Communication method, apparatus and system

Abstract

The application provides a communication method, device and system, and applies to the technical field of communication. The communication method provided by the application can reduce the frequency of switching between anchor carriers and non-anchor carriers of a terminal device, so as to reduce the complexity of the terminal device. The communication method comprises the following steps: a terminal device receives first information on a non-anchor carrier, and the first information is used for uplink synchronization and / or downlink synchronization. The terminal device performs uplink synchronization or downlink synchronization on the non-anchor carrier according to the first information.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT), the network can configure anchor carriers and non-anchor carriers for terminal devices. In scenarios where the network configures anchor carriers and non-anchor carriers for terminal devices, the terminal performs uplink and downlink synchronization on the anchor carrier and receives downlink data on the non-anchor carrier.

[0003] The aforementioned communication method requires the terminal device to frequently switch between anchor carriers and non-anchor carriers, increasing the complexity of the terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides communication methods, apparatus, and systems that can reduce the frequency of terminal devices switching between anchor carriers and non-anchor carriers.

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

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device or by a module (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the terminal device. Taking the terminal device executing the method as an example, the method includes: the terminal device receiving first information on a non-anchor carrier, the first information being used for uplink synchronization and / or downlink synchronization; and the terminal device performing uplink synchronization or downlink synchronization on the non-anchor carrier based on the first information.

[0007] Based on the communication method provided in this application, the terminal device can perform uplink synchronization or downlink synchronization on the non-anchor carrier according to the first information on the non-anchor carrier. When the terminal device performs downlink data transmission on the non-anchor carrier, if uplink synchronization or downlink synchronization is required, it does not need to switch to the anchor carrier for each uplink or downlink synchronization. This can reduce the frequency of the terminal device switching between the anchor carrier and the non-anchor carrier and reduce the complexity of the terminal device.

[0008] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate the temporal location of the first information.

[0009] This solution provides a method for a terminal device to determine the temporal location of the first information: determining the temporal location of the first information based on the second information.

[0010] In one possible design, the second information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the period of the first system message, the start time-domain position of the first period of the first system message, and the first system message is used to carry the first information.

[0011] Based on this scheme, if the first information is contained in the first system message, the second information can indicate the time domain location of the system message. The terminal device can receive the system message according to the second information, and then receive the first information therein.

[0012] In one possible design, the second information indicates the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first information, including: the second information is used to indicate a first offset, the first offset being the offset of the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message relative to the starting time-domain position of the first radio frame.

[0013] This scheme provides a way to indicate the starting time-domain position of the first system message: by indicating an offset.

[0014] In one possible design, the second information is also used to indicate the index of the non-anchor carrier, and / or the second information is also used to indicate the number of repetitions of one or more pieces of information in the period of the first system message, which carries the first information.

[0015] Based on this scheme, the second information can also indicate the index of the non-anchor carrier and / or the number of repetitions to help the terminal device receive the first information.

[0016] In one possible design, the second information is contained in a second system message carried by the anchor carrier; or, the second information is contained in radio resource control signaling.

[0017] This solution provides various message formats for carrying secondary information.

[0018] In one possible design, M types of system information are carried on the non-anchor carrier, and the M types of system information include the first information, where M is a positive integer.

[0019] Based on this scheme, one or more system messages can be carried on the non-anchor carrier. When the terminal device transmits data on the non-anchor carrier, if it needs to obtain a certain system message, it can obtain it directly on the non-anchor carrier without having to switch to the anchor carrier. This can reduce the frequency of the terminal device switching between the non-anchor carrier and the anchor carrier.

[0020] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving fifth information on the anchor carrier, the fifth information being used for uplink synchronization and / or downlink synchronization; and the terminal device determining the time domain position of the first information on the non-anchor carrier based on the fifth information.

[0021] This solution provides a method for a terminal device to determine the temporal location of the first information on a non-anchor carrier: receiving the first information based on the fifth information received on the anchor carrier.

[0022] In one possible design, the period of the first system message is the same as the period of the third system message, wherein the first system message is used to carry the first information and the third system message is used to carry the fifth information; or, the period of the first information is the same as the period of the fifth information.

[0023] Based on this scheme, the terminal device can determine the period of the first system message or the first information by the period of the received third system message or the fifth information, which can help the terminal device receive the first information on a non-anchor carrier.

[0024] In one possible design, the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message is the starting time-domain position of the time window corresponding to the third system message; or, the time-domain resources used to transmit the first system message are the same as the time-domain resources used to transmit the third system message; or, the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message is related to the index of the non-anchor carrier.

[0025] Based on this scheme, the terminal device can determine the starting time domain position of the first period of the first system message according to the time window corresponding to the third system message, the time domain resources used to transmit the third system message, or the index of the non-anchor carrier. This can help the terminal device receive the first system message on the non-anchor carrier to obtain the first information therein.

[0026] In one possible design, the first information is contained in the first system message, or the first information is a downlink synchronization signal.

[0027] This solution provides the possible forms of the first information: information in a system message or a downlink synchronization signal.

[0028] In one possible design, the first information is used for uplink synchronization, and the first information includes at least one of the following: ephemeris information and common timing advance information.

[0029] This solution provides information that the first information may include when used for uplink synchronization.

[0030] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by an access network device or by a module (e.g., processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the access network device. Taking the execution of the method by the access network device as an example, the method includes: the access network device determining first information; the access network device transmitting the first information on a non-anchor carrier, the first information being used for uplink synchronization and / or downlink synchronization.

[0031] Based on the communication method provided in this application, the access network device can transmit first information on a non-anchor carrier, thereby enabling the terminal device to perform uplink or downlink synchronization on the non-anchor carrier according to the first information on the non-anchor carrier. Therefore, when the terminal device performs downlink data transmission on a non-anchor carrier, if uplink or downlink synchronization is required, it does not need to switch to the anchor carrier for each uplink or downlink synchronization, reducing the frequency of switching between anchor and non-anchor carriers and decreasing the complexity of the terminal device.

[0032] In one possible design, the method further includes: the access network device sending second information, the second information being used to indicate the time-domain location of the first information.

[0033] This solution provides a way to help terminal devices receive first information: by sending second information to indicate the temporal location of the first information.

[0034] In one possible design, the second information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the period of the first system message, the start time-domain position of the first period of the first system message, and the first system message is used to carry the first information.

