A method and apparatus for managing beams

Abstract

The application provides a method and device for managing beams, the method comprising: when a beam failure occurs between a terminal device and a first network device, the terminal device initiates random access to the first network device through a second network device by using a first beam, or initiates random access to the second network device by using the first beam, wherein the first beam is a beam of the second network device; and determining that a preset condition is met, and the terminal device accesses the first network device through a second beam, wherein the second beam is a beam of the first network device. In the embodiment of the application, when a beam failure occurs between the terminal device and the first network device, the terminal device can perform beam recovery with the help of the second network device, so that the link can be ensured not to be interrupted, the terminal device and the first network device can maintain normal data exchange, and when the preset condition is met, the terminal device can re-access the first network device, thereby shortening the communication delay.

Description

A method and device for managing beams Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a method and device for managing beams. Background Art

[0002] The core of beam management is the management of static beam scanning, reporting, and maintenance. This involves selecting appropriate static beams for each channel, thereby improving cell coverage and reducing system overhead. However, when a terminal device's serving beam is obstructed, the optimal beam measured by the terminal device may not be reported, leading to traffic drops, dropped calls, and other issues. Therefore, a beam recovery mechanism can be implemented in terrestrial communication systems, allowing terminal devices to quickly access another available serving beam. The beam failure recovery mechanism in terrestrial communication systems is specific to the same access network device. Access network device channels in terrestrial communication systems exhibit significant multipath characteristics, allowing terminal devices and access network devices to communicate using both line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) beams. Therefore, in terrestrial communication systems, when a LOS beam fails (e.g., due to obstruction), beam recovery can be performed using another NLOS beam. However, in the NTN communication system, the multipath characteristics are very weak. There is generally only one LOS beam between the satellite access network equipment and the terminal equipment. The satellite access network equipment and the terminal equipment can only communicate through the LOS beam. When the LOS beam fails, the beam management mechanism in the existing ground communication system may not be applicable to the NTN system.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a method and apparatus for managing beams. When a beam failure occurs with a first network device, a terminal device can perform beam recovery through a second network device, thereby ensuring that the link between the terminal device and the first network device is not interrupted. When preset conditions are met, the terminal device can re-access the first network device through the beam of the first network device, thereby shortening the communication delay.

[0005] In a first aspect, a method for managing beams is provided, the method comprising: when a beam failure occurs between a terminal device and a first network device, the terminal device utilizes a first beam and initiates random access to the first network device through a second network device, or utilizes the first beam to initiate random access to the second network device, wherein the first beam is the beam of the second network device; and when it is determined that a preset condition is met, the terminal device accesses the first network device through a second beam, wherein the second beam is the beam of the first network device.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present application, when a beam failure occurs with a first network device, the terminal device can perform beam recovery through a second network device, ensuring that the link between the terminal device and the first network device is not interrupted. When the terminal device detects that a preset condition has been met, it can reconnect to the first network device through the second beam of the first network device. Since the terminal device accesses the first network device through the beam of the first network device, the terminal device no longer needs to communicate with the first network device through the second network device, thereby reducing the communication delay between the first network device and the terminal device.

[0007] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the preset condition is that a signal quality parameter of the second beam is detected to be greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method also includes: when the terminal device determines that the preset condition is met, the terminal device sends a switching request message to the second network device; the terminal device receives the switching response message sent by the second network device; the terminal device switches back to the first network device from the second network device through the second beam, including: the terminal device accesses the first network device through the second beam according to the switching response information.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the terminal device receives first indication information sent by the second network device, and the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the beam of the first network device.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the priority of the beam of the first network device is greater than the priority of the beam of the second network device, so that the terminal device preferentially detects the signal quality of the beam of the first network device.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the preset condition is detecting that the time for communicating with the second network device is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the terminal device and the second network device are configured with a communication angle interval, and the preset condition is detecting that the communication angle with the second network device is not within the communication angle interval.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the terminal device and the second network device are configured with a timer, and the preset condition is detecting that the timer is in a non-running state.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the preset condition is configured by the first network device.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first network device and the second network device are satellite access network devices, and the satellite orbit of the first network device is lower than the satellite orbit of the second network device.

[0016] According to a second aspect, a method for managing beams is provided. When a beam failure occurs between a terminal device and a first network device, the terminal device uses the first beam and initiates random access to the first network device through the second network device, or uses the first beam to initiate random access to the second network device, wherein the first beam is the beam of the second network device. The method includes: the second network device receives a switching request message sent by the terminal device, and the switching request message is sent by the terminal device when it is determined that a preset condition is met; the second network device sends a second indication message to the first network device according to the switching request message, and the second indication message is used to indicate that the terminal device will access the first network device; the second network device sends a switching request response message to the terminal device, so that the terminal device accesses the first terminal device through the second beam, and the second beam is the beam of the first terminal device.

[0017] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the preset condition is that the terminal device detects that the signal quality parameter of the second beam is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0018] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second network device sends first indication information to the terminal device, and the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the signal quality of the beam of the first network device.

[0019] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the preset condition is that the terminal device detects that the time for communicating with the second network device is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0020] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the terminal device and the second network device are configured with a communication angle interval, and the preset condition is that the terminal device detects that the communication angle with the second network device is not within the communication angle interval.

[0021] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the terminal device and the second network device are configured with a timer, and the preset condition is that the terminal device detects that the timer is in a non-running state.

[0022] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the preset condition is configured by the first network device.

[0023] In a third aspect, a communication device is provided, the device being configured to execute the method provided in the first aspect, the method provided in the second aspect, or the method provided in the third aspect. Specifically, the device may include units and / or modules for executing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or units and / or modules, such as a processing unit and / or a communication unit, for executing the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0024] In one implementation, the apparatus is a terminal device. When the apparatus is a terminal device, the communication unit may be a transceiver or an input / output interface; and the processing unit may be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0025] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in a terminal device. When the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in a terminal device, the communication unit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; and the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0026] In another implementation, the apparatus is a second network device. When the apparatus is a second network device, the communication unit may be a transceiver or an input / output interface; and the processing unit may be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0027] In another implementation, the apparatus is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in the second network device. When the apparatus is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in the second network device, the communication unit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; and the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0028] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor, the at least one processor being coupled to at least one memory, the at least one memory being used to store computer programs or instructions, and the at least one processor being used to call and run the computer program or instructions from the at least one memory, so that the communication device executes the method provided in the first aspect or the method provided in the second aspect.

