A communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and related apparatus are disclosed. The method includes: transmitting a first synchronization signal block (SSB) according to a first period; transmitting a second SSB according to a second period, the second SSB indicating a time-frequency resource of a system information block, the second period being different from the first period; and transmitting the SIB on the time-frequency resource of the system information block. Different transmission periods are configured for SSBs with different functions, flexible access resource configuration is provided, and energy consumption of a network device is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Terminal devices obtain uplink synchronization with network devices through random access. In the random access process, firstly, the terminal device searches for the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) to obtain downlink synchronization. Secondly, the terminal device determines the control resource set (CORESET) by decoding the master information block (MIB) included in the SSB. Thirdly, the terminal device determines the time-frequency resources of system information block 1 (SIB1) based on the CORESET and acquires SIB1 from the time-frequency resources of SIB1.

[0003] Currently, to reduce the power consumption of network devices, an on-demand SSB / SIB1 technology has been proposed. This means that when the network device is in low-power mode, it does not send SSBs and SIB1. After receiving a trigger signal from a terminal device, the network device sends SSBs and SIB1 based on that trigger signal. To configure the time-frequency resources of the trigger signal for the terminal device, the network device can reuse SSBs; these SSBs used for configuring the time-frequency resources of the trigger signal are called trigger SSBs. In contrast, other SSBs are called normal SSBs. In other words, in the on-demand SSB / SIB1 technology, the network device needs to send both trigger SSBs and normal SSBs.

[0004] Based on the above technical solutions, this application further explores how to save energy consumption of network equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application proposes a communication method and related apparatus that provides flexible access resource configuration and reduces the energy consumption of network devices by configuring different transmission cycles for SSBs with different functions.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application propose a communication method applied to a network-side device.

[0007] The network-side device may be a network device, a device or apparatus with a chip, a device or apparatus with integrated circuits, or a chip, chip system, module, control unit, circuit, or processor applicable to the aforementioned device or apparatus, or at least one of a central unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU), the specific of which is not limited in this application.

[0008] The method includes: transmitting a first synchronization signal block (SSB) according to a first cycle; transmitting a second SSB according to a second cycle, the second SSB indicating the time-frequency resources of the system information block, the second cycle being different from the first cycle; and transmitting an SIB on the time-frequency resources of the system information block.

[0009] In one possible implementation, transmitting the first SSB according to a first period includes: transmitting a first SSB burst set according to the first period, wherein the first SSB burst set includes one or more first SSBs. The network device transmits the first SSB burst set according to the first period, which refers to the time interval between two temporally adjacent first SSBs in the same beam.

[0010] Optionally, the network device transmits multiple first SSBs on multiple beams, and the transmission period of the first SSBs on these multiple beams can be the same or different. For example, the first period for transmitting the first SSB on beam 1 is 20 milliseconds, and the first period for transmitting the first SSB on beam 2 is 50 milliseconds.

[0011] For example, the second SSB indicates the time and frequency resources of the system information block, specifically including: the second SSB indicates the time and frequency resources of SIB1.

[0012] In the above technical solution, by configuring different transmission cycles for SSBs with different functions, flexible access resource configuration is provided, reducing the energy consumption of network devices and reducing network operation and maintenance costs.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, transmitting the second SSB according to the second cycle includes: receiving a trigger signal from a terminal device on the time-frequency resources of the trigger signal, wherein the first SSB is specifically used to configure the time-frequency resources of the trigger signal; and transmitting the second SSB according to the trigger signal and the second cycle.

[0014] For example, the first SSB is a trigger SSB, and the second SSB is a normal SSB.

[0015] For example, the trigger signal may be a wake-up signal (WUS) or a low-power-wake-up signal (LP-WUS).

[0016] In another example, the trigger signal can also be a random access preamble. Optionally, the random access preamble may include a specific sequence or adopt a specific format to distinguish it from other random access preambles.

[0017] In the above technical solution, the terminal device determines the time-frequency resource of the trigger signal based on the first SSB, and then transmits the trigger signal on the time-frequency resource of the trigger signal. After receiving the trigger signal, the network device transmits the second SSB based on the trigger signal, thus avoiding the network device from continuously transmitting the second SSB, avoiding the network device from continuously transmitting the SIB1 indicated by the second SSB, and avoiding the network device from continuously transmitting the downlink control information (DCI) indicating the SIB1, thereby saving communication resources and reducing the power consumption of the network device.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first SSB is also used to indicate the second cycle.

[0019] In one example, the payload portion of the first SSB indicates the second cycle. For instance, the MIB of the first SSB carries a second field indicating the second cycle.

[0020] In another example, the index of the primary synchronization signal (PSS) of the first SSB and / or the index of the secondary synchronization signal (SSS) carries the second field.

[0021] In the above technical solution, the terminal device determines the time window for listening to the second SSB according to the second cycle indicated by the first SSB, thereby avoiding continuous listening to the second SSB and reducing the energy consumption of the terminal device.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first cycle is longer than the second cycle.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the first period is M times the second period, where M is an integer greater than 1. The timing of sending the first SSB is nested within the timing of sending the second SSB.

[0024] In another possible implementation, the first period and the second period are not integer multiples of each other. For example, the first period is odd and the second period is even; or, the first period is even and the second period is odd; or, the first period and the second period are prime numbers.

[0025] Optionally, the terminal device determines whether the received SSB is a first SSB or a second SSB based on a first period and a second period that are not integer multiples of each other.

[0026] In the above technical solution, the network device sends the first SSB with a relatively long first cycle, so that the network device does not need to send a large number of first SSBs in low-power mode, thereby reducing the power consumption of the network device. The second cycle is shorter than the first cycle, which ensures that after the network device sends the second SSB, the terminal device can successfully receive the second SSB, thereby ensuring that the terminal device can communicate normally.

[0027] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, when the first period is longer than the second period, the timing of sending the first SSB is nested within the timing of sending the second SSB. Optionally, nesting the timing of sending the first SSB within the timing of sending the second SSB means that after the network device determines the timing of sending the first SSB, it does not send the first SSB during one or more of these timings, but instead sends the second SSB.

[0028] The above technical solutions reduce the implementation difficulty of network devices, and also reduce the wake-up time and energy consumption of network devices.

[0029] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second cycle is longer than the first cycle.

[0030] In the above technical solution, the network device sends the first SSB with a shorter interval and the second SSB with a longer interval, ensuring that the terminal device can successfully receive the first SSB. Because the network device uses a longer interval to send the second SSB, the overhead of sending the second SSB and the SIB indicated by the second SSB can be reduced, thus reducing the network device's energy consumption.

[0031] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first SSB is also used to indicate a first time window, which indicates the detection time of the second SSB.

[0032] In the above technical solution, the first SSB explicitly indicates the first time window, so that the terminal device can directly determine the time to detect or listen to the second SSB based on the first SSB, thereby reducing the implementation difficulty and energy consumption of the terminal device.

[0033] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, sending a second SSB according to a second period based on a trigger signal includes: sending a second SSB according to a second period within a second time window based on a trigger signal, wherein the second time window is greater than or equal to the first time window.

[0034] In the above technical solution, the time window for the network device to send the second SSB is longer than the time window for the terminal device to receive the second SSB, so that the terminal device can successfully receive the second SSB and ensure that the terminal device can communicate normally.

[0035] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: if no access request is received within the second time window, then sending the first SSB according to the first cycle.

[0036] In the above technical solution, if the network device does not receive an access request from the terminal device within the second cycle of sending the second SSB, the network device assumes that the terminal device may not have received the first SSB, and the network device continues to send the first SSB according to the first cycle.

