Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a communication method and device, and relates to the field of communication.The communication method comprises the following steps: a terminal first receives at least one first narrow-band secondary synchronization signal in a first transmission period, wherein the at least one first narrow-band secondary synchronization signal is used for indicating that a master information block is acquired after offsetting a time domain resource in a second transmission period; and then the terminal acquires the master information block in the second transmission period according to the at least one first narrow-band secondary synchronization signal. The terminal receives, in the first transmission period, the at least one first narrow-band secondary synchronization signal used for indicating that the master information block is acquired after offsetting the time domain resource in the second transmission period. In this way, the terminal can acquire the master information block after offsetting the time domain resource in the second transmission period, so that the master information block can be correctly received, and the stability of data transmission between the terminal and a network device is enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, IoT-based non-terrestrial networks (IoT-NTN), as an emerging communication architecture, are gradually demonstrating their enormous potential in achieving seamless global connectivity and data transmission. To further enhance the performance and flexibility of IoT-NTN, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), at its 105th plenary meeting, approved the introduction of a time division duplex (TDD) mode for narrowband (NB) IoT-NTN, known as the NB-IoT NTN TDD mode.

[0003] The introduction of this NB-IoT NTN TDD mode is designed for non-geosynchronous orbit (NGSO) satellite systems, aiming to improve the connection quality and data transmission efficiency of IoT devices in non-terrestrial networks through efficient uplink and downlink data transmission and handover. This mode operates within the 1616 MHz-1626.5 MHz non-3GPP frequency band to avoid frequency conflicts with existing terrestrial communication networks, ensuring the independence and stability of IoT non-terrestrial networks.

[0004] However, in the process of introducing the NB-IoT NTN TDD mode, the current IoT-NTN protocol superframe configuration is incompatible with the TDD mode cycle, resulting in poor data transmission stability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for improving the stability of data transmission.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a terminal. The execution subject of the method can be the terminal, a component or device applied to the terminal (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. The communication method includes: firstly, receiving at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal during a first transmission cycle, the at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal indicating that a main information block is acquired after offsetting time-domain resources during a second transmission cycle; and then acquiring the main information block during the second transmission cycle according to the at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal.

[0008] In the first aspect, the terminal receives at least one first narrowband secondary synchronization signal during the first transmission cycle, which indicates that the main information block is acquired after offsetting the time domain resources during the second transmission cycle. In this way, the terminal can acquire the main information block after offsetting the time domain resources during the second transmission cycle, thereby correctly receiving the main information block and enhancing the stability of data transmission between the terminal and the network device.

[0009] In one possible design, the first transmission cycle includes at least one first time unit and one second time unit. The first time unit includes nine radio frames, and the second time unit includes seven radio frames. The first time unit precedes the second time unit. Optionally, the first time unit is used to transmit uplink and downlink information, and the second time unit is used to transmit downlink information. Optionally, the first cycle for transmitting the first narrowband secondary synchronization signal includes the aforementioned second time unit, and this first cycle is the last main information block cycle within the first transmission cycle.

[0010] In this design, the time units within the first transmission cycle are configured such that the start of each transmission cycle (e.g., a superframe) is aligned with the first preset cycle start point defined in the NB-IoT NTN TDD mode. This first cycle setting ensures that the terminal receives the first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal.

[0011] In one possible design, the offset time-domain resource is shifted forward by two radio frames.

[0012] In this design, the terminal can acquire the main information block after shifting forward two radio frames within the second transmission cycle, thereby correctly receiving the main information block in NB-IoT NTN TDD mode and enhancing the stability of data transmission between the terminal and network devices.

[0013] In one possible design, acquiring the main information block during the second transmission cycle based on at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal includes:

[0014] After receiving at least one first narrowband secondary synchronization signal and meeting the first condition, the main information block is obtained by shifting forward two radio frames relative to the first frame. The first frame is the starting frame of the first complete cycle within the second transmission cycle determined according to the first preset period. The first condition includes at least one of the following: the main information block cannot be obtained, or the narrowband main synchronization signal cannot be obtained.

[0015] In this design, if the main information block or the narrowband master synchronization signal cannot be obtained, it means that the terminal is very likely to obtain the main information block or the narrowband master synchronization signal at a misaligned time domain position. At this time, the terminal can shift forward two radio frames relative to the first frame to obtain the main information block, thereby correctly receiving the main information block and enhancing the stability of data transmission between the terminal and the network device.

[0016] In one possible design, the method may further include: receiving at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal during a first transmission period, wherein at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is transmitted during the first period, and at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is transmitted during the second period, the first period being the last main information block period within the first transmission period, and the second period being the period outside the first period within the first transmission period; optionally, the at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal carries different information from the at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal, and / or, the first relative position and the second relative position are different, the first relative position being the relative position of the first subframe transmitting at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal within the radio frame in which the first subframe is located, and the second relative position being the relative position of the second subframe transmitting at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal within the radio frame in which the second subframe is located.

[0017] This design incorporates two methods to distinguish between the first and second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signals. These methods enable the terminal to determine whether the received narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is the first or the second. When the signal is determined to be the first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal, the main information block is obtained after offsetting the time domain resources. This facilitates rapid synchronization and access between the terminal and network devices, thereby enhancing the stability of data transmission between the terminal and network devices.

[0018] In one possible design, the first transmission period and the second transmission period are superframes.

[0019] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a network device. The execution subject of the method can be the network device, a component or device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. The communication method includes: transmitting at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal during a first transmission cycle, the at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal indicating that a main information block is acquired after offsetting time-domain resources during a second transmission cycle; and transmitting the main information block during the second transmission cycle.

[0020] In the second aspect, the network device sends at least one first narrowband secondary synchronization signal to the terminal during the first transmission cycle, indicating that the main information block will be acquired after offsetting the time domain resources during the second transmission cycle. In this way, the terminal can acquire the main information block after offsetting the time domain resources during the second transmission cycle, thereby correctly receiving the main information block and enhancing the stability of data transmission between the terminal and the network device.

[0021] In one possible design, the first transmission cycle includes at least one first time unit and one second time unit. The first time unit includes nine radio frames, and the second time unit includes seven radio frames. The first time unit precedes the second time unit. Optionally, the first time unit is used to transmit uplink and downlink information, and the second time unit is used to transmit downlink information. Optionally, the first cycle for transmitting the first narrowband secondary synchronization signal includes the aforementioned second time unit, and this first cycle is the last main information block cycle within the first transmission cycle.