[0029] In one implementation, the apparatus is a terminal device.

[0030] In another implementation, the apparatus is a chip, a chip system, or a circuit used in a terminal device.

[0031] In another implementation, the apparatus is a second network device.

[0032] In another implementation, the apparatus is a chip, a chip system, or a circuit used in the second network device.

[0033] In a fifth aspect, a processor is provided for executing the methods provided in the above aspects.

[0034] For the operations such as sending and acquiring / receiving involved in the processor, unless otherwise specified, or if they do not conflict with their actual functions or internal logic in the relevant descriptions, they can be understood as processor output, reception, input and other operations, and can also be understood as sending and receiving operations performed by the radio frequency circuit and antenna. This application does not limit this.

[0035] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a program code for execution by a device, and the program code includes a method for executing the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect or second aspect.

[0036] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method in the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect or second aspect.

[0037] In an eighth aspect, a chip is provided, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface and executes the method in the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect and any possible implementation method of the first aspect or second aspect.

[0038] Optionally, as an implementation method, the chip also includes a memory, in which a computer program or instructions are stored, and the processor is used to execute the computer program or instructions stored on the memory. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the processor is used to execute the method in the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect and any possible implementation method of the first aspect or second aspect.

[0039] In a ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes a terminal device, a first network device and a second network device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] FIG1 is a schematic architecture diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an NTN communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the time-frequency structure of SSB provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the process of sending SSB by an access network device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0044] FIG5 is a schematic flowchart of a beam management method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0045] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the SSB arrangement of the first network device and the second network device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0046] FIG7 is a schematic flowchart of a beam management method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0047] FIG8 is a schematic flowchart of a beam management method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0048] FIG9 is a schematic flowchart of a beam management method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0049] FIG10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0050] FIG11 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following points are first explained:

[0053] 1. In this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0054] 2. In this application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their internal logical relationships.

[0055] 3. The various numerical numbers involved in this application are only used for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of protection of this application. The size of the serial numbers involved in this application does not mean the order of execution. The order of execution of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. For example, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth" and other various terminology labels (if any) in the specification and claims and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. Among them, the data used in this way can be interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments described here can be implemented in an order other than what is illustrated or described here.

[0056] At the same time, any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner to facilitate understanding.

[0057] 4. The terms "comprise" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, product or apparatus.

[0058] 5. In this application, "pre-defined" may include pre-defined, such as protocol definition. "Pre-defined" may be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device. This application does not limit the specific implementation method.

[0059] 6. "Storage" or "saving" as used in this application may refer to storage in one or more memories. The one or more memories may be provided separately or integrated into an encoder or decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The one or more memories may also be partially provided separately and partially integrated into a decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory may be any form of storage medium and is not limited thereto.

[0060] 7. In this application, unless otherwise specified, “ / ” indicates that the objects associated with each other are in an “or” relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. “And / or” in this application is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0061] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: fifth generation (5G) or new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS), etc. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as sixth generation (6G) mobile communication systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device to device (D2D) communication, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication, machine to machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems, non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0062] As an example, Figure 1 shows a schematic architecture diagram of a communication system. For example, the architecture may include terminal devices, access network (AN) devices, core network (CN), external networks, etc. The external network may be a data network (DN), and the access network devices refer to the radio access network (RAN) devices provided in this application.

[0063] Terminal device: can be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The terminal device of this application can also be a handheld device with wireless connection function, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. At present, some examples of terminal devices are: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or future evolved public land mobile communication networks (PLMNs). The terminal equipment in the network (PLMN), etc., is not limited to this in the embodiments of the present application.

[0064] As an example and not a limitation, in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may also be a wearable device. Wearable devices may also be called wearable smart devices, which are a general term for wearable devices that are intelligently designed and developed using wearable technology for daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. A wearable device is a portable device that is worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. Wearable devices are not only hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are fully functional, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on smartphones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, as well as those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0065] It should be noted that the terminal device and the access network device can communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as but not limited to NR or LTE technology). The terminal devices can also communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as but not limited to NR or LTE technology).

[0066] In the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the function of the terminal device can be the terminal device, or it can be a device that can support the terminal device to implement the function, such as a chip system or chip, which can be installed in the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0067] Access network equipment: Also known as RAN nodes, RAN equipment, etc. RANs provide access to communications networks for authorized users in a specific area. Access network equipment can include wireless network equipment in 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) networks, as well as access points in non-3GPP networks. For ease of description, the term "access network (AN) equipment" will be used below.

[0068] Access network equipment can adopt different wireless access technologies. There are two types of wireless access technologies at present: 3GPP access technology (for example, the wireless access technology adopted in the third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G) or 5G systems) and non-3GPP access technology. 3GPP access technology refers to access technology that complies with 3GPP standards and specifications. For example, the access network equipment in the 5G system is called the next generation Node Base station (gNB) node or RAN equipment. Non-3GPP access technologies may include air interface technologies represented by access points (APs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), code division multiple access (CDMA), etc. Access network equipment can allow terminal devices and the 3GPP core network to interconnect and communicate using non-3GPP technologies.

[0069] Access network equipment is responsible for radio resource management, quality of service (QoS) management, data compression and encryption, and other functions on the air interface side. It provides access services to terminal devices and forwards control signals and user data between terminal devices and the core network.

[0070] Access network equipment may include, but is not limited to: a macro base station, a micro base station (also known as a small station), a radio network controller (RNC), a node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (e.g., a home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), an AP in a WiFi system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (TP) or a transmission and reception point (TRP), etc. It can also be a gNB or transmission point (TRP or TP) in a 5G (e.g., NR) system, one or a group of (including multiple antenna panels) antenna panels of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a distributed unit (DU), or a base station in a next-generation communication 6G system. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the AN device.

