Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device, and relates to the technical field of communication. In the method, two functions of scheduling / indicating system message update and paging message by using different DCI, and time-frequency resources used by a first DCI for indicating system message update are different from time-frequency resources used by a second DCI for scheduling paging message, namely, scheduling / indicating modes of the two functions are decoupled. The first communication device (such as terminal equipment) distinguishes the function of the detected / received information through the first resource and the second resource, so that compared with the current mode that the indication function of updating the paging message and the system message is issued in the paging DCI, the two functions of scheduling / indication of different granularities can be realized; for example, system message update is indicated by base station / cell granularity, and paging messages are scheduled by regional granularity, so that the requirements of diversified communication scenarios are supported, and the method can be applied to future communication application scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In New Radio (NR) technology, system message updates for network devices (such as base stations) are accomplished through the scheduling of downlink control information (DCI) in paging. Specifically, the presence of a system message update is indicated by a short message indicator field carried in the paging DCI. For example, "01" indicates that the paging DCI only schedules the paging function, "10" indicates that the paging DCI only schedules the short message indicator field, and "11" indicates that the paging DCI schedules both the paging message and the short message indicator field. In other words, current system message updates and paging scheduling are indicated through the same DCI. This method of distributing both paging message and system message update indications within the paging DCI limits its application scenarios and may not be suitable for future communication scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and apparatus.

[0004] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first communication device, for example, by the first communication device itself, or by a module applied to the first communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. For ease of description, the following description uses the execution of the method by the first communication device as an example. The method includes: detecting a first downlink control information (DCI) on a first resource, the first DCI being used to indicate system message updates; detecting a second DCI on a second resource, the second DCI being used to schedule paging messages, the first resource and the second resource including different time-frequency resources.

[0005] Based on the first aspect of the method, different DCIs are used to implement the two functions of scheduling paging and indicating system message updates, respectively. Furthermore, the first DCI used for indicating system message updates uses different time-frequency resources than the second DCI used for scheduling paging messages, thus decoupling the scheduling / indication methods of the two functions. This supports and is applicable to diverse communication scenarios. For example, system message updates can be indicated at the base station / cell level, while paging messages can be scheduled at the region level. In this approach, scheduling paging messages at the region level allows terminals to quickly access different cells within a region when moving within the entire cell, improving communication efficiency. Indicating system message updates at the cell level enables more accurate system message updates, thereby reducing the increased power consumption of terminal devices caused by region-level system message updates.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the time-frequency resource is the paging occasion (PO) resource. Different PO resources can distinguish between the first DCI used to indicate system message updates and the second DCI used to schedule paging messages, thus preventing the first communication device from confusing the first DCI and the second DCI, thereby confusing the information indicated by the DCI.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the first DCI is information scrambled with the physical cell identifier (PCI), and the second DCI is information scrambled with the area identifier, wherein the area includes at least one physical cell.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the region may include one or more physical cells. That is, the first DCI is scrambled at the granularity of physical cells, and the second DCI is scrambled at the granularity of the region. It can also be understood that the second communication device uniformly schedules paging messages at the region level and indicates system message updates at the cell level. Thus, the first communication device can distinguish whether the second communication device needs a system message update. For example, if it receives the first DCI from the second communication device via PCI, and the information carried by the first DCI indicates a system message update, it determines that the second communication device needs a system message update.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the range of values ​​for the region identifier differs from that for the PCI. The region identifier and PCI can be distinguished at the granularity of region and cell, and also at the range of values. The range of values ​​can be used to differentiate between the region identifier and the PCI, avoiding confusion between them.

[0010] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second communication device, for example, by the second communication device itself, or by a module applied to the second communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device. For ease of description, the following description uses the execution of the method by the second communication device as an example. The method includes: sending configuration information, the configuration information being used to configure a first resource and a second resource, the first resource being used to carry a first DCI, the first DCI being used to indicate system message updates, the second resource being used to carry a second DCI, and the second DCI being used to schedule paging messages.

[0011] The technical effects of the method described in the second aspect above can also be found in the description of the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0012] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first communication device, for example, by the first communication device itself, or by a module applied to the first communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. For ease of description, the following description uses the execution of the method by the first communication device as an example. The method includes: receiving a first DCI on a first resource, the first DCI being used to schedule paging messages, and the first DCI indicating information about a second resource. Based on the first DCI, receiving indication information on the second resource, the indication information indicating whether there is a system message update in the first cell.

[0013] Based on the third aspect of the method, by using the information of the second resource indicated by the first DCI, the first communication device can receive the indication information on the second resource, thereby determining whether the first cell truly has a system message update requirement based on the indication information, and preventing the first communication device from continuously waiting for the system update indication message, thus increasing energy consumption.

[0014] In one possible implementation, when the indication information indicates that the first cell has a system message update, the indication information includes the identifier of the first cell.

[0015] The indication information can be carried in the PDSCH. That is, the first DCI indicates the information of the second resource, which is used to transmit the PDSCH. The PDSCH may include the identifier of the first cell or the identifier of the network device that needs to perform system message updates. Thus, the first communication device can determine the cell that has system message updates, avoiding wasting resources to detect the SIB1 of other cells.

[0016] In another possible implementation, the indication information is received on the second resource of the first cell, and the indication information indicates whether the first cell has a system message update.

[0017] The indication information can be carried on the PDCCH. That is, the first DCI indicates information from the second resource, which is used to transmit the PDCCH. The PDCCH includes the second DCI, which indicates whether the first cell has a system message update. For example, if the second DCI is sent by a second communication device serving the first cell on the second resource, it indicates whether the first cell / second communication device has a system message update. For instance, bit 1 indicates a system message update, and bit 0 indicates no system message update. Thus, the first communication device can determine which cells have system message updates and which do not, avoiding wasting resources detecting the SIB1 of cells without system message updates.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first DCI is information scrambled with a region identifier, the region including multiple cells, and the multiple cells including the first cell.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the range of values ​​for the region identifier differs from the range of values ​​for the PCI.

[0020] The technical effects of the method described in the third aspect can be referenced from the descriptions of either the first or second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0021] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second communication device. For example, it can be executed by the second communication device itself, or by a module applied to the second communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device. For ease of description, the following description uses the execution of the method by the second communication device as an example. The method includes: transmitting a first DCI on a first resource, the first DCI being used to schedule paging messages, the first DCI indicating a second resource, and the second resource being a resource carrying indication information. If the indication information indicates that a system message update has occurred in the first cell, then, if a system message update has occurred in the first cell, the indication information is transmitted; or, the indication information is transmitted indicating whether a system message update has occurred in the first cell.

[0022] In one possible implementation, if the indication information indicates that the first cell has a system message update, then the indication information includes the identifier of the first cell.

