Communication method and device, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication method, equipment and a storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: receiving first information sent by network equipment; and measuring an angle of a first reference signal according to the first information to obtain a first angle value of the first reference signal, the first angle value being used for determining whether the terminal device needs to perform cell switching. That is to say, whether the terminal equipment needs to perform cell switching can be determined according to the first angle value of the first reference signal, so that the cell switching accuracy is improved.

Description

Communication methods, devices and storage media

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, device and storage medium.

[0002] In satellite communication networks, the signal strength changes are not significant in the center and edge of a cell in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), and mobility management based on wireless signal quality cannot fully meet the requirements.

[0003]

[0004] This disclosure provides a communication method, device, and storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a terminal device, the method comprising:

[0006] Receive the first message sent by the network device;

[0007] The angle of the first reference signal is measured based on the first information to obtain the angle value of the first reference signal. The first angle value is used to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, performed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0009] Send first information to the terminal device. The first information is used by the terminal device to measure the angle of the first reference signal and obtain the angle value of the first reference signal. The first angle value is used to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a terminal device is provided, comprising:

[0011] The transceiver module is configured to receive the first information sent by the network device;

[0012] The processing module is configured to measure the angle of the first reference signal based on the first information to obtain a first angle value of the first reference signal, the first angle value being used to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising:

[0014] The transceiver module is configured to send first information to the terminal device. The first information is used by the terminal device to measure the angle of the first reference signal to obtain a first angle value of the first reference signal. The first angle value is used to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0016] One or more processors; wherein the communication device may be used to execute an optional implementation of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0017] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a terminal device and a network device, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0018] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0019] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a communication device, implements the method as described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0020] The technical solution provided in this disclosure can produce the following beneficial effects: receiving first information sent by a network device; measuring the angle of a first reference signal based on the first information to obtain a first angle value of the first reference signal, wherein the first angle value is used to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover. In other words, this disclosure can determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover based on the first angle value of the first reference signal, thereby improving the accuracy of cell handover.

[0021] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating the threshold range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating the threshold range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2D is a schematic diagram of a cell handover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2E is a schematic diagram of a cell handover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2F is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3A is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3C is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 3D is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3E is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4A is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 4C is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 4D is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 5A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 5C is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0045] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0046] This disclosure provides a communication method, device, and storage medium.

[0047] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a terminal device, the method comprising:

[0048] Receive the first message sent by the network device;

[0049] The angle of the first reference signal is measured based on the first information to obtain the angle value of the first reference signal. The first angle value is used to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover.

[0050] In the above embodiments, it is possible to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover based on the first angle value of the first reference signal, thereby improving the accuracy of cell handover.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0052] The second reference signal is a reference signal for the serving cell;

[0053] Configuration information, including reporting period and / or reporting interval;

[0054] First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate the coordinate system information for measuring the first reference signal;

[0055] The second indication information is used to indicate at least one candidate cell.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first reference signal includes the second reference signal and / or the third reference signal, the third reference signal being the reference signal of the candidate cell, the first angle value including the second angle value and / or the third angle value, and the step of measuring the angle of the first reference signal based on the first information to obtain the first angle value of the first reference signal includes at least one of the following:

[0057] The second reference signal is measured to obtain the second angle value;

[0058] The third reference signal is measured to obtain the third angle value.

[0059] In the above embodiments, the terminal device can measure the angle of the second reference signal of the serving cell and / or the third reference signal of the candidate cell.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0061] Based on the first angle value, it is determined that the target cell meets the first condition, and the target cell is included in the at least one candidate cell;

[0062] Switch to the target cell;

[0063] The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0064] The third angle value is greater than the first threshold;

[0065] The third angle value is less than the second angle value.

[0066] In the above embodiments, the terminal device can determine whether it needs to perform cell handover based on the second angle value of the second reference signal of the serving cell and / or the third angle value of the third reference signal of the candidate cell.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0068] The target cell is determined to meet the second condition;

[0069] The second condition includes at least one of the following:

[0070] The measurement result of the target cell is greater than the measurement result of the serving cell, and the measurement result includes at least one of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal-to-noise ratio (SINR), and received signal strength indication (RSSI).

[0071] The measurement result of the target cell is greater than the third threshold;

[0072] The distance between the terminal device and the center of the serving cell is greater than the distance between the terminal device and the center of the target cell;

[0073] The terminal device measures a dwell time or connection time in the serving cell that is greater than a third threshold.

[0074] In the above embodiments, the terminal device can also determine whether it needs to perform cell handover based on the measurement results of the serving cell and the candidate cell, or the distance between the terminal device and the center of the cell.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0076] The network device receives a third indication message, which is used to indicate the first condition and / or the second condition.

[0077] In the above embodiments, the network device may indicate to the terminal device the first condition and / or the second condition for determining cell handover.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0079] The network device reports second information, which includes the first angle value and / or coordinate system information for measuring the first reference signal. The second information is used by the network device to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover.

[0080] In the above embodiments, the terminal device can report the first angle value of the measured first reference signal to the network device so that the network device can determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, reporting the second information to the network device includes:

[0082] The second information is reported to the network device according to the configuration information.

[0083] In the above embodiments, the terminal device may report the second information according to the reporting period and / or reporting interval indicated by the network device.

[0084] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, measuring the angle of the first reference signal based on the first information includes:

[0085] The angle of the first reference signal is measured according to the first indication information.

[0086] In the above embodiments, the terminal device can measure the angle of the first reference signal based on the coordinate system information indicated by the network device.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0088] Send third information to the network device, the third information being used to report the terminal device's ability to measure the angle of the first reference signal, and / or to report the terminal device's ability to support angle-triggered conditional switching.

[0089] In the above embodiments, the terminal device can report to the network device its ability to measure the angle of the reference signal.

[0090] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the angle of the first reference signal includes at least one of the following: the angle of arrival (AOA) of the first reference signal, and the angle of arrival (ZOA) of the first reference signal.

[0091] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0092] Send first information to the terminal device. The first information is used by the terminal device to measure the angle of the first reference signal to obtain a first angle value of the first reference signal. The first angle value is used to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover.

[0093] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0094] The second reference signal is a reference signal for the serving cell;

[0095] Configuration information, including reporting period and / or reporting interval;

[0096] First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate the coordinate system information for measuring the first reference signal;

[0097] The second indication information is used to indicate at least one candidate cell.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0099] A third indication message is sent to the terminal device, the third indication message being used to indicate the first condition and / or the second condition, and the third indication message being used by the terminal device to determine whether cell handover is required.

[0100] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0101] Receive second information reported by the terminal device, the second information including the first angle value and / or the coordinate system information of the first angle value;

[0102] Based on the second information, determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover.

[0103] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, receiving the second information reported by the terminal device includes:

[0104] Receive the second information reported by the terminal device based on the configuration information.

[0105] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first reference signal includes the second reference signal and / or the third reference signal, the third reference signal being the reference signal of the candidate cell; the first angle value includes the second angle value and / or the third angle value, the second angle value being the angle value obtained by measuring the angle of the second reference signal, and the third angle value being the angle value obtained by measuring the angle of the third reference signal; determining whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover based on the second information includes:

[0106] Based on the first angle value, it is determined that the target cell meets the first condition, and it is determined that the terminal device needs to switch to the target cell, wherein the target cell is included in the at least one candidate cell;

[0107] The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0108] The third angle value is greater than the first threshold;

[0109] The third angle value is less than the second angle value.

[0110] In the above embodiments, the network device can determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover based on the second angle value of the second reference signal of the serving cell and / or the third angle value of the third reference signal of the candidate cell.

