Reference signal determination method and apparatus, terminal

Abstract

The application discloses a reference signal determination method and device and a terminal. The method comprises the following steps: determining that a reference signal is valid according to a cell switching indication and / or a reference signal validity indication, so that the terminal can determine that the reference signal is valid according to the cell switching indication and / or the reference signal validity indication, thereby facilitating guarantee of downlink time-frequency synchronization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a reference signal determination method, apparatus, and terminal. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the standard protocols defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) have introduced reference signals.

[0003] Reference signals can be used for cell time-frequency tracking to achieve uplink and downlink time-frequency synchronization within the cell. However, further research is needed on how to determine whether a reference signal is valid. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Firstly, a reference signal determination method according to this application includes: The reference signal is determined to be valid based on the cell switching indication and / or the reference signal validity indication.

[0005] As can be seen, this application enables the terminal to determine that the reference signal is valid by means of cell switching indication and / or reference signal validity indication, thereby helping to ensure downlink time and frequency synchronization.

[0006] Thus, the cell handover indication can be used to instruct the terminal to initiate random access in the cell, and incidentally indicate that the reference signal is valid; or the cell handover indication can be used to instruct the terminal to initiate random access in the cell, and the reference signal validity indication can be used to indicate that the reference signal is valid.

[0007] In some possible implementations, the method further includes: obtaining cell switching indication and / or reference signal validity indication.

[0008] Secondly, this application provides a method for determining a reference signal, comprising: Based on the first instruction, it is determined that the reference signal is valid.

[0009] As can be seen, this application enables the terminal to determine that the reference signal is valid by means of the first instruction, thereby helping to ensure downlink time and frequency synchronization.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the method also includes: obtaining a first instruction.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the first indication is at least one of a cell switching indication, an uplink switching indication, and a reference signal valid indication.

[0012] Thus, the terminal is instructed to send PRACH in the cell via cell handover indication or uplink handover indication (sending PRACH is to obtain uplink synchronization in the cell, thereby using the cell's uplink resources), and incidentally, the reference signal is indicated to be valid (for faster downlink synchronization); or, the terminal is instructed to initiate random access in the cell via cell handover indication or uplink handover indication, and the reference signal is indicated to be valid via reference signal validity indication.

[0013] Thirdly, a reference signal determining device according to this application, the device comprising: The determination unit is used to determine whether the reference signal is valid based on the cell switching indication and / or the reference signal validity indication.

[0014] Fourthly, this application provides a reference signal determining device, the device comprising: The determining unit is used to determine whether the reference signal is valid based on the first indication.

[0015] Fifthly, the steps in the method designed in the first aspect above are applied to the terminal.

[0016] Sixthly, the steps in the method designed in the second aspect above are applied to the terminal.

[0017] A seventh aspect is a terminal according to this application, comprising a processor, a memory, and a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, wherein the processor executes the computer program or instructions to implement the steps in the method designed in the first or second aspect described above.

[0018] Eighthly, a chip according to this application includes a processor, wherein the processor performs the steps of the method designed in the first or second aspect described above.

[0019] Ninth aspect, a chip module according to this application, including a transceiver component and a chip, wherein the chip includes a processor, and the processor performs the steps in the method designed in the first or second aspect described above.

[0020] A tenth aspect is a computer-readable storage medium of this application, wherein it stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the steps of the method designed in the first or second aspect described above.

[0021] Eleventhly, a computer program product of this application includes a computer program or instructions, wherein when the computer program or instructions are executed, they implement the steps in the method designed in the first or second aspect described above.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions in the third to eleventh aspects can be found in the technical effects of the technical solutions in the first or second aspects, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a reference signal determination method according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating another reference signal determination method according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a functional unit block diagram of a reference signal determination device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a functional unit block diagram of another reference signal determining device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another terminal according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0025] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, software, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but also includes steps or units not listed, or other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0026] The term "embodiment" as used in the embodiments of this application means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0027] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0028] In this application's embodiments, "and / or" describes the association relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three cases: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Here, A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " can indicate that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. Additionally, the symbol " / " can also represent a division sign, i.e., performing a division operation.

[0029] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent the following seven cases: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, a, b, and c. Each of a, b, and c can be an element or a set containing one or more elements.

[0030] In the embodiments of this application, "equal to" can be used with "greater than" and is applicable to technical solutions used when "greater than" is used; it can also be used with "less than" and is applicable to technical solutions used when "less than" is used. When "equal to" is used with "greater than", it is not used with "less than"; when "equal to" is used with "less than", it is not used with "greater than".

[0031] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "of," "corresponding (relevant)," "corresponding," and "indicated" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction is not emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent.

[0032] In this application, "connection" refers to various connection methods, such as direct connection or indirect connection, to achieve communication between devices, and no limitation is made in this regard.

[0033] In the embodiments of this application, "network" and "system" can be expressed as the same concept, and the communication system is the same as the communication network.

[0034] 1. Wireless communication systems, terminals, and network equipment 1) Wireless communication system The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various wireless communication systems, such as: Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) system, New Radio (NR) system, evolution of NR system, LTE-based Access to Unlicensed Spectrum (LTE-U) system, NR-based Access to Unlicensed Spectrum (NR-U) system, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Networks, WLAN, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), 6th-Generation (6G) communication systems, or other communication systems, etc.

[0035] It should be noted that traditional wireless communication systems support a limited number of connections and are easy to implement. However, with the development of communication technology, wireless communication systems can support not only traditional wireless communication systems, but also communication such as device-to-device (D2D), machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-type communication (MTC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT). Therefore, the technical solutions of the embodiments in this application can also be applied to the above-mentioned wireless communication systems.

[0036] Furthermore, the technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to beamforming, carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), or standalone (SA) deployment scenarios, etc.

[0037] In this embodiment, the spectrum used for communication between the terminal and the network device, or the spectrum used for communication between terminals, can be either licensed or unlicensed spectrum, and there is no limitation on this. It should be noted that unlicensed spectrum can be understood as shared spectrum, and licensed spectrum can be understood as non-shared spectrum.

[0038] Since the embodiments of this application are described in conjunction with terminals and network devices, the terminals and network devices involved will be described in detail below.

[0039] 2) Terminal In the embodiments of this application, the terminal can be a device with transceiver functions, and can be referred to as user equipment (UE), remote terminal (relay UE), relay device (relay UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, mobile device, user terminal, smart terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device.

[0040] It should be noted that a relay device is a terminal that can provide relay forwarding services to other terminals (including remote terminals).

[0041] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal may also be referred to as a cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication function, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, vehicle device, wearable device, terminal in next-generation communication system (e.g., NR communication system, 6G communication system), or terminal in future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., without specific limitation.

[0042] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in autonomous driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical care, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, or a wireless terminal device in a smart home, etc.

[0043] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable or vehicle-mounted; it can be deployed on water (such as ships); it can be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons and satellites).

[0044] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal may include a device with wireless communication capabilities, such as a chip system, a chip, a chip module, etc. The chip system may include a chip, and may also include other discrete devices.

[0045] 3) Network equipment In this embodiment of the application, the network device can be a device with transceiver function, which can be a device used to communicate with the terminal and is responsible for radio resource management (RRM), quality of service (QoS) management, data compression and encryption, data transmission and reception, etc. on the air interface side.

[0046] In the embodiments of this application, the network device may be a base station (BS) in a communication system or a device deployed in a radio access network (RAN) to provide wireless communication functions.

[0047] For example, base stations (BTS) in GSM or CDMA communication systems, node B (NB) in WCDMA communication systems, evolved node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE communication systems, next generation evolved node B (ng-eNB) in NR communication systems, next generation node B (gNB) in NR communication systems, master node (MN) in dual-link architecture, and secondary node (SN) in dual-link architecture, etc., are not specifically restricted in this regard.

[0048] In the embodiments of this application, the network device may also be other devices in the core network (CN), such as access and mobility management function (AMF), user plane function (UPF), etc.; it may also be access point (AP), relay station, communication device in future evolved PLMN network, communication device in NTN network, etc. in wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0049] In embodiments of this application, the network device may include a device with wireless communication capabilities, such as a chip system, a chip, or a chip module. The chip system may include a chip, and may also include other discrete components.

[0050] In this embodiment, the network device can also communicate with Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet, private IP networks, or other data networks.

[0051] In this embodiment, the network device can be an independent node to implement all the functions of the aforementioned base station. It may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), such as gNB-CU and gNB-DU; it may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU can implement some of the network device's functions, and the DU can also implement some of its functions. For example, the CU is responsible for handling non-real-time protocols and services, implementing the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer, service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. The DU is responsible for handling physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, and physical (PHY) layer. Additionally, the AAU can implement some physical layer processing functions, radio frequency processing, and related functions of the active antenna. Since RRC layer information ultimately becomes PHY layer information, or is derived from PHY layer information, in this network deployment, higher-layer signaling (such as RRC layer signaling) can be considered to be sent by the DU, or jointly by the DU and AAU. It is understood that network devices can include at least one of CU, DU, and AAU. Furthermore, the CU can be classified as a network device in the radio access network (RAN), or it can be classified as a network device in the core network; no specific limitation is made in this regard.

[0052] In this embodiment, the network device may have mobility characteristics; for example, the network device may be a mobile device. Optionally, the network device may be a satellite or a balloon station. For example, the satellite may be a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a high elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite, etc. Optionally, the network device may also be a base station located on land, water, or other similar locations.

[0053] In this embodiment of the application, the network device can provide communication services to terminals within the coverage area of ​​the cell. The cell may include macro cells, small cells, metro cells, micro cells, pico cells, and femto cells, etc.

[0054] 4) Example Explanation The following is an exemplary description of the wireless communication system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0055] For example, a network architecture of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of this application can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 1 .like Figure 1 As shown, the wireless communication system 10 may include a network device 110 and a terminal 120. The network device 110 and the terminal 120 can communicate wirelessly.

[0056] Figure 1 This is merely an example of a network architecture for a wireless communication system and does not constitute a limitation on the network architecture of the communication systems described in this application. For example, in this application embodiment, the wireless communication system may further include servers or other devices. As another example, in this application embodiment, the wireless communication system may include multiple network devices and / or multiple terminals.

[0057] 2. Network energy saving (network power saving) Network energy conservation is a major concern for both operators and equipment manufacturers. It is highly beneficial for reducing operating costs and for environmental protection. In 5G networks, due to the abundance of spectrum resources, such as 1GHz, 2GHz, 4GHz, 6GHz, and 26GHz bands, carriers or cells corresponding to certain bands (e.g., 4GHz, 6GHz, or 26GHz) can be shut down as much as possible and activated only as needed when network load is low, thereby achieving network energy conservation.

[0058] In other words, when network load is low, some carriers or cells do not need to carry data. Generally, energy saving can be achieved by turning certain carriers on or off, but this can only be done when network load is low.

