A method of communication and a communication apparatus

Abstract

This application provides a communication method and apparatus. In this method, a network device indicates a first beam measured over a first time period to a terminal device. The terminal device then determines an uplink beam for a second time period based on this first beam and the network device's ephemeris parameters. This first beam can be considered the optimal uplink beam, and the terminal device can use this uplink beam for uplink transmission. Since the determination of the uplink beam considers not only the network device's ephemeris parameters but also the first beam measured over the first time period as a reference, it achieves higher accuracy. In other words, this application, based on location-based beam alignment, introduces the first beam measured over the first time period indicated by the network device, thereby assisting the terminal device in aligning the uplink beam, resulting in more precise uplink transmission beam direction and better performance.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Traditional terrestrial networks (TN) cannot provide seamless coverage for terminal devices, especially in areas where base stations cannot be deployed, such as at sea, in deserts, or in the air. By introducing non-terrestrial networks (NTN), which deploy base stations or some base station functions on non-terrestrial network equipment such as satellites, seamless coverage can be provided for terminal devices, improving communication reliability.

[0003] When a terminal and a satellite communicate at high frequencies, path loss is significant. To compensate for this path loss, the transmitting end typically employs transmit beamforming, and the receiving end typically employs receive beamforming, thereby improving the reliability of the transmit-receive link. Therefore, the transmitting end generally has multiple transmit beams, and the receiving end typically has multiple receive beams.

[0004] Determining the appropriate uplink beam for a terminal is crucial for communication quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method that can improve the accuracy of uplink transmission beams and enhance communication quality.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a terminal device or by components of the terminal device (such as a chip, circuit, or chip system). For ease of understanding, the following description uses execution by a terminal device as an example.

[0007] The method includes: receiving first information from a network device, the first information indicating a first beam for a first time period; and transmitting a first uplink signal using a second beam for a second time period, the second beam being determined based on the ephemeris parameters of the network device and the first beam, the start time of the second time period being after the start time of the first time period.

[0008] Based on the above scheme, the network device can indicate to the terminal device the first beam measured in the first time period (e.g., the optimal uplink beam measured in the first time period), so that the terminal device can determine the uplink beam to be used in the second time period (i.e., the second beam) based on the first beam measured in the first time period and the ephemeris parameters of the network device. Furthermore, the terminal device can use the uplink beam for uplink transmission. Since the determination of the uplink beam not only considers the ephemeris parameters of the network device, but also uses the first beam of the first time period indicated by the network (e.g., the optimal uplink beam measured) as a reference, it has higher accuracy.

[0009] In other words, this application can introduce a network device indicating the first beam measured in the first time period on the basis of location-based beam alignment, thereby assisting the terminal device in aligning the uplink beam, making the uplink transmission beam direction more accurate and the performance better.

[0010] For example, the second time period is located after the first time period.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving configuration information from a network device, the configuration information being used to configure K transmission resources, where K is an integer greater than 0; transmitting a second uplink signal on the K transmission resources using N beams, wherein the first beam is determined based on measurement results on the K transmission resources, and the N beams include the first beam and the second beam, where N is an integer greater than 0.

[0012] Based on the above scheme, the network device can configure K transmission resources to the terminal device and determine the first beam based on the measurement results on the K transmission resources. The first beam obtained in this way has better accuracy and can better assist in correcting the second beam in the second time period.

[0013] For example, the first information is an indication of a first transmission resource among K transmission resources, wherein transmitting a second uplink signal on the K transmission resources using N beams includes: transmitting a second uplink signal on the first transmission resource using a first beam.

[0014] In this context, the first transmission resource and the first beam have a corresponding relationship. Or, to put it another way, the resource used to transmit the second uplink signal using the first beam is the first transmission resource.

[0015] Optionally, the method further includes: receiving second information from a network device, the second information indicating the value of K.

[0016] For example, the K transmission resources are K physical uplink sharechannel (PUSCH) resources. This allows the terminal device to perform measurement tasks in parallel while transmitting uplink data, improving resource utilization. Furthermore, PUSCHs have good channel characteristics and coding gain; configuring PUSCH resources as measurement resources can also improve measurement accuracy.

[0017] For example, the K transmission resources are K sounding reference signal (SRS) resources. Since SRS resources support frequency-selective scheduling, network devices can select suitable (e.g., optimal) frequency resources for transmission based on the uplink channel quality of different terminal devices, thereby achieving more efficient frequency-selective scheduling.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending a request message to the network device, the request message being used to request configuration information.

[0019] For example, when the posture of the terminal device changes, the terminal device sends a request message.

[0020] Since changes in attitude can cause changes in sensor values, leading to changes in the local AOD of the terminal device, the terminal device can request the network device to reconfigure measurement resources when its attitude changes to obtain the latest first beam. The terminal device can then determine the second beam based on this latest first beam, thus correcting for the effects of sensor errors and improving the quality of the uplink beam.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information includes an indication of a first time period.

[0022] Optionally, the method further includes: receiving third information from a network device, the third information being used to indicate that the downlink control information (DCI) includes the first information.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving ephemeris parameters from the network device; and determining the position of the network device in a first time period and a second time period based on the ephemeris parameters.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second beam is determined based on the ephemeris parameters of the network device, the first beam, the operating frequency of the terminal device, and the design frequency of the antenna array of the terminal device.

[0025] Based on the above scheme, when determining the second beam, the terminal device can also consider the operating frequency of the terminal device and the design frequency of the antenna array of the terminal device. This can eliminate the impact of the difference between the operating frequency of the terminal device and the design frequency of the antenna array on beamforming, making the uplink transmission beam direction more accurate and the performance better.

[0026] For example, the second beam is determined based on the beamforming angle of the terminal device, and the beamforming angle satisfies the following relationship:

[0027] fcosφ n =f c cosφ;

[0028] Where φ represents the beamforming angle, f represents the operating frequency of the terminal device, and f c For the design frequency of the antenna array of the terminal equipment, φ n This indicates the angle of the network device's position relative to the terminal device during the second time period.

[0029] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a network device or by components of the network device (such as chips, circuits, or chip systems). For ease of understanding, the following description uses network device execution as an example.

[0030] The method includes: sending first information to a terminal device, the first information indicating a first beam for a first time period; receiving a first uplink signal from a network device during a second time period, the first uplink signal being transmitted using a second beam, the second beam being based on the first beam and the ephemeris parameters of the network device, the start time of the second time period being after the start time of the first time period.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending configuration information to the terminal device, the configuration information being used to configure K transmission resources, where K is an integer greater than 0; measuring a second uplink signal on the K transmission resources; and determining a first beam based on the measurement results on the K transmission resources.

[0032] Optionally, the method further includes sending second information to the terminal device, the second information being used to indicate the value of K.

[0033] For example, the K transmission resources include K PUSCH resources or K probe reference signal (SRS) resources.

[0034] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving a request message from a terminal device, the request message being used to request configuration information.

[0035] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information includes an indication of a first time period.

[0036] Optionally, the method further includes: sending third information to the terminal device, the third information being used to indicate that the DCI includes the first information.

[0037] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending ephemeris parameters to the terminal device, the ephemeris parameters being used to determine the location of the network device in a first time period and a second time period.

[0038] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a terminal device or by components of the terminal device (such as a chip, circuit, or chip system). For ease of understanding, the following description uses the example of execution by a terminal device.

[0039] The method includes: the terminal device determining a third beam based on its location and the ephemeris parameters of the network device, wherein the direction of the third beam is the connection direction between the location of the terminal device and the location of the network device. Further, the terminal device determines the beamforming angle based on the third beam, the operating frequency of the terminal device, and the design frequency of the terminal device's antenna array.

[0040] Based on the above scheme, when the terminal device is beamforming, the operating frequency of the terminal device and the design frequency of the antenna array of the terminal device can be taken into account. This can eliminate the impact of the difference between the operating frequency of the terminal device and the design frequency of the antenna array on beamforming, making the uplink transmission beam direction more accurate and the performance better.

[0041] For example, the beamforming angle φ of the terminal device satisfies:

[0042] fcosφ n =f c cosφ

[0043] Where, φ n The direction of the third beam is indicated by f, and the operating frequency of the terminal device is f. c This indicates the design frequency of the antenna array in the terminal device.

[0044] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device or by a component of the terminal device (such as a chip, circuit, or chip system). For ease of understanding, the following description uses the example of execution by a terminal device.

[0045] The method includes: acquiring first information, the first information being used to determine whether a first type of terminal device can access a cell; and determining whether to access a first cell based on the first information.

[0046] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can determine whether to access the first cell based on the first information. In some scenarios, the terminal device can be prohibited from accessing the first cell, thereby avoiding the reduction in system capacity and system performance caused by the access of the terminal device.

[0047] For example, the terminal device is a first type of terminal device.

[0048] Optionally, the first type of terminal device supports operation in frequency range (FR)2 and the transmit power of the first type of terminal device is less than a first threshold, which may refer to the transmit power of a low-capability (RedCap) UE.

[0049] Optionally, the power class (PC) value of the first type of terminal device is greater than the second threshold.

[0050] Optionally, the type of the first type of terminal device is a handheld UE.

[0051] Optionally, the equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of the minimum peak value of the first type of terminal equipment in the first frequency band is less than the third threshold.

[0052] Optionally, the first type of terminal device has an antenna panel with four dual-polarized antenna elements, and the antenna array is 2x1 for one polarization direction.

[0053] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information is indication information. Obtaining the first information includes: receiving indication information from a network device, which is used to indicate whether the terminal device is allowed to access the first cell managed by the network device.

[0054] Based on the above scheme, network devices can directly indicate to terminal devices whether the first type of terminal device is allowed to access the first cell. In this way, terminal devices can directly determine whether they can access the first cell based on their own type, thereby reducing the computational complexity and power consumption of terminal devices.

[0055] For example, in this implementation, the first information is carried in the system information block (SIB) 1.

[0056] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some other implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information is a pre-configured cell selection criterion. Obtaining the first information includes: obtaining the pre-configured cell selection criterion. Determining whether to access the first cell based on the first information includes: determining whether to access the first cell based on the parameters of the first cell and the pre-configured cell selection criterion.

[0057] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can determine whether to access the first cell based on the pre-configured cell selection criteria. This allows the first type of terminal device to access the cell under more reasonable conditions, ensuring the communication performance of the first type of terminal device while guaranteeing system capacity and system performance.

[0058] Fifthly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device or by a component of the terminal device (such as a chip, circuit, or chip system). For ease of understanding, the following description uses the example of execution by a terminal device.

[0059] The method includes: determining first information, the first information being used to determine whether a first type of terminal device can access the cell; and sending the first information to a network device during a random access process.