[0023] In another possible implementation, the indication information is sent on the second resource of the first cell, indicating whether there is a system message update in the first cell.

[0024] The technical effects of the method in the fourth aspect mentioned above can also be found in the descriptions of any of the first to third aspects mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0025] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor configured to perform the method according to any one of the embodiments of the first to fourth aspects.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the communication device of the fifth aspect may further include a transceiver. This transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used by the communication device of the fifth aspect to communicate with other communication devices.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the communication device of the fifth aspect may further include a memory. This memory may be integrated with the processor or disposed separately. The memory may be used to store computer programs and / or data relating to the methods of any of the embodiments of the first to fourth aspects.

[0028] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device of the fifth aspect can be a terminal device or network device of either the first aspect or the fourth aspect, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the terminal device or network device, or a device containing the terminal device or network device.

[0029] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device in the fifth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of any of the embodiments in the first to fourth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0030] A sixth aspect provides a communication device. The communication device includes a processor coupled to a memory, the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to perform the method of any one of the embodiments of the first to fourth aspects.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the communication device may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the sixth aspect and other communication devices.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes the memory for storing the aforementioned computer program or instructions. Optionally, the memory and processor are integrated together.

[0033] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device described in the sixth aspect may be a terminal device or network device described in either the first aspect or the fourth aspect, or may be a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the terminal device or network device, or may be a device containing the terminal device or network device.

[0034] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the sixth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of any of the embodiments in the first to fourth aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0035] A seventh aspect provides a communication system. The communication system includes: a first communication device for performing the method described in any one of the embodiments of the first and third aspects, and a second communication device for performing the method described in any one of the embodiments of the second and fourth aspects.

[0036] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising: a computer program or instructions; when the computer program or instructions are executed, causing the method as described in any of the first to fourth aspects above to be implemented.

[0037] Ninth aspect, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any of the first to fourth aspects above to be implemented.

[0038] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, including a processor connected to a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for executing the computer program stored in the memory, such that the method described in any of the first to fourth aspects above is implemented. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable. Figure 1 ;

[0040] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable. Figure 2 ;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an access network device.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a RAN chip architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ;

[0044] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the PO resource location provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0045] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the application scenarios provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 ;

[0047] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the PO resource location provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0048] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method under the O-RAN architecture.

[0049] Figure 11 A schematic flowchart illustrating the chip architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ;

[0051] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 . Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication systems, such as New Radio (NR) systems, and future communication systems.

[0053] For ease of understanding, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be introduced below.

[0054] 1. Paging-related resource configuration:

[0055] In NR technology, if a user equipment (UE) receives complete system information for a cell, the UE can receive paging messages from that cell and also actively initiate random access within that cell, meaning the UE has successfully camped on that cell. The complete system information primarily refers to System Information Block 1 (SIB1). The UE camping process can be divided into the following two steps:

[0056] (1) UE receives synchronization signal block (SSB): The base station or cell sends SSB at a period of 20ms. The UE receives SSB to obtain downlink synchronization and at the same time obtains the time and frequency resources for receiving SIB1.

[0057] (2) UE receives SIB1: The base station or cell sends SIB1 at a period of 160ms. After receiving SIB1, the UE can obtain the necessary information for accessing or camping on the cell from SIB1. The necessary information includes paging-related configuration information.

[0058] Paging-related resource configurations mainly include the paging physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) configuration and the paging physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) configuration. The PDCCH configuration primarily indicates the time-frequency location at which the UE receives paging messages, while the PDSCH configuration is mainly used to carry the paging messages. After the UE completes cell camping, it obtains the paging-related configuration information, enabling it to listen for paging messages at the corresponding time-frequency location, i.e., to receive paging messages within that cell.

[0059] Furthermore, paging-related resources are configured at the cell level, meaning that the paging-related configuration information differs between cells. If a UE moves from one cell to another, it needs to re-receive the SSB and SIB1 of the new cell and obtain the latest paging-related configuration information—that is, the paging-related configuration information of the new cell—before the UE can receive paging messages in the new cell.

[0060] 2. Physical Cell Identifier (PCI):

[0061] Each cell corresponds to a PCI, which is used by the terminal (UE, user equipment) to distinguish the radio signals of different cells.

[0062] Since each cell corresponds to a different PCI, the common signals / channels transmitted by the cell can be scrambled using the PCI to ensure that the UE can identify the common signals / channels transmitted by the currently camped cell, such as SIB1 and paging messages. Specifically, the signals / channels scrambled using PCI can include: uplink physical signals, such as the demodulation reference signal for the physical uplink shared channel (DMRS for PUSCH) and the demodulation reference signal for the physical uplink control channel (DMRS for PUCCH); downlink physical signals, such as the demodulation reference signal for the physical downlink shared channel (DMRS for PDSCH), the demodulation reference signal for the physical downlink control channel (DMRS for PDCCH), and the demodulation reference signal for the physical broadcast channel (DMRS for PBCH); uplink physical channels, such as PUSCH and PUCCH; and downlink physical channels, such as PDSCH and PDCCH.

[0063] When a UE receives a cell's Service Block (SSB), it obtains the cell's PCI from the SSB. The UE then uses the cell's PCI to decode all common signals transmitted by that cell. If the UE moves to another cell, it needs to reacquire the PCI of that cell and then use the PCI to receive common signals.

[0064] 3. System message update:

[0065] In NR technology, system message updates for base stations are accomplished through paging DCI. Specifically, the presence of a system message update is indicated by the short message indicator field carried in the paging DCI, as shown in Table 1 below. Here, "01" indicates that the paging DCI only schedules the paging function, "10" indicates that the paging DCI only schedules the short message indicator field, and "11" indicates that the paging DCI schedules both the paging message and the short message indicator field. In other words, functions such as paging messages and system message updates can be sent within the same DCI.

[0066] Table 1:

[0067]

[0068]

[0069] When the base station notifies the system message of an update via paging DCI, the UE will wait to detect the next SIB1 to know whether the base station's system message has changed.

[0070] Currently, the SSB transmission period is 20ms, requiring frequent SSB transmissions by the base station, resulting in high base station energy consumption. To reduce base station energy consumption, the SSB period could be lengthened, for example to 320ms, 640ms, or 1280ms, which would effectively reduce base station power consumption. However, when the base station chooses to use a longer SSB transmission period, if the UE moves too quickly, it might move to another cell within the time frame of two SSB transmissions. In this case, if the UE does not receive the SSB and SIB1 from the other cell, and the other cell then pagees the UE, the UE will not receive the paging, leading to a missed paging detection. To solve this problem, in future communication scenarios, a paging zone could be set up. Within this paging zone, all base stations would transmit the same paging DCI and paging PDSCH, while ensuring that the paging resources of each base station within the zone are identical, ensuring that the UE can still receive paging messages under each base station even without receiving an SSB.

