Communication methods, apparatuses, and systems

Abstract

The application discloses a communication method and device, which are applied to the field of mobile communication. The method comprises the following steps: a first access network device sends first indication information to a second access network device, the first indication information indicates information of a current active BWP of a terminal device at the first access network device and / or transmission rate information, and the second access network device determines information of a first active BWP of the terminal device at the second access network device and / or BWP configuration information according to the first indication information. Through the method, the second access network device can determine appropriate information of the first active BWP of the terminal device at the second access network device and / or BWP configuration information, thereby reducing service interruption caused by switching of the active BWP and / or reducing service interruption caused by changing of the BWP configuration.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The original application has the application number 202080103222.X and the original application date is August 20, 2020. The entire contents of the original application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of mobile communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus and system. Background Technology

[0003] In Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile communication systems, after a terminal device decodes the Master Information Block (MIB) to obtain the carrier bandwidth of the serving cell, its operating bandwidth must remain consistent with and unchanged. The Fifth Generation (5G) mobile communication technology, New Radio (NR), is a crucial foundation for next-generation cellular mobile technology. 5G aims to support a wide variety of services, including Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC), and Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC). NR cell bandwidth can range from a minimum of 5MHz to a maximum of 400MHz. Requiring all terminal devices to support a maximum of 400MHz would undoubtedly place high demands on their performance, hindering cost reduction, especially for mMTC terminals, which is clearly unreasonable. Meanwhile, a terminal device cannot simultaneously occupy the entire 400MHz bandwidth. Using the sampling rate corresponding to the 400MHz bandwidth for the terminal device would undoubtedly be a waste of performance. Furthermore, a large bandwidth means a high sampling rate, and a high sampling rate means high power consumption. Against this backdrop, the Bandwidth Part (BWP) technology in NR systems solves these problems. Unlike the fixed bandwidth of LTE systems, in NR systems, access network equipment can configure a BWP for the terminal device. A BWP is a continuous frequency domain resource allocated by the access network equipment to the terminal device, enabling flexible transmission bandwidth configuration between the access network equipment and the terminal device. Through BWP, the terminal device does not need to know the actual transmission bandwidth of the access network equipment (e.g., carrier bandwidth), but only needs to support the BWP bandwidth configured for itself. The terminal device operates on the BWP bandwidth, which is a subset of the entire carrier bandwidth.

[0004] However, the inventors of this application have discovered that there may be situations where the BWP configuration parameters configured by the access network device for the terminal device are inappropriate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system. According to the technical solution provided in this application, a second access network device can configure appropriate first configuration information for a terminal device based on first indication information from a first access network device, thereby reducing service interruptions caused by switching the activated BWP, and / or reducing service interruptions caused by changing the BWP configuration and replacing the activated BWP.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. It is understood that this method can be executed by a first device, which can be a communication device or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the communication device to implement the method, such as a chip system. Exemplarily, the communication device can be a second access network device. The following description assumes that the method is implemented by a second access network device.

[0007] The method includes: a second access network device receiving a first message from a first access network device, the first message including first indication information indicating the current active partial bandwidth (BWP) information of a terminal device in the first access network device; further, the second access network device determining first configuration information of the terminal device in the second access network device based on the first indication information.

[0008] Secondly, a communication method is also provided. It is understood that this method can be executed by a second device, which can be a communication device or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the communication device to implement the method, such as a chip system. Exemplarily, the communication device can be a first access network device. The following description assumes that the method is implemented by the first access network device.

[0009] The method includes: a first access network device generating a first message; the first message including first indication information indicating information about the currently active partial bandwidth (BWP) of a terminal device in the first access network device; and the first access network device sending the first message to a second access network device.

[0010] Thirdly, a communication method is also provided. It is understood that the method of the first aspect can be executed by a first device, which can be a communication device or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the communication device to implement the method, such as a chip system. Exemplarily, the communication device can be a second access network device. The following description assumes that the method is implemented by a second access network device.

[0011] The method includes: a second access network device receiving a first message from a first access network device; wherein the first message includes first indication information, the first indication information indicating the transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device, and further, the second access network device determining first configuration information of the terminal device in the second access network device based on the first indication information.

[0012] Fourthly, a communication method is also provided. It is understood that the method of the second aspect can be executed by a second device, which can be a communication device or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the communication device to implement the method, such as a chip system. Exemplarily, the communication device can be a first access network device. The following description uses the implementation of the method by the first access network device as an example.

[0013] The method includes: a first access network device generating a first message; wherein the first message includes first indication information, the first indication information indicating the transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device; and the first access network device sending the first message to a second access network device.

[0014] Fifthly, a communication method is also provided. It is understood that the method of the first aspect can be executed by a first device, which can be a communication device or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the communication device to implement the method, such as a chip system. Exemplarily, the communication device can be a second access network device. The following description assumes that the method is implemented by a second access network device.

[0015] The method includes: a second access network device receiving a first message from a first access network device; wherein the first message includes first indication information, the first indication information indicating the current active partial bandwidth (BWP) information of the terminal device in the first access network device and the transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device, and further, the second access network device determining first configuration information of the terminal device in the second access network device based on the first indication information.

[0016] Sixthly, a communication method is also provided. It is understood that the method of the second aspect can be executed by a second device, which can be a communication device or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the communication device to implement the method, such as a chip system. Exemplarily, the communication device can be a first access network device. The following description assumes that the method is implemented by a first access network device.

[0017] The method includes: a first access network device generating a first message; wherein the first message includes first indication information, the first indication information indicating the current active partial bandwidth (BWP) information of the terminal device in the first access network device and the transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device; and the first access network device sending the first message to a second access network device.

[0018] Optionally, in some possible implementations of the first, second, fifth, and sixth aspects, the information of the currently active BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device may include information of the currently active downlink BWP, and / or information of the currently active uplink BWP. The information of the currently active downlink BWP helps the second access network device determine appropriate downlink parameters in the first configuration information, thereby reducing service interruptions caused by the switching of the downlink active BWP, and / or reducing service interruptions caused by changing the downlink BWP configuration and replacing the downlink active BWP. Similarly, the information of the currently active uplink BWP helps the second access network device determine appropriate uplink parameters in the first configuration information, thereby reducing service interruptions caused by the switching of the uplink active BWP, and / or reducing service interruptions caused by changing the uplink BWP configuration and replacing the uplink active BWP.