[0060] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can send first information to the network device during the random access process, so that the network device can determine whether the terminal device can access the first cell based on the first information. In some scenarios, the terminal device can be prohibited from accessing the first cell, thereby avoiding the reduction in system capacity and system performance caused by the access of the terminal device.

[0061] For example, the terminal device is a first type of terminal device, and the meaning of the first type of terminal device can be referred to the fourth aspect.

[0062] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the first information is a first random access preamble, which is sent to the network device during the random access process, including: sending the first random access preamble to the network device on the first physical random access channel occasion (RO).

[0063] For example, the first random access channel timing and the first random access preamble are used by a first type of terminal device to initiate random access.

[0064] Optionally, in this implementation, the method further includes: receiving random access parameters from a network device, the random access parameters including a first random access channel timing and a first random access preamble.

[0065] Based on the above scheme, the first type of terminal device can initiate random access using its dedicated parameters during the random access process. This allows the network device to identify the first type of terminal device. In some scenarios, the network device can prohibit the first type of terminal device from accessing the first cell, thereby avoiding the reduction in system capacity and system performance caused by the access of the terminal device.

[0066] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some other implementations of the fifth aspect, the first information is message 3, which is sent to the network device during the random access process, including: sending message 3 to the network device on the first common control channel (CCCH), wherein the logical channel identifier (LCID) of the first common control channel is greater than the fourth threshold.

[0067] For example, the fourth threshold is 36, and the logical channel identifier of the first common control channel can be any value from 37 to 42.

[0068] Based on the above scheme, the first type of terminal device can send message 3 using the common control channel corresponding to a special logical channel identifier during the random access process. This enables the network device to identify the first type of terminal device. In some scenarios, the network device can prohibit the first type of terminal device from accessing the first cell, thereby avoiding the reduction in system capacity and system performance caused by the access of the terminal device.

[0069] Sixthly, a method of communication is provided. This method can be executed by a network device or by a component of the network device (such as a chip, circuit, or chip system). For ease of understanding, the following description uses the example of execution by a network device.

[0070] The method includes: receiving first information from a terminal device during a random access process; and determining, based on the first information, whether to allow the terminal device to access a first cell managed by the network device.

[0071] For example, the terminal device is a first type of terminal device.

[0072] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the first information is a first random access preamble. Receiving the first information from the terminal device includes: receiving the first random access preamble from the terminal device at a first random access channel timing. Determining whether to allow the terminal device to access the first cell managed by the network device based on the first information includes: performing detection at a random access channel timing; if the first random access preamble is detected at the first random access channel timing, prohibiting the terminal device from accessing the first cell. The first random access channel timing and the first random access preamble are used for first-type terminal devices to initiate random access.

[0073] Optionally, in this implementation, the method further includes: sending random access parameters to the terminal device, the random access parameters including a first random access channel timing and a first random access preamble.

[0074] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some further implementations of the sixth aspect, the first information is message 3, and receiving the first information from the terminal device includes: receiving message 3 on the first common control channel. Determining whether to allow the terminal device to access the first cell based on the first information includes: prohibiting the terminal device from accessing the first cell if the logical channel identifier of the first common control channel is greater than a fourth threshold.

[0075] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be a terminal device or a component of a terminal device (e.g., a chip, circuit, or chip system).

[0076] The device includes: a transceiver unit for receiving first information from a network device, the first information indicating a first beam for a first time period; the transceiver unit is also configured to: transmit a first uplink signal using a second beam during a second time period, the second beam being determined based on the ephemeris parameters of the network device and the first beam, the start time of the second time period being after the start time of the first time period.

[0077] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive configuration information from a network device, the configuration information being used to configure K transmission resources, where K is an integer greater than 0; and transmit a second uplink signal on the K transmission resources using N beams, wherein the first beam is determined based on measurement results on the K transmission resources, and the N beams include the first beam and the second beam, where N is an integer greater than 0.

[0078] For example, the first information is an indication of a first transmission resource among K transmission resources, wherein the transceiver unit is specifically used to: transmit a second uplink signal on the first transmission resource using a first beam.

[0079] Optionally, the transceiver unit is also configured to: receive second information from the network device, the second information being used to indicate the value of K.

[0080] For example, the K transport resources are K PUSCH resources or K SRS resources.

[0081] In conjunction with aspect seven, in some implementations of aspect seven, the transceiver unit is also used to: send a request message to the network device, the request message being used to request configuration information.

[0082] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the first information includes an indication of a first time period.

[0083] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive third information from the network device, the third information being used to indicate that the first information is included in the DCI.

[0084] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive ephemeris parameters from the network device; the apparatus further includes: a processing unit configured to determine the location of the network device in a first time period and a second time period based on the ephemeris parameters.

[0085] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the second beam is determined based on the ephemeris parameters of the network device, the first beam, the operating frequency of the terminal device, and the design frequency of the antenna array of the terminal device.

[0086] For example, the second beam is determined based on the beamforming angle of the terminal device, and the beamforming angle satisfies the following relationship:

[0087] fcosφ n =f c cosφ;

[0088] Where φ represents the beamforming angle, f represents the operating frequency of the terminal device, and f c For the design frequency of the antenna array of the terminal equipment, φ n This indicates the angle of the network device's position relative to the terminal device during the second time period.

[0089] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, which may be a network device or a component of a network device (e.g., a chip, circuit, or chip system).

[0090] The device includes: a transceiver unit for sending first information to a terminal device, the first information indicating a first beam for a first time period; the transceiver unit is also configured to: receive a first uplink signal from a network device in a second time period, the first uplink signal being transmitted using a second beam, the second beam being based on the first beam and the ephemeris parameters of the network device, the start time of the second time period being after the start time of the first time period.

[0091] In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send configuration information to the terminal device, the configuration information being used to configure K transmission resources, where K is an integer greater than 0; the device further includes: a processing unit configured to measure a second uplink signal on the K transmission resources and determine a first beam based on the measurement results on the K transmission resources.

[0092] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send second information to the terminal device, the second information being used to indicate the value of K.

[0093] For example, the K transmission resources include K PUSCH resources or K probe reference signal (SRS) resources.

[0094] In conjunction with aspect eight, in some implementations of aspect eight, the transceiver unit is also used to: receive a request message from a terminal device, the request message being used to request configuration information.

[0095] In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the first information includes an indication of a first time period.

[0096] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send third information to the terminal device, the third information being used to indicate that the first information is included in the DCI.

[0097] In conjunction with aspect eight, in some implementations of aspect eight, the transceiver unit is also used to: send ephemeris parameters to the terminal device, the ephemeris parameters being used to determine the location of the network device in a first time period and a second time period.

[0098] Ninthly, a communication device is provided, which may be a terminal device or a component of a terminal device (e.g., a chip, circuit, or chip system).

[0099] The device includes a processing unit for determining a third beam based on the location of the terminal device and the ephemeris parameters of the network device, wherein the direction of the third beam is the connection direction between the location of the terminal device and the location of the network device. Further, the processing unit is also used to determine the beamforming angle based on the third beam, the operating frequency of the terminal device, and the design frequency of the antenna array of the terminal device.

[0100] For example, the beamforming angle φ satisfies:

[0101] fcosφ n =f c cosφ

[0102] Where, φ n The direction of the third beam is indicated by f, and the operating frequency of the terminal device is f. c This indicates the design frequency of the antenna array in the terminal device.

[0103] It should be understood that any aspects not described in detail in aspects two through nine, and their beneficial effects, can be referred to aspect one.

[0104] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be a terminal device or a component of a terminal device (e.g., a chip, circuit, or chip system).

[0105] The device includes: a processing unit for acquiring first information, the first information being used to determine whether a first type of terminal device can access a cell; the processing unit is also used to: determine whether to access a first cell based on the first information.

[0106] For example, the terminal device is a first type of terminal device.

[0107] In conjunction with the tenth aspect, in some implementations of the tenth aspect, the first information is indication information, and the processing unit has the function of: receiving indication information from a network device, the indication information being used to indicate whether the terminal device is allowed to access the first cell managed by the network device.

[0108] In conjunction with aspect ten, in some implementations of aspect ten, the first information is a pre-configured cell selection criterion, and the processing unit is specifically used to: obtain the pre-configured cell selection criterion; and determine whether to access the first cell based on the parameters of the first cell and the pre-configured cell selection criterion.

[0109] In the eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be a terminal device or a component of a terminal device (e.g., a chip, circuit, or chip system).

[0110] The device includes: a processing unit for determining first information, the first information being used to determine whether a first type of terminal device can access the cell; and a transceiver unit for sending the first information to a network device during a random access process.

[0111] For example, the first information is a first random access preamble, and the transceiver unit is specifically used to: send the first random access preamble to the network device during a first random access channel timing. The first random access channel timing and the first random access preamble are used by a first type of terminal device to initiate random access.

[0112] For example, the first information is message 3, and the transceiver unit is specifically used to: send message 3 to the network device on the first common control channel, wherein the logical channel identifier of the first common control channel is greater than the fourth threshold.

[0113] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be a network device or a component of a network device (e.g., a chip, circuit, or chip system).

[0114] The device includes: a transceiver unit for receiving first information during a random access process; and a processing unit for determining, based on the first information, whether to allow the terminal device to access the first cell managed by the network device.

[0115] For example, the first information is a first random access preamble, and the transceiver unit is specifically configured to: receive the first random access preamble from the terminal device during the first random access channel timing. The processing unit is specifically configured to: perform detection during the random access channel timing; if the first random access preamble is detected during the first random access channel timing, prohibit the terminal device from accessing the first cell. The first random access channel timing and the first random access preamble are used by a first type of terminal device to initiate random access.

[0116] For example, the first information is message 3, and the transceiver unit is specifically configured to: receive message 3 on the first common control channel. The processing unit is specifically configured to: prohibit the terminal device from accessing the first cell if the logical channel identifier of the first common control channel is greater than a fourth threshold.

[0117] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor for executing a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to perform the method provided in any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a memory for storing the program.

[0118] In one implementation, the device is a terminal device or a network device.

[0119] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in terminal equipment or network equipment.

[0120] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor and a communication interface, the at least one processor being configured to obtain a computer program or instructions stored in a memory via the communication interface to execute the method provided in any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations. The communication interface may be implemented in hardware or software.

[0121] In one implementation, the device also includes a memory.

[0122] In a fifteenth aspect, a processor is provided for performing the methods provided in the foregoing aspects.

[0123] Unless otherwise specified, or if it does not contradict its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission and acquisition / reception operations involved in the processor can be understood as processor output and reception, input and other operations, or as transmission and reception operations performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This application does not limit them in this regard.

