Communication method, apparatus and system

Abstract

The application provides a communication method, device and system, and applies to the technical field of communication. The communication method provided by the application can configure a reference signal with zero power in a MU-MIMO system to estimate a multi-user interference level considering precoding. The communication method comprises the following steps: a network device sends first information to a first terminal device, wherein the first information is used to indicate that the power of a first reference signal on a first port at a first time-frequency position is zero. The network device sends second information to a second terminal device, wherein the second information is used to indicate that the power of the first reference signal on a second port at the first time-frequency position is zero; the first port and the second port correspond to a first time-frequency resource.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In a multi-user (MU) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication system, network devices can schedule the same time-frequency resources for multiple terminal devices, and multiple terminal devices can reuse the same time-frequency resources to transmit data, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0003] However, in MU-MIMO, interference between terminal devices can affect the accuracy of data transmission, and there is currently no method to accurately measure the interference between terminal devices after precoding in MU-MIMO. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system that can estimate the multi-user interference level in MU-MIMO.

[0005] The embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a network device or by a module (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the network device. The method includes: the network device sending first information to a first terminal device, the first information indicating that the power of a first reference signal on a first port is zero at a first time-frequency location; and the network device sending second information to a second terminal device, the second information indicating that the power of the first reference signal on a second port is zero at the first time-frequency location; the first port and the second port correspond to first time-frequency resources.

[0007] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can configure a first reference signal with zero power on multiple ports corresponding to the first time-frequency resource. Multiple terminal devices using the first time-frequency resource can measure the corresponding ports based on the information of the received configuration reference signal. In other words, this application embodiment provides a method for configuring a reference signal with zero power in a MU-MIMO system. Based on this method, the terminal device can estimate the MU interference level after considering precoding based on the measurement results.

[0008] In one possible design, the first information or the second information is used to indicate the index of the time-domain resource and the index of the frequency-domain resource corresponding to the first time-frequency position; or, the first information or the second information is used to indicate the index of the first port in the first port group and the number of ports included in the first port group, wherein the first port and the second port belong to the first port group, and the index of the first port and the number of ports included in the first port group are used to determine the first time-frequency position in combination with the first mapping relationship, wherein the first mapping relationship includes the mapping relationship between the port index and the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal on the port is set to zero; or, the first information is used to indicate the index of the first port, the second information is used to indicate the index of the second port, and the index of the first port or the index of the second port are used to determine the first time-frequency position in combination with the first mapping relationship.

[0009] This solution provides multiple ways to indicate the time-frequency position of the first reference signal on the port. For example, the first port signal on the port can be flexibly configured by indicating the index of the time-domain resources and frequency-domain resources, or the first reference signal can be configured by indicating the index of the port, thereby saving overhead.

[0010] In one possible design, the first information is further used to indicate one or more time-frequency positions on the first port where the power of the first reference signal is set to zero, different from the first time-frequency position. The second information is further used to indicate one or more time-frequency positions on the first port where the power of the first reference signal is set to zero, different from the first time-frequency position.

[0011] Based on this scheme, the first information can indicate the time-frequency position where the other powers of the first reference signal on the first port are set to zero. The second information can indicate the time-frequency position where the other powers of the first reference signal on the second port are set to zero.

[0012] In one possible design, the first information is further used to indicate the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on one or more ports different from the first port corresponding to the first time-frequency resource. The second information is further used to indicate the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on one or more ports different from the second port corresponding to the first time-frequency resource.

[0013] Based on this scheme, if the first time-frequency resource also corresponds to other ports, the first information can indicate the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on the other ports. The second information can indicate the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on the other ports.

[0014] In one possible design, the method further includes: the network device sending third information to the first terminal device, the third information indicating that the power of the first reference signal on the first port is not zero at at least one time-frequency position, the at least one time-frequency position including a second time-frequency position. The network device then sends fourth information to the second terminal device, the fourth information indicating that the power of the first reference signal on the second port is not zero at at least one time-frequency position, the at least one time-frequency position including a third time-frequency position.

[0015] Based on this scheme, the power of the first reference signal at certain time-frequency positions on the port can be non-zeroed, which can be used to estimate channel quality.

[0016] In one possible design, the first information is further used to indicate that the power of the first reference signal on the first port is zero at the third time-frequency position; the second information is further used to indicate that the power of the first reference signal on the second port is zero at the second time-frequency position.

[0017] Based on this scheme, the first reference signal can be non-orthogonally multiplexed on the first port and the second port. After the terminal device measures the port, it can combine the measured value at the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal is zero and the measured value at the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal is not zero to estimate the interference of other terminal devices.

[0018] In one possible design, the method further includes: the network device sending fifth information to the first terminal device, the fifth information indicating that the first port belongs to a first port group corresponding to at least two terminal devices, the at least two terminal devices including the first terminal device and the second terminal device; and / or, the network device sending sixth information to the second terminal device, the sixth information indicating that the second port belongs to a first port group corresponding to at least two terminal devices.

[0019] Based on this scheme, network devices can indicate to terminal devices that the terminal devices correspond to the same port group as other terminal devices, so that the terminal devices can determine that when they measure the first reference signal on the port, the terminal devices in the same port group may cause interference to them.

[0020] In one possible design, the method further includes: the network device receiving sixth information from a first terminal device, the sixth information indicating a first measurement value, the first measurement value being used to determine interference from one or more terminal devices different from the first terminal device among at least two terminal devices corresponding to a first port group, the first port group including at least two ports, the at least two ports including a first port and a second port, the at least two terminal devices including a first terminal device and a second terminal device; and / or, the network device receiving seventh information from a second terminal device, the seventh information indicating a second measurement value, the second measurement value being used to determine interference from one or more terminal devices different from the second terminal device among at least two terminal devices corresponding to the first port group.

[0021] Based on this solution, terminal devices can feed back information to network devices that can be used to determine the level of multi-user interference.

[0022] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first terminal device or by a module (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the first terminal device. The method includes: the first terminal device receiving first information, the first information indicating that the power of a first reference signal on a first port is zero at a first time-frequency location, the first port and at least one second port corresponding to a first time-frequency resource; and the first terminal device measuring the first port based on the first information.

[0023] Based on the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, the first terminal device that receives the first information can measure the first port with the same time-frequency resources as other ports at the first time-frequency position according to the first information and the power of the first reference signal is set to zero at the first time-frequency position. In other words, the embodiments of this application provide a method for configuring a reference signal with zero power in a MU-MIMO system. Based on this method, the terminal device can estimate the multi-user interference level after considering precoding based on the measurement results.

[0024] In one possible design, the first information is used to indicate the index of the time-domain resource and the index of the frequency-domain resource corresponding to the first time-frequency position; or, the first information is used to indicate the index of the first port in the first port group and the number of ports included in the first port group, wherein the first port belongs to the first port group, and the index of the first port and the number of ports included in the first port group are used to determine the first time-frequency position in conjunction with the first mapping relationship, wherein the first mapping relationship includes the mapping relationship between the index of the port and the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal on the port is set to zero; or, the first information is used to indicate the index of the first port, and the index of the first port is used to determine the first time-frequency position in conjunction with the first mapping relationship.

[0025] This solution provides multiple ways to indicate the time-frequency position of the first reference signal on the port. For example, the first port signal on the port can be flexibly configured by indicating the index of the time-domain resources and frequency-domain resources, or the first reference signal can be configured by indicating the index of the port, thereby saving overhead.

[0026] In one possible design, the first information is also used to indicate one or more time-frequency positions on the first port where the power of the first reference signal is set to zero, which is different from the first time-frequency position.

[0027] Based on this scheme, the first information can indicate the time-frequency position where the other power of the first reference signal is set to zero on the first port.

[0028] In one possible design, the first information is also used to indicate the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal is set to zero on one or more ports different from the first port, corresponding to the first time-frequency resource.

[0029] Based on this scheme, if the first time-frequency resource also corresponds to other ports, the first information can indicate the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal is set to zero on the other ports.

[0030] In one possible design, the method further includes: a first terminal device sending sixth information, the sixth information being used to indicate a first measurement value, the first measurement value being used to determine interference from one or more terminal devices different from the first terminal device among at least two terminal devices corresponding to the first port group, the first port group including at least two ports, and the at least two ports including the first port.

[0031] Based on this scheme, the terminal device can feed back the sixth information to the network device according to the measurement results of the first port, and the network device can estimate the multi-user interference level according to the sixth information.

[0032] In one possible design, the method further includes: a first terminal device receiving third information, the third information indicating that the power of a first reference signal on a first port is not zero at at least one time-frequency position, the at least one time-frequency position including a second time-frequency position.

[0033] Based on this scheme, the first terminal device can also measure the first port according to the fact that the power of the first reference signal at the second time-frequency position is not zero, and the measurement result can be used to estimate the interference of other terminal devices to the first terminal device.

[0034] In one possible design, the method further includes: a first terminal device receiving fifth information, the fifth information being used to indicate that the first port belongs to a first port group, the first port group corresponding to at least two terminal devices, the at least two terminal devices including the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0035] Based on this scheme, network devices can indicate to terminal devices that the terminal devices correspond to the same port group as other terminal devices, so that the terminal devices can determine that when they measure the first reference signal on the port, the terminal devices in the same port group may cause interference to them.

[0036] Thirdly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method implemented by the network device in the first aspect above.

