Communication method and device and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device and a computer readable storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring channel map information corresponding to one or more grids; and sending a first channel map storage request to a second network element, the first channel map storage request comprising index information of the one or more grids and channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids, the first channel map storage request is used for requesting to store the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids. According to the embodiment of the invention, the successful storage of the channel map can be ensured, and the storage space of a service unit (SU) can be saved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A channel map can be defined as a database that can include channel characteristic information of different grids. The channel characteristic information of a grid can include scatterer information associated with the grid, path loss corresponding to the grid, spatial basis of the grid, and frequency basis of the grid.

[0003] Channel maps can assist in communication and improve communication performance. For example, channel maps can be used for channel measurement, beamforming, and beam management. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application discloses a communication method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium that can ensure successful storage of channel maps and save storage space of service units (SUs).

[0005] The first aspect discloses a communication method, which can be applied to a first network element, a module (e.g., a processor or chip) within the first network element, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network element. The first network element can be a service unit (SU). The following description, using an application to a first network element as an example, includes: acquiring channel spectrum information corresponding to one or more grids; sending a first channel spectrum storage request to a second network element, the first channel spectrum storage request including index information of the one or more grids and channel spectrum information corresponding to the one or more grids, the first channel spectrum storage request being used to request storage of the index information of the one or more grids and the channel spectrum information corresponding to the one or more grids.

[0006] In this embodiment, after the first network element obtains the channel map information corresponding to one or more grids, it can send a first channel map storage request to the second network element. The first channel map storage request includes the index information of the one or more grids, as well as the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids, so that the second network element can store the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids into the third network element. This solves the problem that the first network element cannot support channel map storage and ensures successful storage of the channel map. Furthermore, this method reduces the amount of data that the first network element needs to store, saving storage space.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, obtaining channel map information corresponding to one or more grids includes: obtaining one or more channel map information; and generating channel map information corresponding to one or more grids based on the one or more channel map information.

[0008] In this embodiment of the application, the first network element can acquire one or more channel map information (such as channel map information corresponding to one or more terminal devices), and then generate channel map information corresponding to one or more grids based on the acquired one or more channel map information.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a first channel map read request to the second network element, the first channel map read request including first index information, the first channel map read request being used to request read channel map information corresponding to the first index information; the index information of the one or more grids includes the first index information.

[0010] In this embodiment of the application, after the third network element stores the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids, when it is necessary to read the relevant map information, the first network element can send a first channel map reading request to the second network element and carry the first index information in the first channel map reading request, so that the second network element can read the channel map information corresponding to the first index information from the third network element.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: acquiring the location information of the terminal device and / or the measurement results corresponding to the terminal device; and determining the first index information based on the location information of the terminal device and / or the measurement results corresponding to the terminal device.

[0012] In this embodiment of the application, the first network element can obtain the location information of the terminal device and / or the measurement results corresponding to the terminal device, and then determine the first index information based on the location information of the terminal device and / or the measurement results corresponding to the terminal device. In this way, the accuracy of the first index information can be guaranteed, thereby ensuring that the required channel map information is read and avoiding reading redundant information or useless channel map information.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the index information includes at least one of the following: grid identifier, cell identifier, and feature index.

[0014] In this embodiment of the application, the index information may include one or more of the following: grid identifier, cell identifier, feature index, etc., which is highly flexible and can be flexibly constructed according to the actual situation.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the channel map information includes at least one of the following: multipath information, channel feature vector space, channel statistical covariance matrix, spatial basis, frequency basis, path loss, and reference signal received power.

[0016] The second aspect discloses a communication method, which can be applied to a second network element, a module within the second network element (e.g., a processor or chip), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second network element. The second network element can be a centralized unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). The following description uses an application to a second network element as an example. The communication method can include: receiving a first channel map storage request from a first network element, the first channel map storage request including index information of one or more grids and channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids, the first channel map storage request being used to request the storage of the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids; and sending a second channel map storage request to a third network element, the second channel map storage request including the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids, the second channel map storage request being used to request the storage of the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids.

[0017] In this embodiment, after receiving a first channel map storage request from a first network element, the second network element can send a second channel map storage request to a third network element based on the first channel map storage request. The second channel map storage request includes the index information of one or more grids, as well as the channel map information corresponding to those grids, so as to request the third network element to store the index information of the one or more grids and the corresponding channel map information. This solves the problem that the first network element cannot support channel map storage and ensures successful storage of the channel map. Furthermore, this method reduces the amount of data that the first network element needs to store, saving its storage space.

[0018] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, a first channel map read request is received from the first network element. The first channel map read request includes first index information and is used to request the read of channel map information corresponding to the first index information. The index information of the one or more grids includes the first index information. A second channel map read request is sent to the third network element. The second channel map read request includes the first index information and is used to request the read of channel map information corresponding to the first index information. The channel map information corresponding to the first index information is received from the third network element.

[0019] In this embodiment of the application, after the second network element receives the first channel map reading request from the first network element, it can send a second channel map reading request to the third network element based on the first channel map reading request, and carry the first index information in the second channel map reading request so as to obtain the channel map information corresponding to the first index information from the third network element.

[0020] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the index information includes at least one of the following: grid identifier, cell identifier, and feature index.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the channel map information includes at least one of the following: multipath information, channel feature vector space, channel statistical covariance matrix, spatial basis, frequency basis, path loss, and reference signal received power.

[0022] The third aspect discloses a communication method, which can be applied to a third network element, a module within the third network element (e.g., a processor or chip), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the third network element. The third network element can be a data storage unit. The following description uses an application to a third network element as an example. The communication method can include: receiving a second channel map storage request from a second network element, the second channel map storage request including index information of one or more grids and channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids; the second channel map storage request being used to request the storage of the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids; and storing the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids.

[0023] In this embodiment, after receiving a second channel map storage request from a second network element, the third network element can store the index information of the one or more grids carried in the second channel map storage request, as well as the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids. This solves the problem that the first network element cannot support channel map storage and ensures successful storage of the channel map. Furthermore, this method reduces the amount of data that the first network element needs to store, saving its storage space.

[0024] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a second channel map reading request from the second network element, the second channel map reading request including first index information, the second channel map reading request being used to request reading channel map information corresponding to the first index information; the index information of the one or more grids including the first index information; and sending the channel map information corresponding to the first index information to the second network element.

[0025] In this embodiment of the application, after the third network element receives the second channel map reading request from the second network element, it can obtain the channel map information corresponding to the first index information carried in the second channel map reading request, and then return the channel map information corresponding to the first index information to the second network element.

[0026] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the index information includes at least one of the following: grid identifier, cell identifier, and feature index.

[0027] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the channel map information includes at least one of the following: multipath information, channel feature vector space, channel statistical covariance matrix, spatial basis, frequency basis, path loss, and reference signal received power.