[0035] Based on this scheme, if the first information is contained in the first system message, the second information can indicate the time domain location of the system message. The terminal device can receive the system message according to the second information, and then receive the first information therein.

[0036] In one possible design, the second information indicates the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first information, including: the second information is used to indicate a first offset, the first offset being the offset of the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message relative to the starting time-domain position of the first radio frame.

[0037] This scheme provides a way to indicate the starting time-domain position of the first system message: by indicating an offset.

[0038] In one possible design, the second information is also used to indicate the index of the non-anchor carrier, and / or the second information is also used to indicate the number of repetitions of one or more pieces of information in the period of the first system message, which carries the first information.

[0039] Based on this scheme, the second information can also indicate the index of the non-anchor carrier and / or the number of repetitions to help the terminal device receive the first information.

[0040] In one possible design, the second information is contained in a second system message carried by the anchor carrier; or, the second information is contained in radio resource control signaling.

[0041] This solution provides various message formats for carrying secondary information.

[0042] In one possible design, M types of system information are carried on the non-anchor carrier, and the M types of system information include the first information, where M is a positive integer.

[0043] Based on this scheme, one or more system messages can be carried on the non-anchor carrier. When the terminal device transmits data on the non-anchor carrier, if it needs to obtain a certain system message, it can obtain it directly on the non-anchor carrier without having to switch to the anchor carrier. This can reduce the frequency of the terminal device switching between the non-anchor carrier and the anchor carrier.

[0044] In one possible design, the period of the first system message is the same as the period of the third system message carried by the anchor carrier, wherein the first system message is used to carry first information; or, the period of the first information is the same as the period of the fifth information carried by the anchor carrier.

[0045] Based on this scheme, the terminal device can determine the period of the first system message or the first information by the period of the received third system message or the fifth information, which can help the terminal device receive the first information on a non-anchor carrier.

[0046] In one possible design, the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message is the starting time-domain position of the time window corresponding to the third system message; or, the time-domain resources used to transmit the first system message are the same as the time-domain resources used to transmit the third system message; or, the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message is related to the index of the non-anchor carrier.

[0047] Based on this scheme, the terminal device can determine the starting time domain position of the first period of the first system message according to the time window corresponding to the third system message, the time domain resources used to transmit the third system message, or the index of the non-anchor carrier. This can help the terminal device receive the first system message on the non-anchor carrier to obtain the first information therein.

[0048] In one possible design, the first information is contained in the first system message, or the first information is a downlink synchronization signal.

[0049] This solution provides the possible forms of the first information: information in a system message or a downlink synchronization signal.

[0050] In one possible design, the first information is used for uplink synchronization, and the first information includes at least one of the following: ephemeris information and common timing advance information.

[0051] This solution provides information that the first information may include when used for uplink synchronization.

[0052] Thirdly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method implemented by the terminal device in the first aspect above.

[0053] The communication device includes modules, units, or means that implement the above methods. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0054] In one possible design, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module: the transceiver module is used to receive first information on a non-anchor carrier, the first information being used for uplink synchronization and / or downlink synchronization; the processing module is used to perform uplink synchronization or downlink synchronization on the non-anchor carrier based on the first information.

[0055] In one possible design, the transceiver module is also used to receive second information, which indicates the time-domain location of the first information.

[0056] In one possible design, the second information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the period of the first system message, the start time-domain position of the first period of the first system message, and the first system message is used to carry the first information.

[0057] In one possible design, the second information indicates the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first information, including: the second information is used to indicate a first offset, the first offset being the offset of the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message relative to the starting time-domain position of the first radio frame.

[0058] In one possible design, the second information is also used to indicate the index of the non-anchor carrier, and / or the second information is also used to indicate the number of repetitions of one or more pieces of information in the period of the first system message, which carries the first information.

[0059] In one possible design, the second information is contained in a second system message carried by the anchor carrier; or, the second information is contained in radio resource control signaling.

[0060] In one possible design, M types of system information are carried on the non-anchor carrier, and the M types of system information include the first information, where M is a positive integer.

[0061] In one possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to receive fifth information on the anchor carrier, the fifth information being used for uplink synchronization and / or downlink synchronization. The processing module is further configured to determine the time-domain location of the first information on the non-anchor carrier based on the fifth information.

[0062] In one possible design, the period of the first system message is the same as the period of the third system message, wherein the first system message is used to carry the first information and the third system message is used to carry the fifth information; or, the period of the first information is the same as the period of the fifth information.

[0063] In one possible design, the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message is the starting time-domain position of the time window corresponding to the third system message; or, the time-domain resources used to transmit the first system message are the same as the time-domain resources used to transmit the third system message; or, the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message is related to the index of the non-anchor carrier.

[0064] In one possible design, the first information is contained in the first system message, or the first information is a downlink synchronization signal.

[0065] In one possible design, the first information is used for uplink synchronization, and the first information includes at least one of the following: ephemeris information and common timing advance information.

[0066] Fourthly, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method implemented by the access network device in the second aspect above.

[0067] The communication device includes modules, units, or means that implement the above methods. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0068] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module; the processing module is used to determine first information. The transceiver module is used to transmit the first information on a non-anchor carrier, the first information being used for uplink synchronization and / or downlink synchronization.

[0069] In one possible design, the transceiver module is also used to send a second message, which indicates the time-domain location of the first message.

[0070] In one possible design, the second information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the period of the first system message, the start time-domain position of the first period of the first system message, and the first system message is used to carry the first information.

[0071] In one possible design, the second information indicates the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first information, including: the second information is used to indicate a first offset, the first offset being the offset of the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message relative to the starting time-domain position of the first radio frame.

[0072] In one possible design, the second information is also used to indicate the index of the non-anchor carrier, and / or the second information is also used to indicate the number of repetitions of one or more pieces of information in the period of the first system message, which carries the first information.

[0073] In one possible design, the second information is contained in a second system message carried by the anchor carrier; or, the second information is contained in radio resource control signaling.

[0074] In one possible design, M types of system information are carried on the non-anchor carrier, and the M types of system information include the first information, where M is a positive integer.

[0075] In one possible design, the period of the first system message is the same as the period of the third system message carried by the anchor carrier, wherein the first system message is used to carry first information; or, the period of the first information is the same as the period of the fifth information carried by the anchor carrier.

[0076] In one possible design, the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message is the starting time-domain position of the time window corresponding to the third system message; or, the time-domain resources used to transmit the first system message are the same as the time-domain resources used to transmit the third system message; or, the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message is related to the index of the non-anchor carrier.