[0037] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first SSB is also used to configure a power step value, which indicates the power increment of the transmission trigger signal.

[0038] In the above technical solution, the terminal device can determine the power step value based on the first SSB, and then determine the power increment of the trigger signal based on the power step value, so as to enable the terminal device to send the trigger signal with a larger transmission power and improve the success rate of the network device receiving the trigger signal.

[0039] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: obtaining load information of the network device; and determining a first period and / or a second period based on the load information of the network device.

[0040] For example, the load information of the network device includes: the number of preambles received by the network device, or the number of terminal devices served by the network device.

[0041] In the above technical solution, the network device can dynamically adjust the first cycle and / or the second cycle according to the network device's load information to adapt to the network device's working state and reduce the network device's energy consumption.

[0042] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: obtaining the load information of the network device; and determining the transmission period of the network device for transmitting the first SSB on the beam based on the load information of the network device.

[0043] For example, the load information of the network device includes: the number of preambles received by the network device on one or more beams, or the number of terminal devices served by the network device on one or more beams.

[0044] In the above technical solution, the network device can dynamically adjust the transmission period of the first SSB and / or the second SSB corresponding to different beams according to the load information of the beam granularity of the network device, so as to provide fine network management and reduce the energy consumption of the network device.

[0045] Secondly, embodiments of this application propose a communication method applied to a terminal-side device.

[0046] The terminal device can be a terminal device, a device or apparatus with a chip, a device or apparatus with integrated circuits, or a chip, chip system, functional module, control unit, circuit, processor, or integrated circuit that can be applied to the aforementioned device or apparatus. This application does not limit the specific application.

[0047] The method includes: receiving a first SSB, the first SSB indicating a second period, the second period being the period during which the network device sends the second SSB; receiving a second SSB from the network device within a first time window based on the first SSB, the second SSB indicating the time-frequency resources of a system information block, the first time window being greater than or equal to the second period; and receiving the SIB from the network device on the time domain resources of the SIB.

[0048] In the above technical solution, the terminal device determines the time window for listening to the second SSB according to the second cycle indicated by the first SSB, thereby avoiding continuous listening to the second SSB and reducing the energy consumption of the terminal device.

[0049] The second aspect provides some possible implementation methods and beneficial effects that can be referred to in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0050] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first SSB is received within a third time window. The first SSB indicates the second period. The third time window is greater than or equal to the first period. The first period is the period during which the network device sends the first SSB. The first period is different from the second period.

[0051] In conjunction with the second aspect, one possible implementation of the second aspect further includes:

[0052] The trigger signal is sent based on the time-frequency resources of the trigger signal determined by the first SSB.

[0053] In the above technical solution, the terminal device determines the time-frequency resource of the trigger signal based on the first SSB, and then transmits the trigger signal on the time-frequency resource of the trigger signal. After receiving the trigger signal, the network device transmits the second SSB based on the trigger signal, avoiding the network device from continuously transmitting the second SSB and reducing the power consumption of the network device.

[0054] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: determining a first transmission power, the first transmission power being the transmission power of the terminal device transmitting a trigger signal; if no second SSB is received within a first time window, determining a second transmission power, the second transmission power being greater than the first transmission power; and transmitting the trigger signal at the second transmission power.

[0055] Optionally, the second transmission power is determined based on the power step value and the first transmission power, the power step value indicating the power increment of the transmission trigger signal, and the first SSB is also used to configure the power step value.

[0056] Alternatively, the power increment can be pre-configured information or protocol-predefined information.

[0057] In the above technical solution, the terminal device determines the power increment of the trigger signal based on the power step value, so as to enable the terminal device to send the trigger signal with a larger transmission power and improve the success rate of the network device receiving the trigger signal.

[0058] Thirdly, embodiments of this application propose a communication method applied to a terminal-side device.

[0059] The terminal device can be a terminal device, a device or apparatus with a chip, a device or apparatus with integrated circuits, or a chip, chip system, functional module, control unit, circuit, processor, or integrated circuit that can be applied to the aforementioned device or apparatus. This application does not limit the specific application.

[0060] The method includes: receiving an SSB; determining whether the SSB is a first SSB or a second SSB; if the SSB is a first SSB, receiving a second SSB from a network device according to the first SSB, wherein the second SSB indicates the time-frequency resources of a system information block; or, if the SSB is a second SSB, receiving the SSB from the network device according to the time-domain resources of an SIB indicated by the second SSB.

[0061] Optionally, both the first SSB and the second SSB include a third field, the value of which distinguishes whether an SSB is the first or the second SSB. For example, the value of the third field in the first SSB is "0", while the value of the third field in the second SSB is "1". This third field can be carried in the MIB.

[0062] In the above technical solution, after receiving an SSB, the terminal device determines the type of the SSB and then receives different types of SSBs on different types of time-domain resources to improve the success rate of SSB reception. By configuring different transmission periods for SSBs with different functions, flexible access resource configuration is provided, reducing the energy consumption of network devices and reducing network operation and maintenance costs.

[0063] The third aspect provides some possible implementation methods and beneficial effects, which can be referred to in the second aspect and will not be elaborated further.

[0064] Fourthly, embodiments of this application propose a communication system, which includes a network-side device and a terminal-side device. The network-side device can be a network device, and the terminal-side device can be a terminal device. Taking the network-side device as a network device and the terminal-side device as a terminal device as an example, the communication system includes: the network device transmitting a first synchronization signal block (SSB) according to a first period; the terminal device receiving the first SSB within a third time window, where the third time window is greater than or equal to the first period, and the first period is the period during which the network device transmits the first SSB; the network device transmitting a second SSB according to a second period, where the second SSB indicates the time-frequency resources of a system information block, and the second period is different from the first period; the terminal device receiving the second SSB from the network device within the first time window according to the first SSB, where the second SSB indicates the time-frequency resources of the system information block, and the first time window is greater than or equal to the second period; the network device transmitting an SIB on the time-frequency resources of the system information block; and the terminal device receiving the SIB from the network device on the time-domain resources of the SIB.

[0065] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the communication system performs the methods shown in the first and / or second aspects described above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0066] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, which is a network-side device. The device includes a transceiver module and a processing module. The components of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps executed in various possible implementations of the first aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0067] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a communication device, which is a terminal-side device. The communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module. The constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps executed in various possible implementations of the second and / or third aspects and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the second and / or third aspects, which will not be repeated here.

[0068] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication device including at least one processor coupled to a memory; the memory is used to store a program or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to cause the device to implement the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first aspects. Optionally, the communication device may include the memory.

[0069] In an eighth aspect, this application provides a communication device including at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface; the logic circuit is configured to perform the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first aspects described above.

[0070] A ninth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one processor coupled to a memory; the memory is used to store a program or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to cause the communication device to implement the method described in any possible implementation of any of the second and / or third aspects described above. Optionally, the communication device may include the memory.

[0071] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a communication device including at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface; the logic circuit is configured to perform the method described in any possible implementation of any of the second and / or third aspects described above.

[0072] In the eleventh aspect, this application provides a communication system that includes the aforementioned network equipment and / or terminal equipment.

[0073] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the method as described in any possible implementation of the first and / or second and / or third aspects described above.

[0074] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product (or computer program) that, when executed by a processor, performs the method described in any possible implementation of the first aspect and / or the second and / or third aspect.

[0075] In a fourteenth aspect, this application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first and / or second and / or third aspects.

[0076] In one possible design, the chip or chip system may further include a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Optionally, the chip system may also include interface circuitry that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor.

