Communication method and device

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and device, relating to the field of communications, the communication method comprising: first receiving first information for indicating a first frequency domain location from a first network device in a first cell, the first frequency domain location being a frequency domain location of a random access occasion of a second cell of a second network device; the first frequency domain position is located in a first bandwidth, and the first bandwidth is located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier; and then transmitting a first signal for requesting a system information block of the second cell to the second network device according to the first information. And the quality of the signal of the physical random access channel sent by the terminal is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In wireless communication systems, System Information Block 1 carries a wealth of critical information, including cell selection, access control, and resource allocation, serving as a vital foundation for terminal network access. Previously, System Information Block 1 was broadcast at fixed intervals to ensure timely access to relevant information for all terminals. However, with the continuous development of wireless communication technology, constantly changing network loads, and increasingly diverse user needs, this periodic broadcasting method has gradually revealed a series of problems, such as low resource utilization and excessive energy consumption.

[0003] To effectively address these issues, the concept of on-demand transmission of System Block 1 (SB1) emerged. Its core principle is that SB1 information is only transmitted when a terminal needs to access the network. This significantly improves resource utilization efficiency, reduces overall system energy consumption, and optimizes the user experience. SB1 technology not only enhances resource utilization and system energy efficiency but also better aligns with the future development needs of wireless communication systems. Therefore, this technology is gradually becoming a hot research topic in the field of wireless communication and is expected to be widely applied in future communication standards.

[0004] Currently, the configuration of the physical random access channel sent by the terminal for requesting system information block 1 is not perfect, resulting in low signal quality of the physical random access channel sent by the terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for improving the quality of signals transmitted by a terminal via a physical random access channel.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a terminal. The execution subject of the method can be the terminal, a component or device applied to the terminal (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. The communication method includes: firstly, receiving first information from a first network device in a first cell, indicating a first frequency domain location, wherein the first frequency domain location is the frequency domain location of a random access opportunity of a second cell of a second network device, and the first frequency domain location is located within a first bandwidth, and the first bandwidth is located within the bandwidth of an uplink carrier; then, sending a first signal to the second network device, based on the first information, to request a system information block of the second cell.

[0008] In the first aspect, the network device covering the first cell (i.e., the first network device) sends first information to the terminal indicating a first frequency domain position located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier, thereby enabling the terminal to send a first signal requesting a system information block of the second cell based on the first information. Since the first bandwidth where the first frequency domain position is located is located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier, the terminal is able to send a first signal of higher quality.

[0009] In one possible design, the method further includes receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate the switching time of a first response from sending a first signal to receiving a first signal.

[0010] In this design, the first network device indicates the handover time to the terminal based on the second information. In this way, the terminal can clearly know the handover time, which makes it easier for the terminal to prepare to receive the first signal in advance, reducing the waiting time and thus improving communication efficiency.

[0011] Alternatively, the communication method may further include: receiving configuration information from a first network device in a first cell, wherein the configuration information is configuration information for transmitting a physical random access channel; sending a first signal to a second network device according to the configuration information, wherein the first signal is used to request a system information block of the second cell of the second network device, and the starting frequency domain resource of the uplink bandwidth portion used to generate the first signal is the starting frequency domain resource of the uplink carrier.

[0012] In this first aspect, since the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink bandwidth portion used to generate the first signal are clearly defined as the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink carrier, the first signal can be generated.

[0013] In one possible design, the configuration information includes first information for indicating a first frequency domain location, which is the frequency domain location of the random access timing of the second cell of the second network device, and the first frequency domain location is located in a first bandwidth, and the first bandwidth is located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier.

[0014] In this design, the configuration information includes first information, which allows the terminal to send a first signal requesting a system information block of the second cell based on the first information. Since the first bandwidth of the first frequency domain location is located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier, the terminal is able to send a higher quality first signal.

[0015] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method is applied to a first network device. The executing entity of the method can be the first network device, a component or device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the first network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network device. The communication method includes: acquiring first information indicating a first frequency domain position, where the first frequency domain position is the frequency domain position of a random access timing of a second cell of the second network device, the first frequency domain position is located within a first bandwidth, and the first bandwidth is located within the bandwidth of an uplink carrier; and sending the first information to a terminal.

[0016] In the second aspect, the network device covering the first cell (i.e., the first network device) sends first information to the terminal indicating the first frequency domain position located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier, thereby enabling the terminal to send a first signal requesting the system information block of the second cell based on the first information. Since the first bandwidth where the first frequency domain position is located is located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier, the terminal is able to send a higher quality first signal.

[0017] In one possible design, the method may further include: sending second information, the second information being used to indicate the switching time from the terminal sending the first signal to the terminal receiving the first signal in the first response.

[0018] In this design, the first network device indicates the handover time to the terminal based on the second information. In this way, the terminal can clearly know the handover time, which makes it easier for the terminal to prepare to receive the first signal in advance, reducing the waiting time and thus improving communication efficiency.

[0019] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a second network device. The execution subject of the method can be the second network device, a component or device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the second network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second network device. The communication method includes: receiving a first signal from a terminal based on the initial frequency domain resources of an uplink carrier, the first signal being used to request a system information block of a second cell; and sending a first response to the terminal, the first response being used to respond to the first signal.

[0020] In the third aspect, since the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink bandwidth used to generate the first signal are clearly defined as the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink carrier, the first signal from the terminal can be received efficiently based on the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink carrier.

[0021] In conjunction with the first to third aspects and any possible design described above, it can also be combined with the following possible designs:

[0022] In one possible design, the center frequency of the first bandwidth is the same as the center frequency of the downlink bandwidth portion.

[0023] This design employs the principle of time division duplex, which simplifies the implementation of the terminal and reduces the latency of sending system information block 1 on demand.

[0024] In one possible design, the size of the downlink bandwidth portion is the same as the size of the first bandwidth.

[0025] In this design, if the downlink bandwidth is the same as the first bandwidth, it means that the system allocates equal resources to uplink and downlink transmissions. This fairness helps ensure balanced development of uplink and downlink communication, avoiding performance bottlenecks caused by uneven resource allocation. In this case, when implementing on-demand transmission of system information block 1 at the first frequency domain location based on the first bandwidth constraint, this fairness ensures that the user equipment has sufficient uplink bandwidth to send necessary feedback or requests while receiving system information.

[0026] In one possible design, the starting resource block of the first bandwidth is consistent with the starting resource block of the uplink carrier in the frequency domain, or the ending resource block of the first bandwidth is consistent with the ending resource block of the uplink carrier in the frequency domain.

[0027] In this design, the first bandwidth is aligned with the uplink carrier at the boundary (e.g., the start resource block is consistent in the frequency domain, or the end resource block is consistent in the frequency domain). This helps reduce spectrum waste when implementing on-demand transmission of system information block 1 at the first frequency domain location based on the first bandwidth constraint, thus improving spectrum utilization efficiency. Simultaneously, it ensures that the terminal can transmit physical random access channel signals, avoiding interference with signals other than the uplink carrier.

[0028] In one possible design, the starting resource block of the first bandwidth is consistent with the starting resource block of the random access opportunity in the frequency domain, or the ending resource block of the first bandwidth is consistent with the ending resource block of the random access opportunity in the frequency domain.

[0029] In this design, when the first bandwidth is aligned with the boundary of the random access opportunity, implementing on-demand transmission of system information block 1 at the first frequency domain position based on the first bandwidth constraint helps reduce spectrum fragmentation and waste. Ensuring that the random access process fully utilizes the spectrum resources of the first bandwidth without allocating additional spectrum for the random access opportunity helps improve spectrum resource utilization efficiency. Simultaneously, it guarantees that the terminal can transmit the physical random access channel signal, avoiding interference with signals other than the uplink carrier.

[0030] In one possible design, the first information is used to indicate the first bandwidth.

[0031] In this design, the number of bits required for the first information is small, which can reduce the size of the configuration information in the uplink bandwidth and improve transmission efficiency.