[0071] It is known that paging messages and system message updates are both sent within the paging DCI. However, paging messages are sent across the entire network, while system message updates are performed at the base station level. In the aforementioned future communication scenario, all base stations within the area send the same paging DCI. Therefore, if only one or a few base stations in the area perform system message updates, base stations that do not need to perform system message updates will also send the same message. This causes the UE to wait to detect the SIB1 sent by a base station that does not need to perform system message updates. However, after detecting SIB1, it is found that the base station has not performed a system message update, increasing the UE's power consumption.

[0072] In summary, the method of issuing both paging message and system message update indication functions within the paging DCI limits the application scenarios. For example, it cannot achieve scheduling / indication of paging message and system message updates at different granularities, such as indicating system message updates at the base station / cell granularity and scheduling paging messages at the region granularity, which may not be suitable for future communication scenarios.

[0073] To address the aforementioned technical issues, this application proposes using different DCIs to schedule / indicate system message updates and paging messages. The first DCI used to indicate system message updates uses different time-frequency resources than the second DCI used to schedule paging messages. This allows for scheduling / indication of the two functions at different granularities, such as indicating system message updates at the base station / cell level and scheduling paging messages at the region level. This supports the needs of diverse communication scenarios and can be applied to future communication applications. A detailed description follows.

[0074] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0075] In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly instruct the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also instruct only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. At the same time, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and uniformly indicated to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0076] Furthermore, the specific instruction method can also be any existing instruction method, such as, but not limited to, the above-mentioned instruction methods and their various combinations. As described above, for example, when multiple pieces of information of the same type need to be indicated, the instruction methods for different pieces of information may differ. In the specific implementation process, the required instruction method can be selected according to specific needs. This application embodiment does not limit the selected instruction method. Therefore, the instruction methods involved in this application embodiment should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be instructed to obtain the information to be indicated.

[0077] The information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in this application embodiment. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the sending node device by sending configuration information to the receiving node device.

[0078] In this application, "sending information" can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For example, "network device sending information" can be understood as a network device sending information to another device (such as a terminal device or other network devices), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device sending information to logical module 2 in the network device.

[0079] In this application, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or it can also be understood as a logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "network device receiving information" can be understood as a network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal device or other network devices), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device receiving information from logical module 2 in the network device.

[0080] In this application, the phrase "sending information to... (e.g., a terminal device)" or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the terminal device. Similarly, "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal device)," "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal device)," or "receiving information sent (e.g., by a terminal device)," or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings, can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal device. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the terminal device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0081] "Predefined" or "pre-configured" can be achieved by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device. This application does not limit the specific implementation method. "Saving" can refer to saving in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into the encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separately installed, while others are integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0082] The “protocol” mentioned in the embodiments of this application may refer to a protocol family in the field of communication, a standard protocol with a similar protocol family frame structure, or a related protocol applied to future communication systems. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0083] In the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time. They do not require the device to make a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0084] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in the embodiments of this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Additionally, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and that "first," "second," etc., are not necessarily different. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being used as an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or implementation described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or implementations. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0085] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0086] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, let's first take... Figure 1 The communication system illustrated herein is used as an example to illustrate a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. For example, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable. Figure 1 .

[0087] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system mainly includes a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device can be a terminal device, and the second communication device can be a network device.

[0088] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, based on Figure 1 The communication system may include two or more network devices (such as a first network device, a second network device), and multiple terminal devices, without limitation. It is understood that... Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram for ease of understanding; other devices may also be included in this communication system. Figure 1 It was not drawn.

[0089] In one possible scenario, this communication system could be applied to 5G or future communication systems, for example... Figure 2 As shown, the communication system 10 includes a RAN 100, a core network (CN) 200, and an Internet 300. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 2 110a and 110b (collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal device (such as Figure 2 RAN 100, denoted as RAN 120a-120j, is collectively referred to as RAN 120. RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 2 (Not shown in the image). Terminal device 120 is connected to RAN node 110 wirelessly. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN 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.

[0090] RAN 100 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G or 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system (such as a future mobile communication system). RAN 100 can also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a Wi-Fi system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0091] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and assists terminal equipment in achieving wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal equipment 120 are relative, for example... Figure 2Network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 120j that access RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal device. RAN node 110 and terminal device 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 2 Network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal equipment functions.

[0092] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a future mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access point (AP) in a Wi-Fi system, etc. A RAN node can also be a macro base station (such as...) Figure 2 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 2 The RAN node can be a relay node or donor node (as described in section 110b), or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN 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 RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node functions.

[0093] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CUs (control plane, CP), CUs (user plane, UP), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be configured 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 RRUs, active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0094] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an access network device, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the access network device includes one or more functional modules for signal processing. Taking physical layer functions as an example, the access network device may include one or more of the following functions: coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource element (RE) mapping, digital beamforming (BF), inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT) / adding cyclic prefix (CP), decoding, rate matching de-matching, descrambling, demodulation, inverse discrete fourier transform (IDFT), channel equalization (or channel estimation), RE demapper (or RE demapping), digital BF, fast Fourier transform (FFT) / CP removal, digital to analog (DA) conversion, analog BF, analog to digital (AD) conversion, or analog BF, etc.

[0095] The above-mentioned one or more functional modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. Physically, they can be discrete or integrated. It is understood that the above functional modules are merely examples, and the access network device may include, or exclude, other modules (e.g., scheduling module, power control module, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) module, flow control module, mobility management module, or artificial intelligence (AI) module, depending on the design). Figure 3 The diagram shows a functional module (excluding the digital BF module). The access network equipment also includes a fronthaul (FH) interface between the DU and RU for communication between them. This fronthaul interface includes, but is not limited to, CPRI or eCPRI. In one possible implementation, the DU is located in the BBU, and the RU is located in the RRU / AAU / RRH; the interface between the BBU and the RRU / AAU / RRH can also be called the fronthaul interface. To implement the fronthaul interface, the BBU and RRU / AAU / RRH can be connected via a fronthaul network, or the DU and RU can be connected via a fronthaul network. For example, fronthaul networks include, but are not limited to, direct fiber optic connections and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks.