[0077] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects four through fourteen can be found in the technical effects of the different design methods in aspects one through two and / or three above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0078] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in the embodiments of this application;

[0079] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of random access.

[0080] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration information for RACH resources.

[0081] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of SSB, CORESET#0, and SIB1;

[0082] Figure 5 A schematic diagram for on-demand SSB or SIB1;

[0083] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of a communication method in this application.

[0085] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the second cycle in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transmission of the first SSB and the second SSB in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission of the first SSB in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a beam in an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transmission of the first SSB burst set in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario in the embodiments of this application;

[0091] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 15 This is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figure 16 This is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0094] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this application mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0095] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0096] First, the communication system involved in the embodiments of this application is introduced. This application can be applied to long-term evolution (LTE) systems, new radio (NR) systems, or future communication systems after 5G. The communication system includes at least one of network equipment or terminal equipment.

[0097] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in the embodiments of this application.

[0098] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a wireless access network 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include an Internet 300. The wireless access network 100 may include at least one network device (which can also be understood as an access network device, such as...). Figure 1 The 110a and 110b mentioned above may also include at least one terminal (which can also be understood as the terminal device described above, such as...). Figure 1 (e.g., 120a-120j). Furthermore, network equipment (or wireless network equipment) can 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 above can also be a relay node or a donor node, etc. It is understood that all or part of the functions of the network device in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or specific device form used in the wireless network device.

[0099] For ease of description, Figure 1 The illustrated communication system is described using the example of a base station as the network device and a terminal device referred to as a terminal. It is understood that when the communication system includes an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network, the base station can be an IAB node. Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, the base station and the network device can be interchanged.

[0100] In this application, the base station and the terminal can be fixed or mobile. The base station and the terminal can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted, on water, or in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base station and the terminal.

[0101] 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; that is, 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, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. 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 the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0102] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be achieved using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0103] 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.

[0104] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. To communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection on a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell. When the terminal communicates with this serving cell, it is also susceptible to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0105] The technical solution of this application can be applied to cellular communication systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For example, 4th generation (4G) communication systems, 5G communication systems, and communication systems beyond the 5th generation. For example, future communication systems. For example, 4th generation communication systems may include Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication systems. 5th generation communication systems may include New Radio (NR) communication systems. The technical solution of this application can also be applied to Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) systems, communication systems supporting the convergence of multiple wireless technologies, device-to-device (D2D) systems, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems.

[0106] The terminal equipment and network equipment involved in this application are described below.

[0107] Terminal equipment, also known as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), fixed wireless access (FWA), customer premises equipment (CPE), etc., refers to devices that include wireless communication capabilities (providing voice / data connectivity to users). Examples include handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, and machine-type communication (MTC) terminals. Currently, terminal devices can include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving (e.g., drones, vehicles), wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. For example, wireless terminals in self-driving can be drones, helicopters, or airplanes. For example, wireless terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) can be in-vehicle equipment, vehicle equipment, in-vehicle modules, vehicles, or ships. Wireless terminals in industrial control can be cameras, robots, or robotic arms. Wireless terminals in smart homes can be televisions, air conditioners, robot vacuums, speakers, or set-top boxes. The terminal device can also be a device or module that is connected to the communication system shown above and has corresponding communication functions. The terminal device usually contains a communication module, circuit or chip that performs the corresponding communication function, and the terminal device is also configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0108] Terminal equipment can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuitry, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the aforementioned devices or apparatuses; specific details are not limited in this application. In this application, the term "terminal equipment" can refer to the terminal equipment itself, or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit within the terminal equipment that performs the methods provided in this application; specific details are not limited in this application. Network equipment is a device deployed in a wireless access network to provide wireless communication functions for terminal equipment. Network equipment can connect terminal equipment to a radio access network (RAN) node of a wireless network, and can also be called access network equipment, RAN entity, access node, or network node, etc.

[0109] Specifically, network equipment can be network equipment for cellular systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For example, 4G communication systems, 5G communication systems, or future communication systems. Network equipment can also be network equipment in open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN) or cloud radio access network (CRAN). Alternatively, network equipment can also be network equipment in a communication system resulting from the integration of two or more of the above communication systems.

[0110] Network equipment includes, but is not limited to: evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home-evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), access point (AP) in wireless fidelity (WIFI) systems, macro base station, micro base station, wireless relay node, donor node, radio controller in CRAN scenarios, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), or transmission and reception point (TRP), etc., and can also be network equipment in 5G mobile communication systems. For example, next-generation base station (gNB) in NR systems, TRP, TP; or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G mobile communication system; or, network equipment can also be network nodes constituting a gNB or transmission point. Examples include centralized unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), centralized unit control plane (CU-CP), centralized unit user plane (CU-UP), or radio unit (RU). CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). Alternatively, network equipment can be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, network equipment in V2X technology can be roadside units (RSUs). It should be understood that the aforementioned TRP can be a device or module located on the network side of the communication system and possessing corresponding communication functions. The TRP typically contains communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform the corresponding communication functions. The TRP can also be configured with program instructions for the corresponding communication functions.

[0111] 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 open radio access network (ORAN) system, CU can also be called an open centralized unit (O-CU) or an open CU, DU can also be called an open distributed unit (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open centralized unit control plane (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open centralized unit user plane (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open radio unit (O-RU). This application does not limit the specific names. Any of the units CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0112] Optionally, for network elements in the ORAN system, each network element can implement the protocol layer functions shown in Table 1 below.

[0113] Table 1

[0114]

[0115] In the ORAN system, the network device in this application can be one or more network elements listed in Table 1 above. For example, after the CU determines the first period, the first SSB, the second period, and the second SSB, the CU sends the first SSB to the terminal device via the DU and RU in the first period; the CU also sends the second SSB to the terminal device via the DU and RU in the second period. This application does not limit the CU to generating and sending the first SSB and / or the second SSB. The first SSB and / or the second SSB can also be generated by the DU and sent to the terminal device via the RU, or some information can be generated by the CU and sent to the terminal device via the DU and RU, while other information can be generated by the DU and sent to the terminal device via the RU.

[0116] The architecture of the CU and DU of a network device is described below. A network device includes at least one CU and at least one DU. Optionally, the network device may also include at least one RU.

[0117] The following example uses a network device consisting of a CU and a DU. The CU has some core network functions and can include CU-CP and CU-UP. The CU and DU can be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement. For example, the CU may be configured to implement the functions of at least one layer of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer and above (e.g., at least one of the RRC or SDAP layers). The DU may be configured to implement the functions of at least one layer of the protocol layer below the PDCP layer (e.g., at least one of the RLC, MAC, or physical (PHY) layers). Alternatively, the CU may be configured to implement the functions of at least one layer of the protocol layer above the PDCP layer (e.g., at least one of the RRC or SDAP layers), and the DU may be configured to implement the functions of at least one layer of the protocol layer below the PDCP layer (e.g., at least one of the RLC, MAC, or PHY layers).

[0118] When a CU includes CU-CP and CU-UP, CU-CP is used to implement the control plane functions of the CU, and CU-UP is used to implement the user plane functions of the CU. For example, when a CU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer, RRC layer, and SDAP layer, CU-CP is used to implement the RRC layer functions and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer, and CU-UP is used to implement the SDAP layer functions and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0119] The CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements can be access and mobility function (AMF) network elements, such as the AMF in a 5G system. The AMF is responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover.

[0120] CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements, such as the user plane function (UPF) in a 5G system, are responsible for forwarding and receiving data in terminal devices.

[0121] Optionally, the ORAN architecture also includes a RAN intelligent controller (RIC) module.