[0028] It should be noted that the technical solutions of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect of this application correspond to each other, and the relevant beneficial effects can be referred to each other.

[0029] The fourth aspect discloses a communication device that has the functions of the first aspect described above. For example, the communication device includes a module or unit that performs the methods of the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. The module or unit can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0030] For example, the communication device disclosed in the third aspect above may be a first network element or a chip in the first network element, etc.

[0031] The fifth aspect discloses a communication device that has the functions of the second aspect described above. For example, the communication device includes a module or unit that performs the methods of the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The module or unit can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0032] For example, the communication device disclosed in the fourth aspect above may be a second network element or a chip in the second network element.

[0033] The sixth aspect discloses a communication device that has the functions of the third aspect described above. For example, the communication device includes a module or unit that performs the methods of the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect. The module or unit can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0034] For example, the communication device disclosed in the fourth aspect above may be a third network element or a chip in the third network element.

[0035] The seventh aspect discloses a communication system comprising at least two of a first network element, a second network element, and a third network element, wherein the first network element is used to implement the method provided in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, the second network element is used to implement the method provided in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and the third network element is used to implement the method provided in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0036] The eighth aspect discloses a communication device, including a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is used to receive and / or transmit data; the processor invokes a computer program or computer instructions stored in a memory to implement the method provided in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, or to implement the method provided in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, or to implement the method provided in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0037] As one possible implementation, the communication device disclosed in the eighth aspect above may include one or more processors.

[0038] Optionally, the communication device disclosed in the eighth aspect above further includes one or more memories.

[0039] The ninth aspect discloses a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or computer instructions that, when executed, implement the methods provided in the first aspect and any possible embodiments thereof, or implement the methods provided in the second aspect and any possible embodiments thereof, or implement the methods provided in the third aspect and any possible embodiments thereof.

[0040] The tenth aspect discloses a chip including a processor for executing a program stored in a memory, wherein when the program is executed, the chip performs the methods provided in the first aspect and any possible embodiments thereof, or performs the methods provided in the second aspect and any possible embodiments thereof, or performs the methods provided in the third aspect and any possible embodiments thereof.

[0041] As one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the chip.

[0042] The eleventh aspect discloses a computer program product comprising computer program code that, when executed, causes the methods provided in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be performed, or causes the methods provided in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be performed, or causes the methods provided in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be performed.

[0043] It should be understood that the implementation and beneficial effects of the above-mentioned aspects or any possible implementation methods of this application can be referred to each other. Attached Figure Description

[0044] The accompanying drawings are provided to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application. The drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a channel map disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an open wireless access network architecture disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a possible application framework in the communication system disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0054] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a RAN chip disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0056] This application discloses a communication method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium, which can ensure successful storage of channel maps and save storage space of the serving unit (SU). The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the relevant content, terms or nouns involved in this application will be briefly introduced below.

[0058] I. Channel Map

[0059] A channel map can be defined as a database that includes channel characteristic information for different grids. This grid channel characteristic information can include scatterer information associated with the grid, the channel statistical covariance matrix corresponding to the grid, the angular spectrum corresponding to the grid, the time delay spectrum corresponding to the grid, the path loss corresponding to the grid, the spatial basis corresponding to the grid, the frequency basis corresponding to the grid, and other channel characteristic information corresponding to the grid. The grid channel characteristic information can be stored in the form of matrices, vectors, or scalars.

[0060] In this embodiment of the application, the grids included in the channel map can be geographic grids or virtual grids. A geographic grid can be understood as a grid divided by geographical location or physical space. For example, a physical cell can be divided into two dimensions, resulting in multiple two-dimensional regions, each of which can be a grid. Figure 1 As shown, rectangular grids (such as 2m x 2m rectangular grids) can be created. For another example, physical cells can be divided into three dimensions. Unlike two-dimensional divisions, three-dimensional divisions can have an additional dimension, such as the height dimension or frequency dimension of the physical space. A virtual grid can be understood as a grid divided based on geographical location or other features besides physical space. For example, multiple channel spectrum information can be clustered, and each cluster can correspond to a virtual grid. For instance, a virtual grid can also be called a logical grid.

[0061] It should be understood that channel maps can assist communication and improve communication performance. For example, channel measurements, beamforming, waveform management, and beam management can be performed based on channel maps.

[0062] II. Storage of Channel Maps

[0063] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Combined with... Figure 2 The architecture shown below illustrates the process of channel map generation and storage in one possible implementation. Figure 2 In the illustrated architecture, the service unit (SU) can acquire channel spectrum information, such as from centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs). This channel spectrum information can be measured by user equipment (UEs) or by radio units (RUs) and DUs. After acquiring the channel spectrum information, the SU can calculate grid-level channel spectrum information based on this information. For example, for UEs within the same grid, the SU can calculate the grid-level spatial basis based on the spatial channels reported by these UEs, and the grid-level frequency basis can also be calculated based on the frequency channels reported by these UEs. After calculating the grid-level channel spectrum information, the SU can store this information for later use, such as providing it to the CU, DU, and UE.

[0064] Typically, channel map data is large, including spatial and frequency domain base data, requiring significant storage resources. The storage unit (SU) may not be able to support channel map storage. Furthermore, in this approach, the channel map is stored on the SU; when the UE, DU, and CU need to access channel map data, they must retrieve it from the SU, resulting in high transmission overhead and long transmission times.

[0065] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the system architecture of the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0066] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the communication system may include a core network and one or more access network devices. Figure 3 (Only one is shown in the image) and one or more user devices (such as...) Figure 3 User equipment 1 to user equipment 6 are shown in the diagram.

[0067] exist Figure 3In the communication system shown, access network equipment and user equipment can communicate with each other. For example, user equipment 1 to user equipment 6 can send uplink data / uplink signals to the access network equipment, and correspondingly, the access network equipment can receive the uplink data / uplink signals sent by user equipment 1 to user equipment 6. The access network equipment can also send downlink data / downlink signals to user equipment 1 to user equipment 6, and correspondingly, user equipment 1 to user equipment 6 can receive the downlink data / downlink signals sent by the access network equipment. Furthermore, in some possible implementations, user equipment can also communicate with each other. For example, user equipment 4 to user equipment 6 can form a communication system. In this communication system, user equipment 4 to user equipment 6 can communicate with each other, such as user equipment 5 sending downlink data / downlink signals to user equipment 4 and user equipment 6. It should be understood that data can be transmitted between the access network equipment and the core network. It should also be understood that user equipment and access network equipment can communicate using air interface resources, which may include at least one of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, code resources, and spatial resources.

[0068] The following provides an example introduction to user equipment, access network equipment, etc.

