Communication method, communication device and communication system

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method, a communication device and a communication system. The method comprises: a terminal obtaining first information, the first information being used for indicating a plurality of distance threshold values, the plurality of distance threshold values corresponding to a plurality of synchronization signals and a physical broadcast channel block SSB; the terminal determines whether to acquire second information according to the first distance threshold value, the second information comprises broadcast information, the first distance threshold value is a distance threshold value corresponding to a first SSB in the plurality of distance threshold values, and the first SSB is an SSB determined by the terminal. Terminal power consumption can be reduced.

Description

Communication methods, communication devices and communication systems Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method, communication device, and communication system. Background Technology

[0002] In mobile communication systems, different areas within the coverage area of ​​the same cell may have significantly different access demands. For example, in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), when the coverage area of ​​a cell using satellites as network equipment includes both marine and urban residential areas, access demand is lower in marine areas due to sparser terminal distribution, while in urban residential areas, access demand is higher due to denser terminal distribution.

[0003] Currently, it has been proposed that network devices can use beams with different beamwidths to achieve synchronization signal coverage in areas with different access requirements. For areas with lower access requirements, compared to areas with higher access requirements, synchronization signals can be sent with a wider beamwidth, which can achieve synchronization signal coverage in the area with a smaller number of beams, thereby reducing synchronization signal resource overhead.

[0004] However, the relevant mechanisms still need to be optimized when network devices use beams with different beamwidths to achieve synchronous signal coverage in different areas. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, communication device, and communication system that can reduce terminal power consumption.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal or a module (such as a chip, chip system, software, or logic circuit) configured in (or used for) the terminal. The following explanation uses the execution of this method by a terminal as an example.

[0007] The method includes: a terminal acquiring first information, the first information indicating multiple distance threshold values, the multiple distance threshold values ​​corresponding to multiple synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel blocks (SSBs). The terminal determines, based on the first distance threshold value, whether to acquire second information, the second information including broadcast information, wherein the first distance threshold value is the distance threshold value corresponding to a first SSB among the multiple distance threshold values, and the first SSB is the SSB determined by the terminal.

[0008] According to the above scheme, the terminal obtains first information and determines multiple distance threshold values. Through the correspondence between SSBs and these distance threshold values, the terminal can accurately determine whether it needs to obtain second information based on the distance threshold value corresponding to the determined SSB. The second information is the information that the terminal needs to obtain when it is located at the cell edge. This allows the terminal to obtain the necessary information only when it is located at the cell edge, while not needing to obtain relevant information when it is located in a non-edge area. This reduces unnecessary power consumption by the terminal and improves system efficiency.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, one of the plurality of SSBs corresponds to at least one of the plurality of distance thresholds.

[0010] In other words, one SSB can correspond to one or more distance threshold values. Optionally, the number of distance threshold values ​​corresponding to one SSB can be determined by the cell coverage method. For example, if the cell coverage is circular, one SSB can correspond to one distance threshold value. If the cell coverage is rectangular, one SSB can correspond to multiple distance threshold values, but this application is not limited to this.

[0011] In one example, the at least one distance threshold is a distance threshold that corresponds to any direction.

[0012] It should be noted that the distance threshold corresponding to any direction means that the terminal uses this distance threshold regardless of the direction the line connecting the terminal and the reference point points, and determines whether to obtain the second information based on the distance between the terminal and the reference point.

[0013] In another example, each of the at least one distance threshold values ​​corresponds to a direction.

[0014] When the cell coverage area is circular, a distance threshold value can correspond to any direction. Alternatively, when the cell coverage is rectangular, different distance threshold values ​​among multiple distance threshold values ​​can each correspond to a direction. Depending on the specific implementation method, accurately defining the distance threshold value can improve the accuracy of the terminal in determining whether it is located at the edge of the cell.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first distance threshold corresponds to a first direction, and the distance between the terminal and the reference point in the first direction is the first distance. The terminal determines whether to acquire second information based on the first distance threshold, including: if the first distance is greater than or equal to the first distance threshold, the terminal determines to acquire the second information.

[0016] If the first SSB corresponds to a distance threshold, the terminal determines whether to obtain the second information based on the first distance threshold. This also includes determining not to obtain the second information if the first distance is less than the first distance threshold.

[0017] If the first SSB corresponds to multiple distance thresholds, and the multiple distance thresholds correspond to multiple directions, the multiple distance thresholds include the first distance threshold. The terminal determines whether to acquire the second information based on the first distance threshold. The method also includes: if the distance between the terminal and the reference point in each of the multiple directions is less than the corresponding distance threshold, the terminal determines not to acquire the second information.

[0018] In summary, when the terminal determines that the SSB corresponds to multiple distance thresholds in multiple directions, if the distance between the terminal and the reference point in any direction is greater than or equal to the corresponding distance threshold, the terminal determines to acquire the second information. If the distance between the terminal and the reference point in each of the multiple directions is less than the corresponding distance threshold, the terminal determines not to acquire the second information. This enables the terminal to accurately determine whether to acquire the second information.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information is also used to indicate the correspondence between the plurality of distance threshold values ​​and the plurality of SSBs.

[0020] According to the above scheme, the first information can directly indicate the correspondence between the distance threshold value and the SSB. The terminal can determine this correspondence based on the first information, enabling the terminal to determine the distance threshold value corresponding to the first SSB in the correspondence. This allows the terminal to accurately obtain a suitable distance threshold value so as to accurately determine whether to obtain the second information. This can reduce unnecessary power consumption overhead caused by misjudgment due to an inappropriate distance threshold value.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the plurality of range thresholds correspond to a plurality of beamwidths, the beamwidth of the first SSB is a first beamwidth, and the range threshold corresponding to the first SSB is the range threshold corresponding to the first beamwidth among the plurality of range thresholds.

[0022] According to the above scheme, the correspondence between multiple SSBs and multiple distance thresholds is determined by the beamwidth of each SSB. When the beamwidths of SSBs covering the cell edge area are different, resulting in different cell edge beam positions, in order for the terminal to accurately determine whether it needs to obtain second information, i.e., the information needed when located at the cell edge beam position, the network device can determine the distance threshold value corresponding to each beamwidth based on the multiple beamwidths of the SSB beams covering the cell edge. The distance threshold value corresponding to an SSB is the distance threshold value corresponding to the beamwidth of that SSB.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information is also used to indicate the correspondence between the plurality of distance thresholds and the plurality of beamwidths.

[0024] According to the above scheme, the terminal can determine the correspondence between the range threshold and the beamwidth through the first information, and then determine the correspondence between the range threshold and the SSB through the beamwidth, thus realizing the terminal's...

[0025] Optionally, the multiple beamwidths indicated by the first information are different beamwidths of multiple SSB beams covering the cell edge.

[0026] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the terminal acquiring third information, wherein the third information is used to indicate the beamwidth corresponding to the first SSB.

[0027] According to the above scheme, the terminal determines the beamwidth corresponding to the first SSB through the third information, enabling the terminal to determine the range threshold value corresponding to the first SSB based on the beamwidth of the first SSB. The range threshold value corresponding to the first SSB is the range threshold value corresponding to the beamwidth of the first SSB in the correspondence indicated by the first information. This allows the terminal to accurately obtain a suitable range threshold value in order to accurately determine whether to obtain the second information. It can reduce unnecessary power consumption overhead caused by misjudgment due to an inappropriate range threshold value.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the terminal determines whether to acquire the second information based on a first distance threshold, including: the terminal determining to select the first SSB; the terminal determining that the distance threshold corresponding to the first SSB includes the first distance threshold; and the terminal determining whether to acquire the second information based on the first distance threshold.

[0029] According to the above scheme, after the SSB under maintenance changes, the terminal can determine the corresponding distance threshold value based on the changed SSB, thereby determining whether it is necessary to obtain the second information. This enables the terminal to make timely and accurate judgments regarding the acquisition of the second information.

[0030] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the broadcast information includes information related to cell reselection or cell handover.

[0031] According to the above scheme, when the terminal determines that it needs to obtain the second information based on the distance threshold, the terminal receives the broadcast information from the network device and obtains the relevant information on cell reselection / handover, which can ensure the accuracy of mobility management and measurement.

[0032] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a network device or a module (such as a chip, chip system, software, or logic circuit) configured in (or used in) the network device. The following explanation uses a network device as an example.

[0033] The method includes: a network device determining first information, the first information indicating multiple distance threshold values ​​corresponding to multiple SSBs, the multiple distance threshold values ​​being used by a terminal to determine whether to acquire second information, the second information being broadcast information; and the terminal sending the first information.

[0034] According to the above scheme, network devices can determine multiple distance thresholds corresponding to multiple beamwidths, where different distance thresholds may correspond to different beamwidths for the same direction. This allows the terminal to accurately determine whether it needs to acquire secondary information. Network devices can broadcast the corresponding information only at edge beamwidths, reducing signaling overhead and improving resource utilization. This ultimately improves system efficiency.

[0035] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, one of the plurality of SSBs corresponds to at least one of the plurality of distance thresholds.

[0036] In one example, the at least one distance threshold is a distance threshold that corresponds to any direction.

[0037] In another example, each of the at least one distance threshold values ​​corresponds to a direction.

[0038] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information is also used to indicate the correspondence between the plurality of distance threshold values ​​and the plurality of SSBs.

[0039] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the plurality of range thresholds correspond to a plurality of beamwidths, the beamwidth of the first SSB is a first beamwidth, and the range threshold corresponding to the first SSB is the range threshold corresponding to the first beamwidth among the plurality of range thresholds.

[0040] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information is also used to indicate the correspondence between the plurality of distance thresholds and the plurality of beamwidths.

[0041] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the network device sending third information, wherein the third information is used to indicate the beamwidth corresponding to the first SSB.

[0042] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the broadcast information includes information related to cell reselection or cell handover.

[0043] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal or a module (such as a chip, chip system, software, or logic circuit) configured in (or used for) the terminal. The following explanation uses a terminal as an example.