[0122] Access network equipment can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuitry, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the aforementioned device or apparatus; the specific application is not limited thereto. In this application, the term "access network equipment" can refer to the access network equipment itself, or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit within the access network equipment that performs the method provided in this application; the specific application is not limited thereto.

[0123] In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "sending information to a terminal" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal device, which may include sending directly via the air interface or sending indirectly via the air interface from other units or modules. "Receiving information from a network device" can be understood as the source of the information being the network device, which may include receiving directly from the network device via the air interface or receiving indirectly from the network device via the air interface from other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0124] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, wiring, or interfaces.

[0125] It is understandable that information may undergo processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination, but the destination can still understand the valid information from the source. Similar statements in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0126] In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly instruct the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can only instruct a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction can be implemented by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement of various information, thereby reducing instruction overhead. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction. It is understood that for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to instruct the information to be instructed; for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be instructed.

[0127] First, let me introduce some of the technical concepts involved in this application.

[0128] 1. Random access.

[0129] Random access is a crucial process for terminal devices to connect to the network. Currently, random access can be divided into four-step random access or two-step random access. The following explanation uses four-step random access as an example. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating random access.

[0130] In step 201, the terminal device sends message 1 to the network device.

[0131] First, the terminal device searches for the synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SS / PBCH block or SSB) to obtain downlink synchronization. After receiving the SSB, the terminal device decodes the master information block (MIB) included in the SSB to obtain system information block 1 (SIB1). SIB1 indicates the resource configuration for the terminal device to initiate random access. This resource configuration includes: carrier position, carrier bandwidth, initial uplink bandwidth part (BWP) configuration information, and initial downlink BWP configuration information. The initial uplink BWP configuration includes the configuration information of the random access channel (RACH) resources. For easier understanding, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration information for RACH resources. The configuration information includes the time-frequency resources for the RACH occasion (RO) and the available preamble. The terminal device randomly selects an RO and sends the preamble, which is also called message 1 (Msg1).

[0132] For easier understanding, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4This diagram illustrates SSB, CORESET#0, and SIB1. The terminal device determines the resource location of control resource set (CORESET)#0 based on the "pdcch-ConfigSIB1" field included in the SSB's MIB. CORESET#0 is the CORESET corresponding to SIB1. The terminal device receives CORESET#0 based on its resource location. CORESET#0 indicates the time-frequency resources of the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Then, the terminal device receives downlink control information (DCI) on the time-frequency resources of the PDCCH indicated by CORESET#0. This DCI is used to schedule SIB1. The terminal device determines the time-frequency resources of SIB1 based on this DCI and then receives SIB1 on those resources.

[0133] In step 202, the network device sends message 2 to the terminal device.

[0134] After detecting the preamble, the network device sends a random access response (Msg2). Msg2 includes the identification information (ID) of the preamble received by the network device and the random access response (RAR). The RAR includes a timing adjustment indication for uplink synchronization, a temporary cell radio network temporary identifier (TC-RNTI), and an uplink grant (UL grant). This UL grant is used by the terminal device to send message 3 (Msg3).

[0135] In step 203, the terminal device sends message 3 to the network device.

[0136] If the terminal device receives Msg2 within the time window indicated by SIB1, and the identification information of the preamble included in Msg2 is the same as the identification information of the preamble sent by the terminal device in step 201, the terminal device sends message 3 (Msg3) in the ULGrant resource scheduled by Msg2. Msg3 is used for conflict resolution and includes the terminal device's identity information, such as TC-RNTI.

[0137] In step 204, the network device sends message 4 (Msg4) to the terminal device.

[0138] The terminal device listens for Msg 4 sent by the network device within a specific time window. If the "UE contention resolution identity" field included in Msg 4 and the terminal device's identity information reported in Msg 3 are correct, the terminal device considers its access request to have won the contention, and the access conflict has been successfully resolved. The terminal device uses the TC-RNTI received in Msg 2 as its unique identifier within the cell, namely the cell radionetwork temporary identifier (C-RNTI).

[0139] II. On-demand SSB / SIB1

[0140] To reduce power consumption on the network device side, an on-demand SSB / SIB1 technique has been proposed. When the network device is in a low-power state, it does not send SIB1; that is, it does not broadcast access resources or perform preamble detection. After receiving a trigger signal from the terminal device, the network device sends both SSB and SIB1 based on that trigger signal. This trigger signal can be a Wake-up Signal (WUS) or a reserved random access preamble.

[0141] For easier understanding, please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an on-demand SSB or SIB1. The network device needs to indicate the time-frequency resources of the trigger signal to the terminal device in advance. In one possible implementation, the network device reuses reserved values ​​of some fields of the SSB, which indicates the time-frequency resources of the trigger signal; this SSB is called the trigger SSB. The trigger SSB does not carry the indication information for CORESET#0. The terminal device determines the time-frequency resources of the trigger signal based on the trigger SSB. Then, the terminal device sends the trigger signal to the network device on the time-frequency resources of the trigger signal. Correspondingly, the network device detects the trigger signal on the time-frequency resources of the trigger signal. If the network device detects the trigger signal on the time-frequency resources of the trigger signal, then the network device sends an SSB based on the trigger signal. This SSB is different from the trigger SSB and is called a normal SSB. This normal SSB indicates the time-frequency resources of CORESET#0 and SIB1. After the network device sends the normal SSB, it sends SIB1.

[0142] Building upon on-demand SSB or SIB1 technologies, how to further reduce the energy consumption of network equipment has become an urgent technical problem to be solved.

[0143] First, the communication system involved in this application is introduced. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application. The communication system includes a network device and a terminal device, wherein the network device and the terminal device are wirelessly connected. The network device may be referred to as a first device or an access network device, and may also be a chip or chip system applicable to network devices. The terminal device may also be a chip or chip system applicable to terminal devices.

[0144] Based on the communication system described above, the communication method proposed in the embodiments of this application will be described next. Please refer to... Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of a communication method according to this application. The communication method proposed in this application includes:

[0145] 701. The network device sends the first SSB according to the first cycle.

[0146] In step 701, in one possible implementation, the first SSB includes a first field that indicates the time-frequency resource of the trigger signal.

[0147] In one example, the first field indicates the frequency of the trigger signal. In another example, the first field indicates the start time of the trigger signal. In yet another example, the first field indicates the bandwidth of the time-frequency resource carrying the trigger signal. In a third example, the first field indicates the duration of the time-frequency resource carrying the trigger signal. In yet another example, the first field indicates the sequence of the trigger signal. The sequence of the trigger signal includes, but is not limited to, the format of the sequence, or the index of the sequence. The format of the sequence includes, for example, the transmission power of the sequence, the number of times the sequence repeats in time, and / or the cyclic prefix of the sequence. The terminal device determines the specific format of the trigger signal or the sequence used by the trigger signal based on the first field.

[0148] In another possible implementation, the first SSB is used by the terminal device to obtain synchronization between the network device and the terminal device. The terminal device is pre-configured with one or more time-frequency resources for carrying the trigger signal, or the network device configures one or more time-frequency resources for the trigger signal to the terminal device before step 701. After the terminal device obtains synchronization between the network device and the terminal device based on the first SSB, the terminal device determines the time-frequency resource from the one or more time-frequency resources from which it will send the trigger signal.

[0149] For example, the time-frequency resources carrying the trigger signal include: time-domain resources and frequency-domain resources carrying the trigger signal, wherein the granularity of the time-domain resources includes, but is not limited to: frame, subframe, time slot or symbol, and the granularity of the frequency-domain resources includes, but is not limited to: frequency band, frequency point, subcarrier, resource block group (RBG), resource block (RB), resource element (RE), resource element group (REG), or RE pattern.