[0069] User equipment (UE), also known as terminal equipment, terminal, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), customer premises equipment (CPE), etc., is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. User equipment can include handheld terminals, laptops, RSUs (roadside units), subscriber units, cellular phones, smartphones, wireless data cards, personal digital assistant (PDA) computers, tablets, tags, wireless modems, other processing devices connected to wireless modems, handheld devices, laptop computers, cordless phones or wireless local loop (WLL) stations, machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.), in-vehicle equipment (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), computing devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, smart home devices (such as refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, workshop equipment, and self-driving vehicles. Wireless terminals can be used in various applications, including driving, remote medical surgery, smart grids, transportation safety, smart cities, smart homes, flying devices (such as intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, and airplanes), or other network-connected devices. Terminal devices can be fixed or mobile, deployed on land (indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted), on water (such as ships), or in the air (e.g., on airplanes, balloons, and satellites).

[0070] Access network equipment is a device deployed in an access network that can wirelessly communicate with user equipment, providing access / communication services to terminal devices. Access network equipment can include radio access network (RAN) equipment and access node (AN) equipment. RAN equipment can include various forms of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small cells), relay stations, access points, and balloon stations. The names of radio access network equipment may differ in systems employing different radio access technologies. For example, in Long Term Evolution (LTE), it is called an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB); in 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems, it is called a next-generation NodeB (gNB) or ng-eNB (a 4G base station accessing the 5G core network). Wireless access network equipment can also include radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios, base station equipment in future networks, wireless access network equipment in future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN) networks, wearable devices, vehicle-mounted equipment, transmission and reception points (TRPs), radio network controllers (RNCs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved NodeBs, or home Node Bs, HNBs), base band units (BBUs), and access points (APs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems. For example, access network equipment can also be referred to as access network nodes, RAN nodes, etc.

[0071] For example, user equipment and access network equipment may include a radio resource control (RRC) signaling interaction module, a media access control (MAC) signaling interaction module, and a physical (PHY) layer signaling and data interaction module. The RRC signaling interaction module can be used for sending and receiving RRC signaling between the access network equipment and the user equipment; the MAC signaling interaction module can be used for sending and receiving MAC-control element (CE) signaling between the access network equipment and the user equipment; and the PHY layer signaling and data interaction module can be used for sending and receiving uplink / downlink control signaling and uplink / downlink data between the access network equipment and the user equipment.

[0072] It should be understood that the core network may include core network elements such as the access and mobility management function (AMF), location management function (LMF), user plane function (UPF), session management function (SMF), and sensing function (SF). The SF element is responsible for processing sensing services, such as providing sensing services, performing calculations based on sensing data, and sharing sensing results with third parties. The AMF communicates with the LMF, SMF, etc., via the NLs interface. Access network devices communicate with the AMF via the NG-C interface; the AMF acts as a router for communication between access network devices and LMF, SMF, etc. For a more detailed description of core network elements, please refer to the relevant standards.

[0073] The following describes an architecture for an open radio access network (openRAN, O-RAN).

[0074] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an open wireless access network architecture disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4As shown, access network equipment (such as a gNB) may include centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs). Access network equipment may also include radio units (RUs). Access network equipment can communicate with the core network (CN) via a backhaul link and with the terminal equipment (UE) via an air interface (such as a Uu interface). For example, the baseband unit (BBU) in the access network equipment can communicate with the core network via a backhaul link, and the radio unit in the access network equipment can communicate with the terminal equipment via an air interface. Furthermore, the BBU can communicate with the RU via a fronthaul link; the BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. The BBU may include at least one centralized unit (CU) and at least one distributed unit (DU), and the CU and DU can communicate via a midhaul link.

[0075] The CU (Control Unit) can implement some functions of the access network equipment, and the DU (User Unit) can also implement some functions of the access network equipment. Furthermore, the CU can be used to control the operation of one or more DUs. In some examples, the CU can be a logical node carrying the radio resource control (RRC) layer, service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network equipment. The CU can connect to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces such as E2 interfaces. Optionally, the CU can have some core network functions. The CU (such as the PDCP layer and higher layers) can connect to the DU (such as the RLC layer and lower layers) through interfaces such as F1 interfaces. In some examples, these interfaces (such as the F1 interface) can provide control plane (C-Plane / CP) and user plane (U-Plane / UP) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). F1AP (adaptation protocol) is the application protocol of the F1 interface. The F1 interface supports the control plane F1-C and the user plane F1-U.

[0076] In some examples, the CU can be split into CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP can be a logical node carrying the RRC layer and PDCP-C (control plane part of PDCP) layer, and can be used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. For example, in the 5G core network, the network element used to implement control plane functions can be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. The AMF network element can be used to handle mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover. CU-UP can be a logical node carrying the SDAP layer and PDCP-U (user plane part of PDCP) layer, and can be used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. For example, in the 5G core network, the network element used to implement user plane functions can be a user plane function (UPF), and the UPF network element can be used to handle the forwarding and receiving of data from terminal devices. It should be understood that the above configurations of CU and DU are merely examples, and the functions of CU and DU can be configured as needed. For example, CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or CU or DU can be configured to have partial protocol layer processing functions. For example, some functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be set in CU, and the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be set in DU. Furthermore, the functions of CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency, setting functions that need to meet low latency requirements in DU, and functions that do not need to meet this latency requirement in CU. In this embodiment, CU can also be called O-CU (O-RANCU), CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, and CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP.

[0077] In some examples, a DU can be a logical node carrying the radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, some physical layer functions (such as the higher physical (Higher PHY) layer), and other functions. In some examples, a DU can control at least one RU. A DU can connect to an RU through interfaces, which can be fronthaul interfaces. It should be understood that the higher physical layer can include parts of the physical layer processing; for example, higher physical layer functions can include one or more of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation. In embodiments of this application, a DU can also be referred to as an O-DU (O-RANDU).

[0078] In some examples, the RU can be a logical node carrying some physical layer functions (such as the lower physical (LowerPHY) layer) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU can be a transmission reception point (TRP), a remote radio head (RRH), or other similar entities. In some examples, the lower physical layer can include parts of the physical layer processing, such as lower physical layer functions including one or more of the following: fast fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, physical random access channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, etc. It should be understood that the RU can communicate with one or more UEs via a radio link (such as an air interface). In the embodiments of this application, the RU can also be referred to as an O-RU (O-RANRU).

[0079] It should be noted that the DU and RU can be co-located or not. The DU and RU can exchange control plane and user plane information via a fronthaul link through a lower-layer split control user synchronization-plane (LLS-CUS) interface. LLS-CUS may include an LLS-C interface providing the control plane and an LLS-U interface providing the user plane. In some examples, the control plane may refer to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU may also exchange management information via a fronthaul link LLS-M (management) interface; the management plane may refer to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0080] It is understandable that DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. As another example, a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0081] It should be noted that for specific descriptions of the above-mentioned protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). It is understood that in some possible implementations, the access network equipment can be a CU node, a DU node, or a device including both CU and DU nodes.