[0019] Optionally, in some possible implementations of the first, second, fifth, and sixth aspects, the information of the currently active BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device may include information of one or more active BWPs, thereby enabling the second access network device to obtain complete relevant information, which is beneficial for the second access network device to determine the first configuration information.

[0020] Optionally, in some possible implementations of the first, second, fifth, and sixth aspects, the information of the currently active BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device may include the identifier of the currently active BWP and / or the bandwidth information of the currently active BWP.

[0021] Optionally, in some possible implementations of the first, second, fifth, and sixth aspects, the second access network device determines the first configuration information of the terminal device in the second access network device based on the first indication information, and further includes the second access network device determining the information of the first activated BWP or BWP configuration information that matches the bandwidth information of the currently activated BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device. Optionally, the second access network device determines that the bandwidth of the first activated BWP is the same as the bandwidth of the currently activated BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device.

[0022] Optionally, in some possible implementations of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth aspects, the second access network device determines the first configuration information of the terminal device in the second access network device based on the first indication information, and further includes the second access network device determining the first activation information or BWP configuration information of the BWP that matches the transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device, and further includes the second access network device determining that the bandwidth of the first activation of the BWP matches the transmission rate information.

[0023] In some possible implementations of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth aspects, the transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device may include uplink transmission rate information and / or downlink transmission rate information.

[0024] In some possible implementations of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth aspects, the transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device may include transmission rate value, transmission rate level information, or transmission rate range information.

[0025] In some possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects, the first configuration information may include information on the initial activation of the BWP by the terminal device in the second access network device. Further, the information on the initial activation of the BWP may include an identifier of the initial activation of the BWP, which may include an identifier of the initial activation of the uplink BWP and / or an identifier of the initial activation of the downlink BWP.

[0026] In some possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects, the first configuration information may include BWP configuration information of the terminal device in the second access network device. Further, the BWP configuration information may include uplink BWP configuration information and / or downlink BWP configuration information.

[0027] In some possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects, the first configuration information may include information on the initial activation of the BWP by the terminal device in the second access network device and BWP configuration information. Further, the initial activation of the BWP information may include an identifier of the initial activation of the BWP, which may include an identifier of the initial activation of the uplink BWP and / or an identifier of the initial activation of the downlink BWP. The BWP configuration information may include uplink BWP configuration information and / or downlink BWP configuration information.

[0028] In some possible implementations of aspects one through six, in a handover scenario based on the Xn interface, a first access network device generates a first message and sends the first message to a second access network device. The first message may be a handover request message of the XnAP protocol, which includes first indication information. The second access network device determines first configuration information based on the first indication information and then sends a second message to the first access network device. The second message may be a handover request confirmation message of the XnAP protocol, which includes first configuration information. The first access network device sends the first configuration information to a terminal device. After the terminal device switches to the second access network device, it uses the first configuration information in the second access network device.

[0029] In some possible implementations of aspects one through six, in a handover scenario based on the NG interface, the first access network device generates a first message and sends the first message to the second access network device. The first message may be a handover preparation information message, an inter-node RRC message, which includes first indication information. The second access network device determines first configuration information based on the first indication information and then sends a second message to the first access network device. The second message may be a handover command message, an inter-node RRC message, which includes first configuration information. The first access network device sends the first configuration information to the terminal device. After the terminal device hands over to the second access network device, it uses the first configuration information in the second access network device.

[0030] In some possible implementations of aspects one through six, based on the RRC re-establishment scenario, the first access network device receives a third message sent by the second access network device. The third message may be a UE context retrieval request message of the XnAP protocol. The first access network device generates a first message and sends the first message to the second access network device. The first message may be a UE context retrieval response message of the XnAP protocol, which includes first indication information. The second access network device determines first configuration information based on the first indication information and then sends the first configuration information to the terminal device. The terminal device uses the first configuration information in the second access network device.

[0031] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which has the function of implementing the behaviors in the methods of the first, third, and fifth aspects described above. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above. In one possible design, the communication device includes: a receiving unit for receiving a first message from a first access network device, wherein the first message includes first indication information indicating information about the current active partial bandwidth (BWP) of a terminal device in the first access network device, and / or transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device; a processing unit for determining first configuration information of the terminal device in a second access network device based on the first indication information; optionally, a sending unit for sending a second message to the first access network device, the second message including the first configuration information; optionally, a sending unit for sending a third message to the first access network device before the receiving unit receives the first message from the first access network device, the third message being used to request the acquisition of context information of the terminal device. These modules can perform the corresponding functions in the method examples of the first, third, and fifth aspects described above, as detailed in the method examples, and will not be repeated here.

[0032] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, which has the function of implementing the behaviors in the methods of the second, fourth, or sixth aspects described above. This function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above. In one possible design, the communication device includes: a processing unit for generating a first message, wherein the first message includes first indication information indicating information about the currently active partial bandwidth (BWP) of a terminal device in a first access network device, and / or transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device; a sending unit for sending the first message to a second access network device; optionally, a receiving unit for receiving a second message from the second access network device, the second message including first configuration information of the terminal device in the second access network device, the first configuration information being determined based on the first indication information; optionally, a receiving unit for receiving a third message from the second access network device before the processing unit generates the first message, the third message being used to request the acquisition of context information of the terminal device. These modules can perform the corresponding functions in the method examples of the second, fourth, and sixth aspects described above, as detailed in the method examples, and will not be repeated here.

[0033] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided. This communication device can be any of the communication devices described in the first to sixth aspects, or a chip disposed within any of the communication devices described in the first to sixth aspects. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor, and optionally, a memory. The memory stores computer programs, instructions, or data. The processor is coupled to the memory and the communication interface. When the processor reads the computer program, instructions, or data, it causes the communication device to execute the methods performed by the first access network device or the second access network device in each aspect.