[0022] In this design, the time units within the first transmission cycle are configured such that the start of each transmission cycle (e.g., a superframe) is aligned with the first preset cycle start point defined in the NB-IoT NTN TDD mode. This first cycle setting ensures that the terminal receives the first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal.

[0023] In one possible design, the offset time-domain resource is shifted forward by two radio frames.

[0024] In this design, the offset time-domain resource indicated by the network device is two radio frames forward, which allows the terminal to obtain the main information block after offsetting two radio frames forward in the second transmission cycle. This enables the terminal to correctly receive the main information block in NB-IoT NTN TDD mode, thereby enhancing the stability of data transmission between the terminal and the network device.

[0025] In one possible design, the method further includes: transmitting at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal within a first transmission period, wherein at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is transmitted within the first period, and at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is transmitted within a second period, the first period being the last main information block period within the first transmission period, and the second period being a period outside the first period within the first transmission period; optionally, the at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal carries different information from the at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal, and / or, the first relative position and the second relative position are different, the first relative position being the relative position of the first subframe transmitting at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal within the radio frame in which the first subframe is located, and the second relative position being the relative position of the second subframe transmitting at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal within the radio frame in which the second subframe is located.

[0026] This design incorporates two methods to distinguish between the first and second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signals. These methods enable the terminal to determine whether the received narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is the first or the second. When the signal is determined to be the first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal, the main information block is obtained after offsetting the time domain resources. This facilitates rapid synchronization and access between the terminal and network devices, thereby enhancing the stability of data transmission between the terminal and network devices.

[0027] In one possible design, the first transmission period and the second transmission period are superframes.

[0028] Thirdly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method described in the first or second aspect. For example, the communication device can be a terminal as described in the first aspect; or, the communication device can be a network device as described in the second aspect.

[0029] The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions.

[0030] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations. The transceiver module, also called a transceiver unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations. The transceiver module may consist of transceiver circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0031] In some possible designs, the transceiver module includes a sending module and / or a receiving module, which are used to implement the sending or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations.

[0032] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used to communicate with a module outside the communication device; the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the aspects. For example, the communication device may be a terminal as described in the first aspect; or, the communication device may be a network device as described in the second aspect.

[0033] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the aspects. The memory may be coupled to the processor, or the memory may exist independently of the processor; for example, the memory and the processor are two separate modules. The memory may be located outside or within the communication device.

[0034] The communication device is used to implement the method described in the first or second aspect. For example, the communication device can be a terminal as described in the first aspect; or, the communication device can be a network device as described in the second aspect.

[0035] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the methods described in either aspect.

[0036] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a communication device, enables the communication device to perform the method described in either aspect.

[0037] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, configured to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any one of the aspects.

[0038] Ninthly, a communication system is provided, which includes the terminal and network equipment described in the preceding aspects.

[0039] It is understandable that when the communication device provided by any of the third to fifth aspects is a chip, the sending action / function of the communication device can be understood as outputting information, and the receiving action / function of the communication device can be understood as inputting information.

[0040] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects three through nine can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in aspects one through two, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a wireless frame period provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of the wireless frame period distribution within a superframe, as illustrated in an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Figures 3-6 This is a schematic diagram of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the first transmission cycle and the second transmission cycle provided for embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the relative positions of subframes provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figures 10-11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0049] Before introducing the embodiments of this application, some terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained.

[0050] 1. Superframe: A superframe is a special frame structure that contains multiple radio frames (also known as system frames or radio resource frames). The introduction of superframes is primarily to support longer synchronization times and frame structure management, as well as to provide more flexible resource allocation. During communication, the superframe serves as the basic unit for dividing communication resources, used to organize and manage the transmission and reception of radio frames.

[0051] In existing protocols, the hyperframe number (HFN), used to identify the position or sequence of superframes during communication, cycles through 1024 radio frames. This means that when the HFN reaches 1023, it restarts counting from 0. In other words, each superframe contains 1024 radio frames, constituting a complete superframe cycle. In this way, the communication protocol can ensure stable synchronization and frame structure management over long periods.

[0052] 2. Radio Frame: A radio frame is the basic unit of time in communication, containing multiple time slots or symbols for data transmission. Within a radio frame, data is divided into smaller blocks and transmitted in a specific order and according to certain rules. The length and structure of a radio frame are typically defined based on the specific communication protocol and scenario. Each radio frame is 10 milliseconds (ms) long, and each radio frame can include 10 subframes, each 1 ms long.

[0053] 3. Information Transmission in Frequency Division Duplex Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT): Existing protocols stipulate that Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) uses superframe management for the transmission and reception of wireless frames. For FDD NB-IoT, its downlink signals include the narrowband primary synchronization signal (NPSS), the narrowband secondary synchronization signal (NSSS), and the narrowband physical broadcast channel (NPBCH, also known as MIB-NB, i.e., Master Information Block for NB-IoT, MIB-NB).

[0054] To fully receive and decode MIB-NB information, the terminal first needs to receive the NPSS signal through blind detection to determine the 10ms frame boundary. Next, since the NSSS signal only exists in the last subframe of even-numbered frames, and every four NSSS signals constitute a period, the terminal can determine the boundary of the four NSSS signals, i.e., the 80ms period boundary, by detecting the NSSS signal.

[0055] Finally, the MIB-NB information is transmitted in sub-blocks, with a total of 8 sub-blocks. Each sub-block is repeated 8 times in the 0th subframe of each consecutive frame. For terminals in poor coverage environments, multiple repeated versions of multiple sub-blocks may need to be received and decoded to successfully decode the MIB-NB information. The duration of these 8 consecutive frames, which are called a MIB cycle, is 80ms × 8 = 640ms. The MIB cycle can be represented as shown in Table 1. In Table 1, each cell represents a radio frame, and the 0th subframe of each radio frame is used to transmit sub-blocks. Each row represents one sub-block cycle in the MIB cycle, for a total of 8 sub-block cycles and 8 sub-blocks. In Table 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 represent these 8 sub-blocks, which are repeatedly transmitted in their respective radio frames.