[0044] The method includes: a terminal receiving first information, the first information indicating multiple SSBs; the terminal determining whether to obtain second information based on whether the first SSB belongs to the multiple SSBs, the second information including broadcast information, and the first SSB being the SSB determined by the terminal.

[0045] According to the above scheme, after the terminal obtains the multiple SSBs through the first information, it can determine whether to obtain the second information—that is, the information that the terminal needs to obtain when it is located at the edge position—based on whether the SSB determined by the terminal belongs to the SSB indicated by the first information. This allows the terminal to obtain information that is only needed at the edge position, while not needing to obtain relevant information in non-edge areas, thereby reducing terminal power consumption, reducing signaling overhead, and improving system efficiency.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the plurality of SSBs are SSBs covering the cell edge. The terminal determines whether to obtain the second information based on whether the first SSB belongs to the plurality of SSBs, including: if the first SSB belongs to the plurality of SSBs, the terminal determines to obtain the second information.

[0047] According to the above scheme, the terminal can determine the SSB covering the cell edge using the first information, and determine whether it needs to obtain the second information based on whether the first SSB belongs to the cell edge SSB. This enables the terminal to accurately determine whether to obtain the second information needed at the cell edge, and not to obtain the second information in non-cell edge areas, thereby reducing terminal power consumption and improving system efficiency.

[0048] In another possible implementation, the plurality of SSBs includes SSBs covering areas other than the cell edge. The method further includes: the terminal receiving third information, the third information indicating at least one distance threshold. The terminal determines whether to acquire second information based on whether the first SSB belongs to the plurality of SSBs, including: the terminal determining whether to acquire the second information based on the at least one distance threshold and whether the first SSB belongs to the plurality of SSBs.

[0049] For example, the third information indicates at least one distance threshold value, which is the distance threshold value corresponding to the maximum SSB beamwidth of the SSB beam in the coverage edge area. The first information indicates multiple SSBs, which are determined based on the distance threshold values ​​corresponding to the maximum SSB beamwidth of the SSB beam in the coverage edge area, and are SSBs in the non-edge area of ​​the coverage cell.

[0050] According to the above scheme, compared with the SSB indicating the coverage edge area, the first information indicates the SSB of the coverage edge area determined based on the maximum SSB beamwidth of the SSB beam of the coverage edge area, which can enable the terminal to accurately determine whether to obtain the second information while reducing signaling overhead.

[0051] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the at least one distance threshold corresponds to at least one direction.

[0052] In one example, the at least one distance threshold is a distance threshold that corresponds to any direction.

[0053] In another example, each of the at least one distance threshold values ​​corresponds to a direction.

[0054] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the distance between the terminal and the reference point in the first direction is the first distance. The terminal determines whether to obtain second information based on the at least one distance threshold value and whether the first SSB belongs to the plurality of SSBs. This includes: the terminal determines to obtain second information when the first distance is greater than or equal to the first distance threshold value and the first SSB does not belong to the plurality of SSBs. The first distance threshold is the distance threshold corresponding to the first direction.

[0055] Optionally, if the first SSB belongs to one of the multiple SSBs indicated by the first information, the terminal determines not to acquire the second information. And if the first SSB does not belong to one of the multiple SSBs indicated by the first information, and the first distance is less than a first distance threshold, if at least one threshold also includes other thresholds, the terminal determines whether to acquire the second information based on the distance between the terminal and the reference point in other directions and the corresponding distance threshold. If the distance between the terminal and the reference point in other directions is less than the corresponding distance threshold, the terminal determines not to acquire the first information.

[0056] Using the above-described judgment method, the terminal can accurately determine whether it needs to acquire the second information required for the radii located at the cell edge. This reduces terminal power consumption and improves system efficiency.

[0057] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a network device or a module (such as a chip, chip system, software, or logic circuit) configured in (or used in) the network device. The following explanation uses a network device as an example.

[0058] The method includes: a network device determining first information, the first information indicating multiple SSBs, the multiple SSBs being used by a terminal to determine whether to obtain second information, the second information including broadcast information, based on whether the determined SSB belongs to the multiple SSBs; and the network device sending the first information.

[0059] According to the above scheme, the network device can identify multiple SSBs. These SSBs can be SSBs covering the cell edge area or SSBs covering the non-edge area of ​​the cell, determined based on the distance threshold corresponding to the maximum SSB beamwidth of the SSB beam covering the edge area. The multiple SSBs are indicated by first information so that the terminal can determine whether to obtain second information. This allows the network device to broadcast relevant information only at edge positions, reducing signaling overhead and improving resource utilization. Ultimately, this improves system efficiency.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the multiple SSBs are SSBs covering the cell edge.

[0061] In another possible implementation, the plurality of SSBs includes SSBs covering non-cell edges, and the method further includes: the network device sending third information to indicate at least one distance threshold value, the at least one distance threshold being used by the terminal to determine whether to acquire the second information.

[0062] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the at least one distance threshold corresponds to at least one direction.

[0063] In one example, the at least one distance threshold is a distance threshold that corresponds to any direction.

[0064] In another example, each of the at least one distance threshold values ​​corresponds to a direction.

[0065] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. In one design, the device may include modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In one design, the device includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring first information indicating multiple distance thresholds, the multiple distance thresholds corresponding to multiple synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel blocks (SSBs); and a processing unit for determining, based on the first distance thresholds, whether to acquire second information, the second information including broadcast information. The first distance threshold is the distance threshold corresponding to a first SSB among the multiple distance thresholds, and the first SSB is an SSB determined by the terminal. Optionally, the acquisition unit may be a transceiver unit.

[0066] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided. In one design, the device may include modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect or any embodiment of the second aspect. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In one design, the device includes: a processing unit configured to determine first information, which indicates multiple distance thresholds corresponding to multiple SSBs. These multiple distance thresholds are used by a terminal to determine whether to acquire second information, which is broadcast information. A transceiver unit is configured to transmit the first information. In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided. In one design, the device may include modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the third aspect or any embodiment of the third aspect. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In one design, the device includes: a transceiver unit configured to receive first information indicating multiple SSBs. The processing unit is configured to determine whether to acquire second information based on whether the first SSB belongs to the plurality of SSBs, the second information including broadcast information, and the first SSB being the SSB determined by the terminal.

[0067] Eighthly, a communication device is provided. In one design, the device may include modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the fourth aspect or any of the embodiments of the fourth aspect. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In one design, the device includes: a processing unit configured to determine first information, which indicates a plurality of SSBs, wherein a terminal determines whether to acquire second information based on whether the determined SSB belongs to the plurality of SSBs, the second information including broadcast information; and a transceiver unit configured to transmit the first information.

[0068] A ninth aspect provides a communication device including a processor. The processor can implement the methods of the first to fourth aspects and any possible implementations thereof. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory, and the processor is coupled to the memory and can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the methods of the first to fourth aspects and any possible implementations thereof. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface. In the embodiments of this application, the communication interface may be a transceiver, a pin, a circuit, a bus, a module, or other types of communication interface, and is not limited thereto.

[0069] In one implementation, the communication device is a communication equipment (such as a terminal device or access network equipment). When the communication device is a communication equipment, the communication interface can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0070] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured within a communication device. When the communication device is a chip configured within a communication device, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0071] Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0072] A tenth aspect provides a processor, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, causing the processor to execute the methods described in the first to fourth aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0073] In specific implementation, the processor can be one or more chips, the input circuit can be input pins, the output circuit can be output pins, and the processing circuit can be transistors, gate circuits, flip-flops, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, output to and transmitted by a transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as both the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0074] Eleventhly, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run, causes a computer to perform the methods described in the first to fourth aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0075] In a twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the first to fourth aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0076] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, including at least one network device and at least one terminal as described above.

[0077] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of the features corresponding to the first aspect in the second to thirteenth aspects can be referred to the relevant description of the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0078] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a system architecture of NTN applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another system architecture of NTN applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0081] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of a quasi-fixed cell provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of a mobile cell provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the cell edge beam position provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of SSB coverage cell areas with different beamwidths provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0085] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the cell edge beam position when using SSB with different beamwidths according to an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams of different distance threshold values ​​corresponding to different beamwidths provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0088] Figures 10 and 10A are different schematic diagrams provided in the embodiments of this application, showing the use of different beamwidths to cover different areas;

[0089] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the distance between the terminal and the reference point when the terminal is located at different wavelengths according to the embodiments of this application;

[0090] Figure 12 is another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of wave position removal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the distance threshold value corresponding to the minimum beamwidth provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0093] Figure 15 is another schematic diagram of wave position removal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0094] Figure 16 is a schematic block diagram of an example of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0095] Figure 17 is a schematic structural diagram of another example of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0096] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following description is provided first:

[0097] In this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information for the purpose of instructing A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly instructs A, or indirectly instructs A.

[0098] In this application, " / " can indicate that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" can be used to describe three relationships between the related objects. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0099] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more, such as three, four, or more. Similar expressions (such as at least one, at least one, etc.) are used in the same way. "At least one of the following," "one or more of the following," or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, which may include only a single item or a combination of multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, or b, or c; a and b; or a and c; or b and c; or a, b, and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0100] In this application, for the convenience of describing the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish them. The terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0101] In this application, the words "exemplary," "example," or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary," "example," or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. The use of the words "exemplary," "example," or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0102] In this application, "sending information / data" only indicates the direction of information / data transmission, including direct transmission via the device's communication interface (such as an air interface, or simply air interface). "Sending" can also be understood as the "output" of a module interface. "Sending" can include indirect transmission by the processing unit through the communication interface, meaning that after the processing unit outputs information / data through the module interface, it is transmitted to the device's communication interface and then sent out. "Receiving information / data" only indicates the direction of information / data transmission, including direct reception via the communication interface. "Receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of a module interface. "Receiving information / data" can include indirect reception by the processing unit through the communication interface, meaning that after the communication interface receives information / data, it is transmitted to the processing unit's module interface and then input to the processing unit. "Sending information / data to… (such as a terminal)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal. It can include sending information / data directly or indirectly to the terminal. "Receiving information / data from… (such as a terminal)" can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal, and can include receiving information / data directly or indirectly from the terminal. Information / data may undergo necessary processing, such as format changes, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information / data from the source. Similar statements in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be repeated here.