[0111] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0112] The target cell is determined to meet the second condition;

[0113] The second condition includes at least one of the following:

[0114] The measurement result of the target cell is greater than the measurement result of the serving cell, and the measurement result includes at least one of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal-to-noise ratio (SINR), and received signal strength indication (RSSI).

[0115] The measurement result of the target cell is greater than the second threshold;

[0116] The distance between the terminal device and the center of the serving cell is greater than the distance between the terminal device and the center of the target cell;

[0117] The terminal device measures a dwell time or connection time in the serving cell that is greater than the twelfth threshold.

[0118] In the above embodiments, the network device can also determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover based on the measurement results of the serving cell and the candidate cell, or the distance between the terminal device and the center of the cell.

[0119] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0120] The terminal device receives third information, which is used to report the terminal device's ability to measure the angle of the reference signal and / or to report the terminal device's ability to switch conditions based on angle triggering.

[0121] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the angle includes at least one of the following: angle of arrival (AOA) and zenith angle of arrival (ZOA).

[0122] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0123] The network device sends the first information to the terminal device;

[0124] The terminal device measures the angle of the first reference signal based on the first information to obtain a first angle value of the first reference signal. The first angle value is used to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover.

[0125] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal device, which may include at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the terminal device may be used to execute an optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0126] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device that may include at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the network device may be used to perform an optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0127] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal device that may include one or more processors; wherein the terminal device may be used to execute an optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0128] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device that may include one or more processors; wherein the network device may be used to perform an optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0129] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system that may include: a terminal device and a network device; wherein the terminal device is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0130] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0131] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0132] In one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0133] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described in optional implementations of the first or second aspect.

[0134] It is understood that the aforementioned terminal devices, network devices, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems can all be used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0135] This disclosure provides a communication method, device, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "information transmission method" and "information processing method," "communication method," etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms "information transmission device" and "information processing device," "communication device," "communication equipment," etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms "information processing system," "communication system," etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0136] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0137] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0138] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0139] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0140] In some embodiments, "multiple" can refer to two or more.

[0141] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0142] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0143] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0144] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0145] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0146] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0147] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0148] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “node,” “function,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0149] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0150] In some embodiments, the terms "Access Network Device (AN Device)," "Radio Access Network Device (RAN Device)," "Base Station (BS)," "Radio Base Station," "Fixed Station," "Node," "Access Point," "Transmission Point (TP)," "Reception Point (RP)," "Transmission / Reception Point (TRP)," "Panel," "Antenna Panel," "Antenna Array," "Cell," "Macro Cell," "Small Cell," "Femto Cell," "Pico Cell," "Sector," "Cell Group," "Serving Cell," "Carrier," "Component Carrier," and "Bandwidth Part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0151] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0152] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced with terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced with communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel or direct channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link or direct link.

[0153] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0154] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0155] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0156] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0157] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include a terminal device 101 and a network device 102.

[0158] In some embodiments, terminal device 101 may include at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0159] In some embodiments, network device 102 may include at least one of access network device and core network device.

[0160] In some embodiments, the access network device may be a node or device that connects a terminal device to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0161] In some embodiments, the wireless network may be an NTN network.

[0162] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0163] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0164] In some embodiments, the core network equipment may be a single device, multiple devices, or a group of devices. The core network may include at least one of the following: Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0165] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0166] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are examples. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is an example. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0167] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio Access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0168] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a novel mobility management method is proposed, which considers factors such as the location of the terminal and the time when the satellite moves out of the coverage area for mobility management.

[0169] For location-based mobility management, location-based conditional handover is introduced, providing satellite reference points and distance thresholds between the terminal and the reference points. When the threshold conditions are met, location-based conditional handover is triggered. For mobility management based on the time a satellite leaves its coverage area, time-based conditional handover is introduced. The network can provide time information about the current cell ceasing service and candidate cells starting service. The cell broadcasts the time it stops service and the time it stops covering the area via system messages. This time information can be used to assist the UE in cell reselection and to determine an appropriate time to perform neighbor cell measurements. When conditions are met, time-based conditional handover is triggered.

[0170] In some embodiments, Conditional Handover (CHO) refers to a handover performed by the UE when the handover execution conditions are met. The UE begins evaluating the execution conditions after receiving the CHO configuration and stops evaluating the execution conditions after performing the handover. An execution condition may include one or two triggering conditions.

[0171] In some embodiments, CondEvent A3 is the measurement result of the neighboring cell being offset higher than that of the primary cell.

[0172] In some embodiments, CondEvent A4 is when the measurement result of a neighboring cell is greater than a threshold.

[0173] In some embodiments, CondEvent A5 is when the measurement result of the primary cell is less than threshold 1 and the measurement result of the neighboring cell is greater than threshold 2.

[0174] In some embodiments, CondEvent D1 is when the distance between the UE and reference position 1 is greater than threshold 1, and the distance between the UE and reference position 2 is less than threshold 2.

[0175] In some embodiments, CondEvent D2 is when the distance between the UE and the mobile reference location of the serving cell is greater than threshold 1, and the distance between the UE and a mobile reference location is less than threshold 2.

[0176] In some embodiments, CondEvent T1 is the time measured on the UE within the duration of a threshold.

[0177] In some embodiments, location-based conditional handover requires the user equipment to continuously collect and report location information, which may result in high overhead; time-based conditional handover may lead to unnecessary handovers due to inaccurate ephemeris data, and maintaining timers may also incur high overhead.

[0178] In some embodiments, this disclosure proposes an angle-domain-based mobility management method that introduces angle-based handover decisions. It can be used alone or in conjunction with existing events. This addresses the problem of optimizing cell handover in situations where ephemeris information is lacking or inaccurate.

[0179] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method can be executed by the aforementioned communication system. As shown in Figure 2A, the method may include:

[0180] Step S2101: The terminal device sends third information to the network device.

[0181] In some embodiments, the network device may receive third information. For example, the network device may receive third information sent by a terminal device. As another example, the network device may also receive third information sent by other entities.

[0182] In some embodiments, the third information may be used to report the terminal device's ability to measure the angle of a reference signal.

[0183] In some embodiments, the third information may be used to report the terminal device's ability to support angle-triggered conditional switching.

[0184] In some embodiments, if the terminal device supports measuring the angle of the reference signal, it can send the third information to the network device.

[0185] In some embodiments, if the terminal device supports the ability to switch conditions based on angle triggering, it can send the third information to the network device.

[0186] In some embodiments, the name of the second information is not limited, and may be, for example, "capability indication information", "capability information", etc.

[0187] In some embodiments, the terminal device that supports the measurement of the angle of the reference signal operates in the high-frequency band and has multiple antennas.

[0188] Step S2102: The network device sends the first information to the terminal device.

[0189] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive first information. For example, the terminal device may receive first information sent by a network device. As another example, the terminal device may also receive first information sent by other entities.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first information can be used by the terminal device to measure the angle of the first reference signal.

[0191] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following:

[0192] The second reference signal is the reference signal of the serving cell;

[0193] Configuration information, including reporting period and / or reporting interval;

[0194] First indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the coordinate system information for measuring the first reference signal;

[0195] The second indication information is used to indicate at least one candidate cell.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first reference signal may be a positioning reference signal (PRS).

[0197] In some embodiments, the coordinate system information may include a global coordinate system (GCS), or a local coordinate system (LCS) and LCS-to-GCS coordinate transformation parameters.

[0198] In some embodiments, if the coordinate system information is GCS, then for the Absolute Angle of Arrival (A-AOA), the reference direction is geographic north, and the counterclockwise direction is positive; for the Zero-Angle of Arrival (Z-AOA), the reference direction is vertical, with 0° pointing vertically and 90° pointing horizontally.