[0059] 3. Non-anchor cells and anchor cells Cells or carriers that need to be turned on or off can be called non-anchor cells or non-anchor carriers, or second-class cells or second-class carriers, or secondary cells (SCells) or secondary carriers or secondary carrier components (SCCs).

[0060] Correspondingly, cells or carriers that do not need to be shut down can be called anchor cells or anchor carriers, or Class I cells or Class I carriers, or primary cells (PCells), primary carriers, or primary carrier components (PCCs).

[0061] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, anchor cell is mainly used to represent anchor carrier or cell, and non-anchor cell is used to represent non-anchor carrier or cell.

[0062] Generally, anchor cells can be represented by serving cell or source cell, and non-anchor cells by non-serving cell or target cell. Because for a given UE, the serving cell or source cell before the handover is the anchor cell, the anchor cell can be either the serving cell or the source cell. Because the non-serving cell or target cell that serves as the handover target is a non-anchor cell, the non-anchor cell can be the target cell. Anchor cells and non-anchor cells can belong to the same base station or different base stations. When anchor cells and non-anchor cells belong to the same base station, the anchor cell can be a PCell or PCC, and the non-anchor cell can be an SCell or SCC.

[0063] 4. The terminal initiates a random access procedure on the anchor cell or a non-anchor cell. 1) The terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state. In the idle or inactive state, the terminal can initiate a random access procedure on the anchor cell. Therefore, the anchor cell can have the resources of a random access channel (RACH).

[0064] The random access channel includes the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH), the Random Access Response (RAR), Message 3 (Msg3), and Message 4 (Msg4). The Physical Random Access Channel can also be referred to as Message 1 (Msg1). The Random Access Response can also be referred to as Message 2 (Msg2).

[0065] To achieve network energy saving, non-anchor cells can be opened on demand. If a non-anchor cell is opened before a terminal initiates random access, then for a terminal in an idle or inactive state, the terminal can initiate random access on the non-anchor cell, use the RACH resources on the non-anchor cell, and thus access / handover to the non-anchor cell.

[0066] If the timing for opening a non-anchor cell is after the terminal initiates random access, then for a terminal in an idle or inactive state, the terminal can initiate random access on an anchor cell, thereby accessing / switching to a non-anchor cell.

[0067] Generally, when a terminal is camped under an anchor cell, it can receive paging, system information (SI), synchronization signal blocks, downlink control information (DCI), etc.

[0068] Since the terminal can initiate a random access procedure on a non-anchor cell, the load on the anchor cell can be shared by accessing the non-anchor cell, and the handover (HO) process between different cells can be eliminated.

[0069] Additionally, network devices can instruct the terminal to initiate a random access procedure on a non-anchor cell based on the current load conditions of the anchor cell and non-anchor cells. This applies to services that have been terminated by the mobile station, i.e., when the network device needs to transmit data to the terminal.

[0070] Terminals can also initiate random access procedures spontaneously on non-anchor cells. This applies to mobile-originating (MO) services, where the terminal needs to transmit data to network equipment.

[0071] 2) The terminal is in a connected state. In connected mode, network devices can configure non-anchor cells as secondary cells (SCell) or primary secondary cells (PSCell) through Carrier Aggregation (CA) and Dual Connectivity (DC), so that terminals can use the resources of anchor cells.

[0072] At this point, operations on non-anchor cells can be understood as adding, deleting, modifying, activating, and deactivating SCells / PSCells in CA or DC.

[0073] In addition, anchor cells and non-anchor cells do not have to belong to the CA / DC architecture, and are simpler than CA or DC. They have lower requirements for the backhaul network and do not require the terminal to receive signals from multiple carriers at the same time, making them easier to implement.

[0074] To achieve network energy savings, non-anchor cells are enabled on demand. For CAs or DCs, network devices can enable and disable non-anchor cells by activating and deactivating SCells.

[0075] However, the CA / DC architecture has certain limitations. For example, the terminal needs to have predefined CA / DC capabilities, including the frequency band of the SCells supported by the terminal and the number of SCells supported by the terminal. These predefined CA / DC capabilities require the terminal to have the ability to open multiple radio frequencies (RF) and / or basebands, which is quite limiting.

[0076] A more flexible approach is to forgo the CA / DC architecture. This means the terminal may not have the ability to simultaneously activate multiple radio frequencies and / or basebands, but it can still use non-anchored cells. Furthermore, even if the terminal only has the ability to activate one radio frequency and baseband simultaneously (i.e., can only handle a single carrier), it can still use non-anchored cells.

[0077] Currently, due to the demands of uplink services, a crucial requirement is for terminals to quickly switch to non-anchor cells for uplink transmission. To enable rapid uplink transmission on non-anchor cells, terminals need to achieve uplink time-frequency synchronization, thus requiring the terminal to initiate a random access procedure.

[0078] 5. The terminal requires a reference signal from a non-anchor cell. The synchronization signal block can be used by the terminal for downlink time and frequency synchronization, and to obtain the Master Information Block (MIB) and System Information Block (SIB).

[0079] Anchor cells can carry MIBs and SIBs to support cell search and system information transmission.

[0080] Since non-anchor cells may still need to support paging, random access, and RRM measurements, they still need to carry synchronization signal blocks to support terminals in performing time / frequency tracking and RRM measurements.

[0081] Since non-anchor cells are used for data load balancing and do not need to carry MIBs and SIBs, synchronization signal blocks can be sent or not.

[0082] When a non-anchor cell sends a synchronization signal block, the non-anchor cell can be considered as being detectable or discoverable by the terminal. In this case, to reduce resource overhead on the non-anchor cell, the synchronization signal block can be simplified. For example, the synchronization signal block can be long-period.

[0083] When a non-anchor cell does not send a synchronization signal block, the non-anchor cell can be considered as undetectable or undiscoverable by the terminal.

[0084] Furthermore, when non-anchor cells do not send synchronization signal blocks, the terminal still needs reference signals from the non-anchor cell to perform time-frequency tracking before or during the random access procedure initiated on the non-anchor cell. This is because anchor cells and non-anchor cells may not be fully synchronized in downlink time and frequency, especially when anchor cells and non-anchor cells are deployed in a non-collocated manner. In such cases, downlink time-frequency synchronization performed by the terminal on the anchor cell cannot be directly applied to the non-anchor cell.

[0085] When the anchor cell sends a simplified synchronization signal block (e.g., a long-period synchronization signal block), the terminal still needs the reference signal on the non-anchor cell to perform further time-frequency tracking before or during the random access procedure on the non-anchor cell, in order to obtain more refined downlink time-frequency synchronization. This is because the anchor cell and the non-anchor cell may not be completely synchronized in downlink time-frequency, especially when the anchor cell and the non-anchor cell are deployed in a non-collocated manner. Although the terminal has already achieved preliminary downlink time-frequency synchronization on the non-anchor cell, it still needs further downlink time-frequency synchronization on the non-anchor cell.

[0086] 6. How to determine if the reference signal is valid? To ensure downlink time-frequency synchronization and measurement, this application embodiment needs to determine whether the reference signal is valid. This will be explained in detail below according to different scenarios.

[0087] Scenario 1: When the terminal is in an idle or inactive state, how does the terminal determine that the reference signal on the non-anchor cell is valid? The relevant solutions involved are explained in detail below.

[0088] Option 1-1: The network device instructs the terminal to initiate random access on a non-anchor cell. It should be noted that when a terminal is camped on an anchor cell, it can receive synchronization signal blocks, paging, system information, etc. These signals / information can be called common control signals / signaling, or broadcast control signals / signaling.

[0089] In practice, network devices can send cell switch indications and / or reference signal validity indications, which can be used to determine whether the reference signal is valid.

[0090] In the embodiments of this application, a cell can also be referred to as a carrier. Therefore, a cell switching indication can be referred to as a carrier switching indication.

[0091] Correspondingly, the terminal can obtain the cell switching indication and / or the reference signal validity indication, and determine that the reference signal is valid based on the cell switching indication and / or the reference signal validity indication.

[0092] The following is a detailed explanation.

[0093] 1) Cell transfer instruction ① Meaning For network devices, they can instruct terminals to initiate a random access procedure on non-anchor cells based on the current load conditions of anchor cells and non-anchor cells. This instruction can be implemented through cell switching instructions.

[0094] In other words, the cell handover instruction can be used to instruct a terminal to initiate a random access procedure on a non-anchor cell.

[0095] Of course, other terms may be used for cell switching instructions, but any term that has the same function / meaning / interpretation is within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0096] In addition, cell switching indication can also be used to indicate that the reference signal is valid.

[0097] For the terminal, it can obtain the cell switching indication and determine whether the reference signal is valid based on the cell switching indication.

[0098] As can be seen, network devices can instruct terminals to initiate random access in non-anchor cells by sending cell switching instructions, and incidentally indicate that the reference signal is valid.

[0099] ② Implementation method of cell switching instruction Cell switching instructions can be implemented in the following ways: One approach is that the cell handover indication can be carried by the paging PDCCH. In other words, the cell handover indication can be a bit in the paging PDCCH.

[0100] It is understandable that, since network devices can page terminals in idle or inactive states, the paging PDCCH can carry a cell switching indication to enable the transmission of the cell switching indication.

[0101] In this way, in the idle or inactive state, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the paging PDCCH.

[0102] One approach is that the cell transfer indication can be carried in the paging message. In other words, the cell transfer indication can be a field within the paging message.

[0103] Understandably, since network devices can page terminals in an idle or inactive state, paging messages can carry cell switching indications to enable the transmission of cell switching indications.

[0104] In this way, in the idle or inactive state, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the paging message, and the network device can adopt different paging strategies for different terminals.

[0105] One approach is that the cell handover indication can be carried by the RAR PDCCH. In other words, the cell handover indication can be a bit in the RAR PDCCH.

[0106] It is understandable that since terminals in idle or inactive states can initiate random access, the RAR PDCCH can carry cell handover indications to achieve cell handover indication transmission. The RAR PDCCH can also be called the PDCCH of the Type 2-PDCCH Common Search Space set (CSS set).

[0107] In this way, in the idle or inactive state, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the RAR PDCCH.

[0108] One approach is that the cell handover indication can be carried by the RAR MAC Control Entity (MAC CE). In other words, the cell handover indication can be a field in the RAR MAC CE.

[0109] It is understandable that since terminals in idle or inactive states can initiate random access, RARMAC CE can carry cell switching indications to achieve the transmission of cell switching indications.

[0110] In this way, in the idle or inactive state, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the RAR MAC CE, and the network device can adopt different response strategies for different terminals.

[0111] Cell handover indication can be carried in RAR messages. That is, cell handover indication can be a field in a RAR message.