[0034] It should be understood that the communication interface can be a transceiver in a communication device, such as through an antenna, feeder, and codec in the communication device. Alternatively, if the communication device is a chip located in an access network device, the communication interface can be the chip's input / output interface, such as input / output pins. The transceiver is used for communication between the communication device and other devices. For example, when the communication device is a terminal device, the other device is an access network device; or, when the communication device is an access network device, the other device is a terminal device.

[0035] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip system including a processor for implementing methods executed by a communication device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and / or data. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0036] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, which includes a communication device of the first aspect and a method communication device of the second aspect, or includes a communication device of the third aspect and a communication device of the fourth aspect, or includes a communication device of the fifth aspect and a communication device of the sixth aspect, or includes the methods of the first aspect and the second aspect, or includes the methods of the third aspect and the fourth aspect, or includes the methods of the fifth aspect and the sixth aspect.

[0037] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising: computer program code that, when executed, causes the methods executed by a first access network device in the above aspects to be executed, or causes the methods executed by a second access network device in the above aspects to be executed; or causes the methods executed by a terminal device in the above aspects to be executed.

[0038] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when run, implements the methods executed by a first access network device in the above aspects; or implements the methods executed by a second access network device in the above aspects; or implements the methods executed by a terminal device in the above aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system used in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an example of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an example of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 6 This is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 7 This is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 8This is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 9 This is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to limit a specific order. In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0041] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application described below can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 The network architecture shown is as follows, in which, Figure 1 This is merely one example of a communication system, which may include multiple terminal devices and multiple network devices. Figure 1 Let's take an example that includes two terminal devices and two network devices. Of course... Figure 1 The number of terminal devices mentioned is just an example; it can be fewer or more. Any network device can provide services to terminal devices within its coverage area.

[0043] The terminal device, also referred to as a terminal equipment, includes devices that provide voice and / or data connectivity to users. Examples include handheld devices with wireless connectivity or processing devices connected to a wireless modem. This terminal device can communicate with the core network via a radio access network (RAN) and exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. The terminal equipment may include user equipment (UE), wireless terminal equipment, mobile terminal equipment, device-to-device (D2D) terminal equipment, V2X terminal equipment, machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal equipment, Internet of Things (IoT) terminal equipment, subscriber unit (SU), subscriber station (SS), mobile station, remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, aircraft (such as drones, hot air balloons, commercial airliners, etc.), or user device. For example, it may include mobile phones (or "cellular" phones), computers with mobile terminal equipment, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, or computer-embedded mobile devices, etc. Examples include personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). It also includes limited devices, such as those with low power consumption, limited storage capacity, or limited computing power. Examples include information sensing devices such as barcode scanners, radio frequency identification (RFID), sensors, global positioning systems (GPS), and laser scanners.

[0044] By way of example and not limitation, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices or smart wearable devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets, smart helmets, and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0045] Network equipment can be access network equipment, also known as radio access network (RAN) equipment. It refers to equipment in the access network that communicates with wireless terminals through one or more sectors on the air interface. It can also be considered a device that provides wireless communication functions for terminal devices. Access network equipment includes, but is not limited to: next-generation node B (gNB), evolved node B (eNB), baseband unit (BBU), transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP) in 5G, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access points in WiFi systems. Access network equipment can also be radio controllers, centralized units (CU), and / or distributed units (DU) in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios, or network equipment can be relay stations, vehicle-mounted equipment, and network equipment in future evolved PLMN networks.

[0046] CUs and DUs can be physically separate or deployed together. Multiple DUs can share a single CU. A single DU can also connect to multiple CUs. CUs and DUs can be connected via interfaces, such as F1 interfaces. CUs and DUs can be partitioned according to the protocol layers of the wireless network. For example, one possible partition is: the CU performs functions of the Radio Resource Control (RRC), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layers, while the DU performs functions of the Radio Link Control (RLC), Media Access Control (MAC), and physical layers. This partitioning of CU and DU processing functions according to protocol layers is just one example; other partitioning methods are also possible. For example, CUs or DUs can be partitioned to handle functions across more protocol layers. Alternatively, CUs or DUs can be partitioned to handle partial protocol layer processing functions. In one design, some functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions above the RLC layer are located in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions below the RLC layer are located in the DU. In another design, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements. For example, based on latency, functions that need to meet latency requirements are located in the DU, while functions that do not need to meet this latency requirement are located in the CU. The network architecture shown in the diagram can be applied to 5G communication systems, and it can also share one or more components or resources with LTE systems. In another design, the CU can also have one or more core network functions. One or more CUs can be centrally located or separately located. For example, the CU can be located on the network side for convenient centralized management. The DU can have multiple radio frequency functions, or the radio frequency functions can be located remotely.

[0047] The functionality of a CU can be implemented by a single entity or by different entities. For example, the functionality of the CU can be further divided, such as separating the control plane (CP) and the user plane (UP), i.e., the CU control plane (CU-CP) and the CU user plane (CU-UP). For example, the CU-CP and CU-UP can be implemented by different functional entities, and the CU-CP and CU-UP can be coupled with the DU to jointly complete the functions of the access network device.

[0048] The terminal device can communicate with access network devices using different technologies. For example, the terminal device can communicate with access network devices supporting long-term evolution (LTE), or with access network devices supporting 5G, or simultaneously with both LTE-enabled and 5G-enabled access network devices. This application's embodiments are not limited to these specific examples.

[0049] To facilitate understanding of this application, the relevant concepts involved in the embodiments of this application are now described.