[0077] In one possible design, the first information is contained in the first system message, or the first information is a downlink synchronization signal.

[0078] In one possible design, the first information is used for uplink synchronization, and the first information includes at least one of the following: ephemeris information and common timing advance information.

[0079] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor configured to execute instructions stored in a memory, wherein when the processor executes the instructions, the communication device performs the method described in any of the preceding aspects. The communication device may be a terminal device (or a component, such as a chip, in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect). Alternatively, the communication device may be an access network device (or a component, such as a chip, in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect).

[0080] In one possible design, the communication device also includes a memory for storing computer instructions. Optionally, the processor and memory are integrated together, or they are separate.

[0081] In one possible design, the memory is coupled to the processor and is located outside the communication device.

[0082] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit for communicating with a module outside the communication device; the processor for executing the method described in any of the preceding aspects via logic circuitry or by running a computer program or instructions. The communication device may be a terminal device (or a component, such as a chip, in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect). Alternatively, the communication device may be an access network device (or a component, such as a chip, in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect).

[0083] Alternatively, the interface circuit can be a code / data read / write interface circuit, which receives computer execution instructions (which are stored in memory and may be read directly from memory or may be transmitted through other devices) and transmits them to the processor so that the processor runs the computer execution instructions to perform the methods described in any of the above aspects.

[0084] In one possible design, the communication device also includes a memory for storing computer programs or instructions. Optionally, the processor and memory are integrated together, or the processor and memory are separate.

[0085] In one possible design, the memory is coupled to the processor and is located outside the communication device.

[0086] In some possible designs, the communication device can be a chip or a chip system.

[0087] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform the methods described in the first to second aspects, or any possible design of the first to second aspects.

[0088] Eighthly, this application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform the methods described in the first to second aspects, or any possible design of the first to second aspects.

[0089] A ninth aspect provides a communication device (e.g., the communication device may be a chip or a chip system), the communication device including a processor for implementing the functions involved in the first to second aspects, or any possible design of the first to second aspects. In one possible design, the communication device further includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data. When the communication device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0090] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided. In one possible design, the communication system includes an access network device and a terminal device. The terminal device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect, or any possible design of the first aspect, and the access network device is used to perform the method described in the second aspect, or any possible design of the second aspect.

[0091] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects three through ten can be found in the technical effects of the different design methods in aspects one through two above, and will not be repeated here.

[0092] It should be noted that any of the possible implementations of any of the above aspects can be combined, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other. Attached Figure Description

[0093] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a satellite communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0094] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0095] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0097] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0098] 1. Non-terrestrial network (NTN):

[0099] NTN networks include satellite communication networks and high-altitude / aerial platform networks. In satellite communication networks, satellites can serve as communication devices, providing services to terminal devices. In high-altitude / aerial platform networks, high-altitude / aerial platforms, such as drones and stratospheric balloons, can serve as communication devices, providing services to terminal devices.

[0100] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary satellite communication system. Figure 1 As shown, in a satellite communication system, the terminal equipment is located on the ground and can connect to the satellite via a wireless link. The satellite connects to ground stations on the ground via a wireless link, and the ground stations connect to the core network on the ground, enabling the forwarding of signaling and service data between the satellite and the core network.

[0101] Alternatively, different satellites can transmit signaling or data via a wireless link (also known as an inter-satellite link).

[0102] Optionally, the communication system may also include a data network (DN). The data network may be connected to a core network (CN). For example, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the data network can be connected to the user plane function (UPF) network elements in the core network.

[0103] In satellite communication systems, satellites can operate in transparent mode, where access network equipment is deployed on the ground and the satellite acts as a transparent node. Alternatively, satellites can operate in regenerative mode, where access network equipment is deployed on the satellite; in other words, the satellite itself becomes the access network equipment, performing its functions.

[0104] Figure 1 The following illustration uses a satellite as an access network device. Figure 1 As shown, the terminal device communicates with the access network device via air interface, the access network device communicates with each other via the Xn interface, and the access network device communicates with the ground station via the NG interface. If the satellite is operating in transparent mode, the satellite and the ground station communicate via air interface.

[0105] Figure 1 In the communication system shown, the air interface between the terminal equipment and the access network equipment can be an air interface from various communication systems. For example, it can be an air interface from a 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) communication system, such as a 4G, 5G, or future-oriented evolution system. Alternatively, it can be an air interface from an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN) or a cloud radio access network (CRAN). It can also be an air interface from a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0106] Logically, the core network can be divided into two parts: the user plane and the control plane. The control plane is responsible for the management of the mobile network, while the user plane is responsible for the transmission of service data. Different network elements in the core network can be responsible for different functions. Figure 1The core network shown is a 5G core network. The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element is mainly responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. The Session Management Function (SMF) network element is mainly responsible for interacting with the separate data plane, creating, updating, and deleting Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions, and managing the session context with the UPF. The UPF network element is mainly responsible for managing user plane data transmission and traffic statistics.

[0107] In this embodiment of the application, the network element can also be referred to as an entity or functional entity.

[0108] 2. Anchor carrier and non-anchor carrier in NB-IoT:

[0109] In NB-IoT, the network can configure anchor carriers for terminal devices. Currently, system messages, synchronization signals, and other content used to achieve uplink / downlink synchronization are carried on the anchor carrier. For example, terminal devices can receive NB-IoT physical synchronization signal (NPSS), NB-IoT secondary synchronization signal (NSSS), NB-IoT physical broadcast channel (NPBCH), or NB-IoT system information blocks (SIBs-NB) on the anchor carrier.

[0110] Optionally, in NB-IoT, the network can also configure non-anchor carriers for terminal devices. Currently, if the network configures a non-anchor carrier for a terminal device in the downlink direction, the terminal device in the radio resource control (RRC) connected state will receive downlink data scheduled by the network on the non-anchor carrier, and will not receive downlink data on the anchor carrier.

[0111] Additionally, if the network does not configure non-anchor carriers for terminal devices, then the terminal devices will receive uplink / downlink data on anchor carriers.