[0082] The following describes an architecture that can be used for storing channel map information.

[0083] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a possible application framework in the communication system disclosed in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 5As shown, network elements in the communication system are connected via interfaces (e.g., Xn, F1) or air interfaces. For example, user equipment and radio frequency units can be connected via air interfaces, centralized units can be connected via Xn interfaces, centralized units and distributed units can be connected via F1 interfaces, and data storage units and DUs can be connected. A graph module can be configured in one or more of the SU, access network equipment, and user equipment. The access network equipment can be a single RAN node or can include multiple RAN nodes, such as CU and DU. A graph module can also be configured in the CU and / or DU. Optionally, the CU can be further divided into CU-CP and CU-UP, and a graph module can be configured in the CU-CP and / or CU-UP. The graph module can be used to manage graph information, including but not limited to storage, scheduling, indication, and updating. Optionally, any two devices among the SU, CU, and DU can communicate via wired or wireless means.

[0084] SU can be used to manage spectrum information, including but not limited to storage, scheduling, distribution, indication, and updating. For example, SU can generate grid-level channel spectrum information based on data collected from terminal devices and access network devices.

[0085] The data storage unit can be used to store large amounts of spectrum data, that is, to store large amounts of channel spectrum information.

[0086] In some possible implementations, the SU can also be located in the core network, or it can be a network element independent of the access network equipment. The data storage unit can be connected to the SU or the CU. That is, the data storage unit can be connected to one or more of the SU, CU, and DU. Furthermore, this application embodiment does not limit the quantitative correspondence between data storage units, SU, CU, and DU. For example, a data storage unit can correspond one-to-one with a DU, meaning each DU can be connected to a specific data storage unit. Or, for example, one data storage unit can be connected to multiple DUs, meaning multiple DUs can share one data storage unit. Exemplarily, the data storage unit can also be simply referred to as a storage unit.

[0087] It should be understood that Figures 3-5 The architecture shown is merely an illustrative example. Figures 3-5 The architecture shown may include more or fewer devices, network elements, etc., which are not limited in this application embodiment.

[0088] It should also be understood that the aforementioned network element or function can be implemented in the form of hardware, computer software, or a combination of hardware and computer software. For example, the aforementioned network element or function can be implemented by a single device, by multiple devices working together, or by a functional module within a single device; this application does not specifically limit this. Furthermore, the aforementioned "network element" can also be referred to as an entity, functional entity, device, or module, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0089] It should be understood that although some of the above descriptions use 5G communication scenarios as examples, the technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to other communication systems, such as transitional systems between 5G and future communication systems, networks integrating multiple systems, and future communication systems. When applied in other communication networks, the corresponding device / network element names can be replaced with the names of the corresponding functions / devices in other communication networks.

[0090] It should be noted that the system architecture, network architecture, and business scenarios (or application scenarios) described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of communication network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0091] In this embodiment, to enable the storage and retrieval of channel maps, an external data storage unit can be connected, such as an external data storage unit on the DU side. In this approach, the SU does not need to store the complete channel map; the channel map can be stored in the data storage unit. Subsequently, when the CU, DU, terminal devices, etc., need to obtain relevant channel map information, they can retrieve the relevant channel map information from the data storage unit through relevant signaling interactions.

[0092] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, there are various possible connection relationships between the data storage unit and SU, CU, and DU. Under different connection relationships, the process of storing and reading the channel map can be different. However, in essence, they all involve storing the channel map into the data storage unit and reading the relevant channel map information from the data storage unit. The following are exemplary descriptions of these processes.

[0093] The following section provides an example of the relevant processing flow for connecting the data storage unit (CU / DU).

[0094] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 The relevant processes for storing channel map information, Figure 6 In this configuration, the first network element can be a Substation (SU), the second network element can be a CU / DU, and the third network element can be a data storage unit. Specifically, the first network element can store the channel map into the third network element through the second network element. For example, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0095] 601. The first network element acquires channel map information corresponding to one or more grids.

[0096] For example, channel map information may include one or more of the following: multipath information, channel feature vector space, channel statistical covariance matrix, spatial basis, frequency basis, path loss, and reference signal received power. It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the channel map information; in addition to the examples listed above, other channel feature-related information may also be included.

[0097] This application does not limit the method by which the first network element obtains the channel map information corresponding to one or more grids. For example, the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids can be generated by the first network element based on relevant channel map information. The one or more grids can be geographical grids or virtual grids; this application does not limit this.

[0098] In some possible implementations, the first network element can acquire one or more channel map information, and then generate channel map information corresponding to one or more grids based on the acquired one or more channel map information. It should be understood that each channel map information may include one or more of the following: multipath information, channel feature vector space, channel statistical covariance matrix, spatial basis, frequency basis, path loss, and reference signal received power. For example, the first network element can acquire one or more channel map information from a CU, DU, terminal equipment, etc. For instance, a DU can collect coordinate-free channel map information, such as multipath information, channel feature vector space, spatial basis, frequency basis, etc., while a CU can collect coordinate-based channel map information, such as cell ID, user coordinates, multipath information, channel feature vector space, spatial basis, frequency basis, etc. The difference between coordinate-free and coordinate-based channel map information lies in whether there is corresponding geographical location information. For coordinate-based channel map information, the associated geographical location (e.g., latitude and longitude) can be determined. In some possible implementations, the first network element can send a channel map information acquisition request to the CU, DU, etc. Accordingly, the CU, DU, etc. can receive the channel map information acquisition request from the first network element, and then return one or more channel map information to the first network element based on the channel map information acquisition request.

[0099] It should be understood that channel map information with coordinates can be used to generate channel map information corresponding to a geographic raster, while channel map information without coordinates can be used to generate channel map information corresponding to a virtual raster. For example, assuming a first network element acquires the spatial channels, frequency channels, multipath information, channel feature vector space, and geographic locations of multiple terminal devices, the first network element can then calculate the raster-level spatial basis based on the spatial channels of terminal devices within the same geographic raster, the raster-level frequency basis based on the frequency channels of terminal devices within the same geographic raster, the raster-level multipath information based on the multipath information of terminal devices within the same geographic raster, and the raster-level channel feature vector space based on the channel feature vector space of terminal devices within the same geographic raster. It should be understood that each geographic raster can correspond to a geographic region, and the size and shape of the geographic regions corresponding to different geographic rasters can be different. In this embodiment, the division of the geographical grid is not limited. The geographical grid can be divided by the SU itself, by other related network elements (such as LMF), by negotiation between the SU and other related network elements, or by a protocol definition. For example, suppose the first network element acquires multiple channel map information, each including a spatial basis, a frequency basis, multipath information, and a channel feature vector space. Then, the first network element can cluster the multiple channel map information based on the spatial basis, frequency basis, multipath information, and channel feature vector space, resulting in multiple clusters. Each cluster can be considered a virtual grid, and grid-level channel map information can be calculated based on the channel map information included in each cluster.