[0056] Table 1

[0057] 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

[0058] 4. TDD: TDD is a communication technology in which uplink (transmit) and downlink (receive) signals use the same frequency resources but alternate within different time intervals. In a TDD frame structure, each frame typically contains multiple subframes, which can be allocated to either uplink or downlink transmission. In NB-IoT NTN TDD mode, a new radio frame period is introduced: a period of 9 radio frames, or 90 milliseconds (ms). Figure 1 As shown, taking the configuration of downlink subframes, guard period subframes and uplink subframes that may be included in each period as (20,50,20) as an example, each 90-millisecond period includes two downlink (DL) frames, five guard period (GP) frames and two uplink (UL) frames.

[0059] When the downlink subframe, guard subframe, and uplink subframe are configured as (8,74,8) or (30,30,30), the frames every 9 radio frame periods can also have other configurations. Please refer to the relevant technical introduction. This application uses the above-mentioned (20,50,20) subframe configuration as an example for illustration.

[0060] 5. Index Position: The index position refers to the location or sequence number of a radio frame, subframe, or time slot within a specific period or superframe structure. For TDD systems, each radio frame is divided into uplink subframes, downlink subframes, and possible guard periods. These subframes are configured to appear cyclically in time according to a certain periodic pattern.

[0061] As introduced in the background technology, the current IoT-NTN protocol's superframe configuration is incompatible with the TDD mode's cycle, resulting in poor data transmission stability. This is manifested in the fact that a superframe contains 1024 radio frames, while in NB-IoT NTN TDD mode, the cycle is 9 radio frames. However, 1024 is not divisible by 9, meaning that in the last TDD cycle of the superframe, there are only 7 radio frames, failing to complete a full TDD cycle of 9 radio frames. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the last TDD cycle of superframe 1 (which is located on the boundary between superframe 1 and superframe 2) contains only 7 radio frames and cannot form a complete TDD cycle.

[0062] When configuring uplink and downlink subframes, these seven radio frames cannot follow the original nine-radio-frame cycle pattern. This results in uplink or downlink subframes appearing at different index positions in different superframes. Specifically, within a superframe, a particular DL or UL subframe might appear at a certain index position (for example, a DL subframe could appear as the second subframe of a DL frame). However, in the next superframe, due to the influence of the seven radio frames, this DL or UL subframe might appear at a different index position within the nine-radio-frame cycle (again, using a DL subframe as an example, a DL subframe could appear as the third subframe of a DL frame).

[0063] If the TDD cycle does not match the superframe boundary, the terminal may not be able to accurately predict the start and end of the next TDD cycle, leading to synchronization problems and thus unstable data transmission.

[0064] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a communication method. The method provided in this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5G mobile communication systems, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) systems, future communication systems, or systems integrating multiple communication systems. This application does not limit the application to these systems. 5G can also be referred to as NR.

[0066] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to various communication scenarios, such as one or more of the following communication scenarios: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC), machine-type communication (MTC), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), and Internet of Things (IoT).

[0067] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, Figure 3 The application scenario used in this application is illustrated using the communication system architecture shown below. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one possible, non-limiting system. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., ...). Figure 3 110a and 110b (collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (such as Figure 3 RAN 100, denoted as RAN 120a-120j, is collectively referred to as RAN 120. RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 3 (Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 is connected to RAN node 110 wirelessly. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0068] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future-oriented evolution systems. RAN 100 can also be an open access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0069] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative, for example... Figure 3 Network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 3 Network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0070] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. Figure 3 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 3The RAN node can be a relay node or donor node (as described in section 110b), or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node can also be equipped with communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The RAN node can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions and corresponding program instructions. The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node functions.

[0071] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0072] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0073] In this embodiment, the form of the RAN node is not limited. The device used to implement the function of the RAN node can be the RAN node itself; or it can be a device that supports the RAN node in implementing this function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the RAN node or used in conjunction with the RAN node.

[0074] A terminal can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, transportation vehicles with wireless communication capabilities, communication modules, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. A terminal typically contains a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication function. The terminal can also be configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0075] The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. The device used to implement the functions of the terminal can be the terminal itself; it can also be a device that supports the terminal in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the terminal or used in conjunction with the terminal. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices. All or part of the functions of the terminal in this application can also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0076] In one embodiment, AI nodes may also be introduced into the wireless network to support artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

[0077] AI nodes can be deployed in one or more of the following locations within the communication system: access network nodes (RAN nodes), terminals, or core network equipment, etc. Alternatively, AI nodes can be deployed independently, for example, in a location other than any of the above-mentioned devices, such as in the host or cloud server of an over-the-top (OTT) system. AI nodes can communicate with other devices in the communication system, which can be one or more of the following: network equipment, terminals, or core network elements, etc.

[0078] It is understood that this application does not limit the number of AI nodes. For example, when there are multiple AI nodes, these nodes can be divided based on function, such as different AI nodes being responsible for different functions.

[0079] It can also be understood that AI nodes can be independent devices, or they can be integrated into the same device to achieve different functions. Alternatively, they can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). This application does not limit the specific form of the aforementioned AI nodes.

[0080] AI nodes can be AI network elements or AI modules.

[0081] The preceding text has introduced the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application from a macro-architectural perspective. To help deepen the understanding of this system in a practical application environment, the following will provide a more specific explanation of the communication system through several examples. It should be noted that the communication system examples listed below are for illustrative purposes and are intended to provide an intuitive understanding. The actual application scope of this application is far greater than this, and it is also compatible and adaptable to other types of communication systems, and is not limited thereto.

[0082] For example, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a possible application framework in a communication system. For example... Figure 4 As shown, network elements in a communication system are connected via interfaces (e.g., NG, Xn) or air interfaces. These network element nodes, such as core network equipment, access network nodes (RAN nodes), terminals, or one or more devices in operations administration and maintenance (OAM), are equipped with one or more AI modules (for clarity, ...). Figure 4(Only one is shown in the image). An access network node can be a single RAN node or can include multiple RAN nodes, such as a CU and a DU. The CU and / or DU can also be equipped with one or more AI modules. The CU can also be split into CU-CP and CU-UP, and one or more AI modules can be set in the CU-CP and / or CU-UP.

[0083] AI modules are used to implement corresponding AI functions. AI modules deployed in different network elements can be the same or different. The models of AI modules can achieve different functions depending on the parameter configurations. The models of AI modules can be configured based on one or more of the following parameters: structural parameters (e.g., at least one of the following: number of neural network layers, neural network width, inter-layer connections, neuron weights, neuron activation function, or biases in the activation function), input parameters (e.g., the type and / or dimension of the input parameters), or output parameters (e.g., the type and / or dimension of the output parameters). The biases in the activation function can also be referred to as the biases of the neural network.