[0124] In a sixteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores program code for execution by a node, the program code including methods for performing any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations.

[0125] In a seventeenth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided in any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations.

[0126] In an eighteenth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface and executes the methods provided in any of the above aspects or their implementations. The communication interface can be implemented in hardware or software.

[0127] Optionally, as one implementation, the chip also includes a memory that stores computer programs or instructions. The processor is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor is used to perform the methods provided by any of the above aspects or their implementations.

[0128] When the method provided in this application is executed by a chip, this application does not limit the specific number of chips implementing the method. For example, it can be executed by one chip, or by two or more chips. Furthermore, when the number of chips implementing the method is two or more, the chip manufacturers are not limited; they can be from the same manufacturer or different manufacturers.

[0129] In a nineteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a unit or module for performing the method provided in any of the foregoing aspects or implementations thereof.

[0130] In a twentieth aspect, a communication system is provided, including the terminal equipment and network equipment described above.

[0131] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of aspects four through fourteen and any of their implementations can be referenced from aspects one through three and any of their implementations. Attached Figure Description

[0132] Figures 1 to 3 This is a schematic diagram of the communication system used in the embodiments of this application.

[0133] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a satellite architecture applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0134] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the communication scenario of the uplink beam provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0135] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 700 provided in this application.

[0136] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the first time period and the second time period provided in this application.

[0137] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of one implementation of method 700 provided in this application.

[0138] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the communication conditions between the terminal device and the network device provided in this application.

[0139] Figure 11 This is a gain diagram showing the beamforming angle designed according to the direction of incoming wave under different bandwidths.

[0140] Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 800 provided in this application.

[0141] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a handheld terminal.

[0142] Figure 14 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 900 provided in this application.

[0143] Figure 15 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 1000 provided in this application.

[0144] Figure 16 and Figure 17 A schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0145] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system used in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100. Optionally, the communication system may also include a core network 200 and an Internet 300.

[0146] RAN100 may include at least one RAN node (such as...) Figure 1 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110, may also include at least one terminal (such as...). Figure 1 RAN100, denoted as RAN100, comprises RAN nodes 120a-120j, collectively referred to as RAN120. RAN100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. Terminals and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating some or all of the logical functions of the core network equipment and some or all of the logical functions of the RAN node.

[0147] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, an NR system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0148] RAN nodes, also known as radio access network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminals access communication systems wirelessly. In one application scenario, an RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. RAN nodes can also be macro base stations (such as...) Figure 1 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1 110b in the middle can also be a relay node or a donor node.

[0149] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). The CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RANC) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes, or they can be integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as remote radio units (RRUs) or active antenna units (AAUs). CUs can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0150] In different systems, RAN nodes can have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can also be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can also be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). In this application, the RAN node can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, the RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN node. For ease of description, a network device or base station is used as an example of a RAN node below.

[0151] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be called terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0152] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0153] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative, for example, Figure 1 The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 The 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1 The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0154] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0155] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0156] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. In order to communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection with a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell.

[0157] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram of yet another communication system. Figure 2 An O-RAN system is illustrated. The O-RAN system in this application may include... Figure 2 Other components besides those shown may also include only those shown. Figure 2 Some components in.

[0158] like Figure 2 As shown, the access network device can communicate with the core network device via backhaul link 310 and with the terminal device via the air interface. For example, the BBU in the access network device can communicate with the core network device via backhaul link 310. The RU in the access network device can communicate with at least one terminal device via the air interface. The BBU can communicate with at least one RU via fronthaul link 330. The BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. For example, the BBU may include at least one CU and at least one DU. The CU and DU can communicate with each other via at least one midhaul link 320.

[0159] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the network element function division and protocol layer structure of an O-RAN system. The O-RAN system in this embodiment can adopt... Figure 3 The diagram shows some or all of the methods for dividing network element functions and protocol layers; other methods may also be used.

[0160] In some examples, the CU can be used as a logical node to carry the radio resource control (RRC), SDAP, PDCP, and other control functions of access network devices. Exemplarily, the CU can connect to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, which may include interfaces such as E2 interfaces. Optionally, the CU may have some of the core network's functions.

[0161] For example, the CU (e.g., the PDCP layer or a layer higher than PDCP) connects to the DU (e.g., the radio link control (RLC) layer or a layer lower than RLC) through interfaces, such as the F1 interface. In some examples, the aforementioned interface (e.g., the F1 interface) can provide CP and UP functions, such as interface management, system information management, UE context management, and RRC message transmission. The F1 interface can employ the F1 application protocol (F1AP).

[0162] In some examples, the CU can be split into CU-CP and CU-UP.

[0163] The CU-CP can be used as a logical node to carry the RRC layer and the control plane part of PDCP (PDCP-C) layer, implementing the control plane functions of the CU. The CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. For example, network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions can be access and mobility function (AMF) network elements, such as the access and mobility management function (AMF) in a 5G system. For example, the AMF network element can be used to handle mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover.

[0164] CU-UP can be used as a logical node to carry the SDAP layer and the user plane part of PDCP (PDCP-U) layer, implementing the user plane functions of the CU. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. For example, in a 5G system, the user plane function (UPF) network element can be used to handle data forwarding and reception in terminal equipment.

[0165] The above CU or DU configurations are merely examples; the functions of the CU or DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or to have only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency. Functions that require low latency can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not require low latency can be placed in the CU.

[0166] In some examples, a DU can be used as a logical node to carry the RLC layer, MAC layer, higher physical layer (higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, a DU can control at least one RU. For example, a DU can connect to an RU through interfaces, which may be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the higher PHY layer may include PHY layer processing functions such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding, decoding, scrambling, modulation, or demodulation.

[0167] In some examples, the RU can be used as a logical node to carry both lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) chain processing. In some examples, the RU can be a TRP, RRH, or other similar entity in 3GPP. In some examples, the Low PHY layer includes PHY processing components such as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, or filtering. The RU can communicate with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0168] DU and RU may or may not be co-located. For example, DU and RU can exchange control plane and user plane information via a fronthaul link through a lower-layer split control / user / synchronization-plane (LLS-C / U / S) interface. For instance, the O-RAN CUS plane in DU can communicate with the O-RAN CUS plane in RU via the LLS-C / U / S interface. Exemplarily, LLS-C / U / S may include an LLS-control (C) interface and an LLS-user (U) interface providing CP and UP, respectively. In some examples, CP may refer to real-time control between DU and RU. DU and RU can exchange management information via the LLS-management (M) interface of the fronthaul link; the M plane may refer to non-real-time management operations between DU and RU. For example, the O-RAN M plane in DU can communicate with the O-RAN M plane in RU via the LLS-M interface. As another example, the O-RAN M plane in DU or RU can communicate with the management system via the LLS-M interface.

[0169] DUs and RUs can collaborate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. For example, a DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DUs and RUs can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions (e.g., high PHY) in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions (e.g., low PHY), or implement both lower-level and RF functions (e.g., RF chain). Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0170] As communication requirements continue to rise, traditional terrestrial networks (TN) cannot provide seamless coverage for terminal devices, especially in areas where base stations cannot be deployed, such as oceans, deserts, and the air. Introducing non-terrestrial networks (NTN), by deploying base stations or some base station functions on non-terrestrial network equipment such as satellites, can provide seamless coverage for terminal devices and improve communication reliability.

[0171] Based on their operational modes, satellites are generally divided into two main categories: the first is transparent satellites, which relay radio frequency signals from ground-based base stations. The second is regenerative satellites, which possess all or some of the functions of a base station; that is, the base station or some of its functions are deployed on the satellite. The following section will combine... Figure 4 To explain, Figure 4 The architectures shown in (a) and (b) can be collectively referred to as NTN-based NG-RAN architectures. Figure 4 (a) corresponds to a transparent satellite, meaning the base station is still on the ground, and the satellite in the air only serves to relay signals. Figure 4 (b) corresponds to a regenerable satellite, meaning that the base station function is directly integrated into the satellite. Figure 4 (a) represents a transparent satellite based on the NG-RAN architecture. Figure 4 (b) refers to a regenerate satellite based on the NG-RAN architecture.

[0172] like Figure 4As shown in (a), in this architecture, the satellite forwards the radio frequency signals from the ground-based base station. The satellite's role is to perform radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification. That is, the satellite primarily acts as a Layer 1 relay, regenerating physical layer signals and does not have any other higher protocol layers. Therefore, the satellite replicates the NR Uu radio interface signal from the feeder link (between the NTN gateway and the satellite) to the service link (between the satellite and the UE), and vice versa. The satellite radio interface (SRI) on the feeder link transmits the NR Uu interface signal; that is, the satellite does not terminate the NR Uu interface signal but rather replicates it. The NTN gateway supports all the necessary functions for forwarding the NR Uu interface signal. Different transmission satellites can connect to the same terrestrial base station (such as a next-generation NodeB (gNB) or an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a 5G system). The SRI interface is a transmission link between the NTN gateway and the satellite. In this architecture, the satellite and the NTN gateway can be considered as a single remote radio unit.

[0173] like Figure 4 As shown in (b), in this architecture, the satellite station receives regenerated signals from the ground, i.e., NR Uu radio interface signals are transmitted on the service link between the UE and the satellite, and SRI signals are transmitted on the feeder link between the NTN gateway and the satellite. NG interface signals are transmitted to the NTN gateway via the SRI interface, and then forwarded by the NTN gateway to the ground core network equipment. The process of transmitting NG interface signals from the ground core network equipment to the satellite base station is similar and will not be described further here.

[0174] The above RAN architecture is only an example. The embodiments of this application may also be used in other NTN architectures, or in 4G, 5G, and future wireless network architectures.

[0175] In high-frequency (e.g., frequency range, FR²) communication scenarios, path loss is significant. To compensate for path loss, the transmitting end typically employs transmit beamforming, and the receiving end typically employs receive beamforming to improve the reliability of the transmit-receive link. Therefore, the transmitting end generally has multiple transmit beams, and the receiving end typically has multiple receive beams. A common method to determine the optimal beam pair between the transmitting and receiving ends is beam scanning. Specifically, assuming the transmitting end has 16 transmit beams and the receiving end has 8 receive beams, the receiving end can fix its receive beams and the transmitting end can use all 16 transmit beams to transmit information, allowing the receiving end to measure and determine the optimal transmit beam. Similarly, the transmitting end can also fix its transmit beams and the receiving end can use all 8 receive beams to receive information, allowing the receiving end to measure and determine the optimal receive beam. In other words, the transmitting and receiving ends need to perform 16*8 beam measurements to determine the optimal transmit-receive beam pair.