[0037] The communication device includes modules, units, or means that implement the above methods. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0038] In one possible design, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module: the processing module is used to determine first information and second information. The transceiver module is used to send the first information to a first terminal device, the first information indicating that the power of a first reference signal on a first port is zero at a first time-frequency location. The transceiver module is also used to send the second information to a second terminal device, the second information indicating that the power of the first reference signal on a second port is zero at the first time-frequency location; the first port and the second port correspond to a first time-frequency resource.

[0039] In one possible design, the first information or the second information is used to indicate the index of the time-domain resource and the index of the frequency-domain resource corresponding to the first time-frequency position; or, the first information or the second information is used to indicate the index of the first port in the first port group and the number of ports included in the first port group, wherein the first port and the second port belong to the first port group, and the index of the first port and the number of ports included in the first port group are used to determine the first time-frequency position in combination with the first mapping relationship, wherein the first mapping relationship includes the mapping relationship between the port index and the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal on the port is set to zero; or, the first information is used to indicate the index of the first port, the second information is used to indicate the index of the second port, and the index of the first port or the index of the second port are used to determine the first time-frequency position in combination with the first mapping relationship.

[0040] In one possible design, the first information is further used to indicate one or more time-frequency positions on the first port where the power of the first reference signal is set to zero, different from the first time-frequency position. The second information is further used to indicate one or more time-frequency positions on the first port where the power of the first reference signal is set to zero, different from the first time-frequency position.

[0041] In one possible design, the first information is further used to indicate the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on one or more ports different from the first port corresponding to the first time-frequency resource. The second information is further used to indicate the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on one or more ports different from the second port corresponding to the first time-frequency resource.

[0042] In one possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to send third information to the first terminal device, the third information indicating that the power of the first reference signal on the first port is not zero at at least one time-frequency position, the at least one time-frequency position including a second time-frequency position. The transceiver module is further configured to send fourth information to the second terminal device, the fourth information indicating that the power of the first reference signal on the second port is not zero at at least one time-frequency position, the at least one time-frequency position including a third time-frequency position.

[0043] In one possible design, the first information is further used to indicate that the power of the first reference signal on the first port is zero at the third time-frequency position; the second information is further used to indicate that the power of the first reference signal on the second port is zero at the second time-frequency position.

[0044] In one possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to send fifth information to the first terminal device, the fifth information indicating that the first port belongs to a first port group corresponding to at least two terminal devices, the at least two terminal devices including the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0045] In one possible design, the transceiver module is also used to send a sixth message to the second terminal device, the sixth message indicating that the first port group to which the second port belongs corresponds to at least two terminal devices.

[0046] In one possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to receive sixth information from the first terminal device, the sixth information being used to indicate a first measurement value, the first measurement value being used to determine interference from one or more terminal devices that are different from the first terminal device among at least two terminal devices corresponding to the first port group, the first port group including at least two ports, the at least two ports including a first port and a second port, and the at least two terminal devices including a first terminal device and a second terminal device.

[0047] In one possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to receive seventh information from the second terminal device, the seventh information being used to indicate a second measurement value, the second measurement value being used to determine interference from one or more terminal devices that are different from the first terminal device among at least two terminal devices corresponding to the first port group to the second terminal device.

[0048] Fourthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method implemented by the first terminal device in the second aspect described above.

[0049] The communication device includes modules, units, or means that implement the above methods. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0050] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module; the transceiver module is used to receive first information indicating that the power of a first reference signal on a first port is zero at a first time-frequency location, and the first port and at least one second port correspond to a first time-frequency resource. The processing module is used to measure the first port based on the first information.

[0051] In one possible design, the first information is used to indicate the index of the time-domain resource and the index of the frequency-domain resource corresponding to the first time-frequency position; or, the first information is used to indicate the index of the first port in the first port group and the number of ports included in the first port group, wherein the first port belongs to the first port group, and the index of the first port and the number of ports included in the first port group are used to determine the first time-frequency position in conjunction with the first mapping relationship, wherein the first mapping relationship includes the mapping relationship between the index of the port and the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal on the port is set to zero; or, the first information is used to indicate the index of the first port, and the index of the first port is used to determine the first time-frequency position in conjunction with the first mapping relationship.

[0052] In one possible design, the first information is also used to indicate one or more time-frequency positions on the first port where the power of the first reference signal is set to zero, which is different from the first time-frequency position.

[0053] In one possible design, the first information is also used to indicate the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal is set to zero on one or more ports different from the first port, corresponding to the first time-frequency resource.

[0054] In one possible design, the transceiver module is also used to send a sixth message, which is used to indicate a first measurement value. The first measurement value is used to determine interference to the first terminal device from one or more terminal devices that are different from the communication device among at least two terminal devices corresponding to the first port group. The first port group includes at least two ports, and the at least two ports include the first port.

[0055] In one possible design, the transceiver module is also configured to receive third information indicating that the power of the first reference signal on the first port is not zero at at least one time-frequency position, the at least one time-frequency position including a second time-frequency position.

[0056] In one possible design, the transceiver module is also used to receive fifth information, which indicates that the first port belongs to a first port group, the first port group corresponding to at least two terminal devices, the at least two terminal devices including a communication device and a second terminal device.

[0057] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor configured to execute instructions stored in a memory, wherein when the processor executes the instructions, the communication device performs the method described in any of the preceding aspects. The communication device may be a network device (or a component, such as a chip, in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect). Alternatively, the communication device may be a first terminal device (or a component, such as a chip, in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect).

[0058] In one possible design, the communication device also includes a memory for storing computer instructions. Optionally, the processor and memory are integrated together, or they are separate.

[0059] In one possible design, the memory is coupled to the processor and is located outside the communication device.

[0060] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit for communicating with a module outside the communication device; the processor for executing the method described in any of the preceding aspects via logic circuitry or by running a computer program or instructions. The communication device may be a network device (or a component, such as a chip, in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect). Alternatively, the communication device may be a first terminal device (or a component, such as a chip, in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect).

[0061] Alternatively, the interface circuit can be a code / data read / write interface circuit, which receives computer execution instructions (which are stored in memory and may be read directly from memory or may be transmitted through other devices) and transmits them to the processor so that the processor runs the computer execution instructions to perform the methods described in any of the above aspects.

[0062] In one possible design, the communication device also includes a memory for storing computer programs or instructions. Optionally, the processor and memory are integrated together, or the processor and memory are separate.

[0063] In one possible design, the memory is coupled to the processor and is located outside the communication device.

[0064] In some possible designs, the communication device can be a chip or a chip system.

[0065] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform the methods described in the first to second aspects, or any possible design of the first to second aspects.

[0066] Eighthly, this application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform the methods described in the first to second aspects, or any possible design of the first to second aspects.

[0067] A ninth aspect provides a communication device (e.g., the communication device may be a chip or a chip system), the communication device including a processor for implementing the functions involved in the first to second aspects, or any possible design of the first to second aspects. In one possible design, the communication device further includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data. When the communication device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0068] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided. In one possible design, the communication system includes a network device and at least two terminal devices, the at least two terminal devices including a first terminal device and at least one second terminal device. The network device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect, or any possible design of the first aspect, and the first terminal device is used to perform the method described in the second aspect, or any possible design of the second aspect.

[0069] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects three through ten can be found in the technical effects of the different design methods in aspects one through two above, and will not be repeated here.

[0070] It should be noted that any of the possible implementations of any of the above aspects can be combined, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other. Attached Figure Description

[0071] Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0072] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a network device and a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a received signal model provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the distribution of reference signals on at least two ports provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0078] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, a brief introduction to the relevant technologies of this application is given below.

[0079] 1. MU-MIMO:

[0080] In a MU-MIMO system, network devices can communicate with multiple terminal devices simultaneously. Specifically, network devices can transmit different data simultaneously on multiple transmit antennas. That is, network devices can utilize multiple antennas to multiplex different transmission paths in space and transmit multiple sets of different data in parallel. Correspondingly, each of the multiple terminal devices can receive different data transmitted through multiple paths via its receive antenna. This technology is called spatial division multiplexing (SDM). From the perspective of time-frequency resources, SDM can be understood as dividing the same time-frequency resource into multiple layers (also called streams). Different terminal devices can transmit data on different layers, with each terminal device able to transmit data on at least one layer. In other words, in the downlink direction, multiple terminal devices can receive downlink data transmitted by the network device on the same time-frequency resource.

[0081] Taking transmission on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) as an example, the following is a brief introduction to the PDSCH processing procedure in a MU-MIMO system using spatial multiplexing technology.

[0082] The media access control (MAC) layer of a network device sends transport blocks (TBs) to the physical layer. Upon receiving a TB, the physical layer adds a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code to the end. If the TB is large, it needs to be segmented, and a CRC code is added to the end of each segmented block. Afterward, the blocks undergo channel coding and rate matching to ensure data and resource compatibility. The rate-matched blocks are then concatenated to form codewords (CWs). These codewords are scrambled to obtain scrambled bits. The scrambled bits are then modulated, converting them into a set of complex-valued modulation symbols, commonly known as IQ data, where I and Q represent the real and imaginary parts of the complex values, respectively.

[0083] Network devices perform layer mapping on the modulated complex-valued signal, mapping the modulated symbols onto multiple layers. Hereinafter, the number of mapped layers is denoted as N, where N is a positive integer greater than 1. After layer mapping, the network device performs multi-antenna precoding on the complex-valued information, mapping the N layers of complex-valued information to N antenna ports through a precoding matrix. In other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the number of layers and the number of antenna ports. Mathematically, this can be understood as treating the output of each layer as a vector, multiplying it by a precoding matrix to obtain the precoded result.