[0071] Core Network: Responsible for user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, billing, and other services. It consists of multiple functional units, which can be divided into control plane and data plane functional entities. The access and mobility management function (AMF) network element is responsible for user access management and control, user security authentication, and mobility management. The user plane function (UPF) network element is responsible for managing user plane data transmission, traffic statistics, and other functions. The session management function (SMF) network element is primarily responsible for control plane functions such as user session management.

[0072] NTN communication system includes integrated communication and navigation (IcaN) system, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and ultra-dense low-orbit satellite communication system. Satellite communication system can be integrated with traditional mobile communication system. For example, the mobile communication system can be the fourth generation (4G) thgeneration, 4G) communication systems (e.g., long term evolution (LTE) systems), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, fifth generation (5 th generation, 5G) communication system, the sixth generation (6 th generation, 6G) communication systems, and potentially applicable future mobile communication systems, etc.

[0073] The NTN communication system, which includes nodes such as satellite networks, high-altitude platforms, and drones, boasts significant advantages, including global coverage, long-distance transmission, flexible networking, easy deployment, and freedom from geographical constraints. It has been widely used in a variety of fields, including maritime communications, positioning and navigation, disaster relief, scientific experiments, video broadcasting, and Earth observation. The integration of terrestrial communication networks (such as 5G and future 6G) and satellite networks complements each other, forming a seamless global integrated communications network covering land, sea, air, space, and ground, capable of meeting the diverse business needs of users.

[0074] As an important component of the NTN communication system, the next-generation satellite network generally presents a trend of ultra-dense and heterogeneous: First, the scale of the satellite network has grown from 66 satellites in the Iridium constellation to 720 satellites in the OneWeb constellation, and eventually extended to the Starlink ultra-dense LEO satellite constellation of more than 12,000; Second, the satellite network presents heterogeneous characteristics, developing from traditional single-layer communication networks to multi-layer communication networks. The functions of communication satellite networks have also tended to be complex and diversified, gradually becoming compatible with and supporting functions such as navigation enhancement, earth observation, and multi-dimensional information on-orbit processing.

[0075] The NTN communication system provides seamless coverage for terminal devices by deploying access network equipment or some of the functions of access network equipment on non-ground platforms (such as high-altitude platforms or satellites). In the embodiments of the present application, the satellite with access network functions deployed is referred to as a satellite access network device or a satellite base station.

[0076] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an NTN communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application. The NTN (satellite) communication system includes satellites 201 and 202, each of which can provide services to terminal devices through multiple beams, such as communication services, navigation services, and positioning services. The satellites in this scenario can be low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites, high elliptical orbit (HEO) satellites, geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites, etc., and this embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit this. Satellite 102 is connected to ground station equipment. The satellite uses multiple beams to cover the service area, and different beams can communicate through one or more of time division, frequency division, and space division. The satellite communicates wirelessly with the terminal device by broadcasting communication signals and navigation signals. The satellite can communicate wirelessly with the ground station equipment.

[0077] Figure 2 uses a 5G network as an example. Ground-based terminal devices access the network via the 5G new air interface. Access network equipment is deployed on satellites and connected to the ground core network via wireless links. Inter-satellite links (ISLs) exist between satellites for signaling and user data transmission between 5G access network equipment. The various network elements in Figure 2 and the interfaces between them are described below:

[0078] 5G New Air Interface: The wireless link between terminal devices and access network equipment.

[0079] Ground station: responsible for forwarding signaling and business data between satellite base stations and core network.

[0080] Xn interface: The interface between access network devices, mainly used for signaling interaction such as switching.

[0081] NG interface: The interface between access network equipment and the core network, mainly used for signaling of the core network's non-access stratum (NAS) and user service data.

[0082] It should be noted that the communication system shown in Figure 2 takes the NTN communication system combined with the 5G system as an example. When the NTN communication system is combined with other terrestrial communication systems, the network elements and interfaces involved may have other names, and the embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this.

[0083] The core of beam management is to manage the scanning, reporting, and maintenance of static beams, selecting appropriate static beams for each channel to improve cell coverage and save system overhead. When the service beam of a terminal device is blocked, the optimal beam measured by the terminal device may not be reported, resulting in traffic drops, dropped calls, and other problems. Therefore, a beam recovery mechanism can be used in terrestrial communication systems to enable terminal devices to quickly obtain another available service beam. Taking the 5G communication system as an example, beam recovery includes the following steps:

[0084] (1) Beam failure recovery (BFR cell configuration).

[0085] The access network device can configure a BFR information element for the terminal device based on the capability information reported by the terminal device. The BFR information element includes information such as the beam detection set, the beam recovery candidate set, and the physical random access channel (PRACH) resources. The PRACH information can be the preamble code corresponding to the beam.

[0086] (2) Beam failure detection.

[0087] The terminal device can detect the beams in the beam detection set. If the number of beam failure instances reported by the physical layer is greater than or equal to beamFailureInstanceMaxCount within the beamFailureDetectionTimer time, the terminal device can determine that the beam has failed.

[0088] (3) Beam failure recovery request.

[0089] The terminal device selects an optimal candidate beam from the beam recovery candidate set, includes the information of the optimal candidate beam in the preamble of random access (RA), and initiates random access, which can also be understood as initiating beam failure recovery.

[0090] (4) Beam failure recovery response.

[0091] After the access network device receives the random access preamble code of beam failure sent by the terminal device, it can reselect a new service beam and send a random access response message, which can also be understood as a beam failure recovery response message, thereby completing the beam recovery.

[0092] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the time-frequency structure of SSB. The access network device periodically sends the synchronization signal SSB. The terminal device achieves downlink synchronization with the base station by receiving the SSB from the access network device and obtains system messages. SSB includes primary synchronization signals (PSS), secondary synchronization signals (SSS) and physical broadcast channel (PBCH). As shown in Figure 2, one SSB occupies a total of 4 orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in the time domain and a total of 240 subcarriers (i.e., 20 resource blocks (RB)) in the frequency domain, of which PSS occupies one symbol, SSS occupies one symbol, and PBCH occupies 3 symbols, one of which is shared with SSS.

