Cell selection method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a cell selection method and device, and relates to the field of communication. The method comprises: a network device can send first information and second information on a first cell, the first information being used for selection of the first cell, the second information being used for selection of a second cell, a terminal device can receive the first information and the second information on the first cell, and transmit the first information and the second information to the network device based on the first information and the second information. And selecting to carry out random access on the first cell or the second cell. Thus, the network device sends the information used for selection of the first cell and selection of the second cell in the first cell, so that the second information can not be sent on the second cell, the overhead brought by frequent sending of the information used for cell selection in multiple cells by the network device is avoided, and the power consumption of the network device is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, network devices can periodically transmit synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) and system information block types 1 (SIBs) on cells at different frequency points. This allows terminal devices to identify the network on different frequency points and select the appropriate cell for access. However, this frequent and periodic transmission of SSBs and SIBs causes network devices to remain awake on different frequency points, resulting in high power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a cell selection method and apparatus, which helps to reduce the power consumption of network equipment.

[0004] Firstly, a cell selection method is provided. This method can be executed by a terminal-side communication device, or by other entities; this application does not limit the specific implementation. The terminal-side communication device can be a terminal device, or a functional module, communication module, chip, chip system, or circuit within the terminal device (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or a functional module within the terminal device capable of calling and executing programs. For ease of description, the following explanation uses a terminal device as an example.

[0005] The method may include: receiving first information and second information on a first cell, the first information being used for selecting a first cell and the second information being used for selecting a second cell, wherein the first cell and the second cell have different frequency points; and determining, based on the first information and the second information, whether to perform random access on the first cell or the second cell.

[0006] The cell selection method provided in this application embodiment involves the network device sending information for selecting the first cell and the second cell in the first cell, thereby avoiding the overhead caused by the network device frequently sending information for cell selection in multiple cells and reducing the power consumption of the network device.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the second information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the frequency of the second cell, the signal strength of the second cell, the load of the second cell, the services supported by the second cell, the quality of service (QoS) supported by the second cell, or the energy-saving mode of the second cell.

[0008] In one possible implementation, random access is determined to be performed on the second cell under one or more of the following conditions: the signal strength of the second cell is greater than or equal to a strength threshold; the load of the second cell is not overloaded; the services supported by the second cell include the target service, which is the service to be processed after random access; the QoS supported by the second cell meets the QoS requirements of the target service; the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode, and the state of the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the state of the target energy-saving mode, wherein the target energy-saving mode is the energy-saving mode to be executed after random access to the second cell; or, the energy-saving mode of the second cell is stronger than the target energy-saving mode.

[0009] In one possible implementation, random access on the first cell is determined to be performed under one or more of the following conditions: the signal strength of the second cell is less than a strength threshold; the load of the second cell is not in an overloaded state; the services supported by the second cell do not include the target service, which is the service to be processed after random access to the second cell; the QoS supported by the second cell does not meet the QoS requirements of the target service; the energy-saving mode of the second cell is different from the target energy-saving mode, or, the energy-saving mode of the second cell is different from the target energy-saving mode, but the state of the energy-saving mode of the second cell is different from the state of the target energy-saving mode, where the target energy-saving mode is the energy-saving mode to be executed after random access to the second cell; or, the energy-saving mode of the second cell is weaker than the target energy-saving mode.

[0010] In one possible implementation, after determining that random access will be performed on the second cell, the method further includes: sending third information on the first cell, the third information being used to trigger the transmission of an SSB on the second cell.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving an SSB on the second cell; and performing random access on the second cell based on the SSB.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving information indicating path loss on a first cell; and determining the transmission power of third information based on the path loss. In one possible implementation, the second information is carried in SSB and / or SIB1 signaling.

[0013] When a terminal device performs random access, it needs to receive SSB and SIB1. The second information is carried in SSB and SIB1, so that the network device does not need to send additional signaling to send the second information, which helps to save signaling overhead.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the frequency of the first cell is lower than that of the second cell. This allows the lower-frequency first cell to cover a wider area compared to the higher-frequency second cell, which is beneficial for meeting the mobility and random access needs of terminal devices.

[0015] Secondly, a cell selection method is provided. This method can be executed by a network-side communication device, or by other entities, and this application does not limit the scope of execution. The network-side communication device can be a network device, or a functional module, communication module, chip, chip system, or circuit (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core) within the network device, or a functional module within the network device capable of calling and executing programs. For ease of description, a network device will be used as an example below.

[0016] The method may include: transmitting first information and second information on a first cell, wherein the first information is used for selecting a first cell and the second information is used for selecting a second cell, and the first cell and the second cell have different frequency points; and receiving random access information on the first cell or the second cell.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving third information on a first cell, the third information being used to trigger the transmission of a synchronization signal block (SSB) on a second cell.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: transmitting an SSB on a second cell based on third information; and receiving random access information on a first cell or a second cell, including: receiving random access information on a second cell.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: transmitting information on a first cell to indicate path loss, the path loss being used to determine the transmission power of the third information.

[0020] The specific information indicated by the second information, the signaling that the second information can carry, and the frequency characteristics of the first and second cells can all be referred to the first aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0021] Thirdly, a communication apparatus is provided for executing the method in any of the possible implementations of the above aspects. Specifically, the communication apparatus includes a module for executing the method in any of the possible implementations of the above aspects.

[0022] Fourthly, this application provides another communication device, including a processor coupled to a memory, which can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the methods in any of the possible implementations of the foregoing aspects. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, to which the processor is coupled.

[0023] In one implementation, the communication device is a terminal device or a network device. When the communication device is a terminal device or a network device, the communication interface can be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0024] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip applicable to a terminal device or a network device. When the communication device is a chip applicable to a terminal device or a network device, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0025] Fifthly, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is used to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, causing the processor to execute the method in any possible implementation of the above aspects.

[0026] In the specific implementation process, the processor can be a chip, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the processing circuit can be a transistor, gate circuit, flip-flop, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be output to, for example, but not limited to, a transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0027] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor and a memory. The processor is used to read instructions stored in the memory and to receive signals via a receiver and transmit signals via a transmitter to execute the methods in any of the possible implementations of the foregoing aspects.

[0028] Optionally, the processor may be one or more, and the memory may be one or more.

[0029] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be separated from the processor.

[0030] In the specific implementation process, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or set on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the way the memory and processor are set.