[0112] It is understandable that since terminals in idle or inactive states can initiate random access, RAR messages can carry cell switching indications to achieve the transmission of cell switching indications.

[0113] In this way, in the idle or inactive state, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the RAR message, and the network device can adopt different response strategies for different terminals.

[0114] One approach is that the cell handover indication can be carried by the SIB. In other words, the cell handover indication can be a field in the SIB.

[0115] It is understandable that since network devices can broadcast SIBs, and terminals in idle or inactive states can receive these SIBs, these SIBs can carry cell switching indications to enable the transmission of cell switching indications.

[0116] In this way, network devices can broadcast to all terminals in the anchor cell to use the same policy, and this also applies to services initiated by mobile stations, that is, when terminals actively send data to network devices.

[0117] 2) Reference signal valid indication ① Meaning For network devices, the network device directly indicates that the reference signal is valid, that is, the above indication can be achieved through the effective indication of the reference signal.

[0118] In other words, a valid reference signal indicator can be used to indicate that the reference signal is valid.

[0119] Of course, other terms may be used to indicate the validity of a reference signal, but any term with the same function, meaning, or interpretation is within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0120] For the terminal, it can obtain the valid indication of the reference signal and determine that the reference signal is valid based on the valid indication.

[0121] As can be seen, network devices can indicate that a reference signal is valid by sending a reference signal valid indication.

[0122] ② Implementation of valid reference signal indication The validity indication of the reference signal can be achieved in the following way: One approach is that the valid reference signal indication can be carried by the paging PDCCH. In other words, the valid reference signal indication can be a bit in the paging PDCCH.

[0123] It is understandable that, since network devices can page terminals in an idle or inactive state, the paging PDCCH can carry a reference signal valid indication to achieve the transmission of the reference signal valid indication.

[0124] In this way, in the idle or inactive state, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the paging PDCCH.

[0125] One approach is that the reference signal validity indication can be carried in the paging message. In other words, the reference signal validity indication can be a field within the paging message.

[0126] Understandably, in anchor cells, since network devices can page terminals in idle or inactive states, paging messages can carry reference signal validity indications to achieve the transmission of reference signal validity indications.

[0127] In this way, in the idle or inactive state, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the paging message, and the network device can adopt different paging strategies for different terminals.

[0128] One approach is that the valid reference signal indication can be carried by the RAR PDCCH. In other words, the valid reference signal indication can be a bit in the RAR PDCCH.

[0129] Understandably, since terminals in idle or inactive states can initiate random access on the anchor cell, the RAR PDCCH can carry a reference signal valid indication to achieve the transmission of the reference signal valid indication. The RAR PDCCH can also be called the PDCCH of the Type 2-PDCCH common search space set.

[0130] In this way, in the idle or inactive state, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the RAR PDCCH.

[0131] One approach is that the reference signal validity indication can be carried by the RAR MAC Control Entity (MACCE). In other words, the reference signal validity indication can be a field within the RAR MAC Control Entity (MACCE).

[0132] It is understandable that since terminals in an idle or inactive state can initiate random access on the anchor cell, the RAR MAC CE can carry a reference signal valid indication to achieve the transmission of the reference signal valid indication.

[0133] In this way, in the idle or inactive state, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the RAR MAC CE, and the network device can adopt different response strategies for different terminals.

[0134] One approach is that the reference signal validity indication can be carried within the RAR message. In other words, the reference signal validity indication can be a field within the RAR message.

[0135] It is understandable that since terminals in an idle or inactive state can initiate random access on the anchor cell, RAR messages can carry reference signal valid indications to achieve the transmission of reference signal valid indications.

[0136] Thus, in the idle or inactive state, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the RAR message, and the network device can adopt different response strategies for different terminals. The RAR message is also known as message 2.

[0137] One approach is that the reference signal validity indication can be carried by message 4. In other words, the reference signal validity indication can be a field in message 4.

[0138] It is understandable that since terminals in an idle or inactive state can initiate random access on the anchor cell, message 4 can carry a reference signal valid indication to achieve the transmission of the reference signal valid indication.

[0139] Thus, in the idle or inactive state, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving message 4.

[0140] One approach is that the reference signal validity indication can be carried by the SIB. In other words, the reference signal validity indication can be a field within the SIB.

[0141] Understandably, in an anchor cell, since network devices can broadcast SIBs, and terminals in an idle or inactive state can receive the SIBs, the SIBs can carry reference signal valid indications to achieve the transmission of reference signal valid indications.

[0142] In this way, network devices can broadcast to all terminals in the anchor cell to use the same policy, and this also applies to services initiated by mobile stations, that is, when terminals actively send data to network devices.

[0143] 3) Combination of cell transition indication and reference signal validity indication In this embodiment, the cell switching indication and the reference signal valid indication can also be combined. That is, the network device can send a cell switching indication to instruct the terminal to initiate random access in a non-anchor cell, and send a reference signal valid indication to indicate that the reference signal is valid. This is similar to the above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0144] 4) Terminal wake-up or paging It should be noted that in the idle or inactive state, the network device needs to send a cell switching indication and / or a reference signal validity indication after waking up or paging the terminal.

[0145] In practice, network devices can wake up or page the terminal using a wakeup signal (WUS), paging early indication (PEI), paging PDCCH, or paging message, and then instruct the terminal to initiate random access in a non-anchor cell by sending a cell switching indication, while also indicating that the reference signal is valid.

[0146] Alternatively, the network device can wake up or page the UE via WUS, PEI, paging PDCCH or paging message, and then send a cell switching indication to instruct the terminal to initiate random access in a non-anchor cell, and send a reference signal valid indication to indicate that the terminal's reference signal is valid.

[0147] In other words, network devices send cell switching indications and / or reference signal validity indications only after waking up or paging the terminal, while the terminal only initiates random access on a non-anchor cell and determines whether the reference signal is valid after detecting that it may be paging or waking up.

[0148] In summary, when the conditions are met, the terminal can determine that the reference signal is valid based on the cell switching indication and / or the reference signal validity indication. The conditions include at least one of the following: WUS is detected, PEI is detected, paging PDCCH is detected, or the paging message contains its own identifier.

[0149] In some possible implementations, detecting WUS can be: detecting a signal or channel corresponding to WUS, or detecting an indication within a signal or channel corresponding to WUS (such as indicating that the terminal group corresponding to the paging occasion (PO) is being paged, or that a terminal subgroup is being paged, etc.).

[0150] It should be noted that the signal corresponding to WUS can be a sequence. The channel corresponding to WUS can be a physical channel, such as PDCCH. In some possible implementations, detecting PEI can be: detecting the signal or channel corresponding to PEI, or detecting an indication within the signal or channel corresponding to PEI (such as indicating that the terminal group corresponding to the paging occasion (PO) is being paged, or that a terminal subgroup is being paged, etc.).

[0151] It should be noted that the signal corresponding to PEI can be a sequence. The channel corresponding to PEI can be a physical channel, such as PDCCH.

[0152] Option 1-2: The network device instructs the terminal to complete random access in a non-anchor cell. Unlike Scheme 1-1 above, where the terminal initiates random access on a non-anchor cell, if the terminal is camped on an anchor cell, it listens for network control information in the anchor cell and initiates random access there. However, the network device can instruct the terminal in the RAR to switch to a non-anchor cell and complete the random access process.

[0153] 1) Cell transfer instruction ① Meaning For network devices, they can instruct the terminal to initiate a random access procedure on the anchor cell based on the current load of the anchor cell and non-anchor cells, and then instruct the terminal in the RAR to switch to a non-anchor cell to complete the random access procedure. The above instructions can be implemented through cell switching instructions.

[0154] In other words, the cell handover instruction can be used to instruct the terminal to initiate a random access procedure on the anchor cell, and in the RAR to instruct the terminal to handover to a non-anchor cell to complete the random access procedure.

[0155] Of course, other terms may be used for cell switching instructions, but as long as they have the same function, they are all within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0156] In addition, cell switching indication can also be used to indicate that the reference signal is valid.

[0157] For the terminal, it can obtain the cell switching indication and determine whether the reference signal is valid based on the cell switching indication.

[0158] As can be seen, network devices can instruct terminals to initiate a random access procedure in the anchor cell by sending a cell switching instruction, and instruct terminals to switch to a non-anchor cell to complete the random access procedure, while also indicating that the reference signal is valid.

[0159] ② Implementation method of cell switching instruction Cell switching instructions can be implemented in the following ways: One approach is that the cell handover indication can be carried by the RAR PDCCH. In other words, the cell handover indication can be a bit in the RAR PDCCH.

[0160] It is understandable that since terminals in idle or inactive states can initiate random access on the anchor cell, the RAR PDCCH can carry cell switching indications to enable the transmission of cell switching indications.

[0161] In this way, in the idle or inactive state, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the RAR PDCCH.

[0162] One approach is that the cell handover indication can be carried by the RAR MAC CE. In other words, the cell handover indication can be a field within the RAR MAC CE.

[0163] It is understandable that since terminals in an idle or inactive state can initiate random access on the anchor cell, the RAR MAC CE can carry a cell switching indication to enable the transmission of the cell switching indication.

[0164] In this way, in the idle or inactive state, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the RAR MAC CE, and the network device can adopt different response strategies for different terminals.

[0165] One approach is that the cell handover indication can be carried within the RAR message. In other words, the cell handover indication can be a field within the RAR message.

[0166] It is understandable that since terminals in an idle or inactive state can initiate random access on the anchor cell, RAR messages can carry cell switching indications to achieve the transmission of cell switching indications.

[0167] In this way, in the idle or inactive state, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the RAR message, and the network device can adopt different response strategies for different terminals.

[0168] One possibility is that the cell handover indication can be carried by message 4. That is, the cell handover indication can be a field in message 4.

[0169] It is understandable that since terminals in an idle or inactive state can initiate random access on the anchor cell, message 4 can carry a cell switching indication to enable the transmission of the cell switching indication.

[0170] Thus, the cell switching instruction can reuse message 4.

[0171] One approach is that the cell handover indication can be carried by the SIB. In other words, the cell handover indication can be a field in the SIB.

[0172] It is understandable that since network devices can broadcast SIBs, and terminals in idle or inactive states can receive these SIBs, these SIBs can carry cell switching indications to enable the transmission of cell switching indications.

[0173] In this way, network devices can broadcast to all terminals in the anchor cell to use the same policy, and this also applies to services initiated by mobile stations, that is, when terminals actively send data to network devices.

[0174] 2) Reference signal valid indication ① Meaning Similar to "Solution 1-1" above, for network devices, the network device directly indicates that the reference signal is valid, and effectively indicates it through the reference signal.

[0175] In other words, a reference signal valid indicator can be used to indicate that a reference signal is valid. Of course, other terms can also be used for reference signal valid indicator, but as long as they have the same function, they are all within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0176] For the terminal, it can obtain the valid indication of the reference signal and determine that the reference signal is valid based on the valid indication.