[0112] In current NB-IoT communication methods, the terminal devices need to frequently switch between anchor carriers and non-anchor carriers to receive downlink data and perform uplink / downlink synchronization. This increases the complexity of the terminal in some scenarios. For example, if NB-IoT is combined with an NTN network, and the combined communication network (which can be referred to as IoTNTN) provides services to the terminal devices via low-Earth orbit satellites, the terminal devices will need to frequently perform downlink synchronization and also need to obtain ephemeris information carried in system messages for uplink synchronization. If the terminal devices also need to receive downlink data, they will frequently switch between anchor carriers and non-anchor carriers.

[0113] Based on the problems existing in NB-IoT mentioned above, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, apparatus, and system that can reduce the frequency of terminal devices switching between anchor carriers and non-anchor carriers.

[0114] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first" and "second" are not necessarily different. Meanwhile, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being used as an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0115] In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (such as the first instruction information below) is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. At the same time, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and indicated uniformly to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0116] Furthermore, the specific indication method can also be any existing indication method, such as, but not limited to, the above-mentioned indication methods and their various combinations. Specific details of various indication methods can be found in existing technologies, and will not be repeated here. As described above, for example, when multiple pieces of information of the same type need to be indicated, the indication methods for different pieces of information may differ. In the specific implementation process, the required indication method can be selected according to specific needs. This application embodiment does not limit the selected indication method; therefore, the indication methods involved in this application embodiment should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated.

[0117] It should be understood that the information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages sent separately, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in this application embodiment. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the sending device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0118] In this application embodiment, "predefined," "pre-configured," or "pre-configured" can be implemented by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device. For example, it can be burned into the device at the factory. This application embodiment does not limit the specific implementation method. "Saving" can refer to saving in one or more memories. The one or more memories can be separate settings or integrated into the encoder or decoder, processor, or communication device. The one or more memories can also be partially separate settings and partially integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0119] The “protocol” mentioned in the embodiments of this application may refer to a protocol family in the field of communication, a standard protocol with a similar protocol family frame structure, or a related protocol applied to future communication systems. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0120] In the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time. They do not require the device to make a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0121] In this embodiment of the application, "sending information to... (taking a terminal device as an example)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the terminal device. "Receiving information from... (taking a terminal device as an example)" can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal device, and can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the terminal device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this embodiment of the application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be repeated here.

[0122] The technical solutions provided in this application can be used in various communication systems, such as 3GPP communication systems, including 4G mobile communication systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5G mobile communication systems and their evolution systems, NTN systems, NB-IoT systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, LTE and New Radio (NR) hybrid networking systems, or device-to-device (D2D) systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) systems, and other communication systems, such as future communication systems. Furthermore, the term "system" can be used interchangeably with "network."

[0123] It should be noted that the network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0124] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a non-limiting possible communication system applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0125] like Figure 2 As shown, the communication system 10 includes a RAN 100 and a core network (CN) 200. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., ...). Figure 2 110a and 110b (collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal device (such as Figure 2 120a-120j, collectively referred to as 120, are included in the RAN. The RAN may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices. Figure 2 (Not shown in the image). Terminal device 120 is connected to RAN node 110 wirelessly. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0126] Optionally, the communication system 10 may also include an Internet 300. The Internet 300 may be connected to the core network 200 or the RAN 100.

[0127] RAN 100 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, or it can be an O-RAN, cloud radio access network (CRAN), or wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, or it can be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0128] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, also known as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water (such as ships); and they can be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, and satellites). Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios. For example, D2D, V2X communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0129] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal equipment 120 are relative. For example, Figure 2 Network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 120j that access RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal device. RAN node 110 and terminal device 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 2 Network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal equipment functions.

[0130] In one possible scenario, RAN nodes can help terminals achieve wireless access, fulfilling the functions of a base station. For example, a RAN node can be a Node B (also called a base station), an evolved Node B (eNodeB) in an LTE system, a next-generation Node B (gNB) in a 5G system, an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. Figure 2 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 2 The RAN node can be a relay node or donor node (as defined in section 110b), or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in V2X technology, the RAN node can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node functions.

[0131] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0132] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0133] Optionally, if the communication method provided in this application embodiment is applied to an NTN system, the structure of the NTN system can be referred to Figure 1 .in, Figure 1 For access network equipment and terminal equipment, please refer to the above text. Figure 2 Introduction to RAN nodes and terminal equipment.

[0134] The following will combine Figure 1 and Figure 2 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0135] It should be noted that the message name or the name of each parameter in the message in the following embodiments of this application is just an example, and other names may be used in the specific implementation. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0136] like Figure 3 The image shows a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This application uses a terminal device as an example to illustrate the method, but it does not limit the execution subject of this illustration. For example, Figure 3 The terminal device in the process can also be a module applied to the terminal device, such as a chip, chip system, or processor, or it can be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The communication method includes the following steps S301-S302:

[0137] S301. The access network device sends first information to the terminal device on a non-anchor carrier, and the terminal device receives the first information on a non-anchor carrier. The first information is used for uplink synchronization and / or downlink synchronization.

[0138] S302. The terminal equipment performs uplink synchronization or downlink synchronization on the non-anchor carrier according to the first information.

[0139] Based on the communication method provided in this application, the terminal device can perform uplink synchronization or downlink synchronization on the non-anchor carrier according to the first information on the non-anchor carrier. When the terminal device performs downlink data transmission on the non-anchor carrier, if uplink synchronization or downlink synchronization is required, it does not need to switch to the anchor carrier for each uplink or downlink synchronization. This can reduce the frequency of the terminal device switching between the anchor carrier and the non-anchor carrier and reduce the complexity of the terminal device.

[0140] The following is a detailed introduction to S301-S302.

[0141] The first information may include any information used for uplink synchronization and / or downlink synchronization. This application does not limit the specific information included in the first information.

[0142] Optionally, when the first information is used for uplink synchronization, the first information may include at least one of the following: ephemeris information, common timing advance information, and other parameters used for satellite communication uplink synchronization.

[0143] Optionally, if the first information is used for uplink synchronization, the first information can be included in a system message (which may be referred to as the first system message). For example, the first information can be included in SIB32.

[0144] Optionally, in addition to the first system message, the non-anchor carrier may also carry at least one other system message. That is, the non-anchor carrier can carry M types of system messages, where M is a positive integer, including the first information. When M = 1, the M system messages constitute the first system message.

[0145] Optionally, when M is greater than 1, the periods of the first system message and the other system messages among the M types of system messages can be the same. In this case, the first system message and other system messages can be included in the same message for transmission.