[0031] It should be understood that the relevant data interaction process, such as sending instruction information, can be a process of outputting instruction information from the processor, and receiving capability information can be a process of the processor receiving input capability information. Specifically, the processed output data can be output to the transmitter, and the input data received by the processor can come from the receiver. Here, the transmitter and receiver can be collectively referred to as transceivers.

[0032] The communication device in the sixth aspect above can be a chip. The processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc. When implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. The memory can be integrated into the processor or located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0033] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), which, when the computer program is run, causes a computer to perform a method in any of the possible implementations of the foregoing aspects.

[0034] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods in any of the possible implementations of the foregoing aspects.

[0035] It should be understood that the third to seventh aspects of this application correspond to the technical solutions of the first and second aspects of this application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic interactive diagram illustrating a cell selection method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of cell selection provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of cell selection provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another cell selection method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic interactive diagram of another cell selection method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an access network device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the network element function division and protocol layer structure of an O-RAN device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] In the embodiments of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and purpose. For example, "first cell" and "second cell" are merely used to distinguish different cells and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0048] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0049] In this application embodiment, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, a--c, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0050] In the embodiments of this application, the terms and English abbreviations, such as cell and frequency point, are merely exemplary examples given for ease of description and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future protocols.

[0051] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, such as LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems and LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, 5th Generation (5G) systems or New Radio (NR) systems, future communication systems, etc.

[0052] The terminal equipment in this application embodiment can also be referred to as: user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device, etc.

[0053] The network device involved in this application can be a device that communicates with terminal devices. The network device can also be called an access network device or a wireless access network device. It can be a TRP, an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, a home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB or home Node B, HNB), a base band unit (BBU), or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the network device can be a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, or a network device in a 5G network or a network device in a future evolved PLMN network. It can also be an access point (AP) in a WLAN, or a gNB in ​​an NR system. The above-mentioned network devices can also be city base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, femto base stations, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0054] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, firstly, in conjunction with Figure 1 The communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, wherein the RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 1 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110, may also include at least one terminal (such as...). Figure 1 RAN 100, denoted as RAN 120a-120j, is collectively referred to as RAN 120. RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. Terminals and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. The communication system may also include a core network 200. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 via wireless or wired means. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of core network equipment and RAN nodes. The communication system may also include Internet 300.

[0056] RAN 100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). RAN 100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0057] RAN nodes, also known as radio access network equipment, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminals access communication systems wirelessly. In one application scenario, an RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5th generation (NR) mobile communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. RAN nodes can also be macro base stations (such as...). Figure 1 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1 110b in the middle can also be a relay node or a donor node.

[0058] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RANC) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes or integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0059] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, a RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description.

[0060] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be called terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0061] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0062] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative, for example, Figure 1 The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 The 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1 The 120a-120j in this application can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions. In the embodiments of this application, the "protocol" involved can refer to standard protocols in the field of communication, such as 3GPP standard protocols, which are not limited in this application.

[0063] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted through licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted through spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously.

[0064] A base station can configure frequency bands for terminal devices and communicate with them based on one or more frequency points within those bands. A frequency point is a specific frequency within the band used for signal transmission. In one example, the base station can configure different frequency points for different cells and periodically transmit SSB and SIB1 on cells at different frequency points. This allows the terminal device to identify the network on different frequency points and select the appropriate cell for access.

[0065] However, this frequent and periodic transmission of SSB and SIB1 causes the base station to remain awake on cells at different frequency points, resulting in high power consumption of the base station.

[0066] In view of this, the embodiments of this application provide a cell selection method. When a base station transmits cell selection information in cells at certain specific frequencies, it can also transmit cell selection information in cells at other frequencies in cells at these specific frequencies. This helps to avoid the overhead caused by the base station frequently transmitting cell selection information in cells at different frequencies, thereby reducing the power consumption of the base station.

[0067] In this application embodiment, cells with certain characteristic frequency points can be understood as first cells, and cells with other frequency points can be understood as second cells. That is, the base station can send information for first cell selection in the first cell and information for cell selection in the second cell on the first cell, and the terminal device can select a suitable cell for access in the first cell and the second cell.

[0068] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions. For ease of description, the methods of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below using network devices and terminal devices as examples of the execution entities.

[0069] It should be understood that the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal device in implementing the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device; the network device can be the network device itself, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the network device, and this application does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0070] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the following is combined with... Figures 2 to 6 The methods provided in the embodiments of this application are described in detail. The embodiments shown in this application illustrate the methods provided in the embodiments of this application from the perspective of device interaction. The specific forms and quantities of the devices shown are merely examples and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0071] For example, Figure 2 A schematic interactive diagram illustrating a cell selection method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. This method can be applied to the above-described... Figure 1 The communication system shown is not limited to this embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0072] S201. The network device sends first information and second information on the first cell. Specifically, the first information is used to select the first cell, and the second information is used to select the second cell. The first cell and the second cell have different frequency points.

[0073] In one possible approach, the first cell can be used to represent one cell, or it can be used to represent multiple cells. If the first cell is used to represent one cell, its frequency can be a specific frequency. If the first cell is used to represent multiple cells, its frequencies can constitute a frequency band. Similarly, the second cell can be used to represent one cell, or it can be used to represent multiple cells. If the second cell is used to represent one cell, its frequency can be a specific frequency. If the second cell is used to represent multiple cells, its frequencies can constitute a frequency band.

[0074] For example, if the first cell is used to represent one cell, the frequency of the first cell can be 2.6 GHz. If the first cell is used to represent multiple cells, the frequencies of the multiple cells can constitute a frequency band, which can be from 2.6 GHz to 3.5 GHz. If the second cell is used to represent one cell, the frequency of the second cell can be 6.7 GHz. If the second cell is used to represent multiple cells, the frequencies of the multiple cells can constitute a frequency band, which can be from 4.9 GHz to 6.7 GHz.

[0075] The first piece of information is used for selecting the first cell, which can be understood as: the terminal device can determine whether to select the first cell based on the first piece of information. Similarly, the second piece of information is used for selecting the second cell, which can be understood as: the terminal device can determine whether to select the second cell based on the second piece of information.