[0032] Fourthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method described in any one of the first to third aspects. For example, the communication device may be a terminal as described in the first aspect, or a device included in a terminal, such as a chip or chip system; or, the communication device may be a first network device as described in the second aspect, or a device included in a first network device, such as a chip or chip system; or, the communication device may be a second network device as described in the third aspect, or a device included in a second network device, such as a chip or chip system. When the device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0033] The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions.

[0034] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations. The transceiver module, also called a transceiver unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations. The transceiver module may consist of transceiver circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0035] In some possible designs, the transceiver module includes a sending module and / or a receiving module, which are used to implement the sending or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations.

[0036] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used to communicate with a module outside the communication device; the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the aspects. For example, the communication device may be a terminal as described in the first aspect, or a device included in a terminal, such as a chip or a chip system; or, the communication device may be a first network device as described in the second aspect, or a device included in a first network device, such as a chip or a chip system; or, the communication device may be a second network device as described in the third aspect, or a device included in a second network device, such as a chip or a chip system. When the device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0037] A sixth aspect provides a communication device comprising: at least one processor; said processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any aspect. The memory may be coupled to the processor, or the memory may exist independently of the processor; for example, the memory and the processor may be two separate modules. The memory may be located outside or within the communication device.

[0038] The communication device is used to implement the method described in any of the first to third aspects. For example, the communication device can be a terminal as described in the first aspect, or a device included in a terminal, such as a chip or chip system; or, the communication device can be a first network device as described in the second aspect, or a device included in a first network device, such as a chip or chip system; or, the communication device can be a second network device as described in the third aspect, or a device included in a second network device, such as a chip or chip system. When the device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0039] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the method described in any aspect.

[0040] In an eighth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a communication device, enables the communication device to perform the method described in either aspect.

[0041] Ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, configured to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any aspect.

[0042] It is understandable that when the communication device provided in any of the fourth to sixth aspects is a chip, the sending action / function of the communication device can be understood as outputting information, and the receiving action / function of the communication device can be understood as inputting information.

[0043] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects four through nine can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in aspects one through three, and will not be repeated here.

[0044] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising the terminal, first network device, and second network device described in the preceding aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration scenario for random access timing provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an on-demand transmission system information block 1 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figures 3-5 This is a schematic diagram of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the resource occupation of the first frequency domain location provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figures 8-10 A schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the first frequency domain positions provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0055] Before introducing the embodiments of this application, some terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained.

[0056] I. Random access occasion:

[0057] like Figure 1As shown in system information block 1, random access timing is typically configured in the uplink bandwidth part configuration information. This uplink bandwidth part is configured by the base station and resides on the uplink carrier. In time-division duplex mode, the center frequency of the uplink bandwidth part and the center frequency of the downlink bandwidth part correspond to each other; they are aligned. The uplink bandwidth part can be the initial uplink bandwidth part, with an index equal to 0. The downlink bandwidth part can be the initial downlink bandwidth part, with an index equal to 0.

[0058] In one possible interpretation, random access timing can also be called physical random access channel occasion.

[0059] Figure 1 Point A, as shown, is a specific point. When the subcarrier spacing configuration is μ (μ can be 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.), point A is the center of subcarrier zero within common resource block zero. While point A is the center of subcarrier zero, it does not directly determine the location of the random access opportunity. However, the random access opportunity may be configured within the frequency domain resources containing common resource block zero, or on nearby frequency domain resources. Therefore, point A can serve as a reference point to help understand the relative position of the random access opportunity in the frequency domain.

[0060] User equipment may transmit a physical random access channel at this random access time. In this application, the physical random access channel may also be described as a physical random access signal or an uplink wake-up signal, without limitation.

[0061] II. Configuration information for random access timing:

[0062] Examples may include the following:

[0063] Absolute frequency point A: Used to configure the frequency domain position of "point A", that is, the center frequency of subcarrier 0 of common resource block 0 when the subcarrier spacing is μ, which serves as the basic reference point for spectrum resource allocation.

[0064] offset to carrier: The offset from "point A" to the uplink carrier start resource block (i.e., the first common resource block), which helps the user equipment determine the starting frequency domain position of the uplink carrier.

[0065] Carrier bandwidth: The bandwidth of the uplink carrier, that is, the width of the spectrum resources allocated to uplink transmission.

[0066] msg1-frequency start: The starting position of the physical random access channel (especially its preamble sequence) in the frequency domain, i.e., the frequency domain starting resource block of the random access timing, which can be configured by the first common resource block relative to the carrier (this position is determined by offset to carrier).

[0067] In the process of sending system information block 1 on demand, it is necessary to transmit the configuration information for the random access timing and system information block 1. For example... Figure 2 As shown below, the process of sending system information block 1 on demand is briefly described:

[0068] S1. Configuration information transmission:

[0069] The base station of cell A sends configuration information to the user equipment. Correspondingly, the user equipment receives the configuration information from the base station of cell A. This configuration information covers key content related to the physical random access channel (which can be considered as an uplink wake-up signal); this part is also called the uplink wake-up signal configuration. It should be noted that this configuration information does not include the uplink bandwidth portion of the energy-saving cell.

[0070] S2, Synchronization signal block transmission of base stations in energy-saving communities:

[0071] The base station of the energy-saving cell sends a synchronization signal block to the user equipment. Correspondingly, the user equipment receives the synchronization signal block from the base station of the energy-saving cell. In this process, the execution order of this step and S1 is not limited; that is, the user equipment can either receive the configuration information from the base station of cell A first, or it can receive the synchronization signal block from the base station of the energy-saving cell first.

[0072] S3, Signal transmission of the physical random access channel:

[0073] Based on the received configuration information, the user equipment sends a physical random access channel (PRAM) signal to the base station of the energy-saving cell. Correspondingly, the base station of the energy-saving cell receives the PRAM signal from the user equipment.

[0074] S4, Random Access Response Transmission:

[0075] The base station in the energy-saving cell sends a random access response to the user equipment (UE) via the physical downlink shared channel. Correspondingly, the UE receives the random access response transmitted from the base station of the energy-saving cell via the physical downlink shared channel. During this process, the transmission on the physical downlink shared channel is scheduled by the physical downlink control channel, which carries downlink control information.

[0076] S5, Transmission of System Information Block 1:

[0077] The base station in the energy-saving cell then transmits System Information Block 1 to the User Equipment (UE) via the Physical Downlink Shared Channel. Correspondingly, the UE receives System Information Block 1 transmitted from the base station in the energy-saving cell via the Physical Downlink Shared Channel. Similarly, the scheduling of the Physical Downlink Shared Channel in this process is also achieved through the Physical Downlink Control Channel and the downlink control information it carries.

[0078] In simple terms, the process is as follows: the base station of cell A first tells the user equipment how to send the request (step S1). The user equipment sends the request to the base station of the energy-saving cell through the physical random access channel according to the instructions (step S3). After receiving the request, the base station of the energy-saving cell responds and sends system information (system information block 1) to the user equipment (step S4).

[0079] In the traditional scenario of non-on-demand transmission of System Information Block 1, the terminal first receives System Information Block 1, which configures the uplink bandwidth portion, and then transmits the Physical Random Access Channel (PRAM) signal. In this case, the terminal can transmit the aforementioned signal based on the uplink bandwidth portion of System Information Block 1. However, in the scenario of on-demand transmission of System Information Block 1, the terminal needs to first transmit the PRAM signal and then receive System Information Block 1, which includes the uplink bandwidth portion. The configuration information for the energy-saving cell received before the terminal transmits the PRAM signal does not include the uplink bandwidth portion for the energy-saving cell. Due to the lack of the uplink bandwidth portion for the energy-saving cell, the quality of the PRAM signal (also called the first signal) transmitted by the terminal to the network equipment in the energy-saving cell is poor.

[0080] This is because, on the one hand, the frequency domain position of the random access signal in an energy-saving cell can be at any frequency domain position of the uplink carrier, which may prevent the terminal from transmitting the physical random access channel. For example, in time-division duplex mode, the center frequency alignment of the uplink and downlink bandwidths may limit the transmission of the physical random access channel. On the other hand, when generating the physical random access channel signal, the terminal is unaware of the configuration information of the uplink bandwidth, and therefore cannot accurately generate the physical random access channel signal.