[0050] After a terminal device enters the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state, the access network device can configure at least one Bandwidth Part (BWP) for the terminal device via RRC signaling (or simply bandwidth portion; for ease of description, this application uses the term "partial bandwidth"). Each BWP configuration may include a BWP identifier, frequency domain location, transmission bandwidth size, and subcarrier spacing used; optionally, a cyclic prefix may also be included. The transmission bandwidth included in each BWP is no greater than the bandwidth capability supported by the terminal device. Regardless of the system bandwidth of the access network device, the access network device can configure a frequency domain resource range matching the bandwidth capability of the terminal device to ensure subsequent data transmission between the access network device and the terminal. Among the at least one BWP configured for a terminal device, the frequency domain resources included in different BWPs may overlap or not overlap. BWPs configured for different terminal devices may be the same or different. Therefore, even if different terminal devices have the same bandwidth capability, the access network device can configure BWPs with different transmission bandwidths for different terminal devices. In one possible implementation, currently, considering complexity, for a single terminal device, the access network device can configure a maximum of four BWPs in each direction of uplink and downlink (i.e., a maximum of four uplink BWPs and a maximum of four downlink BWPs). For both uplink and downlink, one of these four BWPs is active. Data transmission between the access network device and the terminal device occurs within the frequency domain resources corresponding to the active BWP. The access network device can configure or switch the active BWP via RRC signaling, or dynamically switch the active BWP via downlink control information (DCI). This allows the terminal device to transmit data with the access network device within different BWPs, adapting to different scenarios, ensuring data transmission efficiency, and achieving power saving. For example, in the first scenario, when the terminal device has a large traffic volume, the access network device switches (activates) a high-bandwidth BWP to meet the needs of large data transmission; in the second scenario, when the terminal device has a smaller traffic volume, the access network device switches (activates) a low-bandwidth BWP to meet basic communication needs, thus saving power for the terminal device. However, activating the BWP switching operation may cause a long service interruption time because the terminal device may need to switch its operating frequency or bandwidth.

[0051] During the movement of terminal devices, it's inevitable that a terminal device currently using the service of one access network device will move to the coverage area of ​​another. To ensure communication continuity and service quality, it's necessary to transfer the communication link between the terminal device and one cell to another, that is, to switch the terminal device from the cell under the source access network device to the cell under the target access network device. During the handover process, the target access network device will configure the BWP (Browser Window) configuration that the terminal device will use after the handover, as well as the identifier of the first activated BWP. The first activated BWP is one of at least one BWP configured by the target access network device for the terminal device in its BWP configuration. After the handover, the terminal device will use the first activated BWP as the BWP for current communication; that is, the terminal device will use this first activated BWP to transmit data with the target access network device. However, the inventors of this application have discovered that when the target access network device configures the BWP and determines the initially activated BWP for the terminal device based on its own configuration and the terminal device's capabilities, several issues may arise. For example, during handover, if the terminal device has a large data transmission demand, and the initially activated BWP determined by the target access network device has a narrow bandwidth, this narrow bandwidth may not be sufficient to meet the transmission needs after the terminal device switches to the target access network device. The target access network device then needs to replace the activated BWP with a wider bandwidth BWP, resulting in a longer service interruption time. Furthermore, if a high-bandwidth BWP is not available in the configured BWP list, the target access network device needs to configure and activate a high-bandwidth BWP for the terminal device via RRC signaling, which will cause an even longer service interruption time.

[0052] Therefore, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are presented. The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] One embodiment of this application provides a communication method; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 Here is a flowchart of the method. In the following description, this method will be applied to... Figure 1The communication system shown is an example. Furthermore, this method can be executed by two communication devices, such as a first access network device and a second access network device. The first access network device can be a base station or a communication device (e.g., a chip system) capable of supporting the functions required for the base station to implement this method; it can also be other communication devices. The second access network device can be a base station or a communication device (e.g., a chip system) capable of supporting the functions required for the base station to implement this method; it can also be other communication devices. There are no restrictions on the implementation methods of the first and second access network devices. For example, these two access network devices can be implemented in the same form, such as both being implemented as devices; or they can be implemented in different forms, such as the first access network device being implemented as a device and the second access network device being implemented as a chip system, and so on.

[0054] For ease of explanation, the following description uses the example of the method being executed by a first access network device and a second access network device. Optionally, the first access network device can be the source access network device during the handover or RRC re-establishment process of the terminal device, and the second access network device can be the target access network device during the handover or RRC re-establishment process of the terminal device. For example, as the terminal device moves, from the coverage area of ​​the first access network device to the coverage area of ​​the second access network device, the first access network device decides to hand over the terminal device to the second access network device, which is the handover scenario. The handover scenario can include handover based on the Xn interface and handover based on the Next Generation (NG) interface. If the terminal device experiences an issue with the first access network device, such as a radio link failure or integrity check failure, the terminal device selects the second access network device to initiate the RRC re-establishment process, which is the RRC re-establishment scenario.

[0055] S200, the first access network device generates the first message.

[0056] The first message may include first indication information. This first indication information indicates the terminal device's currently active BWP information on the first access network device.

[0057] After the terminal device enters the RRC connected state, the first access network device configures one or more BWPs for the terminal device. For example, Table 1 shows three BWPs configured. Data transmission between the first access network device and the terminal device occurs on the activated BWP. The first access network device can change the activated BWP as needed.

[0058] Table 1

[0059] In handover or RRC re-establishment scenarios, the serving access network device of the terminal device may change from a first access network device to a second access network device. The first access network device generates a first message. The first message may include first indication information, which indicates the information of the currently active BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device. The currently active BWP here may be the active BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device when step S200 occurs in the handover scenario, that is, when the first message is generated, or the last active BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device in the RRC re-establishment scenario.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the information of the currently active BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device includes the identifier of the currently active BWP.

[0061] Optionally, the first message may also carry configuration information for one or more BWPs configured by the first access network device for the terminal device. The BWP configuration information may include the identifier of the one or more BWPs, the frequency domain location corresponding to the BWP identifier, the transmission bandwidth, and the subcarrier spacing used. Optionally, it may also include a cyclic prefix. It is understood that the currently active BWP is one of the aforementioned one or more BWPs.

[0062] After receiving the first message in step S201, the second access network device can obtain the configuration information of the currently active BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device, including the bandwidth of the currently active BWP, based on the identifier of the currently active BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device and the BWP configuration information of the terminal device in the first access network device.

[0063] Taking Table 1 as an example, if the identifier of the currently active BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device is 3, then the information of the currently active BWP includes BWP identifier 3. The second access network device can know that the bandwidth of the currently active BWP is 50MHz based on the BWP configuration information of the terminal device in the first access network device (i.e., the information in Table 1) and BWP identifier 3.