[0100] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the method of calculating the raster-level channel spectrum information based on multiple channel spectrum information; it can be an average, a median, or other calculation methods.

[0101] After the first network element obtains the channel map information corresponding to one or more grids, it can also construct the index information of those one or more grids, that is, it can construct the mapping relationship between the channel map information and the corresponding grids. The index information of those one or more grids is associated with the channel map information corresponding to those one or more grids; the index information of those one or more grids can be understood as the index information of the channel map information corresponding to those one or more grids. For example, the index information of those one or more grids may include first index information.

[0102] In this embodiment, the grid index information may include one or more of the following: grid identifier (ID), cell identifier (ID), and feature index. The grid identifier is the identifier corresponding to each grid, which can be assigned to each grid by a first network element or by other network elements. The grid identifier for each grid can also be predefined; this embodiment does not limit this. The feature index is the feature index information corresponding to the grid, which may include, but is not limited to, the RSRP range and path loss range corresponding to the grid.

[0103] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the relationship between grids and cells. One cell can correspond to multiple grids (such as one cell including multiple grids), one grid can correspond to multiple cells, or one cell can correspond to one grid.

[0104] It is understood that the first network element can store the mapping relationship between the constructed channel map information and the corresponding grid, that is, store the index information of one or more grids, and can also store other information associated with the grid, such as the geographical range corresponding to the grid, the scatterer information associated with the grid (such as scatterer ID), the beam angle / beam ID corresponding to the grid, etc. This information can be stored in tabular form (such as a feature matching table), in text form, or in other forms; this embodiment does not limit the specific form of storage.

[0105] Taking a geographic raster as an example, assuming that the index information includes cell ID and raster ID, the first network element can store the index information table shown in Table 1 below.

[0106] Table 1

[0107] Community ID Grid ID Raster geographic range Raster RSRP Range Community ID_1 Raster ID_1 Geographical range 1 RSRP range 1 Community ID_1 Raster ID_2 Geographical range 2 RSRP range 2 Community ID_2 Grid ID_3 Geographical range 3 RSRP range 3 …… …… …… …… Community ID_3 Raster ID_4 Geographical range 4 RSRP range 4

[0108] As shown in Table 1, in addition to the index information corresponding to each grid, the first network element can also store the geographical range, RSRP range, etc. corresponding to each grid, so that when the channel map information of the relevant grid needs to be read later, the corresponding index information can be determined based on the geographical range, RSRP range, etc. corresponding to the grid.

[0109] 602. The first network element sends a first channel map storage request to the second network element. The first channel map storage request includes the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids.

[0110] For example, after the first network element obtains the channel map information corresponding to one or more grids and constructs the index information corresponding to the one or more grids, it can send a first channel map storage request to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element can receive the first channel map storage request from the first network element. The first channel map storage request may include the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids. The first channel map storage request can be used to request the storage of the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids. Specifically, the first channel map storage request to store the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids can be: requesting the second network element to store the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids in the third network element.

[0111] 603. The second network element sends a second channel map storage request to the third network element. The second channel map storage request includes index information of one or more grids and channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids.

[0112] For example, after receiving a first channel map storage request from a first network element, a second network element can send a second channel map storage request to a third network element. Correspondingly, the third network element can receive the second channel map storage request from the second network element. The second channel map storage request may include index information of the one or more gratings and channel map information corresponding to the one or more gratings. The second channel map storage request can be used to request (the third network element) to store the index information of the one or more gratings and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more gratings.

[0113] In some possible implementations, the first channel map storage request and the second channel map storage request can be the same request, which can be understood as the second network element forwarding the first channel map storage request received from the first network element to the third network element.

[0114] 604. The third network element stores the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids.

[0115] After receiving the second channel map storage request from the second network element, the third network element can store the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids.

[0116] In some possible implementations, in addition to raster-level channel map information, the third network element may also store one or more channel map information used to generate raster-level channel map information.

[0117] It should be noted that the storage format of the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids in this application embodiment is not limited. It can be stored in the form of a table, in the form of text, or in other forms.

[0118] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 The process of reading channel map information from the data storage unit after storing the channel map information is as follows: Figure 7 In this network, the first network element can be a Substation (SU), the second network element can be a CU / DU, and the third network element can be a data storage unit. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0119] 701. The first network element sends a first channel map read request to the second network element. The first channel map read request includes first index information.

[0120] For example, when it is necessary to read relevant channel map information from a third network element, the first network element can obtain the corresponding first index information and then send a first channel map read request to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element can receive the first channel map read request from the first network element, and the first channel map read request may include the first index information. The first channel map read request can be used to request the reading of channel map information corresponding to the first index information. Specifically, the request to read the channel map information corresponding to the first index information can be: requesting the second network element to read the channel map information corresponding to the first index information from the third network element.

[0121] For example, the first network element can obtain the first index information from the index information of the one or more currently stored graticles. For instance, the first network element can obtain the first index information from the index information table shown in Table 1 above.

[0122] The following examples illustrate several scenarios for obtaining the first index information. For instance, suppose we need to obtain the channel map information of a specific grid within a cell. In this case, the first index information could include the cell ID and the grid ID. As another example, suppose we need to obtain the channel map information of the grid where a terminal device is located. In this case, we can match the geographical location of the terminal device with the geographical area corresponding to the grid, and then determine the index information of the grid where the terminal device is located as the first index information. Yet another example, the DU and / or CU can measure relevant channel information (such as multipath information, spatial basis, frequency basis, RSRP, etc.), and then send the measured relevant channel information to the first network element. The first network element can match the relevant channel information with the channel information corresponding to each grid, such as determining which cluster it belongs to, i.e., which virtual grid it belongs to, based on the relevant channel information. For example, assuming the RSRP range for grid 1 stored by the first network element is 10dBm to 20dBm, the RSRP range for grid 2 is 20dBm to 30dBm, and the RSRP range for grid 3 is 30dBm to 40dBm, and the relevant RSRP received by the first network element from the DU and / or CU is 15dBm, in this case, the first network element can determine that the index information corresponding to grid 2 is the first index information. In some possible implementations, the first network element can send a channel map application request to the CU, DU, etc. Accordingly, the CU, DU, etc., can receive the channel map application request from the first network element, and then can return relevant channel information to the first network element based on the channel map application request.