[0076] The first and second cells operate on different frequencies, including either the first cell's frequency being higher than the second cell's frequency, or the first cell's frequency being lower than the second cell's frequency. In some examples, the first cell's frequency may be lower than the second cell's frequency, meaning the first cell operates on a low frequency and the second cell operates on a high frequency. This allows the lower-frequency first cell to cover a wider area compared to the higher-frequency second cell, which is beneficial for meeting the mobility and random access needs of terminal devices. For example, the first cell could operate on a frequency of 2.6 GHz, and the second cell could operate on a frequency of 6.7 GHz.

[0077] The coverage area of ​​the network device may include the first cell and the second cell, or it may only include the first cell; this embodiment does not limit this. If the coverage area of ​​the network device includes both the first cell and the second cell, it means that the first cell and the second cell correspond to the same network device. If the coverage area of ​​the network device only includes the first cell, it means that the first cell and the second cell may correspond to different network devices.

[0078] The network device can simultaneously transmit the first information and the second information on the first cell, or it can transmit the first information and the second information on the first cell in a time-division manner; this application embodiment does not limit this. If the first network device transmits the first information and the second information simultaneously on the first cell, multiple pieces of information can be transmitted at once, which helps to save signaling overhead. If the first network device transmits the first information and the second information in a time-division manner on the first cell, different pieces of information can be transmitted in a time-division manner, which helps to increase flexibility.

[0079] S202. Based on the first information and the second information, the terminal device determines whether to perform random access on the first cell or the second cell.

[0080] Based on the first and second information, the terminal device can obtain information related to cell selection in the first cell and the second cell. Based on this information, the terminal device can select a suitable cell from the first and second cells. If the terminal device selects the first cell, it can determine whether to perform random access on the first cell. If the terminal device selects the second cell, it can determine whether to perform random access on the second cell.

[0081] S203. The terminal device can send random access information to the network device in the first cell or the second cell.

[0082] If the terminal device determines to perform random access on the first cell, it sends random access information to the network device on the first cell. If the terminal device determines to perform random access on the second cell, it sends random access information to the network device on the second cell.

[0083] The cell selection method provided in this application embodiment involves the network device sending information for selecting the first cell and the second cell in the first cell, thereby avoiding the overhead caused by the network device frequently sending information for cell selection in multiple cells and reducing the power consumption of the network device.

[0084] In other examples, a third cell may exist. If a third cell exists, the network device can send first information, second information, and third information to the terminal device. The first and second information are related to the above. Figure 2 The functions are the same as those shown. The third information can be used to select the third cell, and the frequency points of the first, second, and third cells are all different. The terminal device can determine whether to perform random access on the first, second, or third cell based on the first, second, and third information. In this embodiment, the first and second cells are used as examples for illustration.

[0085] The above will be explained in detail below. Figure 2 The second piece of information in the method shown.

[0086] In some examples, the second information may be used to indicate one or more of the following: the frequency of the second cell, the signal strength of the second cell, the load of the second cell, the services supported by the second cell, the QoS supported by the second cell, or the energy-saving mode of the second cell.

[0087] The second information may directly include one or more of the information shown above, or it may indicate one or more of the information shown above through an identifier, field, or other form. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0088] When the second information indicates the frequency of the second cell, if the terminal device determines to perform random access on the second cell, the terminal device can search for signals on the second cell based on the frequency of the second cell.

[0089] When the second information indicates the signal strength of the second cell, the terminal device can determine whether the signal strength of the second cell meets the requirements, so as to determine whether to perform random access on the second cell.

[0090] In some examples, the second information can indirectly indicate the signal strength of the second cell. For instance, the second information can be used to indicate one or more of the following: the minimum signal quality for cell selection, the minimum received signal level for cell selection, and the received signal level offset for cell selection. The terminal device can calculate the signal strength of the second cell based on the information indicated by the second information, i.e., one or more of the following: the minimum signal quality for cell selection, the minimum received signal level for cell selection, and the received signal level offset for cell selection. The terminal device can then determine whether to select the second cell based on its signal strength. This method of cell selection can be called a cell criterion or an S-criterion.

[0091] In this way, the second information indicates the signal strength of the second cell indirectly, which is beneficial to saving signaling overhead compared to the second information including the signal strength of the second cell.

[0092] When the second information indicates the load of the second cell, the terminal device can determine whether the load of the second cell meets the requirements in order to determine whether to perform random access on the second cell.

[0093] In the embodiments of this application, the load of the second cell can be represented in several ways. In some examples, the load of the second cell can be represented by the physical resource block (PRB) occupancy rate. In other examples, the load of the second cell can be represented by the cell congestion status.

[0094] When the second information indicates the services supported by the second cell, the terminal device can determine whether the services supported by the second cell include the services that the terminal device needs to process after random access, so as to determine whether to perform random access on the second cell.

[0095] In some examples, the second information can also be used to indicate the priority of the services supported by the second cell. When the services supported by both the first cell and the second cell include the services that the terminal device needs to process after random access, it can be determined whether to perform random access on the second cell according to the priority of the services supported by the second cell.

[0096] For example, the services supported by the first cell include video services, which have a priority of level one in the first cell. The services supported by the second cell include video services, which have a priority of level two in the second cell. The priority of level one is greater than that of level two. Terminal devices can choose to randomly access the first cell to facilitate the processing of video services after random access.

[0097] When the second information indicates the QoS supported by the second cell, the terminal device can determine whether the QoS supported by the second cell can meet the QoS of the services that the terminal device needs to process after random access, so as to determine whether to perform random access on the second cell.

[0098] In some examples, the QoS supported by the second cell can be represented by one or more of the following: maximum bit rate (MBR), guaranteed bit rate (GBR), delay, packet loss rate, or delay-sensitive guaranteed rate.

[0099] MBR (Maximum Bit Rate) represents the maximum data transmission rate achievable by a connection or service flow under specific network conditions. GBR (Gap Rate) represents the minimum data transmission rate guaranteed by the network for a service flow. Latency represents the time delay experienced by data from the sender to the receiver. Packet loss rate represents the proportion of lost packets to the total number of transmitted packets during data transmission. Delay-Sensitive Guaranteed Rate (QoS) is a QoS parameter that combines latency and rate requirements. It requires the network to provide a certain guaranteed bit rate for the service flow while strictly limiting the latency of that service flow to ensure that the service can complete data transmission within the specified latency while meeting the minimum rate requirement.

[0100] When the second information indicates the energy-saving mode of the second cell, the terminal device can compare the strength of the energy-saving mode of the second cell with the strength of the energy-saving mode of the terminal device to determine whether to perform random access on the second cell.