[0150] For example, the trigger signal is a WUS or a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS).

[0151] In another example, the trigger signal is a random access preamble. Optionally, the random access preamble may include a specific sequence or may adopt a specific format to distinguish it from other random access preambles.

[0152] Optionally, the first SSB is also used to indicate a second period, which is the period during which the network device sends the second SSB, and the first period is different from the second period. For easier understanding, please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a second cycle in an embodiment of this application. The first SSB is also used to indicate that the second cycle can be replaced by: the first SSB is also used to configure the second cycle to the terminal device. The second SSB is different from the first SSB; the second SSB indicates the time-frequency resources carrying system information blocks. For example, the first SSB is called a trigger SSB or a wake-up signal SSB; the second SSB is called a normal SSB. By indicating the second cycle through the first SSB, it is ensured that the terminal device can successfully receive the second SSB within a first time window determined according to the second cycle.

[0153] Optionally, the network device sends first information to the terminal device, which indicates a second period. This second period is the period during which the network device sends the second SSB, and the first period is different from the second period. The second SSB indicates the time-frequency resources carrying the SSB. The terminal device determines a first time window for receiving the second SSB based on the second period, and receives the second SSB within this first time window.

[0154] In one example, the payload portion of the first SSB indicates the second cycle. For instance, the MIB of the first SSB carries a second field that indicates the second cycle.

[0155] In another example, the PSS index and / or SSS index of the first SSB includes this second field. For example, a PSS index of 5 for the first SSB indicates that the transmission period (i.e., the second period) of the second SSB is 50ms. A PSS index of 10 for the first SSB indicates that the transmission period (i.e., the second period) of the second SSB is 80ms. The mapping relationship between the PSS index and / or SSS index of the first SSB and the second period can be pre-configured by the network device and the terminal device, or it can be configured by the network device to the terminal device, or it can be predefined by the protocol. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0156] Optionally, the first SSB and the second SSB include a third field, the value of which indicates whether the SSB to which the third field belongs is the first SSB or the second SSB. For example, the value of the third field of the first SSB is "0", and the value of the third field of the second SSB is "1". Exemplarily, this third field can be carried in the MIB.

[0157] Optionally, if multiple beams transmitted by the network device respectively carry multiple first SSBs, then the first SSB carried by any one of the multiple beams corresponds to one or more second SSBs carried by that beam, and the second period configured for the first SSB is the transmission period of the one or more second SSBs corresponding to the first SSB. For example, if the network device transmits a first SSB1 on beam 1, the first SSB1 indicates that the second period for the network device to transmit the second SSB on beam 1 is 80ms.

[0158] Optionally, the network device determines the second period based on its load information. This load information includes, but is not limited to, the number of preambles received by the network device within a given period, the amount of data transmitted by the network device within a given period, or the number of terminal devices accessing the network device within a given period. A higher load on the network device results in a shorter first period and a greater number of first SSBs transmitted by the network device within a given period. A higher load on the network device is also indicated by a higher number of preambles received per unit time, a higher amount of data transmitted on the network per unit time, or a higher number of terminal devices accessing the network device per unit time. An example of the correlation between load information and the transmission period of the first SSB is shown in Table 2.

[0159] Table 2

[0160]

[0161]

[0162] Optionally, the load information of the network device specifically includes beam-granular load information, that is, the number of preambles received by the network device on a certain beam per unit time, or the number of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​a certain beam. For example, the number of preambles received by the network device on a certain beam within a certain period of time, or the number of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the beam within a certain period of time. The network device determines the second period of the second SSB carried by the beam based on the beam-granular load information. For example, if the number of preambles received by the network device on beam 1 within time period 1 is 20, then the second period of the second SSB carried by beam 1 is 50ms; if the number of preambles received by the network device on beam 2 within time period 1 is 50, then the second period of the second SSB carried by beam 2 is 20ms.

[0163] Optionally, the first SSB is also used to indicate a first time window, which is the period during which the terminal device detects or listens to the second SSB. The first time window is greater than or equal to the second period. For example, if the second period is 20ms, then the first time window is 100ms.

[0164] Optionally, the first SSB is also used to configure a power step value, which indicates the amount of power-ramping when transmitting the trigger signal. For example, the power value of the terminal device transmitting the trigger signal for the Xth time is Y dB, the power value of the terminal device transmitting the trigger signal for the (X+1)th time is Y+K dB, where X is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and the power step value is K dB.

[0165] Secondly, the relationship between the first cycle and the second cycle will be introduced:

[0166] In one possible implementation, the first period is longer than the second period. For example, the first period may be 60ms, 80ms, or 160ms; the second period may be 10ms, 20ms, or 40ms. Accordingly, the terminal device can determine the first period based on pre-configured information or information predefined by the protocol. Alternatively, the terminal device may have acquired the first period from the previously accessed cell after handover to the network device's cell. Or, the terminal device may have previously accessed the network device's cell, thus acquiring the first period in advance.

[0167] Optionally, the first cycle is M times the second cycle, where M is an integer greater than 1. That is, the first cycle is an integer multiple of the second cycle, which reduces the wake-up time of the network device, reduces the power consumption of the network device, and reduces the implementation difficulty of the network device.

[0168] Optionally, the timing of sending the first SSB is nested within the timing of sending the second SSB to avoid conflicts between the network device's sending of the first SSB and the sending of the second SSB, thus reducing the implementation complexity of the network device. Optionally, nesting the timing of sending the first SSB within the timing of sending the second SSB means that after the network device determines the timing of sending the first SSB, it may, during one or more of these timings, not send the first SSB but instead send the second SSB. For example... Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transmission of the first SSB and the second SSB in an embodiment of this application. Taking an example where one transmission opportunity occupies 4 symbols in the time domain, the transmission opportunity is simply referred to as an opportunity. The transmission period for the first SSB is 4 transmission opportunities. Without transmitting the second SSB, the network device transmits the first SSB on opportunities 1, 5, 9, and 13. The transmission period for the second SSB is 2 transmission opportunities. Without transmitting the first SSB, the network device transmits the second SSB on opportunities 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13. For example... Figure 9 As shown, if the network device receives a wake-up signal after sending the first SSB at time 5, then the network device sends a second SSB after time 5, that is, the network device sends the second SSB at times 7, 9, and 11. If the network device does not receive an access request from the terminal device within a certain period of time, the network device stops sending the second SSB and resumes sending the first SSB. For example, if the network device does not receive an access request from the terminal device within 5 time periods after sending the first second SSB, then the network device resumes sending the first SSB at time 13 after time 11. Combined with... Figure 9 The timing of sending the first SSB is nested within the timing of sending the second SSB. Specifically, the network device does not send the second SSB at the original times 1, 5 and 13, but instead sends the first SSB. This avoids conflicts between the network device sending the first SSB and sending the second SSB.

[0169] If the network device does not send a second SSB, it sends the first SSB at times 2, 4, 6, and 8. If the network device receives a wake-up signal after time 2, it stops sending the first SSB and sends the second SSB at time 4. After time 4, if the network device does not receive an access request from the terminal device within a certain period, it stops sending the second SSB and resumes sending the first SSB, sending the first SSB at times 6 and 8.

[0170] In another possible implementation, the first period is shorter than the second period. For example, the first period is 10ms or 20ms; the second period is 60ms, 80ms, or 160ms. Accordingly, the terminal device can determine the first period based on pre-configured information or information predefined by the protocol. For example, if the first period is less than or equal to 20ms, then the network device sending the first SSB with the first period is suitable for scenarios where the terminal device is accessing the network device for the first time.