[0096] Access network equipment can support one or more types of fronthaul interfaces. Different fronthaul interfaces correspond to DUs and RUs with different functions. For example... Figure 3 As shown, if the fronthaul interface between the DU and RU is CPRI, the DU is configured to implement one or more baseband functions, and the RU is configured to implement one or more radio frequency functions. If the fronthaul interface between the DU and RU is eCPRI, then, relative to CPRI, some downlink and / or uplink baseband functions are moved from the DU to the RU for implementation. Different splitting methods between the DU and RU correspond to different types (category, abbreviated as Cat) of eCPRI. Figure 3 The document provides eight examples of eCPRI. For downlink transmission, Cat A (corresponding to segmentation mode a), Cat B (corresponding to segmentation mode b), Cat C (corresponding to segmentation mode c), and Cat D (corresponding to segmentation mode d) are used as examples; for uplink transmission, Cat E (corresponding to segmentation mode e), Cat F (corresponding to segmentation mode f), Cat G (corresponding to segmentation mode g), and Cat H (corresponding to segmentation mode h) are used as examples (these can also be represented as option A to H, option 1 to 8, or other methods, without limitation). It can be understood that other segmentation methods may exist between DU and RU, i.e., other types of eCPRI may also exist.

[0097] For downlink transmission, for eCPRI Cat A, scrambling is the dividing line, and the DU is configured to implement one or more functions before and after scrambling (e.g., coding, rate matching, or one or more of scrambling), while other functions after scrambling (e.g., modulation, layer mapping, precoding, RE mapping, digital BF, or IFFT / CP addition) are implemented in the RU; for eCPRI Cat B, layer mapping is the dividing line, and the DU is configured to implement one or more functions before and after layer mapping (e.g., precoding, RE mapping, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, or one or more of layer mapping), while other functions after layer mapping (e.g., precoding, RE mapping, digital BF, or IFFT / CP addition) are implemented in the RU; for eCPRI Cat For C, with precoding as the dividing point, DU is configured to implement one or more functions preceding layer mapping (e.g., encoding, RE mapping, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, or precoding), while other functions following precoding (e.g., RE mapping, digital BF, or IFFT / addition CP) are implemented in RU; for eCPRI Cat D, with RE mapping as the dividing point, DU is configured to implement one or more functions preceding layer mapping (e.g., encoding, RE mapping, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, or RE mapping), while other functions following precoding (e.g., digital BF, or IFFT / addition CP) are implemented in RU.

[0098] For uplink transmission, for eCPRI Cat E, the de-RE mapping is used as the partitioning method. The DU is configured to implement one or more functions before and after de-mapping (e.g., decoding, de-rate matching, descrambling, demodulation, IDFT, channel equalization, or one or more of de-RE mapping), while other functions after de-mapping (e.g., digital BF, or one or more of FFT / CP removal) are implemented in the RU. For eCPRI Cat F, the channel equalization is used as the partitioning method. The DU is configured to implement one or more functions before and after de-mapping (e.g., decoding, de-rate matching, descrambling, demodulation, IDFT, or one or more of channel equalization), while other functions after de-mapping (e.g., de-RE mapping, digital BF, or one or more of FFT / CP removal) are implemented in the RU. For eCPRI Cat... For G, with IDFT as the dividing line, DU is configured to implement one or more functions before and after demapping (e.g., decoding, derate matching, descrambling, demodulation, or IDFT), while other functions after demapping (e.g., channel equalization, deRE mapping, digital BF, or FFT / CP removal) are moved to RU for implementation; for eCPRI Cat H, with demodulation as the dividing line, DU is configured to implement one or more functions before and after demapping (e.g., decoding, derate matching, descrambling, or demodulation), while other functions after demapping (e.g., IDFT, channel equalization, deRE mapping, digital BF, or FFT / CP removal) are moved to RU for implementation.

[0099] The eCPRI segmentation method can be symmetrical for uplink and downlink, or it can be asymmetrical for uplink and downlink, without restriction. Optionally, different segmentation methods can be configured for different channels or different channel groups for uplink and / or downlink, i.e., different types of eCPRI can be configured. A channel group can include one or more channels.

[0100] In one possible design, the DU is located in the BBU, and the RU is located in the RRU / AAU / RRH. The processing unit in the BBU that implements baseband functions is called the baseband high (BBH) unit, and the processing unit in the RRU / AAU / remoteradio head (RRH) that implements baseband functions is called the baseband low (BBL) unit.

[0101] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0102] It is understood that the RAN node mentioned above can be a newly defined name, and RAN nodes can also be described in different ways, such as access node, network device, wireless access node, etc., without limitation. Unless otherwise specified in this application, network device will be used as the term.

[0103] Terminal devices can also be called terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminal devices, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), V2X communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), point-of-sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables (e.g., smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, smart glasses), smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicle devices (e.g., vehicle units, in-vehicle modules, in-vehicle chips, on-board units (OBUs) or telematics boxes (T-BOXs)), drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, satellite terminal devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal device.

[0104] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a RAN chip architecture provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 4As shown, the system is divided into CU, DU, and RU. The CU is a platform that performs upper-layer functions, such as Layer 2 and Layer 3. Midhaul and backhaul interfaces carry traffic between the CU and DU, and between the CU and CN. The DU performs Layer 1 and some Layer 2 functions, while the RU performs Layer 1 computation and radio frequency (RF) digital functions; fronthaul and midhaul interfaces carry traffic between the RU and DU, and between the CU and DU. An integrated DU includes the functions of both the DU and RU. The RU can be connected to an antenna (ANT).

[0105] CU and DU can include: central processing unit (CPU) and field programmable gate array (FPGA) / graphics processing unit (GPU) / other accelerators. The CPU and FPGA / GPU / other accelerators are connected via the peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) standard.

[0106] The CU / DU hardware includes a chassis platform, motherboard, peripherals, and cooling system. The motherboard contains processing units, memory, internal I / O interfaces, and external connection ports. Its hardware accelerator is designed with interfaces, and hardware functional components include: storage for software, hardware, and system debugging interfaces, and a single-board management controller.

[0107] DU systems are typically implemented using multi-core processors and one or more hardware accelerators. Parts of the DU protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the multi-core processor, while computationally intensive L1 and L2 functions can be offloaded to FPGA / GPU-based hardware accelerators; alternatively, all L1 functions can be offloaded to FPGA / GPU-based hardware accelerators, while other protocol stack components are implemented in software running on the processor; or the entire protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the processor. Hardware accelerators support interconnection with both x86 and non-x86 processors. Similarly, accelerators have multi-channel PCIe interfaces pointing to the CPU and external connections via gigabit Ethernet (GbE) connectivity.