[0093] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the process of an access network device sending an SSB. As shown in Figure 3, time resources are divided into 10-ms frames. For example, the access network device sends an SSB burst set every 20 ms. The SSB burst set includes 8 SSBs, denoted as {SSB0, SSB1, ..., SSB7}. Typically, the SSB set needs to be sent within the first half of each frame, that is, within 5 ms. The access network device sends SSB0 to SSB7 at different times within 5 ms. For example, when the subcarrier spacing (SCS) is 15 kHz, 5 ms contains 70 OFDM symbols. The starting OFDM symbols occupied by sending SSB0 to SSB7 are {2, 8, 16, 22, 30, 36, 44, 50}. In addition, the access network device uses different beamforming weights to send SSB0 to SSB7, that is, the transmission directions of SSB0 to SSB7 are different, forming a comprehensive coverage of the cell. The terminal device detects the signal strength of SSB0 to SSB7 and selects the SSB with the strongest signal for communication.

[0094] In the above process, the beam failure recovery mechanism is for the same access network device in the terrestrial communication system. The multipath characteristics of the access network device channel in the terrestrial communication system are obvious. The terminal device and the access network device can communicate through both the line of sight (LOS) beam and the non-line of sight (NLOS) beam. Therefore, in the terrestrial communication system, when the LOS beam fails (for example, it is blocked), beam recovery can be performed in another NLOS beam. However, in the NTN communication system, the multipath characteristics are very weak. There is generally only one LOS beam between the satellite access network device and the terminal device. The satellite access network device and the terminal device can only communicate through the LOS beam. When the LOS beam fails, the beam recovery mechanism in the existing terrestrial communication system may not be applicable to the NTN system. Based on this, the embodiment of the present application provides a beam recovery method that can quickly perform beam recovery.

[0095] FIG5 shows a schematic flowchart of a beam recovery method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0096] It should be noted that FIG5 illustrates the method using a terminal device and a network device as the execution subjects of the interactive schematic, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive schematic. For example, the terminal device and the network device in FIG5 may also be chips, chip systems, or processors that support the implementation of the method, or may be logical nodes, logical modules, or software that implement all or part of its functions. Specifically, the beam restoration method 500 includes:

[0097] S501: The first network device sends information #1 to the terminal device.

[0098] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives information #1 sent by the first network device.

[0099] The information #1 may include information about N beams associated with a first network device, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The first network device is an access network device. The serving beam of the terminal device is beam #1, and the N beams include beam #1, indicating that the first network device is a source node or source base station for the terminal device.

[0100] Exemplarily, information #1 may include a beam detection set and a beam candidate set, and the beam detection set and the beam candidate set may include one or more beams.

[0101] For example, the beam detection set includes beam #1 and beam #2, and the beam candidate set includes beam #3 and beam #4.

[0102] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first information may further include a preamble code corresponding to the beam, wherein each beam corresponds to a preamble code.

[0103] For example, the beam detection set includes beam #1 and beam #2, and the beam candidate set includes beam #3 and beam #4, where beam #1 corresponds to preamble #1, beam #2 corresponds to preamble #2, beam #3 corresponds to preamble #3, and beam #4 corresponds to preamble #4.

[0104] S502: The second network device sends information #2 to the terminal device.

[0105] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives information #2 sent by the second network device.

[0106] The second information may include information of M beams associated with the second network device, where M≥1 and is an integer, and the second network device is an access network device.

[0107] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second information may also include a preamble code corresponding to the beam, wherein each beam corresponds to a preamble code.

[0108] S503: The second network device sends information #2 to the first network device.

[0109] Correspondingly, the first network device receives information #2 sent by the second network device.

[0110] S504: When the terminal device detects a beam failure with the first network device, it measures the signal qualities of M beams.

[0111] In the present application, the manner in which the terminal device detects N beam failures may not be limited. For example, the terminal device may perform beam failure detection on the N beams based on a beam failure detection reference signal (BFD RS), which may be an SSB or a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS). The terminal device periodically detects the BFD RS at the physical layer. If the BFD RS meets the conditions of a beam failure instance, the terminal physical layer sends a beam failure instance indication to the upper layer. If the beam failure instance is greater than or equal to beamFailureInstanceMaxCount, the terminal device upper layer determines that a beam failure has occurred. The value of beamFailureInstanceMaxCount is specified in the protocol. The condition of the beam failure instance may be set as the signal quality of the beam being lower than a set beam failure threshold. The signal quality of the beam may be measured using reference signal receiving power (RSRP), signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0112] The above is only an example of how the terminal device detects the failure of the N beams. The present application can also apply any existing method to determine beam failure.

[0113] When the terminal device determines that N beams have failed, it can measure M beams. The terminal device can measure reference signals corresponding to the M beams, which may be SSBs or CSI-RSs.

[0114] It can be understood that the first network device and the second network device can send different SSBs and CSI-RSs in different beams, so that the signal strength of the beam can be determined by detecting the signal strength of the SSBs and CSI-RSs.

[0115] It should also be noted that, in order to avoid the problem of interference between SSB and CSI-RS, the first network device and the second network device can be distinguished by time division and / or frequency division methods.

[0116] FIG6 shows a schematic diagram of the SSB arrangement of the first network device and the second network device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0117] As shown in Figure 6, the first network device and the second network device send an SSB burst set once every period of time, but there is a time difference between the first network device and the second network device sending the SSB burst set, so that the terminal device can determine the SSB from the first network device and the second network device based on the time difference.

[0118] S505: The terminal device determines beam #5 based on the measurement results of the M beams.

[0119] Exemplarily, after measuring M beams, the terminal device can determine beam #5 with the best signal quality based on the measurement results.

[0120] S506: The terminal device sends random access request information to the second network device through beam #5.

[0121] Correspondingly, the second network device receives the random access request information sent by the terminal device in the direction of beam #5, and the random access request information includes the preamble code #1.