[0176] In satellite communication, due to the mobility of satellites, the satellite and the UE can calculate the transmit / receive beam pair based on their respective positions. Specifically, the satellite can transmit ephemeris parameters, which the UE uses to determine the satellite's position. The UE can also determine its own position through positioning. Furthermore, using the satellite's position and the UE's position, the UE can calculate that its transmit beam should be oriented in the straight line between the UE and the satellite. In this method, to ensure gain, the UE's antenna array needs to be perpendicular to the line connecting the satellite and the terminal, because gain is maximized when the beam direction is perpendicular to the antenna panel. In practice, the UE senses the orientation of its antenna array through sensors and other devices. However, since sensors may have errors, the pointing of the UE's antenna array may not be consistent with reality, i.e., inconsistent with the direction perpendicular to the line connecting the satellite and the UE. This causes the UE's uplink transmit beam to deviate from the optimal beam direction.

[0177] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the satellite's ephemeris parameters indicate that the satellite is located at point A, and the UE determines its own location at point C through positioning (such as GNSS positioning). Therefore, the UE can calculate that its transmit beam should be oriented towards the straight line AC, and thus the UE's antenna array should be along the straight line l, i.e., perpendicular to the straight line AC. However, due to errors in the UE's sensors, the UE's antenna array may actually be a straight line l', causing the UE's uplink transmit beam to deviate from the optimal beam direction.

[0178] For the downlink receive beam, the UE can employ a hybrid beamforming (HBF) architecture. This means each RF channel can be associated with a portion of the UE antennas, and other RF channels can be associated with yet another portion. In this way, each RF channel is associated with a wide beam, and the baseband combines the received signals from multiple RF channels to achieve full gain. In other words, downlink reception is guaranteed through HBF. However, due to the differences in uplink and downlink communication conditions, using the direction of the downlink wide beam to guide the direction of the uplink narrow beam will result in significant errors. For example... Figure 6 As shown, assuming the satellite ephemeris indicates the satellite is at point A, and the UE displays its location as point C. The UE's downlink wide beam points in the AC direction, and the narrow beam, referencing the wide beam, also points in the AC direction. When the satellite moves to point B, downlink reception in the BC direction can still be guaranteed via HBF, but the uplink narrow beam in the AC direction has extremely low gain in the BC direction, making it unusable for normal communication.

[0179] In view of this, this application provides a communication method and communication apparatus capable of determining a suitable uplink transmission beam.

[0180] It should be understood that the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to systems that communicate using multi-antenna technology, for example, Figure 1 The communication system shown herein may include at least one network device and at least one terminal device. The network device and the terminal device may communicate via multi-antenna technology.

[0181] It should also be understood that the embodiments shown below do not particularly limit the specific structure of the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of this application, as long as it is possible to communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example, the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of this application can be a terminal device and a network device, or a functional module in the terminal device and network device that can call and execute a program.

[0182] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 700 provided in this application, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the method 700 includes the following steps.

[0183] In S710, the network device sends the first information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the first information accordingly.

[0184] The first information is used to indicate the first beam within the first time period. In other words, the first information indicates that the optimal uplink beam within the first time period is the first beam. It should be understood that the first beam is determined based on measurement results; for example, the first beam can be the optimal uplink beam determined by actual measurements.

[0185] In this application, a beam refers to the energy distribution of a specific shape and direction formed in space by electromagnetic waves emitted by an antenna. One way to realize a beam is to use a sensor array (such as an antenna array) to achieve directional signal transmission and reception. Specifically, by adjusting the phase and amplitude of each element (such as the antenna) in the sensor array, signals at certain angles undergo constructive interference (i.e., peaks add to peaks, enhancing the signal), while signals at other angles undergo destructive interference (i.e., peaks cancel out troughs, weakening the signal), thereby forming a beam with a specific shape and direction. The technology for forming the beam can be beamforming or other techniques. Beamforming technology can specifically be digital beamforming, analog beamforming, or hybrid digital / analog beamforming. Different beams can transmit the same information or different information. A beam can also be understood as a spatial resource; different beams can be considered different resources. A beam can also refer to a transmit precoding vector with directional energy transmission. The same device (e.g., network device or terminal device) can have different precoding vectors, and different devices can also have different precoding vectors, corresponding to different beams. Depending on the device's configuration or capabilities, a device can use one or more different precoding vectors simultaneously, thus forming one or more beams at the same time. From the perspectives of transmission and reception, beams can be divided into transmit beams and receive beams. From the perspectives of uplink and downlink, beams can be divided into uplink beams and downlink beams.

[0186] Optionally, unless otherwise specified in this application, "beam" can also be replaced by signal, uplink beam, transmit beam, transmit beam, thin beam, narrow beam, beam pointing, angle of departure (AOD), spatial filter, spatial parameters, spatial transmit filter, port, transmission configuration index (TCI), TCI status, quasi-co-location (QCL) information, etc. For example, the first beam can be understood as the signal transmitted using the first beam.

[0187] In this application, the first information used to indicate the first beam can be called beam indication information. Beam indication information can be one or more of the following: beam number (or number, index, identity, ID, etc.), uplink signal index, uplink resource index, absolute beam index, relative beam index, logical beam index, index of the antenna port corresponding to the beam, index of the antenna port group corresponding to the beam, index of the uplink signal corresponding to the beam, beam pair link (BPL) information, transmission parameters (Tx parameter) corresponding to the beam, transmission weight corresponding to the beam, weight matrix corresponding to the beam, weight vector corresponding to the beam, transmission codebook corresponding to the beam, index of the transmission weight corresponding to the beam, index of the weight matrix corresponding to the beam, index of the weight vector corresponding to the beam, and index of the transmission codebook corresponding to the beam. Beam indication information can also be represented as TCI or TCI state. A TCI state includes one or more QCL information, each QCL information including a reference signal ID and a QCL type. In other words, the terminal device can determine the first beam through the first information.

[0188] Optionally, the first information includes an indication of a first time period. For example, the first information may include one or more of the start time, duration, and end time of the first time period. That is, the network device may indicate the time period corresponding to the configuration information to the terminal device, which is used to determine the first beam. It should be understood that the first information may also not include an indication of the first time period; for example, the terminal device may determine the time period for receiving the first information as the first time period.

[0189] In one implementation, a time period can be replaced with a time unit, which refers to a period of time, including a start time, an end time, and a duration. In another implementation, a time period can be replaced with a moment, which refers to a point in time. Unless otherwise specified in this application, a time period refers to a period of time.

[0190] Optionally, the first information is carried in the DCI.

[0191] In this application, network equipment can refer to a base station or a satellite, for example, in Figure 4 In the architecture shown in (b), the base station functionality is deployed on a satellite.

[0192] S720: The terminal device transmits the first uplink signal using the second beam during the second time period, and correspondingly, the network device receives the first uplink signal during the second time period.

[0193] The second beam is determined by the terminal device based on the first beam and the ephemeris parameters of the network device. For example, the terminal device determines its beam as beam #a in the first time period based on the ephemeris parameters of the network device and its own position, where the direction of beam #b is the same as the line connecting the terminal device's position and the network device's position in the first time period. The terminal device determines its beam as beam #b in the second time period based on the ephemeris parameters of the network device and its own position, where the direction of beam #b is the same as the line connecting the terminal device's position and the network device's position in the second time period. The second beam can be determined based on the first beam, beam #a, and beam #b. For example, the first angular offset between the second beam and beam #b can be equal to the second angular offset between the first beam and beam #a; or, the difference between the first and second angular offsets can be less than a threshold value.

[0194] Specifically, the terminal device can determine the location of the network device in the first and second time periods based on ephemeris parameters, thereby determining the theoretical optimal beam (i.e., beam #a) and the theoretical optimal beam (i.e., beam #b) for the first and second time periods. As mentioned earlier, the theoretical optimal beam should be along the direction of the line connecting the location of the terminal device and the location of the network device; that is, the theoretical optimal beam for the first time period. Furthermore, the terminal device can determine the actual optimal beam for the first time period as the first beam based on the first information. Based on the theoretical and actual optimal beams for the first time period, the terminal device can obtain an angular offset. This angular offset may be due to errors in the terminal device's sensors. Therefore, the terminal device can calibrate the theoretical optimal beam for the second time period based on this angular offset to obtain the second beam.

[0195] For example, ephemeris parameters, also known as ephemeris data, can include the satellite's orbital root numbers (or Keplerian roots) and orbital timestamps. The orbital root numbers include six parameters: semi-major axis, eccentricity, orbital inclination, secondary perigee angle, ascending node longitude, and true anomaly angle. Based on the network device's orbital root numbers at any given time, the terminal device can calculate the network device's position at that moment.

[0196] The start time of the second time period is after the start time of the first time period.

[0197] In one implementation, the second time period and the first time period do not overlap; that is, the start time of the second time period is after the end time of the first time period, or in other words, the second time period is after the first time period. Figure 8 As shown in (a).

[0198] In this implementation, the second beam determined by the terminal device is different from the first beam.

[0199] In another implementation, the second time period overlaps with the first time period, meaning the start time of the second time period is before the end time of the first time period.

[0200] For example, a portion of the second time period overlaps with the first time period; that is, the end time of the second time period is after the end time of the first time period. Figure 8 As shown in (b).

[0201] For example, the entire second time period overlaps with the first time period, meaning the end time of the second time period is before the end time of the first time period. Figure 8 As shown in (c).

[0202] In this implementation, the second beam determined by the terminal device may be the same as or different from the first beam. For example, when the start time of the second time period is close to the start time of the first time period, the second beam and the first beam may be the same.

[0203] Optionally, the second beam and the first beam in this application are beams from the same beam set. For example, this beam set is a collection of N beams used by the terminal device to transmit the second uplink signal.

[0204] Immediately, the first uplink signal can be any uplink signal, which can refer to an uplink reference signal, uplink control information, or uplink data, without restriction.

[0205] In this application, the terminal device can be stationary, or the terminal device can be moving at low speed (for example, in ship-borne or vehicle-borne scenarios, the moving speed of the terminal device is generally 30m / s or less than 80m / s). Since the network device has a high-speed moving state, for example, the moving speed of the network device is 8km / s, the movement of the terminal device can be ignored relative to the movement speed of the network device.

[0206] Based on the above scheme, the network device can indicate to the terminal device the first beam (e.g., the optimal uplink beam) measured in the first time period, so that the terminal device can determine the uplink beam (i.e., the second beam) to be used in the second time period based on the first beam measured in the first time period and the ephemeris parameters of the network device. Furthermore, the terminal device can use the uplink beam for uplink transmission. Since the determination of the uplink beam not only considers the ephemeris parameters of the network device, but also uses the first beam measured in the first time period indicated by the network device as a reference, it has higher accuracy.