[0103] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th Generation (5G) communication systems, satellite communication systems, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) systems, and the solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems or other communication systems. This application does not limit these applications.

[0104] Figure 1 illustrates another possible, non-limiting system diagram. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, a core network (CN) 200, and a data network (DN) 300. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. Access network node (or RAN node) 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and access network node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0105] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future evolution systems. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0106] Access network node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple access network nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of access network node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. Access network node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0107] In one possible scenario, the access network node can be a base station, such as an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), or a base station in a future mobile communication system. The access network node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Alternatively, the access network node can be an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), or an access node in a WiFi system. Optionally, the access network node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network device in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the access network node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The access network node in this application may also be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network node.

[0108] In another possible scenario, multiple access network nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each access network node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, access network nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0109] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in the ORAN system, CU can also be called open CU (O-CU), DU can also be called open DU (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called open RU (O-RU).

[0110] Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU units can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. That is, the wireless access network device in this application can be a virtualized device, for example, implemented through general-purpose hardware and instantiated virtualization functions, or dedicated hardware and instantiated virtualization functions. The general-purpose hardware can be a server, such as a cloud server.

[0111] A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used for communication in various scenarios. These scenarios include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), D2D, V2X, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, intelligent transportation, sensing terminals, terminals integrating communication and sensing, or smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones (as shown in Figure 1, 120a, 120j, and 120e), tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities (as shown in Figure 1, 120g), customer-premises equipment (CPE), point-of-sale (POS) machines, wearable devices, vehicles (as shown in Figure 1, 120b), drones, helicopters, airplanes (as shown in Figure 1, 120i), ships, robots, robotic arms, sensors, detectors, or smart home devices (as shown in Figure 1, 120h), etc.

[0112] Furthermore, terminal devices can also be terminal devices within IoT systems. IoT is a crucial component of future information technology development, its main technological characteristic being the connection of objects to networks via communication technologies, thereby achieving intelligent networks that enable human-machine and machine-to-machine interconnection. IoT technology, for example, can achieve massive connectivity, deep coverage, and low power consumption at the terminal level through narrowband (NB) technology.

[0113] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating one possible, non-limiting system. The system architecture shown in Figure 2 is one type of NTN system architecture. The satellite possesses all protocol layer processing functions of the access network node and can be called a satellite base station. Ground mobile terminals (such as user equipment (UE)) communicate with the satellite base station through an air interface (such as the Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network-User (Uu)) and access the network through the satellite base station. The satellite base station transmits back to the ground station via microwave, and the ground station connects to the core network (CN) via wired connection. The link between the satellite base station and the ground station can be called a satellite radio interface (SRI) link or a feeder link. The satellite base station can transmit signaling / service data with the core network through the next-generation (NG) interface, and the ground station is responsible for forwarding the signaling / service data between the satellite base station and the core network. The core network can transmit service data with the data network (DN). As shown in Figure 2, there are inter-satellite links (ISL) between satellite base stations. Xn interfaces can be established between satellite base stations based on ISLs. These Xn interfaces are used for signaling interaction between satellites.

[0114] Figure 3 illustrates another possible, non-limiting system diagram. As shown in Figure 3, the ground mobile terminal (such as UE) communicates with the ground base station through the Uu interface. The satellite can realize transparent payload transmission between the UE and the ground base station. The satellite and the ground station can be regarded as the RRU of the ground base station, realizing functions such as radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion and amplification of the signal, and the signal waveform remains unchanged; the satellite's forwarding is transparent to the UE.

[0115] The relevant technologies and terms involved in the embodiments of this application are described below.

[0116] I. Beam

[0117] Beamforming technology refers to adjusting the amplitude and / or phase of a signal to give the signal radiation through an antenna array a certain directionality, thereby achieving higher antenna array gain. The main lobe of the antenna radiation pattern can be referred to as a beam. In the embodiments of this application, the main lobe of the antenna radiation pattern of the network device's antenna array radiating the synchronization signal and the physical broadcast block (SSB) can be referred to as the SSB beam.

[0118] Signals can be filtered using spatial domain transmission filters based on spatial filtering parameters to achieve amplitude and / or phase adjustment. Different spatial domain transmission filters using different spatial filtering parameters can achieve beams in different directions. Beams in different directions have different maximum power radiation directions. In the embodiments of this application, different SSB beams have different beam directions. Different SSB beams can be understood as using different spatial domain transmission filters, or in other words, using different spatial filtering parameters.

[0119] Specifically, beamforming technology includes analog beamforming, digital beamforming, and hybrid digital-analog beamforming. Analog beamforming uses an antenna array composed of multiple antenna elements to transmit signals simultaneously. Each antenna element corresponds to a phase shifter. By adjusting the phase of the phase shifter corresponding to each antenna element, the radiated signal through the antenna array is made directional. Therefore, for analog beamforming, the function of the aforementioned spatial transmission filter can be achieved through multiple phase shifters corresponding to multiple antenna elements. Digital beamforming has multiple digital processing channels. Each digital processing channel adjusts the phase (or amplitude and phase) of the signal in the digital domain, making the radiated signal through the antenna directional. Therefore, for digital beamforming, the function of the aforementioned spatial transmission filter can be achieved through multiple digital processing channels. Hybrid beamforming is a combination of analog and digital beamforming technologies, incorporating both multiple digital processing channels and multiple analog phase shifters. Therefore, for hybrid beamforming technology, the function of the aforementioned spatial transmission filter can be achieved through multiple phase shifters corresponding to multiple array elements in the antenna array and multiple digital processing channels. However, this application is not limited to this; the aforementioned spatial transmission filter can also be implemented through other technologies.

[0120] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the beam can be replaced by spatial filtering parameters, or the beam can be replaced by a spatial transmission filter. A spatial transmission filter can also be called a spatial filter.

[0121] II. Beamwidth

[0122] The beamwidth can be the angle between two directions on either side of the beam's maximum power radiation direction where the radiated power drops by 3 dB; it can be called the 3 dB beamwidth or half-power beamwidth. However, this application is not limited to this. In specific implementations, a predefined decibel (dB) value for radiated power drop can be defined, and the beamwidth is the angle between two directions on either side of the beam's maximum power radiation direction where the radiated power drops by this predefined decibel value. The beamwidths of different beams are all determined based on a uniform decibel value for radiated power drop.

[0123] III. Wave position

[0124] The coverage area of ​​an SSB beam on the ground can be referred to as a beam position. In the embodiments of this application, the beam position can be replaced by SSB coverage area, SSB beam coverage area, SSB coverage region, or SSB beam coverage region.

[0125] The ground control center can divide the satellite cell coverage area into several regions, each region representing a single band position, and assign unique numbers to all band positions. The size of each band position is set to be the same as the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam, facilitating periodic satellite scanning. The specific location and number of each band position can be provided to the access network by the control center and the core network. It should be understood that a band position represents the coverage area of ​​an SSB, and a band position number corresponds to the SSB index covering that band position. Based on network equipment implementation, one SSB index can correspond to one or more band position numbers. For example, within the cell coverage area, different SSBs can cover different band positions, meaning there is a one-to-one correspondence between the SSB index and the band position number. Alternatively, within the cell coverage area, the SSB indices of SSBs covering different band positions can be the same, meaning one SSB index can correspond to multiple band position numbers. This can be understood as SSBs with the same SSB index but different SSB beam directions covering different band positions. This application does not limit the correspondence between band position numbers and SSB indices.

[0126] IV. NTN Cell

[0127] Generally speaking, satellite orbits can be divided into geostationary earthorbit (GEO) and NGEO. NGEO includes low earthorbit (LEO) at altitudes of approximately 300 to 1500 kilometers and medium earth orbit (MEO) at altitudes of approximately 7000 to 25000 kilometers.

[0128] Cells in an NTN scenario (referred to as NTN cells) can be divided into:

[0129] Fixed cell: also known as a stationary cell, refers to a cell whose coverage area is fixed and does not change over time. In other words, the cell covers a fixed geographical area. Fixed cells can be cells managed by GEO satellites.

[0130] Quasi-fixed terrestrial cell: or quasi-fixed cell, whose coverage area is a geographical region within a limited time period and a different geographical region within another time period. For example, a quasi-fixed terrestrial cell can be a cell managed by an NGSO satellite. As shown in Figure 3A, the satellite can control the beam direction to keep the cell's coverage area unchanged within a limited time period, such as from time T1 to T3.

[0131] Ground-based mobile cell: or mobile cell, the coverage area of ​​a cell is glided across the ground as the satellite moves. For example, a ground-based mobile cell can be a cell managed by an NGSO satellite, where the satellite's beam is fixed or non-directional. As shown in Figure 3B, the satellite's coverage area changes as the satellite moves; the geographical areas covered by the cell are different at times T1, T2, and T3, corresponding to geographical areas 1 to 3, respectively.

[0132] V. System Information

[0133] Network devices broadcast synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel blocks (SSBs). Terminals detect the SSBs broadcast by network devices through cell search and can establish a communication connection with the network device through the detected SSBs. Specifically, by detecting the SSBs, the terminal reads the master information block (MIB) carried on the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) within the SSB. Based on the MIB, the terminal can obtain the system information block (SIB)1. In the NTN scenario, SIB1 contains the access permission for the serving satellite and defines the scheduling instructions for other system information (OSI). SIB1 also includes unified configuration information for the serving satellite, such as uplink and downlink frequencies, initial bandwidth part (BWP), SSB transmission period, and index.