[0199] In some embodiments, if the coordinate system information is LCS, then for A-AOA, the reference direction is the x-axis direction of LCS, with counterclockwise being positive; for Z-AOA, the reference direction is the z-axis direction of LCS, with 0° pointing to the z-axis direction and 90° pointing to the xy plane.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first information may not include the first indication information, that is, the network device does not configure a coordinate system for measuring the first reference signal, and the terminal device may determine the coordinate system for measuring the first reference signal according to the protocol or by itself.

[0201] In some embodiments, at least one candidate cell may include candidate cells configured by the network device for the terminal device.

[0202] In some embodiments, the first reference signal may include a second reference signal and / or a third reference signal.

[0203] In some embodiments, the third reference signal is a reference signal for candidate cells configured by the network device.

[0204] Step S2103: The terminal device measures the angle of the first reference signal according to the first instruction information to obtain the first angle value of the first reference signal.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first angle value may include a second angle value and / or a third angle value. The terminal device may measure the second reference signal to obtain the second angle value and measure the third reference signal to obtain the third angle value.

[0206] In some embodiments, the terminal device may measure the angle of each third reference signal to obtain a third angle value for each third reference signal. It should be understood that the terminal device may measure the angle of the third reference signal for each candidate cell in at least one candidate cell configured by the network device to obtain multiple third angle values.

[0207] In some embodiments, the angle of the first reference signal may include at least one of the following: the angle of arrival (AOA) of the first reference signal, and the angle of arrival (ZOA) of the first reference signal.

[0208] For example, the terminal device can measure the angle of the AOA of the second reference signal and the angle of the AOA of the third reference signal; for another example, the terminal device can measure the angle of the ZOA of the second reference signal and the angle of the ZOA of the third reference signal; for yet another example, the terminal device can measure the angle of the AOA and the ZOA of the second reference signal, as well as the angle of the AOA and the ZOA of the third reference signal.

[0209] In some embodiments, the terminal device may measure the angle of a third reference signal for each of at least one candidate cell configured by the network device.

[0210] In some embodiments, the terminal device may measure the angle of the third reference signal of any candidate cell among at least one candidate cell configured by the network device, and determine whether it is necessary to switch to the candidate cell based on the measured third angle value.

[0211] It should be noted that the terminal device can measure the angle of the first reference signal with reference to existing protocols, which will not be elaborated here.

[0212] Step S2104: The network device sends a third instruction message to the terminal device.

[0213] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive third indication information. For example, the terminal device may receive third indication information sent by a network device. As another example, the terminal device may also receive third indication information sent by other entities.

[0214] In some embodiments, the third indication information may be used to indicate the first condition and / or the second condition.

[0215] In some embodiments, the first condition and / or the second condition are used by the terminal device to determine whether a cell handover is required.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first condition may include at least one of the following:

[0217] The third angle value is greater than the first threshold;

[0218] The third angle value is less than the second angle value.

[0219] In some embodiments, "the third angle value is less than the second angle value" can be further defined as: the second angle value is greater than a fourth threshold and the third angle value is less than a fifth threshold, wherein the fourth threshold is greater than the fifth threshold.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first threshold, the fourth threshold, and the fifth threshold may be configured by the network device or agreed upon by a protocol, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0221] In some embodiments, different candidate cells may correspond to different first conditions, or different candidate cells may correspond to the same first condition. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0222] In some embodiments, the second condition may include at least one of the following:

[0223] The measurement result for the target cell is greater than the measurement result for the serving cell;

[0224] The measurement result for the target cell is greater than the second threshold;

[0225] The distance between the terminal device and the center of the serving cell is greater than the distance between the terminal device and the center of the target cell;

[0226] The dwell time or connection time measured by the terminal device in the serving cell is greater than the third threshold.

[0227] In some embodiments, the measurement result may include at least one of the following: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), and Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI).

[0228] In some embodiments, "the measurement result of the target cell is greater than the measurement result of the serving cell" can be further defined as: the measurement result of the target cell is greater than the measurement result of the serving cell, and the difference between the measurement result of the target cell and the measurement result of the serving cell is greater than the sixth threshold. The specific implementation method can refer to CondEvent A3 of the existing protocol.

[0229] In some embodiments, the specific execution method of "the measurement result of the target cell is greater than the second threshold" can refer to CondEvent A4 of the existing protocol.

[0230] In some embodiments, "the measurement result of the target cell is greater than the measurement result of the serving cell" can be further defined as: the measurement result of the serving cell is less than the seventh threshold, and the measurement result of the target cell is greater than the eighth threshold, wherein the seventh threshold is less than the eighth threshold. The specific implementation method can refer to CondEvent A5 of the existing protocol.

[0231] In some embodiments, if the serving cell is an Earth Fixed Cell, the center location of the serving cell can be the reference location of the serving cell; if the serving cell is an Earth Moving Cell, the center location of the serving cell can be the moving reference location of the serving cell.

[0232] In some embodiments, if the target cell is an Earth Fixed Cell, the center location of the target cell can be the reference location of the target cell; if the target cell is an Earth Moving Cell, the center location of the target cell can be the moving reference location of the target cell.

[0233] In some embodiments, "the distance between the terminal device and the center location of the serving cell is greater than the distance between the terminal device and the center location of the target cell" can be further defined as: the distance between the terminal device and the reference location of the serving cell is greater than a ninth threshold, and the distance between the terminal device and the reference location of the target cell is less than a tenth threshold, wherein the ninth threshold is greater than the tenth threshold. The specific implementation method can refer to CondEventD1 of the existing protocol.

[0234] In some embodiments, "the distance between the terminal device and the center location of the serving cell is greater than the distance between the terminal device and the center location of the target cell" can be further defined as: the distance between the terminal device and the mobile reference location of the serving cell is greater than the eleventh threshold, and the distance between the terminal device and the mobile reference location of the target cell is less than the twelfth threshold. The eleventh threshold is greater than the twelfth threshold. The specific implementation method can refer to CondEvent D2 of the existing protocol.

[0235] In some embodiments, the specific implementation of "the dwell time or connection time measured by the terminal device in the serving cell is greater than the third threshold" can refer to the existing protocol's CondEventT1.

[0236] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating the threshold range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, in existing protocols, the ranges of the second, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth thresholds are different for different measurement results. Taking RSRP as an example, the range of the second, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth thresholds is 0 to 127. Taking RSSI as an example, the range of the second, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth thresholds is 0 to 76.

[0237] Figure 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating the threshold range according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2C, in the existing protocol, the range of the third threshold is 0 to 549755813887, the range of the ninth and tenth thresholds is 0 to 65525, and the range of the eleventh and twelfth thresholds is 0 to 65535.

[0238] It should be noted that the execution order of step S2104 is not limited, and it can be interchanged with any of steps S2101 to S2103 or executed simultaneously. For example, if the first information includes the third instruction information, step S2104 may not be executed.

[0239] Step S2105: The terminal device determines that the target cell meets the first condition based on the first angle value.

[0240] In some embodiments, after the terminal device measures the angle of the first reference signal and obtains the first angle value of the first reference signal, it can determine whether the first angle value satisfies the first condition.

[0241] In some embodiments, different candidate cells may correspond to different first conditions, or different candidate cells may correspond to the same first condition. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0242] For example, if the network device is configured with at least one candidate cell including candidate cell A and candidate cell B, then the first condition corresponding to candidate cell A is that the third angle value of the third reference signal of candidate cell A is greater than the first threshold, and the first condition corresponding to candidate cell B is that the third angle value of the third reference signal of candidate cell B is less than the second angle value of the second reference signal of the serving cell; as another example, the first threshold in the first condition corresponding to candidate cell A is different from the first threshold in the first condition corresponding to candidate cell B.