[0123] In some possible implementations, the first network element can acquire the location information of the terminal device and / or the measurement results corresponding to the terminal device (such as RSRP, multipath information, spatial basis, frequency basis, etc.), and then determine the first index information based on the location information of the terminal device and / or the measurement results corresponding to the terminal device. For example, the first network element can determine the grid where the terminal device is located based on the location information of the terminal device and / or the measurement results corresponding to the terminal device, and then use the index information corresponding to that grid as the first index information.

[0124] It should be understood that the first index information may include index information corresponding to one or more rasters, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0125] 702. The second network element sends a second channel map read request to the third network element. The second channel map read request includes the first index information.

[0126] After receiving a first channel map read request from a first network element, the second network element can send a second channel map read request to a third network element. Correspondingly, the third network element can receive the second channel map read request from the second network element. The second channel map read request may include first index information. The second channel map read request can be used to request the read of channel map information corresponding to the first index information.

[0127] 703. The third network element sends the channel map information corresponding to the first index information to the second network element.

[0128] After receiving a second channel map read request from the second network element, the third network element can read the channel map information corresponding to its stored first index information, and then send the channel map information corresponding to the first index information to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element can receive the channel map information corresponding to the first index information from the third network element.

[0129] It should be understood that after the second network element receives the channel map information corresponding to the first index information, it can apply the channel map information corresponding to the first index information, or it can send it to other network elements (such as terminal equipment, CU, DU, SU, etc.) so that other network elements can apply the channel map information corresponding to the first index information.

[0130] The above Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the processing flow shown, the channel map information corresponding to the grid can be stored in the newly added data storage unit. The first network element can only store the index information corresponding to the grid and other related information associated with the grid (such as geographical range, RSRP range, etc.). This reduces the amount of data that the first network element needs to store, solves the problem that the first network element cannot carry a large amount of channel map information, and saves the storage space of the first network element. Furthermore, in this method, when there is a connection between the DU and the data storage unit, when the DU reads the channel map information, the DU can directly read the channel map information from the data storage unit, reducing the transmission overhead and transmission time of the channel map information. Similarly, when the terminal device needs to use the channel map information, the transmission overhead and transmission time of the channel map information can also be reduced accordingly.

[0131] It should be understood that the above Figure 6 and Figure 7The example illustrates the channel map information storage and retrieval process when the data storage unit is connected to the CU / DU. However, in some possible implementations, the SU can also be connected to the data storage unit. In this case, the SU can directly send a second channel map storage request to the data storage unit, requesting the data storage unit to store the index information of one or more gratings and the corresponding channel map information. The data storage unit can also be connected to both the CU and DU. In this case, the CU and DU can directly read the relevant channel map information from the data storage unit, such as by directly sending a second channel map retrieval request to the data storage unit.

[0132] It should also be understood that in the above example, in the process of reading the channel map information from the data storage unit, the relevant index information (such as the first index information mentioned above) is obtained by the SU, but this application embodiment does not limit this. For example, after the SU generates the index information, it can also send the generated index information (such as the information shown in Table 1 above) to the CU, DU, etc. Subsequently, the CU and DU can also determine the first index information based on the location of the terminal device and / or the measurement results corresponding to the terminal device, and then obtain the channel map information corresponding to the first index information from the data storage unit based on the first index information.

[0133] The following provides an exemplary description of the data storage unit connection to SU, and the related processing flow for connecting CU and / or DU.

[0134] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 The process for storing and retrieving channel map information. Figure 8 The relevant content can be found in the above. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The corresponding description in [the document / reference]. For example, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0135] 801. The first network element acquires channel map information corresponding to one or more grids.

[0136] 802. The first network element sends a second channel map storage request to the third network element. The second channel map storage request includes index information of one or more grids and channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids.

[0137] 803. The third network element stores the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids.

[0138] 804. The second network element sends a second channel map read request to the third network element. The second channel map read request includes the first index information.

[0139] For example, when it is necessary to read relevant channel map information from a third network element, the second network element can obtain the corresponding first index information and then send a second channel map reading request to the third network element.

[0140] In some possible implementations, the second network element can acquire the location information of the terminal device and / or the measurement results corresponding to the terminal device (such as RSRP, multipath information, spatial basis, frequency basis, etc.), and then determine the first index information based on the location information of the terminal device and / or the measurement results corresponding to the terminal device. For example, the second network element can determine the grid where the terminal device is located based on the location information of the terminal device and / or the measurement results corresponding to the terminal device, and then use the index information corresponding to that grid as the first index information.

[0141] In some possible implementations, the second network element may receive a first channel map read request from the first network element, and then the second network element may send a second channel map read request to the third network element. The second channel map read request can be used to request the reading of channel map information corresponding to the first index information.

[0142] 805. The third network element sends the channel map information corresponding to the first index information to the second network element.

[0143] It should be noted that the relevant information (such as the same or similar information) and related descriptions in the different embodiments described above can be referenced from each other.

[0144] It should be understood that the above Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The above processing flow is illustrated primarily using the first network element, the second network element, and the third network element as the executing entities for the interaction illustration, but this application does not limit the executing entities for this interaction illustration. For example, Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The first network element can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the method by the first network element, or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the first network element. For example, Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The second network element can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the method by the second network element, or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second network element. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0145] The foregoing mainly describes the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. It is understood that the first network element, second network element, and third network element described above may include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function in order to achieve the corresponding functions. Based on the units and steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0146] This application embodiment can divide the first network element, second network element, and third network element into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0147] When dividing each function into modules according to its corresponding function. Figure 9 A possible structural schematic diagram of a communication device 900 is shown. The communication device 900 may include a communication unit 902, and may also include a processing unit 901 and a storage unit 903. Optionally, the communication unit 902 may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, an output unit, or an interface unit, etc. In one possible implementation, the communication unit 902 includes at least one of a transmitting unit or a receiving unit. The transmitting unit and the receiving unit may be integrated together, or they may be two independent units, etc. In one possible design, the communication device 900 may be the aforementioned first network element, or it may be a component within the first network element (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module), or it may be a processing system within the first network element, etc.

[0148] When the communication device 900 is used in the above Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 When illustrating the function of the first network element in the embodiments shown, for example:

[0149] Processing unit 901 is used to acquire channel spectrum information corresponding to one or more grids;

[0150] The communication unit 902 is used to send a first channel map storage request to the second network element. The first channel map storage request includes index information of the one or more grids and channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids. The first channel map storage request is used to request the storage of the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids.

[0151] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 901 acquires channel map information corresponding to one or more grids by: acquiring one or more channel map information; and generating channel map information corresponding to one or more grids based on the one or more channel map information.

[0152] For example, the processing unit 901 may acquire one or more channel map information through the communication unit 902.

[0153] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 902 is further configured to send a first channel map read request to the second network element. The first channel map read request includes first index information and is used to request the read of channel map information corresponding to the first index information. The index information of the one or more grids includes the first index information.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 901 is further configured to acquire the location information of the terminal device and / or the measurement result corresponding to the terminal device; the processing unit 901 is further configured to determine the first index information based on the location information of the terminal device and / or the measurement result corresponding to the terminal device.