[0122] After the terminal device determines beam #5, it can adjust the direction of the beam to the direction of beam #5, that is, pointing to the second network device, and then send preamble #1, which is associated with beam #5.

[0123] Optionally, in some embodiments, the preamble #1 may be a dedicated preamble for beam failure recovery, and the terminal device may perform random access using a contention-free random access (CFRA) method.

[0124] S507: The second network device sends random access request information to the first network device.

[0125] Correspondingly, the first network device receives the random access request information sent by the second network device.

[0126] S508: The first network device generates random access response information according to the random access request information.

[0127] After receiving the random access request, the first network device can determine beam #5 corresponding to the random access request based on information #2. In other words, the first network device can determine that the terminal device needs to perform beam recovery through the second network device. The first electronic device can generate random access response information based on the random access request, which can also be referred to as Msg2. The random access response information includes a timing advance (TA).

[0128] S509: The first network device sends random access response information to the second network device.

[0129] Correspondingly, the second network device receives the random access response information sent by the first network device.

[0130] S510: The second network device sends random access response information to the terminal device.

[0131] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the random access response information sent by the second network device.

[0132] The terminal device information waiting window receives random access response information sent by the second network device, and the random access response information can be carried by a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). After receiving the random access response, the terminal device can determine that the random access is successful.

[0133] In the beam restoration method shown in FIG5 , the first network device and the second network device may be satellite access network devices, wherein the orbit of the first network device may be lower than the orbit of the second network device.

[0134] It is understandable that when the terminal device does not experience a beamforming failure with the first network device, the terminal device calculates the relative time difference (RTD) between the first network device and the terminal device when calculating TA. When a beamforming failure occurs between the terminal device and the first network device and random access is initiated through the second network device, in this case, when calculating TA, the terminal device calculates the RTD from the first network device to the second network device and then to the terminal device.

[0135] It is also understood that if the first network device determines that the terminal device is performing beam recovery via the second network device, the first network device can send data required for the terminal device to the second network device, which can then forward the data to the terminal device. Similarly, the terminal device can send data required for the first network device to the second network device, which can then forward the data to the first network device. Through the intermediary of the second network device, the first network device and the terminal device can communicate normally.

[0136] In an embodiment of the present application, when a beam failure occurs between a terminal device and a first network device, the terminal device can initiate random access to the first network device through a second network device, that is, perform beam recovery with the help of the second network device, which can ensure that the link will not be interrupted, so that the terminal device and the first network device can maintain normal data exchange.

[0137] FIG7 shows a schematic flowchart of a beam recovery method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0138] It should be noted that FIG7 illustrates the method using a terminal device and a network device as the execution subjects of the interactive schematic, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive schematic. For example, the terminal device and the network device in FIG7 may also be chips, chip systems, or processors that support the implementation of the method, or may be logical nodes, logical modules, or software that implement all or part of its functions. Specifically, the beam restoration method 700 includes:

[0139] S701: The first network device and the second network device determine information #1.

[0140] The first network device can negotiate with the second network device to determine information #1, which includes the N beams of the first network device, the M beams of the second network device, the N preambles corresponding to the N beams, and the M preambles corresponding to the M beams. In other words, information #1 is used to indicate a mapping relationship between beams, preambles, and network devices.

[0141] In some embodiments, when the first network device and the second network device are satellite access network devices, the information #1 also includes ephemeris information of the first network device and the second network device. The ephemeris information of the first network device and the second network device are different, so the first network device and the second network device can be identified by the ephemeris information.

[0142] For example, Table 1 shows a mapping table of beams, preambles, and network devices. As shown in Table 1, the beams transmitted by the first network device are beam #1 and beam #2, where beam #1 corresponds to preamble #1 and beam #2 corresponds to preamble #2. The beams transmitted by the second network device are beam #3 and beam #4, where beam #3 corresponds to preamble #3 and beam #4 corresponds to preamble #4.

[0143] Table 1 A mapping relationship table of beam-preamble-network equipment

[0144] S702: The first network device sends information #1 to the terminal device.

[0145] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives information #1 sent by the first network device.

[0146] It is understandable that the first network device can send information #1 to the first network device when no beam failure occurs with the terminal device.

[0147] S703: When the terminal device detects a beam failure with the first network device, it determines beam #3 among the M beams.

[0148] Exemplarily, the terminal device can measure the N beams and M beams indicated by information #1, so that when it is determined that a beam failure occurs with the first network device, it can determine beam #3 with the best signal quality from the M beams of the second network device.

[0149] S704, the terminal device sends random access request information to the second network device through beam #3.

[0150] Correspondingly, the second network device receives the random access request information sent by the terminal device in the direction of beam #3, and the random access request information includes the preamble code #1.

[0151] Optionally, in some embodiments, the preamble #1 may be a dedicated preamble for beam failure recovery, and the terminal device may perform random access using a contention-free random access (CFRA) method.

[0152] S705: The second network device sends random access request information to the first network device.

[0153] Correspondingly, the first network device receives the random access request information sent by the second network device.

[0154] S706: The first network device generates random access response information according to the random access request information.

[0155] S707: The first network device sends random access response information to the second network device.

[0156] Correspondingly, the second network device receives the random access response information sent by the first network device.

[0157] S708: The second network device sends random access response information to the terminal device.

[0158] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the random access response information sent by the second network device.

[0159] It should be understood that the description of steps S704 to S708 can be found above, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0160] In the beam restoration method shown in FIG7 , the first network device and the second network device may be satellite access network devices, wherein the orbit of the first network device may be lower than the orbit of the second network device.

[0161] In an embodiment of the present application, when a beam failure occurs between a terminal device and a first network device, the terminal device can initiate random access to the first network device through a second network device, that is, perform beam recovery with the help of the second network device, which can ensure that the link will not be interrupted, so that the terminal device and the first network device can maintain normal data exchange.