[0243] In some embodiments, any candidate cell among at least one candidate cell configured for the network device may be referred to as the target cell. The terminal device may determine whether the target cell meets the first condition based on the third angle value of the third reference signal of the target cell and / or the second angle value of the second reference signal of the serving cell.

[0244] In some embodiments, the terminal device may determine whether the target cell meets the first condition by any one or more of the first conditions shown in step S2104.

[0245] For example, if the third angle value is greater than the first threshold, then the target cell is determined to meet the first condition; as another example, if the third angle value is less than the second angle value, then the target cell is determined to meet the first condition; and as yet another example, if the second angle value is greater than the fourth threshold and the third angle value is less than the fifth threshold, then the target cell is determined to meet the first condition.

[0246] Figure 2D is a schematic diagram of cell handover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2D, the cell handover is an intra-satellite cell handover. The third angle value of the third reference signal of the target cell is φ. If φ is greater than a first threshold, the target cell is determined to meet the first condition.

[0247] Figure 2E is a schematic diagram of cell handover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2E, the cell handover is an inter-satellite cell handover. The second angle value of the second reference signal of the serving cell is φ1, and the third angle value of the third reference signal of the target cell is φ2, where φ2 < φ1. It is determined that the target cell satisfies the first condition.

[0248] In some embodiments, the terminal device may select any candidate cell from at least one candidate cell configured by the network device as the target cell, or may select a candidate cell as the target cell according to the agreement or by itself.

[0249] In some embodiments, if the terminal device determines that the target cell does not meet the first condition, it can reselect a candidate cell from the remaining candidate cells in at least one candidate cell configured by the network device as the target cell, and continue to determine whether the new target cell meets the first condition according to the above method, until each candidate cell in at least one candidate cell configured by the network device is selected.

[0250] It should be noted that if the terminal device determines that the target cell meets the first condition, step S2106 can be executed; if the terminal device determines that each of the at least one candidate cells configured by the network device does not meet the first condition, then steps S2106 and S2107 can be omitted.

[0251] Step S2106: The terminal device determines that the target cell meets the second condition.

[0252] In some embodiments, different candidate cells may correspond to different second conditions, or different candidate cells may correspond to the same second condition. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0253] In some embodiments, if the terminal device determines that the target cell meets the first condition, it can further determine whether the target cell meets the second condition.

[0254] In some embodiments, the terminal device may determine whether the target cell meets the second condition by any one or more of the second conditions shown in step S2104.

[0255] For example, if the terminal device determines that the RSRP of the target cell is greater than the RSRP of the serving cell, and the difference between the RSRP of the target cell and the RSRP of the serving cell is greater than the sixth threshold, then the target cell is determined to meet the second condition; as another example, if the terminal device determines that the RSRP of the target cell is greater than the second threshold, then the target cell is determined to meet the second condition; and as yet another example, if the terminal device determines that the RSRP of the serving cell is less than the seventh threshold, and the RSRP of the target cell is greater than the eighth threshold, then the target cell is determined to meet the second condition.

[0256] It should be noted that the execution order of steps S2105 and S2106 is not limited in this embodiment. Step S2105 can be executed first and then step S2106 can be executed, or step S2106 can be executed first and then step S2105 can be executed.

[0257] It should also be noted that if step S2106 is executed first, the target cell can be selected by referring to the method of step S2105, which will not be repeated here.

[0258] It should also be noted that step S2106 can be omitted.

[0259] Step S2107: The terminal device switches to the target cell.

[0260] In some embodiments, if the terminal device determines that the target cell meets the first condition, or meets the first condition and the second condition, the terminal device may switch to the target cell.

[0261] It should be noted that terminal devices can switch to the target cell by referring to existing protocol methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0262] Using the above method, the terminal device can determine whether it needs to perform cell handover based on the first angle value of the first reference signal and / or the measurement result of the first reference signal, thereby improving the accuracy of cell handover.

[0263] The methods involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of the steps S2101 to S2107 described above. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 + step S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2104 + step S2105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2104 + step S2106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2105 + step S2106 + step S2107 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0264] In some embodiments, the order of any two steps in steps S2101 to S2107 can be interchanged or they can be performed simultaneously.

[0265] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2107 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. For example, steps S2101, S2104, and S2106 may be omitted.

[0266] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2A.

[0267] Figure 2F is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method can be executed by the aforementioned communication system. As shown in Figure 2F, the method may include:

[0268] Step S2601: The terminal device sends third information to the network device.

[0269] The optional implementation of step S2601 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0270] Step S2602: The network device sends the first information to the terminal device.

[0271] The optional implementation of step S2602 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0272] Step S2603: The terminal device measures the angle of the first reference signal according to the first instruction information to obtain the first angle value of the first reference signal.

[0273] The optional implementation of step S2603 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0274] Step S2604: The terminal device reports the second information to the network device according to the configuration information.

[0275] In some embodiments, the network device may receive second information. For example, the network device may receive second information sent by a terminal device. As another example, the network device may also receive second information sent by other entities.

[0276] In some embodiments, the second information may include a first angle value and / or coordinate system information of the first angle value.

[0277] In some embodiments, the first angle value may include a second angle value and / or a third angle value, wherein the second angle value is an angle value obtained by measuring the angle of a second reference signal, and the third angle value is an angle value obtained by measuring the angle of a third reference signal, wherein the second reference signal is a reference signal of the serving cell, and the third reference signal includes a reference signal of a candidate cell.

[0278] In some embodiments, the coordinate system information may include GCS, or LCS and LCS-to-GCS coordinate transformation parameters.

[0279] In some embodiments, if the coordinate system information is GCS, then for the Absolute Angle of Arrival (A-AOA), the reference direction is geographic north, and the counterclockwise direction is positive; for the Zero-Angle of Arrival (Z-AOA), the reference direction is vertical, with 0° pointing vertically and 90° pointing horizontally.

[0280] In some embodiments, if the coordinate system information is LCS, then for A-AOA, the reference direction is the x-axis direction of LCS, with counterclockwise being positive; for Z-AOA, the reference direction is the z-axis direction of LCS, with 0° pointing to the z-axis direction and 90° pointing to the xy plane.

[0281] In some embodiments, if the first information includes first indication information, then the second information may not include the coordinate system information of the first angle value.

[0282] Step S2605: The network device determines whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover based on the second information.

[0283] In some embodiments, the network device determines that the target cell meets the first condition based on the first angle value in the second information, and determines that the terminal device needs to hand over to the target cell, wherein the target cell is included in at least one candidate cell.

[0284] The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0285] The third angle value is greater than the first threshold;

[0286] The third angle value is less than the second angle value.

[0287] In some embodiments, "the third angle value is less than the second angle value" can be further defined as: the second angle value is greater than a fourth threshold and the third angle value is less than a fifth threshold, wherein the fourth threshold is greater than the fifth threshold.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first threshold, the fourth threshold, and the fifth threshold may be configured by the network device or agreed upon by a protocol, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0289] In some embodiments, different candidate cells may correspond to different first conditions, or different candidate cells may correspond to the same first condition. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0290] For example, if at least one candidate cell includes candidate cell A and candidate cell B, then the first condition corresponding to candidate cell A is that the third angle value of the third reference signal of candidate cell A is greater than the first threshold, and the first condition corresponding to candidate cell B is that the third angle value of the third reference signal of candidate cell B is less than the second angle value of the second reference signal of the serving cell; as another example, the first threshold in the first condition corresponding to candidate cell A is different from the first threshold in the first condition corresponding to candidate cell B.