[0101] The second cell supports the configuration capabilities for discontinuous transmission (DTX) and discontinuous reception (DRX) functions. Through these configurations, terminal devices within the cell can intermittently transmit and receive under certain conditions, thereby achieving energy savings. If the second cell has these configurations, it indicates that an energy-saving mode is present in the second cell.

[0102] Configuration information related to energy-saving mode may include the On DurationTimer, cell DTX cycle start offset, cell DTX time slot offset, cell DTX configuration type, and cell DTX activation status.

[0103] The On Duration Timer refers to a duration timer. It specifies the length of time the terminal device is active and receives data within each DTX cycle. The cell DTX cycle start offset is used to determine the starting offset of the cell DTX cycle relative to a reference time point. The cell DTX slot offset is the slot offset relative to the start of a DTX cycle.

[0104] Cell DTX configuration types can include dtx, drx, and dtxdrx. dtx indicates the cell uses discontinuous transmission mode. drx indicates discontinuous reception mode. dtxdrx indicates the cell supports both DTX and DRX functions simultaneously.

[0105] The cell DTX activation status indicates whether the cell's DTX function is enabled. The cell DTX activation status can be either active or inactive.

[0106] In some examples, the second information can be used to indicate the frequency of the second cell, the signal strength of the second cell, the load of the second cell, the services supported by the second cell, the QoS supported by the second cell, and the power-saving mode of the second cell. In this way, the terminal device can select a suitable cell from the first and second cells based on more information, which helps improve the accuracy of cell selection.

[0107] The second information can be carried in the same signaling message or in different signaling messages; this application does not limit this.

[0108] If the second information is carried in the same signaling, it means that one signaling can indicate all the second information.

[0109] For example, the second information can be carried in SSB or SIB1.

[0110] When a terminal device performs random access, it needs to receive SSB and SIB1. The second information is carried in either the SSB or SIB1, so that the network device does not need to send additional signaling to send the second information, which helps to save signaling overhead. In addition, carrying the second information in the same signaling simplifies implementation.

[0111] If the second information is carried in different signaling messages, it means that different signaling messages can indicate part of the second information, and the sum of the information indicated by different signaling messages is the second information.

[0112] For example, the second information can be carried in SSB and SIB1.

[0113] When a terminal device performs random access, it needs to receive SSB and SIB1. The second information is carried in SSB and SIB1, so the network device does not need to send additional signaling to send the second information, which helps to save signaling overhead. In addition, carrying the second information in different signaling provides greater flexibility.

[0114] The above describes how terminal devices can select a suitable cell for random access in the first or second cell. The following describes the conditions under which terminal devices can perform random access in the first or second cell.

[0115] In some examples, a terminal device may determine to perform random access on a second cell under one or more of the following conditions: the signal strength of the second cell is greater than or equal to a strength threshold; the load of the second cell is not overloaded; the services supported by the second cell include the target service, which is the service to be processed after random access to the second cell; the QoS supported by the second cell meets the QoS requirements of the target service; the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode, and the state of the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the state of the target energy-saving mode, which is the energy-saving mode to be executed after random access to the second cell; or, the energy-saving mode of the second cell is stronger than the target energy-saving mode.

[0116] If the signal strength of the second cell is greater than or equal to the strength threshold, it indicates that all terminal devices can camp on that cell and can perform random access. The strength threshold can be a value set before the terminal device leaves the factory or an updated value when the terminal device updates its system version; this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0117] If the second cell's load is not overloaded, it means that the second cell can continue to increase its load, and the terminal device can then perform random access on the second cell. In some examples, the second cell's load being in a non-overloaded state can be described as: the second cell's load being less than or equal to a load threshold. The load threshold can be set before the terminal device leaves the factory, or it can be a value updated when the terminal device updates its system version. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0118] When the services supported by the second cell include the target service, it means that the terminal device can perform the required processing service in the second cell, and the terminal device can perform random access on the second cell. In this embodiment of the application, the target service is used to represent the service that the terminal device needs to process after randomly accessing the second cell, and other names such as the first service can also be used. This embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0119] If the QoS supported by the second cell meets the QoS requirements of the target service, it means that the terminal device can perform the required service in the second cell, and the terminal device can perform random access in the second cell.

[0120] If the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode, and the state of the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the state of the target energy-saving mode, it means that the energy-saving mode of the second cell and the target energy-saving mode are the same and are both either on or both off. Alternatively, it means that the energy-saving mode of the second cell and the target energy-saving mode are the same and are both either active or both inactive. In this case, the terminal device can randomly access the second cell. The target energy-saving mode is the energy-saving mode that the terminal device needs to execute after randomly accessing the second cell. It can also be represented by other names, such as the first target energy-saving mode, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0121] The fact that the energy-saving mode of the second cell is stronger than the target energy-saving mode indicates that the energy-saving mode of the second cell can reduce power consumption more than the target energy-saving mode. This means that the energy-saving mode of the second cell is compatible with the target energy-saving mode, and the terminal device can make random access on the second cell.

[0122] For example, if the duration of the OnDuration Timer in the energy-saving mode of the second cell is longer than the duration of the OnDuration Timer in the target energy-saving mode, then the energy-saving mode of the second cell is compatible with the target energy-saving mode, and the terminal device can perform random access on the second cell.

[0123] For example, if the cell DTX configuration type in the energy-saving mode of the second cell is dtxdrx, and the cell DTX configuration type in the target energy-saving mode is dtx or drx, then the energy-saving mode of the second cell can reduce power consumption more than the target energy-saving mode, and the terminal device can perform random access on the second cell.

[0124] In one example, the terminal device can determine to perform random access on the second cell if the signal strength of the second cell is greater than or equal to the strength threshold, the load of the second cell is not overloaded, the services supported by the second cell include the target service, the QoS supported by the second cell meets the QoS requirements of the target service, the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode, and the energy-saving mode of the second cell is stronger than the target energy-saving mode. This random access on the second cell helps improve the processing efficiency of the target service.