[0177] As can be seen, network devices can indicate that a reference signal is valid by sending a reference signal valid indication.

[0178] ② Implementation of valid reference signal indication The validity indication of the reference signal can be achieved in the following way: One approach is that the valid reference signal indication can be carried by the RAR PDCCH. In other words, the valid reference signal indication can be a bit in the RAR PDCCH.

[0179] It is understandable that since terminals in idle or inactive states can initiate random access on the anchor cell, the RAR PDCCH can carry a reference signal valid indication to achieve the transmission of the reference signal valid indication.

[0180] In this way, in the idle or inactive state, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the RAR PDCCH.

[0181] One approach is that the reference signal validity indication can be carried by the RAR MAC CE. In other words, the reference signal validity indication can be a field within the RAR MAC CE.

[0182] It is understandable that since terminals in an idle or inactive state can initiate random access on the anchor cell, the RAR MAC CE can carry a reference signal valid indication to achieve the transmission of the reference signal valid indication.

[0183] In this way, in the idle or inactive state, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the RAR MAC CE, and the network device can adopt different response strategies for different terminals.

[0184] One approach is that the reference signal validity indication can be carried within the RAR message. In other words, the reference signal validity indication can be a field within the RAR message.

[0185] It is understandable that since terminals in an idle or inactive state can initiate random access on the anchor cell, RAR messages can carry reference signal valid indications to achieve the transmission of reference signal valid indications.

[0186] In this way, in the idle or inactive state, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the RAR message, and the network device can adopt different response strategies for different terminals.

[0187] One approach is that the reference signal validity indication can be carried by message 4. In other words, the reference signal validity indication can be a field in message 4.

[0188] It is understandable that since terminals in an idle or inactive state can initiate random access on the anchor cell, message 4 can carry a reference signal valid indication to achieve the transmission of the reference signal valid indication.

[0189] Thus, the cell switching instruction can reuse message 4.

[0190] One approach is that the reference signal validity indication can be carried by the SIB. In other words, the reference signal validity indication can be a field within the SIB.

[0191] It is understandable that since network devices can broadcast SIBs, and terminals in idle or inactive states can receive the SIBs, the SIBs can carry reference signal valid indications to achieve the transmission of reference signal valid indications.

[0192] In this way, network devices can broadcast to all terminals in the anchor cell to use the same policy, and this also applies to services initiated by mobile stations, that is, when terminals actively send data to network devices.

[0193] 3) Combination of cell transition indication and reference signal validity indication In this embodiment, the cell switching indication and the reference signal valid indication can also be combined. That is, the network device can send a cell switching indication to instruct the terminal to initiate random access in a non-anchor cell, and send a reference signal valid indication to indicate that the reference signal is valid. This is similar to the above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0194] Option 1-3: Delay It should be noted that there may be a processing delay before the terminal determines that the reference signal is valid. This delay can also be understood as time delay, etc., and no specific restrictions are imposed on it.

[0195] Specifically, this delay can exist as follows: One is the community relocation time. It should be noted that since there is a certain delay or time required for a non-anchor cell to go from closed to open (if the non-anchor cell has already been opened, this delay can be very small or even zero), the terminal needs to wait until after this delay before initiating a random access procedure in order to determine whether the reference signal is valid.

[0196] In addition, for ease of distinction, the time required for a non-anchor cell to turn from closed to open can be called the first delay.

[0197] In addition, the first delay may also include the time for control signaling transmission when the anchor cell controls the opening of the non-anchor cell. In general, the first delay is the cell handover time.

[0198] Of course, the first delay can also be other terms, as long as they have the same meaning or function, they are all within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0199] Based on this, the terminal can determine that the reference signal is valid after the first delay.

[0200] In addition, the value of the first delay can be as follows: One approach is that the value of the first delay can be predefined.

[0201] This reduces signaling overhead.

[0202] One approach is to carry the value of the first delay in the SIB. In other words, the value of the first delay can be indicated by a field in the SIB.

[0203] In this way, the value of the first delay can be flexibly configured through SIB, while the overhead is relatively small.

[0204] One approach is that the value of the first delay can be carried by at least one of the following: WUS, PEI PDCCH, paging PDCCH, paging message, RAR PDCCH, RAR MAC CE, RAR message, or a field in message 4. In other words, the value of the first delay can be indicated by at least one of the following: bits in WUS and PEI PDCCH, bits in paging PDCCH, a field in paging message, bits in RAR PDCCH, a field in RAR MAC CE, a field in RAR message, or a field in message 4.

[0205] In this way, network devices can flexibly configure the first latency value by using different strategies for different terminals.

[0206] One type is terminal processing time. The terminal processing time may include the time required to process at least one of the following: WUS detection, PEI decoding, paging PDCCH decoding, paging message decoding, RAR PDCCH decoding, RAR MAC CE decoding, RAR message decoding, and message 4 decoding.

[0207] In addition, terminal processing time is related to terminal processing capability.

[0208] It should be noted that since the terminal needs a certain amount of time to process WUS, PEI, paging, or random access, the terminal can only initiate the random access procedure after this time in order to determine whether the reference signal is valid.

[0209] In addition, for ease of distinction, terminal processing time can be referred to as the second latency, which is related to the terminal's processing capability.

[0210] In some possible implementations, the second latency has different values ​​depending on the processing capabilities of different terminals.

[0211] For example, when the terminal's processing capability is high (i.e., the terminal has strong capabilities in detecting WUS, decoding PEI, decoding paging PDCCH, decoding paging messages, decoding RAR PDCCH, decoding RAR MAC CE, decoding RAR messages, decoding message 4, etc.), the second delay is a smaller value; when the terminal's processing capability is low, the second delay is a larger value.

[0212] Of course, the second delay can also be other terms, as long as they have the same meaning / function / interpretation, etc., they are all within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0213] Based on this, the terminal can determine that the reference signal is valid after the second delay.

[0214] One is the maximum value between cell switching time and terminal processing time.

[0215] It should be noted that the cell handover time corresponds to the non-anchor cell, while the terminal processing time corresponds to the terminal. Since these two times correspond to different subjects, they can overlap.

[0216] Based on the above, there is no need to elaborate further.

[0217] Furthermore, for ease of distinction, the maximum value between cell handover time and terminal processing time can be referred to as the third delay. Of course, the third delay can also be other terms, as long as they have the same meaning / function / interpretation, etc., they are all within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0218] In other words, the third delay is the maximum value between the first delay and the second delay.

[0219] One possibility is the sum of cell switching time and terminal processing time.

[0220] It should be noted that cell switching time and terminal processing time can also be sequential and non-overlapping.

[0221] Based on the above, there is no need to elaborate further.

[0222] In addition, for ease of distinction, the sum of cell switching time and terminal processing time can also be called the third delay.

[0223] In other words, the third delay is the sum of the first and second delays.

[0224] In response, the terminal can initiate random access after the third delay to ensure the robustness of the communication system.

[0225] Scheme 1-4: Configuration of Reference Signal It should be noted that the terminal can determine the configuration of the reference signal on the non-anchor cell based on the high-level parameters.

[0226] In some possible implementations, this higher-layer parameter can be included in the signaling of the source cell.

[0227] It should be noted that the signaling of the source cell can be the signaling of the anchor cell.

[0228] In this way, the terminal only needs to obtain system information on the anchor cell to obtain the configuration of the reference signal on the non-anchor cell, which is convenient to implement.

[0229] Scheme 1-5: Type or characteristics of the reference signal The reference signal can be of the following types: One approach is that the reference signal can be a synchronization signal block. In this way, network devices can send synchronization signal blocks as needed.

[0230] The characteristics of this synchronization signal block can be as follows: One approach is that the synchronization signal block can be activated only once after the indication.

[0231] It is understood that after the cell switching indication and / or reference signal valid indication of the synchronization signal block is valid, the validity of the synchronization signal block will only take effect once subsequently.

[0232] Thus, the synchronization signal block can be regarded as an aperiodic synchronization signal block, so as to reduce the overhead.

[0233] One type is where the synchronization signal block can be valid for a period of time.

[0234] It is understandable that after the cell switching indication and / or reference signal valid indication synchronization signal block is valid, the synchronization signal block is only valid for a period of time and becomes invalid outside of that period of time.

[0235] In this way, the terminal can perform downlink time-frequency synchronization through this synchronization signal block for a period of time.

[0236] One type is where the synchronization signal block has the same time domain location as the cell-defined SSB (CD-SSB).

[0237] This simplifies the configuration of the synchronization signal block. In this case, the synchronization signal block is a non-cell-defined synchronization signal block (NCD-SSB).

[0238] One type is that the reference signal can be a tracking reference signal (TRS).

[0239] In this way, network devices can send tracking reference signals as needed.

[0240] The characteristics of the tracking reference signal can be as follows: One approach is to allow the tracking reference signal to take effect only once after the indication.

[0241] Thus, the tracking reference signal can be regarded as an aperiodic tracking reference signal, which has a smaller overhead.

[0242] One approach is that the tracking reference signal can be effective for a period of time.

[0243] In this way, the terminal can perform downlink time-frequency synchronization by tracking the reference signal for a period of time.

[0244] One approach is to use a temporary reference signal (Temp-RS).

[0245] The temporary reference signal can be a reference signal used for fast SCell activation in an existing system (for the connected state).

[0246] In this way, network devices can send temporary reference signals as needed, and when these temporary reference signals are used in the idle / inactive state, the implementation of the terminal can be simplified.

[0247] The characteristics of this temporary reference signal can be as follows: One approach is that a temporary reference signal can be effective only once after the indication.

[0248] Thus, the temporary reference signal can be regarded as a non-periodic temporary reference signal, with less overhead.

[0249] One type is where a temporary reference signal can be valid for a period of time.

[0250] In this way, the terminal can perform time-frequency synchronization using a temporary reference signal for a period of time.

[0251] One approach is that the reference signal can be a portion of the reference signal in the synchronization signal block and the tracking reference signal.

[0252] In this way, the terminal can perform coarse synchronization using a portion of the reference signal in the synchronization signal block, and compensate to limit the residual time and frequency offset within a certain range. Then, it can perform fine synchronization by tracking the reference signal to further reduce the time and frequency offset.

[0253] In some possible implementations, a portion of the reference signals in the synchronization signal block can be PSS and / or SSS.

[0254] In this way, terminal devices can perform coarse synchronization via PSS and / or SSS.

[0255] It should be noted that when using PSS, inter-cell interference in network deployment can be suppressed by the cell ID carried by PSS; when using SSS, inter-cell interference in network deployment can be suppressed by the cell ID carried by SSS; when using both PSS and SSS, inter-cell interference in network deployment can be suppressed by the cell ID carried by both PSS and SSS.