[0084] In one example, the neural network mentioned above can be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), or a generative adversarial network (GAN).

[0085] Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) are artificial neural network architectures with multiple layers of nonlinear transformation units stacked in a hierarchical structure to form deep computational models. Compared to shallow neural networks, deep neural networks have more hidden layers, allowing the network model to capture more complex data structures and higher-level abstract features.

[0086] A CNN is a deep neural network with a convolutional structure. A CNN contains a feature extractor consisting of convolutional layers and subsampling layers. This feature extractor can be viewed as a filter, and the convolution process can be seen as performing convolution between a trainable filter and an input image or a convolutional feature map.

[0087] RNN is a type of recursive neural network that takes sequence data as input, recursively moves along the direction of sequence evolution, and connects all nodes (recurrent units) in a chain-like manner.

[0088] GAN is a deep learning model. It consists of a generator and a discriminator, and is trained through adversarial learning. Its purpose is to estimate the potential distribution of data samples and generate new data samples.

[0089] An AI module can have one or more models. A model can infer an output, which includes one or more parameters. The learning, training, or inference processes of different models can be deployed on different nodes or devices, or they can be deployed on the same node or device.

[0090] In yet another example, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another possible application framework in a communication system. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the communication system includes a RAN intelligent controller (RIC). For example, the RIC can be the aforementioned AI module, used to implement AI-related functions. RICs include near-real-time RICs (near-RT RICs) and non-real-time RICs (non-RT RICs). Non-real-time RICs primarily process non-real-time information, such as data that is not sensitive to latency, with latency in the order of seconds. Real-time RICs primarily process near-real-time information, such as data that is relatively sensitive to latency, with latency in the order of tens of milliseconds.

[0091] Near real-time (NRT) RICs are used for model training and inference. For example, they are used to train AI models and then use those models for inference. NRT RICs can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (e.g., CUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, DUs, and / or RUs) and / or terminals. This information can be used as training data or inference data. NRT RICs can deliver inference results to RAN nodes and / or terminals. Inference results can be exchanged between CUs and DUs, and / or between DUs and RUs. For example, a NRT RIC delivers an inference result to a DU, which then forwards it to an RU.

[0092] Non-real-time RICs are also used for model training and inference. For example, they are used to train AI models and then use those models for inference. Non-real-time RICs can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (e.g., CUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, DUs, and / or RUs) and / or terminals. This information can be used as training data or inference data, and the inference results can be delivered to RAN nodes and / or terminals. Inference results can be exchanged between CUs and DUs, and / or between DUs and RUs; for example, a non-real-time RIC delivers inference results to a DU, which then forwards them to an RU.

[0093] Near real-time RICs and non-real-time RICs can also be configured as separate network elements. Near real-time RICs and non-real-time RICs can also be part of other devices. For example, near real-time RICs can be set in RAN nodes (e.g., CU, DU), while non-real-time RICs can be set in OAM, cloud servers, core network devices, or other network devices.

[0094] In another example, the communication system of this application embodiment can be an NTN communication system, unique in that the ground mobile terminal accesses the network using 5G new radio (NR) technology, while the 5G base station is innovatively deployed on a satellite, seamlessly connected to the ground core network via a wireless link. This architecture also includes inter-satellite wireless links to support signaling interaction between base stations and efficient transmission of user data.

[0095] like Figure 6 As shown, the communication system includes:

[0096] Terminal, see previous text for details.

[0097] Base station (satellite): Base stations, for example, are deployed on satellites. As wireless access service providers, they are responsible for allocating wireless resources to accessing terminals and ensuring the reliability and security of data transmission by implementing advanced wireless transmission protocols and data encryption mechanisms.

[0098] Core Network: The integrated control and management center, encompassing functions such as user access control, mobility management, session management, security authentication, and billing. Internally, it is divided into control plane and data plane, each composed of multiple functional units. For example, the access and mobility management function (AMF) is responsible for user access, security authentication, and mobility management; the user plane function (UPF) focuses on user data transmission and traffic statistics, connecting to the data network; and the service management function (SMF) is primarily responsible for session management, quality of service (QoS) control, access network (AN) selection, and billing.

[0099] Ground station: As a bridge between base station (satellite) and ground core network, it is responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between the two to ensure smooth information flow.

[0100] The interface is described as follows:

[0101] NR: Defined as the wireless interface between the terminal and the base station (satellite), carrying user data and signaling interaction.

[0102] Xn interface: Dedicated to communication between base stations (satellites), especially during handover operations, it is responsible for signaling exchange between base stations.

[0103] NG interface: The interface connecting the base station (satellite) and the core network, mainly used for transmitting core network control signaling (such as non-access stratum signaling) and user service data.

[0104] In conjunction with the above-described communication system, this application provides a communication method in which a network device sends at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal to a terminal during a first transmission cycle, indicating that the main information block will be acquired after offsetting time-domain resources during a second transmission cycle. In this way, the terminal can acquire the main information block after offsetting time-domain resources during the second transmission cycle, thereby correctly receiving the main information block and enhancing the stability of data transmission between the terminal and the network device.

[0105] It should be noted that "sending information" in this application can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For example, "network device sending information" can be understood as a network device sending information to another device (such as a terminal), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device sending information to logical module 2 in the network device.

[0106] In this application, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or it can also be understood as a logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "network device receiving information" can be understood as a network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device receiving information from logical module 2 in the network device.

[0107] In this application, phrases such as "sending information to... (e.g., a terminal)" or related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as indicating that the destination of the information is a terminal. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to a terminal. Similarly, phrases such as "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," or "receiving information sent by (e.g., a terminal)," or related illustrations in the accompanying drawings, can be understood as indicating that the source of the information is a terminal. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from a terminal. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly and will not be elaborated further here.

[0108] In the following embodiments of this application, the message names between network elements, the names of parameters, or the names of information are just examples. Other names may be used in other embodiments, and the communication method provided in this application does not specifically limit them.

[0109] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, each network element may execute some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also execute other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0110] It is understood that this application uses terminals and network devices as examples to illustrate the execution of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be executed by a module applied to the terminal (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal's functions; the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be implemented by a communication / processing module in the terminal or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication / processing functions (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip / SIP chip containing a modem core, or a GPU / AI processor / ASIC).

[0111] The methods executed by the network device in this application can also be executed by a module (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor) applied to the network device, or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0112] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 7 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0113] S710, the network device sends at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal to the terminal during the first transmission cycle, and correspondingly, the terminal receives at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal from the network device during the first transmission cycle.