[0125] In some examples, a terminal device may determine to perform random access on a first cell under one or more of the following conditions: the signal strength of the second cell is less than a strength threshold; the load of the second cell is not in an overloaded state; the services supported by the second cell do not include the target service, which is the service to be processed after random access to the second cell; the QoS supported by the second cell does not meet the QoS requirements of the target service; the energy-saving mode of the second cell is different from the target energy-saving mode, or the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode, but the state of the energy-saving mode of the second cell is different from the state of the target energy-saving mode, where the target energy-saving mode is the energy-saving mode to be executed after random access to the second cell; or the energy-saving mode of the second cell is weaker than the target energy-saving mode.

[0126] If the signal strength of the second cell is less than the strength threshold, it means that the terminal device may cause unsatisfactory communication effect if it stays on the second cell. Therefore, the terminal device can randomly access the first cell.

[0127] If the second cell is overloaded, it means that the second cell cannot continue to increase its load. Therefore, the terminal device can perform random access on the first cell. In some examples, the overload of the second cell can be described as: the load of the second cell exceeds the load threshold. This application does not limit this.

[0128] If the target service is not supported by the second cell, it means that the terminal device cannot perform the required service in the second cell. Therefore, the terminal device can perform random access in the first cell.

[0129] If the QoS supported by the second cell does not meet the QoS requirements of the target service, it means that the terminal device cannot process the target service on the second cell. Therefore, the terminal device can perform random access on the first cell.

[0130] If the energy-saving mode of the second cell is different from the target energy-saving mode, it means that the energy-saving mode configured in the second cell is different from or does not match the energy-saving mode configured in the terminal device. In this case, the terminal device can perform random access in the first cell.

[0131] The energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode, but the state of the energy-saving mode of the second cell is different from that of the target energy-saving mode. This indicates that the energy-saving mode of the second cell is in an on or active state, while the target energy-saving mode is in a closed or inactive state. In other words, the energy-saving mode of the second cell is in a closed or inactive state, while the target energy-saving mode is in an on or active state. Therefore, the terminal device can make random access on the first cell.

[0132] The energy-saving mode of the second cell is weaker than the target energy-saving mode. This means that the target energy-saving mode can reduce power consumption more than the energy-saving mode of the second cell. It indicates that the energy-saving needs of the terminal device cannot be met on the second cell. Therefore, the terminal device can randomly access the first cell.

[0133] For example, if the duration of the OnDuration Timer in the energy-saving mode of the second cell is shorter than the duration of the OnDuration Timer in the target energy-saving mode, the energy-saving requirements of the terminal device cannot be met in the second cell. Therefore, the terminal device can perform random access in the first cell.

[0134] For example, if the cell DTX configuration type in the energy-saving mode of the second cell is dtx or drx, and the cell DTX configuration type in the target energy-saving mode is dtxdrx, then the energy-saving requirements of the terminal device cannot be met on the second cell, and the terminal device can perform random access on the first cell.

[0135] In one example, the terminal device may determine to perform random access on the first cell if any of the following conditions are met: the signal strength of the second cell is less than the strength threshold, the load of the second cell is overloaded, the services supported by the second cell do not include the target service, the QoS supported by the second cell does not meet the QoS requirements of the target service, the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode, but the state of the energy-saving mode of the second cell is different from the state of the target energy-saving mode, or the energy-saving mode of the second cell is weaker than the target energy-saving mode.

[0136] In this way, random access on the first cell can help improve the processing efficiency of the target service.

[0137] In some examples, the conditions listed above have priorities. When a higher priority condition is not met, the terminal device can directly select a suitable cell without judging the lower priority condition.

[0138] For example, the first condition is that the signal strength of the second cell is greater than the strength threshold; the second condition is that the load of the second cell is not overloaded; the third condition is that the QoS supported by the second cell meets the QoS requirements of the target service; and the fourth condition is that the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode. The priority of these four conditions, from highest to lowest, is: first condition, second condition, third condition, and fourth condition. If the first condition is not met, the terminal device can skip the second condition and directly perform random access on the first cell. If the first condition is met but the second condition is not met, the terminal device can skip the third condition and directly perform random access on the first cell. And so on; other examples are not elaborated upon.

[0139] To better understand this method, the following will be combined with... Figure 3 Please provide an explanation.

[0140] For example, Figure 3 A schematic flowchart illustrating cell selection is shown. This method can be executed by a terminal device. Figure 3 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0141] S301. The terminal device determines whether the signal strength of the second cell is greater than or equal to the strength threshold.

[0142] The terminal device determines whether the signal strength of the second cell is greater than or equal to the strength threshold, which includes a variety of possible implementation methods.

[0143] In one possible implementation, the network device can configure a frequency band for the terminal device, which can then search for cells based on that frequency band. If the frequency of a second cell is within the configured frequency band, the terminal device can find the second cell when searching for cells based on the frequency band and determine whether the signal strength of the second cell is greater than or equal to a strength threshold.

[0144] In this way, searching for a second cell within a larger area increases the probability of finding the second cell.

[0145] In another possible implementation, the network device can configure the frequency of the second cell to the terminal device, and the terminal device can search for the second cell based on the frequency of the second cell and determine whether the signal strength of the second cell is greater than or equal to the strength threshold.

[0146] In this way, focusing on a specific cell helps reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0147] If the signal strength of the second cell is greater than or equal to the strength threshold, the terminal device can continue to determine whether the load of the second cell is overloaded, i.e., execute S302. If the signal strength of the second cell is less than the strength threshold, the terminal device can skip determining whether the load of the second cell is overloaded and directly determine to perform random access on the first cell, i.e., execute S306.

[0148] S302. If the signal strength of the second cell is greater than the strength threshold, the terminal device determines whether the load of the second cell is overloaded.

[0149] The terminal device can store a load threshold. The terminal device determines whether the load of the second cell is overloaded, that is, whether the load of the second cell is greater than or equal to the load threshold.

[0150] If the load of the second cell is greater than or equal to the load threshold, it means that the second cell is overloaded, or that the second cell is in an overloaded state. In this case, the terminal device can directly determine to perform random access on the first cell without further judging subsequent conditions, i.e., execute S306.

[0151] If the load of the second cell is less than the responsible threshold, it means that the load of the second cell is not overloaded, or that the load of the second cell is in a non-overloaded state. Then the terminal device can continue to judge subsequent conditions, that is, execute S303.

[0152] S303. If the load of the second cell is not overloaded, the terminal device determines whether the QoS supported by the second cell meets the QoS requirements of the target service.