[0064] In another possible implementation, the information of the currently active BWP in the first access network device includes the bandwidth information of the currently active BWP. This bandwidth information can be a bandwidth value, a bandwidth range, or a bandwidth level, such as high bandwidth, medium bandwidth, or low bandwidth. Taking Table 1 as an example, if the identifier of the currently active BWP is 3, then the information of the currently active BWP indicates that the BWP bandwidth is 50MHz, or the information of the currently active BWP includes an enumeration value indicating a bandwidth range within which the bandwidth of the currently active BWP is located, such as "40MHz~60MHz", or the information of the currently active BWP includes an enumeration value indicating "high bandwidth".

[0065] In another possible implementation, the information of the currently active BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device includes the identifier of the currently active BWP and the bandwidth information of the currently active BWP.

[0066] It should be noted that although currently a single terminal device typically supports a maximum of four BWPs configured in one direction at a time, and only one active BWP, it is possible that in the future, a terminal device may support multiple active BWPs in one direction simultaneously. For example, it could support up to eight BWPs in one direction, with two or more active BWPs. Therefore, in the two implementation methods above, the information of the currently active BWP in one direction can include the identifiers of one or more active BWPs, or the bandwidth information of one or more active BWPs, such as the identifiers and / or bandwidth information of all currently active BWPs.

[0067] Data transmission between the terminal device and the access network device occurs in two directions: downlink data transmission from the access network device to the terminal device, and uplink data transmission from the terminal device to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device configures uplink and downlink BWPs for the terminal device, each with its own currently active BWP. Therefore, the information about the currently active BWP of the terminal device on the first access network device can include information about the currently active downlink BWP, or information about the currently active uplink BWP, or information about both. Correspondingly, the identifier of the currently active BWP includes the identifier of the currently active downlink BWP and / or the identifier of the currently active uplink BWP, and the bandwidth of the currently active BWP includes the bandwidth of the currently active downlink BWP and / or the bandwidth of the currently active uplink BWP.

[0068] In one possible implementation, for a handover scenario based on the Xn interface, the first message can be a handover request message (i.e., HANDOVER REQUEST) of the Xn Application Protocol (XnAP), which carries first indication information. That is, the first indication information is a cell in the handover request message. Alternatively, since the handover request message carries a container cell, which is an inter-node RRC message and a handover preparation information message, the first message can also be considered as a handover preparation information message. In other words, the first indication information is a cell in the handover preparation information message.

[0069] In another possible implementation, for a handover scenario based on the Next Generation (NG) interface, the first message can be an inter-node RRC message, which can be a handover preparation information message. In other words, the first indication information is an element in the handover preparation information message.

[0070] In another possible implementation, for the RRC re-establishment scenario, the first message can be a RETRIEVE UE CONTEXT RESPONSE message from the XnAP protocol. This RETRIEVE UE CONTEXT RESPONSE message carries first indication information, meaning the first indication information is an element within the RETRIEVE UE CONTEXT RESPONSE message. Alternatively, since the RETRIEVE UE CONTEXT RESPONSE message carries a container element, which is an inter-node RRC message and a Handover Preparation Information message, the first message can also be considered a Handover Preparation Information message. In other words, the first indication information is an element within the Handover Preparation Information message. Optionally, before the first access network device generates the first message, the second access network device receives an RRC re-establishment request message from the terminal device. The second access network device then sends a third message to the first access network device, and the first access network device receives the third message from the second access network device. This third message can be a RETRIEVE UE CONTEXT REQUEST message from the XnAP protocol, used to request the acquisition of the terminal device's context information. After receiving the third message, the first access network device generates the first message.

[0071] S201, The first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device.

[0072] Accordingly, the second access network device receives the first message. The name and content of the first message are described in the relevant section of S200, and will not be repeated here.

[0073] S202, the second access network device determines the first configuration information of the terminal device in the second access network device based on the first indication information.

[0074] The second access network device can determine the first configuration information used by the terminal device in the second access network device after switching to the second access network device based on the first indication information. For example, as described in step S201, the second access network device can obtain the bandwidth information of the currently active BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device based on the first indication information, and then determine the matching first configuration information based on the bandwidth information of this active BWP. Optionally, in this embodiment, "matching" can include the same or similar values, or the same or similar levels or ranges; this embodiment does not limit this. "Similar" can mean that the absolute value of the difference between the two is within a certain range (e.g., less than or equal to a certain threshold). If there are no identical or similar values, "matching" can include the closest value, level, or range.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the first configuration information may include information about the terminal device's first activated BWP on the second access network device. This first activated BWP information may include an identifier for the first activated BWP. The first activated BWP is the first activated BWP after the terminal device accesses the access network device (i.e., the firstActiveBWP). For example, it could be the first activated BWP on the target access network device during handover or RRC re-establishment scenarios. It is understood that when the second access network device determines the terminal device's first activated BWP information based on the first indication information, the terminal device's BWP configuration information on the second access network device can be determined according to the first indication information or in a conventional manner. Regardless of the method used to determine the terminal device's BWP configuration information on the second access network device, the second access network device will send the BWP configuration information to the terminal device. Therefore, the terminal device can determine the configuration information of the first activated BWP based on the received first activated BWP information and the BWP configuration information, and then perform data transmission based on this configuration information.

[0076] For example, based on the information of the terminal device's currently active BWP on the first access network device, the second access network device can determine that the terminal device also has the same or similar data transmission needs on the second access network device. The second access network device can configure information of a first active BWP that matches the terminal device's currently active BWP on the first access network device or matches the terminal device's data transmission needs. For example, the second access network device can configure a BWP with the same or similar bandwidth as the terminal device's currently active BWP on the first access network device as the first active BWP.