[0256] In some possible implementations, the tracking reference signal can be a tracking reference signal within a time slot.

[0257] It should be noted that since the tracking reference signal can be in two time slots with a total of 4 symbols, or in one time slot with a total of 2 symbols, using one time slot (2 symbols) can reduce resource overhead.

[0258] In some possible implementations, the tracking reference signal can be a tracking reference signal within two time slots.

[0259] This can improve synchronization accuracy or speed up time-frequency synchronization (under certain synchronization accuracy conditions).

[0260] Scenario 2: When a terminal is in a connected state, how does it determine whether the reference signal on a non-anchor cell is valid? The relevant solutions involved are explained in detail below.

[0261] Option 2-1: The network device can instruct the terminal to initiate random access or send PRACH in a non-anchor cell. It should be noted that when the terminal is camped on the anchor cell, it can receive paging, system information, synchronization signal blocks, downlink control information, etc., or listen to network control information, while the terminal can initiate random access on non-anchor cells.

[0262] In practice, the network device can send a first indication, which can be used to determine that the reference signal is valid. Correspondingly, the terminal can obtain the first indication and determine that the reference signal is valid based on it. This will be explained in detail below.

[0263] 1) First instruction ① Meaning It should be noted that the first indication can be at least one of the following: cell switching indication, uplink switching indication, and reference signal valid indication.

[0264] Of course, other terms may be used for the first instruction, but only those with the same function / meaning / concept / explanation are within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0265] ② Cell Switching Instructions a. meaning For network devices, they can instruct terminals to initiate a random access procedure or send a PRACH on non-anchor cells based on the current load conditions of anchor cells and non-anchor cells. Such instructions can be implemented through cell switching instructions.

[0266] In other words, the cell switching indication can be used to instruct a terminal to initiate random access in a non-anchor cell, or to instruct a terminal to send PRACH in a non-anchor cell.

[0267] Sending PRACH is for obtaining uplink synchronization on non-anchor cells, thereby using the uplink resources of non-anchor cells.

[0268] Of course, other terms may be used for cell switching instructions, but any term that has the same function or meaning is within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0269] For the terminal, it can obtain the cell switching indication and determine whether the reference signal is valid based on the cell switching indication.

[0270] As can be seen, network devices can instruct terminals to initiate random access or send PRACH in non-anchor cells by sending cell switching instructions, and incidentally indicate that the reference signal is valid.

[0271] b. Implementation method of cell handover instruction Cell switching instructions can be implemented in the following ways: One approach is that the cell handover indication can be carried by the PDCCH. In other words, the cell handover indication can be a bit in the PDCCH.

[0272] It is understandable that a terminal in the connected state can receive PDCCH.

[0273] Thus, in connected mode, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the PDCCH.

[0274] One approach is that the cell handover indication can be carried by the MAC CE. In other words, the cell handover indication can be the MAC CE.

[0275] Understandably, a terminal in connected state can receive MAC CE.

[0276] Thus, in connected mode, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the MAC CE, and the network device can adopt different response strategies for different terminals.

[0277] ③ Uplink conversion indicator a. meaning For network devices, they can instruct the terminal to initiate a random access procedure or send a PRACH on a non-anchor cell based on the current load of the anchor cell and non-anchor cells. The above instructions can be implemented through uplink conversion instructions.

[0278] In other words, the uplink switching indication can be used to instruct the terminal to switch to the cell or carrier where the uplink transmission is located.

[0279] Sending PRACH is for obtaining uplink synchronization on non-anchor cells, thereby using the uplink resources of non-anchor cells.

[0280] Of course, other terms may be used for the uplink transition indication, but as long as they have the same function or meaning, they are all within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0281] For the terminal, it can obtain the uplink conversion indication and determine that the reference signal is valid based on the uplink conversion indication.

[0282] As can be seen, network devices can instruct terminals to initiate random access or send PRACH in non-anchor cells by sending uplink switching instructions, and incidentally indicate that the reference signal is valid.

[0283] b. Implementation method of uplink conversion indicator Uplink transition indicators can be implemented as follows: One approach is that the uplink transition indicator can be carried by the PDCCH. In other words, the uplink transition indicator can be a bit in the PDCCH.

[0284] It is understandable that a terminal in the connected state can receive PDCCH.

[0285] Thus, in connected mode, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the PDCCH.

[0286] One approach is that the uplink transition indicator can be carried by the MAC CE. In other words, the uplink transition indicator can be the MAC CE.

[0287] Understandably, a terminal in connected state can receive MAC CE.

[0288] Thus, in connected mode, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the MAC CE, and the network device can adopt different response strategies for different terminals.

[0289] ④ Reference signal valid indication a. meaning For network devices, the network device directly indicates that the reference signal is valid, that is, the above indication can be achieved through the effective indication of the reference signal.

[0290] In other words, a valid reference signal indicator can be used to indicate that the reference signal is valid.

[0291] Of course, other terms may be used to indicate the validity of a reference signal, but any term with the same function, meaning, or interpretation is within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0292] For the terminal, it can obtain the valid indication of the reference signal and determine that the reference signal is valid based on the valid indication.

[0293] As can be seen, network devices can indicate that a reference signal is valid by sending a reference signal valid indication.

[0294] b. Implementation of reference signal valid indication The validity indication of the reference signal can be achieved in the following way: One approach is that the valid reference signal indicator can be carried by the PDCCH. In other words, the valid reference signal indicator can be a bit within the PDCCH. It is understandable that a terminal in the connected state can receive PDCCH.

[0295] Thus, in connected mode, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the PDCCH.

[0296] One method is that the cell handover indication can be carried by the MAC CE. That is to say, Understandably, a terminal in connected state can receive MAC CE.

[0297] Thus, in connected mode, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the MAC CE, and the network device can adopt different response strategies for different terminals.

[0298] ⑤ Combination of cell switching indication / uplink switching indication and reference signal valid indication In this embodiment, the cell switching indication / uplink switching indication and the reference signal valid indication can also be combined. That is, the network device can instruct the terminal to initiate random access or send PRACH in a non-anchor cell by sending the cell switching indication / uplink switching indication, and indicate that the reference signal is valid by sending the reference signal valid indication. It has similar functions as described above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0299] Option 2-2: Delay It should be noted that, similar to the above "Schemes 1-3", there may be a processing delay before the terminal determines that the reference signal is valid. This delay can also be understood as time delay, etc., and no specific restrictions are imposed on it.

[0300] In some possible implementations, this delay may exist as follows: One is the community relocation time. It should be noted that since there is a certain delay or time required for a non-anchor cell to go from closed to open (if the non-anchor cell has already been opened, this delay can be very small or even zero), the terminal needs to wait until after this delay before initiating a random access procedure in order to determine whether the reference signal is valid.

[0301] In addition, for ease of distinction, the time required for a non-anchor cell to turn from closed to open can be called the first delay.

[0302] In addition, the first delay may also include the time for control signaling transmission when the anchor cell controls the opening of the non-anchor cell. In general, the first delay is the cell handover time.

[0303] Of course, the first delay can also be other terms, as long as they have the same meaning / function / explanation / concept, etc., they are all within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0304] Based on this, the terminal can determine that the reference signal is valid after the first delay.

[0305] In addition, the value of the first delay can be as follows: One approach is that the value of the first delay can be predefined.

[0306] This reduces signaling overhead.

[0307] One approach is to carry the value of the first delay in the SIB. In other words, the value of the first delay can be indicated by a field in the SIB.

[0308] In this way, the value of the first delay can be flexibly configured through SIB, while the overhead is small.

[0309] One approach is that the value of the first delay can be carried by the PDCCH and / or the MAC CE. That is, the value of the first delay can be indicated by bits in the PDCCH and / or fields in the MAC CE.

[0310] In this way, network devices can flexibly configure the first latency value by using different strategies for different terminals.

[0311] One type is terminal processing time. The terminal processing time may include the time required to process PDCCH decoding and / or MAC CE decoding.

[0312] In addition, terminal processing time is related to terminal processing capability.

[0313] It should be noted that since the terminal needs a certain amount of time to decode the PDCCH and / or MAC CE, the terminal needs to initiate the random access procedure after this time in order to determine whether the reference signal is valid.

[0314] In addition, for ease of distinction, terminal processing time can be referred to as the second latency, which is related to the terminal's processing capability.

[0315] In some possible implementations, the second latency has different values ​​depending on the processing capabilities of different terminals.

[0316] For example, when the terminal processing capability is high (i.e., the terminal has strong capabilities in detecting WUS, decoding PEI, decoding paging PDCCH, decoding paging messages, decoding RAR PDCCH, decoding RAR MAC CE, decoding RAR messages, decoding message 4, etc.), the second delay is a smaller value; when the terminal processing capability is low, the second delay is a larger value.

[0317] Of course, the second delay can also be other terms, as long as they have the same meaning / function / explanation / connotation, etc., they are all within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0318] Based on this, the terminal can determine that the reference signal is valid after the second delay.

[0319] One is the maximum value between cell switching time and terminal processing time.

[0320] It should be noted that the cell handover time corresponds to the non-anchor cell, while the terminal processing time corresponds to the terminal. Since these two times correspond to different subjects, they can overlap.

[0321] Based on the above, there is no need to elaborate further.

[0322] Furthermore, for ease of distinction, the maximum value between the cell handover time and the delay associated with the terminal's processing capability can be referred to as the third delay. Of course, the third delay can also be other terms, as long as they have the same meaning / function / interpretation, etc., they are all within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0323] In other words, the third delay is the maximum value between the first delay and the second delay.

[0324] One possibility is the sum of delays associated with cell switching time and terminal processing capabilities.

[0325] Based on the above, there is no need to elaborate further.

[0326] In addition, for ease of distinction, the sum of cell switching time and terminal processing time can also be called the third delay.

[0327] In other words, the third delay is the sum of the first and second delays.

[0328] In response, the terminal can initiate random access after the third delay to ensure the robustness of the communication system.

[0329] Option 2-3: Configuration of Reference Signal It should be noted that the terminal can determine the configuration of the reference signal on the non-anchor cell based on the parameters of the higher-level parameters.

[0330] In some possible implementations, this higher-layer parameter can be included in the signaling of the source cell.

[0331] In this way, the terminal only needs to obtain system information or dedicated RRC configuration information on the anchor cell to obtain the configuration of the reference signal on the non-anchor cell, which is convenient to implement.

[0332] Scheme 2-4: Type or characteristics of the reference signal It should be noted that, similar to "Schemes 1-5" above, the reference signal can exist as follows: One approach is that the reference signal can be a synchronization signal block. In this way, network devices can send synchronization signal blocks as needed.

[0333] The characteristics of this synchronization signal block can be as follows: One approach is that the synchronization signal block can be activated only once after the indication.