[0146] Optionally, when M is greater than 1, the period of the first system message and the period of the other system messages among the M types of system messages can be different.

[0147] Optionally, when M is greater than 1, the period of the first system message and some system messages among the M types of system messages can be the same, while the period of another group of system messages can be different. In this case, the first system message and the system messages with the same period can be included in the same message, and the system messages with the same period among the other group of system messages can be included in one message. For example, assuming M = 4, and four types of system messages are carried on a non-anchor carrier, system message 1 and system message 2 have the same period and can be included in the same message, and system message 3 and system message 4 have the same period and can also be included in the same message.

[0148] Among them, multiple system messages in the M types of system messages are contained in the same message, which can be regarded as multiple system messages being contained in a large system message.

[0149] Optionally, multiple system messages contained in the same message can be scheduled by the same scheduling information. For example, the scheduling information used to schedule the first message will be referred to as the second message below. If the first system message is contained in the same system message as other one or more system messages, the second message may include the scheduling information used to schedule that system message.

[0150] Optionally, which of the M types of system messages can be included in the same message can be predefined by the protocol, or pre-agreed upon by the access network device and the terminal device, or pre-configured by the terminal device, or determined based on other methods. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0151] Optionally, the type of each of the M system messages can be predefined by the protocol, or pre-agreed upon by the access network device and the terminal device, or pre-configured by the terminal device, or indicated by third information sent by the access network device to the terminal device, or determined based on other methods. This application embodiment does not limit this. The third information and the second information can be carried in the same message, for example, in the same system message. For example, in SIB1-NB, the third information first indicates the type of the M system messages carried on the non-anchor carrier, and then the second information schedules the M system messages.

[0152] Optionally, if the first information is used for downlink synchronization, the first information can be a downlink synchronization signal.

[0153] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "information", "signal", "message", "channel", and "signaling" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when their distinctions are not emphasized, their intended meanings are matched.

[0154] Optionally, the terminal device can receive the first information on a non-anchor carrier based on the received second information. The second information can indicate the time-domain location of the first information on the non-anchor carrier. Alternatively, the first information can be scheduled by the second information sent by the access network device, or the second information includes scheduling information for scheduling the first information.

[0155] Optionally, if the first information is carried in the first system message, then the second information includes scheduling information for scheduling the first system message.

[0156] Optionally, the second information may also indicate the index of the non-anchor carrier carrying the first information.

[0157] Optionally, the second information can be carried on an anchor carrier or a non-anchor carrier.

[0158] Optionally, the second information can be included in a system message (which may be referred to as a second system message). That is, the access network device broadcasts a second system message, which includes the second information. For example, the second information can be included in a second system message carried by an anchor carrier, such as SIB1-NB or SIB32.

[0159] Optionally, the second system message may further include scheduling information for scheduling other system messages. Specifically, the second system message may include scheduling information for scheduling at least one system message on an anchor carrier, and / or scheduling information for scheduling at least one system message on a non-anchor carrier.

[0160] Optionally, the second information may be included in RRC signaling. For example, the second information may be included in radio resource control (RRC) signaling for configuring non-anchor carriers, such as carrierConfigDedicated-r13 signaling.

[0161] Optionally, if the access network device configures a non-anchor carrier for the terminal device, the first information will be carried on the non-anchor carrier. This information can be predefined by the protocol, pre-agreed upon by the access network device and the terminal device, pre-configured by the terminal device, or other methods by which the terminal device defaults to carrying the first information on the non-anchor carrier. In this case, if the access network device configures a non-anchor carrier for the terminal device, the terminal device can directly determine that the first information is carried on that non-anchor carrier.

[0162] Optionally, if the access network device configures a non-anchor carrier for the terminal device, whether the non-anchor carrier carries the first information can be indicated by the fourth information sent by the access network device to the terminal device.

[0163] Optionally, the fourth information can be carried on an anchor carrier or a non-anchor carrier.

[0164] Optionally, the fourth information can be included in the system message. For example, the fourth information can be included in the SIB1-NB or SIB32 carried by the anchor carrier.

[0165] Optionally, the fourth information can be included in the RRC signaling. For example, the fourth information can be included in the RRC signaling used to configure a non-anchor carrier, such as the carrierConfigDedicated-r13 signaling.

[0166] Optionally, the fourth and second information can be contained in different messages, or they can be contained in the same message. For example, the fourth and second information can be contained in the same system message, such as SIB1-NB or SIB32 carried on the anchor carrier. As another example, the fourth and second information can be contained in the same RRC signaling, such as carrierConfigDedicated-r13 signaling.

[0167] Alternatively, if the first information is included in the first system message, the second information may also indicate other information such as the number of times one or more pieces of information (e.g., the first information) are repeated in the first system message.

[0168] This application does not limit the specific implementation of the second information indicating the temporal location of the first information in the embodiments of this application. The following describes several possible implementations provided by the embodiments of this application.

[0169] Implementation 1: The second information is contained in the first system message. The second information is used to indicate the period of the first system message (i.e., the duration of a single period) and the starting time domain position of the first period of the first system message.

[0170] In this application embodiment, the specific implementation of the second information indicating the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message is not limited. Optionally, the second information may indicate a first offset, which is the offset of the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message relative to a specific time-domain position. For example, the first offset may be the offset of the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message relative to the starting time-domain position of the first subframe (subframe 0 in radio frame 0) in the first radio frame.

[0171] Optionally, if the first system message is one of the M types of system messages carried by a non-anchor carrier, and M is greater than 1, the second information can also schedule other system messages among the M types of system messages.

[0172] Optionally, the second information may indicate the period of one or more other system messages among the M system messages, as well as the starting time domain position of the first period, for example, indicating the offset of the starting time domain position of the first period relative to a specific time domain position. For details, please refer to the introduction of the second information indicating the period of the first system message and the starting time domain position of the first period of the first system message.

[0173] Optionally, the second information can indicate the period of multiple system messages among the M system messages and the starting time domain position of the first period in a certain order. For example, system message 1 can be scheduled first, followed by system message 2, and then system message 3. The order in which the second information schedules the multiple system messages can be the time domain order of the multiple system messages on a non-anchor carrier, or a predefined order by the protocol, or a pre-agreed order between the access network device and the terminal device, or a pre-configured order by the terminal device, or the order indicated by the third information for the M system messages, or an order determined by other methods. This embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0174] Implementation 2: The first information is contained in the first system message, and the period of the first system message is the same as the period of the third system message carried on the anchor carrier (meaning the duration of a single period is the same). The second information is used to indicate the starting time domain position of the first system message.