[0077] Taking Table 1 as an example, if the currently active BWP of the terminal device on the first access network device is BWP 3, then the information of the currently active BWP includes the identifier 3 of the currently active BWP or the bandwidth of the currently active BWP is 50MHz. Based on this information, the second access network device knows that the bandwidth of the currently active BWP is 50MHz. The second access network device can determine that the current terminal device has a large data transmission demand and can select, or in other words determine, from the multiple BWPs configured for the terminal device by the second access network device, a BWP with a bandwidth that is the same as or close to 50MHz as the first activated BWP to meet the data transmission needs. For example, if the second access network device configures 3 BWPs for the terminal device... If the bandwidths are 20MHz, 30MHz, and 50MHz respectively, then the 50MHz BWP with the same bandwidth can be selected as the first activated BWP, and the first configuration information is set to the BWP identifier of this 50MHz BWP. Alternatively, if the second access network device configures three BWPs for the terminal device with bandwidths of 20MHz, 30MHz, and 40MHz respectively, then the 40MHz BWP with a similar bandwidth is selected as the first activated BWP, and the first configuration information is set to the BWP identifier of this 40MHz BWP. If the terminal device's currently activated BWP on the first access network device is a BWP... 1. The information of the currently activated BWP includes the identifier 1 of the currently activated BWP or the bandwidth of the currently activated BWP is 10MHz. The second access network device knows that the bandwidth of the activated BWP is 10MHz based on the information of the currently activated BWP. The second access network device can estimate that the data transmission demand of the current terminal device is relatively small. It can select, or determine, from the configured multiple BWPs, the BWP with the same or similar bandwidth as 10MHz as the first activated BWP to meet the power saving needs of the terminal device. For example, if the second access network device configures 3 BWPs for the terminal device with bandwidths of 10MHz, 30MHz and 50MHz respectively, then the BWP with the same bandwidth of 10MHz is selected as the first activated BWP, and the first configuration information is set to the BWP identifier of the 10MHz BWP. Or, for example, if the second access network device configures 3 BWPs for the terminal device with bandwidths of 15MHz, 30MHz and 40MHz respectively, then the BWP with the similar bandwidth of 15MHz is selected as the first activated BWP, and the first configuration information is set to the BWP identifier of the 15MHz BWP.

[0078] For example, taking Table 1 as an example, if the terminal device's currently active BWP on the first access network device is BWP 3, and the information of the currently active BWP includes the bandwidth information of the currently active BWP as "large bandwidth", then the second access network device can determine that the current terminal device has a large data transmission demand based on "large bandwidth". It can then select, or determine, from the multiple BWPs configured for the terminal device by the second access network device, the BWP with the large bandwidth as the first activated BWP. For example, if the second access network device configures three BWPs for the terminal device with bandwidths of 20MHz, 30MHz, and 50MHz respectively, then the 50MHz large bandwidth BWP is selected as the first activated BWP, and the first configuration information is set to the BWP identifier of this 50MHz BWP; if the terminal device's currently active BWP on the first access network device is BWP... 1. If the information of the currently activated BWP includes the bandwidth information of the currently activated BWP as "small bandwidth", then the second access network device can estimate that the data transmission demand of the current terminal device is small based on the "small bandwidth". It can select or determine the small bandwidth BWP as the first activated BWP from the configured multiple BWPs. For example, if the second access network device configures 3 BWPs for the terminal device with bandwidths of 10MHz, 30MHz and 50MHz respectively, then the 10MHz small bandwidth BWP is selected as the first activated BWP, and the first configuration information is set to the BWP identifier of the 10MHz BWP.

[0079] For example, taking Table 1 as an example, if the terminal device's currently active BWP on the first access network device is BWP 3, and the information of the currently active BWP includes the bandwidth information of "40MHz~60MHz", then the second access network device can determine that the terminal device's data transmission demand is relatively large based on "40MHz~60MHz". It can then select, or determine, from the multiple BWPs configured for the terminal device by the second access network device, the BWP with a bandwidth in the "40MHz~60MHz" range as the first activated BWP. For instance, if the second access network device configures three BWPs for the terminal device with bandwidths of 20MHz, 30MHz, and 50MHz respectively, then the BWP with a bandwidth of 50MHz is selected as the first activated BWP, and the first configuration information is set to the BWP identifier of this 50MHz BWP. If the terminal device's currently active BWP on the first access network device is BWP... 1. The information of the currently activated BWP includes the bandwidth information of the currently activated BWP as "0MHz~15MHz". Based on "0MHz~15MHz", the second access network device can estimate that the data transmission demand of the current terminal device is relatively small. It can select from the configured multiple BWPs, or in other words, determine that the BWP with a bandwidth in the range of "40MHz~60MHz" is the first activated BWP. For example, if the second access network device configures 3 BWPs for the terminal device with bandwidths of 10MHz, 30MHz and 50MHz respectively, then the BWP with a bandwidth of 10MHz is selected as the first activated BWP, and the first configuration information is set to the BWP identifier of the 10MHz BWP.

[0080] Without the initial instruction, the following might occur: if the bandwidth of the initially activated BWP selected by the second access network device is too small, it will be necessary to replace the activated BWP with one of larger bandwidth to meet data transmission needs; conversely, if the bandwidth of the initially activated BWP selected by the second access network device is too large, it will be necessary to replace the activated BWP with one of smaller bandwidth to meet the terminal's power-saving needs. Therefore, the method described in this implementation can avoid or reduce the need for the terminal device to perform an activated BWP replacement after switching to the second access network device, thereby further reducing service interruptions.

[0081] It should be noted that, generally, the bandwidth of the initial activated BWP on the second access network device can be the same as the bandwidth of the currently activated BWP on the first access network device. However, the bandwidth of the initial activated BWP can also be different from that of the currently activated BWP on the first access network device. When the second access network device determines a suitable initial activated BWP based on the currently activated BWP, other factors can also be considered. For example, if the bandwidth of the currently activated BWP is 50MHz, but the second access network device can only support a maximum configured BWP bandwidth of 40MHz, then the second access network device can select a 40MHz bandwidth BWP as the initial activated BWP for the terminal device from the configured BWPs. As another example, if the bandwidth of the currently activated BWP is 10MHz, but the second access network device, based on historical information, anticipates an increase in data transmission demand after the terminal device connects to the second access network device, then the second access network device can select a 20MHz bandwidth BWP as the initial activated BWP for the terminal device from the configured BWPs.

[0082] In another possible implementation, the first configuration information can be BWP configuration information. It is understood that when the second access network device determines the terminal device's BWP configuration information on the second access network device based on the first indication information, the terminal device's initial BWP activation information on the second access network device can be determined according to the first indication information or in a conventional manner. Regardless of the method used to determine the terminal device's initial BWP activation information on the second access network device, the second access network device will send the initial BWP activation information to the terminal device. Therefore, the terminal device can determine the initial BWP activation configuration information based on the received initial BWP activation information and the BWP configuration information, and then perform data transmission based on this initial BWP activation configuration information.