[0108] The RU comprises three parts: the O-RAN processing unit (OPU), the O-RU's digital processing unit (DPU), and the RF processing unit. The O-RAN processing unit receives Enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) frames from the O-RAN fronthaul and performs fronthaul interface operations, the lowest level L1 (coding, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding), synchronization, beamforming, and resource unit mapping. The OPU can be implemented as a CPU, FPGA, or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The O-RU's digital processing unit (DPU) performs synchronous digital downconversion (DDC), digital upconversion (DUC), crest factor reduction (CFR), and digital pre-distortion (DPD). It improves power amplifier efficiency by reducing the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) / adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) of the RF front-end. The DPU can be implemented as an FPGA or ASIC. The O-RU's RF processing unit includes a transceiver module, up / down converters, power amplifiers (PA), low-noise amplifiers (LNA), and transmit (Tx) / receive (Rx) filters. All conversions between the analog and digital domains (such as digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), for example, RF sampling, the use of RF in up-conversion and down-conversion, and frequency conversion by mixing intermediate frequency (IF) and local oscillator (LO) frequencies) are performed within the transceiver module. It should be understood that physical and logical partitioning within the RF processing unit does not require specific boundaries.

[0109] In this communication system, different DCIs are used to schedule / indicate system message updates and paging messages. The first DCI, used to indicate system message updates, uses different time-frequency resources than the second DCI, which is used to schedule paging messages, thus decoupling the scheduling / indication methods of the two functions. The first communication device (such as a terminal device) distinguishes the function of detecting / receiving information through the first and second resources. Therefore, compared to the current method where both paging message and system message update indication functions are issued within the paging DCI, this system can achieve scheduling / indication functions at different granularities. For example, system message updates can be indicated at the base station / cell level, while paging messages can be scheduled at the region level. This supports the needs of diverse communication scenarios and can be applied to future communication applications.

[0110] The following will combine Figures 5-9 This application provides a detailed description of the interaction process between various network elements / devices in the aforementioned communication system through method embodiments. The communication method provided in this application can be applied to the aforementioned communication system and specifically to various scenarios / processes mentioned in the aforementioned communication system, which will be described in detail below.

[0111] Figure 5 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 This communication method is applicable to the aforementioned communication system and mainly involves the interaction between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0112] like Figure 5 As shown, the flow of this communication method is as follows:

[0113] S501, the second communication device sends configuration information to the first communication device, and the first communication device receives the configuration information accordingly.

[0114] Configuration information can be used to configure a first resource and a second resource. The first resource can be used to carry the first DCI, and the first resource may include one or more time-frequency resources, which may be PO resources. For example, the first resource includes PO1, PO2, ..., PO5, where PO1 is used to carry the first DCI, or in other words, PO1 is used to transmit the first DCI. Another example is that the first resource is PO1, and PO1 is used to carry the first DCI.

[0115] The first DCI can be used to indicate system message updates. The first DCI can be used to indicate whether the second communication device has / is experiencing a system message update, or it can be used to indicate whether / is not experiencing a system message update. For example, if the first DCI carries a short message indicator to indicate whether the second communication device has a system message update, a short message indicator of "1" indicates that the second communication device has a system message update, and a short message indicator of "0" indicates that the second communication device has no system message update; or, a short message indicator of "1" indicates that the second communication device has no system message update, and a short message indicator of "0" indicates that the second communication device has a system message update.

[0116] The second resource can be used to carry the second DCI. The second resource may include one or more time-frequency resources, and the time-frequency resources included in the second resource may be PO resources. For an example of the second resource, please refer to the example of the first resource, which will not be repeated here.

[0117] The first and second resources can include different time-frequency resources. For example, the first and second resources can be multiplexed using time division multiplexing or frequency division multiplexing, and this application does not impose any restrictions. For instance, when the first and second resources include multiple time-frequency resources, the first resource includes PO1, PO3, and PO4, and the second resource includes PO1, PO2, and PO4. In this case, PO3, included in the first resource, is used to carry the first DCI, and PO2, included in the second resource, is used to carry the second DCI. As another example, the first resource is PO3, used to carry the first DCI, and the second resource is PO2, used to carry the second DCI.

[0118] The second DCI can be used to schedule paging messages. If the second DCI carries information for scheduling paging messages, it indicates whether to schedule paging messages through bit 0 or 1. This information for scheduling paging messages is similar to the indication information for system message updates mentioned above, and will not be described in detail.

[0119] In the embodiments of this application, the first resource can be replaced with other possible expressions, such as first time-frequency resource, first resource location, first time-frequency resource location, etc., without limitation. The second resource is similar to the first resource and will not be described in detail.

[0120] It is understood that in future communication scenarios, the first DCI and the second DCI in the embodiments of this application can be replaced with any other possible expressions, such as first control information, second control information, etc., without limitation.

[0121] S501 is an optional step. S501 illustrates one example, in which the configuration of the first and second resources is achieved by the second communication device sending configuration information to the first communication device. In another example, the first and second resources can also be predefined by the protocol. In other words, in another example, the protocol predefines configuration information for the first and second communication devices to achieve the configuration of the first and second resources. This application does not limit the configuration method of the first and second resources. For example, the first and second resources can also be configured separately using different configuration information.

[0122] S502, the first communication device detects the first DCI on the first resource.

[0123] In one possible approach, the first communication device detects the first DCI on the first resource using blind detection; for example, the first communication device periodically detects the first DCI on the first resource. In another possible approach, the first communication device directly receives the first DCI on the first resource.

[0124] The first communication device can determine that the DCI detected on the first resource is a first DCI used to indicate system message updates, such as the first DCI carried on the first resource in the configuration information sent by the first communication device through the second communication device, which is used to indicate system message updates. Alternatively, the first communication device continuously detects DCIs on the first resource. After detecting a DCI, it receives the detected DCI by using different scrambling identifiers, thereby determining that the detected DCI is a first DCI used to indicate system message updates. This will be described in detail later and will not be elaborated here.

[0125] S503, the first communication device detects the second DCI on the second resource.

[0126] In this embodiment, there is no restriction on the execution order of S502 and S503. S502 can be executed first and then S503, or S503 can be executed first and then S502, or S502 and S503 can be executed simultaneously.

[0127] In one possible approach, the first communication device detects the second DCI on the second resource using blind detection; for example, the first communication device periodically detects the second DCI on the second resource. In another possible approach, the first communication device directly receives the second DCI on the second resource. The periods for detecting the first DCI and detecting the second DCI can be the same or different, without limitation.

[0128] Optionally, the first communication device receives the second DCI on the second resource.

[0129] The first communication device can determine that the DCI detected on the second resource is the second DCI used for scheduling paging messages, such as the second DCI carried on the second resource being used for scheduling paging messages in the configuration information sent by the first communication device through the second communication device. Alternatively, the first communication device continuously detects DCIs on the second resource, and after detecting a DCI, it receives the detected DCI by using different scrambling identifiers, thereby determining that the detected DCI is the second DCI used for scheduling paging messages. Details will be provided later and will not be elaborated here.