[0291] In some embodiments, for any candidate cell among at least one candidate cell, which may be referred to as a target cell, the network device may determine whether the target cell satisfies the first condition based on the third angle value of the third reference signal of the target cell and / or the second angle value of the second reference signal of the serving cell measured by the terminal device.

[0292] In some embodiments, the network device may determine whether the target cell meets the first condition by any one or more of the above-described methods.

[0293] For example, if the third angle value is greater than the first threshold, then the target cell is determined to meet the first condition; as another example, if the third angle value is less than the second angle value, then the target cell is determined to meet the first condition; and as yet another example, if the second angle value is greater than the fourth threshold and the third angle value is less than the fifth threshold, then the target cell is determined to meet the first condition.

[0294] As shown in Figure 2D, the cell handover is an intra-satellite cell handover. The third angle value of the third reference signal of the target cell is φ. If φ is greater than the first threshold, then the target cell is determined to meet the first condition.

[0295] As shown in Figure 2E, the cell handover is an inter-satellite cell handover. The second angle value of the second reference signal of the serving cell is φ1, and the third angle value of the third reference signal of the target cell is φ2. Since φ2 < φ1, it is determined that the target cell meets the first condition.

[0296] In some embodiments, the network device may select any candidate cell from at least one configured candidate cell as the target cell, or may select a candidate cell as the target cell according to an agreement or by its own initiative.

[0297] In some embodiments, if the network device determines that the target cell does not meet the first condition, it can select a new candidate cell from the remaining candidate cells in at least one candidate cell as the target cell, and continue to determine whether the new target cell meets the first condition according to the above method, until each candidate cell in at least one candidate cell is selected.

[0298] In some embodiments, if the network device determines that the target cell meets the first condition, it can further determine whether the target cell meets the second condition.

[0299] The second condition includes at least one of the following:

[0300] The measurement result for the target cell is greater than the measurement result for the serving cell;

[0301] The measurement result for the target cell is greater than the second threshold;

[0302] The distance between the terminal device and the center of the serving cell is greater than the distance between the terminal device and the center of the target cell;

[0303] The terminal device measures a dwell time or connection time in the serving cell that is greater than the third threshold.

[0304] In some embodiments, the measurement result may include at least one of the following: RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, RSSI.

[0305] In some embodiments, "the measurement result of the target cell is greater than the measurement result of the serving cell" can be further defined as: the measurement result of the target cell is greater than the measurement result of the serving cell, and the difference between the measurement result of the target cell and the measurement result of the serving cell is greater than the sixth threshold. The specific implementation method can refer to CondEvent A3 of the existing protocol.

[0306] In some embodiments, the specific execution method of "the measurement result of the target cell is greater than the second threshold" can refer to CondEvent A4 of the existing protocol.

[0307] In some embodiments, "the measurement result of the target cell is greater than the measurement result of the serving cell" can be further defined as: the measurement result of the serving cell is less than the seventh threshold, and the measurement result of the target cell is greater than the eighth threshold, wherein the seventh threshold is less than the eighth threshold. The specific implementation method can refer to CondEvent A5 of the existing protocol.

[0308] In some embodiments, if the serving cell is an Earth Fixed Cell, the center location of the serving cell can be the reference location of the serving cell; if the serving cell is an Earth Moving Cell, the center location of the serving cell can be the moving reference location of the serving cell.

[0309] In some embodiments, if the target cell is an Earth Fixed Cell, the center location of the target cell can be the reference location of the target cell; if the target cell is an Earth Moving Cell, the center location of the target cell can be the moving reference location of the target cell.

[0310] In some embodiments, "the distance between the terminal device and the center location of the serving cell is greater than the distance between the terminal device and the center location of the target cell" can be further defined as: the distance between the terminal device and the reference location of the serving cell is greater than a ninth threshold, and the distance between the terminal device and the reference location of the target cell is less than a tenth threshold, wherein the ninth threshold is greater than the tenth threshold. The specific implementation method can refer to CondEvent D1 of the existing protocol.

[0311] In some embodiments, "the distance between the terminal device and the center location of the serving cell is greater than the distance between the terminal device and the center location of the target cell" can be further defined as: the distance between the terminal device and the mobile reference location of the serving cell is greater than the eleventh threshold, and the distance between the terminal device and the mobile reference location of the target cell is less than the twelfth threshold. The eleventh threshold is greater than the twelfth threshold. The specific implementation method can refer to CondEvent D2 of the existing protocol.

[0312] In some embodiments, the specific implementation of "the dwell time or connection time measured by the terminal device in the serving cell is greater than the third threshold" can refer to the CondEvent T1 of the existing protocol.

[0313] As shown in Figure 2B, the ranges of the second, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth thresholds are different for different measurement results. Taking RSRP as an example, the range of the second, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth thresholds is 0 to 127. Taking RSSI as an example, the range of the second, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth thresholds is 0 to 76.

[0314] As shown in Figure 2C, the range of the third threshold is 0 to 549755813887, the range of the ninth and tenth thresholds is 0 to 65525, and the range of the eleventh and twelfth thresholds is 0 to 65535.

[0315] In some embodiments, the network device may determine whether the target cell meets the second condition by any one or more of the second conditions shown above.

[0316] For example, if the network device determines that the RSRP of the target cell is greater than the RSRP of the serving cell, and the difference between the RSRP of the target cell and the RSRP of the serving cell is greater than the sixth threshold, then the target cell is determined to meet the second condition; as another example, if the network device determines that the RSRP of the target cell is greater than the second threshold, then the target cell is determined to meet the second condition; and as yet another example, if the network device determines that the RSRP of the serving cell is less than the seventh threshold, and the RSRP of the target cell is greater than the eighth threshold, then the target cell is determined to meet the second condition.

[0317] It should be noted that the execution order of whether the target cell meets the first condition or the second condition in the embodiments of this disclosure is not limited. It is possible to first determine whether the target cell meets the first condition, and then determine whether the target cell meets the second condition after the target cell meets the first condition. Alternatively, it is possible to first determine whether the target cell meets the second condition, and then determine whether the target cell meets the first condition after the target cell meets the second condition.

[0318] It should also be noted that it is uncertain whether the target cell meets the second condition. That is, after the target cell meets the first condition, step S2606 is executed.

[0319] It should also be noted that if the network device determines that each of the candidate cells in at least one candidate cell does not meet the first condition and / or the second condition, then step S2606 can be omitted.

[0320] Step S2606: The network device determines that the terminal device needs to switch to the target cell and sends the fourth instruction information to the terminal device.

[0321] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive fourth indication information. For example, the terminal device may receive fourth indication information sent by a network device. As another example, the terminal device may also receive fourth indication information sent by other entities.

[0322] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may be used to instruct the terminal device to perform cell handover.

[0323] Using the above method, network devices can determine whether terminal devices need to perform cell handover based on the first angle value of the first reference signal and / or the measurement result of the first reference signal, thereby improving the accuracy of cell handover.

[0324] The methods involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2601 to S2606 described above. For example, step S2601 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2602 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2604 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2605 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2606 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2602 + step S2603 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2604 + step S2605 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2604 + step S2605 + step S2606 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0325] In some embodiments, the order of any two steps in steps S2601 to S2606 can be interchanged or they can be performed simultaneously.

[0326] In some embodiments, steps S2601 to S2606 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. For example, steps S2601 and S2606 may be omitted.

[0327] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0328] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0329] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0330] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0331] Figure 3A is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method that can be executed by a terminal device. The method may include:

[0332] Step S3101: Send the third message.