[0083] For example, the data transmission requirements of the terminal device can be determined based on the information of the currently active BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device, and then the second access network device can configure matching BWP configuration information accordingly.

[0084] For example, the second access network device can first determine, based on the determined data transmission requirements or directly based on the information of the currently active BWP, to configure a matching BWP with a bandwidth of X for the terminal device. To cope with higher or lower data transmission requirements from the terminal device, it can also configure a BWP with a bandwidth lower than X but within a first threshold range and a BWP with a bandwidth higher than X but within a second threshold range. The specific values ​​of the first and second thresholds can be determined by the second access network device. Taking Table 1 as an example, if the terminal device's currently active BWP on the first access network device is BWP 3, then the second access network device knows that the bandwidth of the active BWP is 50MHz. The second access network device can determine that the current data transmission requirements of the terminal device are relatively large. Therefore, in addition to configuring a matching 50MHz BWP, it can also configure a 20MHz and a 70MHz BWP, as shown in Table 2.

[0085] Table 2

[0086] Therefore, the method described in this implementation can avoid or reduce the need for terminal devices to perform BWP configuration changes after switching to a second access network device, thereby further reducing service interruptions.

[0087] It should be noted that the two implementation methods mentioned above can also be combined. The first configuration information can include both the information of the first activation of BWP and the BWP configuration information. That is, the second access network device determines the matching BWP configuration information and the matching information of the first activation of BWP based on the first indication information. Taking Table 2 as an example, the second access network device determines the BWP configuration information in Table 2 based on the first indication information, and also determines that the first activation of BWP is BWP 2 based on the first indication information. This reduces both the service interruption caused by the switching of activated BWP and the service interruption caused by changing the BWP configuration and replacing the activated BWP.

[0088] The information on the currently active BWP received by the second access network device from the first access network device may include currently active uplink BWP information and / or currently active downlink BWP information. Correspondingly, the information on the first activated BWP determined by the second access network device based on the currently active BWP information received from the first access network device may include information on the first activated uplink BWP, such as the identifier firstActiveUplinkBWP-Id, and / or information on the first activated downlink BWP, such as the identifier firstActiveDownlinkBWP-Id. Similarly, the BWP configuration information determined by the second access network device based on the currently active BWP information received from the first access network device may include uplink BWP configuration information and / or downlink BWP configuration information.

[0089] For example, since uplink and downlink transmission demands may be inconsistent—for instance, when a terminal device is downloading a file, downlink transmission demand is high while uplink transmission demand is relatively low—the information on the first activated uplink BWP and / or uplink BWP configuration of the second access network device can be determined based on the information on the currently activated downlink BWP of the first access network device.

[0090] If it is an RRC re-establishment scenario, the second access network device sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device. The RRC reconfiguration message includes first configuration information. After receiving the message, the terminal device uses the first configuration information, for example, using the first activated BWP as the terminal device's activated BWP. If it is a handover scenario, the following step S203 can be executed.

[0091] S203, the second access network device sends a second message to the first access network device.

[0092] Accordingly, the first access network device receives the second message; the second message includes the first configuration information.

[0093] If the first message in step S201 is a handover request message of the XnAP protocol in the handover scenario, then the second message can be a handover request acknowledgment message of the XnAP protocol (i.e., HANDOVER REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGE). It should be noted that the handover request acknowledgment message includes a container, which is an inter-node RRC message. The inter-node RRC message is a handover command message, which includes an RRC reconfiguration message. The RRC reconfiguration message further includes first configuration information.

[0094] If the first message in step S201 is a handover preparation information message between nodes in the handover scenario, then the second message can be a handover command message (i.e., a handover command) between nodes. The handover command message includes an RRC reconfiguration message, which further includes first configuration information.

[0095] Optionally, the first access network device sends first configuration information to the terminal device. The first access network device obtains an RRC reconfiguration message from the second message in step S203. This RRC reconfiguration message includes the first configuration information. The first access network device sends this RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device to switch from the first access network device to the second access network device. After switching to the second access network device, the terminal device uses the first configuration information in the second access network device, for example, using the initial activation BWP as the terminal device's activation BWP.

[0096] In this embodiment, the first access network device sends first indication information to the second access network device. The first indication information indicates the information of the currently activated BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device. The second access network device determines the appropriate information of the first activation of the BWP and / or the BWP configuration information of the terminal device in the second access network device based on the first indication information, thereby reducing service interruptions caused by switching the activated BWP, and / or reducing service interruptions caused by changing the BWP configuration and replacing the activated BWP.

[0097] Another embodiment of this application provides a communication method; please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 Here is a flowchart of the method. In the following description, this method will be applied to... Figure 1 The communication system shown is an example. Furthermore, this method can be executed by two communication devices, such as a first access network device and a second access network device. The first access network device can be a base station or a communication device (e.g., a chip system) capable of supporting the functions required for the base station to implement this method; it can also be other communication devices. The second access network device can be a base station or a communication device (e.g., a chip system) capable of supporting the functions required for the base station to implement this method; it can also be other communication devices. There are no restrictions on the implementation methods of the first and second access network devices. For example, these two access network devices can be implemented in the same form, such as both being implemented as devices; or they can be implemented in different forms, such as the first access network device being implemented as a device and the second access network device being implemented as a chip system, and so on.

[0098] For ease of explanation, the following description will use the example of the method being executed by a first access network device and a second access network device. Optionally, the first access network device can be the source access network device of the terminal device during the handover process or RRC re-establishment process, and the second access network device can be the target access network device of the terminal device during the handover process or RRC re-establishment process.

[0099] S300, the first access network device generates the first message.

[0100] The first message may include first indication information. S300 is similar to S200, except that the content of the first indication information is different. In this embodiment, the first indication information indicates the transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device. It is understood that the names of the first messages in various scenarios can be further referred to the relevant description in S200, and will not be repeated here.

[0101] For example, the transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device may be the amount of data transmitted within a period of time (fixed length) before step S300 occurs, or it may be the average amount of data transmitted per unit time before step S300 occurs, such as the amount of data transmitted per second or the amount of traffic per second.