[0207] In other words, this application can introduce a network device indicating the first beam measured in the first time period on the basis of location-based beam alignment, thereby assisting the terminal device in aligning the uplink beam, making the uplink transmission beam direction more accurate and the performance better.

[0208] Optionally, the method 700 further includes S730 to S750, which determine the first beam based on the network devices S730 to S750.

[0209] S730, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the configuration information accordingly. This configuration information is used to configure K transmission resources, where K is an integer greater than 0.

[0210] For example, the configuration information is used to configure K transmission resources for the first time period.

[0211] S740, the terminal device uses N beams to transmit the second uplink signal on K transmission resources, and correspondingly, the network device measures the second uplink signal on K transmission resources, where N is an integer greater than 0.

[0212] For example, the terminal device uses N beams to transmit a second uplink signal on K transmission resources in the first time period.

[0213] In the S750 network device, the first beam is determined based on the measurement results on K transmission resources.

[0214] Specifically, the network device can configure K transmission resources for the terminal device. Furthermore, the terminal device can use N beams to transmit a second uplink signal on the K transmission resources. The network device can determine the first beam by measuring the second uplink signal.

[0215] For example, the configuration information may include time-domain information (e.g., time-domain start position, time-domain length) and frequency-domain information (e.g., frequency-domain start position, frequency-domain length) of K transmission resources. This configuration information can also be understood as first indication information, used to indicate the K transmission resources. For example, it may be used to indicate PDSCH resources.

[0216] For example, N beams refer to N different beams, or N beams refer to N energy distributions of different shapes and / or different directions. Among them, the N beams include the first beam and the second beam.

[0217] In this configuration, one transmission resource corresponds to one beam. The terminal device can use the same beam to send a second uplink signal on different transmission resources, in which case N is less than M. Alternatively, the terminal device can also use different beams to send a second uplink signal on different transmission resources, in which case N can be equal to M.

[0218] It should be understood that when a network device measures the second uplink signal on K transmission resources, it can obtain parameters such as the received quality (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), etc.), received strength (e.g., received signal strength indication (RSSI), etc.), and received signal-to-noise ratio (e.g., signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR), etc.) of the second uplink signal on each transmission resource. Based on these parameters, the network device can determine the first beam. For example, the first beam may be the beam corresponding to the second uplink signal with the best received quality, the beam corresponding to the second uplink signal with the highest received strength, or the beam corresponding to the second uplink signal with the highest received signal-to-noise ratio.

[0219] For example, the start time of the first time period can be the time domain start position of the resource as a whole composed of K transmission resources, and the end time of the first time period can be the time domain end position of the resource as a whole composed of K transmission resources.

[0220] Alternatively, as one implementation, S750 can be replaced by: the network device determining the first beam based on the measurement results on K1 transmission resources, where K1 is an integer greater than 0 and K1 is less than K. For example, the K1 transmission resources can be the K1 transmission resources that are first in the time domain among the K transmission resources.

[0221] Specifically, in the process of measuring the second uplink signal on K transmission resources, the network device first measures the K1 transmission resources that are first in the time domain. Then, the network device can determine the first beam based on the measurement results on these K1 transmission resources and instruct the terminal device through the first information.

[0222] In this implementation, the first information may also include an indication of a third time period. The start time of the third time period may be the time-domain start position of the resource as a whole composed of K1 transmission resources, and the end time of the third time period may be the time-domain end position of the resource as a whole composed of K1 transmission resources.

[0223] For example, the first information is an indication of a first transmission resource among K transmission resources, wherein the first transmission resource and the first beam have a corresponding relationship. For example, this correspondence is: the resource on which the terminal device uses the first beam to transmit the second uplink signal is the first transmission resource. Or, the terminal device uses the first beam to transmit the second uplink signal on the first transmission resource. Thus, based on the indication of the first transmission resource, the terminal device can determine which of the N beams the first beam is. For example, the first information is an index of the first transmission resource, and the first information can occupy log K bits. Alternatively, the first information can be in the form of a bitmap, and the first information can occupy K bits.

[0224] It should be understood that the N beams can be information maintained by the terminal device itself. When the terminal device uses N beams to send a second uplink signal on K transmission resources, the terminal device can determine the correspondence between the N beams and the K transmission resources. When the network device indicates the first transmission resource to the terminal device, the terminal device can determine the first beam based on the correspondence.

[0225] Optionally, the first information includes an indication of a first moment, where the first moment is the temporal location of the first transmission resource. That is, the network device can indicate to the terminal device the time at which the terminal device uses the first beam.

[0226] In this application, the K transmission resources can be referred to as K measurement resources or K uplink transmission resources. The second uplink signal can be referred to as a measurement signal, which can be any type of uplink signal, including uplink reference signals, uplink control information, or uplink data, without limitation. Furthermore, the second uplink signals transmitted on the K transmission resources can be the same or different, without limitation. Additionally, the first uplink signal and the second uplink signal can be the same or different, without limitation.

[0227] As an example, K transport resources are K PUSCH resources. In this example, the second uplink signal can carry uplink data.

[0228] Specifically, network devices can configure PUSCH resources as measurement resources for terminal devices, enabling the terminal devices to perform measurement tasks in parallel while transmitting uplink data, thus improving resource utilization. Furthermore, PUSCH has good channel characteristics and coding gain; configuring PUSCH resources as measurement resources can also improve measurement accuracy.

[0229] As another example, the K transport resources are K SRS resources. In this example, the second uplink signal can be an SRS.

[0230] Specifically, network devices can configure SRS resources as measurement resources for terminal devices. Since SRS resources support frequency selective scheduling, network devices can select suitable (e.g., optimal) frequency resources for transmission based on the uplink channel quality of different terminal devices, thereby achieving more efficient frequency selective scheduling.

[0231] It should be understood that PUSCH is only one example of an uplink data channel and SRS is only one example of an uplink reference signal in this document. The uplink data channel and uplink reference signal may have different names in different systems and scenarios, and the embodiments of this application do not limit them.

[0232] The following is combined Figure 9 A brief explanation of method 700 is provided. For example... Figure 9 As shown, assuming K=N=9, the first time period is t1~t2, corresponding to S730, the base station (an example of a network device) configures 9 PUSCH resources to the UE (an example of a terminal device), that is... Figure 9 In the diagram, PUSCHs #1 to #9 are used. Corresponding to S740, within the time interval Δt, the UE transmits uplink data on these 9 PUSCH resources using 9 different beams. Corresponding to S750, the base station demodulates the uplink data on these 9 PUSCH resources, and the beam corresponding to the PUSCH resource that is successfully demodulated is the first beam. Assuming the successfully demodulated PUSCH resource is PUSCH #1, corresponding to S710, the base station can send an indication of PUSCH #1 to the UE (an example of the first information). Based on this indication, the UE can determine beam #1 (an example of the first beam) as the optimal beam for the time interval t1 to t2. Corresponding to S720, based on beam #1 and the base station's ephemeris changes, the UE can determine the optimal beam at time t3 (an example of the second time interval).

[0233] Optionally, the method 700 further includes: S701, the terminal device sends a request message to the network device, and the network device receives the request message accordingly. The request message is used to request the configuration information.

[0234] For example, the terminal device can send this request message when its attitude changes. Since attitude changes may cause changes in sensor values, leading to changes in the local AOD of the terminal device, when the terminal device's attitude changes, the terminal device can request the network device to reconfigure measurement resources to obtain the latest first beam. The terminal device can then determine the second beam based on the latest first beam, thus correcting for the effects of sensor errors and improving the quality of the uplink beam.

[0235] For example, this request message can also be understood as a request for first information.

[0236] Optionally, the method 700 further includes: S702, the network device sends ephemeris parameters to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the ephemeris parameters. Further, the terminal device can determine the location of the network device in a first time period and a second time period based on the ephemeris parameters.

[0237] For example, the ephemeris parameter may include the number of six orbital nodes of the network device in the first time period and the number of six orbital nodes of the network device in the second time period. In this way, the terminal device can determine the position of the network device in the first time period based on the number of six orbital nodes of the network device in the first time period, and determine the position of the network device in the second time period based on the number of six orbital nodes of the network device in the second time period.

[0238] For example, the ephemeris parameter may include the number of six orbital elements of the network device in the first time period and after the second time period, but not the number of six orbital elements of the network device in the second time period. In this way, the terminal device can determine the position of the network device in the first time period based on the number of six orbital elements of the network device in the first time period, and obtain the number of six orbital elements of the network device in the second time period based on the difference between the number of six orbital elements of the network device in the first time period and after the second time period. Furthermore, the terminal device can determine the position of the network device in the second time period based on the number of six orbital elements of the network device in the second time period.

[0239] It should be understood that, in itself, the terminal device can obtain the ephemeris parameters or position at other times (such as t+1 time, t+3 time) by subtracting the ephemeris parameters at known times (such as t time, t+2 time, t+4 time).

[0240] Optionally, the terminal device can send capability information to the network device, which indicates whether the terminal device has ephemeris derivation or ephemeris extrapolation capabilities. In other words, it indicates whether the terminal device has the capability to calculate the beam direction for a second time period based on ephemeris changes and the optimal beam for a first time period. In the solution of this application, the terminal device possesses this capability.

[0241] Optionally, the method 700 further includes: the network device sending second information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receiving the second information. The second information is used to indicate the value of K.

[0242] For example, the second information is carried in RRC signaling to configure the value of K, for example, K = 1, 2, 4 or 8.

[0243] Optionally, the method 700 further includes: the network device sending third information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receiving the third information. The third information is used to indicate that the DCI includes the first information.

[0244] For example, the third information is carried in RRC signaling, occupying 1 bit, and is used to indicate whether the first information is included in the DCI. Exemplarily, when the terminal device has ephemeris extrapolation capability, the network device can send the first information to the terminal device. Optionally, the second and third information can be sent simultaneously.

[0245] In one implementation scenario, the second beam is determined based on the network device's ephemeris parameters, the first beam, the terminal device's operating frequency, and the design frequency of the terminal device's antenna array. In other words, when determining the second beam, the terminal device considers not only the network device's ephemeris parameters and the first beam, but also the terminal device's operating frequency and the design frequency of its antenna array.

[0246] For example, the second beam is determined based on the beamforming angle, where the beamforming angle φ of the terminal device satisfies:

[0247] fcosφ n =f c cosφ (1)

[0248] Where, φ n This represents the direction determined by the positions of the network device and the terminal device in the second time period, also known as the angle of arrival, or the angle between the network device's position and the terminal device's position in the second time period. f represents the operating frequency of the terminal device, corresponding to a wavelength of λ. c This indicates the design frequency of the antenna array in the terminal device, corresponding to a wavelength of λ. c .