[0134] Except for SIB1, all other types of SIBs can be collectively referred to as OSI. OSI may include, but is not limited to, SIB2 to SIB21. For example, SIB2 and SIB4 respectively contain information related to cell reselection for co-frequency and inter-frequency cells, such as reselection measurement-related frequencies, signal strength, and serving satellite measurement window configurations, such as SSB-based measurement timing configuration (SMTC) and neighboring satellite measurement window configuration SMTC4. SIB19 contains satellite auxiliary information for NTN access, such as ephemeris information, time advance (TA) information, cell-level uplink and downlink offsets K_offset, epoch time, etc.

[0135] Because satellites, as network devices, cover a large area, the needs of terminals located in different areas within that coverage area may differ. For example, terminals located at the cell edge need to perform neighbor cell measurements for cell handover / reselection. Therefore, terminals in these areas need to obtain information related to neighbor cell measurements, such as by receiving SIB2, SIB4, and ephemeris information from neighboring satellites, which includes cell reselection-related information. Terminals located outside the cell edge area do not need to obtain this information. Therefore, network devices can broadcast neighbor cell measurement information in cell edge areas but not in non-edge areas. This reduces signaling overhead and improves resource utilization. Terminals can determine whether to obtain neighbor cell measurement information based on whether they are located in an edge area.

[0136] The terminal can determine whether it is located at the cell edge position based on whether it is located at the cell edge beam position (i.e., the coverage area of ​​the SSB beam covering the cell edge area). In one implementation, the network device can provide the terminal with a distance threshold value. The terminal can compare the distance between its current location and a reference point with the distance threshold value to determine whether it is located at the cell edge beam position. As shown in Figure 4, taking a rectangular cell coverage area as an example, the network device can provide the terminal with two distance threshold values ​​d. th1 and d th2 The two distance thresholds correspond to different directions. When the distance between the terminal and the reference point in one of the directions is greater than the distance threshold corresponding to that direction, the terminal can determine that it is located at the cell edge spectral position.

[0137] However, network devices may use SSB beams with different beamwidths for areas with different access requirements. The coverage area of ​​SSB beams with different beamwidths varies, as shown in Figure 5. The network device uses a wider beamwidth 1 to cover areas with lower access requirements and a narrower beamwidth 2 to cover areas with higher access requirements. Figure 6 shows the edge beams within the cell's coverage area. It can be seen that the distance between the edge region of the cell covered by SSB beams with different beamwidths and the reference point is different. Therefore, this application proposes that the network device can determine multiple distance threshold values ​​corresponding to multiple beamwidths, where multiple distance threshold values ​​may be included for the same direction, corresponding to different beamwidths. This allows the terminal to obtain multiple distance threshold values ​​and accurately determine whether it is located at an edge position based on an appropriate distance threshold value. The terminal can obtain information only needed at the edge position, reducing terminal power consumption. The network device can broadcast relevant information only at the edge position, reducing signaling overhead and improving resource utilization. This achieves the goal of improving system efficiency.

[0138] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0139] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application illustrate the method from the perspective of interaction between the terminal and the network device, but this application does not limit the executing entity of the method. The terminal can be replaced by a module (such as a chip, chip system, processor, logic circuit, or software) configured in (or used for) the terminal, and the network device can be replaced by a module (such as a chip, chip system, processor, logic circuit, or software) configured in (or used for) the terminal. When the executing entity is a module in the terminal or network device, receiving / transmitting can be understood as input / output, that is, the module communicates with other modules or components of the terminal or network device. Furthermore, the operation performed by a single executing entity can also be divided into operations performed by multiple executing entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. For example, the operation performed by the network device can be divided into operations performed by at least one of CU, DU, RU, etc.

[0140] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, which includes, but is not limited to, the following S701 and S702.

[0141] S701, the network device sends first information, which is used to indicate multiple distance threshold values, and the multiple distance threshold values ​​correspond to multiple SSBs.

[0142] Accordingly, the terminal acquires the first information; specifically, the terminal receives the first information from the network device. The terminal can determine the multiple distance threshold values ​​based on the first information.

[0143] Network devices can determine multiple distance thresholds based on the multiple beamwidths of SSB beams in a cell. Specifically, network devices can determine multiple distance thresholds based on the multiple beamwidths of SSB beams covering the edge area of ​​the cell, with each beamwidth corresponding to at least one of the multiple distance thresholds.

[0144] For example, the SSB beams covering the cell edge area include Nw beamwidths of SSB beams, and network devices can determine the appropriate beamwidth based on this N. W Given a beamwidth, determine Nth range thresholds, N W One beamwidth corresponds to at least one range threshold; that is, one beamwidth can correspond to one range threshold, or one beamwidth can correspond to multiple range thresholds, where N w N th N is an integer greater than 1, and N w ≤N th .

[0145] The range threshold corresponding to an SSB is determined by the beamwidth of that SSB. For example, N W A beamwidth includes beamwidth i, and beamwidth i corresponds to nth,i range thresholds. Therefore, an SSB with beamwidth i corresponds to nth,i range thresholds, which are the nth,i range thresholds corresponding to beamwidth i. Different SSBs with the same beamwidth have the same range thresholds. Here, different SSBs refer to SSBs with different SSB indices and / or different coverage areas.

[0146] In one example, one of the Nw beamwidths corresponds to multiple range thresholds, and each of these range thresholds corresponds to a direction. In other words, multiple range thresholds corresponding to one beamwidth correspond to multiple directions.

[0147] For example, as shown in Figure 6 above, the cell coverage is rectangular. The SSB beams covering the cell edge include two SSB beams with beamwidths 1 and 2, Nw = 2. The network device can determine four distance thresholds based on the two beamwidths, Nth = 4. Specifically, the network device determines two distance thresholds corresponding to each beamwidth, which correspond to directions v and h, respectively. As shown in Figure 8, the network device can determine two distance thresholds based on beamwidth 1, namely dth1-v and dth1-h, where dth1-v corresponds to direction v, i.e., dth1-v is the distance threshold for beamwidth 1 in direction v, and dth1-h corresponds to direction h, i.e., dth1-h is the distance threshold for beamwidth 1 in direction h. The network device can determine two distance thresholds based on beamwidth 2: dth2-v and dth2-h. dth2-v corresponds to direction v, meaning it's the distance threshold for beamwidth 2 in direction v, and dth2-h corresponds to direction h, meaning it's the distance threshold for beamwidth 2 in direction h. The network device can notify the terminal of these four distance thresholds via the first information. The terminal can determine the two distance thresholds corresponding to its SSB based on its own determined SSB, and then compare the distance between the terminal and the reference point in direction v with the distance threshold for direction v, and the distance in direction h with the distance threshold for direction h. Based on the comparison results, it determines whether to acquire the second information, i.e., the information needed when the terminal is located at the cell edge.

[0148] For example, direction v can be the direction of satellite movement, and direction h is perpendicular to direction v. Alternatively, direction v can be a latitude direction, and direction h can be a longitude direction. Alternatively, direction v and direction h are two directions determined based on a predetermined coordinate system (such as the global coordinate system (GCS)). Alternatively, the network device can notify the terminal of direction v and direction h via signaling. Through the above-described predefined or signaling interaction, the network device and the terminal have a consistent understanding of direction v and direction h.

[0149] In another example, one of the Nw beamwidths corresponds to a range threshold that applies to any direction.

[0150] For example, as shown in Figure 9, the cell coverage is circular. The SSB beams covering the cell edge include two SSB beams with beamwidths 1 and 2, Nw = 2. The network device can determine two distance thresholds based on these two beamwidths, Nth = 2, where one beamwidth corresponds to one distance threshold, and this distance threshold corresponds to any direction. The network device can determine one distance threshold dth1 based on beamwidth 1 and another distance threshold dth2 based on beamwidth 2. Both distance thresholds dth1 and dth2 correspond to any direction. The network device can notify the terminal of these two distance thresholds through first information. The terminal can determine the distance threshold corresponding to the SSB based on the SSB determined by the terminal, and then compare the distance between the terminal and the reference point with the distance threshold to determine whether to obtain the second information, i.e., the information needed when the terminal is located at the cell edge.

[0151] It should be noted that "any direction corresponding to the distance threshold" means that after the terminal determines the distance threshold corresponding to the SSB, the terminal will use this distance threshold regardless of which direction the line connecting the terminal and the reference point points, and determine whether to obtain the second information based on the distance between the terminal and the reference point.

[0152] It should be understood that Figure 9 only schematically illustrates the coverage area of ​​SSB beams with two beamwidths in the cell edge region. The coverage areas of other SSB beams in the cell are not shown in Figure 9, and this application does not limit them. In addition, in the examples of Figures 8 and 9 above, the SSB beams covering the cell edge are illustrated as including two beamwidths, i.e., Nw = 2. However, this application is not limited to this. The SSB beams covering the cell edge can include more than two beamwidths, i.e., the value of Nw can be any other integer value greater than 2.

[0153] In S701, the network device notifies the terminal of multiple distance threshold values ​​via first information. This first information can be broadcast information; for example, it can be system information, such as information carried in a MIB or SIB, where the SIB can be SIB1 or another SIB. Alternatively, the first information can be other broadcast information; this application does not limit this.

[0154] The specific implementation methods of the first information are described below, which may include, but are not limited to, the following implementation methods one to three.

[0155] In the first implementation, the first information is also used to indicate the correspondence between multiple distance thresholds and multiple beamwidths.

[0156] In other words, the first information is used to indicate multiple range threshold values, and the first information is also used to indicate the correspondence between the multiple range threshold values ​​and multiple beamwidths. Alternatively, the first information is used to indicate multiple beamwidths, and the first information is also used to indicate at least one range threshold value corresponding to each of the multiple beamwidths.