[0130] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the time slot intervals between PO1, PO2, PO4, and PO5 are the same. A new PO3 is added between PO2 and PO4 to carry the DCI indicating system message updates. The UE periodically and continuously detects the DCI for indicating system message updates (as described in the first resource above) at the location of PO3, and periodically and continuously detects the DCI for scheduling paging messages (as described in the second resource above) at the location of PO2.

[0131] Optionally, the first DCI is information scrambled by PCI, and the second DCI is information scrambled by area identifier, wherein the area includes at least one physical cell.

[0132] The first DCI and the second DCI can be information scrambled using different scrambling identifiers.

[0133] The first DCI is scrambled via PCI. Therefore, when the first communication device receives the first DCI, it receives and descrambles the first DCI via PCI. When the first communication device detects the first DCI, it can determine that it is a DCI related to the physical cell corresponding to that PCI. For example, if the signal of a network device (such as the second communication device mentioned above) covers cell #1, and the network device has a system message update, it sends DCI#1 to the UE (such as the first communication device mentioned above). When the UE detects DCI#1, it receives and descrambles DCI#1 via PCI#1. Therefore, the UE can determine that DCI#1 was sent by the network device serving physical cell #1 based on the association between PCI#1 and physical cell #1, thereby determining that the system message update indicated by DCI#1 is a system message update of that network device. Here, "physical cell" can also be replaced with "cell," without restriction.

[0134] The second DCI can be information scrambled with a region identifier. When the first communication device receives the second DCI, it receives and descrambles the second DCI using the region identifier. The region can include one or more physical cells, meaning one or more physical cells can be located in the same region. In other words, the first DCI is scrambled at the granularity of physical cells, while the second DCI is scrambled at the granularity of the region. It can also be understood that the second communication device uniformly schedules paging messages at the region level and indicates system message updates at the cell level.

[0135] Among them, the area identifier can uniquely identify an area, such as the single frequency network (SFN) identifier, or other possible identifiers, without restriction.

[0136] The area here can be used to represent a group of physically close or geographically adjacent cells that together cover a large geographical area. Terminal devices may move randomly within this large geographical area, possibly moving from one cell to another.

[0137] In some examples, the area mentioned above can be a tracking area (TA) or a radio access network notification area (RNA), or any other possible area, such as a predefined physical area, without limitation.

[0138] A Location Area (TA) is a geographical area in a mobile communication network, consisting of one or more cells, used to manage the mobility and location updates of terminal devices. Within a TA, terminal devices may not need to perform area updates. Random access configuration information can be identical across different cells within a TA.

[0139] An RNA (Radio Area) is a specific geographic region used for mobility management of terminal devices. Generally, an RNA can be a smaller area than a TA (Traffic Availability) region, but its function is similar. Paging-related configuration information can be identical across different cells within an RNA.

[0140] Optionally, the area identifier can also be used to scramble paging-related messages in the aforementioned area, such as DMRS for PDSCH, DMRS for PDCCH, PDSCH, PDCCH channel / signal, etc.

[0141] In this way, the paging-related messages in different cells within the same area are identical. Furthermore, by scrambling the paging-related messages in the aforementioned area using the area identifier, it can be ensured that no matter which cell the terminal device moves to, it can obtain the paging-related configuration information obtained from the previous cell, i.e., obtain the area identifier, and receive the paging message in the current cell without needing to receive the SSB of the current cell, thus avoiding paging missed detection.

[0142] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the area includes cell #1, cell #2, and cell #3. Base station #1 serves cell #1, base station #2 serves cell #2, and base station #3 serves cell #3. This is only an example; a base station can serve multiple physical cells, and this is not a limitation. When base stations #1, #2, and #3 (as described in the second communication device above) send paging-related messages, they all use an SFN identifier (as described in the area identifier above) to scramble the paging-related messages. For example, base stations #1, #2, and #3 send DCI#2 for scheduling paging messages to the UE (as described in the first communication device above). When the UE detects DCI#2, it can receive and descramble DCI#2 through the SFN identifier. If base stations #1, #2, and #3 send the same DCI#2 and ensure that they are sent on the same resource, it can be ensured that the UE can still receive paging messages under each base station in the area without receiving SSB.

[0143] Thus, the first communication device can distinguish whether the second communication device has a system message update requirement. For example, when the first DCI is received from the second communication device via PCI and the information carried by the first DCI indicates that there is a system message update, the first communication device can determine that there is a system message update.

[0144] The first communication device continuously detects DCIs on the first and second resources. After detecting a DCI, it receives the detected DCI using different scrambling identifiers, thereby determining whether the detected DCI is a first DCI used to indicate system message updates or a second DCI used to schedule paging messages. For example, Figure 6 As shown, the UE periodically and continuously detects DCI at location PO3 (as described in the first resource above) and at location PO2 (as described in the second resource above). If the first communication device receives DCI#1 detected on PO3 via PCI, it indicates that DCI#1 is scrambled using PCI and is information used to indicate system message updates. If the first communication device receives DCI#2 detected on PO2 via SFN identifier, it indicates that DCI#2 is scrambled using SFN identifier and is information used to schedule paging messages.

[0145] In other words, the first and second communication devices can pre-agree / configure on which resource (e.g., the first resource and the second resource) the DCI used for scheduling paging messages will be transmitted, and on which resource the DCI used for indicating system message updates will be transmitted. Alternatively, the first and second communication devices may not agree on the function of the DCI transmitted on which resource, but instead distinguish them by scrambling identifiers. That is, the first communication device can determine, upon receiving a detected DCI, that the DCI received via PCI is the DCI used for indicating system message updates, and the DCI received via area identifier is the DCI used for scheduling paging messages.

[0146] Optionally, the range of values ​​for the region identifier may differ from the range of values ​​for the PCI.

[0147] The area identifier and the PCI can be distinguished in terms of granularity (area or cell) and value range. For example, the PCI value range is 0 to 1007, while the area identifier value range can be 1008 to 65535 without restriction.

[0148] In summary, different DCIs are used to schedule / indicate system message updates and paging messages. Furthermore, the first DCI used to indicate system message updates uses different time-frequency resources than the second DCI used to schedule paging messages, effectively decoupling the scheduling / indication methods for the two functions. The first communication device distinguishes the function of detecting / receiving information through first and second resources. Therefore, compared to the current method where both paging message and system message update indication functions are issued within the paging DCI, it can achieve scheduling / indication functions at different granularities. For example, system message updates can be indicated at the base station / cell level, while paging messages can be scheduled at the region level. This supports the needs of diverse communication scenarios and can be applied to future communication applications.

[0149] Figure 8 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 This communication method is applicable to the aforementioned communication system and mainly involves the interaction between the first communication device and the second communication device. It is understood that "first," "second," etc., can be expressions at the granularity of an embodiment, such as... Figure 8 In the corresponding embodiment, "first DCI" and Figure 5 The content indicated by "first DCI" in the corresponding embodiments is different.