[0081] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a communication method. The method provided in this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as long-term evolution systems, 5G (fifth generation) mobile communication systems, wireless fidelity systems, future communication systems, or systems integrating multiple communication systems, etc., and this application does not limit the application. 5G can also be referred to as new radio.

[0083] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to various communication scenarios, such as one or more of the following communication scenarios: enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low latency communication, machine-type communication, massive machine-type communications, device-to-device communication, vehicle-to-everything communication, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and Internet of Things (IoT).

[0084] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, Figure 3 The application scenario used in this application is illustrated using the communication system architecture shown below. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one possible, non-limiting system. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network 100 and a core network 200. The radio access network 100 includes at least one radio access network node (e.g., Figure 3 Nodes 110a and 110b (collectively referred to as node 110) and at least one terminal (such as Figure 3 120a-120j in the diagram are collectively referred to as terminal 120. The wireless access network 100 may also include other wireless access network nodes, such as wireless repeater devices and / or wireless backhaul devices. Figure 3 (Not shown in the image). The terminal connects to the wireless access network node wirelessly. The wireless access network node connects to the core network 200 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The core network equipment in the core network 200 and the wireless access network node in the wireless access network 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the core network logical functions and the wireless access network 100 logical functions.

[0085] The radio access network 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd generation partnership project, such as a 4G (fourth generation), 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. The radio access network 100 can also be an open radio access network, a cloud radio access network, or a Wi-Fi system. The radio access network 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0086] Wireless access network nodes, sometimes also called access network devices, network equipment, wireless access network entities, or access nodes, constitute part of a communication system and are used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple wireless access network nodes in a communication system can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of wireless access network nodes and terminals are relative, for example... Figure 3 The network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access the wireless access network 100 through the network element 120i, the network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, the network element 120i is a terminal. Wireless access network nodes and terminals are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 3 Network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0087] In one possible scenario, a radio access network node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB, an access point, a transmission and reception point, a next-generation NodeB, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a wireless fidelity system. A radio access network node can also be a macro base station (such as...). Figure 3 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 3 The wireless access network node can be a relay node or donor node (as described in section 110b), or a wireless controller in a cloud wireless access network scenario. Optionally, the wireless access network node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network device in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit. All or part of the functions of the wireless access network node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The wireless access network node can also be equipped with communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The wireless access network node can also be configured with program instructions and corresponding programs for performing corresponding communication functions. The wireless access network node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a wireless access network node.

[0088] In another possible scenario, multiple radio access network (RAN) nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units, distributed units, central unit-control plane, central unit-user plane, or radio units. Central and distributed units can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit. Radio units can be included in radio frequency (RF) equipment or RF units, such as remote radio units, active antenna units, or remote radio heads.

[0089] In different systems, the centralized unit (or centralized unit-control plane and centralized unit-user plane), distributed unit, or wireless unit may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meanings. For example, in an open access network system, the centralized unit may also be called an open centralized unit, the distributed unit may also be called an open distributed unit, the centralized unit-control plane may also be called an open centralized unit-control plane, the centralized unit-user plane may also be called an open centralized unit-user plane, and the wireless unit may also be called an open wireless unit. For ease of description, this application uses the centralized unit, centralized unit-control plane, centralized unit-user plane, distributed unit, and wireless unit as examples. Any of the centralized unit (or centralized unit-control plane, centralized unit-user plane), distributed unit, and wireless unit in this application can be implemented through a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0090] In this embodiment, the form of the wireless access network node is not limited. The device used to implement the function of the wireless access network node can be the wireless access network node itself; or it can be a device that supports the wireless access network node in implementing this function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the wireless access network node or used in conjunction with the wireless access network node.

[0091] A terminal can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment, mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device communication, vehicle-to-everything communication, machine-to-machine communication, the Internet of Things, virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, intelligent transportation, smart cities, etc. A terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, robotic arm, smart home device, transportation vehicle with wireless communication capabilities, communication module, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. A terminal typically contains a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication functions. The terminal can also be configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication functions.

[0092] The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. The device used to implement the functions of the terminal can be the terminal itself; it can also be a device that supports the terminal in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the terminal or used in conjunction with the terminal. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices. All or part of the functions of the terminal in this application can also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0093] In one embodiment, AI nodes may also be introduced into the network to support artificial intelligence technology.

[0094] Artificial intelligence (AI) nodes can be deployed in one or more of the following locations within the communication system: access network nodes, terminal devices, or core network devices. Alternatively, AI nodes can be deployed independently, for example, in a location other than any of the aforementioned devices, such as in the host or cloud server of an over-the-top system. AI nodes can communicate with other devices in the communication system, which can be one or more of the following: network devices, terminal devices, or core network elements.

[0095] It is understood that this application does not limit the number of AI nodes. For example, when there are multiple AI nodes, they can be divided based on function, such as different AI nodes being responsible for different functions.

[0096] It can also be understood that artificial intelligence nodes can be independent devices, or they can be integrated into the same device to achieve different functions. Alternatively, they can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). This application does not limit the specific form of the aforementioned artificial intelligence nodes.

[0097] Artificial intelligence nodes can be artificial intelligence network elements or artificial intelligence modules.

[0098] The preceding text has introduced the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application from a macro-architectural perspective. To help deepen the understanding of this system in a practical application environment, the following will provide a more specific explanation of the communication system through several examples. It should be noted that the communication system examples listed below are for illustrative purposes and are intended to provide an intuitive understanding. The actual application scope of this application is far greater than this, and it is also compatible and adaptable to other types of communication systems, and is not limited thereto.

[0099] For example, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a possible application framework in a communication system. For example... Figure 4 As shown, network elements in a communication system are connected via interfaces (e.g., next generation, xn) or air interfaces. These network element nodes, such as core network equipment, access network nodes (radio access network nodes), terminals, or one or more devices in operations administration and maintenance, are equipped with one or more artificial intelligence modules (for clarity, ...). Figure 4 (Only one is shown in the image). An access network node can be a single radio access network node, or it can include multiple radio access network nodes, for example, a centralized unit and a distributed unit. The centralized unit and / or distributed unit may also be equipped with one or more artificial intelligence modules. The centralized unit can also be divided into a centralized unit-control plane and a centralized unit-user plane, with one or more artificial intelligence modules provided in the centralized unit-control plane and / or the centralized unit-user plane.

[0100] Artificial intelligence (AI) modules are used to implement corresponding AI functions. AI modules deployed in different network elements can be the same or different. The AI ​​module model can achieve different functions depending on the parameter configuration. The AI ​​module model can be configured based on one or more of the following parameters: structural parameters (e.g., at least one of the following: number of neural network layers, neural network width, inter-layer connections, neuron weights, neuron activation function, or biases in the activation function), input parameters (e.g., the type and / or dimension of the input parameters), or output parameters (e.g., the type and / or dimension of the output parameters). The biases in the activation function can also be referred to as neural network biases.

[0101] In one example, the neural network mentioned above could be a deep neural network, a convolutional neural network, recurrent neural networks, or generative adversarial networks.

[0102] Deep neural networks are an artificial neural network architecture with multiple layers of nonlinear transformation units stacked together in a hierarchical structure to form a deep computational model. Compared to shallow neural networks, deep neural networks have more hidden layers, allowing the network model to capture more complex data structures and higher-level abstract features.

[0103] A convolutional neural network (CNN) is a deep neural network with a convolutional structure. A CNN contains a feature extractor consisting of convolutional layers and subsampling layers. This feature extractor can be viewed as a filter, and the convolution process can be seen as performing convolution between a trainable filter and an input image or a convolutional feature map.

[0104] Recurrent neural networks (RNNs) are a type of recursive neural network that takes sequence data as input, recursively moves along the direction of sequence evolution, and connects all nodes (recurrent units) in a chain-like manner.