[0114] In this embodiment, at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is used to indicate that the master information block is acquired after offsetting the time-domain resources within the second transmission cycle. For example, the master information block can be a narrowband master information block.

[0115] For example, such as Figure 8As shown, the first transmission period and the second transmission period are two consecutive transmission periods from beginning to end, and this transmission period can be a superframe. The first transmission period includes at least one ( Figure 8 (Taking one as an example) A first time unit of 9 radio frames and a second time unit of 7 radio frames, wherein at least one first time unit precedes the second time unit, in other words, the second time unit is at the tail boundary of the first transmission period.

[0116] As mentioned earlier, "when the IoT-NTN protocol superframe configuration is combined with the TDD mode cycle, since 1024 is not divisible by 9, this means that in the last TDD cycle of the superframe, there are only 7 radio frames and it is impossible to completely form a TDD cycle with 9 radio frames." This application designs the 7 radio frames (e.g., the second time unit mentioned above, also known as isolated frames, blank frames, etc.) in the last TDD cycle of each transmission cycle (e.g., the first transmission cycle and the second transmission cycle) as follows. The first transmission cycle is used as an example for explanation below.

[0117] Taking the first transmission cycle as an example, in the second time unit of the first transmission cycle, downlink broadcast information such as NPSS, NSSS, NPBCH, and system information block-narrowband (SIB-NB) information is still transmitted, but uplink information is not transmitted. That is, the second time unit is used to transmit downlink information, while the first time unit before the second time unit is used to transmit both uplink and downlink information. This setting of the second time unit ensures that the start of each transmission cycle (e.g., superframe) is aligned with the start of the first preset cycle (e.g., 90ms in NB-IoT NTN TDD mode).

[0118] During the first transmission cycle, the terminal in the connected state can determine its current frame number and can independently determine the position of the second time unit. Then, during the second transmission cycle following the second time unit, it begins to offset time-domain resources to acquire the main information block.

[0119] However, a terminal in the idle state cannot determine its current frame number. In this case, the network device can instruct the terminal to acquire the main information block by using the first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal in the first transmission cycle through the above step S710.

[0120] For example, in an NB-IoT NTN TDD mode scenario, this offset time-domain resource can be shifted forward by two radio frames. Specifically, the offset time-domain resource can be shifted forward by two radio frames relative to the first frame, where, as... Figure 8As shown, the first frame is the start frame of the first complete cycle within the second transmission cycle determined according to the first preset period (90ms).

[0121] In one embodiment, to ensure that the terminal can successfully receive at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal, the network device can continuously transmit the first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal within a sub-cycle (referred to as the first cycle) of the first transmission cycle. This first cycle includes the aforementioned second time unit. For example, the first cycle may be the last main information block cycle within the first transmission cycle.

[0122] S720, the network device sends a main information block to the terminal during the second transmission cycle, and correspondingly, the terminal receives the main information block from the network device during the second transmission cycle according to at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal.

[0123] During the second transmission cycle, the network device continues to send the main information block to the terminal in a pattern of 9 radio frames per cycle. Once the terminal receives at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal, it can determine that the current time is approaching the boundary between the first and second transmission cycles, and may subsequently need to offset time domain resources to obtain the main information block.

[0124] Optionally, at this time, the terminal can determine whether it needs to offset time-domain resources before acquiring the main information block based on the first condition. In other words, the terminal acquiring the main information block in step S720 based on at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal within the second transmission cycle may include:

[0125] After receiving at least one first narrowband secondary synchronization signal and meeting the first condition, the main information block is obtained by shifting forward two radio frames relative to the first frame. The first condition includes at least one of the following: the main information block cannot be obtained, or the narrowband main synchronization signal cannot be obtained.

[0126] For example, if the main information block cannot be obtained, it means that the sub-block of the MIB-NB cannot be determined, as mentioned above. Figure 1The TDD frame structure shown illustrates that since the second time unit comprises 7 radio frames, less than 9, during the second transmission cycle, if the terminal determines the MIB-NB sub-block according to the traditional 9-radio-frame cycle, even though the terminal has already received the MIB-NB sub-block two radio frames ahead of the first frame, it is unaware of the time-domain resource offset caused by the second time unit. Therefore, the terminal will still determine the MIB-NB sub-block based on its time-domain position before the two-radio-frame offset, and thus cannot determine the MIB-NB sub-block at all. Once the terminal cannot determine the MIB-NB sub-block, it can offset two radio frames ahead of the first frame to obtain the main information block.

[0127] In another example, the inability to obtain the narrowband master synchronization signal means that the NPSS cannot be determined. Similar to the example above, since the second time unit includes 7 radio frames, less than 9 radio frames, if the terminal determines the NPSS (or detects the NPSS) at the beginning of each of the 9 radio frames in the traditional 9-radio-frame cycle during the second transmission period, the terminal is unaware of the offset of the aforementioned time-domain resources caused by the second time unit. Therefore, the terminal cannot determine the NPSS. Once the terminal cannot determine the NPSS, it can shift forward two radio frames relative to the first frame to obtain the master information block.

[0128] As an alternative description of "obtaining the main information block by shifting forward two radio frames relative to the first frame," the terminal can also obtain the main information block by shifting backward seven radio frames relative to the second frame. For example... Figure 8 As shown, this second frame is the radio frame that was last acquired in the first cycle for the master information block. Although these two descriptions differ in wording, they refer to the exact same temporal resource location where the terminal acquired the master information block.

[0129] In this embodiment, the network device sends at least one first narrowband secondary synchronization signal to the terminal during the first transmission cycle, indicating that the main information block will be acquired after offsetting the time domain resources during the second transmission cycle. In this way, the terminal can acquire the main information block after offsetting the time domain resources during the second transmission cycle, thereby correctly receiving the main information block and enhancing the stability of data transmission between the terminal and the network device.

[0130] In one embodiment, prior to step S710, the method may further include:

[0131] S730, the network device sends at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal to the terminal during the first transmission cycle, and correspondingly, the terminal receives at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal from the network device during the first transmission cycle.

[0132] In this process, before sending at least one first auxiliary synchronization signal to the terminal during the first transmission cycle, the network device will also send at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal to the terminal during the first transmission cycle.

[0133] In one embodiment, at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is transmitted during the first period, while at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is transmitted during the second period, which is a period outside the first period within the first transmission period.