[0171] Next, we will introduce the specific method by which network devices send the first SSB:

[0172] In one possible implementation, the time interval between two adjacent first SSBs in the time domain is defined as the first period. For example... Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission of the first SSB in an embodiment of this application.

[0173] In another possible implementation, the network device may transmit the first SSB in the form of an SSB burst set. Specifically, the network device transmits the first SSB burst set according to a first period, and the first SSB burst set includes one or more first SSBs. The first period is the period during which the network device transmits the first SSB burst set. Taking the first SSB burst set as an example where the first SSB burst set includes multiple first SSBs, the network device transmits multiple beams, and these multiple beams correspond to the first SSB burst set. In other words, the multiple first SSBs included in the first SSB burst set are carried by these multiple beams, and any one of these beams carries one or more first SSBs. Then the network device transmits the first SSB burst set according to the first period, and the first SSB burst set includes at least two first SSBs. The first period refers to the time interval between two temporally adjacent first SSBs in the same beam.

[0174] Optionally, if a beam carries multiple first SSBs, the multiple first SSBs use different frequency domain resources.

[0175] Optionally, if the network device transmits multiple beams, and these multiple beams carry multiple first SSBs, the transmission periods of the first SSBs carried by different beams can be the same or different.

[0176] For example, the explanation will be based on the example of a network device transmitting beams 1, 2, 3, and 4. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 11 , Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of a beam in an embodiment of this application. The first SSB burst set includes a first SSB1, a first SSB2, a first SSB3, and a first SSB4, wherein beam 1 carries the first SSB1, beam 2 carries the first SSB2, beam 3 carries the first SSB3, and beam 4 carries the first SSB4.

[0177] In a further example, the network device transmits multiple beams carrying a first SSB, with different transmission periods for each beam. The network device transmits beam 1 with a transmission period of 20 milliseconds (ms), meaning the first SSB1 carried by beam 1 has a transmission period of 20 ms. The network device transmits beam 2 with a transmission period of 50 ms, meaning the first SSB2 carried by beam 2 has a transmission period of 50 ms. The network device transmits beam 3 with a transmission period of 80 ms, meaning the first SSB3 carried by beam 3 has a transmission period of 80 ms. The network device transmits beam 4 with a transmission period of 25 ms, meaning the first SSB4 carried by beam 4 has a transmission period of 25 ms.

[0178] In another example, the network device transmits multiple beams carrying a first SSB, and these multiple beams have the same transmission period. Taking the network device transmitting beams 1, 2, 3, and 4 as an example, beam 1 carries the first SSB1, beam 2 carries the first SSB2, beam 3 carries the first SSB3, and beam 4 carries the first SSB4. The network device transmits beams 1 through 4 with the same transmission period; correspondingly, the network device transmits the first SSB1 through the first SSB4 with the same transmission period. For easier understanding, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission of the first SSB burst set in an embodiment of this application. The network device transmits the above-mentioned beams 1 to 4 in a first cycle to transmit the first SSB burst set including the first SSB1 to the first SSB4. The transmission cycles of different first SSBs among the first SSB1 to the first SSB4 are the same.

[0179] 702. The terminal device sends a trigger signal based on the first SSB.

[0180] In step 702, the terminal device receives the first SSB within a third time window, where the third time window is greater than or equal to the first period. If the terminal device receives the first SSB, it determines the time-frequency resource of the trigger signal based on the first SSB. Then, the terminal device sends the trigger signal to the network device on the time-frequency resource of the trigger signal. Accordingly, the network device receives the trigger signal and proceeds to step 703.

[0181] For example, the terminal device can determine the third time window based on relevant information from its previous access to the cell. Alternatively, the terminal device can determine the third time window based on pre-configuration information or protocol predefined information.

[0182] Optionally, the terminal device receives an SSB and determines whether the SSB is a first SSB or a second SSB based on the value of the third field included in the received SSB. If the SSB is a first SSB, the terminal device determines the time-frequency resource of the trigger signal based on the first SSB and sends the trigger signal on the time-frequency resource of the trigger signal based on the first SSB.

[0183] Optionally, the first SSB is also used to indicate a first time window. After the terminal device sends a trigger signal, it starts timing, and within the first time window, the terminal device detects or listens for the second SSB.

[0184] Optionally, the first SSB is also used to indicate the second period. The terminal device determines a first time window based on the second period indicated by the first SSB, the first time window being greater than or equal to the second period. After sending a trigger signal, the terminal device starts timing, and within the first time window, the terminal device detects or listens for the second SSB.

[0185] Optionally, after receiving the first SSB, the terminal device initially transmits the trigger signal at a first transmission power. If the terminal device does not receive the second SSB within the first time window, it determines a second transmission power. If the second transmission power is greater than the first transmission power, the terminal device re-detects the first SSB and determines the time-frequency resource for the trigger signal based on the re-detected first SSB. The terminal device then retransmits the trigger signal at the re-determined time-frequency resource using the second transmission power.

[0186] Optionally, the terminal device determines the second transmission power based on the power step value and the first transmission power, wherein the power step value indicates the power increment of the transmission trigger signal.

[0187] Optionally, the terminal device determines the power step value based on the first SSB. For example, the payload portion of the first SSB carries a fourth field that indicates the power step value.

[0188] Optionally, the first SSB is also used to indicate a first time window. The terminal device determines the first time window based on the first SSB.

[0189] Optionally, if the first SSB is carried on the first beam (i.e., the network device transmits the first SSB on the first beam), the terminal device, upon receiving the first SSB, transmits a trigger signal in the direction corresponding to the first beam. The first beam direction may include multiple beams, such as a first beam and a second beam, with different beamwidths. The terminal device transmitting the trigger signal in the first beam direction can be done on either the first beam or the second beam; this embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0190] 703. The network device sends the second SSB according to the second cycle. The second SSB indicates the time and frequency resources of the system information block.

[0191] In step 703, the network device transmits a second SSB according to the received trigger signal and in a second cycle. Specifically, the network device transmits a first SSB on a first frequency; then the network device receives the trigger signal; finally, the network device transmits a second SSB on the first frequency. For example, this first frequency is a sync raster frequency. The first SSB and the second SSB are transmitted on the same first frequency. The trigger signal can be transmitted on the first frequency, or it can be transmitted on a second frequency, which is different from the first frequency.

[0192] Correspondingly, the terminal device detects the second SSB within the first time window, and the first time window is greater than or equal to the second cycle.

[0193] Optionally, the first SSB indicates a second period, and the terminal device can determine the second period based on the first SSB. Then, the terminal device determines a first time window based on the second period. For example, the terminal device determines the reception time of the first SSB as time T1, and determines the transmission timing of the first SSB based on the transmission period of the first SSB (i.e., the first period) and time T1. Since the transmission timing of the first SSB is nested within the transmission timing of the second SSB, the terminal device can determine the transmission timing of the second SSB based on the transmission timing of the first SSB and the second period indicated by the first SSB. The terminal device sends a trigger signal at time T2 after time T1 based on the first SSB. The terminal device uses the transmission timing of the first SSB after time T2 as the transmission timing of the second SSB. Then, the terminal device determines the reception time window of the second SSB, i.e., the first time window, based on the transmission timing of the second SSB. Optionally, the first SSB indicates a first time window, and the terminal device can determine the first time window based on the first SSB.

[0194] In one possible implementation, the terminal device determines the type of the SSB based on the third field included in the received SSB. If the SSB is a second SSB, the time-frequency resources of the system information block are determined based on the second SSB.