[0084] After the codewords are mapped to N antenna ports, the network device can perform resource element (RE) mapping and physical antenna mapping to enable signal transmission on the physical antennas.

[0085] It's understandable that antenna ports are a logical concept, corresponding to the equivalent channel, but not equivalent to physical antennas; the number of antenna ports is less than or equal to the number of physical antennas. For example, suppose two different signals are transmitted through multiple physical antennas. From the receiver's perspective, if the two signals propagate through the same equivalent channel, then it can be considered that these two signals are transmitted through a single antenna port.

[0086] Based on the above PDSCH processing procedure, it can be assumed that the layers obtained by spatial multiplexing of time and frequency resources correspond one-to-one with the antenna ports.

[0087] 2. Reference signal (RS):

[0088] A reference signal, also known as a pilot signal, is a known signal provided by the transmitter to the receiver for channel estimation or channel sounding. Current communication systems support various reference signals, such as demodulation reference signal (DMRS) and channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS).

[0089] Currently, DMRS transmitted on the PDSCH can be used for channel estimation during PDSCH demodulation. There are two main methods for DMRS physical resource allocation: front-loaded DMRS (FL-DMRS) with a defined pattern and flexible-configurable additional DMRS (also known as rear-loaded DMRS or extra DMRS). After these two types of DMRS are mapped to ports, network devices can transmit known signals on the corresponding time-frequency resources of the port, enabling terminal devices to estimate the PDSCH based on these known signals.

[0090] In addition, there is a zero-power DMRS (ZP DMRS). ZP DMRS sets the power to zero on the time-frequency resources corresponding to the port, and can be used to measure the interference and noise floor levels of neighboring cells.

[0091] To distinguish it from ZP DMRS, the DMRS with non-zero power on the time-frequency resources corresponding to the port will be referred to as regular DMRS. In other words, the DMRS actually transmitted by the network device on the time-frequency resources corresponding to the port is called regular DMRS. For example, both pre-DMRS and supplementary DMRS can be called regular DMRS.

[0092] Currently, in MU-MIMO systems, network devices can transmit multiple orthogonal conventional DMRS on multiple antenna ports. Each of these orthogonal conventional DMRS corresponds to a specific terminal device, and the terminal device can estimate the PDSCH based on the received conventional DMRS.

[0093] In MU-MIMO systems, inter-user interference (MU interference) within the same cell (also known as multi-user interference level, hereinafter referred to as MU interference) affects system performance. Precoding techniques can effectively reduce inter-user interference. Precoding techniques are divided into linear precoding and nonlinear precoding. Linear precoding requires lower computational complexity, but its interference suppression capability is insufficient when the MU interference level is high. Nonlinear precoding has stronger interference suppression capability and performs well even at high MU interference levels, but it requires higher computational complexity and channel estimation accuracy. Therefore, accurately determining the MU interference level within the same cell after considering precoding helps network equipment select a suitable precoding technique for the communication system.

[0094] Existing methods for estimating the channel based on reference signals can measure channel quality, such as CSI-RS or DMRS-based measurements, but they do not consider how to measure the MU interference level within the same cell after precoding. In other words, there is no suitable solution for measuring the MU interference level within the same cell after precoding in MU-MIMO systems.

[0095] To measure the precoded MU interference level within a MU-MIMO system, this application provides a communication method. Based on this method, in an MU-MIMO system, a network device can indicate to a terminal device that the power of a first reference signal on its port is zero. The terminal device can then estimate the interference caused by reference signals from other terminal devices, excluding neighboring cell interference and noise floor levels, based on the measurements obtained from the measurement port. This allows for the measurement of the precoded MU interference level within the same cell. The communication method provided in this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0096] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in the embodiments of this application is merely a description of the relationship between the related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Additionally, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and that "first," "second," etc., are not necessarily different. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being used as an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0097] In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly instruct the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also instruct only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. At the same time, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and uniformly indicated to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0098] It should be understood that the information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages sent separately, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in this application embodiment. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the sending device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0099] In the embodiments of this application, "predefined," "pre-defined," "pre-configured," "pre-configured," or "locally configured" can be implemented by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device. For example, it can be burned into the device when it leaves the factory, or configured when it first connects to the network. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific implementation method. "Saving" can refer to saving in one or more memories. The one or more memories can be separate settings or integrated into the encoder or decoder, processor, or communication device. The one or more memories can also be partially separate settings and partially integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0100] In the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time. They do not require the device to make a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0101] In this embodiment of the application, "sending information" can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For example, "network device sending information" can be understood as a network device sending information to another device (such as a terminal device), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device sending information to logical module 2 in the network device.

[0102] In this application, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or it can also be understood as a logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "network device receiving information" can be understood as a network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal device), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device receiving information from logical module 2 in the network device.

[0103] In this application, the phrase "sending information to... (e.g., a terminal device)" or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the terminal device. Similarly, the phrases "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal device)," "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal device)," or "receiving information sent (e.g., by a terminal device)," or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings, can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the terminal. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0104] The technical solutions provided in this application can be used in various communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems and their evolution systems, 5th generation advanced (5GA) systems, MU-MIMO systems, non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, LTE and new radio (NR) hybrid networking systems, device-to-device (D2D) systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), and future communication systems. Furthermore, the term "system" can be used interchangeably with "network."

[0105] It should be noted that the network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0106] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one possible, non-limiting system. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., ...). Figure 1110a and 110b (collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (such as Figure 1 RAN 100, denoted as RAN 120a-120j, is collectively referred to as RAN 120. RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 is connected to RAN node 110 wirelessly. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0107] Optionally, the RAN node can communicate with multiple terminals 120 simultaneously.

[0108] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future-oriented evolution systems. RAN 100 can also be an open access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0109] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as network equipment, access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative, for example... Figure 1 Network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 1 Network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0110] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. Figure 1 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 1 The RAN node can be a relay node or donor node (as described in section 110b), or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node can also be equipped with communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The RAN node can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions and corresponding program instructions. The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node functions.

[0111] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0112] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0113] A terminal can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, transportation vehicles with wireless communication capabilities, communication modules, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. A terminal typically contains a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication functions. The terminal can also be configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication functions.

[0114] Unless otherwise specified, RAN nodes will be referred to as network devices and terminals as terminal devices in this application.

[0115] Figure 2 A possible, non-limiting structural diagram of a network device and a terminal device is shown. Figure 2As shown, network devices and terminal devices can exchange RRC signaling through the Radio Resource Control (RRC) module. They can also exchange MAC signaling through the Media Access Control (MAC) module, such as the MAC Control Element (MAC CE). Furthermore, they can exchange uplink / downlink control signaling, such as the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) and Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), and uplink / downlink data, such as the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) and PDSCH, through the Physical Layer (PHY) module.

[0116] The following combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described.

[0117] It should be noted that the names of each network element, the message names between each network element, or the names of each parameter in the message in the following embodiments of this application are just examples. In specific implementations, other names may also be used, and this application does not specifically limit them.

[0118] Unless otherwise specified, the term "port" in the following embodiments of this application refers to "antenna port".

[0119] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, but this application does not limit the entity that performs the process as shown. For example, Figure 3 The terminal device in this context can also be a module applied to the terminal device, such as a chip, chip system, or processor; it can also be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device's functions. For example, Figure 3 The network devices mentioned can also be modules applied to network devices, such as chips, chip systems, or processors, or logical nodes, logical modules, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of network devices.

[0120] like Figure 3 As shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0121] S301. The network device sends first information to the first terminal device. The first information is used to indicate that the power of the first reference signal on the first port is zero at the first time-frequency position.

[0122] S302, The network device sends second information to the second terminal device, the second information being used to indicate that the power of the first reference signal on the second port is zero at the first time-frequency position; the first port and the second port correspond to the first time-frequency resource.

[0123] Based on the communication method provided in this application embodiment, a first reference signal with zero power can be configured on multiple ports corresponding to the first time-frequency resource. Multiple terminal devices using the first time-frequency resource can measure the corresponding ports based on the information of the received configuration reference signal. In other words, this application embodiment provides a method for configuring a reference signal with zero power in a MU-MIMO system. Based on this method, the terminal device can estimate the MU interference level after considering precoding based on the measurement results.

[0124] The following is a detailed introduction to S301-S302.

[0125] In this embodiment, the first time-frequency resource corresponds to at least two ports, where the first port is one of these at least two ports and the second port is the other of these at least two ports. Optionally, in addition to the first port and the second port, the first time-frequency resource may also correspond to other ports.

[0126] In this embodiment, the first time-frequency resource can be allocated to at least two terminal devices, or in other words, the network device can schedule the first time-frequency resource to at least two terminal devices, including the first terminal device and the second terminal device. Optionally, in addition to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the network device can also schedule the first time-frequency resource to other terminal devices.

[0127] This application does not limit the size, time-domain unit (or time slot, etc.), frequency-domain unit, time-domain location, or frequency-domain location of the first time-frequency resource. For example, the time-domain unit of the first time-frequency resource can be a symbol, a slot, etc. The frequency-domain unit of the first time-frequency resource can be a subcarrier. The first time-frequency resource can be composed of at least one RE or at least one resource block (RB).