[0105] Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are a type of deep learning model. They consist of a generator and a discriminator, and are trained through adversarial learning. Their purpose is to estimate the latent distribution of data samples and generate new data samples.

[0106] An artificial intelligence module can have one or more models. A model can infer an output, which includes one or more parameters. The learning, training, or inference processes of different models can be deployed on different nodes or devices, or they can be deployed on the same node or device.

[0107] In yet another example, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another possible application framework in a communication system. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the communication system includes a radio access network intelligent controller. For example, the radio access network intelligent controller could be... Figure 4The artificial intelligence module shown is used to implement AI-related functions. The radio access network intelligent controller includes a near-real-time radio access network intelligent controller (NARTN Intelligent Controller) and a non-real-time radio access network intelligent controller. The non-real-time controller primarily processes non-real-time information, such as data that is not sensitive to latency (latency in the order of seconds). The real-time controller primarily processes near-real-time information, such as data that is relatively sensitive to latency (latency in the order of tens of milliseconds).

[0108] The near real-time radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller is used for model training and inference. For example, it can be used to train an artificial intelligence (AI) model, which is then used for inference. The RAN intelligent controller can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (e.g., central units, central unit-control plane, central unit-user plane, distributed units, and / or radio units) and / or terminals. This information can be used as training data or inference data. The RAN intelligent controller can deliver the inference results to the RAN nodes and / or terminals. Central units and distributed units, and / or distributed units and radio units, can interact to exchange inference results. For example, the RAN intelligent controller delivers the inference results to the distributed unit, which then forwards them to the radio units.

[0109] Non-real-time WLAN intelligent controllers are also used for model training and inference. For example, they can be used to train artificial intelligence models and then used for inference. The non-real-time WLAN intelligent controller can obtain network-side and / or terminal information from WLAN nodes (e.g., central units, central unit-control plane, central unit-user plane, distributed units, and / or radio units) and / or terminals. This information can be used as training data or inference data, and the inference results can be delivered to the WLAN nodes and / or terminals. Central units and distributed units, and / or distributed units and radio units, can interact to exchange inference results; for example, the non-real-time WLAN intelligent controller delivers the inference results to the distributed unit, which then forwards them to the radio units.

[0110] Near real-time and non-real-time wireless access network intelligent controllers can also be configured as separate network elements. Furthermore, near real-time and non-real-time wireless access network intelligent controllers can be integrated into other devices. For example, near real-time intelligent controllers can be installed in wireless access network nodes (e.g., centralized units or distributed units), while non-real-time intelligent controllers can be installed in operation, management, and maintenance systems, cloud servers, core network equipment, or other network devices.

[0111] In conjunction with the above-described communication system, this application provides a communication method in which a network device covering a first cell sends first information to a terminal indicating a first frequency domain position located in the bandwidth of an uplink carrier. This information enables the terminal to send a first signal requesting a system information block of a second cell based on the first information. Since the first bandwidth where the first frequency domain position is located is within the bandwidth of the uplink carrier, the terminal is able to send a higher quality first signal.

[0112] In this application, the first cell is a non-energy-saving cell (or is not currently in an energy-saving state), while the second cell is an energy-saving cell (or is in an energy-saving state). In the energy-saving state, the second network device in the second cell may not be able to directly send configuration information to the terminal, but instead send configuration information through the first network device in the first cell.

[0113] It should be noted that "sending information" in this application can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For example, "network device sending information" can be understood as a network device sending information to another device (such as a terminal), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device sending information to logical module 2 in the network device.

[0114] In this application, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or it can also be understood as a logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "network device receiving information" can be understood as a network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device receiving information from logical module 2 in the network device.

[0115] In this application, phrases such as "sending information to... (e.g., a terminal)" or related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as indicating that the destination of the information is a terminal. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to a terminal. Similarly, phrases such as "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," or "receiving information sent by (e.g., a terminal)," or related illustrations in the accompanying drawings, can be understood as indicating that the source of the information is a terminal. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from a terminal. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly and will not be elaborated further here.

[0116] In the following embodiments of this application, the message names between network elements, the names of parameters, or the names of information are just examples. Other names may be used in other embodiments, and the communication method provided in this application does not specifically limit them.

[0117] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, each network element may execute some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also execute other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0118] It is understood that this application uses terminals and network devices as examples to illustrate the execution of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be executed by a module applied to the terminal (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal's functions; the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be implemented by a communication / processing module in the terminal or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication / processing functions (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-a-chip / system-on-package chip containing a modem core, or a graphics processor / artificial intelligence processor / application-specific integrated circuit).

[0119] The methods executed by the network device in this application can also be executed by a module (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor) applied to the network device, or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0120] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 6 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0121] S110, the first network device sends first information to the terminal in the first cell, and correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information from the first network device in the first cell.

[0122] As described above, in the scenario of sending system information block 1 on demand, the network device of the first cell (i.e., the first network device) sends configuration information to the terminal so that the terminal can request the system information block of the energy-saving cell (referred to as the second cell) based on the configuration information. The first cell is a non-energy-saving cell (or is not currently in an energy-saving state), while the second cell is an energy-saving cell (or is in an energy-saving state). In the energy-saving state, the second network device of the second cell may not be able to directly send the configuration information to the terminal, but instead sends the configuration information through the first network device of the first cell. In this application, the configuration information includes first information, which restricts the frequency domain position of the random access timing of the second cell so that the first frequency domain position is located in the first bandwidth, and the first bandwidth is located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier, thereby ensuring that the terminal can send the following first signal.

[0123] Specifically, the first information is used to indicate the first frequency domain position, which is the frequency domain position of the second cell of the second network device during random access. The first frequency domain position is located in the first bandwidth, and the first bandwidth is located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier. Based on this, this application proposes several possible designs for the first bandwidth. The specific design of the first bandwidth will not be detailed here, but will be explained after the introduction of step S120.

[0124] Uplink carrier refers to the specific frequency range allocated to a terminal for transmitting uplink signals (such as uplink data, control information, and the first signal light described below) to the base station. The specific frequency range is clearly defined under different wireless communication standards and frequency band configurations.

[0125] Optionally, the resource blocks occupied by the random access opportunity of the second cell may be multiple. In this application, the first frequency domain location can be the frequency domain location of all resource blocks occupied by the random access opportunity; for example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the first frequency domain location can be the frequency domain location of resource block 1, resource block 2, and resource block 3. Alternatively, the first frequency domain location can also be the frequency domain location of a portion of the resource blocks occupied during random access. For example, the first frequency domain location can be as follows: Figure 7 The frequency domain position of at least one of the resource blocks shown, namely resource block 1, resource block 2, or resource block 3.

[0126] In short, the first frequency domain location can be all resource blocks occupied by the random access opportunity, or it can be the starting resource block of the random access opportunity, or it can be the ending resource block of the random access opportunity, or it can be any one of the resource blocks occupied by the random access opportunity. For example, when the first frequency domain location is all resource blocks occupied by the random access opportunity, then the first frequency domain location is located within the first bandwidth. This can be understood as all resource blocks occupied by the random access opportunity being within the first bandwidth. The first bandwidth includes all resource blocks occupied by the random access opportunity, meaning that all resource blocks occupied by the random access opportunity completely overlap with the first bandwidth in the frequency domain. The first bandwidth is located within the bandwidth of the uplink carrier, meaning that in the frequency domain, the first bandwidth completely overlaps with the uplink carrier, and the first bandwidth is entirely within the bandwidth range of the uplink carrier. The uplink carrier refers to the uplink carrier of the second cell. The first bandwidth is the first bandwidth within the second cell, that is, the first bandwidth within the uplink carrier of the second cell.

[0127] The method by which the first network device obtains the first information is relatively flexible. For example, the first information can be agreed upon by a protocol or configured. Alternatively, the first information can also be indicated to the first network device by the second network device. That is, the method can also optionally include: S130, whereby the second network device sends the first information to the first network device, and correspondingly, the first network device receives the first information from the second network device. S130 can be performed before S110.