[0162] In the beam recovery method shown in Figures 5 and 7, the terminal device communicates with the first network device with the help of the beam of the second network device. In other embodiments of the present application, the first network device can share data with the second network device, and then when the terminal device fails to send a beam to the first network device, it can randomly access the second network device and transmit data with the second network device. This is explained below in conjunction with Figure 8.

[0163] FIG8 shows a schematic flowchart of a beam recovery method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0164] It should be noted that FIG8 illustrates the method using a terminal device and a network device as the execution subjects of the interactive schematic, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive schematic. For example, the terminal device and the network device in FIG8 may also be chips, chip systems, or processors that support the implementation of the method, or may be logical nodes, logical modules, or software that implement all or part of its functions. Specifically, the beam restoration method 800 includes:

[0165] S801: The first network device and the second network device determine information #1.

[0166] It should be understood that for the description of step S801 , reference can be made to the description of S701 above, and for the sake of brevity, details will not be repeated here.

[0167] S802: The first network device shares data with the second network device.

[0168] The first network device may send data and configuration information related to the data to the second network device to share the data with the second network device.

[0169] Exemplarily, the first network device may send data, a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), data scrambling information, etc. to the second network device.

[0170] It is understandable that after the second network device obtains the above data and configuration information related to the data, it can perform scrambling or demodulation processing on the data of the first network device.

[0171] S803: When the terminal device detects a beam failure with the first network device, it determines beam #5 among the M beams.

[0172] Exemplarily, the terminal device can measure the N beams and M beams indicated by information #1, so that when it is determined that a beam failure occurs with the first network device, it can determine beam #5 with the best signal quality from the M beams of the second network device.

[0173] S804: The terminal device sends random access request information to the second network device via beam #5.

[0174] Correspondingly, the second network device receives the random access request information sent by the terminal device in the direction of beam #5, and the random access request information includes the preamble code #1.

[0175] Optionally, in some embodiments, the preamble #1 may be a dedicated preamble for beam failure recovery, and the terminal device may perform random access using a contention-free random access (CFRA) method.

[0176] S805: The second network device generates random access response information according to the random access request information.

[0177] Since the first network device and the second network device share data, the second network device can generate random access response information in response to the random access request of the terminal device.

[0178] S806: The second network device sends random access response information to the terminal device.

[0179] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the random access response information sent by the second network device.

[0180] It is understood that the first network device and the second network device share data. The second network device can respond to the random access request information sent by the terminal device and send a random access response information to the terminal device, allowing the terminal device to directly transmit data with the second network device. Similarly, the second network device can also send data uploaded by the terminal device to the first network device. In other words, the first network device transmits data to the second network device, and the second network device establishes a data transmission channel with the terminal device, thereby allowing the terminal device and the first network device to continue to transmit data.

[0181] In the beam restoration method shown in FIG8 , the first network device and the second network device may be satellite access network devices, wherein the orbit of the first network device may be lower than the orbit of the second network device.

[0182] In this embodiment of the present application, a first network device and a second network device share data. When a beam failure occurs between a terminal device and the first network device, the terminal device can randomly access the second network device through the beam of the second network device and obtain data from the first network device from the second network device. Furthermore, the second network device can also share data from the terminal device with the first network device. This means that beam recovery is performed with the help of the second network device, ensuring that the link is not interrupted, allowing the terminal device and the first network device to maintain normal data transmission.

[0183] The above describes that when a beam failure occurs between a terminal device and a first network device, the terminal device can utilize the beam of the second network device and initiate random access to the first network device through the second network device, or utilize the beam of the second network device to initiate random access to the second network device, thereby interacting with the first network device, indirectly ensuring the communication link between the terminal device and the first network device. In this scenario, when the cause of the beam failure between the terminal device and the first network device is eliminated, the terminal device can re-access the first network device through the beam of the first network device. This will be described in detail below in conjunction with Figure 9.

[0184] FIG9 shows a schematic flowchart of a beam management method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG9 , the method includes:

[0185] S901, when the terminal device determines that the beam transmission with the first network device fails, the terminal device uses the first beam and initiates random access to the first network device through the second network device, or uses the first beam to initiate random access to the second network device, wherein the first beam is the beam of the second network device.

[0186] As mentioned above, when a beam failure occurs with the first network device, the terminal device can use the beam of the second network device and initiate random access to the first network device through the second network device, or use the beam of the second network device to initiate random access to the second network device.

[0187] S902: Determine that a preset condition is met, and the terminal device accesses the first network device through the second beam, where the second beam is the beam of the first network device.

[0188] In some embodiments, the preset condition is that the terminal device detects that the signal quality parameter of the second beam is greater than or equal to the first threshold. The terminal device can detect the beam signal quality of the first network device in the following ways.

[0189] Method 1:

[0190] The present application defines different priorities for different network devices, which may be preset in the terminal device, agreed upon by a protocol, determined by different network devices and notified to the terminal device, or determined by negotiation between different network devices and then notified to the terminal device.

[0191] For example, taking Figure 5 as an example, the information #1 sent by the first network device to the terminal device can also indicate the priorities of the N beams of the first network device, and the information #2 sent by the second network device to the terminal device can also indicate the priorities of the M beams of the second network device.

[0192] For another example, taking Figure 7 as an example, the first network device and the second network device can negotiate to determine the priority of their respective beams, and the priority information of their respective beams can be included in the information #1 sent by the first network device to the terminal device.

[0193] It should be noted that the above description is only based on Figures 5 and 7 as examples, and the present application embodiment does not limit this. For example, the first network device and the second network device can also separately configure the priority of the beam to the terminal device.

[0194] Optionally, in some embodiments, each beam of the first network device has the same priority, and each beam of the second network device has the same priority.

[0195] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network device includes beams with different priorities, and the second network device includes beams with different priorities.

[0196] For example, a first network device includes beam #1 and beam #2. Beam #1 has a priority of priority #1, and beam #2 has a priority of priority #2. A second network device includes beam #3 and beam #4. Beam #3 has a priority of priority #3, and beam #4 has a priority of priority #4. Priority #1 is higher than priority #2, priority #2 is higher than priority #3, and priority #3 is higher than priority #4.