[0334] It is understood that after the cell switching indication and / or reference signal valid indication of the synchronization signal block is valid, the validity of the synchronization signal block will only take effect once subsequently.

[0335] Thus, the synchronization signal block can be regarded as an aperiodic synchronization signal block, so as to reduce the overhead.

[0336] One type is where the synchronization signal block can be valid for a period of time.

[0337] It is understandable that after the cell switching indication and / or reference signal valid indication synchronization signal block is valid, the synchronization signal block is only valid for a period of time and becomes invalid outside of that period of time.

[0338] In this way, the terminal can perform downlink time-frequency synchronization through this synchronization signal block for a period of time.

[0339] One type is where the synchronization signal block and the cell-defined SSB (CD-SSB) have the same time domain location.

[0340] This simplifies the configuration of the synchronization signal block. In this case, the synchronization signal block is a non-cell-defined synchronization signal block (NCD-SSB).

[0341] One type is that the reference signal can be a tracking reference signal (TRS).

[0342] In this way, network devices can send tracking reference signals as needed.

[0343] The characteristics of the tracking reference signal can be as follows: One approach is to allow the tracking reference signal to take effect only once after the indication.

[0344] Thus, the tracking reference signal can be regarded as an aperiodic tracking reference signal, which has a smaller overhead.

[0345] One approach is to track the reference signal, which can be effective for a period of time.

[0346] In this way, the terminal can perform downlink time-frequency synchronization by tracking the reference signal for a period of time.

[0347] One type is where the reference signal can be a temporary reference signal (Temp-RS).

[0348] The temporary reference signal can be a reference signal used for fast SCell activation in an existing system (for the connected state).

[0349] In this way, network devices can send temporary reference signals as needed, and when these temporary reference signals are used in the idle / inactive state, the implementation of the terminal can be simplified.

[0350] The characteristics of this temporary reference signal can be as follows: One type is a temporary reference signal that can only take effect once after the indication.

[0351] Thus, the temporary reference signal can be regarded as a non-periodic temporary reference signal, with less overhead.

[0352] One type is a temporary reference signal that can be valid for a period of time.

[0353] In this way, the terminal can perform time-frequency synchronization using a temporary reference signal for a period of time.

[0354] One type is where the reference signal can be a part of the synchronization signal block's reference signal and the tracking reference signal.

[0355] In this way, the terminal can perform coarse synchronization using a portion of the reference signal in the synchronization signal block, and compensate to limit the residual time and frequency offset within a certain range. Then, it can perform fine synchronization by tracking the reference signal to further reduce the time and frequency offset.

[0356] In some possible implementations, a portion of the reference signals in the synchronization signal block can be PSS and / or SSS.

[0357] In this way, the terminal can perform coarse synchronization via PSS and / or SSS.

[0358] It should be noted that when using PSS, inter-cell interference in network deployment can be suppressed by the cell ID carried by PSS; when using SSS, inter-cell interference in network deployment can be suppressed by the cell ID carried by SSS; when using both PSS and SSS, inter-cell interference in network deployment can be suppressed by the cell ID carried by both PSS and SSS.

[0359] In some possible implementations, the tracking reference signal can be a tracking reference signal within a time slot.

[0360] It should be noted that since the tracking reference signal can be in two time slots with a total of 4 symbols, or in one time slot with a total of 2 symbols, using one time slot (2 symbols) can reduce resource overhead.

[0361] In some possible implementations, the tracking reference signal can be a tracking reference signal within two time slots.

[0362] This can improve synchronization accuracy or speed up time-frequency synchronization (under certain synchronization accuracy conditions).

[0363] 7. An example of a method for determining a reference signal In summary, the following example, taking the terminal's determination that the reference signal is valid, illustrates a reference signal determination method according to an embodiment of this application. It should be noted that the executing entity can be not only a terminal, but also a chip, chip module, or other similar device; no specific limitations are imposed.

[0364] like Figure 2 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating a reference signal determination method according to an embodiment of this application, specifically including the following steps: S210. Determine that the reference signal is valid based on the cell switching indication and / or the reference signal validity indication.

[0365] It should be noted that the terms "cell switching indication", "reference signal valid indication", "reference signal" and "how to determine if the reference signal is valid" can be found in the above descriptions and will not be repeated here.

[0366] As can be seen, the embodiments of this application can enable the terminal to determine that the reference signal is valid by relying on the cell switching indication and / or the reference signal validity indication, thereby helping to ensure downlink time and frequency synchronization.

[0367] In this way, the network device can instruct the terminal to initiate random access in a non-anchor cell by sending a cell switching indication, and incidentally indicate that the reference signal is valid; or the network device can instruct the terminal to initiate random access in a non-anchor cell by sending a cell switching indication, and indicate that the reference signal is valid by sending a reference signal valid indication.

[0368] In some possible implementations, the method may also include the following steps: cell switching indication and / or reference signal valid indication.

[0369] In some possible implementations, the cell switching indication or reference signal validity indication is carried by the paging physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0370] In this way, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the paging PDCCH. In some possible implementations, the cell switching indication or reference signal validity indication is carried by the paging message.

[0371] In this way, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the paging message, and the network device can adopt different strategies for different terminals.

[0372] In some possible implementations, the cell handover indication or reference signal validity indication is carried by one of the following: Random access response RAR Media Access Control (MAC) entity, CE, and RAR message.

[0373] In this way, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the RAR PDCCH.

[0374] In some possible implementations, the cell switching indication or reference signal validity indication is carried by message 4.

[0375] In this way, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the RAR MAC CE or RAR message, and the network can adopt different strategies for different terminals.

[0376] In some possible implementations, the cell switching indication or reference signal validity indication is carried by the System Information Block (SIB).

[0377] In this way, network devices can broadcast to all terminals in the cell to use the same policy, and this also applies to MO services, where terminals actively send data to network devices.

[0378] In some possible implementations, determining that the reference signal is valid based on a cell switching indication or a reference signal validity indication may include the following steps: When the first condition is met, the reference signal is determined to be valid based on the cell switching indication or the reference signal valid indication. The first condition includes one of the following: detection of the wake-up signal WUS, detection of the paging advance indication PEI, detection of the paging PDCCH, or detection of the paging message containing its own identifier.

[0379] In this way, the network device can wake up or page the terminal via WUS, PEI, paging PDCCH, or paging message, and then instruct the terminal to initiate random access in a non-anchor cell by sending a cell switching indication, while also indicating that the reference signal is valid; or, the network device can wake up or page the terminal via WUS, PEI, paging PDCCH, or paging message, and then instruct the terminal to initiate random access in a non-anchor cell by sending a cell switching indication, while also indicating that the reference signal is valid by sending a reference signal valid indication.

[0380] In other words, random access is initiated on a non-anchor cell only when the UE detects that it may be paged or woken up, and the validity of the reference signal is determined.

[0381] In some possible implementations, WUS detection means either detecting a signal or channel corresponding to WUS, or detecting an indication within a signal or channel corresponding to WUS.

[0382] In some possible implementations, PEI detection means either detecting a signal or channel corresponding to the PEI, or detecting an indication within a signal or channel corresponding to the PEI.

[0383] In some possible implementations, determining that the reference signal is valid may include the following steps: The reference signal is valid after the first delay.

[0384] It should be noted that the terminal needs a delay before it can initiate random access and determine whether the reference signal is valid.

[0385] In some possible implementations, the first delay is the cell handover time.

[0386] In this way, since it takes a certain amount of time for a non-anchor cell to go from closed to open (if the non-anchor cell has already been opened, this delay can be very small or even zero), signaling overhead can be reduced.

[0387] In some possible implementations, the value of the first delay is predefined or carried by the SIB.

[0388] This allows for some flexibility while keeping signaling overhead relatively low.

[0389] In some possible implementations, the value of the first delay is carried by one of the following: WUS, PEI PDCCH, Paging PDCCH, Paging Message, RAR PDCCH, RAR MAC CE, RAR Message, Message 4.

[0390] In this way, network devices can adopt different strategies for different terminals.

[0391] In some possible implementations, determining that the reference signal is valid may include the following steps: The reference signal is deemed valid after the second delay.

[0392] In some possible implementations, the second delay is the terminal processing time.

[0393] In some possible implementations, the method may also include the following steps: After the third delay, a random access is initiated. The third delay is the maximum value between the first and second delays, or the sum of the first and second delays.

[0394] It should be noted that, in order to achieve robustness, the final delay can be the maximum value or the sum of the first and second delays.

[0395] In some possible implementations, the first delay is the cell handover time, and the second delay is the terminal processing time.

[0396] In some possible implementations, the configuration of the reference signal is determined by higher-level parameters.

[0397] In some possible implementations, this higher-layer parameter is included in the signaling of the source cell.

[0398] In this way, the terminal only needs to obtain system information on the anchor cell to obtain the configuration of the reference signal on the non-anchor cell.

[0399] In some possible implementations, the reference signal is only effective once after the indication.

[0400] In this way, the reference signal can be regarded as an aperiodic synchronization signal block, which has a smaller overhead.

[0401] In some possible implementations, the reference signal is valid for a period of time.

[0402] In this way, the terminal can perform time and frequency synchronization through the synchronization signal block for a period of time.

[0403] In some possible implementations, the reference signal is one of the following: a synchronization signal block, a tracking reference signal, or a temporary reference signal.

[0404] In this way, the network can send one of the following as needed: a synchronization signal block, a tracking reference signal, or a temporary reference signal.

[0405] In some possible implementations, the synchronization signal block has the same time-domain location as the synchronization signal block defined in the cell.

[0406] This simplifies the configuration of the synchronization signal block.

[0407] In some possible implementations, the reference signal is a part of the synchronization signal block, including both the reference signal and the tracking reference signal.

[0408] In this way, the terminal can perform coarse synchronization using a portion of the reference signal in the synchronization signal block and compensate to limit the residual time-frequency offset within a certain range. Then, it can perform fine synchronization by tracking the reference signal to further reduce the time-frequency offset.

[0409] In some possible implementations, a portion of the reference signals in the synchronization signal block are PSS and / or SSS.

[0410] In this way, the terminal can perform coarse synchronization through PSS and / or SSS; when using PSS, inter-cell interference in the network deployment can be suppressed by the cell ID carried by PSS; when using SSS, inter-cell interference in the network deployment can be suppressed by the cell ID carried by SSS; when using both PSS and SSS, inter-cell interference in the network deployment can be suppressed by the cell ID carried by both PSS and SSS.

[0411] In some possible implementations, the tracking reference signal is a tracking reference signal within a time slot.

[0412] It should be noted that the tracking reference signal can be in two time slots, with a total of 4 symbols, or in one time slot, with a total of 2 symbols. Using one time slot (2 symbols) can reduce resource overhead.

[0413] In some possible implementations, the tracking reference signal is a tracking reference signal within two time slots.