[0249] For example, the terminal device can determine beam #b based on the location of the network device in the second time period and the location of the terminal device. The angle of beam #b is the connection direction between the location of the network device and the location of the terminal device in the second time period, which is φ. n According to equation (1), substituting the angle of beam #b, the operating frequency of the terminal device, and the design frequency of the antenna array of the terminal device, the terminal device determines the beamforming angle as φ. Furthermore, the terminal device can calibrate the beamforming angle based on the first beam to obtain the second beam.

[0250] It should be understood that the design frequency of an antenna array in a terminal device refers to the specific frequency or frequency range targeted when designing the antenna array. When designing an antenna array, it is necessary to determine the frequency range the array will operate in, i.e., the design frequency, to ensure that the array can exhibit superior or optimal performance within that frequency range. The operating frequency of a terminal device refers to the specific frequency at which the terminal device uses for signal transmission. The design frequency of the antenna array of a terminal device is determined by the hardware structure of the terminal device and is unique to each terminal device. The operating frequency of a terminal device depends on the communication environment; it may differ or remain the same in different communication environments. For example, the XW-2 series satellites span from 17 GHz to 21 GHz, and the operating frequency of the terminal device can be between 17 GHz and 21 GHz.

[0251] For example, suppose the design frequency point f of the antenna array of the terminal device is... c For a frequency of 19GHz, when the terminal device operates at 17GHz (f = 17), the beamforming angle φ of the terminal device should satisfy 17cosφ. n =19cosφ. For example, when the connection direction between the location of the network device and the location of the terminal device in the second time period is φ. n When the beamforming angle is φ = 120°, and the connection direction between the location of the network device and the location of the terminal device in the second time period is φ, then... n When the beamforming angle is φ = 60°, and the connection direction between the location of the network device and the location of the terminal device in the second time period is φ = 56°, then the beamforming angle is φ = 60°. n When the beamforming angle is 90°, the beamforming angle φ = 90°.

[0252] For example, suppose the design frequency point f of the antenna array of the terminal device is... c For a frequency of 19 GHz, when the terminal device operates at 21 GHz (f = 21), the beamforming angle φ of the terminal device should satisfy 21cosφ. n =19cosφ. For example, when the connection direction between the location of the network device and the location of the terminal device in the second time period is φ. n When the beamforming angle is 116.8°, the beamforming angle φ = 120°. When the connection direction between the network device's location and the terminal device's location in the second time period is φ... n When the beamforming angle is φ = 60°, and the connection direction between the location of the network device and the location of the terminal device in the second time period is φ = 63°, then the beamforming angle is φ = 60°. n When the beamforming angle is 90°, the beamforming angle φ = 90°.

[0253] Based on the above scheme, when determining the second beam, the terminal device can also consider the operating frequency of the terminal device and the design frequency of the antenna array of the terminal device. This can eliminate the impact of the difference between the operating frequency of the terminal device and the design frequency of the antenna array on beamforming, making the uplink transmission beam direction more accurate and the performance better.

[0254] The following is combined Figure 10 A brief introduction to the design principles of beamforming angles. For example... Figure 10 As shown, assume that the UE (an example of a terminal device) has y antennas, represented in the figure as antenna 1, antenna 2, ..., antenna i, ..., antenna y. Each antenna of the UE has multiple paths between it and the antenna of the base station (an example of a network device), including direct paths and / or reflected paths. Figure 10 The following explanation uses a single direct-fire trajectory as an example.

[0255] According to the channel model, the channel H on the i-th antenna is... i The following expression exists:

[0256]

[0257] Among them, a n τ represents the amplitude of the nth path. ni Let represent the transmission delay on the i-th antenna, where i takes the values ​​1, 2, ..., y. f c This indicates the design frequency of the antenna array in the terminal device, corresponding to a wavelength of λ. c , and λ c ·f c =c, where c represents the speed of light. φ n It indicates the angle of arrival, which is the direction determined based on the location of the base station and the location of the UE. Under normal circumstances, Δ t =1 / 2, assuming β i (x)=e -jπ·(i-1)x Then H i It can be expressed as a single relation only. The relevant functions.

[0258] The beamforming vector of the UE can be expressed as:

[0259] w = e -jπ·(i-1)cosφ =β i (cosφ)

[0260] The optimal beamforming gain can be expressed as:

[0261]

[0262] From the above, it can be seen that when That is, fcosφ n =f c When cosφ, the beamforming gain reaches its maximum value. Therefore, when the beam angle calculated based on the base station location and UE location is φ... n If the beamforming angle satisfies the above equation (1), then there will be beamforming loss.

[0263] Alternatively, the beamforming angle can also be designed according to the direction of arrival of the wave. In this case, the gain can be expressed as:

[0264]

[0265] Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the gain of beamforming angles designed according to the direction of arrival for different bandwidths. Figure 11 (a) is a schematic diagram showing the change of beamforming gain with the beamforming angle when the antenna array is a 1D 32-element array. Figure 11 (b) is a schematic diagram showing the change of beamforming gain with scanning angle when the antenna array is a 1D 64-element array. Figure 11 Both (a) and (b) consider the case where the scanning angle is 120°, i.e., the beamforming angles are 30° and 150° at the edge. The bandwidths are 200MHz, 500MHz, 800MHz, 1GHz, 1.2GHz, 2GHz, and 2.2GHz, respectively.

[0266] Depend on Figure 11 As shown in (a), with a 1D 32-element antenna array and an 800MHz bandwidth, when the beamforming angle is designed according to the direction of arrival, the gain is approximately 0.95, which will result in a loss of approximately 0.22dB, i.e., 10×log 10 0.95 ≈ -0.22, the negative sign represents loss; with a 2GHz bandwidth, when the beamforming angle is designed according to the direction of arrival, the gain is approximately 0.7, which will result in a loss of approximately 1.55dB, i.e., 10×log 10 0.7≈-1.55.

[0267] Depend on Figure 11 As shown in (b), with a 1D 64-element antenna array and an 800MHz bandwidth, when the beamforming angle is designed according to the direction of arrival, the gain is approximately 0.8, which will result in a loss of approximately 1dB, i.e., 10×log 10 0.8≈-1; Under a 2GHz bandwidth, when the beamforming angle is designed according to the direction of arrival, the gain loss is huge.

[0268] This application also provides a communication method for determining the beamforming angle of a terminal device. The following is in conjunction with... Figure 12The method will be explained using a terminal device as an example.

[0269] Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 800 provided in this application, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the method 800 includes the following steps.

[0270] S810: The terminal device determines the third beam based on the location of the terminal device and the ephemeris parameters of the network device.

[0271] The direction of the third beam is the connection direction between the location of the terminal device and the location of the network device. The angle of the third beam can be called the angle of arrival, for example, φ. n The third beam in method 800 can be understood as the direction determined by the terminal device in method 700 based on the location of the network device in the second time period and the location of the terminal device.

[0272] S820: The terminal device determines the beamforming angle of the terminal device based on the third beam, the operating frequency of the terminal device, and the design frequency of the antenna array of the terminal device.

[0273] For example, the beamforming angle refers to the beamforming angle of the uplink transmit beam.

[0274] For example, the beamforming angle φ satisfies:

[0275] fcosφ n =f c cosφ (1)

[0276] Where f represents the operating frequency of the terminal device, corresponding to a wavelength of λ. c This indicates the design frequency of the antenna array in the terminal device, corresponding to a wavelength of λ. c .

[0277] For details not fully described in Method 800, please refer to Method 700.

[0278] Optionally, S810 and S820 can be completed in the same step. For example, the terminal device determines the third beam or the beamforming angle based on the location of the terminal device, the ephemeris parameters of the network device, the operating frequency of the terminal device, and the design frequency of the antenna array of the terminal device.

[0279] Optionally, the method 800 may further include: S830, the terminal device transmits a third uplink signal using a determined third beam or beamforming angle. S830 does not... Figure 12 As shown in the image.

[0280] Based on the above scheme, when determining the uplink beam, the terminal device can consider the operating frequency of the terminal device and the design frequency of the antenna array of the terminal device. This can eliminate the impact of the difference between the operating frequency of the terminal device and the design frequency of the antenna array on beamforming, making the uplink transmission beam direction more accurate and the performance better.

[0281] It should be understood that this application refers to f, f c φ n The expression relating φ and φ is not limited, and equation (1) can be appropriately modified, all of which fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0282] For example, the cos(·) function can be transformed into the sin(·) function, then equation (1) can be changed to:

[0283] fsin(φ n +2π)=f c sin(φ+2π)

[0284] For example, φ can be expressed as f / f c With the relevant functions, equation (1) can be changed to:

[0285] cosφ=f / f c ·cosφ n

[0286] As low-frequency spectrum resources become scarce, the millimeter-wave band, offering greater bandwidth, has become a crucial frequency band for future mobile communication system applications. Due to its shorter wavelength, millimeter waves exhibit different propagation characteristics compared to traditional low-frequency spectrum, such as higher propagation loss and poorer reflection and diffraction performance. Therefore, larger-scale antenna arrays are typically employed to form shaped beams with higher gain, overcoming propagation loss and ensuring system coverage.

[0287] Millimeter-wave antenna arrays, due to their shorter wavelengths and smaller antenna element spacing and apertures, allow for the integration of more physical antenna elements into a finite-size two-dimensional antenna array. For a multi-antenna array, each antenna has an independent radio frequency (RF) link channel, requiring each RF link to allow independent amplitude and phase adjustment of the transmitted signal. The resulting beam is primarily achieved through phase and amplitude adjustments in the RF channels, known as analog beamforming. Beamforming maximizes the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by concentrating transmitted or received wireless energy in a specific direction using an antenna element array. An antenna array with N elements can achieve an array gain equal to N.

[0288] To achieve signal coverage across the entire cell, the base station needs to employ a transmission method that uses multiple beams to scan together in the time domain. This means that within a given time period, each beam sequentially covers different areas of the cell through polling to achieve complete coverage. Maximum link gain is achieved when the base station and UE's transmit and receive beams are aligned. This process of aligning the base station and UE's transmit and receive beams is called beam management in the NR standard. In simulated beamforming reception, the receiver needs to use time division multiplexing (TDM) to sample and receive signals in multiple time segments. Before each reception, the phase of each radio frequency channel needs to be adjusted to achieve receive beamforming in different directions.

[0289] 3GPP protocol 38.101-2 defines seven different power classes for millimeter wave-enabled terminal devices: PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4, PC5, PC6 and PC7, as shown in Table 1. Each power class corresponds to different UE types or forms.