[0333] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0334] Step S3102: Receive the first information.

[0335] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0336] Step S3103: Measure the angle of the first reference signal according to the first indication information to obtain the first angle value of the first reference signal.

[0337] The optional implementation of step S3103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0338] Step S3104: Receive the third instruction information.

[0339] The optional implementation of step S3104 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0340] Step S3105: Determine that the target cell meets the first condition based on the first angle value.

[0341] The optional implementation of step S3105 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0342] Step S3106: Determine that the target cell meets the second condition.

[0343] The optional implementation of step S3106 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0344] Step S3107: Switch to the target cell.

[0345] The optional implementation of step S3107 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0346] The methods involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of the steps S3101 to S3107 described above. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3102 + step S3103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3104 + step S3105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3104 + step S3106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3105 + step S3106 + step S3107 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0347] In some embodiments, the order of any two steps in steps S3101 to S3107 can be interchanged or they can be performed simultaneously.

[0348] In some embodiments, steps S3101 to S3107 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. For example, steps S3101, S3104, and S3106 may be omitted.

[0349] Figure 3B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, the present disclosure relates to a communication method that can be executed by a terminal device. The method may include:

[0350] Step S3201: Receive the first information.

[0351] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0352] Step S3202: Measure the angle of the first reference signal according to the first indication information to obtain the first angle value of the first reference signal.

[0353] The optional implementation of step S3202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0354] Step S3203: Receive the third instruction information.

[0355] The optional implementation of step S3203 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0356] Step S3204: Determine that the target cell meets the first condition based on the first angle value.

[0357] The optional implementation of step S3204 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0358] Step S3205: Determine that the target cell meets the second condition.

[0359] The optional implementation of step S3205 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0360] Step S3206: Switch to the target cell.

[0361] The optional implementation of step S3206 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0362] The methods involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of the steps S3201 to S3206 described above. For example, step S3201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3204 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3205 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3201 + step S3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3203 + step S3204 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3103 + step S3205 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3204 + step S3205 + step S3206 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0363] In some embodiments, the order of any two steps in steps S3201 to S3206 can be interchanged or they can be performed simultaneously.

[0364] In some embodiments, steps S3201 to S3206 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. For example, steps S3203 and S3205 may be omitted.

[0365] Figure 3C is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3C, the present disclosure relates to a communication method that can be executed by a terminal device. The method may include:

[0366] Step S3301: Receive the first information.

[0367] The optional implementation of step S3301 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0368] Step S3302: Measure the angle of the first reference signal according to the first indication information to obtain the first angle value of the first reference signal.

[0369] The optional implementation of step S3302 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0370] Step S3303: Receive the third instruction information.

[0371] The optional implementation of step S3303 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0372] Step S3304: Determine that the target cell meets the first condition based on the first angle value.

[0373] The optional implementation of step S3304 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0374] Step S3305: Switch to the target cell.

[0375] The optional implementation of step S3305 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0376] The methods involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of the steps S3301 to S3305 described above. For example, step S3301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3304 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3305 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3301 + step S3302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3303 + step S3304 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3304 + step S3305 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0377] In some embodiments, the order of any two steps in steps S3301 to S3305 can be interchanged or they can be performed simultaneously.

[0378] In some embodiments, steps S3301 to S3305 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. For example, steps S3303 and S3305 may be omitted.

[0379] Figure 3D is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3D, the present disclosure relates to a communication method that can be executed by a terminal device. The method may include:

[0380] Step S3401: Receive the first information.

[0381] The optional implementation of step S3401 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2602 in Figure 2F, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2F, which will not be repeated here.

[0382] Step S3402: Measure the angle of the first reference signal according to the first indication information to obtain the angle value of the first reference signal.

[0383] The optional implementation of step S3402 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2603 in Figure 2F, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2F, which will not be repeated here.

[0384] Step S3403: Report the second piece of information.

[0385] The optional implementation of step S3403 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2604 in Figure 2F, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2F, which will not be repeated here.

[0386] In some embodiments, the above steps are all optional.

[0387] Figure 3E is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3E, the present disclosure relates to a communication method that can be executed by a terminal device. The method may include:

[0388] Step S3501: Receive the first information.

[0389] The optional implementation of step S3501 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A, step S2602 in Figure 2F, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2F, which will not be repeated here.

[0390] Step S3502: Measure the angle of the first reference signal according to the first information to obtain the first angle value of the first reference signal.

[0391] The optional implementation of step S3502 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A, step S2603 in Figure 2F, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2F, which will not be repeated here.

[0392] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0393] The second reference signal is a reference signal for the serving cell;

[0394] Configuration information, including reporting period and / or reporting interval;

[0395] First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate the coordinate system information for measuring the first reference signal;

[0396] The second indication information is used to indicate at least one candidate cell.

[0397] In some embodiments, the first reference signal includes the second reference signal and / or the third reference signal, wherein the third reference signal is the reference signal of the candidate cell, the first angle value includes the second angle value and / or the third angle value, and the step of measuring the angle of the first reference signal based on the first information to obtain the first angle value of the first reference signal includes at least one of the following:

[0398] The second reference signal is measured to obtain the second angle value;

[0399] The third reference signal is measured to obtain the third angle value.

[0400] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0401] Based on the first angle value, it is determined that the target cell meets the first condition, and the target cell is included in the at least one candidate cell;

[0402] Switch to the target cell;

[0403] The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0404] The third angle value is greater than the first threshold;

[0405] The third angle value is less than the second angle value.

[0406] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0407] The target cell is determined to meet the second condition;

[0408] The second condition includes at least one of the following:

[0409] The measurement result of the target cell is greater than the measurement result of the serving cell, and the measurement result includes at least one of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal-to-noise ratio (SINR), and received signal strength indication (RSSI).

[0410] The measurement result of the target cell is greater than the second threshold;

[0411] The distance between the terminal device and the center of the serving cell is greater than the distance between the terminal device and the center of the target cell;

[0412] The terminal device measures a dwell time or connection time in the serving cell that is greater than a third threshold.

[0413] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0414] The network device receives a third indication message, which is used to indicate the first condition and / or the second condition.

[0415] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0416] The network device reports second information, which includes the first angle value and / or coordinate system information for measuring the first reference signal. The second information is used by the network device to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover.

[0417] In some embodiments, reporting the second information to the network device includes:

[0418] The second information is reported to the network device according to the configuration information.

[0419] In some embodiments, measuring the angle of the first reference signal based on the first information includes:

[0420] The angle of the first reference signal is measured according to the first indication information.

[0421] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0422] Send third information to the network device, the third information being used to report the terminal device's ability to measure the angle of the first reference signal, and / or to report the terminal device's ability to support angle-triggered conditional switching.

[0423] In some embodiments, the angle of the first reference signal includes at least one of the following: the angle of arrival (AOA) of the first reference signal, and the angle of arrival (ZOA) of the first reference signal.

[0424] Figure 4A is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method that can be executed by a network device. The method may include:

[0425] Step S4101: Receive third information.

[0426] The optional implementation of step S4101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0427] Step S4102: Send the first message.

[0428] The optional implementation of step S4102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0429] Step S4103: Send the third instruction information.

[0430] The optional implementation of step S4103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0431] In some embodiments, the above steps are all optional.

[0432] Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4B, the present disclosure relates to a communication method that can be executed by a network device. The method may include:

[0433] Step S4201: Receive third information.

[0434] The optional implementation of step S4201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2601 in Figure 2F, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2F, which will not be repeated here.

[0435] Step S4202: Send the first message.

[0436] The optional implementation of step S4202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2602 in Figure 2F, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2F, which will not be repeated here.