[0155] In one possible implementation, the index information includes at least one of the following: grid identifier, cell identifier, and feature index.

[0156] In one possible implementation, the channel map information includes at least one of the following: multipath information, channel feature vector space, channel statistical covariance matrix, spatial basis, frequency basis, path loss, and reference signal received power.

[0157] For details on the operation of each unit in the aforementioned communication device 900, please refer to the above. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The description of the first network element in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0158] In one possible design, the communication device 900 may be the aforementioned second network element, or a component within the second network element (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module), or a processing system within the second network element, etc.

[0159] When the communication device 900 is used in the above Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 When illustrating the function of the second network element in the embodiments shown, for example:

[0160] The communication unit 902 is configured to receive a first channel map storage request from a first network element. The first channel map storage request includes index information of one or more grids and channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids. The first channel map storage request is used to request the storage of the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids.

[0161] The communication unit 902 is further configured to send a second channel map storage request to the third network element. The second channel map storage request includes index information of the one or more grids and channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids. The second channel map storage request is used to request the storage of the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids.

[0162] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 902 is further configured to receive a first channel map read request from the first network element, the first channel map read request including first index information, the first channel map read request being used to request the read of channel map information corresponding to the first index information; the index information of the one or more grids includes the first index information; the communication unit 902 is further configured to send a second channel map read request to the third network element, the second channel map read request including the first index information, the second channel map read request being used to request the read of channel map information corresponding to the first index information; the communication unit 902 is further configured to receive the channel map information corresponding to the first index information from the third network element.

[0163] In one possible implementation, the index information includes at least one of the following: grid identifier, cell identifier, and feature index.

[0164] In one possible implementation, the channel map information includes at least one of the following: multipath information, channel feature vector space, channel statistical covariance matrix, spatial basis, frequency basis, path loss, and reference signal received power.

[0165] For details on the operation of each unit in the aforementioned communication device 900, please refer to the above. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The description of the second network element in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0166] In one possible design, the communication device 900 may be the aforementioned third network element, or a component within the third network element (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module), or a processing system within the third network element, etc.

[0167] When the communication device 900 is used in the above Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 When demonstrating the function of the third network element in the embodiments shown, for example:

[0168] The communication unit 902 is configured to receive a second channel map storage request from a second network element. The second channel map storage request includes index information of the one or more grids and channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids. The second channel map storage request is used to request the storage of the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids.

[0169] Storage unit 903 is used to store the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids.

[0170] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 902 is further configured to receive a second channel map reading request from the second network element, the second channel map reading request including first index information, the second channel map reading request being used to request reading the channel map information corresponding to the first index information; the index information of the one or more grids includes the first index information; the communication unit 902 is further configured to send the channel map information corresponding to the first index information to the second network element.

[0171] In one possible implementation, the index information includes at least one of the following: grid identifier, cell identifier, and feature index.

[0172] In one possible implementation, the channel map information includes at least one of the following: multipath information, channel feature vector space, channel statistical covariance matrix, spatial basis, frequency basis, path loss, and reference signal received power.

[0173] For details on the operation of each unit in the aforementioned communication device 900, please refer to the above. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The description of the third network element in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0174] In one possible implementation, Figure 9In the communication device shown, the processing unit can be one or more processors / logic circuits. The communication unit can be an input / output interface, or it can be both an input interface and an output interface. The input / output interface can also be called a communication interface, an interface circuit, or an interface, etc.

[0175] Figure 10 The diagram illustrates a possible hardware structure of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1000 may include a communication interface 1004 and at least one processor 1002. Optionally, it may also include a bus 1003. Further optionally, it may include at least one memory 1001, wherein the memory 1001, processor 1002, and communication interface 1004 can be connected via the bus 1003.

[0176] The memory 1001 provides storage space, which can store data such as the operating system and computer programs. The memory 1001 can be one or a combination of several of the following: random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM).

[0177] Processor 1002 is a module that performs arithmetic and / or logical operations. Specifically, it can be one or a combination of processing modules such as a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), microprocessor unit (MPU), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), complex programmable logic device (CPLD), coprocessor (assisting the CPU in completing corresponding processing and applications), and microcontroller unit (MCU). For example, processor 1002 can be used to process communication protocols and communication data.

[0178] The communication interface 1004 is used to receive and / or transmit data to external sources. Optionally, the communication interface 1004 may also include a transmitter (such as an RF transmitter, antenna, etc.) and / or a receiver coupled to the interface. For example, the communication interface 1004 may include a control circuit and an antenna. The control circuit is mainly used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1002 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs a baseband signal to the control circuit. The control circuit then performs RF processing on the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the control circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1002. The processor 1002 converts the baseband signal back into data and processes the data.

[0179] In one possible implementation, the control circuitry and antenna can be set up independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the control circuitry and antenna can be arranged in a remote manner, independent of the communication device.

[0180] In one design, the communication device 1000 can be used to perform the aforementioned... Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The embodiment shown illustrates the function of the first network element. For details, please refer to the above. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The relevant descriptions of the first network element will not be elaborated here.

[0181] In another design, the communication device 1000 can be used to perform the aforementioned... Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The embodiment shown illustrates the function of the second network element. For details, please refer to the above. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The relevant descriptions of the second network element will not be elaborated here.

[0182] In another design, the communication device 1000 can be used to perform the aforementioned... Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The embodiment shown illustrates the function of the third network element. For details, please refer to the above. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The relevant descriptions of the third network element will not be elaborated here.

[0183] In one possible design, memory 1001 may store instructions, which may be computer programs. These computer programs run on processor 1002 and cause communication device 1000 to perform operations performed by the first network element, the second network element, or the third network element in any of the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the above description. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The relevant descriptions in the document will not be repeated here.

[0184] It should be noted that, Figure 10 The communication device 1000 shown is merely one implementation of the embodiments of this application. In actual applications, the communication device 1000 may include more or fewer components, which is not limited here.

[0185] Figure 11 The diagram shown is a possible architecture schematic of the RAN chip provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 11 As shown, the RAN chip may include a CU, a DU, and a RU. The CU can perform upper-layer (L2) and L3 (L3) functions. The DU can perform L1 and some L2 functions, and the RU can perform L1 computation and RF digital part functions. The backhaul interface is used to carry traffic between the CU and the core network, the midhaul interface is used to carry traffic between the CU and the DU, and the fronthaul interface is used to carry traffic between the RU and the DU. For example, an integrated DU may include the functions of the DU and RU mentioned above.

[0186] CU / DU hardware may include a chassis platform, motherboard, peripherals, and cooling system. The motherboard may include processing units, memory, internal input / output (I / O) interfaces, and external connection ports. A CU system can be implemented using a multi-core processor and one or more hardware accelerators.