[0128] When allocating first time-frequency resources to a first terminal device and a second terminal device, after the network device sends first information to the first terminal device, the first terminal device can measure the first port based on the first information. This can be understood as the network device allocating the first port corresponding to the first time-frequency resource to the first terminal device. After the network device sends second information to the second terminal device, the second terminal device can measure the second port based on the second information. This can be understood as the network device allocating the second port corresponding to the first time-frequency resource to the second terminal device. Similarly, if the following text uses phrases like "the network device allocates a port to a terminal device" or similar descriptions, it can be understood that the network device sends information to that terminal device indicating a reference signal on that port.

[0129] Optionally, in addition to the first reference signal, data can also be transmitted on the first time-frequency resource.

[0130] Optionally, if the first time-frequency resource corresponds to other ports besides the first and second ports, these other ports can be allocated to either the first or second terminal device. That is, the network device can allocate ports other than the first port to the first terminal device, and / or the network device can allocate ports other than the second port to the second terminal device. In this case, the first information can indicate the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on at least one port (including the first port, and possibly one or more other ports). The second information can indicate the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on at least one port (including the second port, and possibly one or more other ports). Alternatively, other ports corresponding to the first time-frequency resource can be allocated to other terminal devices. In this case, the network device can send information indicating the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on other ports to the other terminal devices (see the description of the third terminal device below for details).

[0131] If the first information also indicates the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal is zero on other ports, please refer to the following description of the first information indicating that the power of the first reference signal is zero at the first time-frequency position on the first port. If the second information also indicates the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal is zero on other ports, please refer to the following description of the second information indicating that the power of the first reference signal is zero at the first time-frequency position on the first port.

[0132] Optionally, for the first information indicating that the power of the first reference signal is zero at the first time-frequency position on the first port, it can be understood that the first information indicates that the first terminal device measures the first port according to the power of the first reference signal being zero at the first time-frequency position. For the second information indicating that the power of the first reference signal is zero at the first time-frequency position on the second port, it can be understood that the second information indicates that the second terminal device measures the second port according to the power of the first reference signal being zero at the first time-frequency position.

[0133] Optionally, for the first information indicating the first port, the first reference signal having zero power at the first time-frequency position can be understood as the network device configuring a reference signal with zero power at the first port and the first time-frequency position, such as configuring ZP DMRS. For the second information indicating the second port, the first reference signal having zero power at the first time-frequency position can be understood as the network device configuring a reference signal with zero power at the second port and the first time-frequency position, such as configuring ZPDMRS.

[0134] For example, the network device configures ZP DMRS at a first port and a first time-frequency location, and the network device also configures ZP DMRS at a second port and a first time-frequency location. Alternatively, the network device configures other zero-power reference signals at the first port or the second port and the first time-frequency location. This application does not limit the type or name of the first reference signal for zeroing power.

[0135] Optionally, the first port and the second port can belong to a port group (which can be called the first port group). A port group can be understood as a collection of data transmission logical ports corresponding to terminal devices / data streams within the same scheduling cycle. Each port in the port group corresponds to the same time-frequency resource.

[0136] Optionally, the first information may also indicate that the first port belongs to the first port group. The second information may also indicate that the second port belongs to the first port group.

[0137] Optionally, the first port group may also include ports other than the first port and the second port.

[0138] Optionally, multiple ports on the same time-frequency resource may belong to the same port group or different port groups. The network device can determine which port group a port belongs to. This application embodiment does not limit the specific implementation of the network device's division of port groups and the ports included in the port groups. For example, the network device can determine the port group corresponding to a time-frequency resource and the ports included in the port group based on which terminal devices are scheduled to use the time-frequency resource.

[0139] For example, the network device schedules the first time-frequency resource to terminal device 1, terminal device 2, terminal device 3, and terminal device 4, and determines that the first time-frequency resource corresponds to four ports: port 1, port 2, port 3, and port 4. The network device can assign port 1 and port 2 to port group 1, and assign port 3 and port 4 to port group 2.

[0140] If a network device assigns multiple ports from a port group to multiple terminal devices (different ports are assigned to different terminal devices), then these multiple terminal devices can be considered to correspond to the port group, or it can be described as the port group including multiple terminal devices, or multiple terminal devices belonging to the port group, or multiple terminal devices being associated with the port group, etc. For example, if a network device sends first information to a first terminal device, indicating a first reference signal on a first port, and sends second information to a second terminal device, indicating a second reference signal on a second port, and the first and second ports belong to a first port group, then it can be said that the first terminal device and the second terminal device correspond to the first port group.

[0141] Optionally, in addition to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the first port group may also correspond to other terminal devices.

[0142] Optionally, the first information may also indicate that the power of the first reference signal at the first port is zero at one or more other time-frequency locations. The second information may also indicate that the power of the first reference signal at the second port is zero at one or more other time-frequency locations.

[0143] This application embodiment does not limit the specific implementation of the first information indicating the time-frequency position of the first reference signal and the second information indicating the time-frequency position of the first reference signal in S301. The following uses the example of the first information indicating the first time-frequency position of the first reference signal on the first port and the second information indicating the first time-frequency position of the first reference signal on the second port to introduce several possible implementations provided by this application embodiment.

[0144] In one possible implementation, the first information or the second information can directly indicate the first time-frequency position. Optionally, the first information or the second information can indicate at least one of the following: the index of the time-domain resource corresponding to the first time-frequency position, the number of time-domain units (e.g., symbols) occupied by the first reference signal, the density of the first reference signal in the frequency domain, and the index of the frequency-domain resource corresponding to the first time-frequency position.

[0145] For example, the first information may indicate that a first reference signal is configured on the time-frequency resources corresponding to subcarrier 1 in time slot 3 on the first port. The first information may also indicate that the starting symbol of the first reference signal in time slot 3 is symbol 2, occupying a single symbol, i.e., occupying symbol 2 in time slot 3. If the first information indicates that the first reference signal occupies two symbols, then the first reference signal occupies symbols 2 and 3 in time slot 3. The first information may also indicate that the density of the first reference signal in the frequency domain is 50%, i.e., the first reference signal is distributed at intervals in the frequency domain corresponding to the occupied symbols.

[0146] Optionally, the first terminal device can determine, based on the first time-frequency position indicated by the first information, that the power of the first reference signal at the first port is zero at one or more other time-frequency positions. For example, the first terminal device can determine, based on the density of the first reference signal in the frequency domain indicated by the first information, that the power of the first reference signal is zero at different frequency domain positions corresponding to the same time domain unit.

[0147] Similarly, optionally, the second terminal device can determine, based on the first time-frequency position indicated by the second information, that the power of the first reference signal on the second port is zero at one or more other time-frequency positions.

[0148] Optionally, the first information may also indicate the index of the first port. The second information may also indicate the index of the second port.

[0149] For example, assuming the first time-frequency resource corresponds to two ports with indices 1000 and 1001, the first information can indicate the index of port 1000 and indicate that the power of the first reference signal on symbol 2 of time slot 4, subcarrier 1, is set to zero on port 1000. The second information can indicate the index of port 1001 and indicate that the power of the first reference signal on symbol 2 of time slot 2, subcarrier 1, is set to zero on port 1001.

[0150] In another possible implementation, the first terminal device can determine the first time-frequency position of the first reference signal on the first port based on the first mapping relationship and the first information. The second terminal device can determine the first time-frequency position of the first reference signal on the second port based on the first mapping relationship and the second information. The first mapping relationship can include the mapping relationship between the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal on the port is set to zero and an index (or specific information such as identification information, which will be described using an index as an example below). In other words, the first mapping relationship includes the mapping rules for the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal on the port is set to zero. The time-frequency position of the first reference signal on the port can also be referred to as the pattern of the first reference signal on the port.

[0151] In this implementation, the first or second information may include information for determining the indexes included in the first mapping relationship.

[0152] Optionally, the first mapping relationship may include an index of a port group and a mapping relationship between the index and the pattern of setting the first reference signal power to zero on the ports included in the port group. The index of the port group in the first mapping relationship includes a first index, and the first information or second information may include the first index. The first terminal device or the second terminal device may determine the time-frequency position of setting the first reference signal power to zero on each port in the first port group according to the first mapping relationship and the first index.

[0153] For example, suppose a port group with a predefined index of 01 includes two ports, with indices 1000 and 1001 respectively, and the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on port 1000 and port 1001 are predefined. In the first mapping relationship, port group index 01 corresponds to the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on port 1000 and port 1001. The network device determines that ports 1000 and 1001 corresponding to the first time-frequency resource belong to port group 01, sends first information to terminal device 1, and sends second information to terminal device 2. The first and second information indicate port group index 01. Terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 can determine the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on ports 1000 and 1001 included in port group 01 according to the first mapping relationship and index 01.

[0154] Optionally, the first mapping relationship may include a mapping between a port index and the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal on the port is set to zero. First information may indicate the index of the first port. The first terminal device receiving the first information can determine the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal on the first port is set to zero based on the index of the first port and the first mapping relationship. Second information may indicate the index of the second port. The second terminal device receiving the second information can determine the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal on the second port is set to zero based on the index of the second port and the first mapping relationship.

[0155] Optionally, the first or second information may also indicate the index of the first port group. The first terminal device can determine the port group to which the first port belongs based on the first information. The second terminal device can determine the port group to which the second port belongs based on the second information.

[0156] For example, suppose the first port group 01 includes two ports, with indices 1000 and 1001 respectively. The first mapping relationship may include the mapping relationship between port index 1000 and the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on port 1000, and the mapping relationship between port index 1001 and the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on port 1001. First information indicates the index 01 and port index 1000 of the first port group. A first terminal device receiving the first information can determine that its corresponding port 1000 belongs to port group 01 based on the first information, and determine the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on port 1000 based on the first mapping relationship. Second information indicates the index 01 and port index 1001 of the first port group. A second terminal device receiving the second information can determine that its corresponding port 1001 belongs to port group 01 based on the second information, and determine the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on port 1001 based on the first mapping relationship.