[0150] like Figure 8 As shown, the flow of this communication method is as follows:

[0151] S801, the second communication device transmits the first DCI on the first resource, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first DCI on the first resource.

[0152] The first DCI can be used to schedule paging messages, and the first DCI indicates information about the second resource.

[0153] The first resource may include one or more time-frequency resources, and the time-frequency resources included in the first resource may be PO resources. The second resource may include one or more time-frequency resources, and the time-frequency resources included in the second resource may not be PO resources. For example, as shown... Figure 9 As shown, the time slot intervals between PO1, PO2, PO3, and PO4 are the same. The first resource is PO1, and the second resource is the newly added fixed time-frequency resource #1, which is used to carry indication information.

[0154] The first communication device detects the second resource indication information based on the information of the second resource indicated in the first DCI.

[0155] S802, if the indication information indicates that there is a system message update in the first cell, then the second communication device sends the indication information when there is a system message update in the first cell; or, the second communication device sends the indication information indicating whether there is a system message update in the first cell.

[0156] In this application embodiment, two methods are provided to indicate system message updates through indication information, as follows: Method 1 and Method 2.

[0157] Method 1: The indication information indicates that there is a system message update. That is, if there is a system message update in the first cell, the second communication device sends the indication information; if there is a system message update in the first cell, the second communication device does not send the indication information.

[0158] It is understandable that the first cell can correspond to the second communication device, and the second communication device serves the first cell. The second communication device can also serve multiple other cells without limitation. A system message update in the first cell can be understood as a system message update in the corresponding second communication device.

[0159] Optionally, if the indication information indicates that there is a system message update in the first cell, the indication information includes the identifier of the first cell.

[0160] The identifier of the first cell can uniquely identify the first cell, such as a cell ID. The indication information may also include the identifier of the network device corresponding to the first cell, such as the identifier of the network device serving the first cell. In this embodiment, it may also be the identifier of a second communication device.

[0161] The indication information can be carried in the PDSCH. That is, the first DCI indicates the information of the second resource, which is used to transmit the PDSCH. The PDSCH may include the identifier of the first cell or the identifier of the network device that needs to perform system message updates.

[0162] The terminal equipment (including the first communication device) and the network equipment (including the second communication device) may agree / configure the second resource in advance for transmitting PDSCH, and the PDSCH includes the identifier of the cell / network equipment that performs system message updates.

[0163] Method 2: The indication information indicates whether there is a system message update. That is, regardless of whether there is a system message update in the first cell, the second communication device will send an indication information.

[0164] Optionally, the indication information is sent on the second resource of the first cell, indicating whether there is a system message update in the first cell.

[0165] Indication information can be carried on the PDCCH. That is, the first DCI indicates information about the second resource, which is used to transmit the PDCCH. The PDCCH includes the second DCI, which indicates whether the first cell has a system message update. For example, if the second DCI is sent by a second communication device serving the first cell on the second resource, it indicates whether the first cell / second communication device has a system message update. For instance, bit 1 indicates a system message update, and bit 0 indicates no system message update.

[0166] S803, the first communication device receives instruction information on the second resource according to the first DCI.

[0167] The indication information indicates whether there is a system message update in the first cell. The first communication device detects information in the second resource based on the first DCI.

[0168] Thus, by using the information of the second resource indicated by the first DCI, the first communication device can receive the indication information on the second resource, thereby determining whether the first cell or the second communication device serving the first cell truly has a system message update requirement based on the indication information, preventing the first communication device from continuously waiting to detect SIB1 and increasing power consumption.

[0169] Corresponding to Method 1 above, optionally, when the indication information indicates that the first cell has a system message update, the indication information includes the identifier of the first cell.

[0170] Corresponding to method 2 above, optionally, the indication information is received on the second resource of the first cell, and the indication information indicates whether the first cell has a system message update.

[0171] Optionally, the first DCI is information scrambled after being identified by a region identifier. The region includes multiple cells, and the multiple cells include the first cell.

[0172] The area identifier can be found in the description of area identifiers in S503, and will not be repeated here. The area identifier is used to identify an area, and paging-related messages in multiple cells within the area are scrambled using the area identifier.

[0173] Optionally, the range of values ​​for the region identifier may differ from the range of values ​​for the PCI.

[0174] The specific implementation of S803 can also refer to the specific implementation of S802, and will not be elaborated further.

[0175] The specific implementations of S801-S803 can also refer to the specific implementations of S501-S503, which will not be elaborated here.

[0176] The various implementation methods in this application embodiment can be used in combination, and the combination form of the various implementation methods in the above embodiments is not limited.

[0177] The following is combined Figure 10 The process of the method of the embodiments of this application in the O-RAN scenario is described.

[0178] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method under the O-RAN architecture. (For example...) Figure 10 As shown, the process specifically includes: S101, the CU sends a paging message to the DU. In this embodiment, the process of designing the O-RAN architecture only involves paging messages between the CU and the DU, because the paging described in this application embodiment is all core network paging, and core network paging is the transmission from the CU to the DU.

[0179] The following is combined Figure 11 The process of the method in the chip architecture of the embodiments of this application will be described. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the process specifically includes S1101-S1105.

[0180] S1101, RU sends PUSCH / PDSCH / PDCCH / PUCCH channel processing capabilities and conversion rules to DU.

[0181] During system startup or reconfiguration, the RU reports the PUSCH / PDSCH / PDCCH / PUCCH channel processing capabilities and conversion rules to the DU via the eCPRI interface.

[0182] S1102, DU assigns the appropriate PDSCH / PDCCH channel processing task for the next cycle.

[0183] The DU side calculates the RU processing capacity margin based on the scheduling results of the PUSCH / PDSCH / PDCCH / PUCCH channels in the current processing cycle, and allocates appropriate PDSCH / PDCCH channel processing tasks for the next cycle based on the processing capacity margin, such as DCI and paging messages to be sent.

[0184] S1103, DU sends PDSCH / PDCCH channel processing task to RU.

[0185] The DU notifies the RU of the PDSCH and / or PDCCH channel processing tasks allocated by S1102 through the eCPRI interface. The eCPRI interface signaling involved is newly added signaling, and the signaling definition contains information required for PDCCH / PDSCH channel processing, such as: PDCCH / PDSCH channel slot number, symbol position, DCI comb distribution information, frequency domain position, etc.

[0186] S1104, after receiving the dynamic PDCCH / PDSCH channel processing signaling, the RU updates the channel configuration according to the signaling requirements.

[0187] S1105, RU sends the PDCCH / PDSCH channel processing results to DU.