[0153] The QoS supported by the second cell can be represented by one or more of MBR, GBR, latency, packet loss rate, or latency-sensitive guaranteed rate. The terminal device can preset corresponding thresholds. Specific implementation details are not elaborated here.

[0154] If the QoS supported by the second cell meets the QoS requirements of the target service, the terminal device can continue to determine subsequent conditions, i.e., execute S304. If the QoS supported by the second cell does not meet the QoS requirements of the target service, the terminal device can skip further determination of subsequent conditions and directly determine to perform random access on the first cell, i.e., execute S306.

[0155] S304. If the QoS supported by the second cell meets the QoS requirements of the target service, the terminal device determines whether the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode. If the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode, the terminal device determines whether the state of the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the state of the target energy-saving mode.

[0156] If the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode, and the state of the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the state of the target energy-saving mode, then the terminal device can determine to perform random access on the second cell, i.e., execute S305. If the energy-saving mode of the second cell is different from the target energy-saving mode, or if the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode, but the state of the energy-saving mode of the second cell is different from the state of the target energy-saving mode, then the terminal device can determine to perform random access on the first cell, i.e., execute S306.

[0157] Depend on Figure 3It can be seen that, under the following conditions, the terminal device determines to perform random access on the second cell: the signal strength of the second cell is greater than or equal to the strength threshold, the load of the second cell is not overloaded, the QoS supported by the second cell meets the QoS requirements of the target service, and the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode, and the state of the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the state of the target energy-saving mode.

[0158] If the terminal device does not meet any of the following conditions, it determines to perform random access on the first cell: the signal strength of the second cell is greater than or equal to the strength threshold, the load of the second cell is not overloaded, the QoS supported by the second cell meets the QoS required by the target service, and the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode, but the state of the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the state of the target energy-saving mode (or, the energy-saving mode of the second cell is different from the target energy-saving mode).

[0159] The cell selection method provided in this application sets the judgment order of conditions and the execution steps under each condition, which is beneficial for the terminal device to select a suitable cell for random access.

[0160] In the embodiments shown above, the terminal device can first determine whether the second cell meets the conditions. If the second cell meets the conditions, it can preferentially select the second cell for random access. This application also provides a cell selection method that can determine whether the first cell meets the conditions based on first information and whether the second cell meets the conditions based on second information. The terminal device can then perform random access on the cell that meets the most conditions.

[0161] For example, Figure 4 A schematic diagram of cell selection is shown. For example... Figure 4 As shown, terminal devices can select suitable cells based on three dimensions: signal strength, load, and QoS.

[0162] exist Figure 4 In the first cell, the signal strength is less than the strength threshold, the load of the first cell is not overloaded, and the QoS supported by the first cell meets the QoS requirements of the target service. In the second cell, the signal strength is greater than the strength threshold, the load of the first cell is not overloaded, and the QoS supported by the first cell meets the QoS requirements of the target service. The second cell meets the most conditions, and the terminal device can choose to randomly access the second cell.

[0163] In this way, there is no priority distinction between the two cells, nor between different conditions, which is conducive to selecting the better cell for random access.

[0164] This application also provides a cell selection method, which can determine whether a first cell and a second cell meet condition A based on first information and second information, respectively. If both meet condition A, the terminal device can continue to determine whether the first cell and the second cell meet condition B. If one cell does not meet condition A, the terminal device can directly determine to perform random access on the cell that meets condition A without continuing to determine subsequent conditions.

[0165] For example, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of cell selection is shown. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the terminal device can determine whether the signal strength of the first cell is greater than a strength threshold, and it can also determine whether the signal strength of the second cell is greater than a strength threshold. If the signal strength of both the first and second cells is greater than the strength threshold, the terminal device can determine whether the load of both the first and second cells is overloaded. If neither cell is overloaded, the terminal device can determine whether the QoS supported by the first and second cells meets the QoS requirements of the target service. If the QoS supported by the first cell does not meet the QoS requirements of the target service, but the QoS supported by the second cell does, the terminal device can choose to perform random access on the second cell.

[0166] In this way, there is no priority distinction between the two cells. Setting different priority conditions makes it easier to select a suitable cell for random access.

[0167] exist Figure 2 In the method shown, after the terminal device determines to perform random access on the second cell, before sending random access information to the network device, the method further includes: the terminal device can also send third information to the network device on the first cell, the third information being used to trigger the transmission of SSB on the second cell, and the network device can receive the third information on the first cell.

[0168] This facilitates the network device to send an SSB on the second cell, enabling the terminal device to perform random access on the second cell.

[0169] Optionally, after receiving the third information in the first cell, the network device can send an SSB to the terminal device in the second cell based on the third information. The terminal device can then perform random access in the second cell based on the SSB.

[0170] In this way, the network device sends SSB on the second cell, which is beneficial for the terminal device to perform random access on the second cell.

[0171] Optionally, the network device can also send information indicating path loss to the terminal device on the first cell. After receiving the information indicating path loss, the terminal device can determine the transmission power of the third information based on the path loss.

[0172] In this way, determining the transmission power of the third information based on path loss is beneficial for terminal devices to send the third information to network devices.

[0173] To better understand the embodiments of this application, specific examples are provided below.

[0174] For example, Figure 6 A schematic interactive diagram of a cell selection method is shown. This method can be applied to the above-mentioned... Figure 1 The communication system shown. (As shown) Figure 6 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0175] S601. The network device sends first information and second information on the first cell. The first information is used to select the first cell, and the second information is used to select the second cell. The first cell and the second cell have different frequency points.

[0176] S602. Based on the first information and the second information, the terminal device determines to perform random access on the second cell.

[0177] Based on the first and second information, the terminal device can determine the second cell as the cell for random access.

[0178] S603. The network device sends information on the first cell to indicate path loss.

[0179] S603 can be sent at the same time as S601, or they can be sent sequentially; this embodiment does not limit this. S603 can be sent before or after S602; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0180] S604. The terminal device determines the transmission power of the third information based on path loss. The third information is used to trigger the transmission of SSB on the second cell.

[0181] S605, the terminal device can send third information to the network device on the first cell.

[0182] S606. Based on third-party information, network devices can send SSBs to terminal devices on the second cell.

[0183] S607. Based on the SSB on the second cell, the terminal device can send random access information to the network device on the second cell.

[0184] The cell selection method provided in this application embodiment determines the transmission power of the third information after random access is performed on the second cell, and triggers the network device to send SSB on the second cell through the third information, which is beneficial for random access on the second cell.