[0175] The first system message and the third system message have the same period, which may be predefined by the protocol, or pre-agreed by the access network device and the terminal device, or pre-configured by the terminal device, or determined by other means. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0176] The second information indicates the starting time domain position of the first system message, which can be found in the above description of implementation one.

[0177] Optionally, the third system message may include information for uplink synchronization. For example, the third system message may include parameters for satellite communication uplink synchronization, such as ephemeris information and common timing advance information.

[0178] The specific type of system message referred to in this application is not limited to any particular type. It may be predefined by the protocol, agreed upon in advance by the access network device and the terminal device, pre-configured by the terminal device, or determined by other means. For example, the third system message may be SIB32 on the anchor carrier.

[0179] Optionally, the second system message and the third system message can be the same system message, that is, the second information can be included in the third system message. For example, the first information is included in the SIB32 on the non-anchor carrier, the period of the SIB32 on the non-anchor carrier is the same as the period of the SIB32 on the anchor carrier, and the second information included in the SIB32 on the anchor carrier can indicate the offset of the first period of the SIB32 on the non-anchor carrier relative to a specific time domain position.

[0180] Implementation 3: The second information is used to indicate the period of the first information (i.e., the duration of a single period) and the starting time domain position of the first period of the first information.

[0181] Optionally, in the implementation of the three, the first information can be a downlink synchronization signal.

[0182] In this application embodiment, the specific implementation of the second information indicating the starting time domain position of the first information's first period is not limited. Optionally, the second information may indicate the offset of the starting time domain position of the first information's first period relative to a specific time domain position. For example, the second information may indicate the offset of the starting time domain position of the first information's first period relative to subframe 0 in radio frame 0.

[0183] Optionally, the second information may indicate the index of the radio frame in which the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first information is located. In one possible implementation, the index of the subframe in which the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first information is located within the radio frame may be predefined by the protocol, or pre-agreed upon by the terminal device and the access network device, or pre-configured by the terminal device, or determined by other terminal devices themselves; this embodiment does not limit this. In another possible implementation, the index of the subframe in which the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first information is located within the radio frame may also be indicated by the second information. In yet another possible implementation, the index of the subframe in which the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first information is located within the radio frame may be the same as the index of the subframe in which the starting time-domain position of the fifth information carried by the anchor carrier is located. The fifth information is used for uplink synchronization and / or downlink synchronization; for example, the fifth information may be a downlink synchronization signal.

[0184] Implementation 4: The period of the first information is the same as the period of the fifth information carried by the anchor carrier (meaning the duration of a single period is the same). The fifth information is used for uplink synchronization and / or downlink synchronization; for example, the fifth information can be a downlink synchronization signal. The second information is used to indicate the starting time domain position of the first information.

[0185] Optionally, in the fourth implementation, the first piece of information can be a downlink synchronization signal.

[0186] The second information indicates the starting time domain position of the first information. For details, please refer to the above introduction on implementation three, in which the second information indicates the starting time domain position of the first information. It will not be elaborated here.

[0187] Alternatively, the terminal device can also determine the first information on the non-anchor carrier itself. Several possible implementations are described below:

[0188] Implementation 5: The first information is contained in the first system message, and the period of the first system message is the same as the period of the third system message carried on the anchor carrier. The starting time domain position of the first period of the first system message is predefined by the protocol, or is pre-agreed upon by the terminal device and the access network device, or is pre-configured by the terminal device, or is determined by other terminal devices themselves. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0189] For details on the third system messages, please refer to the above introduction to the third system messages in Implementation 2.

[0190] The following describes several possible scenarios for the start time domain position of the first cycle of the first system message in Implementation 5.

[0191] Scenario 1: The starting time domain position of the first cycle of the first system message is the starting time domain position of the time window corresponding to the third system message. Specifically, the starting time domain position of the first cycle of the third system message is within the time window corresponding to the third system message.

[0192] Scenario 2: The starting time domain position of the first cycle of the first system message is the same as the starting time domain position of the third system message. In Scenario 2, the time domain resources corresponding to the first system message (i.e., the time domain resources used to transmit the first system message) are the same as the time domain resources corresponding to the third system message (i.e., the time domain resources used to transmit the third system message).

[0193] Scenario 3: The starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message is related to the index of the non-anchor carrier carrying the first system message. In Scenario 3, the terminal device can determine the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message based on the index of the non-anchor carrier carrying the first system message. The correlation between the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message and the index of the non-anchor carrier carrying the first system message can be predefined by the protocol, or pre-agreed upon by the terminal device and the access network device, or pre-configured by the terminal device, or obtained in advance by other terminal devices. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0194] For example, the index of the radio frame where the starting time domain position of the first period of the first system message is located satisfies a certain algorithmic relationship with the index of the non-anchor carrier carrying the first system message. The terminal device can determine the radio frame where the starting time domain position of the first period of the first system message is located based on the pre-configured algorithm and the index of the non-anchor carrier carrying the first system message.

[0195] Optionally, in the example where the index of the radio frame containing the starting time domain position of the first period of the first system message is related to the index of the non-anchor carrier carrying the first system message, the index of the subframe containing the starting time domain position of the first period of the first system message in the radio frame containing the starting time domain position of the first period of the first system message can be predefined by the protocol, or pre-agreed by the terminal device and the access network device, or pre-configured by the terminal device, or determined by other terminal devices themselves. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0196] Optionally, in the example where the index of the radio frame containing the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message is related to the index of the non-anchor carrier carrying the first system message, the index of the subframe containing the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message within the radio frame containing the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message can be related to the index of the non-anchor carrier carrying the first system message. The terminal device can determine the subframe containing the starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message based on a pre-configured algorithm and the index of the non-anchor carrier carrying the first system message.

[0197] Implementation 6: The period of the first information is the same as the period of the fifth information carried by the anchor carrier (meaning the duration of a single period is the same). The starting time domain position of the first period of the first information is predefined by the protocol, or is pre-agreed by the terminal device and the access network device, or is pre-configured by the terminal device, or is determined by other terminal devices themselves. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0198] Optionally, in the implementation of the sixth method, the first piece of information can be a downlink synchronization signal.