[0134] The second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal can be understood as a regular auxiliary synchronization signal. If the terminal receives the second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal, the terminal can determine that the current time is not close to the boundary between the first and second transmission cycles. There is no need to offset the time domain resources to obtain the main information block for the time being. At this time, the main information block can be obtained according to the time domain resources of one cycle every 90ms.

[0135] For at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal and at least one first auxiliary synchronization signal, there are two possible design methods:

[0136] In Method 1, at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal carries different information from at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal. The first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal can be generated using different cyclic shifts or scrambling codes compared to the second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal. Cyclic shift is an operation performed on the generated sequence of auxiliary synchronization signals to change their position or phase in the time or frequency domain. This operation is used to distinguish auxiliary synchronization signals at different times. Scrambling refers to scrambling the basic sequence of the narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal (such as the Zadoff-Chu sequence) with a specific scrambling code sequence to generate the second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal. This scrambling operation can also be used to distinguish auxiliary synchronization signals at different times.

[0137] For example, the information carried by the first narrowband secondary synchronization signal could be sequence 1, and the information carried by the second narrowband secondary synchronization signal could be sequence 2. If the information carried by the secondary synchronization signal received by the terminal is sequence 2, the terminal can acquire the main information block using time-domain resources every 90ms. However, if the information carried by the secondary synchronization signal received by the terminal is sequence 1, the terminal acquires the main information block by shifting forward two radio frames relative to the first frame.

[0138] In the above method one, by using the information carried by the auxiliary synchronization signal to distinguish between the first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal and the second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal, the terminal can determine whether it needs to offset time domain resources and then obtain the main information block based on the information carried by the auxiliary synchronization signal.

[0139] Method 2 differs in that the first relative position and the second relative position are different. The first relative position is the relative position of the first subframe that transmits at least one first narrowband secondary synchronization signal within the radio frame in which the first subframe is located, and the second relative position is the relative position of the second subframe that transmits at least one second narrowband secondary synchronization signal within the radio frame in which the second subframe is located.

[0140] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 (a) shows the radio frame A in which the first subframe is located. The first subframe is the ninth subframe in radio frame A, that is, the first relative position is the ninth subframe in the radio frame. Figure 9 (b) shows the radio frame B in which the second subframe is located. The second subframe is the tenth subframe in radio frame B, meaning the first relative position is the tenth subframe in the radio frame. If the subframe in which the secondary synchronization signal received by the terminal is located is the tenth subframe in the radio frame, the terminal can acquire the main information block using time-domain resources every 90ms. However, if the subframe in which the secondary synchronization signal received by the terminal is located is the ninth subframe in the radio frame, the terminal acquires the main information block by shifting forward two radio frames relative to the first frame.

[0141] The above is an exemplary description of the first relative position. Based on current standards, the second relative position is typically the tenth subframe in a radio frame. In this embodiment, the first relative position may not be the tenth subframe in a radio frame; for example, the first relative position described above could be the ninth subframe in a radio frame, etc., and there is no limitation.

[0142] In the above-mentioned method two, by distinguishing the first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal and the second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal in the transmission subframe of the auxiliary synchronization signal, the terminal can determine whether it needs to offset the time domain resources before obtaining the main information block based on the transmission subframe of the auxiliary synchronization signal.

[0143] In this embodiment, the two methods for distinguishing between the first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal and the second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal are designed. The terminal can determine whether the received narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is the first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal or the second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal based on the above two methods. When it is determined to be the first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal, the main information block is obtained after offsetting the time domain resources, which promotes the rapid synchronization and access between the terminal and the network device, thereby enhancing the stability of data transmission between the terminal and the network device.

[0144] It is understood that the communication method provided in this application embodiment does not limit the applicable communication system. For example, the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to an O-RAN communication system. Based on the functional design of O-DU / O-CU / O-RU in the O-RAN communication system, the steps executed by the network device in the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be flexibly implemented by one or more of O-DU / O-CU / O-RU, without limitation.

[0145] In another embodiment, the communication method proposed in this application is also applicable to a chip system. Specifically, the chip system on the network side and / or the terminal side is provided with a memory unit for storing the corresponding information for implementing the communication method of this application. Based on the corresponding information, the processor, in conjunction with a radio frequency / antenna module with transceiver functions, interacts with the other side to implement the communication method of this application.

[0146] The foregoing mainly describes the solution provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of the execution logic of each step. It is understood that each node, such as a network device, includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules to execute each function in order to achieve the above-mentioned functions. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the method of the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware, software, 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.

[0147] This application embodiment can divide the network device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0148] In practical implementation, the network elements shown in this application, such as terminals, can adopt... Figure 10 The shown composition or includes Figure 10 The components shown. Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. When the communication device has the functions of a terminal as described in the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be a terminal or a chip or system-on-a-chip in a terminal. When the communication device has the functions of a network device as described in the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be a network device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in a network device. When the communication device has the functions of a server as described in the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be a server or a chip or system-on-a-chip in a server.

[0149] For example, Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a possible communication device is shown. It is understood that the communication device 800 includes means of the necessary form, such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, to be appropriately configured together to execute this solution. The communication device 800 may be a terminal, network device, or server as described in the above method embodiments, or it may be a component (e.g., a chip) in these devices used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. The communication device 800 includes one or more processors 801. The processor 801 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0150] Optionally, in one design, processor 801 may include program 803 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be executed on processor 801 to cause communication device 800 to perform the methods described in the above embodiments. In yet another possible design, communication device 800 includes circuitry (…). Figure 10 (Not shown), the circuit is used to implement the signal processing function in the above embodiments.

[0151] Optionally, the communication device 800 may include one or more memories 802 storing a program 804 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 801 to cause the communication device 800 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0152] Optionally, the processor 801 and / or memory 802 may include AI modules 807 and 808, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0153] Optionally, the processor 801 and / or memory 802 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0154] Optionally, the communication device 800 may further include a transceiver 805 and / or an antenna 806. The processor 801, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device. The transceiver 805, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device through the antenna 806.

[0155] Figure 11 A possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in an embodiment of this application is shown. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the communication device 11 may include modules or units for implementing the methods described in the embodiments above. In one possible design, the communication device 11 includes a processing unit 112 and a communication unit 113. Optionally, the communication device 11 may further include a storage unit 111 for storing device program code and / or data.

[0156] The communication device 11 can be a terminal-side device in the above embodiments, such as a terminal or a communication module in a terminal, or a circuit or chip in a terminal that is responsible for communication functions.