[0157] For example, among the Nw beamwidths, beamwidth i and beamwidth j are included. The network device determines that beamwidth i corresponds to nth,i range thresholds, and beamwidth j corresponds to nth,j range thresholds. Then, the first information indicates the nth,i range thresholds and the beamwidth i corresponding to each nth,i range threshold. The first information also indicates the nth,j range thresholds and the beamwidth j corresponding to each nth,j range threshold. Alternatively, the first information indicates the beamwidth i, the beamwidth j, and the nth,j range thresholds corresponding to the beamwidth i. th,i There are nth,j distance threshold values ​​corresponding to the beamwidth j. The first information can specifically indicate the beamwidth and / or distance threshold values ​​by including corresponding values ​​or corresponding identifiers; this application does not limit this. The specific correspondence between beamwidth and distance threshold values ​​can be determined by the order in which the first information indicates the beamwidth and distance threshold values; this application does not limit this either. After receiving the first information, the terminal can determine the correspondence between multiple distance threshold values ​​and multiple beamwidths. Based on the beamwidth of the SSB determined by the terminal, it can determine the distance threshold value corresponding to that beamwidth in the correspondence. The distance threshold value corresponding to that beamwidth is the distance threshold value corresponding to that SSB. Using the distance threshold value corresponding to that SSB, the terminal determines whether it needs to obtain second information, i.e., the information needed when the terminal is located at the cell edge, based on the distance between the terminal and the reference point.

[0158] Optionally, the multiple beamwidths indicated by the first information are different beamwidths of multiple SSB beams covering the cell edge. In one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 10, the SSB beams of the cell include three different beamwidths, such as beamwidth 1 to beamwidth 3. The SSB beams covering the cell edge include SSB beams with beamwidths of beamwidth 1 and beamwidth 2, but do not include SSB beams with beamwidth 3. That is, the SSB beam with beamwidth 3 covers the non-cell edge area. Then, the network device only needs to determine the distance threshold based on the SSB beamwidths 1 and 2 covering the cell edge area, and indicate the correspondence through the first information, so that the terminal can determine the corresponding distance threshold based on the beamwidth of the SSB determined by the terminal, and then determine whether to obtain the second information. However, when the beamwidth of the SSB determined by the terminal is beamwidth 3, and the first information does not indicate the distance threshold corresponding to beamwidth 3, the terminal does not need to perform distance comparison and judgment, which can reduce terminal power consumption.

[0159] In the example shown in Figure 10, the network device determines the corresponding distance threshold value based on the beamwidth of the SSB beam covering the current cell edge and indicates the correspondence through first information. That is, the first information indicates the correspondence under the current coverage state. Under the current state, the SSB beam covering the cell edge does not include the SSB beam with beamwidth 3. Therefore, the distance threshold value indicated by the first information does not include the distance threshold value corresponding to beamwidth 3. In one possible implementation, the network device's SSB coverage strategy may change over time. For example, for a terrestrial mobile cell, over time, the SSB with beamwidth 3 may cover the edge area. For example, Figure 10 shows the SSB coverage method at time T1, while the SSB coverage method at time T2 is shown in Figure 10A. At this time, the SSB beam covering the cell edge includes three beamwidths from beamwidth 1 to beamwidth 3.

[0160] In one implementation, the network device can update first information, which indicates distance threshold values ​​corresponding to the three beamwidths. The network device can notify the terminal to receive the updated first information. For example, the network device can send a paging message to notify the terminal to receive the updated first information.

[0161] In another implementation, the first information may indicate both the current state and the distance threshold corresponding to the beamwidth of the SSB covering the cell edge in the future state. The first information may also include time information.

[0162] In one example, the first information indicates the distance threshold values ​​corresponding to beamwidths 1 to 3. The first information also includes time information corresponding to each beamwidth. The time information for one beamwidth indicates the effective start time and / or effective end time of the distance threshold value corresponding to that beamwidth. For example, the time information corresponding to beamwidths 1 and 2 both indicate that the effective start time of the corresponding distance threshold value is time T1, and the time information corresponding to beamwidth 3 indicates that the effective start time for beamwidth 3 is time T2, where time T2 is after time T1. When the terminal is within the SSB coverage area of ​​beamwidth 3, it can determine whether to perform a distance comparison and judgment based on the current time. If the current time is before time T2, it is determined that no comparison or judgment is needed; if the current time is at or after time T2, it is determined that a comparison or judgment is needed. Optionally, each time information can also indicate the effective end time of the distance threshold value corresponding to each beamwidth.

[0163] In another example, the first information can indicate multiple correspondences, each corresponding to a time information. The time information indicates the start and / or end time of the corresponding correspondence's effectiveness. These multiple correspondences can include a first correspondence and a second correspondence. The first correspondence is a correspondence between beamwidth 1, beamwidth 2, and a range threshold. The time information corresponding to this first correspondence indicates that its effective start time is time T1, meaning that the first correspondence becomes effective after time T1, and other correspondences indicated by the first information are invalid. The second correspondence is a correspondence between beamwidths 1 to 3 and a range threshold. The time information corresponding to this second correspondence indicates that its effective start time is time T2, meaning that the second correspondence becomes effective after time T2, and other correspondences indicated by the first information are invalid. The terminal can determine the currently effective correspondence based on the current time, and then determine the corresponding range threshold within the currently effective correspondence based on the determined SSB beamwidth.

[0164] In another implementation, the network device can update the first information, which indicates the distance threshold values ​​corresponding to the three beamwidths. The network device can notify the terminal to receive the updated first information. For example, the network device can send a paging message to notify the terminal to receive the updated first information.

[0165] It should be understood that in the second and third implementation methods described below, the first information can indicate the correspondence in the current state, or the first information can indicate the correspondence in both the current state and the future state. For specific implementation, please refer to the above description. The difference lies in the type of correspondence indicated, which will be elaborated on below.

[0166] In the second implementation method, the first information is also used to indicate the correspondence between multiple distance threshold values ​​and multiple SSBs.

[0167] In other words, the first information is used to indicate multiple distance threshold values, and the first information is also used to indicate the correspondence between the multiple distance threshold values ​​and multiple SSBs.

[0168] Based on the multiple beamwidths of multiple SSBs covering the cell edge, network devices can determine the distance threshold value corresponding to each beamwidth. Furthermore, the network device can determine the correspondence between SSBs and distance threshold values ​​based on the beamwidth of the SSB, thereby indicating the correspondence between distance threshold values ​​and SSBs through first information. For example, there are nth,i distance threshold values ​​corresponding to beamwidth i among Nw beamwidths, and the cell includes n beamwidths of beamwidth i. SSB i SSBs, n SSB The range threshold values ​​corresponding to each of the i SSBs are all nth,i range threshold values ​​corresponding to the beamwidth i. The first information can indicate these nth,i range threshold values ​​and the n values ​​corresponding to them. SSB The SSB indexes of i SSBs. Among the Nw beamwidths, beamwidth j corresponds to nth,j range thresholds, while the cell includes n beamwidths of beamwidth j. SSB j SSBs, n SSB The range threshold values ​​corresponding to the j SSBs are all the nth,j range threshold values ​​corresponding to the beamwidth j. The first information also indicates the nth,j range threshold values ​​and the n values ​​corresponding to the nth,j range threshold values. SSB The terminal can determine the SSB indexes of j SSBs based on the first information. It can then determine the correspondence between multiple distance thresholds and multiple SSBs, and based on the SSB determined by the terminal, determine the distance threshold corresponding to that SSB. Using the distance threshold corresponding to that SSB, the terminal determines whether it needs to acquire the second information—that is, the information needed when the terminal is located at the cell edge—based on the distance between the terminal and the reference point. However, if the first information does not indicate the distance threshold corresponding to the SSB determined by the terminal, it can be understood that the terminal is located in a non-cell edge area, and the terminal does not need to perform distance comparison and judgment.

[0169] In the third implementation method, the first information is also used to indicate the correspondence between multiple distance threshold values ​​and multiple wave positions.

[0170] As mentioned earlier, a wave position represents the coverage area of ​​a single SSB (Secondary Substation). Therefore, network devices can use the first information to indicate the correspondence between distance thresholds and wave positions. Specifically, based on the multiple beamwidths of multiple SSBs covering the cell edge, the network device can determine the distance threshold corresponding to each beamwidth. Then, based on the beamwidth of the SSBs covering each wave position, it determines the distance threshold corresponding to each wave position. The distance threshold corresponding to a wave position is the distance threshold corresponding to the beamwidth of the SSBs covering that wave position. The network device can use the first information to indicate the correspondence between wave positions and distance thresholds. The terminal can determine the distance threshold corresponding to its current wave position, and using that distance threshold, determine whether to obtain the second information based on the distance between the terminal and the reference point. If the first information does not indicate the distance threshold corresponding to the terminal's current wave position, it can be understood that the wave position is a non-cell edge wave position, and the terminal does not need to perform distance comparison or judgment.

[0171] S702, the terminal determines whether to acquire the second information based on the first distance threshold value. The second information includes broadcast information. The first distance threshold value is the distance threshold value corresponding to the first SSB among multiple distance threshold values. The first SSB is the SSB determined by the terminal.

[0172] The terminal determines that the SSB maintained by the terminal has changed to a first SSB. Specifically, this change may be due to the movement of the terminal and / or the movement of the satellite acting as a network device relative to the ground. The terminal can determine whether to acquire second information based on at least one distance threshold value corresponding to the first SSB, where the at least one distance threshold value includes the first distance threshold value.

[0173] For example, the SSB maintained by the terminal may be the optimal SSB maintained by the terminal, or it may be the SSB corresponding to the waveform position where the terminal is located, or it may be the SSB with the strongest signal strength determined by the terminal based on measurement, or the SSB maintained by the terminal may be indicated to the terminal by the network device.

[0174] In the first embodiment described above, the first information is used to indicate the correspondence between multiple distance thresholds and multiple beamwidths.

[0175] Optionally, the terminal obtains third information, which is used to determine whether the beamwidth corresponding to the first SSB is the first beamwidth.