[0290] Table 1

[0291]

[0292] The terminal type corresponding to PC3 is a handheld UE. The minimum peak value requirement of its equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) is shown in Table 2.

[0293] Table 2

[0294]

[0295] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the FR2 PC3 handheld terminal, as shown below. Figure 13 As shown, the terminal is equipped with two antenna panels, each with eight cross-polarized antennas arranged in a 4x1 antenna array. Each antenna is connected to an RF channel, and each antenna panel can form multiple transmit and receive beams. At frequency band n258, the terminal's minimum equivalent isotropic radiated power is 22.4 dBm. The terminal selects one panel for beam scanning at any given time. This terminal architecture is relatively complex, requiring the measurement of numerous beams, resulting in high power consumption and a poor user experience. Furthermore, its high cost, implementation complexity, and limited application scenarios hinder the widespread use of FR2 in practical networks. Here, IF represents intermediate frequency (IF), and BB represents baseband.

[0296] In actual communication, due to various reasons, cells may sometimes be unavailable. The network will indicate that the UE is prohibited from accessing the cell by configuring the "cellBarred" information in the MIB information. "CellBarred" indicates that the cell's ability to provide services is prohibited or restricted. Specifically, if a cell is marked as "Cell Barred," meaning that the cell is unavailable, the terminal cannot access the cell or perform cell selection under this condition.

[0297] The network may also instruct certain terminal devices to block access to a cell by specifying them in the SIB information. For example, if the network configures the parameter "cellBarredRedCap1Rx" in the SIB information and sets it to "barred", it indicates that RedCap terminal devices equipped with 1Rx are prohibited from accessing the cell. Similarly, if the network configures the parameter "cellBarredRedCap2Rx" in the SIB information and sets it to "barred", it indicates that RedCap terminal devices equipped with 2Rx are prohibited from accessing the cell. Likewise, if the network configures the parameter "cellBarred2RxXR" in the SIB information, it indicates that XR terminal devices equipped with 2Rx are prohibited from accessing the cell.

[0298] In addition, existing protocols also help base stations identify terminal types during initial access by configuring specific preambles for certain terminal devices' random access channels (PRACH) and / or transmitting time-frequency domain resources (RO). Protocol 38.331 introduces the information element "FeatureCombination-r17" to indicate the terminal type or combination of features that the network should identify:

[0299] --ASN1START

[0300] --TAG-FEATURECOMBINATION-START

[0301] FeatureCombination-r17::=SEQUENCE{

[0302] redCap-r17 ENUMERATED{true} OPTIONAL,--Need R

[0303] smallData-r17 ENUMERATED{true} OPTIONAL,--Need R

[0304] nsag-r17 NSAG-List-r17 OPTIONAL,--Need R

[0305] msg3-Repetitions-r17 ENUMERATED{true} OPTIONAL,--Need R

[0306] msg1-Repetitions-r18 ENUMERATED{true} OPTIONAL,--Need R

[0307] eRedCap-r18 ENUMERATED{true} OPTIONAL,--Need R

[0308] spare2 ENUMERATED{true} OPTIONAL,--Need R

[0309] spare1 ENUMERATED{true} OPTIONAL--Need R

[0310] }

[0311] NSAG-List-r17::=SEQUENCE(SIZE(1..maxSliceInfo-r17))OF NSAG-ID-r17

[0312] --TAG-FEATURECOMBINATION-STOP

[0313] --ASN1STOP

[0314] The network configures specific PRACHPreambles, ROs, and other parameters required for random access by configuring the information cell "FeatureCombinationPreambles-r17" for the terminal type or feature indicated in "FeatureCombination-r17". The parameter "startPreambleForThisPartition" indicates the starting Preamble index corresponding to this terminal type or feature, with a value ranging from 0 to 63; "numberOfRA-PreamblesGroupA" indicates the number of consecutive Preambles corresponding to this terminal type or feature, with a value ranging from 0 to 64; and "ssb-SharedRO-MaskIndex" indicates the set of ROs corresponding to this terminal type or feature.

[0315] The network can also configure specific uplink initial portion bandwidth and downlink initial portion bandwidth for certain terminal types in the SIB information. For example, the network can configure the uplink initial portion bandwidth of RedCap terminals by configuring the information cell "initialUplinkBWP-RedCap-r17".

[0316] For example, the network configures the initial downlink bandwidth of the RedCap terminal by configuring the cell "initialDownlinkBWP-RedCap-r17".

[0317] Furthermore, when the UE performs cell selection, the protocol determines whether the terminal device meets the conditions for cell selection by defining the S criterion. The UE can select a cell when the following conditions are met:

[0318] S rxlev >0AND S qual >0; where,

[0319] S rxlev =Q rxlevmeas –(Q rxlevmin +Q rxlevminoffset )–P compensation -Q offsettemp ;

[0320] S qual =Q qualmeas –(Q qualmin +Q qualminoffset )-Q offsettemp .

[0321] The meanings expressed in the above formulas are as follows:

[0322] S rxlev Indicates the receive power threshold for UE to perform cell selection.

[0323] S qual Indicates the reception quality threshold Q selected by the UE cell. rxlevmeas This represents the Reference Received Power (RSRP) obtained by the UE during cell measurements.

[0324] Q qualmeas This indicates the reference signal reception quality (RSRQ) obtained by the UE during cell measurements.

[0325] Q rxlevmin Indicates the minimum received power required by the cell.

[0326] Q rxlevminoffset This represents an offset introduced by the minimum received power of the cell.

[0327] When the UE is in the FR1 band, P compensation =max(PEMAX1 –P PowerClass ,0)(dB) When the UE is in the FR2 band, P compensation =0 (dB), P EMAX1 Configured by higher-layer signaling p-Max, it represents the maximum transmit power allowed for the UE in this cell.

[0328] Q qualmin Indicates the minimum signal reception quality required by the cell.

[0329] Q qualminoffset This represents an offset from the minimum reception quality of the cell.

[0330] Q offsettemp Indicates the offset used temporarily by the community

[0331] Furthermore, the protocol defines specific Logical Channel Identifiers (LCIDs) for certain terminals to help the base station identify the UE type during initial access. For example, the protocol defines dedicated LCIDs 35 and 36 for the Common Control Channel (CCCH) used by RedCap terminals to send message 3 (Msg3) during initial access. When a RedCap terminal performs initial access, if the base station receives messages with LCIDs 35 and 36, it can identify the UE type as a RedCap terminal.

[0332] Currently, the terminal structures supporting millimeter waves are relatively complex, requiring the measurement of numerous beams during beam measurement, leading to high power consumption and a poor user experience. Furthermore, the additional high cost, implementation complexity, and limited application scenarios hinder the widespread adoption of FR2 in practical networks. In scenarios with particularly good millimeter wave network coverage, such as hotspot coverage, stadiums, or exhibition halls, where high terminal transmission power is not required, costs can be reduced by introducing terminal types with lower transmission power, encouraging more industry partners to enter the millimeter wave industry. However, operators sometimes worry that the introduction of terminals with lower power than existing terminals will reduce network system capacity. Currently, there is no way to differentiate between existing terminals and low-power terminals accessing the network, resulting in performance loss. Moreover, current cell selection criteria in the millimeter wave band are defined based on the power level of existing terminals. Applying these criteria to new low-power terminal types can lead to insufficient receive or transmit power when the terminal accesses the cell, limiting performance.

[0333] In view of this, for the first type of terminal device, this application also provides a communication method for the first type of terminal device to access the network, which is described below in conjunction with... Figure 14 and Figure 15 Please provide an explanation.

[0334] For example, a first type of terminal device can refer to a terminal device that supports operation in FR2 and whose transmit power is less than a first threshold. FR2 typically refers to the frequency range of 24.25 GHz to 71 GHz. FR2 can be further divided into FR2-1 and FR2-2, where FR2-1 typically refers to 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz, and FR2-2 typically refers to 52.6 GHz to 71 GHz. FR2 can also be referred to as the millimeter-wave band. The first threshold can refer to the transmit power corresponding to power class 3 as defined in protocol 38.101-2 or the transmit power corresponding to other power classes with higher transmit power, as shown in Table 3.

[0335] Table 3

[0336]

[0337] For example, the type of the first type of terminal device can be a handheld UE.

[0338] For example, the minimum peak EIRP of the first type of terminal device in a first frequency band is less than a second threshold. For instance, the first frequency band is the frequency band identified by n258, and the second threshold is 22.4 dBm. That is, the minimum peak EIRP of the first type of terminal device in a specific frequency band (e.g., n258) is 16.4 dBm.

[0339] For example, the first type of terminal device has an antenna panel, the antenna type is a dual-polarized antenna, the array is 2x1, and there are 4 dual-polarized antenna elements.

[0340] Figure 14 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 900 provided in this application, such as... Figure 14 As shown, the method 900 includes the following steps.

[0341] S910, the terminal device obtains first information, wherein the first information is used to determine whether the first type of terminal device can access the cell.

[0342] S920: The terminal device determines whether to access the first cell based on the first information.

[0343] As one implementation, the first information is indication information. Obtaining the first information includes: receiving indication information from a network device, which indicates whether the terminal device is allowed to access the first cell managed by the network device.

[0344] For example, in this implementation, the first information is carried in the system information block (SIB) 1.

[0345] Specifically, network devices can send signaling to all residing terminal devices, indicating that a certain low-power terminal cannot access the network. This signaling can be carried in System Message 1 (SIB1). For example, add the information signaling "fr2Pc8-ConfigCommonSIB-r19" to the SIB1 message, and add the element cellBarredfr2Pc8-r19 under this signaling, with values ​​{barred, notBarred}. The signaling structure is as follows:

[0346]

[0347] Based on the above scheme, the network can prohibit the first type of terminal device from accessing the cell, so that some cells can exclude the network system performance degradation caused by the access of such low-power terminals.

[0348] As another implementation, the first information is a pre-configured cell selection criterion. Obtaining the first information includes: obtaining the pre-configured cell selection criterion. Determining whether to access the first cell based on the first information includes: determining whether to access the first cell based on the parameters of the first cell and the pre-configured cell selection criterion.

[0349] One possible approach is to define the pre-configured cell selection criteria as follows:

[0350] S rxlev >0 and S qual >0

[0351] Among them, S rxlev =Q rxlevmeas –(Q rxlevmin +Q rxlevminoffset )–P compensation -Q offsettemp ;

[0352] S qual =Q qualmeas –(Q qualmin +Q qualminoffset )-Q offsettemp .

[0353] The meanings of the above parameters are explained above.