[0188] When a DCI or paging signal arrives, the RU completes the PDCCH / PDSCH channel processing according to the channel configuration received in S1104, and sends the DCI or paging information processing results required by the DU under the current configuration to the DU through the eCPRI interface. The content of the processing results can vary depending on the current segmentation options and may include channel information or weighting information, etc.

[0189] This application embodiment features a flexible RAN architecture design, suitable for O-RAN fronthaul interfaces. By splitting the RAN architecture, this application embodiment achieves flexible signal processing.

[0190] The above combination Figures 5-11 The methods provided in the embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Figures 12-13 This document describes in detail the communication apparatus used to perform the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0191] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 For example, such as Figure 12 As shown, the communication device 1200 includes a transceiver module 1201 and a processing module 1202. For ease of explanation, Figure 12 Only the main components of the communication device are shown.

[0192] The transceiver module 1201 is used to perform the above. Figure 5 The sending and receiving functions of the method shown are executed by the processing module 1202. Figure 5 The method shown includes functions other than sending and receiving.

[0193] Optionally, the transceiver module 1201 may include a transmitting module. Figure 12 (not shown in the image) and receiving module ( Figure 12 (Not shown in the diagram). The transmitting module is used to implement the transmitting function of the communication device 1200, and the receiving module is used to implement the receiving function of the communication device 1200.

[0194] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may also include a storage module. Figure 12 (Not shown in the image), the storage module stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1202 executes the program or instructions, the communication device 1200 can perform the above-described method. Figure 5 The method shown describes the functions of the terminal device or network device.

[0195] It is understood that the communication device 1200 may be a terminal device or a network device, or it may be a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set in a terminal device or a network device, or it may be a device that includes a terminal device or a network device. This application does not limit it in this respect.

[0196] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device 1200 can be referenced. Figure 5 The technical effects of the communication method shown will not be elaborated here.

[0197] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 For example, the communication device can be a terminal device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in the terminal device. Figure 13 As shown, the communication device 1300 may include a processor 1301. Optionally, the communication device 1300 may also include a memory 1302 and / or a transceiver 1303. The processor 1301 is coupled to the memory 1302 and / or the transceiver 1303, for example, by means of a communication bus, an on-chip interface, or other communication lines. Optionally, the memory 1302 may be integrated with the processor 1301.

[0198] The following is combined Figure 13 A detailed description of each component of the communication device 1300 is provided below:

[0199] The processor 1301 is the control center of the communication device 1300. It can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 1301 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0200] Optionally, the processor 1301 can perform various functions of the communication device 1300 by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 1302 and calling data stored in the memory 1302, such as performing the above-mentioned functions. Figure 5 The communication method shown.

[0201] In a specific implementation, as one example, the processor 1301 may include one or more CPUs, for example... Figure 13 CPU0 and CPU1 are shown in the diagram.

[0202] In a specific implementation, as one example, the communication device 1300 may also include multiple processors, for example... Figure 13 The processors 1301 and 1304 are shown. Each of these processors can be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. Here, "processor" can refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0203] The memory 1302 is used to store the software program that executes the solution of this application, and is controlled by the processor 1301 to execute it. The specific implementation method can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0204] Optionally, the memory 1302 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. The memory 1302 may be integrated with the processor 1301 or may exist independently, and may be connected via the interface circuit of the communication device 1300. Figure 13 (Not shown in the image) is coupled to processor 1301, and this embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this.

[0205] Transceiver 1303 is used for communication with other communication devices. For example, if communication device 1300 is a terminal device, transceiver 1303 can be used to communicate with a network device or with another terminal device. As another example, if communication device 1300 is a network device, transceiver 1303 can be used to communicate with a terminal device or with another network device.

[0206] Optionally, transceiver 1303 may include a receiver and a transmitter. Figure 13 (Not shown separately). The receiver is used to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement the sending function.

[0207] Optionally, the transceiver 1303 can be integrated with the processor 1301, or it can exist independently and be connected via the interface circuit of the communication device 1300. Figure 13 (Not shown in the image) is coupled to processor 1301, and this embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this.

[0208] Understandable Figure 13 The structure of the communication device 1300 shown does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. Actual communication devices may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0209] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device 1300 can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0210] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or it can be other general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0211] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0212] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware (such as circuits), firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more sets of available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0213] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it can also represent an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for a more accurate understanding.

[0214] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0215] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0216] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0217] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0218] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0219] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0220] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0221] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes all the various possible memories described above.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: A first downlink control information (DCI) is detected on a first resource, the first DCI being used to indicate system message updates; A second DCI is detected on a second resource, the second DCI being used to schedule paging messages, and the first resource and the second resource include different time-frequency resources.

2. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send configuration information, which is used to configure a first resource and a second resource. The first resource is used to carry a first DCI, which is used to indicate system message updates. The second resource is used to carry a second DCI, which is used to schedule paging messages. The first resource and the second resource include different time-frequency resources.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The time-frequency resource is the paging opportunity (PO) resource.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first DCI is information scrambled with the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), and the second DCI is information scrambled with the Area Identifier (AIA), wherein the AIA includes at least one physical cell.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The range of values ​​for the region identifier is different from the range of values ​​for PCI.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a first DCI on a first resource, the first DCI being used to schedule paging messages, and the first DCI indicating information about a second resource; Based on the first DCI, an indication message is received on the second resource, the indication message indicating whether there is a system message update in the first cell.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the indication information indicates that the first cell has a system message update, the indication information includes the identifier of the first cell.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The indication information is received on the second resource of the first cell, and the indication information indicates whether there is a system message update in the first cell.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The first DCI is information scrambled with a regional identifier, and the region includes multiple cells, including the first cell.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The range of values ​​for the region identifier is different from the range of values ​​for PCI.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, include: A first DCI is sent on a first resource. The first DCI is used to schedule paging messages. The first DCI indicates a second resource, which is a resource carrying the indication information. If the indication information indicates that there is a system message update in the first cell, then the indication information is sent if there is a system message update in the first cell; or, the indication information is sent, indicating whether there is a system message update in the first cell.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, If the indication information indicates that the first cell has a system message update, then the indication information includes the identifier of the first cell.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The indication information is sent on the second resource of the first cell, and the indication information indicates whether there is a system message update in the first cell.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The first DCI is information scrambled with a regional identifier, and the region includes multiple cells, including the first cell.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The range of values ​​for the region identifier is different from the range of values ​​for PCI.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes: a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1, 3-5, 6-10, or a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 2, 3-5, 11-15.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processing unit and a storage unit; the storage unit is used to store computer instructions, which, when executed by the processing unit, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1, 3-5, 6-10 to be executed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 2, 3-5, 11-15 to be executed.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1, 3-5, 6-10, or cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 2, 3-5, 11-15.

19. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1, 3-5, 6-10 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 2, 3-5, 11-15 to be performed.

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