[0176] For example, the terminal can receive the third information from the network device and determine the first beamwidth corresponding to the first SSB based on the third information. Alternatively, the terminal can determine the third information, i.e., determine the first beamwidth corresponding to the first SSB, based on other auxiliary information. This application does not limit this. After the terminal determines the first beamwidth corresponding to the first SSB, the terminal can determine, based on the first information, that at least one distance threshold value corresponding to the first SSB is at least one threshold value corresponding to the first beamwidth indicated by the first information.

[0177] In the second embodiment described above, the first information is used to indicate the correspondence between multiple distance threshold values ​​and multiple SSBs. The terminal can determine at least one distance threshold value corresponding to the first SSB in the correspondence based on the correspondence indicated by the first information.

[0178] In the above-described third implementation method, the first information is used to indicate the correspondence between multiple range threshold values ​​and multiple wave positions. The terminal can determine the current beam, i.e., the first wave position corresponding to the first SSB, and then determine at least one range threshold value corresponding to the first wave position in the correspondence indicated by the first information. This at least one range threshold value is the range threshold value corresponding to the first SSB.

[0179] As mentioned earlier, the at least one distance threshold value corresponding to the first SSB can be a single distance threshold value, i.e., the first distance threshold value. Alternatively, the at least one distance threshold value corresponding to the first SSB can be multiple distance threshold values, including the first distance threshold value, and each of the multiple distance threshold values ​​corresponds to a direction.

[0180] Optionally, the first distance threshold corresponds to the first direction, the distance between the terminal and the reference point in the first direction is the first distance, and the terminal determines whether to acquire the second information based on the first distance threshold, including: if the first distance is greater than or equal to the first distance threshold, determining to acquire the second information.

[0181] If the first SSB corresponds to a distance threshold, the terminal determines whether to obtain the second information based on the first distance threshold. This also includes determining not to obtain the second information if the first distance is less than the first distance threshold.

[0182] If the first SSB corresponds to multiple distance thresholds, and the multiple distance thresholds correspond to multiple directions, the multiple distance thresholds include the first distance threshold. The terminal determines whether to acquire the second information based on the first distance threshold. The method also includes: if the distance between the terminal and the reference point in each of the multiple directions is less than the corresponding distance threshold, the terminal determines not to acquire the second information.

[0183] Optionally, the location information of the reference point can be obtained by the terminal from the network device, or it can be determined by the terminal based on auxiliary information (such as ephemeris information) provided by the network device. For example, the reference point can be a point within the cell coverage area, such as the center location within the cell coverage area, or the reference point can be the sub-satellite point of a satellite of the network device; this application does not limit this.

[0184] For example, as shown in Figure 11, the network device uses SSB beams with beamwidth 1 and beamwidth 2 to cover different areas of the cell. The network device indicates four distance threshold values ​​through the first information, including distance threshold values ​​dth1-v and dth1-h corresponding to beamwidth 1, and distance threshold values ​​dth2-v and dth2-h corresponding to beamwidth 2.

[0185] In one example, the terminal identifies the first SSB as the SSB covering wave position A shown in Figure 11. The terminal can determine the distance threshold values ​​corresponding to this first SSB as dth2-v and dth2-h according to the method described above, where dth2-v is the distance threshold value corresponding to direction v, and dth2-h is the distance threshold value corresponding to direction h. The terminal can determine the distance d between the terminal and the reference point in direction v (i.e., an example of the first direction) as d. A -v (i.e., an example of the first distance), the terminal determines d A If -v is less than the distance threshold dth2-v corresponding to direction v, the terminal then determines the distance d between the terminal and the reference point in direction h (another example of the first direction). A -h, terminal determines d A Since -h is less than the distance threshold value dth2-h corresponding to direction h, and the distance between the terminal and the reference point in both directions is less than the corresponding distance threshold value, the terminal can determine that it does not need to obtain the second information. That is, the wave position corresponding to the first SSB where the terminal is currently located is a non-edge wave position, and there is no need to obtain the second information required for the wave position located at the edge of the cell.

[0186] In another example, the first SSB determined by the terminal is the SSB covering wave position B shown in Figure 11. The terminal can determine the distance threshold values ​​dth1-v and dth1-h corresponding to this first SSB according to the method described above, where dth1-v is the distance threshold value corresponding to direction v, and dth1-h is the distance threshold value corresponding to direction h. The terminal can determine the distance d between the terminal and the reference point in direction v (i.e., an example of the first direction) as d. B -v (i.e., an example of the first distance), the terminal determines d B If -v is less than the distance threshold dth1-v corresponding to direction v, the terminal then determines the distance d between the terminal and the reference point in direction h (another example of the first direction).B -h, terminal determines d B If -h is greater than the distance threshold dth1-h corresponding to direction h, the terminal can determine that it needs to acquire the second information, that is, the second information required for the spectral position at the cell edge. If the terminal first determines the distance d between itself and the reference point in direction h... B The magnitude of -h and the distance threshold dth1-h determines d B If -h is greater than dth1-h, the terminal can determine that it has obtained the second information. The terminal will not continue to compare and judge the distance and distance threshold value in other directions. For example, the terminal will not compare the distance and distance threshold value in direction v.

[0187] In summary, when the SSB determined by the terminal corresponds to multiple distance thresholds in multiple directions, if the distance between the terminal and the reference point in any direction is greater than or equal to the distance threshold value corresponding to that direction, the terminal determines to acquire the second information; if the distance between the terminal and the reference point in each of the multiple directions is less than the corresponding distance threshold value, the terminal determines not to acquire the second information.

[0188] The second information includes broadcast information. For example, the broadcast information may include information related to cell reselection or cell handover. For instance, the broadcast information may include, but is not limited to, one or more of SIB2, SIB4, or SIB19. When the terminal determines that it needs to obtain the second information based on a distance threshold, the terminal receives the broadcast information from the network device to obtain the relevant information for cell reselection / handover, thus ensuring the accuracy of mobility management and measurement.

[0189] Optionally, the second information may also include information other than broadcast information. For example, the second information may also include non-broadcast information that needs to be obtained in the cell edge area, such as unicast or multicast information. Alternatively, the second information may only include broadcast information; this application does not limit this.

[0190] According to the above scheme, network devices can determine multiple distance thresholds corresponding to multiple beamwidths, where different distance thresholds may correspond to different beamwidths for the same direction. After obtaining these multiple distance thresholds through the first information, the terminal can accurately determine whether it needs to obtain the second information—that is, the information that the terminal needs to obtain when it is located at an edge beamwidth—based on the appropriate distance threshold. This allows the terminal to obtain information that is only needed at the edge beamwidth, while not needing to obtain relevant information in non-edge areas, reducing terminal power consumption. Network devices can broadcast relevant information only at the edge beamwidth, reducing signaling overhead and improving resource utilization. This ultimately improves system efficiency.

[0191] The embodiment shown in Figure 7 illustrates a network device providing multiple distance threshold values ​​to the terminal. The terminal can directly or indirectly determine the correspondence between the distance threshold values ​​and the SSB, thereby selecting an appropriate distance threshold value to determine whether to obtain the second information. In another optional solution provided in this application embodiment, the first information can be predefined by the protocol, and the terminal can obtain the first information from storage.

[0192] Specifically, a protocol can predefine the correspondence between multiple range thresholds and multiple beamwidths, such as predefining the correspondence between P range thresholds and Q beamwidths, where P and Q are positive integers, and P ≥ Q. The terminal pre-configures this correspondence in its storage based on the protocol predefinement. The terminal obtains the first information, including: obtaining the stored correspondence, i.e., the first information indicates the pre-defined correspondence between multiple range thresholds and multiple beamwidths. After determining the first SSB, the terminal can determine, based on the beamwidth of the first SSB (i.e., the first beamwidth), that the range threshold corresponding to the first beamwidth in the correspondence is the same as the range threshold corresponding to the first SSB, and thus determine whether to obtain the second information based on the range threshold corresponding to the first SSB. Specific implementation methods can be referred to the above description and will not be repeated here.

[0193] The above describes how a terminal can acquire multiple distance threshold values, which can be used to determine whether information needs to be acquired for radii located at the cell edge. This application also provides another solution: the network device can provide multiple SSBs within the cell, and the terminal determines whether it needs to acquire second information based on whether the SSB it identifies belongs to these multiple SSBs. This solution will be described below with reference to Figure 12.

[0194] Figure 12 is another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes, but is not limited to, S1201 and S1202.

[0195] S1201, the network device sends first information, which is used to indicate multiple SSBs.

[0196] The first information can be broadcast information. For example, the first information can be system information, such as information carried in a MIB or SIB, where the SIB can be SIB1 or another SIB. Alternatively, the first information can be other broadcast information, which is not limited in this application.

[0197] Optionally, the first information may include an index of each of the plurality of SSBs.

[0198] The multiple SSBs indicated by the first information can be SSBs covering the cell edge, or SSBs covering non-cell edges determined based on the maximum beamwidth of the SSB beams covering the cell edge. Specific implementations of the multiple SSBs indicated by the first information may include, but are not limited to, the following implementation A and implementation B.

[0199] In implementation method A, the multiple SSBs indicated by the first information can be SSBs covering the cell edge area.

[0200] In this embodiment, the network device indicates the SSB at the edge of the covered cell through the first information, so that the terminal can determine whether to obtain the second information based on whether the SSB determined by the terminal belongs to the SSB indicated by the first information.

[0201] In implementation method B, the multiple SSBs indicated by the first information are determined based on the distance threshold value corresponding to the maximum SSB beamwidth of the SSB beam in the coverage edge area, and are the SSBs in the non-edge area of ​​the coverage cell.

[0202] In this embodiment, the waveforms corresponding to the multiple SSBs indicated by the first information can be referred to as the eliminated waveforms. It should be understood that the waveform name is used only for ease of description in this embodiment. This application does not limit the specific names of the waveforms corresponding to the multiple SSBs, and other names may also be used.