[0185] The above Figure 6 In the method shown, the first cell and the second cell correspond to the same network device. In other examples, the first cell may correspond to network device 1, and the second cell may correspond to network device 2.

[0186] In this scenario, network device 1 can send first and second information on the first cell. Based on the first and second information, the terminal device can determine to perform random access on the second cell. Network device 1 can send information indicating path loss on the first cell. Based on the path loss, the terminal device can determine the transmission power of third information. The terminal device can send third information to network device 1 on the first cell. Network device 1 can send indication information to network device 2, which triggers network device 2 to send a Service Stub (SSB). Based on this indication information, network device 2 can send an SSB to the terminal device on the second cell. Based on the SSB on the second cell, the terminal device can send random access information to network device 2 on the second cell.

[0187] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0188] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0189] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the terminal device or network device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0190] Figure 7 and Figure 8The diagram illustrates the possible structures of communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of terminal devices or network devices in the above method embodiments, and thus also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be as follows: Figure 1 The terminal 120 shown can also be as follows: Figure 1 The base station 110 shown can also be a module (such as a chip) applied to the terminal 120 or the base station 110.

[0191] like Figure 7 As shown, the communication device 700 includes a processing unit 710 and a transceiver unit 720. The communication device 700 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figure 2 The methods illustrated in this embodiment demonstrate the functions of the terminal device or network device.

[0192] In one possible implementation, the device 700 is used to implement the steps corresponding to the terminal device in the method 200 described above.

[0193] The transceiver unit 720 is used to receive first information and second information on a first cell. The first information is used to select a first cell, and the second information is used to select a second cell. The first cell and the second cell operate on different frequencies. The processing unit 710 is used to determine, based on the first information and the second information, whether to perform random access on the first cell or the second cell.

[0194] Optionally, the second information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the frequency of the second cell, the signal strength of the second cell, the load of the second cell, the services supported by the second cell, the QoS supported by the second cell, or the energy-saving mode of the second cell.

[0195] Optionally, random access to the second cell is determined to be performed under one or more of the following conditions: the signal strength of the second cell is greater than or equal to the strength threshold; the load of the second cell is not overloaded; the services supported by the second cell include the target service, which is the service to be processed after random access to the second cell; the QoS supported by the second cell meets the QoS requirements of the target service; the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode, and the state of the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the state of the target energy-saving mode, which is the energy-saving mode to be executed after random access to the second cell; or, the energy-saving mode of the second cell is stronger than the target energy-saving mode.

[0196] Optionally, random access on the first cell is determined to be performed under one or more of the following conditions: the signal strength of the second cell is less than the strength threshold; the load of the second cell is not in an overloaded state; the services supported by the second cell do not include the target service, and the target service is the service that needs to be processed after random access to the second cell; the QoS supported by the second cell does not meet the QoS requirements of the target service; the energy-saving mode of the second cell is different from the target energy-saving mode, or, the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode, but the state of the energy-saving mode of the second cell is different from the state of the target energy-saving mode, and the target energy-saving mode is the energy-saving mode that needs to be executed after random access to the second cell; or, the energy-saving mode of the second cell is weaker than the target energy-saving mode.

[0197] Optionally, the transceiver unit 720 is also configured to: transmit third information on the first cell, the third information being used to trigger the transmission of the synchronization signal block SSB on the second cell.

[0198] Optionally, the transceiver unit 720 is also configured to: receive an SSB in the second cell; and perform random access in the second cell based on the SSB.

[0199] Optionally, the transceiver unit 720 is further configured to: receive information indicating path loss on the first cell; the processing unit 710 is further configured to: determine the transmission power of the third information based on the path loss.

[0200] Optionally, the second information is carried in the SSB and / or SIB1 signaling.

[0201] Optionally, the frequency of the first cell is lower than that of the second cell.

[0202] In another possible implementation, the device 700 is used to implement the steps corresponding to the network device in the method 200 described above.

[0203] The transceiver unit 720 is used to transmit first information and second information on the first cell. The first information is used to select the first cell, and the second information is used to select the second cell. The first cell and the second cell have different frequency points. It also receives random access information on the first cell or the second cell.

[0204] Optionally, the transceiver unit 720 is also configured to: receive third information on the first cell, the third information being used to trigger the transmission of the synchronization signal block SSB on the second cell.

[0205] Optionally, the transceiver unit 720 is also configured to: transmit an SSB on the second cell based on third information; and receive random access information on the second cell.

[0206] Optionally, the transceiver unit 720 is further configured to: transmit information on the first cell for indicating path loss, the path loss being used to determine the transmission power of the third information.

[0207] The specific information indicated by the second information, the signaling that the second information can carry, and the frequency characteristics of the first and second cells can be referred to the above description, and will not be repeated here.

[0208] It should be understood that the communication device 700 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the communication device 700 can specifically be a terminal device or a network device as described in the above embodiments. The communication device 700 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described further here.

[0209] The aforementioned communication device 700 has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method; the above functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. In embodiments of this application, Figure 7 The communication device 700 in the text can also be a chip, such as a SOC.

[0210] like Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 800 may include a processor 801, a transceiver 802, and a memory 803. The processor 801, transceiver 802, and memory 803 communicate with each other through an internal connection path. The memory 803 is used to store instructions, and the processor 801 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 803 to control the transceiver 802 to send and / or receive signals.

[0211] It should be understood that the communication device 800 may specifically be the terminal device in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 803 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 801 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 801 executes instructions stored in the memory, the processor 801 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes in the above method embodiments. The transceiver 802 may include a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna. The transmitter may be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the transceiver for performing the transmission action. For example, the transmitter may be used to send information to another device via the antenna. The receiver may be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the transceiver for performing the reception action. For example, the receiver may be used to receive information from another device via the antenna.

[0212] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), or it may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0213] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware processor, or as a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor executes the instructions in the memory, combining them with its hardware to complete the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0214] Furthermore, the method provided in the embodiments of this application described above can be applied to O-RAN systems. In an O-RAN system, the O-RAN device can perform the steps performed by the network device described above.

[0215] The network device in this embodiment can also be referred to as an access network device. The access network device (i.e., RAN, such as an eNB, gNB, or next-generation access network device) can communicate with the core network (CN) device through a backhaul link, or it can communicate with the terminal device through an air interface.