[0187] The DU system can be implemented using a multi-core processor and one or more hardware accelerators. Parts of the DU protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the multi-core processor. Computationally intensive L1 and L2 functions can be offloaded to a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) / graphics processing unit (GPU)-based hardware accelerator, or all L1 functions can be offloaded to an FPGA / GPU-based hardware accelerator, while other protocol stack components are implemented in software running on the processor, or the entire protocol stack is implemented in software running on the processor. The hardware accelerator supports interconnection with x86 or non-x86 processors (such as ARM processors). Similarly, the accelerator has a multi-channel peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) interface pointing to the CPU and external connections via GbE (gigabit Ethernet). It should be understood that the hardware accelerator can be designed with interfaces, and hardware functional components may include: storage for software, hardware, and system debugging interfaces, and a single-board management controller.

[0188] The RU can comprise three parts: an O-RAN processing unit (OPU), a digital processing unit (DPU), and an RF processing unit. The OPU receives Enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) frames from the O-RAN fronthaul and performs fronthaul interface operations, the lowest level L1 (coding, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding), synchronization, beamforming, and resource unit mapping. The OPU can be implemented as a CPU, FPGA, or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The DPU performs synchronization, DDC (digital downconversion in UL), DUC (digital upconversion in DL), crest factor reduction (CFR), and digital pre-distortion (DPD), improving power amplifier efficiency by reducing the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) / adjacent channel leakage power ratio (ACLR) of the RF front-end. The DPU can be implemented as an FPGA or ASIC. The RF processing unit may include a transceiver module, up / down converters, power amplifiers (PA), low-noise amplifiers (LNA), and Tx / Rx filters. All conversions between the analog and digital domains (DAC and ADC) (e.g., RF sampling, frequency conversion using RF, IF, and LO mixing during up-conversion and down-conversion) can be performed within the transceiver module.

[0189] It should be understood that the transmission in the embodiments of this application can be direct or indirect. Direct transmission means that one device or module directly sends information / data to the corresponding device or module, while indirect transmission means that one device or module sends information / data to the corresponding device or module through other devices or modules.

[0190] Obviously, the embodiments described above are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily indicate the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand, explicitly and implicitly, that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects and are not used to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, it may include a series of steps or units, or optionally, steps or units not listed, or optionally other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. It is also understandable that, for an architecture with multiple devices or modules, if one device or module generates a piece of information and another device or module uses that information, there are multiple ways for the other device to obtain that information. For example, the device or module that generated the information may send the information directly to the device or module that used the information (equivalent to direct sending), or the device or module that generated the information may send the information to the device or module that used the information through other devices or modules (equivalent to indirect sending).

[0191] It is understood that the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to this application and not all of them. It should be understood that some exemplary embodiments are described as processes or methods depicted as flowcharts. Although the flowcharts describe operations (or steps) as sequential processes, many of these operations can be performed in parallel, concurrently, or simultaneously. Furthermore, the order of the operations can be rearranged. The process can be terminated when its operation is completed, but may also have additional steps not included in the drawings. The process can correspond to a method, function, procedure, subroutine, subroutine, etc.

[0192] The terms “component,” “module,” “system,” “unit,” etc., used in this specification are used to refer to computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, combinations of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a unit can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, a thread of execution, a program, and / or distributed between two or more computers. Furthermore, these units can be executed from various computer-readable media on which various data structures are stored. For example, a unit can communicate via local and / or remote processes based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from a second unit interacting with another unit between a local system, a distributed system, and / or a network; for example, the Internet interacting with other systems via signals).

[0193] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this application. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made on the basis of the technical solution of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first network element, the method includes: Obtain channel map information corresponding to one or more grids; A first channel map storage request is sent to the second network element. The first channel map storage request includes the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids. The first channel map storage request is used to request the storage of the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining channel map information corresponding to one or more grids includes: Acquire one or more channel spectrum information; One or more raster-related channel map information is generated based on the one or more channel map information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: A first channel map read request is sent to the second network element. The first channel map read request includes first index information. The first channel map read request is used to request the read of the channel map information corresponding to the first index information. The index information of the one or more grids includes the first index information.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the location information of the terminal device and / or the measurement results corresponding to the terminal device; The first index information is determined based on the location information of the terminal device and / or the measurement results corresponding to the terminal device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The index information includes at least one of the following: grid identifier, cell identifier, and feature index.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The channel map information includes at least one of the following: multipath information, channel feature vector space, channel statistical covariance matrix, spatial basis, frequency basis, path loss, and reference signal received power.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second network element, the method includes: A first channel map storage request is received from a first network element. The first channel map storage request includes index information of one or more grids and channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids. The first channel map storage request is used to request the storage of the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids. A second channel map storage request is sent to a third network element. The second channel map storage request includes index information of the one or more grids and channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids. The second channel map storage request is used to request the storage of the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: A first channel map read request is received from the first network element. The first channel map read request includes first index information and is used to request the read of channel map information corresponding to the first index information. The index information of the one or more grids includes the first index information. Send a second channel map read request to the third network element. The second channel map read request includes the first index information. The second channel map read request is used to request to read the channel map information corresponding to the first index information. Receive channel map information corresponding to the first index information from the third network element.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The index information includes at least one of the following: grid identifier, cell identifier, and feature index.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The channel map information includes at least one of the following: multipath information, channel feature vector space, channel statistical covariance matrix, spatial basis, frequency basis, path loss, and reference signal received power.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a third network element, the method includes: A second channel map storage request is received from a second network element. The second channel map storage request includes index information of the one or more grids and channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids. The second channel map storage request is used to request the storage of the index information of the one or more grids and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grids. Store the index information of the one or more grates and the channel map information corresponding to the one or more grates.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: A second channel map read request is received from the second network element. The second channel map read request includes first index information and is used to request the read of channel map information corresponding to the first index information. The index information of the one or more grids includes the first index information. The channel map information corresponding to the first index information is sent to the second network element.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The index information includes at least one of the following: grid identifier, cell identifier, and feature index.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, The channel map information includes at least one of the following: multipath information, channel feature vector space, channel statistical covariance matrix, spatial basis, frequency basis, path loss, and reference signal received power.

15. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes at least two of a first network element, a second network element, and a third network element, wherein the first network element is used to implement the method described in any one of claims 1-6, the second network element is used to implement the method described in any one of claims 7-10, and the third network element is used to implement the method described in any one of claims 11-14.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1-14.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a transceiver, the transceiver being used to send and receive information, and the processor being used to enable the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-14.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or computer instructions that are executed by a processor to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-14.

19. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer program code or computer instructions, which, when executed, implement the method described in any one of claims 1-14.

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