[0203] Network devices can determine at least one distance threshold value corresponding to the maximum beamwidth of the SSB beam in the coverage edge area. This at least one distance threshold value can be multiple distance threshold values, each corresponding to a specific direction, or it can be a single distance threshold value corresponding to any direction. For details on how to determine the distance threshold value corresponding to the beamwidth, please refer to the previous explanation; it will not be repeated here.

[0204] At least one range threshold corresponding to the maximum beamwidth includes a first range threshold corresponding to a first direction. The first information indicates a plurality of SSBs, including SSBs corresponding to positions whose distance from the reference point in the first direction is greater than the first range threshold.

[0205] For example, as shown in Figure 13, the SSB beam covering the cell edge includes SSB beams with beamwidth 1 and beamwidth 2, where the maximum beamwidth is beamwidth 1. This beamwidth 1 corresponds to two distance thresholds: dth1-v for direction v and dth1-h for direction h. The network device can determine the excluded beams of the cell based on these two distance thresholds. For instance, if the network device determines four SSBs covering the non-cell edge with a distance greater than dth1-v from the reference point in direction v, and four SSBs covering the non-cell edge with a distance greater than dth1-h from the reference point in direction h, the network device sends a first message indicating these eight SSBs.

[0206] In this embodiment, the network device also sends third information indicating at least one distance threshold, which is the distance threshold corresponding to the maximum beamwidth of the SSB beam covering the cell edge. This allows the terminal to determine the distance threshold based on the multiple SSBs indicated by the first information and the at least one distance threshold indicated by the third information.

[0207] S1202, the terminal determines whether to obtain the second information based on whether the first SSB belongs to the plurality of SSBs. The second information includes broadcast information, and the first SSB is the SSB determined by the terminal.

[0208] The terminal determines that the SSB maintained by the terminal has changed to the first SSB. Specifically, this may be due to the movement of the terminal and / or the movement of the satellite, which acts as a network device, relative to the ground, causing the SSB maintained by the terminal to change to the first SSB. The terminal can determine whether to obtain the second information based on whether the first SSB belongs to the multiple SSBs indicated by the first information.

[0209] For example, the SSB maintained by the terminal may be the optimal SSB maintained by the terminal, or it may be the SSB corresponding to the waveform position where the terminal is located, or it may be the SSB with the strongest signal strength determined by the terminal based on measurement, or the SSB maintained by the terminal may be indicated to the terminal by the network device.

[0210] For example, the SSB maintained by the terminal can be the SSB determined by the terminal during the initial access procedure after power-on. If the terminal detects the SSB of a cell during cell search during the initial access procedure, and determines the SSB with the strongest signal strength through measurement, it then executes a random access procedure. Specifically, the terminal can determine the physical random access channel (PRACH) opportunity corresponding to the SSB based on system information. During the random access procedure, the terminal sends the preamble corresponding to the SSB on the PRACH opportunity to initiate random access. The network device can determine the SSB selected by the terminal based on the preamble and the PRACH opportunity containing the preamble. In other words, the preamble and the PRACH opportunity uniquely identify an SSB. Therefore, the SSB determined by the terminal can be the SSB corresponding to the preamble sent by the terminal on a PRACH opportunity during the random access procedure.

[0211] For example, the SSB maintained by the terminal can be the SSB determined in the target cell after the terminal performs a cell handover. If the source network device configures one or more SSBs of one or more neighboring cells of the source cell for the terminal's neighbor cell measurement, and the terminal triggers a cell handover process through neighbor cell measurement to switch to the target cell, the SSB maintained by the terminal can be the SSB determined after the handover to that cell, such as the SSB corresponding to the random access preamble sent during the handover process. The terminal can receive the first information of the cell, and the terminal determines whether to obtain the second information based on whether the SSB determined by the terminal belongs to the multiple SSBs indicated by the first information.

[0212] For example, if the terminal moves or the satellite moves within the coverage area of ​​the cell, the SSB maintained by the terminal can be changed from one SSB of the cell to another (i.e., the first SSB). In other words, if the wavelength of the terminal changes from one wavelength of the cell to another, the SSB maintained by the terminal can be the first SSB corresponding to the changed wavelength.

[0213] In implementation method A described above, the multiple SSBs indicated by the first information can be SSBs covering the cell edge area. If the first SSB belongs to the multiple SSBs indicated by the first information, the terminal determines to acquire the second information, that is, to acquire the information required by the terminal at the cell edge radii. If the first SSB does not belong to the multiple SSBs indicated by the first information, the terminal determines not to acquire the second information.

[0214] Regarding the above implementation method B, the multiple SSBs indicated by the first information are SSBs in the non-edge areas of the coverage cell, determined based on the distance threshold value corresponding to the maximum SSB beamwidth of the SSB beam in the coverage edge area. The terminal determines whether to acquire the second information based on whether the first SSB belongs to the multiple SSBs, including: the terminal determines whether to acquire the second information based on at least one distance threshold value indicated by the third information and whether the first SSB belongs to the multiple SSBs.

[0215] Specifically, if the third information indicates at least one distance threshold value including a first distance threshold value corresponding to the first direction, and the distance between the terminal and the reference point is the first distance, then if the first distance is greater than or equal to the first distance threshold value, and the first SSB does not belong to the multiple SSBs indicated by the first information, then it is determined to obtain the second information.

[0216] If the first SSB belongs to one of the multiple SSBs indicated by the first information, the terminal determines not to acquire the second information. Furthermore, if the first SSB does not belong to one of the multiple SSBs indicated by the first information, and the first distance is less than a first distance threshold, if at least one threshold also includes other thresholds, the terminal determines whether to acquire the second information based on the distance between the terminal and the reference point in other directions and the corresponding distance threshold. If the distance between the terminal and the reference point in other directions is less than the corresponding distance threshold, the terminal determines not to acquire the first information.

[0217] For example, as shown in Figure 14, the SSB beam covering the cell edge includes SSB beams with beamwidth 1 and beamwidth 2, where the maximum beamwidth is beamwidth 1. The network device determines the 8 discarded positions as shown in Figure 14 based on beamwidth 1. The first information sent by the network device indicates the 8 SSBs, which are SSBs covering the 8 discarded positions.

[0218] If the terminal is located at position A as shown in Figure 14, and the first SSB is the SSB covering position A, the terminal can determine that the first SSB belongs to the 8 SSBs indicated by the first information, and then the terminal can determine that it does not need to obtain the second information.

[0219] If the terminal is located at wave position B as shown in Figure 14, and the first SSB is an SSB covering wave position B, the terminal can determine that the distance between the terminal and the reference point in direction v is greater than the distance threshold value dth1-v corresponding to direction v, and the first SSB does not belong to the 8 SSBs indicated by the first information. Therefore, the terminal determines to acquire the second information. The terminal does not need to compare the distance between itself and the reference point in other directions with the corresponding distance threshold values. Alternatively, the terminal can first determine the distance between itself and the reference point in direction h and the distance threshold value dth1-h corresponding to direction h, and determine that the distance between itself and the reference point in direction h is less than dth1-h. Then, the terminal performs a judgment in direction v to determine that it needs to acquire the second information. This application does not limit the specific order of judgment.

[0220] If the terminal is located at wave position C as shown in Figure 14, and the first SSB is an SSB covering wave position C, the terminal can determine that the first SSB does not belong to the 8 SSBs indicated by the first information. The terminal determines that the distance between direction v and the reference point is less than the distance threshold dth1-v corresponding to direction v, and the distance between direction h and the reference point is less than the distance threshold dth1-h corresponding to direction h, and there are no distance thresholds corresponding to other directions. Therefore, the terminal can determine not to acquire the second information.

[0221] For example, as shown in Figure 15, the SSB beam covering the cell edge can include three beamwidths, such as SSB beamwidths 1 to 3, where the maximum beamwidth is beamwidth 1. The network device determines multiple discarded positions as shown in Figure 15 based on beamwidth 1. The first information sent by the network device indicates multiple SSBs, which cover the eight discarded positions. If the terminal is located at position A or position C as shown in Figure 14, the terminal can determine not to obtain the second information. If the terminal is located at position B as shown in Figure 14, the terminal can determine to obtain the second information. The specific determination method is the same as in Figure 14 and will not be repeated here.

[0222] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application use the example of an SSB covering the cell edge including two or three beamwidths for illustration, but this application is not limited to this. In specific implementations, the SSB covering the cell edge may also include more beamwidths, such as four, five or more beamwidths.

[0223] According to the above scheme, network devices can identify multiple SSBs. These SSBs can be SSBs covering the cell edge area or SSBs covering the non-edge area of ​​the cell, determined based on the distance threshold corresponding to the maximum SSB beamwidth of the SSB beam covering the edge area. After the terminal obtains these multiple SSBs through the first information, it can determine whether to obtain the second information—that is, the information that the terminal needs to obtain when it is located at the edge position—based on whether the SSB determined by the terminal belongs to the SSB indicated by the first information. This allows the terminal to obtain information that is only needed at the edge position, while not needing to obtain relevant information in non-edge areas, reducing terminal power consumption. Network devices can broadcast relevant information only at the edge position, reducing signaling overhead and improving resource utilization. This ultimately improves system efficiency.

[0224] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the network devices and terminals include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0225] Figures 16 and 17 are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of terminals or network devices in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be one of the terminals 120a-120j shown in Figure 1, or it can be a network device 110a or 110b shown in Figure 1, or it can be a module (such as a chip or chip system) applied to a terminal or network device.

[0226] The communication device 1600 includes a transceiver unit 1620, which can be used to receive or send information. The communication device 1600 may also include a processing unit 1610, which can be used to process instructions or data to achieve corresponding operations.

[0227] It should be understood that when the communication device 1600 is a chip configured in (or used in) a communication device, the transceiver unit 1620 in the communication device 1600 can be the input / output interface or circuit of the chip, and the processing unit 1610 in the communication device 1600 can be the processor in the chip.