[0157] Optionally, the first mapping relationship may include a mapping relationship between the port index and the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal on the port is set to zero. The first or second information may indicate the index of the first port group, the index of the first port in the first port group (the first port refers to the port with the smallest index in the first port group), and the number of ports included in the first port group. In this scheme, the network device and the terminal device may be configured with the following rules (e.g., the protocol may be defined, or the network device and the terminal device may pre-agree, or the network device and the terminal device may pre-configure): the rule of the indices of the ports included in the port group (e.g., the indices of the ports included in the port group are consecutive, or the indices of the ports included in the port group increase by +2), and the rule that each port included in the port group has a first reference signal. The first terminal device can determine the index of each port in the first port group based on the first information, and then determine the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal on each port in the first port group is set to zero based on the first mapping relationship and the index of each port. Similarly, the second terminal device can determine the index of each port in the first port group based on the second information, and determine the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal on each port in the first port group is set to zero based on the first mapping relationship.

[0158] For example, assuming the first port group 01 includes two ports with indices 1000 and 1001, the first mapping relationship may include the mapping relationship between port index 1000 and the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on port 1000, and the mapping relationship between port index 1001 and the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on port 1001. The first information and the second information indicate the index 01, port index 1000, and port number 2 of the first port group. The first terminal device receiving the first information can determine that its corresponding port belongs to port group 01 based on the first information, and can determine that port group 01 includes port 1000 and port 1001 based on the first port being 1000 and the port number being 2. The first terminal device can determine the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on port 1000 and the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on port 1001 based on the first mapping relationship, and the port index 1000 and port 1001. Similarly, the second terminal device can determine the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal on port 1000 is set to zero and the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal on port 1001 is set to zero based on the second information.

[0159] This application embodiment does not limit the number of time-frequency positions where the first reference signal power on a port is set to zero, which are included in the first mapping relationship. The first mapping relationship may include one or more time-frequency positions where the first reference signal power on a port is set to zero.

[0160] This application does not limit the implementation method of network devices and / or terminal devices obtaining the first mapping relationship. For example, network devices and terminal devices may pre-configure the first mapping relationship. Alternatively, the first mapping relationship may be predefined by a protocol. Another example is that the network device may send information indicating the first mapping relationship to the terminal device. Yet another example is that the network device and terminal device may pre-agree on the first mapping relationship.

[0161] Optionally, the network device may also instruct the first terminal device to measure the first port (this instruction information may be first information, or it may be other information). The network device may also instruct the second terminal device to measure the second port (this instruction information may be second information, or it may be other information). For example, the first terminal device determines, based on the first information, the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is set to zero on each port included in the first port group, and also determines, based on the first information, that it needs to measure the first port in the first port group.

[0162] Optionally, the first or second information can be carried in downlink control information (DCI). Alternatively, the first or second information can also be carried in other messages, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0163] Optionally, the first information may indicate all time-frequency positions at which the power of the first reference signal is zero on the first port, or a portion of the time-frequency positions at which the power of the first reference signal is zero. Similarly, the second information may indicate all time-frequency positions at which the power of the first reference signal is zero on the second port, or a portion of the time-frequency positions at which the power of the first reference signal is zero.

[0164] For example, suppose that on port 1000 included in the first port group, the first reference signal has zero power on RE2 and RE3, and on port 1001 included in the first port group, the first reference signal has zero power on RE1 and RE3. First information may indicate that on port 1000, the first reference signal has zero power on RE2 and RE3, or the first information may indicate that on port 1000, the first reference signal has zero power on both RE2 and RE3. Second information may indicate that on port 1001, the first reference signal has zero power on both RE2 and RE3, or the second information may indicate that on port 1001, the first reference signal has zero power on both RE2 and RE3.

[0165] Optionally, the first information and / or the second information may also indicate the usage of an additional first reference signal (also referred to as an extra first reference signal or a subsequent first reference signal, etc., which are not limited in this embodiment). In this optional scheme, the first reference signal may be divided into a preceding first reference signal and an additional first reference signal. The first information and / or the second information may indicate the time-frequency position of the preceding first reference signal on the port, and whether the additional first reference signal is used. If the additional first reference signal is used, the first information and / or the second information may also indicate the time-frequency position of the additional first reference signal (see the above description of the first information or second information indicating the first time-frequency position), or it may indicate the time domain position of the additional first reference signal, and by default (e.g., protocol pre-definition, terminal device pre-configuration, network device and terminal device pre-agreement, etc.), the frequency domain position of the additional first reference signal is the same as the frequency domain position of the preceding first reference signal. Optionally, the additional first reference signal and the preceding first reference signal may be located in the same time domain unit (e.g., the same time slot), and the additional first reference signal is after the preceding first reference signal in the time domain.

[0166] Optionally, the network device may send indication information to the first terminal device and / or the second terminal device. This indication information may indicate whether any port in the first port group has a first reference signal configured with zero power. Alternatively, this indication information may indicate whether any port in the first port group has a time-frequency position where the first reference signal power is zero. For example, this indication information may be carried in RRC signaling. Alternatively, this indication information may also be carried in other signaling, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0167] Optionally, the network device may also send indication information to the first terminal device and / or the second terminal device. This indication information may indicate a first reference signal with zero power on the active port, or indicate a first reference signal with zero power on the deactivated port. For example, this indication information may be carried in the DCI (Distributed Control Interface). Alternatively, this indication information may also be carried in other signaling, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0168] Optionally, the network device may also send third information to the first terminal device, the third information indicating that the power of the first reference signal on the first port is not zero at at least one time-frequency location (including the second time-frequency location, and possibly one or more other time-frequency locations). For example, the third information may indicate that there is a conventional DMRS corresponding to the first terminal device on the first port at the second time-frequency location.

[0169] Optionally, the network device may also send a fourth message to the second terminal device, the fourth message indicating that the power of the first reference signal on the second port is not zero at at least one time-frequency location (including a third time-frequency location, and possibly one or more other time-frequency locations). For example, the fourth message may indicate that there is a conventional DMRS corresponding to the second terminal device on the second port at a second time-frequency location.

[0170] If the third information indicates multiple time-frequency positions where the power of the first reference signal is not zero on the first port, the specific implementation of the third information indicating each time-frequency position can be found in the following description of the third information indicating that the power of the first reference signal is zero at the second time-frequency position on the second port. If the fourth information indicates multiple time-frequency positions where the power of the first reference signal is not zero on the first port, the specific implementation of the fourth information indicating each time-frequency position can be found in the following description of the fourth information indicating that the power of the first reference signal is not zero at the third time-frequency position on the second port.

[0171] Optionally, the third information may also indicate at least one time-frequency position on other ports included in the first port group where the power of the first reference signal is not zero. For details, please refer to the following description of the third information indicating that the power of the first reference signal is zero at a second time-frequency position on the first port. Optionally, the fourth information may also indicate at least one time-frequency position on other ports included in the first port group where the power of the first reference signal is not zero. For details, please refer to the following description of the fourth information indicating that the power of the first reference signal is zero at a third time-frequency position on the second port.

[0172] Optionally, the third information indicating that the power of the first reference signal at the second time-frequency position is not zero at the first port can be understood as the third information instructing the first terminal device to measure the first port based on the fact that the power of the first reference signal at the second time-frequency position is not zero. Similarly, the fourth information indicating that the power of the first reference signal at the third time-frequency position is zero at the second port can be understood as the fourth information instructing the second terminal device to measure the second port based on the fact that the power of the first reference signal at the third time-frequency position is not zero.

[0173] Optionally, for the third information indicating that the power of the first reference signal is not zero at the second time-frequency position on the first port, it can be understood that the network device configures a reference signal with non-zero power at the first port and the second time-frequency position. For the fourth information indicating that the power of the first reference signal is not zero at the third time-frequency position on the second port, it can be understood that the network device configures a reference signal with non-zero power at the second port and the third time-frequency position.

[0174] Optionally, if a certain information indicates that the power of the first reference signal is not zero at a certain time-frequency position, the first reference signal can be a signal known to the terminal device receiving the information. In other words, the terminal device can process the measurement value obtained from the measurement port according to the known first reference signal. For example, if a third piece of information indicates that the power of the first reference signal is not zero at a second time-frequency position, the first terminal device can measure the first port and process the obtained measurement value according to the known first reference signal received at the second time-frequency position. Specifically, refer to conventional DMRS where the signal is known to the terminal device.

[0175] Optionally, the first terminal device receives a known first reference signal at a second time-frequency position and measures the first port. In this case, the first reference signal configured at the first port and the second time-frequency position can be considered as a reference signal corresponding to the first terminal device (or simply a reference signal of the first terminal device). The second terminal device receives a known first reference signal at a third time-frequency position and measures the second port. In this case, the first reference signal configured at the second port and the third time-frequency position can be considered as a reference signal corresponding to the second terminal device (or simply a reference signal of the second terminal device).

[0176] This application does not limit the implementation method of the third and / or fourth information indicating the time-frequency position where the power of the first reference signal on the port is not zero. Optionally, the third and / or fourth information can refer to the implementation method of DCI indicating the time-frequency position of conventional DMRS in existing communication protocols. Alternatively, the third and / or fourth information can refer to the above description of the first and second information indicating the first time-frequency position.