[0199] Implementation 7: The period of the first information is the same as the period of the fifth information carried by the anchor carrier (meaning the duration of a single period is the same). The fifth information is used for uplink synchronization and / or downlink synchronization. For example, the fifth information can be a downlink synchronization signal. The starting time domain position of the first period of the first information is the same as the starting time domain position of the first period of the fifth information carried by the anchor carrier. For example, the index of the radio frame in which the starting time domain position of the first period of the first information is located is the same as the index of the radio frame in which the starting time domain position of the first period of the fifth information is located, and the index of the subframe in which the starting time domain position of the first period of the first information is located is the same as the index of the subframe in which the starting time domain position of the first period of the fifth information is located.

[0200] Optionally, in implementation seven, the time-domain resources corresponding to the first information (i.e., the time-domain resources used to transmit the first information) are the same as the time-domain resources corresponding to the downlink synchronization signal carried by the anchor carrier (i.e., the time-domain resources on the anchor carrier used to transmit the downlink synchronization signal).

[0201] Optionally, in the implementation of the seventh method, the first piece of information can be a downlink synchronization signal.

[0202] Optionally, the method by which the terminal device determines the first information on the non-anchor carrier when the aforementioned first information is used for uplink synchronization can be combined with the method by which the terminal device determines the first information on the non-anchor carrier when the aforementioned first information is used for downlink synchronization. That is, the non-anchor carrier can carry both information for uplink synchronization and information for downlink synchronization. The terminal device can not only receive information for uplink synchronization on the non-anchor carrier for uplink synchronization, but also receive information for downlink synchronization on the non-anchor carrier for downlink synchronization.

[0203] Optionally, if the anchor carrier carries fifth information, and this fifth information is used for uplink synchronization and / or downlink synchronization, for example, the fifth information can be information used for uplink synchronization in the third system message on the anchor carrier, or the fifth information can be a downlink synchronization signal. The terminal device can determine the time-domain position of the first information on the non-anchor carrier based on the fifth information received on the anchor carrier. Optionally, the terminal device can determine the time-domain position of the first information on the non-anchor carrier by combining the fifth information and the second information. For details on how the terminal device determines the time-domain position of the first information based on the fifth information, please refer to the above description of implementations two, four, five, six, or seven.

[0204] The above mainly describes the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of interaction between various devices. Correspondingly, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication device for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device can be an access network device in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the above access network device, or a component usable in an access network device; or, this communication device can be a terminal device in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the above terminal device, or a component usable in a terminal device. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0205] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be understood that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0206] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a communication device 400 is shown. The communication device 400 includes a transceiver module 402 and a processing module 401. Optionally, the communication device 400 may also include a storage module 403. The transceiver module 402, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement transceiver functions; for example, it may be a transceiver circuit, transceiver, transceiver adapter, or communication interface.

[0207] The communication device 400 can be the access network device in the above embodiments, or it can be a chip in the access network device. Alternatively, the communication device can be the terminal device in the above embodiments, or it can be a chip in the terminal device. The communication device 400 can be used to implement the communication method of any of the above embodiments.

[0208] For example, the transceiver module 402 is used to support the communication device 400 in sending and receiving information, or to communicate with other devices. The processing module 401 is used to control and manage the operation of the communication device 400, and to execute the processing performed by the communication device 400 in the above embodiments. Optionally, if the communication device 400 includes a storage module 403, the processing module 401 can also execute programs or instructions stored in the memory, so that the communication device 400 implements the methods and functions involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0209] For example, if the communication device 400 is an access network device as described in the above embodiments, the processing module 401 can be used to determine the first information and / or other processes used in the techniques described herein. The transceiver module 402 can be used to perform, for example... Figure 3 Step S301 in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes used in the technology described herein. All relevant content regarding each step in the above method embodiments can be referenced to the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0210] For example, if the communication device 400 is the terminal device in the above embodiments, the transceiver module 402 can be used to perform, for example... Figure 3 Step S301 in the process, and / or other processes used in the techniques described herein. Processing module 401 can be used to perform, for example... Figure 3 Step S302 in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes used in the technology described herein. All relevant content regarding each step in the above method embodiments can be referenced to the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0211] For example, in hardware implementation, the functions of processing module 401 can be executed by a processor, and the functions of transceiver module 402 can be executed by a transceiver (transmitter / receiver) and / or communication interface. Processing module 401 can be embedded in or independent of the processor of communication device 400 in hardware form, or it can be stored in the memory of communication device 400 in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to the above functional units.

[0212] Optionally, Figure 4 Modules in a module can also be called units; for example, a processing module can be called a processing unit, and a transceiver module can be called a transceiver unit. Additionally, in... Figure 4 In the embodiments shown, the names of the various units may not be the same as those shown in the figures. For example, the transceiver module may also be called a communication module or a communication unit.

[0213] Figure 4If the various units in the software are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. This computer software product, stored in a storage medium, includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. Storage media for storing computer software products include various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0214] In this embodiment, the communication device 400 is presented in an integrated manner, divided into various functional modules. Here, "module" can refer to a specific ASIC, circuitry, a processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other devices that can provide the aforementioned functions. In a simplified embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that the communication device 400 can adopt... Figure 5 The form of the communication device shown.

[0215] like Figure 5 As shown, the communication device 500 includes one or more processors 501, a communication line 502, and at least one communication interface. Figure 5 (This is merely an example illustration, using a communication interface 504 and a processor 501 as examples. Optionally, a memory 503 may also be included.)

[0216] The processor 501 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of the program of the present application.

[0217] Communication line 502 may include a path for connecting different components.

[0218] The communication interface 504 can be a transceiver module used to communicate with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, RAN, terminals, and wireless local area networks (WLAN). For example, the transceiver module can be a transceiver or similar device. Optionally, the communication interface 504 can also be a transceiver circuit or input / output interface located within the processor 501, used to implement signal input and signal output for the processor.

[0219] Memory 503 can be a device with storage function. For example, it can be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions; random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices capable of storing information and instructions; electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM); compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage; optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.); magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices; or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited to these. Memory can exist independently and be connected to the processor via communication line 502. Memory can also be integrated with the processor.

[0220] The memory 503 stores computer execution instructions for implementing the scheme of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 501. The processor 501 executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 503, thereby implementing the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0221] Alternatively, in this embodiment, the processor 501 may execute the processing-related functions in the communication method provided in the following embodiments of this application, and the communication interface 504 may be responsible for communicating with other devices or communication networks. This embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0222] Optionally, the computer execution instructions in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as application code, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0223] In a specific implementation, as one example, the processor 501 may include one or more CPUs, for example... Figure 5 CPU0 and CPU1 in the CPU.