[0197] In the first approach, the priority of the beam of the first network device is higher than the priority of the beam of the second network device.

[0198] For example, the priorities of all beams of the first network device may be higher than the priorities of the beams of the second network device.

[0199] For another example, the priority of some beams of the first network device may be higher than the priority of the beams of the second network device.

[0200] Table 2 shows a correspondence between beams and priorities. As shown in Table 2, beams #1 and #2 of the first network device have priority #1, while beams #3 and #4 have priority #2. Table 2 is used as an example for the following description.

[0201] Table 2 Correspondence between beams and priorities

[0202] After the terminal device randomly accesses the first network device through the second network device using the first beam, or randomly accesses the second network device using the first beam, the terminal device can prioritize measuring the signal quality of the beam of the first network device because the beam of the first network device has a higher priority.

[0203] Method 2:

[0204] The terminal device receives first indication information sent by the second network device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the measurement of the signal quality of the beam of the first network device. After receiving the first indication information, the terminal device can measure the signal quality of the beam of the first network device.

[0205] After the terminal device measures the signal quality of the beam of the first network device, it can determine the second beam based on the signal quality measurement result. The second beam can be the beam with the best signal quality among the beams of the first network device, and the signal quality parameter of the second beam is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0206] When the terminal device determines that the signal quality parameter of the second beam is greater than or equal to the first threshold, it can send a handover request message to the second network device. After receiving the handover request message, the second network device can send a second indication message to the first network device, where the second indication message is used to indicate that the first network device will access the first network device. The second network device can also send data information to the first network device, where the data is required by the first network device and the terminal device. The second network device can also send a handover request response message to the terminal device. After receiving the handover request response message, the terminal device can access the first network device via the second beam.

[0207] It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the way in which the second network device is switched between the first network device, the way in which the terminal device accesses the first network device, and the signaling interaction involved. For example, the terminal device switches from the second network device back to the first network device. The process of XN switching between access network devices in the NR communication system can be referred to.

[0208] In some embodiments, the preset condition is that the time for detecting that the terminal device communicates with the second electronic device is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0209] Exemplarily, the preset condition may be preconfigured by the first network device to the terminal device and the second network device.

[0210] In some embodiments, the terminal device and the second network device are configured with a communication angle interval, and the preset condition is that it is detected that the communication angle with the second network device is not within the communication angle interval.

[0211] Exemplarily, the preset condition may be preconfigured by the first network device to the terminal device and the second network device.

[0212] In some embodiments, the terminal device and the second network device are configured with a timer, and the preset condition is that the timer is detected to be in a non-running state.

[0213] Exemplarily, the preset condition may be preconfigured by the first network device to the terminal device and the second network device.

[0214] In the above three preset conditions, when the terminal device detects that the preset conditions are met, it can access the first network device through the second beam. At the same time, the second network device can also send second indication information to the first network device when it detects that the preset conditions are met, indicating that the terminal device will access the first network device.

[0215] In this embodiment of the present application, when a terminal device detects that a preset condition has been met, it can reconnect to the first network device via the second beam of the first network device, ensuring that the link between the first network device and the terminal device is not interrupted. Furthermore, since the terminal device no longer needs to communicate with the first network device via the beam of the first network device after connecting to the first network device, the communication delay between the first network device and the terminal device can be reduced.

[0216] Those skilled in the art should be aware that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is performed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0217] Hereinafter, the communication device provided by the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail with reference to Figures 10 and 11. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment. Therefore, for the content not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiment above. For the sake of brevity, some contents will not be repeated here. In the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device, the first network device or the second network device can be divided into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each functional module can be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above-mentioned integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiment of the present application is schematic and is only a logical functional division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. The following is an example of dividing each functional module corresponding to each function.

[0218] The method provided in this application has been described in detail above. The following describes the communication device provided in this application. In one possible implementation, the device is used to implement the steps or processes corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiment. In another possible implementation, the device is used to implement the steps or processes corresponding to the first network device in the above method embodiment. In another possible implementation, the device is used to implement the steps or processes corresponding to the second network device in the above method embodiment.

[0219] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 10 , the device 1000 may include a communication unit 1010 and a processing unit 1020. The communication unit 1010 can communicate with the outside world, and the processing unit 1020 is used to process data. The communication unit 1010 may also be referred to as a communication interface or a transceiver unit.

[0220] In one possible design, the device 1000 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiment, wherein the processing unit 1020 is used to perform operations related to processing of the terminal device satellite in the above method embodiment, and the communication unit 1010 is used to perform operations related to sending of the terminal device satellite in the above method embodiment.

[0221] In another possible design, the device 1000 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the first network device in the above method embodiment, wherein the communication unit 1010 is used to perform reception-related operations of the first network device in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 1020 is used to perform processing-related operations of the first network device in the above method embodiment.

[0222] In another possible design, the device 1000 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the second network device in the above method embodiment, wherein the communication unit 1010 is used to perform reception-related operations of the second network device in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 1020 is used to perform processing-related operations of the second network device in the above method embodiment.

[0223] It should be understood that the device 1000 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (such as a shared processor, a dedicated processor or a group processor, etc.) and a memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combined logic circuit and / or other suitable components that support the described functions. In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 1000 can be specifically the terminal device in the above embodiment, and can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiment, or the device 1000 can be specifically the first network device in the above embodiment, and can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the first network device in the above method embodiment, or the device 1000 can be specifically the second network device in the above embodiment, and can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the second network device in the above method embodiment. To avoid repetition, it will not be described here.

[0224] The apparatus 1000 of each of the above-mentioned solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the terminal device in the above-mentioned method, or the apparatus 1000 of each of the above-mentioned solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the first network device in the above-mentioned method, or the apparatus 1000 of each of the above-mentioned solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the second network device in the above-mentioned method. The functions can be implemented by hardware, or can be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions; for example, the communication unit can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the sending unit in the communication unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the communication unit can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as the processing unit, can be replaced by a processor to respectively perform the sending and receiving operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0225] In addition, the above-mentioned communication unit can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it can include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit can be a processing circuit. In an embodiment of the present application, the device in Figure 10 can be a terminal device, a first network device or a second network device in the aforementioned embodiment, or it can be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on chip (SoC). Among them, the communication unit can be an input and output circuit, a communication interface; the processing unit is a processor or microprocessor or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. This is not limited here.