[0195] The second SSB is introduced below:

[0196] The second SSB indicates the time-frequency resources of the system information block. Specifically, the "pdcch-ConfigSIB1" field included in the MIB of the second SSB determines the resource location of CORESET#0. The terminal device receives CORESET#0 based on its resource location; CORESET#0 indicates the time-frequency resources of the PDCCH. Then, the terminal device receives DCI on the time-frequency resources of the PDCCH indicated by CORESET#0. This DCI is used to schedule SIB1. The terminal device determines the time-frequency resources of SIB1 based on this DCI.

[0197] Optionally, the network device sends a second SSB within a second time window according to a second cycle, based on a trigger signal, wherein the second time window is greater than or equal to the first time window.

[0198] Optionally, if no access request is received from the terminal device within the second time window, the process proceeds to step 701, whereby the network device sends the first SSB according to the first cycle. This access request includes a random access preamble.

[0199] Optionally, if the network device receives a trigger signal on the first beam, the network device transmits a second SSB on the first beam. In other words, the first SSB and the second SSB transmitted by the network device are carried on the same beam. Similar to the network device transmitting the first SSB, the network device can use different transmission periods or the same transmission period to transmit the second SSB on different beams.

[0200] Optionally, if a network device receives a trigger signal in the direction of the first beam corresponding to the first beam, the network device transmits a second SSB in that direction. The first beam direction may include multiple beams, and the network device may transmit the second SSB on any one or more of these beams. For example, if the first beam direction includes a first beam and a second beam, the terminal device may transmit the second SSB on the first beam, or the terminal device may transmit the second SSB on the second beam.

[0201] In one example, the network device transmits the second SSB1 carried by beam 1, with a transmission period of 80ms; the network device transmits the second SSB2 carried by beam 2, with a transmission period of 120ms; the network device transmits the second SSB3 carried by beam 3, with a transmission period of 160ms; and the network device transmits the second SSB4 carried by beam 4, with a transmission period of 240ms.

[0202] In another example, the network device transmits beam 1, beam 2, beam 3, and beam 4, with the transmission period of beams 1 through 4 all being the first cycle. For easier understanding, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission of the first SSB burst set in an embodiment of this application. The network device transmits the second SSB1 to the second SSB4 in a second period on beam 1 (beam 1 carries the second SSB1), beam 2 (beam 2 carries the second SSB2), beam 3 (beam 3 carries the second SSB3), and beam 4 (beam 4 carries the second SSB4). The transmission period of different second SSBs among the second SSB1 to the second SSB4 is the same.

[0203] 704. Network device sends SIB.

[0204] In step 704, after sending the second SSB, the network device sends the SIB indicated by the second SSB. This SIB can be SIB1.

[0205] In the above technical solution, by configuring different transmission cycles for SSBs with different functions, flexible access resource configuration is provided, reducing the energy consumption of network devices and reducing network operation and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the first SSB can also indicate the transmission cycle of the second SSB, so that the terminal device can determine the time window for listening to the second SSB based on the first SSB, avoiding continuous listening to the second SSB and reducing the energy consumption of the terminal device.

[0206] Based on the foregoing embodiments, the application scenarios involved in the embodiments of this application are described below. Please refer to... Figure 13 , Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario in an embodiment of this application. The application scenario includes:

[0207] 1301. The network device sends the first SSB in the first cycle.

[0208] 1302. The terminal device sends a trigger signal, such as a wake-up signal, to the network device based on the first SSB.

[0209] 1303. Based on the wake-up signal, the network device sends a second SSB within a second time window in a second cycle. In step 1303, after sending the second SSB, the network device sends SIB1, which is indicated by the second SSB.

[0210] 1304. If the terminal device does not detect the second SSB within the first time window, the terminal device repeatedly transmits the wake-up signal with an increased transmission power. Optionally, the terminal device determines the increased transmission power of the wake-up signal based on the power step value indicated by the first SSB and the transmission power of the wake-up signal transmitted in step 1302. The first time window is less than or equal to the second time window.

[0211] 1305. After the network device sends the second SSB, if no access request from the terminal device is detected within the second time window, the network device will periodically send the first SSB to the terminal device in the first cycle.

[0212] 1306. The terminal device sends a wake-up signal according to the first SSB. The transmission power of the wake-up signal sent by the terminal device in step 1306 is the transmission power determined in step 1304, which is greater than the transmission power of the wake-up signal sent by the terminal device in step 1302.

[0213] 1307. The network device sends the second SSB within the second time window in the second cycle, based on the wake-up signal.

[0214] 1308. If the terminal device detects the second SSB within the first time window, the time and frequency resources of SIB1 are determined based on the second SSB.

[0215] 1309. The terminal device receives SIB1 from the network device on the time and frequency resources of SIB1.

[0216] After step 1309, the terminal device sends a random access request according to SIB1.

[0217] Next, the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application will be described. This communication device can be used in at least one of the network devices or terminal devices in the foregoing embodiments.

[0218] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 14 The communication device 1400 includes a transceiver module 1401 and a processing module 1402.

[0219] The communication device 1400 includes a network device or components (e.g., a chip or chip system), module, or unit within a network device. Alternatively, the communication device 1400 includes a terminal device or components (e.g., a chip or chip system), module, or unit within a terminal device.

[0220] Communication device 1400 can be used to perform Figures 7-13 The network device performs all or part of the steps in the illustrated embodiments, which can be found in the foregoing. Figures 7-13 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments.

[0221] Communication device 1400 can be used to perform Figures 7-13 The steps performed by the terminal device in the illustrated embodiments may be described in detail in the foregoing. Figures 7-13 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments.

[0222] The processing module 1402 is used for data processing. The transceiver module 1401 is used to implement the corresponding communication functions.

[0223] Optionally, the transceiver module 1401 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0224] Optionally, the communication device 1400 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 1400 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme performed by the communication device 1400 includes both transmitting and receiving actions.

[0225] Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store at least one of the instructions or data. The processing module 1402 can read at least one of the instructions or data in the storage module so that the communication device 1400 can implement the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0226] Communication device 1400 can be used to perform Figures 7-13 The actions performed on the network device side in the illustrated embodiment. Processing module 1402 is used to execute... Figures 7-13 The illustrated embodiment shows processing-related operations on the network device side. The transceiver module 1401 is used to perform... Figures 7-13 The embodiments shown depict the receiving or sending operations on the network device side.

[0227] Communication device 1400 can be used to perform Figures 7-13 The actions performed on the terminal device side in the illustrated embodiment. Processing module 1402 is used to execute... Figures 7-13 The embodiments shown depict processing-related operations on the terminal device side. The transceiver module 1401 is used to perform... Figures 7-13 The embodiments shown depict the receiving or sending operations on the terminal device side.

[0228] For example, the communication device 1400 is used to execute the following scheme.

[0229] In one example, when the communication device 1400 is applied to a network device, the communication device 1400 includes:

[0230] The transceiver module 1401 is used to send the first synchronization signal block SSB according to the first cycle;

[0231] The transceiver module 1401 is also used to send a second SSB according to a second period, wherein the second SSB indicates the time-frequency resources of the system information block, and the second period is different from the first period;

[0232] The transceiver module 1401 is also used to transmit the system information block on the time-frequency resources of the system information block.