[0354] For the millimeter wave band, P compensation=max(P1–P2,0)(dB), where P2(dBm) can be the minimum peak EIRP of a certain low-power terminal in a given frequency band, or the minimum EIRP at 50%-tile CDF at 50% of the radiated power distribution measured on a global surface centered on that terminal. P1(dBm) can be the minimum peak EIRP of another terminal type that is higher than the minimum peak EIRP of this low-power terminal type, or the minimum EIRP at 50%-tile CDF of another terminal type that is higher than the minimum peak EIRP at 50%-tile CDF of this low-power terminal type.

[0355] Based on the above scheme, this application can provide dedicated cell selection criteria for the first type of terminal equipment, enabling the terminal type to determine whether it can access the network based on cell measurement results and its own transmission power.

[0356] Figure 15 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 1000 provided in this application, such as... Figure 15 As shown, the method 1000 includes the following steps.

[0357] S1010, the terminal device sends the first information to the network device during the random access process.

[0358] The first piece of information is used to determine whether the first type of terminal device can access the cell.

[0359] S1020, the network device determines whether to allow the terminal device to access the first cell managed by the network device based on the first information.

[0360] As one implementation, the first information is a first random access preamble. The first information is sent to the network device during the random access process, including: sending the first random access preamble to the network device from the first RO.

[0361] For example, the first random access channel timing and the first random access preamble are used by a first type of terminal device to initiate random access.

[0362] Optionally, in this implementation, the method further includes: the network device sending random access parameters to the terminal device, the random access parameters including a first random access channel timing and a first random access preamble.

[0363] Specifically, network devices can define a specific preamble sequence and / or time-frequency domain resources (Resource occasion1) for a certain type of low-power terminal. One implementation is to add information elements corresponding to the terminal type to the existing RRC information element "FeatureCombination-r17", as shown below, where the information element corresponding to the new terminal type is "fr2PC8-r19":

[0364]

[0365] The network configures specific PRACHPreambles, ROs, and other parameters required for random access by configuring the information cell "FeatureCombinationPreambles-r17" for the terminal type or feature indicated in "FeatureCombination-r17". The parameter "startPreambleForThisPartition" indicates the starting Preamble index corresponding to this terminal type or feature, with a value ranging from 0 to 63; "numberOfRA-PreamblesGroupA" indicates the number of consecutive Preambles corresponding to this terminal type or feature, with a value ranging from 0 to 64; and "ssb-SharedRO-MaskIndex" indicates the set of ROs corresponding to this terminal type or feature. Suppose the network is configured as follows: "startPreambleForThisPartition-r17" is set to 40, "numberOfPreamblesPerSSB-ForThisPartition-r17" is set to 5, and "ssb-SharedRO-MaskIndex-r17" is set to 5. Then, this low-power terminal type will use Preambles 40-45 and RO5 associated with the SSB to send PRACH. The base station can detect the PRACH Preambles and ROs of the corresponding low-power terminal by performing PRACH sequence detection on all ROs, thereby identifying the terminal type in advance.

[0366]

[0367]

[0368] The above scheme enables the network to identify the terminal type when the first type of terminal device initially accesses the cell, thereby prohibiting the terminal type from accessing the network and avoiding a decline in the network's system performance.

[0369] As another implementation, the first information is message 3, which is sent to the network device during the random access process. This includes sending message 3 to the network device on the first common control channel, wherein the logical channel identifier of the first common control channel is greater than the fourth threshold.

[0370] For example, the fourth threshold is 36, and the logical channel identifier of the first common control channel can be any value from 37 to 42.

[0371] Specifically, network devices can assign specific LCIDs to a certain type of low-power terminal. For example, two LCIDs with indices 37 to 42 can be defined as the CCCHIDs used by this terminal type when sending message 3 (Msg3) during random access. When the terminal makes its initial access, it sends Msg3 using the two CCCHIDs from LCIDs 37 to 42. The base station detects the corresponding LCID values ​​and thus identifies the terminal type.

[0372] In the above scheme, by assigning a specific LCID to the first type of terminal device, the network device can identify the terminal type and thus prohibit the terminal type from accessing the network, thereby avoiding a degradation in the network's system performance.

[0373] It should be understood that "a certain low-power terminal type" and "a certain terminal type" in this application refer to the first type of terminal equipment.

[0374] It should be understood that the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0375] It should also be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0376] It should also be understood that in some of the above embodiments, the examples are mainly based on devices in existing network architectures (such as network devices, terminal devices, etc.). It should be understood that the specific form of the device is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, any device that can achieve the same function in the future is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0377] It is understood that, in the above-described method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by a device (such as a network device or a terminal device) can also be implemented by components of the device (such as a chip or circuit).

[0378] The above, combined with Figures 1 to 15The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail. The above-described communication method is mainly introduced from the perspective of interaction between terminal devices and network devices. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the terminal devices and network devices include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function.

[0379] It is understood that, in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the terminal device and network device include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0380] Figure 16 and Figure 17 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be as follows: Figure 1 The terminal 120 shown can also be as follows: Figure 1 The network device 110 shown can also be a module (such as a chip) applied to a terminal or network device.

[0381] like Figure 16 As shown, the communication device 2000 includes a processing unit 2010 and a transceiver unit 2020. The communication device 2000 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figure 7 ,or Figure 12 ,or Figure 14 ,or Figure 15 The methods illustrated in this embodiment demonstrate the functions of the terminal device or network device.

[0382] When the communication device 2000 is used to achieve Figure 7 In the method embodiment shown, the terminal device functions as follows: the transceiver unit 2020 is used to receive first information from the network device, the first information being used to indicate a first beam for a first time period; the transceiver unit 2020 is also used to: transmit a first uplink signal using a second beam in a second time period, the second beam being determined based on the ephemeris parameters of the network device and the first beam, the start time of the second time period being after the start time of the first time period.

[0383] When the communication device 2000 is used to achieve Figure 7In the method embodiment shown, the network device functions as follows: the transceiver unit 2020 is used to send first information to the terminal device, the first information being used to indicate a first beam for a first time period; the transceiver unit 2020 is also used to: receive a first uplink signal from the network device in a second time period, the first uplink signal being transmitted using a second beam, the second beam being based on the first beam and the ephemeris parameters of the network device, the start time of the second time period being after the start time of the first time period.

[0384] When the communication device 2000 is used to achieve Figure 12 In the method embodiment shown, the terminal device functions as follows: the processing unit 2010 determines a third beam based on the location of the terminal device and the ephemeris parameters of the network device, wherein the direction of the third beam is the connection direction between the location of the terminal device and the location of the network device. Furthermore, the processing unit 2010 is also used to determine the beamforming angle based on the third beam.

[0385] For a more detailed description of the aforementioned processing unit 2010 and transceiver unit 2020, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 7 or Figure 12 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown.

[0386] Alternatively, the communication device 2000 can also be used to implement Figures 14 to 15 The methods illustrated in this embodiment demonstrate the functions of the terminal device or network device.

[0387] like Figure 17 As shown, the communication device 3000 includes a processor 3010 and an interface circuit 3020. The processor 3010 and the interface circuit 3020 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 3020 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 3000 may also include a memory 3030 for storing instructions executed by the processor 3010, or storing input data required by the processor 3010 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 3010 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 3020 can also be understood as part of the processor 3010, in which case the communication device 3000 includes the processor 3010.

[0388] When the communication device 3000 is used to achieve Figure 7 ,or Figure 12 ,or Figure 14 ,or Figure 15 In the method shown, the processor 3010 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 2010, and the interface circuit 3020 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 2020.

[0389] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from the base station, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the terminal chip by these modules. The terminal chip sends information to the base station, which can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the base station by these modules.

[0390] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a base station, the base station chip implements the functions of the base station in the above method embodiments. The base station chip receives information from the terminal, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules in the base station (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the base station chip by these modules. The base station chip sends information to the terminal, which can be understood as the information being sent down to other modules in the base station (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the terminal by these modules.

[0391] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station.

[0392] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0393] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0394] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0395] In the above embodiments, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0396] In this document, "at least one" means one or more. "More than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates that the related objects before and after are in a "division" relationship. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0397] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above processes does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0398] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0399] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0400] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0401] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0402] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0403] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0404] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to terminal devices, including: Receive first information from a network device, the first information being used to indicate a first beam for a first time period; In the second time period, a first uplink signal is transmitted using a second beam, which is determined based on the ephemeris parameters of the network device and the first beam. The start time of the second time period is after the start time of the first time period.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive configuration information from the network device, wherein the configuration information is used to configure K transmission resources, where K is an integer greater than 0; A second uplink signal is transmitted using N beams on the K transmission resources. The first beam is determined based on measurements on the K transmission resources. The N beams include the first beam and the second beam, where N is an integer greater than 0.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first information is an indication of a first transmission resource among the K transmission resources, wherein transmitting a second uplink signal using N beams on the K transmission resources includes: The second uplink signal is transmitted on the first transmission resource using the first beam.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The K transmission resources are either K Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) resources or K Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) resources.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: A request message is sent to the network device, the request message being used to request the configuration information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first information includes an indication of the first time period.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the ephemeris parameters from the network device; The location of the network device in the first time period and the second time period is determined based on the ephemeris parameters.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The second beam is determined based on the ephemeris parameters of the network device, the first beam, the operating frequency of the terminal device, and the design frequency of the antenna array of the terminal device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second beam is determined based on the beamforming angle of the terminal device, and the beamforming angle satisfies the following relationship: f cosφ n =f c cosφ; Wherein, φ represents the beamforming angle, f represents the operating frequency of the terminal device, and f c φ is the design frequency of the antenna array of the terminal device. n This indicates the angle of the network device's position relative to the terminal device during the second time period.

10. A method of communication, characterized in that, Applied to network devices, including: Send first information to the terminal device, wherein the first information is used to indicate the first beam in a first time period; In a second time period, a first uplink signal is received from the network device. The first uplink signal is transmitted using a second beam, which is based on the first beam and the ephemeris parameters of the network device. The start time of the second time period is after the start time of the first time period.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send configuration information to the terminal device, wherein the configuration information is used to configure K transmission resources, where K is an integer greater than 0; Measure the second uplink signal on the K transmission resources; The first beam is determined based on the measurement results on the K transmission resources.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first information is an indication of the first transmission resource among the K transmission resources, and the first transmission resource and the first beam have a corresponding relationship.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The K transmission resources include K PUSCH resources or K SNR (Sound Reference Signal) resources.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: A request message is received from the terminal device, the request message being used to request the configuration information.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, The first information includes an indication of the first time period.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: The ephemeris parameters are sent to the terminal device, and the ephemeris parameters are used to determine the location of the network device in the first time period and the second time period.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The unit is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or includes a unit used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 16.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor for executing a computer program to cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, or to cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or implement the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 16.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when run, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or implements the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 16.

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