2100 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Instructions 2103 may be embedded in the processor 2101; in this case, the processor 2101 may be implemented in hardware.

[0347] In another possible design, the communication device 2100 may include circuitry that can perform the functions of transmitting, receiving, or communicating as described in the foregoing method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this application embodiment can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal-oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), positive-channel metal-oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon-germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0348] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented through hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can use various methods to implement the described functionality for a specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0349] The embodiments of this application and the above-described method embodiments are based on the same concept and have the same technical effects. For the specific principles, please refer to the description in the above-described method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0350] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer software instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0351] This application also provides a computer program product for storing computer software instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0352] This application also provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0353] This application also provides a chip including a processor. The processor is used to execute code or instructions to implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments. Optionally, the chip further includes an interface, and the processor is coupled to the interface, which is used to receive or output signals.

[0354] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., SSDs), etc.

[0355] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0356] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0357] It is understood that some optional features in the various embodiments of this application may not depend on other features in certain scenarios, or may be combined with other features in certain scenarios, without limitation.

[0358] It is understood that the solutions in the embodiments of this application can be used in combination, and the explanations or descriptions of various terms, similar operations or steps appearing in the embodiments can be referenced or explained to each other in the various embodiments, and this application does not limit them.

[0359] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or, b, or, c, or, a and b, or, a and c, or, b and c, or, a, b, and c. Here, a, b, and c can each be single or multiple.

[0360] In this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations are used for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they may be used to distinguish different messages, rather than to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such descriptions can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those described in this application.

[0361] In this application, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0362] In this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication message as indicating A, it can include whether the indication message directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication message carries A.

[0363] In this application, "sending information to XX (device / network element)" can be understood as the destination of the information being that device / network element. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to that device / network element. "Receiving information from XX (device / network element), or receiving information from XX (device / network element)" can be understood as the source of the information being that device / network element. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from that device / network element. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source.

[0364] In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first device, including: Output first information, which is used to configure M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands for the second device. The M first frequency bands are located in the same carrier frequency band, where M is a positive integer greater than 1 and N is a positive integer. The first frequency band is used by the first device to acquire the random access preamble, and the second frequency band corresponding to the first frequency band is used by the first device to output a random access response in response to acquiring the random access preamble.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, M is equal to N, and the M first frequency bands correspond one-to-one with the N second frequency bands; or... At least two of the M first frequency bands correspond to the same second frequency band among the N second frequency bands.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate the correspondence between the M first frequency bands and the N second frequency bands.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The random access preamble is obtained in the third frequency band, which is one of the M first frequency bands; The random access response is output on a fourth frequency band, which is one of the N second frequency bands that corresponds to the third frequency band. Where multiple first frequency bands among the M first frequency bands correspond to the fourth frequency band, the random access response is carried in downlink control information scrambled with a first radio access network temporary identifier, the first radio access network temporary identifier being determined based on the index of the third frequency band among the M first frequency bands.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate the same configuration information for multiple first frequency bands among the M first frequency bands.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The N is greater than 1; The first information is also used to indicate the same configuration information for multiple second frequency bands among the N second frequency bands.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate configuration information that one or more of the M first frequency bands are the same as one or more of the N second frequency bands.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate the number of the first frequency bands configured by the first information, and / or the number of the second frequency bands configured by the first information.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second device, including: Obtain first information, which is used to configure M first frequency bands and N second frequency bands for the second device, wherein the M first frequency bands are located within the same carrier frequency band, M is a positive integer greater than 1, and N is a positive integer; A random access preamble is output on a third frequency band, wherein the third frequency band is one of the M first frequency bands; A random access response is obtained on the fourth frequency band, which is one of the N second frequency bands that corresponds to the third frequency band.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, M is equal to N, and the M first frequency bands correspond one-to-one with the N second frequency bands; or... At least two of the M first frequency bands correspond to the same second frequency band among the N second frequency bands.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate the correspondence between the M first frequency bands and the N second frequency bands.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, Multiple first frequency bands among the M first frequency bands correspond to the fourth frequency band; The step of obtaining a random access response on the fourth frequency band includes: On the fourth frequency band, downlink control information carrying the random access response is obtained. The downlink control information is scrambled using a first radio access network temporary identifier, which is determined based on the index of the third frequency band in the M first frequency bands.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The downlink control information is descrambled using the first temporary identifier of the radio access network to obtain the random access response.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, Its characteristics are: The first information is also used to indicate the same configuration information for multiple first frequency bands among the M first frequency bands.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that, The N is greater than 1; The first information is also used to indicate the same configuration information for multiple second frequency bands among the N second frequency bands.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate configuration information that one or more of the M first frequency bands are the same as one or more of the N second frequency bands.

17. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate the number of the first frequency bands configured by the first information, and / or the number of the second frequency bands configured by the first information.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes modules or units for implementing the method of any one of claims 1 to 8, or includes modules or units for implementing the method of any one of claims 9 to 17.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes at least one processor; The processor is configured to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 8, or to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 9 to 17, by executing a computer program or instructions stored in a memory, and / or by logic circuitry.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 17 to be performed.

21. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising: Computer program code that, when executed, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 17 to be performed.

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