[0128] As an alternative, the first information can also be indicated to the terminal by the second network device. For example, after the terminal receives system information block 1, it can also receive the first information on the second network device. The first information can be carried in system information block x, which is not system information block 1; for example, system information block x is system information block 26. Exemplarily, the first information can specifically be msg1-frequency start. msg1-frequency start is the frequency domain position of the random access timing configured relative to the first common resource block of the uplink carrier.

[0129] S120, the terminal sends a first signal to the second network device according to the first information, and the second network device receives the first signal from the terminal accordingly.

[0130] Upon receiving the first information, the terminal can transmit a first signal based on the first frequency domain location indicated by the first information. This first signal is used to request a system information block from the second cell. The first signal is transmitted through a physical random access channel. Since the first frequency domain location is located within a first bandwidth, and the first bandwidth is located within the uplink carrier bandwidth, the bandwidth for transmitting the first signal is sufficient, enabling the terminal to transmit a high-quality first signal.

[0131] For example, the first signal can be a physical random access channel or a physical random access channel signal, and the system information block can be system information block 1. Referring to the previous description of sending system information block 1 on demand, after the second network device receives the first signal, it can execute the sending of the first response (e.g., random access response) to the first signal in step S3, and the sending of system information block 1 in step S4. System information block 1 includes configuration information for the uplink bandwidth portion. At this time, the terminal can obtain the frequency domain position of the uplink bandwidth portion from system information block 1, and then send subsequent signals.

[0132] In this embodiment of the application, the network device covering the first cell (i.e., the first network device) sends first information to the terminal indicating the first frequency domain position located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier, so that the terminal can send a first signal requesting the system information block of the second cell based on the first information. Since the first bandwidth where the first frequency domain position is located is located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier, the terminal is able to send a higher quality first signal.

[0133] In this application, the design of the first bandwidth may include any of the following:

[0134] Design 1: The center frequency of the first bandwidth is the same as the center frequency of the downlink bandwidth, which can also be understood as center frequency alignment. The downlink bandwidth can be the initial downlink bandwidth. The bandwidth of the initial downlink bandwidth is equal to the bandwidth of coreset 0, and the frequency domain position of the initial downlink bandwidth is the frequency domain position of coreset 0. Alternatively, coreset 0 can be understood as the initial downlink bandwidth at this point.

[0135] Among them, based on the first bandwidth limitation of the first frequency domain position in Design 1, the principle of time division duplex is adopted. Using Design 1 can simplify the implementation of the terminal and reduce the latency of sending system information block 1 on demand.

[0136] Design 2: The size of the downlink bandwidth is the same as the size of the first bandwidth. That is, in the frequency domain, the size of the first bandwidth is the same as the size of the downlink bandwidth, for example, both are N resource blocks, where N is an integer.

[0137] If the downlink bandwidth is the same as the first bandwidth, it means that the system allocates equal resources to uplink and downlink transmissions. This fairness helps ensure balanced development of uplink and downlink communication, avoiding performance bottlenecks caused by uneven resource allocation. In this case, when implementing on-demand transmission of system information block 1 at the first frequency domain position based on the first bandwidth limitation, this fairness ensures that the user equipment has sufficient uplink bandwidth to send necessary feedback or requests while receiving system information.

[0138] Design 3: The starting resource block of the first bandwidth is consistent with the starting resource block of the uplink carrier in the frequency domain, or the ending resource block of the first bandwidth is consistent with the ending resource block of the uplink carrier in the frequency domain. Frequency domain consistency can be understood as the same frequency domain or the same resource block.

[0139] In particular, based on Design 3, the first bandwidth is aligned with the uplink carrier at the boundary (e.g., the starting resource block is consistent in the frequency domain, or the ending resource block is consistent in the frequency domain). In this case, when the system information block 1 is transmitted on demand at the first frequency domain position based on the first bandwidth limit, it helps to reduce spectrum waste, which can improve spectrum utilization efficiency. At the same time, it can ensure that the terminal can transmit physical random access channel signals and avoid interference with signals other than the uplink carrier.

[0140] Design 4: The starting resource block of the first bandwidth is consistent with the starting resource block of the random access opportunity in the frequency domain, or the ending resource block of the first bandwidth is consistent with the ending resource block of the random access opportunity in the frequency domain.

[0141] Specifically, when the first bandwidth aligns with the boundary of the random access opportunity, transmitting system information block 1 on demand at the first frequency domain position based on the first bandwidth constraint helps reduce spectrum fragmentation and waste. This ensures that the random access process fully utilizes the spectrum resources of the first bandwidth without needing to allocate additional spectrum for the random access opportunity, thus improving spectrum resource utilization efficiency. Simultaneously, it guarantees that the terminal can transmit the physical random access channel signal, avoiding interference with signals other than the uplink carrier.

[0142] Based on the designs for the first bandwidth in Designs 1 to 4 above, the corresponding first frequency domain positions are defined. It is understood that any of the above designs can be applied individually or in combination. For example, ... Figure 8 As shown, when Design 1 and Design 2 are combined, the size of the downlink bandwidth (taking the downlink bandwidth as the initial downlink bandwidth in the figure as an example) is the same as the size of the first bandwidth, and the center frequency of the first bandwidth is the same as the center frequency of the downlink bandwidth. In this case, the first bandwidth and the downlink bandwidth can be regarded as the same.

[0143] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, Design 1 and Design 3 can also be combined. In other words, it can also be described as follows: the frequency domain interval between the first frequency domain position and the center of the downlink bandwidth portion (taking the downlink bandwidth portion as the initial downlink bandwidth portion in the figure as an example) is less than or equal to the minimum of A and B. Wherein, A is the frequency domain interval between the center of the downlink bandwidth portion and the starting resource block of the uplink carrier, and B is the frequency domain interval between the center of the downlink bandwidth portion and the ending resource block of the uplink carrier.

[0144] Or, such as Figure 10As shown, Design 1 and Design 4 can also be combined without restriction.

[0145] The beneficial effects achieved by the various combinations mentioned above can be found in the descriptions of the respective designs, and will not be repeated here.

[0146] Optionally, the first information can directly indicate the first frequency domain location. In this case, the terminal directly sends the first signal based on the first frequency domain location. No additional calculations or judgments are required from the terminal; the first signal is sent directly according to the indicated first frequency domain location, reducing processing complexity and latency.

[0147] In another alternative implementation, the first information may also indicate, for example, the constraints on the first bandwidth shown in the above design examples (or directly indicate the first bandwidth), and that the first frequency domain position needs to be within the first bandwidth. In this case, the terminal first determines the first bandwidth based on the aforementioned constraints, and then determines the first frequency domain position based on the first bandwidth. This provides greater flexibility, allowing the terminal to select a suitable frequency domain position within a specified bandwidth range (the first bandwidth) to adapt to different channel conditions or interference situations.

[0148] In another optional implementation, the first information may also separately indicate the first bandwidth, for example, indicating the starting frequency domain position (starting resource block) and / or the ending frequency domain position (ending resource block) of the first bandwidth. In this case, the terminal defaults (e.g., according to the protocol) that the first frequency domain position needs to be within the first bandwidth. In this case, the number of bits required for the first information is smaller, which can also reduce the size of the configuration information in the uplink bandwidth portion and improve transmission efficiency.

[0149] It should be understood that the first bandwidth can also be understood as the virtual uplink bandwidth portion, the default uplink bandwidth portion, or other possible names, without restriction.

[0150] For example, in the above-mentioned optional solutions, when the terminal needs to select a first frequency domain position within the first bandwidth, the terminal can refer to any one of the designs one through four above to select the first frequency domain position. Alternatively, other possible selection strategies can be used to select the first frequency domain position, without limitation. The mechanism by which the terminal selects the first frequency domain position can be agreed upon with the second network device through a protocol (or carried in the configuration information, for example, through the msg1-frequency start indication), that is, the second network device can also clearly know the first frequency domain position selected by the terminal.

[0151] Of course, depending on the specific implementation requirements, the first bandwidth can also have other design forms. For example, the center frequency of the first bandwidth may be different from the center frequency of the downlink bandwidth, which is not restricted.