[0228] Optionally, the communication device 1600 may further include a storage unit 1730, which can be used to store instructions or data. The processing unit 1610 can execute the instructions or data stored in the storage unit to enable the communication device to perform corresponding operations.

[0229] The communication device 1600 can be used to implement the functions of the network device or terminal in the method embodiment shown in FIG7 above.

[0230] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement the functions of the terminal in the method embodiment shown in FIG7: the transceiver unit 1620 is used to acquire first information, which indicates multiple distance threshold values, the multiple distance threshold values ​​corresponding to multiple synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel blocks (SSBs). The processing unit 1610 is used to determine whether to acquire second information based on the first distance threshold value, the second information including broadcast information, the first distance threshold value being the distance threshold value corresponding to the first SSB among the multiple distance threshold values, the first SSB being the SSB determined by the terminal.

[0231] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement the functions of the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG7: the processing unit 1610 is used to determine first information, which indicates a plurality of distance threshold values, which correspond to a plurality of SSBs, and the plurality of distance threshold values ​​are used by the terminal to determine whether to obtain second information, which is broadcast information. The transceiver unit 1620 is used to send the first information.

[0232] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 1610 and the transceiver unit 1620, please refer to the relevant description in the method embodiment shown in FIG7.

[0233] The communication device 1600 can be used to implement the functions of the network device or terminal in the method embodiment shown in FIG12 above.

[0234] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement the functions of the terminal in the method embodiment shown in FIG12: the transceiver unit 1620 is used to receive first information, which is used to indicate multiple SSBs. The processing unit 1610 is used to determine whether to obtain second information based on whether the first SSB belongs to the multiple SSBs, the second information including broadcast information, and the first SSB being the SSB determined by the terminal.

[0235] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement the functions of the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG12: the processing unit 1610 is used to determine first information, which indicates a plurality of SSBs, and the plurality of SSBs are used by the terminal to determine whether to obtain second information based on whether the determined SSB belongs to the plurality of SSBs, the second information including broadcast information. The transceiver unit 1620 is used to send the first information.

[0236] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 1610 and the transceiver unit 1620, please refer to the relevant description in the method embodiment shown in FIG12.

[0237] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 1620 in the communication device 1600 can be implemented through a communication interface (such as a transceiver, transceiver circuit, input / output interface, or pins, etc.). When the communication interface is a transceiver, the transceiver can consist of a receiver and / or a transmitter. The processing unit 1610 in the communication device 1600 can be implemented through at least one processor, or it can be implemented through at least one logic circuit. Optionally, the communication device 1600 also includes a storage unit, which can be implemented using a memory.

[0238] As shown in Figure 17, the communication device 1700 includes a processor 1710 and an interface circuit 1720. The processor 1710 and the interface circuit 1720 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1720 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1700 may also include a memory 1730 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1710, or storing input data required by the processor 1710 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1710 executes instructions.

[0239] In one implementation, the memory 1730 may be integrated into the processor 1710 or independent of the processor 1710.

[0240] When the communication device 1700 is used to implement the method shown in FIG8, the processor 1710 is used to implement the function of the processing unit 1610, and the interface circuit 1720 is used to implement the function of the transceiver unit 1620.

[0241] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal device, the terminal device chip can implement the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal device chip receives information from other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal device, the information being sent to the terminal device by the network device; or, the terminal device chip sends information to other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal device, the information being sent to the network device by the terminal device.

[0242] When the aforementioned communication device is a module applied to a network device, the network device module can implement the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments. The network device module receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, which is information sent from the terminal device to the network device; or, the network device module sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, which is information sent from the network device to the terminal device. Here, the network device module can be the baseband chip of the network device, or it can be a DU or other modules. The DU here can be a DU under an open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture.

[0243] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0244] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in an access network device or a terminal device. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the access network device or terminal device.

[0245] According to the method provided in the application embodiments, this application embodiment also provides a computer program product, which includes: computer program code, which, when executed by one or more processors, causes a device including the processor to perform the method shown in FIG7 or FIG12.

[0246] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed, in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, network equipment, user equipment, or other programmable device.

[0247] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium that stores the above-mentioned computer program or instructions, which, when run by one or more processors, cause a device including the processor to perform the method shown in FIG7 or FIG12.

[0248] As described above, computer programs or instructions can be stored in or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer programs or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium can be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or it can include both volatile and non-volatile types of storage media.

[0249] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, including one or more of the aforementioned network devices. The system may further include one or more of the aforementioned terminals.

[0250] In the various embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatuses described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the couplings or direct couplings or communication connections shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0251] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this solution according to actual needs.

[0252] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0253] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, said method being applied to a terminal or a chip of a terminal, characterized in that, include: Obtain first information, which indicates multiple distance threshold values, the multiple distance threshold values ​​corresponding to multiple synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel blocks (SSBs); based on the first distance threshold value, determine whether to obtain second information, the second information including broadcast information, the first distance threshold value being the distance threshold value corresponding to the first SSB among the multiple distance threshold values, the first SSB being the SSB determined by the terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the plurality of SSBs corresponds to at least one of the plurality of distance thresholds, wherein the at least one distance threshold is a single distance threshold that corresponds to any direction; or, each of the at least one distance threshold corresponds to a single direction.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first distance threshold corresponds to the first direction, and the distance between the terminal and the reference point in the first direction is the first distance. The step of determining whether to obtain the second information based on the first distance threshold includes: determining to obtain the second information if the first distance is greater than or equal to the first distance threshold.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate the correspondence between the plurality of distance threshold values ​​and the plurality of SSBs.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The plurality of range thresholds correspond to a plurality of beamwidths, the beamwidth of the first SSB is the first beamwidth, and the range threshold corresponding to the first SSB is the range threshold corresponding to the first beamwidth among the plurality of range thresholds.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate the correspondence between the plurality of distance thresholds and the plurality of beamwidths.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: acquiring third information, wherein the third information is used to indicate the beamwidth corresponding to the first SSB.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The step of determining whether to obtain the second information based on the first distance threshold includes: determining that the first SSB is selected; determining that the distance threshold corresponding to the first SSB includes the first distance threshold; and determining whether to obtain the second information based on the first distance threshold.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The broadcast information includes information related to cell reselection or cell handover.

10. A communication method, said method being applied to a network device, characterized in that, First information is determined, which is used to indicate multiple distance threshold values, which correspond to multiple SSBs. The multiple distance threshold values ​​are used by the terminal to determine whether to obtain second information, which is broadcast information. Send the first message.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, One of the plurality of SSBs corresponds to at least one of the plurality of distance thresholds, wherein the at least one distance threshold is a single distance threshold that corresponds to any direction; or, each of the at least one distance threshold corresponds to a single direction.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate the correspondence between the plurality of distance threshold values ​​and the plurality of SSBs.

13. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The plurality of range thresholds correspond to a plurality of beamwidths, the beamwidth of the first SSB is the first beamwidth, and the range threshold corresponding to the first SSB is the range threshold corresponding to the first beamwidth among the plurality of range thresholds.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate the correspondence between the plurality of distance thresholds and the plurality of beamwidths.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: sending third information, wherein the third information is used to indicate the beamwidth corresponding to the first SSB.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, The broadcast information includes information related to cell reselection or cell handover.

17. A communication method, said method being applied to a terminal or a chip of a terminal, characterized in that, include: Receive first information, which is used to indicate multiple SSBs; Whether to obtain second information is determined based on whether the first SSB belongs to the plurality of SSBs. The second information includes broadcast information, and the first SSB is the SSB determined by the terminal.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The plurality of SSBs are SSBs covering the cell edge. The step of determining whether to obtain the second information based on whether the first SSB belongs to the plurality of SSBs includes: determining to obtain the second information if the first SSB belongs to the plurality of SSBs.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The plurality of SSBs includes SSBs covering non-cell edges, and the method further includes: receiving third information, the third information being used to indicate at least one distance threshold value; the step of determining whether to obtain second information based on whether the first SSB belongs to the plurality of SSBs includes: determining whether to obtain the second information based on the at least one distance threshold value and whether the first SSB belongs to the plurality of SSBs.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The at least one distance threshold value corresponds to at least one direction, and the at least one distance threshold value is a single distance threshold value that corresponds to any direction; or, each of the at least one distance threshold values ​​corresponds to a direction.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that, The distance between the terminal and the reference point in the first direction is the first distance. The step of determining whether to obtain second information based on the at least one distance threshold value and whether the first SSB belongs to the plurality of SSBs includes: determining to obtain second information when the first distance is greater than or equal to the first distance threshold value and the first SSB does not belong to the plurality of SSBs, wherein the first distance threshold is the distance threshold corresponding to the first direction.

22. A communication method, said method being applied to a network device, characterized in that, include: First information is determined, which is used to indicate multiple SSBs. The multiple SSBs are used by the terminal to determine whether to obtain second information based on whether the determined SSB belongs to the multiple SSBs. The second information includes broadcast information. Send the first message.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The multiple SSBs are SSBs that cover the cell edge.

24. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The plurality of SSBs includes SSBs covering non-cell edges, and the method further includes: sending third information, the third information being used to indicate at least one distance threshold value, the at least one distance threshold being used by the terminal to determine whether to acquire the second information.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The at least one distance threshold value corresponds to at least one direction, and the at least one distance threshold value is a single distance threshold value that corresponds to any direction; or, each of the at least one distance threshold values ​​corresponds to a direction.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10; or to cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16; or to cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 21; or to cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, The method includes a processor and a communication interface, the processor being configured to control the communication interface to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 16; or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 17 to 21; or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 22 to 25.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer stores instructions that, when executed on the computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 25.

29. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: a computer program that, when run, causes a computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 25.

30. A communication system, characterized in that, The method includes a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, and the second communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 16; or, the first communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 17 to 21, and the second communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 22 to 25.

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