[0157] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 113 is configured to receive at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal during a first transmission cycle, the at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal being configured to indicate that the master information block is acquired after offsetting time domain resources during a second transmission cycle; then the processing unit 112 is configured to acquire the master information block during the second transmission cycle according to the at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal.

[0158] In this embodiment, the terminal receives at least one first narrowband secondary synchronization signal during the first transmission cycle, which indicates that the main information block will be acquired after offsetting the time domain resources during the second transmission cycle. In this way, the terminal can acquire the main information block after offsetting the time domain resources during the second transmission cycle, thereby correctly receiving the main information block and enhancing the stability of data transmission between the terminal and the network device.

[0159] In one possible design, the first transmission cycle includes at least one first time unit and one second time unit. The first time unit includes nine radio frames, and the second time unit includes seven radio frames. The first time unit precedes the second time unit. Optionally, the first time unit is used to transmit uplink and downlink information, and the second time unit is used to transmit downlink information. Optionally, the first cycle for transmitting the first narrowband secondary synchronization signal includes the aforementioned second time unit, and this first cycle is the last main information block cycle within the first transmission cycle.

[0160] In this design, the time units within the first transmission cycle are configured such that the start of each transmission cycle (e.g., a superframe) is aligned with the first preset cycle start point defined in the NB-IoT NTN TDD mode. This first cycle setting ensures that the terminal receives the first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal.

[0161] In one possible design, the offset time-domain resource is shifted forward by two radio frames.

[0162] In this design, the terminal can acquire the main information block after shifting forward two radio frames within the second transmission cycle, thereby correctly receiving the main information block in NB-IoT NTN TDD mode and enhancing the stability of data transmission between the terminal and network devices.

[0163] In one possible design, the processing unit 112 is specifically used to obtain a main information block by shifting forward two radio frames relative to the first frame after receiving at least one first narrowband secondary synchronization signal and meeting a first condition. The first frame is the starting frame of the first complete cycle within a second transmission cycle determined according to a first preset period. The first condition includes at least one of the following: the main information block cannot be obtained, or the narrowband main synchronization signal cannot be obtained.

[0164] In this design, if the main information block or the narrowband master synchronization signal cannot be obtained, it means that the terminal is very likely to obtain the main information block or the narrowband master synchronization signal at a misaligned time domain position. At this time, the terminal can shift forward two radio frames relative to the first frame to obtain the main information block, thereby correctly receiving the main information block and enhancing the stability of data transmission between the terminal and the network device.

[0165] In one possible design, the communication unit 113 is further configured to receive at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal during a first transmission period, wherein the at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal carries different information from the at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal, wherein the at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is transmitted during the first period, and the at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is transmitted during the second period, wherein the first period is the last main information block period during the first transmission period, and the second period is the period outside the first period during the first transmission period; and / or, the first relative position and the second relative position are different, wherein the first relative position is the relative position of the first subframe that transmits at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal within the radio frame in which the first subframe is located, and the second relative position is the relative position of the second subframe that transmits at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal within the radio frame in which the second subframe is located.

[0166] This design incorporates two methods to distinguish between the first and second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signals. These methods enable the terminal to determine whether the received narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is the first or the second. When the signal is determined to be the first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal, the main information block is obtained after offsetting the time domain resources. This facilitates rapid synchronization and access between the terminal and network devices, thereby enhancing the stability of data transmission between the terminal and network devices.

[0167] In one possible design, the first transmission period and the second transmission period are superframes.

[0168] In one possible design, when the communication device 11 is a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, the function of the processing unit 112 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or a SIP chip containing a modem core. The function of the communication unit 113 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0169] In one possible design, when the communication device 11 is a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 112 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 113 can be implemented by an interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0170] In one possible design, when the communication device 11 is a terminal or a processing module within a terminal, the functionality of the processing unit 112 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a GPU, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a GPU. Alternatively, the processor may include an AI processor, or a SoC or SIP chip containing an AI processor. Or, the processor may include an ASIC, or a SoC or SIP chip containing an ASIC. The functionality of the communication unit 113 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0171] In one possible design, when the communication device 11 is a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for processing functions, such as a GPU or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a GPU, an AI processor or a SoC or SIP chip containing an AI processor, or an ASIC or a SoC or SIP chip containing an ASIC, the function of the processing unit 112 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 113 can be implemented by interface circuitry or data transceiver circuitry on the aforementioned chip.

[0172] The communication device 11 can also be a network device as described in the above embodiments.

[0173] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 113 is used to send at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal during a first transmission cycle, the at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal being used to indicate that the master information block is acquired after offsetting the time domain resources during a second transmission cycle; and to send the master information block during the second transmission cycle.

[0174] In this embodiment, the network device sends at least one first narrowband secondary synchronization signal to the terminal during the first transmission cycle, indicating that the main information block will be acquired after offsetting the time domain resources during the second transmission cycle. In this way, the terminal can acquire the main information block after offsetting the time domain resources during the second transmission cycle, thereby correctly receiving the main information block and enhancing the stability of data transmission between the terminal and the network device.

[0175] In one possible design, the first transmission cycle includes at least one first time unit and one second time unit. The first time unit includes nine radio frames, and the second time unit includes seven radio frames. The first time unit precedes the second time unit. Optionally, the first time unit is used to transmit uplink and downlink information, and the second time unit is used to transmit downlink information. Optionally, the first cycle for transmitting the first narrowband secondary synchronization signal includes the aforementioned second time unit, and this first cycle is the last main information block cycle within the first transmission cycle.

[0176] In this design, the time units within the first transmission cycle are configured such that the start of each transmission cycle (e.g., a superframe) is aligned with the first preset cycle start point defined in the NB-IoT NTN TDD mode. This first cycle setting ensures that the terminal receives the first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal.

[0177] In one possible design, the offset time-domain resource is shifted forward by two radio frames.

[0178] In this design, the offset time-domain resource indicated by the network device is two radio frames forward, which allows the terminal to obtain the main information block after offsetting two radio frames forward in the second transmission cycle. This enables the terminal to correctly receive the main information block in NB-IoT NTN TDD mode, thereby enhancing the stability of data transmission between the terminal and the network device.