[0226] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 1100 includes a processor 1110 and a transceiver 1120. The processor 1110 and the transceiver 1120 communicate with each other via an internal connection path. The processor 1110 is configured to execute instructions to control the transceiver 1120 to transmit and / or receive signals.

[0227] Optionally, the apparatus 1100 may further include a memory 1130, which communicates with the processor 1110 and the transceiver 1120 via an internal connection path. The memory 1130 is used to store instructions, and the processor 1110 can execute the instructions stored in the memory 1130. In one possible implementation, the apparatus 1100 is used to implement the various processes and steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. In another possible implementation, the apparatus 1100 is used to implement the various processes and steps corresponding to the first network device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. In another possible implementation, the apparatus 1100 is used to implement the various processes and steps corresponding to the second network device in the above-mentioned method embodiment.

[0228] It should be understood that the device 1100 can be specifically the terminal device, the first network device, or the second network device in the above-mentioned embodiments, or it can be a chip or a chip system. Correspondingly, the transceiver 1120 can be the transceiver circuit of the chip, which is not limited here. Specifically, the device 1100 can be used to execute the various steps and / or processes in the above-mentioned method embodiments corresponding to the terminal device, the first network device, or the second network device. Optionally, the memory 1130 can include read-only memory and random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory can also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory can also store device type information. The processor 1110 can be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 1110 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 1110 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes in the above-mentioned method embodiments corresponding to the terminal device, the first network device, or the second network device.

[0229] During implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor or by instructions in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in conjunction with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0230] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above-mentioned method embodiment can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or by software instructions. The above-mentioned processor can be a general-purpose processor, digital signal processing (DSP), ASIC, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component. The processor in the embodiments of the present application can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly implemented and executed by a hardware decoding processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above-mentioned method.

[0231] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0232] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0233] In addition, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the operations and / or processes performed by the terminal device, the first network device or the second network device in each method embodiment of the present application are executed.

[0234] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code or instructions. When the computer program code or instructions are run on a computer, the operations and / or processes performed by the terminal device, the first network device or the second network device in each method embodiment of the present application are executed.

[0235] In addition, the present application further provides a chip, the chip including a processor. A memory for storing a computer program is provided independently of the chip, and the processor is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the operations and / or processing performed by the terminal device, the first network device, or the second network device in any one of the method embodiments are performed.

[0236] Furthermore, the chip may further include a communication interface. The communication interface may be an input / output interface, or an interface circuit, etc. Furthermore, the chip may further include a memory.

[0237] In addition, the present application also provides a communication system, including the terminal device, the first network device and the second network device in the embodiment of the present application.

[0238] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to comprise, but not be limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0239] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0240] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0241] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0242] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0243] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for managing a beam, characterized in that: The method comprises: When a beam failure occurs between the terminal device and the first network device, the terminal device initiates random access to the first network device using the first beam and through the second network device, or initiates random access to the second network device using the first beam, wherein the first beam is a beam of the second network device; It is determined that a preset condition is met, and the terminal device accesses the first network device through a second beam, wherein the second beam is a beam of the first network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The preset condition is that it is detected that the signal quality parameter of the second beam is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: When the terminal device determines that the preset condition is met, sending switching request information to the second network device; The terminal device receives the switching response information sent by the second network device; The terminal device switches from the second network device back to the first network device through the second beam, including: The terminal device accesses the first network device through the second beam according to the switching response information.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: The terminal device receives first indication information sent by the second network device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure a beam of the first network device.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The priority of the beam of the first network device is greater than the priority of the beam of the second network device, so that the terminal device preferentially detects the signal quality of the beam of the first network device.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The preset condition is that it is detected that the time of communication with the second network device is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The terminal device and the second network device are configured with a communication angle interval, and the preset condition is detecting that the communication angle with the second network device is not within the communication angle interval.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The terminal device and the second network device are configured with a timer, and the preset condition is detecting that the timer is in a non-operating state.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that The preset condition is configured by the first network device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The first network device and the second network device are satellite access network devices, and the satellite orbit of the first network device is lower than the satellite orbit of the second network device.

11. A method for managing a beam, characterized in that: When a beam failure occurs between a terminal device and a first network device, the terminal device initiates random access to the first network device using a first beam and through a second network device, or initiates random access to the second network device using the first beam, wherein the first beam is a beam of the second network device, and the method includes: The second network device receives the switching request information sent by the terminal device, where the switching request information is sent by the terminal device when it is determined that a preset condition is met; The second network device sends second indication information to the first network device according to the switching request information, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device will access the first network device; The second network device sends a switching request response message to the terminal device, so that the terminal device accesses the first terminal device through a second beam, and the second beam is the beam of the first terminal device.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The preset condition is that the terminal device detects that the signal quality parameter of the second beam is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second network device sends first indication information to the terminal device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to measure the signal quality of the beam of the first network device.

14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The preset condition is that the time when the terminal device detects communication with the second network device is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The terminal device and the second network device are configured with a communication angle interval, and the preset condition is that the terminal device detects that the communication angle with the second network device is not within the communication angle interval.

16. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The terminal device and the second network device are configured with a timer, and the preset condition is that the terminal device detects that the timer is in a non-operating state.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The preset condition is configured by the first network device.

18. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises at least one processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to input and / or output signals, and the at least one processor is used to execute a computer program stored in a memory, so that the communication device implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or implements the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 17.

19. A processing device, characterized in that: include: Memory for storing computer programs; A processor, configured to call and run the computer program from the memory, so that the apparatus implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or implements the method according to any one of claims 11 to 17.

20. A computer readable medium, characterized in that The invention comprises a computer program, which, when being executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or implement the method according to any one of claims 11 to 17.

21. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or implement the method according to any one of claims 11 to 17.

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