[0216] For example, Figure 9 A schematic diagram of an access network device is shown. Figure 9 As shown, the access network equipment includes a BBU and a RU, which can communicate via a fronthaul link. The BBU may include at least one CU and at least one DU, which can communicate via a midhaul link.

[0217] The BBU in the access network equipment can communicate with the CN equipment via the backhaul link. The RU in the access network equipment can communicate with at least one terminal device via the air interface. The BBU can communicate with at least one RU via the fronthaul link. The BBU and RU can be co-located or not.

[0218] In this embodiment of the application, the DU can send first and second information through the RU on the first cell, and can receive random access information on the first cell or the second cell.

[0219] To better understand O-RAN equipment, the following section introduces the network element function division and protocol layer of O-RAN equipment.

[0220] For example, Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the network element functional division and protocol layer structure of an O-RAN device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 As shown, the CU is a logical node that carries the RRC layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network equipment. The CU is connected to network nodes such as core network equipment through some interfaces, which can be E2 interfaces, etc.

[0221] In some examples, the CU can be split into CU-CP (control unit-control plane) and CU-UP (control unit-user plane). CU-CP is a logical node carrying the RRC layer and PDCP-C (control plane part of PDCP) layer, used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. CU-UP is a logical node carrying the SDAP layer and PDCP-U (user plane part of PDCP) layer, used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions.

[0222] In some examples, a DU is a logical node that carries the radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, higher physical layer (PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, a DU can control at least one RU. The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which may be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the higher PHY layer includes the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0223] In some examples, the RU is a logical node carrying both lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing, also known as an RF chain. In some examples, the RU can be a 3GPP TRP, a remote radio head (RRH), or other similar entity. In some examples, the low-PHY includes PHY processing functions such as fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0224] The DU and RU can be co-located or not. The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a lower-layer split-control, user, and synchronization (LLS-CUS) interface through a fronthaul link. LLS-CUS may include LLS-C and LLS-U interfaces, respectively providing the control plane (C-plane) and user plane (U-plane). In some examples, the control plane (C-plane) refers to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management information via an LLS-M interface on the fronthaul link; the management plane (M-plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0225] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0226] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples.

[0227] In this embodiment of the application, DU can execute the method provided in this embodiment of the application, and the specific implementation will not be described here.

[0228] This application also provides a chip system for a terminal device. This chip system can execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described again here.

[0229] This application also provides a chip system for a network device. This chip system can execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the network device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described again here.

[0230] This application also provides a processor. This processor can execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0231] This application also provides another processor. This processor can execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the network device in the above method embodiments, which will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0232] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program for implementing the methods shown in the above-described method embodiments.

[0233] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, allows the computer to perform the methods shown in the above-described method embodiments.

[0234] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the modules and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0235] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and modules described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0236] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or modules may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0237] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0238] In addition, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module.

[0239] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0240] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for selecting a cell, characterized in that, include: First information and second information are received on the first cell. The first information is used for selecting the first cell, and the second information is used for selecting the second cell. The first cell and the second cell have different frequency points. Based on the first information and the second information, it is determined whether to perform random access on the first cell or the second cell.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second information is used to indicate one or more of the following: The frequency of the second cell, the signal strength of the second cell, the load of the second cell, the services supported by the second cell, the QoS supported by the second cell, or the energy-saving mode of the second cell.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Random access is determined to be performed on the second cell if one or more of the following conditions are met: The signal strength of the second cell is greater than or equal to the strength threshold; The second cell is not overloaded. The services supported by the second cell include the target service, which is the service that needs to be processed after random access to the second cell; The QoS supported by the second cell meets the QoS requirements of the target service. The energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode, and the state of the energy-saving mode is the same as the state of the target energy-saving mode. The target energy-saving mode is the energy-saving mode to be executed after random access to the second cell; or, The energy-saving mode of the second community is stronger than the target energy-saving mode.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Random access is determined to be performed on the first cell if one or more of the following conditions are met: The signal strength of the second cell is less than the strength threshold; The second cell is not in an overloaded state; The services supported by the second cell do not include the target service, which is the service that needs to be processed after random access to the second cell; The QoS supported by the second cell does not meet the QoS requirements of the target service. The energy-saving mode of the second cell is different from the target energy-saving mode; or, the energy-saving mode of the second cell is the same as the target energy-saving mode, but the state of the energy-saving mode of the second cell is different from the state of the target energy-saving mode, where the target energy-saving mode is the energy-saving mode to be executed after random access; or... The energy-saving mode of the second community is weaker than the target energy-saving mode.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, After determining to perform random access on the second cell, the method further includes: A third message is sent on the first cell, the third message being used to trigger the transmission of the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) on the second cell.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive SSB on the second cell; Random access is performed on the second cell based on the SSB.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive information indicating path loss on the first cell; Based on the path loss, the transmission power of the third information is determined.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The second information is carried in SSB and / or System Information Block Type 1 signaling.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The frequency of the first cell is lower than that of the second cell.

10. A cell selection method, characterized in that, include: First information and second information are transmitted on the first cell. The first information is used to select the first cell, and the second information is used to select the second cell. The first cell and the second cell have different frequency points. Receive random access information on the first cell or the second cell.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second information is used to indicate one or more of the following: The frequency of the second cell, the signal strength of the second cell, the load of the second cell, the services supported by the second cell, the QoS supported by the second cell, or the energy-saving mode of the second cell.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: The third information is received on the first cell and is used to trigger the transmission of the synchronization signal block (SSB) on the second cell.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the third information, an SSB is sent on the second cell; Receiving random access information on the first cell or the second cell includes: Receive random access information on the second cell.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Information indicating path loss is transmitted on the first cell, the path loss being used to determine the transmission power of the third information.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, The second information is carried in SSB and / or System Information Block Type 1 signaling.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, The frequency of the first cell is lower than that of the second cell.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 16.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program, wherein when the processor invokes the computer program, the communication device performs the method of any one of claims 1 to 9, or performs the method of any one of claims 10 to 16.

19. A chip, characterized in that, include: A processor for reading instructions stored in a memory, and when the processor executes the instructions, causing the chip to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method of any one of claims 10 to 16.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the method of any one of claims 1 to 9 to be performed, or causes the method of any one of claims 10 to 16 to be performed.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 9 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 10 to 16 to be performed.

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