[0152] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the method may also optionally include:

[0153] S140, the first network device sends the second information to the terminal, and the terminal receives the second information from the first network device accordingly.

[0154] The second information is used to indicate the switching time of the first response from sending the first signal to receiving the first signal.

[0155] For example, when the first bandwidth uses the above-described design, it is equivalent to applying the principle of time-division duplexing, resulting in shorter communication latency. Therefore, the switching time indicated by the second information can be shorter. However, when the first design is not used, it is equivalent to not applying the principle of time-division duplexing, resulting in longer communication latency. Therefore, the switching time indicated by the second information can be longer.

[0156] Optionally, the aforementioned switching time can also be agreed upon by the protocol and is not restricted, meaning that there may be no second information.

[0157] Optionally, the method may further include:

[0158] S150, the second network device sends a first response to the terminal, and the terminal receives the first response from the second network device.

[0159] Once the switching time is determined based on the second information, the terminal can receive the first response.

[0160] In this embodiment of the application, the first network device indicates the aforementioned switching time to the terminal based on the second information. In this way, the terminal can clearly know the switching time, which makes it easier for the terminal to prepare to receive the first signal in advance, reducing the waiting time and thus improving communication efficiency.

[0161] After receiving the first response, the terminal can start detecting system information block 1, which can avoid blind detection of system information block 1 and reduce the terminal's power consumption.

[0162] The above embodiments describe multiple schemes for improving the signal quality of the terminal transmitting the first signal from the perspective of the frequency domain position that limits the random access timing of the second cell. This application also provides a scheme for improving the signal quality of the first signal during its generation process, where, for example... Figure 11 As shown, the communication method may include:

[0163] S210, the first network device sends configuration information to the terminal in the first cell, and the terminal receives the configuration information from the first network device accordingly.

[0164] The configuration information refers to the configuration information for sending the physical random access channel. Its description can be found in step S1. Similarly, the descriptions of the first network device, the first cell, and the second network device and the second cell in step S220 below can be found in steps S110-S120, and will not be repeated here.

[0165] S220, the terminal sends a first signal to the second network device according to the configuration information, and the second network device receives the first signal from the terminal accordingly.

[0166] In this scenario, the first signal is used to request the system information block of the second cell of the second network device. The second cell of the second network device is an energy-saving cell. The configuration information sent by the first network device may or may not include frequency domain resources (e.g., start resource block and / or end resource block) for the uplink bandwidth portion of the second cell of the second network device. In this application, the terminal defaults (or may agree upon it via protocol) to include the start frequency domain resources (e.g., start common resource block) for the uplink bandwidth portion of the second cell. The starting frequency domain resources (e.g., the starting common resource block) for the uplink carrier. ),Right now In other words, the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink bandwidth portion used to generate the first signal sent to the second network device are the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink carrier. This can be understood as follows: even if the frequency domain resources of the uplink bandwidth portion are configured in the configuration information, when generating the first signal, the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink bandwidth portion are defaulted to the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink carrier. The second network device also defaults to this when receiving the first signal. To receive.

[0167] In one embodiment, optionally, the terminal may generate a first signal based on the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink bandwidth portion in step S120 as the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink carrier. In this case, the configuration information in step S210 may also include the first information from step S110.

[0168] Optionally, the method may further include:

[0169] S230, the second network device sends a first response to the terminal, and the terminal receives the first response from the second network device.

[0170] The explanation of step S230 can be found in the explanation of step S150, and will not be repeated here.

[0171] In one embodiment, step S210 may optionally include step S140, and achieve the corresponding technical effect. Please refer to the description of step S140 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0172] In this embodiment of the application, since it is clear that the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink bandwidth portion used to generate the first signal are the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink carrier, the first signal can be generated.

[0173] It is understood that the communication method provided in this application embodiment does not limit the applicable communication system. For example, the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to an open wireless access network communication system. Based on the functional design of the distribution unit, central unit, and radio frequency unit in the open wireless access network communication system, the steps executed by the network device in the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be flexibly implemented by one or more of the distribution unit, central unit, and radio frequency unit, without limitation.

[0174] In another embodiment, the communication method proposed in this application is also applicable to a chip system. Specifically, the chip system on the network side and / or the terminal side is provided with a memory unit for storing corresponding information (e.g., first information) for implementing the communication method of this application. Based on this corresponding information, the processor, in conjunction with a radio frequency / antenna module with transceiver functions, interacts with the other side to implement the communication method of this application.

[0175] The foregoing mainly describes the solution provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of the execution logic of each step. It is understood that each node, such as a network device, includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules to execute each function in order to achieve the above-mentioned functions. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the method of the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in a hardware or computer software-driven hardware manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0176] This application embodiment can divide the network device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0177] In practical implementation, the network elements shown in this application, such as terminals, can adopt... Figure 12 The shown composition or includes Figure 12 The components shown. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. When the communication device has the functions of a terminal as described in the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be a terminal or a chip or system-on-a-chip in a terminal. When the communication device has the functions of a network device (e.g., a first network device or a second network device) as described in the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be a network device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in a network device.

[0178] For example, Figure 12 A possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in an embodiment of this application is shown. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the communication device 900 may include modules or units for implementing the methods described in the embodiments above. In one possible design, the communication device 900 includes a processing unit 902 and a communication unit 903. Optionally, the communication device 900 may further include a storage unit 901 for storing device program code and / or data.

[0179] The communication device 900 can be a terminal-side device in the above embodiments, such as a terminal or a communication module in a terminal, or a circuit or chip in a terminal that is responsible for communication functions.

[0180] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 903 is configured to receive first information from a first network device in a first cell, indicating a first frequency domain location, the first frequency domain location being the frequency domain location of a random access opportunity of a second cell of a second network device, and the first frequency domain location being located in a first bandwidth, and the first bandwidth being located in the bandwidth of an uplink carrier; the processing unit 902 is configured to send a first signal to the second network device through the communication unit 903 to request a system information block of the second cell based on the first information.

[0181] In this embodiment, the network device covering the first cell (i.e., the first network device) sends first information to the terminal indicating the first frequency domain position located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier, so that the terminal can send a first signal requesting the system information block of the second cell based on the first information. Since the first bandwidth where the first frequency domain position is located is located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier, the terminal is able to send a higher quality first signal.

[0182] In one possible design, the communication unit 903 is also used to receive second information, which indicates the switching time of the first response from sending the first signal to receiving the first signal.

[0183] In this design, the first network device indicates the handover time to the terminal based on the second information. In this way, the terminal can clearly know the handover time, which makes it easier for the terminal to prepare to receive the first signal in advance, reducing the waiting time and thus improving communication efficiency.

[0184] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 903 is configured to receive configuration information from a first network device in a first cell, wherein the configuration information is configuration information for sending a physical random access channel; the processing unit 902 is configured to send a first signal to a second network device through the communication unit 903 according to the configuration information, wherein the first signal is used to request a system information block of the second cell of the second network device, and the starting frequency domain resource of the uplink bandwidth portion used to generate the first signal is the starting frequency domain resource of the uplink carrier.

[0185] In this embodiment, since the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink bandwidth portion used to generate the first signal are clearly defined as the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink carrier, the first signal can be generated.

[0186] In one possible design, the configuration information includes first information for indicating a first frequency domain location, which is the frequency domain location of the random access timing of the second cell of the second network device, and the first frequency domain location is located in a first bandwidth, and the first bandwidth is located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier.

[0187] In this design, the configuration information includes first information, which allows the terminal to send a first signal requesting a system information block of the second cell based on the first information. Since the first bandwidth of the first frequency domain location is located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier, the terminal is able to send a higher quality first signal.

[0188] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, the function of the processing unit 902 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or system-in-package (SoC) containing a modem core. The function of the communication unit 903 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0189] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip or system-in-package chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 902 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 903 can be implemented by the interface circuitry or data transceiver circuitry on the aforementioned chip.