[0437] Step S4203: Receive the second information.

[0438] The optional implementation of step S4203 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2604 in Figure 2F, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2F, which will not be repeated here.

[0439] Step S4204: Determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover based on the second information.

[0440] The optional implementation of step S4204 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2605 in Figure 2F, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2F, which will not be repeated here.

[0441] Step S4205: Determine that the terminal device needs to switch to the target cell and send the fourth instruction information.

[0442] The optional implementation of step S4205 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2606 in Figure 2F, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2F, which will not be repeated here.

[0443] In some embodiments, the above steps are all optional.

[0444] Figure 4C is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4C, the present disclosure relates to a communication method that can be executed by a network device. The method may include:

[0445] Step S4301: Send the first message.

[0446] The optional implementation of step S4301 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2602 in Figure 2F, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2F, which will not be repeated here.

[0447] Step S4302: Receive the second information.

[0448] The optional implementation of step S4302 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2604 in Figure 2F, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2F, which will not be repeated here.

[0449] Step S4303: Determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover based on the second information.

[0450] The optional implementation of step S4303 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2605 in Figure 2F, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2F, which will not be repeated here.

[0451] In some embodiments, the above steps are all optional.

[0452] Figure 4D is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4D, the present disclosure relates to a communication method that can be executed by a network device. The method may include:

[0453] Step S4401: Send the first message.

[0454] The optional implementation of step S4401 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A, step S2602 in Figure 2F, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2F, which will not be repeated here.

[0455] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0456] The second reference signal is a reference signal for the serving cell;

[0457] Configuration information, including reporting period and / or reporting interval;

[0458] First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate the coordinate system information for measuring the first reference signal;

[0459] The second indication information is used to indicate at least one candidate cell.

[0460] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0461] A third indication message is sent to the terminal device, the third indication message being used to indicate the first condition and / or the second condition, and the third indication message being used by the terminal device to determine whether cell handover is required.

[0462] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0463] Receive second information reported by the terminal device, the second information including the first angle value and / or the coordinate system information of the first angle value;

[0464] Based on the second information, determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover.

[0465] In some embodiments, receiving the second information reported by the terminal device includes:

[0466] Receive the second information reported by the terminal device based on the configuration information.

[0467] In some embodiments, the first reference signal includes the second reference signal and / or the third reference signal, the third reference signal being the reference signal of the candidate cell; the first angle value includes the second angle value and / or the third angle value, the second angle value being the angle value obtained by measuring the angle of the second reference signal; the third angle value being the angle value obtained by measuring the angle of the third reference signal; determining whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover based on the second information includes:

[0468] Based on the first angle value, it is determined that the target cell meets the first condition, and it is determined that the terminal device needs to switch to the target cell, wherein the target cell is included in the at least one candidate cell;

[0469] The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0470] The third angle value is greater than the first threshold;

[0471] The third angle value is less than the second angle value.

[0472] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0473] The target cell is determined to meet the second condition;

[0474] The second condition includes at least one of the following:

[0475] The measurement result of the target cell is greater than the measurement result of the serving cell, and the measurement result includes at least one of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal-to-noise ratio (SINR), and received signal strength indication (RSSI).

[0476] The measurement result of the target cell is greater than the second threshold;

[0477] The distance between the terminal device and the center of the serving cell is greater than the distance between the terminal device and the center of the target cell;

[0478] The terminal device measures a dwell time or connection time in the serving cell that is greater than the twelfth threshold.

[0479] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0480] The terminal device receives third information, which is used to report the terminal device's ability to measure the angle of the first reference signal and / or to report the terminal device's ability to switch conditions based on angle triggering.

[0481] In some embodiments, the angle of the first reference signal includes at least one of the following: the angle of arrival (AOA) of the first reference signal, and the angle of arrival (ZOA) of the first reference signal.

[0482] Figure 5A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method that can be executed by a communication system. The method may include:

[0483] Step S5101: The network device sends the first information to the terminal device.

[0484] The optional implementation of step S5101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A, step S2602 in Figure 2F, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2F, which will not be repeated here.

[0485] Step S5102: The terminal device measures the angle of the first reference signal based on the first information to obtain the first angle value of the first reference signal.

[0486] The optional implementation of step S5102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A, step S2603 in Figure 2F, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2F, which will not be repeated here.

[0487] In some embodiments, the above methods may include the methods described in the embodiments of the communication system, terminal device, network device, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0488] In some embodiments, for a specific type of UE, differentiation can be based on UE capabilities.

[0489] For example, the UE reports its ability to support angle-based measurements to the network based on capability information.

[0490] Optionally, the angle may be the angle of arrival (AOA).

[0491] Generally, UEs that support angle measurement capabilities operate in high-frequency bands and have multiple antennas.

[0492] In some embodiments, the UE receives network configuration information, which includes:

[0493] Configuration of the reference signal to be tested, such as the positioning reference signal (PRS);

[0494] Result reporting configuration, including reporting period, reporting interval, etc.;

[0495] The coordinate system corresponding to the angle measurement, such as GCS or LCS, and the coordinate transformation parameters from LCS to GCS.

[0496] In some embodiments, two reference directions are supported for definition:

[0497] (1) The reference direction is defined by GCS.

[0498] Optionally, for A-AO), the reference direction is geographic north, and the counterclockwise direction is positive.

[0499] Optionally, for Z-AOA, the reference direction is the vertical direction, with 0° pointing vertically and 90° pointing horizontally.

[0500] (2) The reference direction is defined by the LCS in the channel model.

[0501] Optionally, for A-AOA, the reference direction is the x-axis direction of the local coordinate system, with counterclockwise being positive.

[0502] Optionally, for Z-AOA, the reference direction is the z-axis direction of the local coordinate system, with 0° pointing to the z-axis direction and 90° pointing to the xy plane.

[0503] In some embodiments, the UE performs an angle measurement on the received reference signal under test and reports the measurement results, including:

[0504] The UE determines the angle value of the reference signal under test based on the measurement.

[0505] The coordinate system information corresponding to the angle value.

[0506] Example 1, Figure 5B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, the network determines the current cell location of the UE based on the angle measurement results reported by the UE and makes a cell handover decision.

[0507] Example 2 introduces a switching execution condition based on angle measurement. The switching execution condition may include the following triggering events:

[0508] Based on the angle measurement results, the angle measured by the candidate cell is greater than the threshold;

[0509] Based on the angle measurement results, the angle measured by the candidate cell is less than the angle measured by the current serving cell;

[0510] Based on the angle measurement results, the angle value measured by the current serving cell is larger than threshold 1, and the angle value measured by the candidate cell is smaller than threshold 2.

[0511] In some embodiments, the UE receives network configuration information, including conditional handover configuration in addition to the basic process configuration information described above. This includes pre-configuring multiple candidate target cells and their corresponding handover conditions for the UE. The handover conditions include triggering events such as angle-based measurement triggering events, which can also be used in conjunction with existing A3 / 4 / 5, D1 / 2, and T1. This disclosure does not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0512] In some embodiments, FIG. 5C is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5C, the UE performs an angle measurement on the received reference signal to be measured and evaluates the measurement result. When the handover conditions are met, the UE automatically performs a handover and connects to the target cell without waiting for a network handover command.

[0513] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a communication system is provided, which may include a terminal device and a network device, wherein the terminal device may execute the communication method executed by the terminal device in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure; and the network device may execute the communication method executed by the network device in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure.

[0514] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0515] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and the functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0516] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be hardware circuits designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as ASICs, such as Neural Network Processing Units (NPUs), Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), and Deep Learning Processing Units (DPUs).