[0179] In one possible design, the communication unit 113 is further configured to transmit at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal within a first transmission period, wherein the at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal carries different information from the at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal, the at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is transmitted within the first period, and the at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is transmitted within the second period, the first period being the last main information block period within the first transmission period, and the second period being the period outside the first period within the first transmission period; and / or, the first relative position and the second relative position are different, the first relative position being the relative position of the first subframe transmitting at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal within the radio frame in which the first subframe is located, and the second relative position being the relative position of the second subframe transmitting at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal within the radio frame in which the second subframe is located.

[0180] This design incorporates two methods to distinguish between the first and second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signals. These methods enable the terminal to determine whether the received narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is the first or the second. When the signal is determined to be the first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal, the main information block is obtained after offsetting the time domain resources. This facilitates rapid synchronization and access between the terminal and network devices, thereby enhancing the stability of data transmission between the terminal and network devices.

[0181] In one possible design, the first transmission period and the second transmission period are superframes.

[0182] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. One function can correspond to one functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated onto a single physical entity, or distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for specific applications, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0183] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0184] In one example, storage unit 111 may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0185] This application embodiment also provides a communication system corresponding to the NB-IoT NTN TDD mode. The communication system may include a terminal and network devices. The terminal and network devices may have the functions of the aforementioned communication device 11.

[0186] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be a terminal device of any of the foregoing embodiments, such as an internal storage unit including a data sending end and / or a data receiving end, such as a hard disk or memory of the terminal device. The computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the terminal device, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the terminal device. Further, the computer-readable storage medium can include both the internal storage unit and the external storage device of the terminal device. The computer-readable storage medium is used to store the computer program and other programs and data required by the terminal device. The computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0187] This application also provides computer instructions. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions to instruct related hardware (such as computers, processors, network devices, and terminals). The program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium.

[0188] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a communication device, cause the above-described method embodiments to be executed.

[0189] This application also provides a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the above-described method embodiments to be executed.

[0190] This application also provides a chip system. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices, without limitation. The chip system includes a processor and a transceiver. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by this chip system, such as the chip system being used to implement the functions performed by the network devices or terminals in the above method embodiments.

[0191] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and / or data. When the chip system is running, the processor executes the program instructions stored in the memory to enable the chip system to perform the functions performed by the network device or terminal in the above method embodiments.

[0192] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0193] In the embodiments of this application, the memory can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of this application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store instructions and / or data.

[0194] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not 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, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0195] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A. For example, B can be determined based on A. It should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean determining B solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information. Furthermore, the term "connection" in the embodiments of this application refers to various connection methods, such as direct or indirect connections, to achieve communication between devices; the embodiments of this application do not impose any limitations on this.

[0196] Unless otherwise specified, the term "transmission" in the embodiments of this application refers to bidirectional transmission, encompassing the actions of sending and / or receiving. Specifically, "transmission" in the embodiments of this application includes sending data, receiving data, or both sending and receiving data. In other words, data transmission here includes uplink and / or downlink data transmission. Data may include channels and / or signals; uplink data transmission refers to uplink channel and / or uplink signal transmission, and downlink data transmission refers to downlink channel and / or downlink signal transmission. The terms "network" and "system" in the embodiments of this application refer to the same concept; a communication system is a communication network.

[0197] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0198] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0199] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0200] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device, such as a microcontroller, chip, or processor, to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0201] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0202] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0203] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0204] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0205] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

[0206] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: During the first transmission cycle, at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is received, and the at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is used to indicate that the main information block is acquired after offsetting the time domain resources during the second transmission cycle. The main information block is acquired during the second transmission period based on at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The offset time-domain resource is shifted forward by two radio frames.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of acquiring the main information block within the second transmission period based on the at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal includes: After receiving the at least one first narrowband secondary synchronization signal and if the first condition is met, the main information block is obtained by shifting forward two radio frames relative to the first frame. The first frame is the starting frame of the first complete cycle within the second transmission cycle determined according to the first preset period. The first condition includes at least one of the following: the main information block cannot be obtained, or the narrowband main synchronization signal cannot be obtained.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: At least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is received within the first transmission period. The at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is transmitted within the first period, and the at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is transmitted within the second period. The first period is the last main information block period within the first transmission period, and the second period is the period outside the first period within the first transmission period.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal carries different information from the at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal; and / or, the relative position of the first subframe transmitting the at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal within the radio frame in which the first subframe is located is different from the relative position of the second subframe transmitting the at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal within the radio frame in which the second subframe is located.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first transmission period includes at least one first time unit and one second time unit. The first time unit includes 9 radio frames, and the second time unit includes 7 radio frames. The at least one first time unit is prior to the second time unit.

7. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The first transmission period includes at least one first time unit and one second time unit. The first time unit includes 9 radio frames, and the second time unit includes 7 radio frames. The at least one first time unit precedes the second time unit, and the first period includes the second time unit.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first time unit is used to send uplink information and downlink information, and the second time unit is used to send downlink information.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first transmission period and the second transmission period are superframes.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, include: In the first transmission cycle, at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is sent, the at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal being used to indicate that the main information block is acquired after offsetting the time domain resources in the second transmission cycle. The main information block is transmitted during the second transmission cycle.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The offset time-domain resource is shifted forward by two radio frames.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: At least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is transmitted within the first transmission period. The at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is transmitted within the first period, and the at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal is transmitted within the second period. The first period is the last main information block period within the first transmission period, and the second period is the period outside the first period within the first transmission period.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal carries different information from the at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal; and / or, the relative position of the first subframe transmitting the at least one first narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal within the radio frame in which the first subframe is located is different from the relative position of the second subframe transmitting the at least one second narrowband auxiliary synchronization signal within the radio frame in which the second subframe is located.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10-13, characterized in that, The first transmission period includes at least one first time unit and one second time unit. The first time unit includes 9 radio frames, and the second time unit includes 7 radio frames. The at least one first time unit is prior to the second time unit.

15. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The first transmission period includes at least one first time unit and one second time unit. The first time unit includes 9 radio frames, and the second time unit includes 7 radio frames. The at least one first time unit precedes the second time unit, and the first period includes the second time unit.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The first time unit is used to send uplink information and downlink information, and the second time unit is used to send downlink information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10-16, characterized in that, The first transmission period and the second transmission period are superframes.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module that performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-9; or, it includes a module that performs the method as described in any one of claims 10-17.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor for supporting the communication device in performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-17.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed, cause the method described in any one of claims 1-17 to be performed.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that, When it is run on a computer, it causes the method described in any one of claims 1-17 to be performed.

22. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes a processor for supporting the chip in performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-17.

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