[0414] This can improve synchronization accuracy or speed up time-frequency synchronization (under certain synchronization accuracy conditions).

[0415] 8. Example of another method for determining the reference signal In summary, taking the example of a terminal determining that the reference signal is valid, another reference signal determination method according to an embodiment of this application will be described below. It should be noted that the executing entity can be not only a terminal, but also a chip, chip module, or other similar device; no specific limitations are imposed.

[0416] like Figure 3The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating another reference signal determination method according to an embodiment of this application, which specifically includes the following steps: S310. Based on the first indication, determine that the reference signal is valid. It should be noted that the terms "first indication," "reference signal," and "how to determine that the reference signal is valid" are detailed in the above description and will not be repeated here.

[0417] As can be seen, the embodiments of this application can enable the terminal to determine that the reference signal is valid by following the first instruction, thereby helping to ensure downlink time and frequency synchronization.

[0418] In some possible implementations, the method may also include the following step: obtaining a first instruction.

[0419] In some possible implementations, the first indication is at least one of cell switching indication, uplink switching indication, and reference signal valid indication.

[0420] In this way, the network device can instruct the terminal to send PRACH in a non-anchor cell by sending a cell switching indication or an uplink switching indication (sending PRACH is to obtain uplink synchronization in the non-anchor cell, so as to use the uplink resources of the non-anchor cell), and incidentally indicate that the reference signal is valid (for faster downlink synchronization); or, the network device can instruct the terminal to initiate random access in a non-anchor cell by sending a cell switching indication or an uplink switching indication, and indicate that the reference signal is valid by sending a reference signal valid indication.

[0421] In some possible implementations, the first indication is carried by the paging physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0422] In this way, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the PDCCH.

[0423] In some possible implementations, the first instruction is carried by the MAC CE.

[0424] In this way, the terminal can use the reference signal as soon as possible after receiving the MAC CE, and the network device can adopt different strategies for different terminals.

[0425] In some possible implementations, determining that the reference signal is valid may include the following steps: The reference signal is valid after the first delay.

[0426] It should be noted that the terminal needs a delay before it can initiate random access and determine whether the reference signal is valid.

[0427] In some possible implementations, the first delay is the cell handover time.

[0428] Thus, it takes a certain amount of time for a non-anchor cell to go from being closed to being open (if the non-anchor cell has already been opened, this delay can be very small).

[0429] In some possible implementations, the value of the first delay is predefined or carried by the SIB.

[0430] This allows for some flexibility while keeping costs relatively low.

[0431] In some possible implementations, the value of the first delay is carried by the PDCCH or MAC CE.

[0432] In this way, network devices can adopt different strategies for different terminals.

[0433] In some possible implementations, determining that the reference signal is valid may include the following steps: The reference signal is deemed valid after the second delay.

[0434] In some possible implementations, the second delay is the terminal processing time.

[0435] In some possible implementations, the method may also include the following steps: After the third delay, a random access is initiated. The third delay is the maximum value between the first and second delays, or the sum of the first and second delays.

[0436] It should be noted that, in order to achieve robustness, the final delay can be the maximum value or the sum of the first and second delays.

[0437] In some possible implementations, the configuration of the reference signal is determined by higher-level parameters.

[0438] In some possible implementations, this higher-layer parameter is included in the signaling of the source cell.

[0439] In this way, the terminal only needs to obtain system information or dedicated RRC configuration information on the anchor cell to obtain the configuration of the reference signal on the non-anchor cell.

[0440] In some possible implementations, the reference signal is only effective once after the indication.

[0441] In this way, the reference signal can be regarded as an aperiodic synchronization signal block, which has a smaller overhead.

[0442] In some possible implementations, the reference signal is valid for a period of time.

[0443] In this way, the terminal can perform downlink time-frequency synchronization through the synchronization signal block for a period of time.

[0444] In some possible implementations, the reference signal is one of the following: a synchronization signal block, a tracking reference signal, or a temporary reference signal.

[0445] In this way, network devices can send one of the following as needed: synchronization signal block, tracking reference signal, or temporary reference signal.

[0446] In some possible implementations, the synchronization signal block has the same time-domain location as the synchronization signal block defined in the cell.

[0447] This simplifies the configuration of the synchronization signal block.

[0448] In some possible implementations, the reference signal is a part of the synchronization signal block, including both the reference signal and the tracking reference signal.

[0449] In this way, the terminal can perform coarse synchronization using a portion of the reference signal in the synchronization signal block and compensate to limit the residual time-frequency offset within a certain range. Then, it can perform fine synchronization by tracking the reference signal to further reduce the time-frequency offset.

[0450] In some possible implementations, a portion of the reference signals in the synchronization signal block is the primary synchronization signal PSS and / or the secondary synchronization signal SSS.

[0451] In this way, the terminal can perform coarse synchronization through PSS and / or SSS; when using PSS, inter-cell interference in the network deployment can be suppressed by the cell ID carried by PSS; when using SSS, inter-cell interference in the network deployment can be suppressed by the cell ID carried by SSS; when using both PSS and SSS, inter-cell interference in the network deployment can be suppressed by the cell ID carried by both PSS and SSS.

[0452] In some possible implementations, the tracking reference signal is a tracking reference signal within a time slot.

[0453] It should be noted that the tracking reference signal can be in two time slots, with a total of 4 symbols, or in one time slot, with a total of 2 symbols. Using one time slot (2 symbols) can reduce resource overhead.

[0454] In some possible implementations, the tracking reference signal is a tracking reference signal within two time slots.

[0455] This can improve synchronization accuracy or speed up time-frequency synchronization (under certain synchronization accuracy conditions).

[0456] 9. An example of a reference signal determination device The foregoing primarily describes the solutions of the embodiments of this application from a methodological perspective. It is understood that, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, the terminal or network device includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in a hardware or computer software-driven hardware manner 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.

[0457] This application embodiment can divide a terminal or network device into functional units based on the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into separate functional units, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software program module. It should be noted that the unit division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents a logical functional division; in actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0458] When using integrated units, Figure 4 This is a functional unit block diagram of a reference signal determination device according to an embodiment of this application. The reference signal determination device 400 includes: a determination unit 401.

[0459] It should be noted that the determining unit 401 can be a module unit used to process signals, data, information, etc., and there are no specific restrictions on it.

[0460] The reference signal determination device 400 may further include an acquisition unit, which may be a module unit for transmitting and receiving signals, data, information, etc. Alternatively, the acquisition unit may be a communication unit, such as a communication interface, transceiver, or transceiver circuit.

[0461] The reference signal determining device 400 may further include a storage unit for storing computer program code or instructions executed by the reference signal determining device 400. This storage unit may be a memory.

[0462] Additionally, it should be noted that the reference signal determining device 400 can be a chip or a chip module.

[0463] The determining unit 401 can be integrated into a single unit. For example, the determining unit 401 can be integrated into a processing unit. This processing unit can be a processor or controller, such as a baseband chip, baseband processor, central processing unit (CPU), general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, transistor logic device, hardware component, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processing unit can also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as including one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0464] In specific implementation, the determining unit 401 is used to execute any of the steps in the above method embodiments, and when performing data transmission such as sending, it can optionally call the obtaining unit to complete the corresponding operation. A detailed explanation follows.

[0465] The determining unit 401 is used to determine whether the reference signal is valid based on the cell switching indication and / or the reference signal validity indication.

[0466] As can be seen, the embodiments of this application can enable the reference signal determination device 400 to determine that the reference signal is valid by relying on the cell switching indication and / or the reference signal validity indication, thereby helping to ensure downlink time and frequency synchronization.

[0467] In this way, the network device can instruct the reference signal determination device 400 to initiate random access in a non-anchor cell by sending a cell switching indication, and incidentally indicate that the reference signal is valid; or the network device can instruct the reference signal determination device 400 to initiate random access in a non-anchor cell by sending a cell switching indication, and indicate that the reference signal is valid by sending a reference signal valid indication.

[0468] It should be noted that, Figure 4 The specific implementation of each operation in the embodiments can be found in the description of the method embodiments shown above, and will not be repeated here.

[0469] In some possible implementations, the reference signal determination device 400 may further include: Acquisition unit, used to acquire cell switching indication and / or reference signal validity indication.

[0470] In some possible implementations, the cell switching indication or reference signal validity indication is carried by the paging physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0471] In some possible implementations, the cell switching indication or reference signal validity indication is carried by the paging message.

[0472] In some possible implementations, the cell handover indication or reference signal validity indication is carried by one of the following: RAR MAC CE, RAR message.

[0473] In some possible implementations, the cell switching indication or reference signal valid indication is a field in message 4.

[0474] In some possible implementations, the cell switching indication or reference signal validity indication is carried by the SIB.

[0475] In some possible implementations, the determining unit 401 is used for: When the first condition is met, the reference signal is determined to be valid based on the cell switching indication or the reference signal valid indication. The first condition includes one of the following: detection of the wake-up signal WUS, detection of the paging advance indication PEI, detection of the paging PDCCH, or detection of the paging message containing its own identifier.

[0476] In some possible implementations, WUS detection means either detecting a signal or channel corresponding to WUS, or detecting an indication within a signal or channel corresponding to WUS.

[0477] In some possible implementations, PEI detection is: detecting a signal corresponding to the PEI, detecting a signal or channel corresponding to the PEI, or detecting an indication within a signal or channel corresponding to the PEI.

[0478] In some possible implementations, the determining unit 401 is used for: The reference signal is determined to be valid after the first delay, which is the handover time of the non-anchor cell.

[0479] In some possible implementations, the first delay is the cell handover time.

[0480] In some possible implementations, the value of the first delay is predefined or carried by the SIB.

[0481] In some possible implementations, the value of the first delay is carried by one of the following: WUS, PEI PDCCH, Paging PDCCH, Paging Message, RAR PDCCH, RAR MAC CE, RAR Message, Message 4.

[0482] In some possible implementations, the determining unit 401 is used for: The reference signal is deemed valid after the second delay.

[0483] In some possible implementations, the second delay is the terminal processing time.

[0484] In some possible implementations, the reference signal determination device 400 further includes: The initiating unit is used to initiate random access after a third delay, where the third delay is the maximum value between the first delay and the second delay, or the third delay is the sum of the first delay and the second delay.

[0485] In some possible implementations, the first delay is the cell handover time, and the second delay is the terminal processing time.

[0486] In some possible implementations, the configuration of the reference signal is determined by higher-level parameters.

[0487] In some possible implementations, this higher-layer parameter is included in the signaling of the source cell.

[0488] In some possible implementations, the reference signal is only effective once after the indication.

[0489] In some possible implementations, the reference signal is valid for a period of time.

[0490] In some possible implementations, the reference signal is one of the following: a synchronization signal block, a tracking reference signal, or a temporary reference signal.