[0177] Optionally, the first and third information can be carried in the same message or in different messages. Similarly, the second and fourth information can be carried in the same message or in different messages. For example, the first and third information can be carried in the DCI sent by the network device to the first terminal device, or they can be carried in other messages. The second and fourth information can be carried in the DCI sent by the network device to the second terminal device, or they can be carried in other messages. This embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0178] Optionally, the first reference signal can be non-orthogonally multiplexed on the first port and the second port. In this scenario, when the first terminal device measures the first port with the power of the first reference signal set to zero at a certain time-frequency position, the second terminal device can measure the second port with the power of the first reference signal not set to zero at that time-frequency position, and / or, when the second terminal device measures the second port with the power of the first reference signal set to zero at a certain time-frequency position, the first terminal device can measure the first port with the power of the first reference signal not set to zero at that time-frequency position.

[0179] In other words, the first information can indicate that the power of the first reference signal on the first port is zero at the third time-frequency position. The second information can also indicate that the power of the first reference signal on the second port is zero at the second time-frequency position. Please refer to the above description of the third and fourth information for details.

[0180] For example, suppose the first port group corresponds to terminal device 1 and terminal device 2, and the first port group includes port 1000 and port 1001. The network device determines to transmit a first reference signal on port 1000 and port 1001. The DCI sent by the network device to terminal device 1 may indicate that the first reference signal on port 1000 has zero power on RE2 and RE3, and non-zero power on RE1. The DCI sent by the network device to terminal device 2 may indicate that the first reference signal on port 1001 has zero power on RE1 and RE3, and non-zero power on RE2.

[0181] Optionally, the network device may send information to the first terminal device indicating the time-frequency positions where the first reference signal power is set to zero and / or the time-frequency positions where the first reference signal power is not set to zero on one or more ports in the first port group other than the first port. The first terminal device can process the measurement value obtained from measuring the first port based on the received information. Optionally, this information and the first information can be carried in the same message, or they can be carried in different messages.

[0182] Optionally, the network device may send information to the second terminal device indicating the time-frequency positions where the first reference signal power is set to zero and / or the time-frequency positions where the first reference signal power is not set to zero on one or more ports in the first port group other than the second port. The second terminal device can process the measurement value obtained from measuring the second port based on the received information. Optionally, this information and the second information can be carried in the same message, or they can be carried in different messages.

[0183] For example, assume the first port group includes terminal device 1 and terminal device 2, and the first port group includes port 1000 and port 1001. The DCI sent by the network device to terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 can instruct that the power of the first reference signal on port 1000 is not zero on RE1, but zero on RE2 and RE3; and that the power of the first reference signal on port 1001 is zero on RE1 and RE3, but not zero on RE2. The DCI sent by the network device to terminal device 1 can instruct terminal device 1 to measure port 1000, and the DCI sent to terminal device 2 can instruct terminal device 2 to measure port 1001.

[0184] Optionally, the network device may send information to the terminal device indicating the type of a first reference signal on the port, whereby the type of the first reference signal can characterize whether the power of the first reference signal is zero. For example, if the power of the first reference signal on the first port is zero at a first time-frequency position and there is no time-frequency position with non-zero power, the network device may send information to the first terminal device indicating that the first reference signal on the first port includes a reference signal type with zero power. If the power of the first reference signal on the first port is zero at a first time-frequency position and non-zero power at a second time-frequency position, the network device may send information to the first terminal device indicating that the first reference signal on the first port includes reference signal types with both zero and non-zero power.

[0185] Optionally, the information indicating the type of the reference signal on the port can be carried in the same message as the first information (or the second information, the third information, or other information), or it can be carried in different messages. For example, the information indicating the type of the reference signal on the port can be carried in RRC signaling or DCI, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0186] Optionally, in this embodiment, the network device may also send other information to the terminal device to configure the ports included in the first port group. For example, the network device may also send code division multiplexing (CDM) information and orthogonal cover code (OCC) information to the terminal device.

[0187] Optionally, the network device may send a fifth message to the first terminal device, which may indicate that the first port group corresponds to at least two terminal devices. The fifth message may also indicate information about each terminal device corresponding to the first port group, or it may indicate information about other terminal devices included in the port group besides the first terminal device. The fifth message and the first message may be carried in the same message, or they may be carried in different messages.

[0188] Optionally, the network device may send a sixth message to the second terminal device. This sixth message may indicate that the first port group corresponds to at least two terminal devices. Alternatively, the sixth message may indicate information about each terminal device corresponding to the first port group, or it may indicate information about other terminal devices included in the port group besides the second terminal device. The sixth message and the first message may be carried in the same message, or they may be carried in different messages.

[0189] Optionally, it is understood that if, in addition to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, there are other terminal devices in the terminal devices corresponding to the first port group, such as a third terminal device, and in addition to the first port and the second port, there are other ports in the at least two ports included in the first port group, such as a third port, the network device may also send at least one of the following information to the third terminal device: information indicating the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power on at least one port is set to zero, information indicating the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power on at least one port is not set to zero, etc. For details, please refer to the above description of the information sent by the network device to the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0190] It is understood that, for the first terminal device, the other terminal devices included in the first port group can be referred to as at least one second terminal device. Similarly, for the second terminal device, the other terminal devices included in the first port group can be referred to as at least one first terminal device. In other words, if the number of terminal devices corresponding to the first port group is greater than two, and the number of ports included in the first port group is greater than two, the method embodiments provided in this application are still applicable.

[0191] Optionally, after S302, the first terminal device that receives the first information can measure the port indicated by the first information (including the first port, and possibly one or more other ports in the first port group) according to the first information to obtain a measurement value. The second terminal device that receives the second information can measure the port indicated by the second information (including the second port, and possibly one or more other ports in the first port group) according to the second information to obtain a measurement value.

[0192] Optionally, if the first terminal device also receives third information, the first terminal device can measure the port indicated by the third information based on the third information. If the second terminal device also receives fourth information, the second terminal device can measure the port indicated by the fourth information based on the fourth information.

[0193] The first terminal device measures the corresponding port based on the first information and / or the third information, which can also be understood as the first terminal device processing the first reference signal received on the first time-frequency resource based on the first information and / or the third information. Similarly, the second terminal device measures the corresponding port based on the second information and / or the fourth information, which can also be understood as the second terminal device processing the first reference signal received on the first time-frequency resource based on the second information and / or the fourth information.

[0194] Furthermore, the measurements obtained by the first terminal device can be combined with an algorithm to estimate the interference of other terminal devices in the first port group (excluding the first terminal device) to this terminal device. Similarly, the measurements obtained by the second terminal device can be combined with an algorithm to estimate the interference of other terminal devices in the first port group (excluding the second terminal device) to this terminal device. In other words, the measurements obtained by the terminal devices can be used to estimate the MU interference level.

[0195] The following describes the principle of a possible, non-limiting method for estimating MU interference levels using measurements of a reference signal on a port, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0196] For example, assume that the same time-frequency resource corresponds to at least two ports, some of which are configured with ZPDMRS, some of which are configured with conventional DMRS corresponding to terminal device k, and some of which are configured with conventional DMRS corresponding to terminal device j. Terminal device k and terminal device j belong to the same port group. Figure 4 The received signal y obtained by terminal device k after measuring the port assigned to terminal device k. k A schematic diagram of the signal model. (e.g.) Figure 4 As shown, the received signal y k It can be divided into three parts: useful signal H k W k s k Multi-user interference Σ j≠k H k W j s j (i.e., interference from terminal device j to terminal device k), noise floor n + neighboring cell interference R1. Where k represents terminal device k, and j represents terminal device j. H k W represents the channel of terminal device k. k s represents the precoding weights corresponding to terminal device k. k The symbol representing terminal device k, Wj s represents the precoding weights corresponding to terminal device j. j The symbol representing terminal device j. Useful signal H. k W k s k This can also be understood as the second reference signal corresponding to terminal device k.

[0197] Understandable, Figure 4 This example illustrates a port group including terminal device k and terminal device j. If the port group includes more than two terminal devices, the received signal y from terminal device k... k It can be assumed that there are at least two terminal devices j in the port group, and it can still be based on the received signal y. k The model defines three parts: the useful signal H k W k s k Multi-user interference ∑ j≠k H k W j s j (Interference from at least two terminal devices j to terminal device k), noise floor n + neighboring cell interference R1.

[0198] Optionally, after the first terminal device measures the first port in the first port group corresponding to the first time-frequency resource, it can send sixth information to the network device. The sixth information can indicate the first measurement value. The first measurement value includes at least one of the following parameters, and / or the result obtained by adding at least two of the following parameters: the measurement value of the received signal, the measurement value of the useful signal, the MU interference level, and the result of noise floor + neighboring cell interference.

[0199] Optionally, after the second terminal device measures the second port in the first port group corresponding to the first time-frequency resource, it can send the seventh information to the network device. The seventh information can indicate the second measurement value. The second measurement value includes at least one of the following parameters and / or the result obtained by adding at least two of the following parameters: the measurement value of the received signal, the measurement value of the useful signal, the MU interference level, and the result of noise floor + neighboring cell interference.

[0200] For example, refer to Figure 4 In the example shown, the sixth message sent by terminal device k can indicate at least one of the following: y k The value of H k W k s k The value of ∑ j≠k H k W j s j The value of y, the noise floor n+ neighboring cell interference R1. For example, the sixth information can indicate y. k The value or ∑ j≠kH k W j s j The value of . For example, the sixth piece of information can indicate ∑ j≠k H k W j s j The value of +n+R1.