[0190] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a terminal or a processing module within a terminal, the function of the processing unit 902 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a graphics processor, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or system-in-package (SoC) containing a graphics processor. Alternatively, the processor may include an artificial intelligence (AI) processor, or a SoC or SoC containing an AI processor. Or, the processor may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a SoC or SoC containing an ASIC. The function of the communication unit 903 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0191] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for processing functions, such as a graphics processor or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or system-in-package (SoC) containing a graphics processor, an artificial intelligence processor or a SoC or SoC containing an artificial intelligence processor, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a SoC or SoC containing an ASIC, the function of the processing unit 902 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 903 can be implemented by interface circuits or data transceiver circuits on the aforementioned chip.

[0192] The communication device 900 can also be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as a network or a communication module in a network, or a circuit or chip in a network responsible for communication functions.

[0193] For example, in one embodiment, the communication device 900 can be the first network device in the above embodiment. In this case, the processing unit 902 is used to obtain first information for indicating the first frequency domain position, the first frequency domain position being the frequency domain position of the random access timing of the second cell of the second network device, the first frequency domain position being located in the first bandwidth, and the first bandwidth being located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier; the communication unit 903 is used to send the first information to the terminal.

[0194] In this embodiment, the network device covering the first cell (i.e., the first network device) sends first information to the terminal indicating the first frequency domain position located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier, so that the terminal can send a first signal requesting the system information block of the second cell based on the first information. Since the first bandwidth where the first frequency domain position is located is located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier, the terminal is able to send a higher quality first signal.

[0195] In one possible design, the communication unit 903 is also used to send second information, which indicates the switching time from the terminal sending the first signal to the terminal receiving the first signal in the first response.

[0196] In this design, the first network device indicates the handover time to the terminal based on the second information. In this way, the terminal can clearly know the handover time, which makes it easier for the terminal to prepare to receive the first signal in advance, reducing the waiting time and thus improving communication efficiency.

[0197] For example, in one embodiment, the communication device 900 can also be the second network device in the above embodiments. In this case, the communication unit 903 is used to receive a first signal from the terminal according to the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink carrier. The first signal is used to request the system information block of the second cell. The communication unit 903 is also used to send a first response to the terminal. The first response is used to respond to the first signal.

[0198] In this embodiment, since the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink bandwidth portion used to generate the first signal are clearly defined as the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink carrier, the first signal from the terminal can be received efficiently based on the starting frequency domain resources of the uplink carrier.

[0199] In the design of transmitting and receiving information in any of the above possible communication devices 900, it can also be combined with the following possible designs:

[0200] In one possible design, the center frequency of the first bandwidth is the same as the center frequency of the downlink bandwidth portion.

[0201] This design employs the principle of time division duplex, which simplifies the implementation of the terminal and reduces the latency of sending system information block 1 on demand.

[0202] In one possible design, the size of the downlink bandwidth portion is the same as the size of the first bandwidth.

[0203] In this design, if the downlink bandwidth is the same as the first bandwidth, it means that the system allocates equal resources to uplink and downlink transmissions. This fairness helps ensure balanced development of uplink and downlink communication, avoiding performance bottlenecks caused by uneven resource allocation. In this case, when implementing on-demand transmission of system information block 1 at the first frequency domain location based on the first bandwidth constraint, this fairness ensures that the user equipment has sufficient uplink bandwidth to send necessary feedback or requests while receiving system information.

[0204] In one possible design, the starting resource block of the first bandwidth is consistent with the starting resource block of the uplink carrier in the frequency domain, or the ending resource block of the first bandwidth is consistent with the ending resource block of the uplink carrier in the frequency domain.

[0205] In this design, the first bandwidth is aligned with the uplink carrier at the boundary (e.g., the start resource block is consistent in the frequency domain, or the end resource block is consistent in the frequency domain). This helps reduce spectrum waste when implementing on-demand transmission of system information block 1 at the first frequency domain location based on the first bandwidth constraint, thus improving spectrum utilization efficiency. Simultaneously, it ensures that the terminal can transmit physical random access channel signals, avoiding interference with signals other than the uplink carrier.

[0206] In one possible design, the starting resource block of the first bandwidth is consistent with the starting resource block of the random access opportunity in the frequency domain, or the ending resource block of the first bandwidth is consistent with the ending resource block of the random access opportunity in the frequency domain.

[0207] In this design, when the first bandwidth is aligned with the boundary of the random access opportunity, implementing on-demand transmission of system information block 1 at the first frequency domain position based on the first bandwidth constraint helps reduce spectrum fragmentation and waste. Ensuring that the random access process fully utilizes the spectrum resources of the first bandwidth without allocating additional spectrum for the random access opportunity helps improve spectrum resource utilization efficiency. Simultaneously, it guarantees that the terminal can transmit the physical random access channel signal, avoiding interference with signals other than the uplink carrier.

[0208] In one possible design, the first information is used to indicate the first bandwidth.

[0209] In this design, the number of bits required for the first information is small, which can reduce the size of the configuration information in the uplink bandwidth and improve transmission efficiency.

[0210] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. One function can correspond to one functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated onto a single physical entity, or distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for specific applications, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0211] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits, or one or more central processing units, one or more microprocessors, one or more digital signal processors, or one or more field-programmable gate arrays, or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0212] In one example, storage unit 901 may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0213] See Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The terminal 1000 can correspond to... Figure 6 The terminal shown is used to implement the operations of the terminal in the above embodiments. Figure 13 As shown, the terminal 1000 includes: one or more antennas 1010, a radio frequency processing system 1020, and a processor system 1030.

[0214] In the downlink or sidelink direction, the RF processing system 1020 receives RF signals through the antenna 1010 and sends the RF-processed signals to the processor system 1030 for further processing. In the uplink or sidelink direction, the processor system 1030 processes the terminal-side information and sends it to the RF processing system 1020, which then processes the signal and transmits it through the antenna 1010.

[0215] In one example, the RF processing system 1020 serves as the communication interface for external communication of the terminal and may include an RF front-end 1021 and an RF transceiver 1022 (abbreviated as transceiver in the figure). The RF front-end 1021 is mainly used for one or more of the following processing operations on the RF signals received by the antenna or the RF signals to be transmitted through the antenna: shaping, passband selection, or gain. It may include one or more components such as RF switches, duplexers, filters, power amplifiers, antenna tuners, and low-noise amplifiers. The RF front-end 1021 can be a circuit system composed of multiple discrete devices or it can be integrated and packaged in one or more chips. The RF transceiver 1022 is used to process the RF signals received by the RF front-end into baseband / IF signals for further processing by the processor system 1030, and to process the baseband / IF signals provided by the processor system 1030 into RF signals for transmission to the RF front-end 1021. The baseband / IF signals transmitted between the RF transceiver 1022 and the processor system 1030 can be digital or analog signals. The radio frequency transceiver 1022 can be implemented by one or more chips, which are commonly referred to as radio frequency chips.

[0216] In one example, processor system 1030 may include one or more processors for processing signals and executing one or more communication protocols. Optionally, processor system 1030 may also include memory 1036. In one example, the one or more processors include at least one baseband processor 1031 (also known as a modem processor). Memory 1036 is used to store data and / or computer program instructions. Optionally, processor system 1030 may also include one or more application processors 1032 for implementing processing of the terminal operating system and application layer. Application processor 1032 may include, for example, a graphics processor, an artificial intelligence processor, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Optionally, processor system 1030 may also include one or more of a voice subsystem 1033, a multimedia subsystem 1034, or an interface circuit 1035. The voice subsystem 1033 is used to process voice signals, the multimedia subsystem 1034 is used to handle multimedia-related operations, such as video encoding / decoding, image processing, etc., and the interface circuit 1035 is used to implement communication with other terminal components, such as a display 1040, an input device 1050, memory 1060, etc. The components in processor system 1030 can communicate with each other via a bus or communication interface circuit. In one example, processor system 1030 can be packaged as a single processor chip, such as a system-on-a-chip or system-in-package (SoC). In another example, processor system 1030 can be a system of multiple chips; for example, the baseband processor 1031 can be packaged as a single chip, or packaged with part or all of the circuitry of the radio frequency processing system as a single chip.