[0491] In some possible implementations, the synchronization signal block has the same time-domain location as the synchronization signal block defined in the cell.

[0492] In some possible implementations, the reference signal is a part of the synchronization signal block, including both the reference signal and the tracking reference signal.

[0493] In some possible implementations, a portion of the reference signals in the synchronization signal block are PSS and / or SSS.

[0494] In some possible implementations, the tracking reference signal is a tracking reference signal within a time slot.

[0495] In some possible implementations, the tracking reference signal is a tracking reference signal within two time slots.

[0496] 10. Another example of a reference signal determination device When using integrated units, Figure 5 This is a functional unit block diagram of another reference signal determining device according to an embodiment of this application. The reference signal determining device 500 includes: a determining unit 501.

[0497] It should be noted that the determining unit 501 can be a module unit used to process signals, data, information, etc., and there are no specific restrictions on it.

[0498] The reference signal determination device 500 may further include an acquisition unit, which may be a module unit for transmitting and receiving signals, data, information, etc. Alternatively, the acquisition unit may be a communication unit, such as a communication interface, transceiver, or transceiver circuit.

[0499] The reference signal determining device 500 may further include a storage unit for storing computer program code or instructions executed by the reference signal determining device 500. This storage unit may be a memory.

[0500] Additionally, it should be noted that the reference signal determination device 500 can be a chip or a chip module.

[0501] The determining unit 501 can be integrated into a single unit. For example, the determining unit 501 can be integrated into a processing unit. This processing unit can be a processor or controller, such as a baseband chip, baseband processor, central processing unit (CPU), general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, transistor logic device, hardware component, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processing unit can also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as including one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0502] In specific implementation, the determining unit 501 is used to execute any of the steps in the above method embodiments, and when performing data transmission such as sending, it can optionally call the obtaining unit to complete the corresponding operation. A detailed explanation follows.

[0503] The determining unit 501 is used to determine whether the reference signal is valid based on the first instruction.

[0504] As can be seen, the embodiments of this application can make the reference signal determining device 500 determine that the reference signal is valid by following the first instruction, thereby helping to ensure downlink time and frequency synchronization.

[0505] In some possible implementations, the reference signal determining device 500 may further include: The acquisition unit is used to acquire the first instruction.

[0506] In some possible implementations, the first indication is at least one of cell switching indication, uplink switching indication, and reference signal valid indication.

[0507] In this way, the network device can instruct the reference signal determination device 500 to send PRACH in a non-anchor cell (sending PRACH is to obtain uplink synchronization in the non-anchor cell, thereby using the uplink resources of the non-anchor cell) by sending a cell switching indication or an uplink switching indication, and incidentally indicate that the reference signal is valid (for faster downlink synchronization); or, the network device can instruct the reference signal determination device 500 to initiate random access in a non-anchor cell by sending a cell switching indication or an uplink switching indication, and indicate that the reference signal is valid by sending a reference signal valid indication.

[0508] It should be noted that, Figure 5 The specific implementation of each operation in the embodiments can be found in the description of the method embodiments shown above, and will not be repeated here.

[0509] In some possible implementations, the first instruction is carried by the PDCCH.

[0510] In some possible implementations, the first instruction is carried by the MAC CE.

[0511] In some possible implementations, in determining whether the reference signal is valid, the determining unit 501 is used to: The reference signal is determined to be valid after the first delay, which is the handover time of the non-anchor cell.

[0512] In some possible implementations, the first delay is the cell handover time.

[0513] In some possible implementations, the value of the first delay is predefined or carried by the SIB.

[0514] In some possible implementations, the value of the first delay is carried by the PDCCH or MAC CE.

[0515] In some possible implementations, the determining unit 501 is used for: The reference signal is deemed valid after the second delay.

[0516] In some possible implementations, the second delay is the terminal processing time.

[0517] In some possible implementations, the reference signal determination device 500 further includes: The initiating unit is used to initiate random access after a third delay, where the third delay is the maximum value between the first delay and the second delay, or the third delay is the sum of the first delay and the second delay.

[0518] In some possible implementations, the configuration of the reference signal is determined by higher-level parameters.

[0519] In some possible implementations, this higher-layer parameter is included in the signaling of the source cell.

[0520] In some possible implementations, the reference signal is only effective once after the indication.

[0521] In some possible implementations, the reference signal is valid for a period of time.

[0522] In some possible implementations, the reference signal is one of the following: a synchronization signal block, a tracking reference signal, or a temporary reference signal.

[0523] In some possible implementations, the synchronization signal block has the same time-domain location as the synchronization signal block defined in the cell.

[0524] In some possible implementations, the reference signal is a part of the synchronization signal block, including both the reference signal and the tracking reference signal.

[0525] In some possible implementations, a portion of the reference signals in the synchronization signal block are PSS and / or SSS.

[0526] In some possible implementations, the tracking reference signal is a tracking reference signal within a time slot.

[0527] In some possible implementations, the tracking reference signal is a tracking reference signal within two time slots.

[0528] 11. Example of a terminal Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of this application. The terminal 600 includes a processor 610, a memory 620, and a communication bus for connecting the processor 610 and the memory 620.

[0529] The memory 620 includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). The memory 620 is used to store program code executed by the terminal 600 and data transmitted.

[0530] Terminal 600 may also include a communication interface for receiving and sending data.

[0531] The processor 610 can be one or more CPUs. If the processor 610 is a CPU, the CPU can be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU.

[0532] The processor 610 in terminal 600 executes the computer program or instructions 621 stored in memory 620 to perform the following operations: determining that the reference signal is valid based on the cell switching indication and / or the reference signal validity indication.

[0533] As can be seen, this application can enable the terminal 600 to determine that the reference signal is valid by relying on the cell switching indication and / or the reference signal validity indication, thereby helping to ensure downlink time and frequency synchronization.

[0534] Thus, the cell handover indication can be used to instruct the terminal to initiate random access in the cell, and incidentally indicate that the reference signal is valid; or the cell handover indication can be used to instruct the terminal to initiate random access in the cell, and the reference signal validity indication can be used to indicate that the reference signal is valid.

[0535] It should be noted that the specific implementation of each operation can be described in the corresponding description of the method embodiments shown above. The terminal 600 can be used to execute the method embodiments of this application, and will not be described again here.

[0536] 12. Another example of a terminal Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of this application. The terminal 700 includes a processor 710, a memory 720, and a communication bus for connecting the processor 710 and the memory 720.

[0537] The memory 720 includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and is used to store program code executed by terminal 700 and data transmitted.

[0538] Terminal 700 may also include a communication interface for receiving and sending data.

[0539] The processor 710 can be one or more CPUs. If the processor 710 is a CPU, the CPU can be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU.

[0540] The processor 710 in terminal 700 is used to execute the computer program or instruction 721 stored in memory 720 to perform the following operation: determine that the reference signal is valid according to a first instruction.

[0541] As can be seen, this application can enable the terminal 700 to determine that the reference signal is valid by following the first instruction, thereby helping to ensure downlink time and frequency synchronization.

[0542] In some possible implementations, the first indication is at least one of cell handover indication, uplink handover indication, and reference signal valid indication. Thus, the terminal 700 is instructed to send PRACH in the cell (sending PRACH is to obtain uplink synchronization in the cell, thereby using the cell's uplink resources) via cell switching indication or uplink switching indication, and incidentally, the reference signal is indicated to be valid (for faster downlink synchronization); or, the terminal 700 is instructed to initiate random access in the cell via cell switching indication or uplink switching indication, and the reference signal is indicated to be valid via reference signal validity indication.

[0543] It should be noted that the specific implementation of each operation can be described in the corresponding description of the method embodiments shown above. The terminal 700 can be used to execute the above method embodiments of this application, and will not be described again here.

[0544] 13. Other relevant examples This application also provides a chip, including a processor, a memory, and a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, wherein the processor executes the computer program or instructions to implement the steps described in the above method embodiments.

[0545] This application also provides a chip module, including a transceiver component and a chip. The chip includes a processor, a memory, and a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, wherein the processor executes the computer program or instructions to implement the steps described in the above method embodiments.

[0546] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the steps described in the above method embodiments.

[0547] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the steps described in the above method embodiments.

[0548] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the above embodiments are all described as a series of actions. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, as some steps in the embodiments of this application can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions, steps, modules, or units involved are not necessarily essential to the embodiments of this application.

[0549] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment in this application have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0550] Those skilled in the art should understand that the functions of the methods, steps, or related modules / units described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product, or by a processor executing computer program instructions. The computer program product includes at least one computer program instruction, which can be composed of corresponding software modules. These software modules can be stored in RAM, flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disk, portable hard disk, read-only optical disc (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. The computer program instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program instructions can be transmitted 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 accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media, or semiconductor media (e.g., SSDs).

[0551] The modules / units included in the various devices or products described in the above embodiments can be software modules / units, hardware modules / units, or a combination of software and hardware modules / units. For example, for devices or products applied to or integrated into a chip, all of their modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits; or, some of their modules / units can be implemented using software programs that run on a processor integrated within the chip, while other (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. The same principle applies to devices or products applied to or integrated into chip modules, or devices or products applied to or integrated into terminals.

[0552] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made based on the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A method for determining a reference signal, characterized in that, include: According to a first instruction, after a first delay or a second delay, it is determined that the reference signal is valid, the first instruction being carried by the Media Access Control (MAC) CE, and the reference signal being a synchronization signal block.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first delay is the cell handover time.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The value of the first delay is predefined or carried by the System Information Block (SIB).

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The value of the first delay is carried by the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) or the MAC CE.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second delay is the terminal processing time.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: After the third delay, a random access is initiated, wherein the third delay is the maximum value between the first delay and the second delay, or the third delay is the sum of the first delay and the second delay.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The configuration of the reference signal is determined by higher-level parameters.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The higher-layer parameters are included in the signaling of the source cell.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reference signal is effective only once after being indicated.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The reference signal is valid for a period of time.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The synchronization signal block has the same time domain location as the synchronization signal block defined in the cell.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reference signal is a portion of the reference signal and tracking reference signal in the synchronization signal block.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, A portion of the reference signals in the synchronization signal block are the primary synchronization signal PSS and / or the secondary synchronization signal SSS.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The tracking reference signal is a tracking reference signal within one or two time slots.

15. A reference signal determining device, characterized in that, The device includes: A determining unit is configured to determine, based on a first indication, after a first delay or a second delay, that a reference signal is valid, wherein the first indication is carried by a Media Access Control (MAC) CE, and the reference signal is a synchronization signal block.

16. A terminal, comprising a processor, a memory, and a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, characterized in that, The processor executes the computer program or instructions to implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1-14.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1-14.

18. A chip, comprising a processor, characterized in that, The processor performs the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1-14.

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