[0201] Optionally, when the sixth or seventh information indicates at least one parameter, it can indicate the physical meaning of each parameter. For example, the sixth information indicates y k The measured value of the received signal, indicating ∑ j≠k H k W j s j The value is the MU interference level. Similarly, when the sixth or seventh information indicates the result obtained by adding at least two parameters, it can indicate the physical meaning of the result.

[0202] Optionally, the physical meaning of at least one parameter indicated by the sixth or seventh information, and / or the result of adding at least two parameters, may be defined by the protocol, agreed upon by the network device and the terminal device in advance, or defined in advance by other means.

[0203] Optionally, the network device can determine the MU interference level based on the sixth and / or seventh information.

[0204] It is understandable that, since the parameters indicated by the sixth and / or seventh information are determined by the first and / or second terminal devices by measuring the precoded port, the MU interference level determined by the network device based on the parameters indicated by the sixth and / or seventh information takes into account the precoded MU interference level.

[0205] Optionally, the first or second terminal device can estimate the channel quality based on measurements obtained from measurements taken on the assigned port. For example, the first or second terminal device can determine the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) based on the measurements. (See reference) Figure 4 The example shown,

[0206] Optionally, the first terminal device or the second terminal device may send information indicating channel quality, such as the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio, to the network device.

[0207] Optionally, the network device may determine the quality of the channel with the first terminal device and / or with the second terminal device based on the sixth and / or seventh information, for example, by determining the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio.

[0208] The following example illustrates how to estimate the interference level using a first reference signal measured at the terminal device's measurement port.

[0209] For example, suppose the network device schedules a first time-frequency resource to terminal device 1 and terminal device 2, and configures a first port group on the first time-frequency resource. The first port group includes port 1000 and port 1001. The first time-frequency resource includes time slots 0-13 in the time domain and subcarrier 1 in the frequency domain. Terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 correspond to the first port group. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the first reference signal on ports 1000 and 1001 corresponding to the first time-frequency resource. Figure 5 In the diagram, the second line illustrates the distribution of the first reference signal and data on port 1000 corresponding to the first time-frequency resource, and the third line illustrates the distribution of the first reference signal and data on port 1001 corresponding to the first time-frequency resource. For example... Figure 5 As shown, in time slot 2, on RE1 corresponding to subcarrier 1 (symbol 2), the power of the first reference signal at port 1000 is not set to zero, while the power of the first reference signal at port 1001 is set to zero. In time slot 4, on RE2 corresponding to subcarrier 1 (symbol 2), the power of the first reference signal at port 1000 is set to zero, and the power of the first reference signal at port 1001 is set to zero. In time slot 6, on RE3 corresponding to subcarrier 1 (symbol 2), the power of the first reference signal at port 1000 is set to zero, and the power of the first reference signal at port 1001 is set to zero. The positions of the symbols in time slots 0-13 are not shown.

[0210] The network device sends a DCI to terminal device 1, instructing terminal device 1 to measure port 1000 and to set the power of the first reference signal on port 1000 to zero on RE2 and RE3, but not to zero on RE1. The network device also sends a DCI to terminal device 2, instructing terminal device 2 to measure port 1001 and to set the power of the first reference signal on port 1001 to zero on RE1 and RE3, but not to zero on RE2.

[0211] Optionally, the DCI sent by the network device to terminal device 1 may also indicate that the power of the first reference signal on port 1001 on RE2 is not set to zero on the first time-frequency resource. The DCI sent by the network device to terminal device 2 may also indicate that the power of the first reference signal on port 1000 on RE1 is not set to zero on the first time-frequency resource.

[0212] Optionally, the network device may also send information to terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 indicating the first port group corresponding to terminal device 1 and terminal device 2.

[0213] Terminal devices 1 and 2 measure the received signals on RE1, RE2, and RE3 based on the received DCI. On RE1, since the first reference signal power on port 1000 is not zero, and the first reference signal power on port 1001 is zero, the measurement value obtained by terminal device 1 includes the useful signal power level and the terminal device 1's own neighboring cell interference + noise floor power level. (Reference) Figure 4 In the received signal model, the measured value of the received signal obtained by terminal device 1 is y1 = H1W1s1 (useful signal power level) + n + R1 (interference from neighboring cells of terminal device 1 + noise floor power level). Similarly, on RE1, the measured value of terminal device 2 is y2 = ∑H2W1s1 (interference from terminal device 1 to terminal device 2) + n + R1 (interference from neighboring cells of terminal device 2 + noise floor power level). On RE2, since the first reference signal power on port 1000 is set to zero, and the first reference signal on port 1001 is not set to zero, the measured value of terminal device 1 is y1 = ∑H1W2s2 (interference from terminal device 2 to terminal device 1) + n + R1 (interference from neighboring cells of terminal device 1 + noise floor power level), and the measured value of terminal device 2 is y2 = H2W2s2 (useful signal power level) + n + R1 (interference from neighboring cells of terminal device 2 + noise floor power level). On RE3, since the power of the first reference signal on ports 1000 and 1001 is set to zero, the measurement value y1 obtained by terminal device 1 is y1 = n + R1 (interference of neighboring cells of terminal device 1 + noise floor power level), and the measurement value y2 obtained by terminal device 2 is y2 = n + R1 (interference of neighboring cells of terminal device 2 + noise floor power level).

[0214] It is understandable that the value of n+R1 corresponding to the power level of neighboring cell interference + noise floor of terminal device 1 may be the same as or different from the value of n+R1 corresponding to the power level of neighboring cell interference + noise floor of terminal device 2.

[0215] Optionally, terminal device 1 can determine ∑H1W2s2 (interference of terminal device 2 to terminal device 1) based on the measurement values ​​obtained on RE1, RE2, and RE3 respectively. Terminal device 2 can determine ∑H2W1s1 (interference of terminal device 1 to terminal device 2) based on the measurement values ​​obtained on RE1, RE2, and RE3 respectively.

[0216] Optionally, terminal device 1 can send a sixth message to the network device. The first measurement value indicated by the sixth message can be ∑H1W2s2, which can indicate the interference of terminal device 2 to terminal device 1. Terminal device 2 can send a seventh message to the network device. The second measurement value indicated by the seventh message can be ∑H2W1s1, which can indicate the interference of terminal device 1 to terminal device 2.

[0217] Alternatively, the sixth message sent by terminal device 1 to the network device can indicate the measurement value obtained on RE2: y1 = ∑H1W2s2 + n + R1, and the measurement value obtained on RE3: y1 = n + R1. The network device can determine the interference of terminal device 2 on terminal device 1 based on the sixth message from terminal device 1: ΣH1W2s2. The seventh message sent by terminal device 2 to the network device can indicate the measurement value obtained on RE1: y2 = ΣH2W1s1 + n + R1, and the measurement value obtained on RE3: y2 = n + R1. The network device can determine the interference of terminal device 1 on terminal device 2 based on the fifth message from terminal device 2: ΣH2W1s1.

[0218] Optionally, terminal device 1 can use the measurement values ​​obtained from RE1, RE2, and RE3 respectively. Terminal device 2 can use the measurement values ​​obtained from RE1, RE2, and RE3 respectively. Terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 can send information about the obtained signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio to the network device.

[0219] Additionally, in S302, the network device can also send information indicating the first reference signal configured on the port to a terminal device. The terminal device can then measure the assigned port based on the received information, and the resulting measurements can be used to determine the multi-user interference level. For details on the implementation, please refer to the above description; further details will not be elaborated here.

[0220] The above mainly describes the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of interaction between various devices. Correspondingly, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication device for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device can be a network device in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the above network device, or a component usable in a network device; or, this communication device can be a terminal device in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the above terminal device, or a component usable in a terminal device. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0221] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be understood that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0222] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a communication device 600 is shown. The communication device 600 includes a transceiver module 602 and a processing module 601. Optionally, the communication device 600 may also include a storage module 603. The transceiver module 602, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement transceiver functions; for example, it may be a transceiver circuit, transceiver, transceiver adapter, or communication interface.

[0223] The communication device 600 can be a network device in the above embodiments, or a chip within the network device. Alternatively, the communication device can be a terminal device in the above embodiments, or a chip within the terminal device. The communication device 600 can be used to implement the communication method of any of the above embodiments.

[0224] For example, the transceiver module 602 is used to support the communication device 600 in sending and receiving information, or to communicate with other devices. The processing module 601 is used to control and manage the operation of the communication device 600, and to execute the processing performed by the communication device 600 in the above embodiments. Optionally, if the communication device 600 includes a storage module 603, the processing module 601 can also execute programs or instructions stored in the memory, so that the communication device 600 implements the methods and functions involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0225] For example, if the communication device 600 is a network device as described in the above embodiments, the processing module 601 can be used to determine the first information and the second information, and / or other processes used in the techniques described herein. The transceiver module 602 can be used to perform, for example... Figure 3 Steps S301 and S302, and / or other processes used in the technology described herein. All relevant content regarding each step in the above method embodiments can be referenced to the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0226] For example, if the communication device 600 is the first terminal device in the above embodiments, the transceiver module 602 can be used to perform, for example... Figure 3Step S302 in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes used in the technology described herein. Processing module 601 can be used to measure the first port according to the first information, and / or other processes used in the technology described herein. All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced to the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0227] For example, if the communication device 600 is the second terminal device in the above embodiments, the transceiver module 602 can be used to perform, for example... Figure 3 Step S302 in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes used in the technology described herein. Processing module 601 can be used to measure the second port according to the second information, and / or other processes used in the technology described herein. All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced to the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0228] For example, in hardware implementation, the functions of processing module 601 can be executed by a processor, and the functions of transceiver module 602 can be executed by a transceiver (transmitter / receiver) and / or communication interface. Processing module 601 can be embedded in or independent of the processor of communication device 600 in hardware form, or it can be stored in the memory of communication device 600 in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to the above functional units.