[0517] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6A, the terminal device 101 may include at least one of a transceiver module 6101, a processing module 6102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6101 is configured to receive first information sent by a network device; the processing module 6102 is configured to measure the angle of a first reference signal according to the first information to obtain a first angle value of the first reference signal, the first angle value being used to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover. Optionally, the transceiver module 6101 may be used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, but not limited thereto) performed by the terminal device 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 6102 may be used to perform at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S2103, S2105, S2106, but not limited thereto) performed by the terminal device 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0518] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0519] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0520] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6B, the network device 102 may include at least one of a transceiver module 6201, a processing module 6202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6201 is configured to send first information to a terminal device. The first information is used by the terminal device to measure the angle of a first reference signal to obtain a first angle value of the first reference signal. The first angle value is used to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover. Optionally, the transceiver module 6201 may be used to perform at least one of the communication steps (such as step S2102, but not limited thereto) performed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 6202 may be used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0521] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0522] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0523] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 7100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 7100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the first device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 7100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0524] As shown in Figure 7A, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, IoT devices, IoT device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 7100 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0525] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7102 may also be located outside the communication device 7100.

[0526] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7103. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7103, the transceivers 7103 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, but not limited thereto), and the processor 7101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2103, but not limited thereto).

[0527] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0528] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 may include one or more interface circuits. Optionally, the interface circuit is connected to the memory 7102, and the interface circuit can be used to receive signals from the memory 7102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 7102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit can read instructions stored in the memory 7102 and send the instructions to the processor 7101.

[0529] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiments may be a first device or an Internet of Things (IoT) device, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7A. The communication device may be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, IoT device, smart IoT device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, first device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0530] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 7200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 7200 shown in Figure 7B can be referenced, but is not limited thereto.

[0531] Chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0532] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7203. Optionally, interface circuit 7203 is connected to memory 7202, and interface circuit 7203 can be used to receive signals from memory 7202 or other devices, and interface circuit 7203 can be used to send signals to memory 7202 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 7203 can read instructions stored in memory 7202 and send the instructions to processor 7201.

[0533] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7203 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, but not limited thereto), and the processor 7201 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S2103, but not limited thereto).

[0534] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0535] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7202 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7202 may be located outside of chip 7200.

[0536] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 7100, cause the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0537] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 7100, causes the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product may be a computer program product.

[0538] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by a terminal device, the method includes: receiving first information sent by a network device; measuring the angle of a first reference signal based on the first information to obtain a first angle value of the first reference signal, wherein the first angle value is used to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: a second reference signal, wherein the second reference signal is a reference signal of the serving cell; and configuration information, wherein the configuration information includes a reporting period and / or a reporting interval. First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate the coordinate system information for measuring the first reference signal; The second indication information is used to indicate at least one candidate cell. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first reference signal includes the second reference signal and / or the third reference signal, wherein the third reference signal is the reference signal of the candidate cell, and the first angle value includes the second angle value and / or the third angle value; the step of measuring the angle of the first reference signal according to the first information to obtain the first angle value of the first reference signal includes at least one of the following: measuring the second reference signal to obtain the second angle value; measuring the third reference signal to obtain the third angle value. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: determining that a target cell meets a first condition based on the first angle value, wherein the target cell is included in the at least one candidate cell; switching to the target cell; wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following: the third angle value is greater than a first threshold; the third angle value is less than the second angle value. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: determining that the target cell satisfies a second condition; wherein the second condition includes at least one of the following: the measurement result of the target cell is greater than the measurement result of the serving cell, the measurement result including at least one of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal-to-noise ratio (SINR), and received signal strength indication (RSSI); the measurement result of the target cell is greater than a second threshold; the distance between the terminal device and the center position of the serving cell is greater than the distance between the terminal device and the center position of the target cell; and the dwell time or connection time measured by the terminal device in the serving cell is greater than a third threshold. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: receiving third indication information sent by the network device, the third indication information being used to indicate the first condition and / or the second condition. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: reporting second information to the network device, the second information including the first angle value and / or coordinate system information of the first angle value, the second information being used by the network device to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The step of reporting the second information to the network device includes: reporting the second information to the network device according to the configuration information. The method according to any one of claims 2-8, characterized in that, The step of measuring the angle of the first reference signal based on the first information includes: measuring the angle of the first reference signal based on the first indication information. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: sending third information to the network device, the third information being used to report the terminal device's ability to measure the angle of the first reference signal, and / or to report the terminal device's ability to support angle-triggered conditional switching. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The angle of the first reference signal includes at least one of the following: the angle of arrival (AOA) of the first reference signal, and the angle of arrival (ZOA) of the first reference signal. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by a network device, the method includes: sending first information to a terminal device, the first information being used by the terminal device to measure the angle of a first reference signal to obtain a first angle value of the first reference signal, the first angle value being used to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: a second reference signal, wherein the second reference signal is a reference signal of the serving cell; and configuration information, wherein the configuration information includes a reporting period and / or a reporting interval. First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate the coordinate system information for measuring the first reference signal; The second indication information is used to indicate at least one candidate cell. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: sending third indication information to the terminal device, the third indication information being used to indicate a first condition and / or a second condition, the third indication information being used by the terminal device to determine whether cell handover is required. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: receiving second information reported by the terminal device, the second information including the first angle value and / or coordinate system information of the first angle value; and determining whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover based on the second information. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The receiving of the second information reported by the terminal device includes: receiving the second information reported by the terminal device according to the configuration information. The method according to claim 15 or 16 is characterized in that, The first reference signal includes the second reference signal and / or the third reference signal, wherein the third reference signal is the reference signal of the candidate cell, and the first angle value includes the second angle value and / or the third angle value, wherein the second angle value is the angle value obtained by measuring the angle of the second reference signal, and the third angle value is the angle value obtained by measuring the angle of the third reference signal; The step of determining whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover based on the second information includes: determining that the target cell meets a first condition based on the first angle value, and determining that the terminal device needs to handover to the target cell, wherein the target cell is included in the at least one candidate cell; wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following: the third angle value is greater than a first threshold; the third angle value is less than the second angle value. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: determining that the target cell satisfies a second condition; wherein the second condition includes at least one of the following: the measurement result of the target cell is greater than the measurement result of the serving cell, the measurement result including at least one of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal-to-noise ratio (SINR), and received signal strength indication (RSSI); the measurement result of the target cell is greater than a second threshold; the distance between the terminal device and the center position of the serving cell is greater than the distance between the terminal device and the center position of the target cell; and the dwell time or connection time measured by the terminal device in the serving cell is greater than a third threshold. The method according to any one of claims 12-18, characterized in that, The method further includes: receiving third information sent by the terminal device, the third information being used to report the terminal device's ability to measure the angle of the first reference signal, and / or to report the terminal device's ability to support angle-triggered condition switching. The method according to any one of claims 12-19, characterized in that, The angle of the first reference signal includes at least one of the following: the angle of arrival (AOA) of the first reference signal, and the angle of arrival (ZOA) of the first reference signal. A terminal device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is configured to receive the first information sent by the network device; The processing module is configured to measure the angle of the first reference signal based on the first information to obtain a first angle value of the first reference signal, the first angle value being used to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover. A network device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is configured to send first information to the terminal device. The first information is used by the terminal device to measure the angle of the first reference signal to obtain a first angle value of the first reference signal. The first angle value is used to determine whether the terminal device needs to perform cell handover. A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; wherein the communication device is configured to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or claims 12 to 20. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11 or claims 12 to 20. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a terminal device and a network device, wherein the terminal device is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 12 to 20. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the communication device, it implements the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or claims 12 to 20.

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