[0217] In one example, memory 1036 can be on-chip memory, i.e., located on the processor system 1030 chip. In another example, memory 1060 can be off-chip memory, i.e. located outside the processor system 1030 chip.

[0218] In one example, the baseband processor 1031 may include one or more processor cores 10311 and interface circuitry 10314. The one or more processor cores 10311 are used to process signals and execute one or more communication protocols. Optionally, the baseband processor 1031 may also include a memory 10312 for storing at least a portion of the corresponding computer program instructions and / or data. In one example, the one or more processor cores 10311 implement the relevant operations in the above method embodiments by executing the computer program instructions stored in the memory 10312. In this application, memory 10312 is used to store corresponding computer program instructions and / or data. This can mean that memory 10312 stores all corresponding computer program instructions and / or data for execution by processor core 10311; or it can mean that memory 10312 stores a portion of corresponding computer program instructions and / or data, including the computer program instructions and / or data currently required to be executed by processor core 10311. Memory 10312 can store different portions of computer program instructions and / or data multiple times for execution by processor core 10311 to implement the relevant operations in the above method embodiments. Interface circuit 10314 serves as a communication interface for communication with other components, such as transmitting signals with radio frequency processing system 1020, communicating with other subsystems and related components of processor system 1030 via bus, such as transmitting data control signals with application processor 1032, and transmitting data or computer program instructions with memory 1036 or memory 1060. Optionally, in order to reduce the load on the processor core, a baseband signal processing circuit 10313 can be set to perform at least some baseband signal processing, including one or more of signal demodulation, modulation, encoding or decoding.

[0219] In one example, the communication device provided in this application may be a terminal 1000, a communication module including a processor system 1030 and a radio frequency system 1020, the processor system 1030, or a baseband processor 1031.

[0220] The processor, processor system, application processor, baseband processor, processor circuit or processor core mentioned above can be collectively referred to as a processor. The processor may include one or more of the following: central processing unit, digital signal processor, microprocessor, microcontroller, graphics processor, field-programmable gate array, application-specific integrated circuit, artificial intelligence processor or neural network processor.

[0221] The aforementioned memory may include one or more of the following storage media: random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), phase-change memory (PCM), resistive random access memory (RAM), magnetoresistive random access memory (MRRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), cache, registers, read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), hard disk, etc. In one example, computer program instructions for executing the above embodiments may be stored in non-volatile memory, such as at least a portion of memory 1060 (e.g., one or more of ROM, flash memory, EEPROM, or hard disk). During terminal operation, the corresponding computer program instructions may be partially or entirely loaded into memory with a faster transfer speed than the processor, such as at least a portion of memory 1036 and / or memory 10312 (e.g., one or more of random access memory, static random access memory, dynamic random access memory, phase-change memory, resistive random access memory, magnetoresistive random access memory, ferroelectric random access memory, cache, or registers), for the processor to execute to implement the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0222] In one example, the RF transceiver and RF front-end can also be packaged on a single chip. In another example, the RF transceiver, RF front-end, and baseband processor can also be packaged on a single chip.

[0223] This application also provides a communication system for a high-speed private network information transmission scenario in a neighboring area. The communication system may include a terminal and network devices (including a first network device and a second network device). The terminal may have the function of executing the terminal execution steps in the above method embodiments, and the network device may have the function of executing the network device execution steps in the above method embodiments.

[0224] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be a terminal device of any of the foregoing embodiments, such as an internal storage unit including a data sending end and / or a data receiving end, such as a hard disk or memory of the terminal device. The computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the terminal device, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the terminal device. Further, the computer-readable storage medium can include both the internal storage unit and the external storage device of the terminal device. The computer-readable storage medium is used to store the computer program and other programs and data required by the terminal device. The computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0225] This application also provides computer instructions. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions to instruct related hardware (such as computers, processors, network devices, and terminals). The program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium.

[0226] This application also provides a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the above-described method embodiments to be executed.

[0227] This application also provides a chip system. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices, without limitation. The chip system includes a processor and a transceiver. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by this chip system, such as the chip system being used to implement the functions performed by the network devices or terminals in the above method embodiments.

[0228] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and / or data. When the chip system is running, the processor executes the program instructions stored in the memory to enable the chip system to perform the functions performed by the network device or terminal in the above method embodiments.

[0229] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0230] In the embodiments of this application, the memory can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of this application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store instructions and / or data.

[0231] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0232] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A. For example, B can be determined based on A. It should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean determining B solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information. Furthermore, the term "connection" in the embodiments of this application refers to various connection methods, such as direct or indirect connections, to achieve communication between devices; the embodiments of this application do not impose any limitations on this.

[0233] Unless otherwise specified, the term "transmission" in the embodiments of this application refers to bidirectional transmission, encompassing the actions of sending and / or receiving. Specifically, "transmission" in the embodiments of this application includes sending data, receiving data, or both sending and receiving data. In other words, data transmission here includes uplink and / or downlink data transmission. Data may include channels and / or signals; uplink data transmission refers to uplink channel and / or uplink signal transmission, and downlink data transmission refers to downlink channel and / or downlink signal transmission. The terms "network" and "system" in the embodiments of this application refer to the same concept; a communication system is a communication network.

[0234] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0235] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0236] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0237] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device, such as a microcontroller, chip, or processor, to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0238] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0239] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0240] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0241] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0242] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

[0243] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method applied to a terminal, characterized in that, include: In the first cell, first information is received from the first network device, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first frequency domain position, the first frequency domain position is the frequency domain position of the random access timing of the second cell of the second network device, the first frequency domain position is located in a first bandwidth, and the first bandwidth is located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier. Based on the first information, a first signal is sent to the second network device, the first signal being used to request a system information block from the second cell.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, the second information being used to indicate the switching time from sending the first signal to receiving the first response.

3. A communication method applied to a first network device, characterized in that, include: Obtain first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first frequency domain position, the first frequency domain position is the frequency domain position of the random access timing of the second cell of the second network device, the first frequency domain position is located in a first bandwidth, and the first bandwidth is located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier; Send the first information to the terminal.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, the second message being used to indicate the switching time from the terminal sending a first signal to the terminal receiving a first response.

5. A communication method applied to a terminal, characterized in that, include: The configuration information received in the first cell is configuration information for sending a physical random access channel from a first network device. According to the configuration information, a first signal is sent to the second network device. The first signal is used to request the system information block of the second cell of the second network device, and the starting frequency domain resource of the uplink bandwidth portion used by the first signal is the starting frequency domain resource of the uplink carrier.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes first information, which is used to indicate a first frequency domain position. The first frequency domain position is the frequency domain position of the random access timing of the second cell of the second network device. The first frequency domain position is located in a first bandwidth, and the first bandwidth is located in the bandwidth of the uplink carrier.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-4 or 6, characterized in that, The center frequency of the first bandwidth is the same as the center frequency of the downlink bandwidth.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-4 or 6, characterized in that, The size of the downlink bandwidth portion is the same as the size of the first bandwidth.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-4 or 6, characterized in that, The starting resource block of the first bandwidth is consistent with the starting resource block of the uplink carrier in the frequency domain, or the ending resource block of the first bandwidth is consistent with the ending resource block of the uplink carrier in the frequency domain.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-4 or 6, characterized in that, The starting resource block of the first bandwidth is consistent with the starting resource block of the random access opportunity in the frequency domain, or the ending resource block of the first bandwidth is consistent with the ending resource block of the random access opportunity in the frequency domain.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-4 or 6-10, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate the first bandwidth.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module that performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-4; or, it includes a module that performs the method as described in any one of claims 5-6; or, it includes a module that performs the method as described in any one of claims 7-11.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor for supporting the communication device in performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-11.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed, cause the method described in any one of claims 1-11 to be performed.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that, When it is run on a computer, it causes the method described in any one of claims 1-11 to be performed.

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