[0224] In a specific implementation, as one example, the communication device 500 may include multiple processors, such as... Figure 5The processors 501 and 507 are described herein. Each of these processors may be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. The processors herein may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), or an artificial intelligence processor, and other computing devices that run software. Each computing device may include one or more cores for executing software instructions to perform calculations or processing.

[0225] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the communication device 500 may further include an output device 505 and an input device 506. The output device 505 communicates with the processor 501 and can display information in various ways. For example, the output device 505 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device 506 communicates with the processor 501 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, the input device 506 may be a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen device, or sensing device, etc.

[0226] The aforementioned communication device 500 may sometimes be referred to as a communication equipment, which can be a general-purpose device or a special-purpose device. For example, the communication device 500 may be a desktop computer, a portable computer, a network server, a handheld digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wireless terminal device, an embedded device, or something else with... Figure 5 Devices with similar structures. This application does not limit the type of communication device 500 to any particular embodiment.

[0227] also, Figure 5 The structural composition shown does not constitute a limitation on the communication device, except... Figure 5 In addition to the components shown, the communication device 500 may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0228] in, Figure 5 The processor 501 in the communication device 500 shown can execute the communication method in the above method embodiment by calling the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 503.

[0229] Specifically, Figure 4 The functions / implementation process of the transceiver module 402 and the processing module 401 can be obtained through... Figure 5 The processor 501 in the communication device 500 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 503 to implement the function. Alternatively, Figure 4 The function / implementation process of the processing module 401 can be achieved through... Figure 5 The processor 501 in the communication device 500 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in the memory 503 to implement the communication. Figure 4 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 402 in the middle can be obtained through Figure 5 This is achieved through the communication interface 504 in the communication device 500 shown.

[0230] It should be understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a SoC or ASIC, or it can be a separate semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0231] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0232] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device (e.g., the communication device may be a chip or a chip system), which includes a processor for implementing the methods in any of the above method embodiments. In one possible design, the communication device further includes a memory. The memory is used to store necessary program instructions and data, and the processor can call the program code stored in the memory to instruct the communication device to execute the methods in any of the above method embodiments. Of course, the memory may not be included in the communication device. When the communication device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0233] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when run on a communication device, enable the communication device to execute the methods described in any of the above method embodiments or any implementation thereof.

[0234] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a communication device, enable the communication device to execute the methods described in any of the above method embodiments or any implementation thereof.

[0235] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, which includes the access network device and the terminal device described in the above method embodiments.

[0236] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state drives (SSDs)).

[0237] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple instances. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0238] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of the application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from its scope. Thus, if such modifications and modifications fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first information on a non-anchor carrier, the first information being used for uplink synchronization and / or downlink synchronization; Based on the first information, uplink or downlink synchronization is performed on the non-anchor carrier.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, which is used to indicate the time domain location of the first information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the period of the first system message, the start time domain position of the first period of the first system message, and the first system message is used to carry the first information.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second information indicates the start time-domain position of the first period of the first information, including: The second information is used to indicate a first offset, which is the offset of the starting time domain position of the first period of the first system message relative to the starting time domain position of the first radio frame.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The second information is also used to indicate the index of the non-anchor carrier, and / or the second information is also used to indicate the number of repetitions of one or more pieces of information in the period of the first system message, which carries the first information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The second information is contained in the second system message carried by the anchor carrier; or, The second information is contained in the radio resource control signaling.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The non-anchor carrier carries M types of system information, and the M types of system information include the first information, where M is a positive integer.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The fifth information is received on the anchor carrier, and the fifth information is used for uplink synchronization and / or downlink synchronization. Based on the fifth information, the temporal location of the first information on the non-anchor carrier is determined.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The period of the first system message is the same as the period of the third system message, wherein the first system message is used to carry the first information, and the third system message is used to carry the fifth information; or, The period of the first information is the same as the period of the fifth information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message is the starting time-domain position of the time window corresponding to the third system message; or, The time-domain resources used to transmit the first system message are the same as the time-domain resources used to transmit the third system message; or, The starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message is related to the index of the non-anchor carrier.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The first information is contained in the first system message, or the first information is a downlink synchronization signal.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Determine the first piece of information; First information is transmitted on a non-anchor carrier, the first information being used for uplink synchronization and / or downlink synchronization.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, which is used to indicate the time-domain location of the first message.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the period of the first system message, the start time domain position of the first period of the first system message, and the first system message is used to carry the first information.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second information indicates the start time-domain position of the first period of the first information, including: The second information is used to indicate a first offset, which is the offset of the starting time domain position of the first period of the first system message relative to the starting time domain position of the first radio frame.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The second information is also used to indicate the index of the non-anchor carrier, and / or the second information is also used to indicate the number of repetitions of one or more pieces of information in the period of the first system message, which carries the first information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13-16, characterized in that, The second information is contained in the second system message carried by the anchor carrier; or, The second information is contained in the radio resource control signaling.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12-17, characterized in that, The non-anchor carrier carries M types of system information, and the M types of system information include the first information, where M is a positive integer.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12-18, characterized in that, The period of the first system message is the same as the period of the third system message carried by the anchor carrier, wherein the first system message is used to carry the first information; or, The period of the first information is the same as the period of the fifth information carried by the anchor carrier.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message is the starting time-domain position of the time window corresponding to the third system message; or, The time-domain resources used to transmit the first system message are the same as the time-domain resources used to transmit the third system message; or, The starting time-domain position of the first period of the first system message is related to the index of the non-anchor carrier.

21. The method according to any one of claims 12-20, characterized in that, The first information is contained in the first system message, or the first information is a downlink synchronization signal.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes modules or units for implementing the method of any one of claims 1-11, or the communication device includes modules or units for implementing the method of any one of claims 12-21.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to communicate with a device other than the communication device, and the processor being used to execute instructions stored in a memory; when the instructions are executed by the processor, the communication device is caused to perform the method of any one of claims 1-11, or to perform the method of any one of claims 12-21.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1-11 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 12-21 to be performed.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1-11 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 12-21 to be performed.

26. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes an access network device and a terminal device; wherein the terminal device is used to perform the method of any one of claims 1-11, and the access network device is used to perform the method of any one of claims 12-21.

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