[0233] Possible implementation methods and descriptions regarding the first SSB, second SSB, first cycle, and second cycle are available. Figures 7-13 The relevant content in the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0234] In another example, the communication device 1400 is applied to a terminal device, the communication device 1400 comprising:

[0235] The transceiver module 1401 is used to receive a first SSB, the first SSB indicating a second period, and the second period being the period during which the network device sends the second SSB;

[0236] The transceiver module 1401 is further configured to receive a second SSB from the network device within a first time window based on the first SSB, wherein the second SSB indicates the time-frequency resources of the system information block, and the first time window is greater than or equal to the second period;

[0237] The transceiver module 1401 is also configured to receive the system information block from the network device on the time domain resources of the system information block.

[0238] For other implementation methods, please refer to the preceding text. Figures 7-13 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0239] It should be understood that the specific procedures for each module to perform the above-mentioned corresponding processes have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0240] The processing module 1402 in the above embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. The transceiver module 1401 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The transceiver module 1401 can also be referred to as a communication module or communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0241] This application also provides another communication device. Figure 15 This is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 15 The communication device 1500 includes a processor 1501.

[0242] Optionally, the communication device 1500 may also include a memory 1502.

[0243] Optionally, the communication device 1500 may also include a transceiver 1503.

[0244] In one possible implementation, the processor 1501, memory 1502, and transceiver 1503 are connected via a bus, and the memory 1502 stores computer instructions.

[0245] In one possible implementation, when the communication device 1500 includes a network device, or the network device includes a CU or DU, or a component (e.g., a chip or chip system), module or unit within the network device, the communication device 1500 can be used to perform the steps performed by the network device in the above method embodiments, as described in the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0246] Optionally, the aforementioned Figure 14 The processing module 1402 in the illustrated embodiment may be the processor 1501, as described above. Figure 14 The transceiver module 1401 in the illustrated embodiment can be the transceiver 1503. Alternatively, as described above... Figure 14 The processing module 1402 in the illustrated embodiment may be the processor 1501, as described above. Figure 14 The transceiver module 1401 in the illustrated embodiment can be the transceiver 1503.

[0247] This application also provides a communication device. Figure 16 This is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 16 The communication device 1600 can be a terminal device in the above method embodiments, or a component (e.g., a chip or chip system), module, or unit of the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The communication device 1600 can be used to perform the steps performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments, as described in the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0248] Processors are mainly used to process data or signals, control communication devices, execute corresponding software programs, and process data from software programs.

[0249] The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data. The radio frequency (RF) circuit is mainly used for the conversion between baseband signals and RF signals, as well as the processing of RF signals.

[0250] Antennas are primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves.

[0251] Optionally, the communication device 1600 may also include input / output devices, such as a touch screen, a display screen, a keyboard, etc., primarily used to receive user input data and output data to the user.

[0252] When data needs to be transmitted, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then processes the baseband signal and transmits it outward as electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts it into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor then converts the baseband signal back into data and processes it.

[0253] For ease of explanation, Figure 16 Only one memory and processor are shown in the illustration. In actual communication devices, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. Memory may also be referred to as storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory may be set up independently of the processor or integrated with the processor; this application does not limit this.

[0254] In this embodiment, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver functions can be considered as the transceiver unit of the communication device, and the processor with processing functions can be considered as the processing unit of the communication device. Figure 16 As shown, the communication device 1600 includes a transceiver unit 1610 and a processing unit 1620. The transceiver unit can also be called a transceiver, transceiver machine, transceiver device, etc. The processing unit can also be called a processor, processing board, processing module, processing device, etc.

[0255] Optionally, the devices in transceiver unit 1610 used for receiving functions can be considered as receiving units, and the devices in transceiver unit 1610 used for transmitting functions can be considered as transmitting units. That is, transceiver unit 1610 includes both receiving and transmitting units. A transceiver unit can also be called a transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc. A receiving unit can also be called a receiver, receiver, or receiving circuit, etc. A transmitting unit can also be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0256] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 1610 is used to perform the sending and receiving operations of at least one device in the terminal device in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 1620 is used to perform other operations on at least one device in the terminal device in the above method embodiment besides the sending and receiving operations.

[0257] When the communication device is a chip or chip system, the chip or chip system includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processing unit is a processor, microprocessor, integrated circuit, or logic circuit integrated on the chip or chip system. In the above method embodiments, the sending operation corresponds to the output of the input / output circuit, and the receiving operation corresponds to the input of the input / output circuit.

[0258] This application also provides another communication system, which includes a network device and a terminal device, wherein the network device is used to perform... Figures 7-13 In the embodiments shown, the network device performs all or part of the steps, and the terminal device is used to perform... Figures 7-13 The embodiments shown represent all or part of the steps performed by the terminal device.

[0259] This application also provides a computer program product including computer instructions, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the above-described actions. Figures 7-13 The method of the embodiment shown.

[0260] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, including computer instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the above-described actions. Figures 7-13 The method of the embodiment shown.

[0261] This application also provides a chip device, including a processor, for calling a computer program or computer instructions stored in a memory, so that the processor executes the above-described... Figures 7-13 The method of the embodiment shown.

[0262] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0263] Optionally, the chip device may also include a memory in which computer programs or computer instructions are stored.

[0264] The processor mentioned above can be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more devices used to control the above. Figures 7-13 The illustrated embodiment is an integrated circuit for program execution of the method. The memory mentioned above may be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0265] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units through some interfaces, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0266] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0267] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0268] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the part of the technical solution that makes an essential contribution, or all or part 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, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0269] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send the first synchronization signal block SSB according to the first cycle; According to the second cycle, the second SSB is sent, and the second SSB indicates the time and frequency resources of the system information block. The second cycle is different from the first cycle. The system information block is transmitted on the time-frequency resources of the system information block.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second SSB sends a signal based on a trigger signal, which is a signal received on the trigger signal time-frequency resource configured in the first SSB.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first SSB is also used to indicate the second cycle.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, According to the first cycle, the first SSB is sent, including: According to the first cycle, a first SSB burst set is sent, wherein the first SSB burst set includes one or more of the first SSBs.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first period is longer than the second period.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first period is M times the second period, where M is an integer greater than 1.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The timing of sending the first SSB is nested within the timing of sending the second SSB.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The second period is longer than the first period.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first SSB is also used to indicate a first time window, which indicates the detection time of the second SSB.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, According to the second cycle, the second SSB is sent, including: Within the second time window, the second SSB is sent according to the second cycle, where the second time window is greater than or equal to the first time window.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: If no access request is received within the second time window, the first SSB is sent according to the first cycle.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The first SSB is also used to configure a power step value, which indicates the power increment for sending the trigger signal.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the load information of the network device; The first cycle and / or the second cycle are determined based on the load information of the network device.

14. A communication method, said method being applied to a terminal device, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive the first SSB, the first SSB indicates the second period, the second period is the period during which the network device sends the second SSB; According to the first SSB, the second SSB from the network device is received within a first time window, the second SSB indicating the time-frequency resources of the system information block, and the first time window is greater than or equal to the second period; The system information block is received from the network device on the time domain resources of the system information block.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: The trigger signal is sent according to the time-frequency resources of the trigger signal determined by the first SSB.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: A first transmission power is determined, wherein the first transmission power is the transmission power at which the terminal device transmits the trigger signal; If the second SSB is not received within the first time window, the second transmission power is determined, and the second transmission power is greater than the first transmission power. The trigger signal is transmitted at the second transmission power.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The second transmission power is determined based on the power step value and the first transmission power. The power step value indicates the power increment for transmitting the trigger signal. The first SSB is also used to configure the power step value.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a communication unit and a processing unit, the communication unit and the processing unit being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 17.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices, and the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 17, through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

20. The communication device according to claim 19, characterized in that, The communication device is a chip or chip system.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 17.

22. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17.

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