[0229] Optionally, Figure 6 Modules in a module can also be called units; for example, a processing module can be called a processing unit, and a transceiver module can be called a transceiver unit. Additionally, in... Figure 6 In the embodiments shown, the names of the various units may not be the same as those shown in the figures. For example, the transceiver module may also be called a communication module or a communication unit.

[0230] Figure 6 If the various units in the software are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. This computer software product, stored in a storage medium, includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. Storage media for storing computer software products include various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0231] In this embodiment, the communication device 600 is presented in an integrated manner, divided into various functional modules. Here, "module" can refer to a specific ASIC, circuitry, a processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other devices that can provide the aforementioned functions. In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that the communication device 600 can adopt... Figure 7 The form of the communication device shown.

[0232] like Figure 7 As shown, the communication device 700 includes one or more processors 701, a communication line 702, and at least one communication interface. Figure 7 (This is merely an example illustration of a communication interface 704 and a processor 701; optionally, a memory 703 may also be included.)

[0233] The processor 701 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of the program of the present application.

[0234] The communication line 702 may include a path for connecting different components.

[0235] The communication interface 704 can be a transceiver module used to communicate with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, RAN, terminals, and wireless local area networks (WLAN). For example, the transceiver module can be a transceiver or similar device. Optionally, the communication interface 704 can also be a transceiver circuit or input / output interface located within the processor 701, used to implement signal input and signal output for the processor.

[0236] The memory 703 can be a device with storage functionality. For example, it can be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions; random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices capable of storing information and instructions; electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM); compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage; optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.); magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices; or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. The memory can exist independently and be connected to the processor via communication line 702. The memory can also be integrated with the processor.

[0237] The memory 703 stores computer execution instructions for implementing the scheme of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 701. The processor 701 executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 703, thereby implementing the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0238] Alternatively, in this embodiment, the processor 701 may execute the processing-related functions in the communication method provided in the following embodiments of this application, and the communication interface 704 may be responsible for communicating with other devices or communication networks. This embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0239] Optionally, the computer execution instructions in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as application code, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0240] In a specific implementation, as one example, the processor 701 may include one or more CPUs, for example... Figure 7 CPU0 and CPU1 in the CPU.

[0241] In a specific implementation, as one example, the communication device 700 may include multiple processors, such as... Figure 7The processors 701 and 707 are described herein. Each of these processors may be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. The processors herein may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), or an artificial intelligence processor, and other computing devices that run software. Each computing device may include one or more cores for executing software instructions to perform calculations or processing.

[0242] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the communication device 700 may further include an output device 705 and an input device 706. The output device 705 communicates with the processor 701 and can display information in various ways. For example, the output device 705 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device 706 communicates with the processor 701 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, the input device 706 may be a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen device, or sensing device, etc.

[0243] The aforementioned communication device 700 may sometimes be referred to as a communication equipment, which can be a general-purpose device or a special-purpose device. For example, the communication device 700 may be a desktop computer, a portable computer, a network server, a handheld digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wireless terminal device, an embedded device, or something else with... Figure 7 Devices with similar structures. This application does not limit the type of communication device 700 to any particular embodiment.

[0244] also, Figure 7 The structural composition shown does not constitute a limitation on the communication device, except... Figure 7 In addition to the components shown, the communication device 700 may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0245] in, Figure 7 The processor 701 in the communication device 700 shown can execute the communication method in the above method embodiment by calling the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 703.

[0246] Specifically, Figure 6 The functions / implementation process of the transceiver module 602 and the processing module 601 can be obtained through... Figure 7 The processor 701 in the communication device 700 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in the memory 703 to implement the function. Alternatively, Figure 6 The function / implementation process of the processing module 601 can be achieved through... Figure 7 The processor 701 in the communication device 700 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in the memory 703 to implement the communication. Figure 6 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 602 can be obtained through Figure 7 This is achieved through the communication interface 704 in the communication device 700 shown.

[0247] It should be understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a SoC or ASIC, or it can be a separate semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0248] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0249] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device (e.g., the communication device may be a chip or a chip system), which includes a processor for implementing the methods in any of the above method embodiments. In one possible design, the communication device further includes a memory. The memory is used to store necessary program instructions and data, and the processor can call the program code stored in the memory to instruct the communication device to execute the methods in any of the above method embodiments. Of course, the memory may not be included in the communication device. When the communication device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0250] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when run on a communication device, enable the communication device to execute the methods described in any of the above method embodiments or any implementation thereof.

[0251] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a communication device, enable the communication device to execute the methods described in any of the above method embodiments or any implementation thereof.

[0252] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, which includes the network device described in the above method embodiments and at least two terminal devices described in the above method embodiments.

[0253] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state drives (SSDs)).

[0254] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple instances. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0255] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of the application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from its scope. Thus, if such modifications and modifications fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send first information to the first terminal device, the first information being used to indicate that the power of the first reference signal on the first port is zero at the first time-frequency position; Send a second message to the second terminal device, the second message indicating that the power of the first reference signal on the second port is zero at the first time-frequency position; the first port and the second port correspond to the first time-frequency resource.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first or second information is used to indicate the index of the time-domain resource and the index of the frequency-domain resource corresponding to the first time-frequency position; or, The first or second information is used to indicate the index of the first port in the first port group and the number of ports included in the first port group, wherein the first port and the second port belong to the first port group. The index of the first port and the number of ports included in the first port group are used to determine the first time-frequency position in conjunction with a first mapping relationship, wherein the first mapping relationship includes a mapping relationship between the port index and the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power on the port is set to zero; or, The first information is used to indicate the index of the first port, and the second information is used to indicate the index of the second port. The index of the first port or the index of the second port is used in conjunction with the first mapping relationship to determine the first time-frequency position.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message to the first terminal device, the third message being used to indicate that the power of the first reference signal on the first port is not zero at the second time-frequency position; Send a fourth message to the second terminal device, the fourth message being used to indicate that the power of the first reference signal on the second port is not zero at the third time-frequency position.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate that the power of the first reference signal on the first port is zero at the third time-frequency position; The second information is also used to indicate that the power of the first reference signal on the second port is zero at the second time-frequency position.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes; Send a fifth message to the first terminal device, the fifth message being used to indicate that the first port group to which the first port belongs corresponds to at least two terminal devices, the at least two terminal devices including the first terminal device and the second terminal device; And / or, A sixth message is sent to the second terminal device, the sixth message being used to indicate that the first port group to which the second port belongs corresponds to at least two terminal devices.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive sixth information from the first terminal device, the sixth information indicating a first measurement value, the first measurement value used to determine interference from one or more terminal devices different from the first terminal device among at least two terminal devices corresponding to the first port group, the first port group including at least two ports, the at least two ports including the first port and the second port, the at least two terminal devices including the first terminal device and the second terminal device; and / or The system receives seventh information from the second terminal device, the seventh information indicating a second measurement value, the second measurement value being used to determine interference from one or more terminal devices that are different from the second terminal device among the at least two terminal devices corresponding to the first port group.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first information, the first information being used to indicate that the power of the first reference signal on the first port is zero at the first time-frequency position, the first port and at least one second port corresponding to the first time-frequency resource; Based on the first information, measure the first port.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate the index of the time-domain resource and the index of the frequency-domain resource corresponding to the first time-frequency position; or, The first information is used to indicate the index of the first port in the first port group and the number of ports included in the first port group, wherein the first port belongs to the first port group. The index of the first port and the number of ports included in the first port group are used to determine the first time-frequency position in conjunction with a first mapping relationship, wherein the first mapping relationship includes a mapping relationship between the index of the port and the time-frequency position where the first reference signal power on the port is set to zero; or, The first information is used to indicate the index of the first port, and the index of the first port is used to determine the first time-frequency position in conjunction with the first mapping relationship.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: A sixth message is sent, the sixth message being used to indicate a first measurement value, the first measurement value being used to determine interference to the first terminal device from one or more terminal devices that are different from the first terminal device among at least two terminal devices corresponding to the first port group, the first port group including at least two ports, the at least two ports including the first port.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information, which indicates that the power of the first reference signal on the first port is not zero at the second time-frequency position.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7-10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The fifth information is received, which indicates that the first port belongs to a first port group, the first port group corresponds to at least two terminal devices, and the at least two terminal devices include the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes modules or units for implementing the method of any one of claims 1-6, or the communication device includes modules or units for implementing the method of any one of claims 7-11.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to communicate with a device other than the communication device, and the processor being used to execute instructions stored in the memory; when the instructions are executed by the processor, the communication device is caused to perform the method of any one of claims 1-6, or to perform the method of any one of claims 7-11.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1-6 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 7-11 to be performed.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1-6 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 7-11 to be performed.

16. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a network device and at least two terminal devices; wherein the network device is used to perform the method of any one of claims 1-6, and the first terminal device of the at least two terminal devices is used to perform the method of any one of claims 7-11.

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