[0102] Transmission rate information can include a transmission rate value, i.e., a specific transmission rate value, such as 1.2 MB per second; transmission rate information can also include transmission rate level information, such as one of four levels: ultra-high rate, high rate, medium rate, and low rate. As for how these levels are defined, they can be specified by the protocol or defined by the first access network device itself; transmission rate information can also include transmission rate range information, such as one of 0-200 KB per second, 200 KB-2 MB per second, 2 MB-10 MB per second, 10 MB-50 MB per second, and above 50 MB per second.

[0103] It is understood that the transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device may include the downlink transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device, or the uplink transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device, or both the downlink transmission rate information and the uplink transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device.

[0104] S301, The first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device.

[0105] Accordingly, the second access network device receives the first message. The name and content of the first message are described in the relevant description of S300, and will not be repeated here.

[0106] S302, the second access network device determines the first configuration information of the terminal device in the second access network device based on the first indication information.

[0107] The second access network device can determine the first configuration information used by the terminal device in the second access network device after switching to the second access network device based on the first indication information. For example, the second access network device can obtain the transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device based on the first indication information, and then determine the matching first configuration information based on this transmission rate information. Optionally, in this embodiment, "matching" may include the same or similar values, or the same or similar levels or ranges; this embodiment does not limit this. "Similar" can mean that the absolute value of the difference between the two is within a certain range (e.g., less than or equal to a certain threshold). If there are no identical or similar values, "matching" may include the closest value, level, or range.

[0108] In one possible implementation, the first configuration information may include information about the terminal device's initial activation of the BWP on the second access network device. This initial BWP activation information may include an identifier for the initial BWP activation. The bandwidth of the initial BWP activation matches this transmission rate information. It is understood that when the second access network device determines the terminal device's initial BWP activation information based on the first indication information, the terminal device's BWP configuration information on the second access network device may be determined according to the first indication information or in a conventional manner. Regardless of the method used to determine the terminal device's BWP configuration information on the second access network device, the second access network device will send the BWP configuration information to the terminal device. Therefore, the terminal device can determine the initial BWP activation configuration information based on the received initial BWP activation information and the BWP configuration information, and then perform data transmission based on this initial BWP activation configuration information.

[0109] For example, based on the transmission rate information of the terminal device on the first access network device, the second access network device can determine that the terminal device also has the same or similar data transmission needs on the second access network device. The second access network device can configure initial activation BWP information that matches the transmission rate information of the terminal device on the first access network device or the data transmission needs of the terminal device. For example, if the transmission rate information of the terminal device on the first access network device indicates a "very high rate" rate level, the second access network device can select, or determine, from the configured multiple BWPs, the BWP with the largest bandwidth matching "very high rate" as the initial activation BWP to meet the data transmission needs. If the transmission rate information of the terminal device on the first access network device indicates a "low rate" rate level, it can select, or determine, from the configured multiple BWPs, the BWP with the smallest bandwidth matching "low rate" as the initial activation BWP to meet the power saving needs of the terminal device. For example, if the terminal device indicates a transmission rate of "40MB per second" in the transmission rate information of the first access network device, the second access network device can select, or determine, from the configured multiple BWPs, the large bandwidth BWP that matches the "40MB per second" rate as the first activated BWP. If the terminal device indicates a transmission rate of "20KB per second" in the transmission rate information of the first access network device, the second access network device can select, or determine, from the configured multiple BWPs, the small bandwidth BWP that matches the "20KB per second" rate as the first activated BWP. For example, if the terminal device's transmission rate information on the first access network device indicates a rate range of "10MB-50MB per second", the second access network device can select, or determine, from the configured multiple BWPs, a high-bandwidth BWP that matches the "10MB-50MB per second" rate range as the first activated BWP. If the terminal device's transmission rate information on the first access network device indicates a rate range of "0-200KB per second", the second access network device can select, or determine, from the configured multiple BWPs, a low-bandwidth BWP that matches the "0-200KB per second" rate range as the first activated BWP.

[0110] Without the initial instruction, the following might occur: if the bandwidth of the initially activated BWP selected by the second access network device is too small, it will be necessary to replace the activated BWP with one of larger bandwidth to meet data transmission needs; conversely, if the bandwidth of the initially activated BWP selected by the second access network device is too large, it will be necessary to replace the activated BWP with one of smaller bandwidth to meet the terminal's power-saving needs. Therefore, the method described in this implementation can avoid or reduce the need for the terminal device to perform an activated BWP replacement after switching to the second access network device, thereby further reducing service interruptions.

[0111] In another possible implementation, the first configuration information can be BWP configuration information. It is understood that when the second access network device determines the terminal device's BWP configuration information on the second access network device based on the first indication information, the terminal device's initial BWP activation information on the second access network device can be determined according to the first indication information or in a conventional manner. Regardless of the method used to determine the terminal device's initial BWP activation information on the second access network device, the second access network device will send the initial BWP activation information to the terminal device. Therefore, the terminal device can determine the initial BWP activation configuration information based on the received initial BWP activation information and the BWP configuration information, and then perform data transmission based on this initial BWP activation configuration information.

[0112] For example, based on the transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device, it can be known that the terminal device also has the same or similar data transmission needs in the second access network device. Therefore, the second access network device can configure appropriate BWP configuration information that matches this transmission rate information. For instance, if the transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device indicates an ultra-high rate, a matching high-bandwidth BWP can be configured, such as the configuration in Table 3.

[0113] Table 3

[0114] If the terminal device indicates a low rate in the transmission rate information of the first access network device, a matching low-bandwidth BWP can be configured, such as the configuration in Table 4.

[0115] Table 4

[0116] The method described in this implementation can avoid or reduce the need for terminal devices to perform BWP configuration changes after switching to a second access network device, thereby further reducing service interruptions.

[0117] It should be noted that the two implementation methods described above can also be combined. The first configuration information can include both the information on the initial activation of the BWP and the BWP configuration information. That is, the second access network device determines both the BWP configuration information and the information on the initial activation of the BWP based on the first indication information. For example, the BWP configuration in Table 3 can be determined based on the transmission rate information of the first access network device indicating a high rate, and the initial activation of the BWP can be determined as BWP 3, which has the highest bandwidth among the three BWP configurations in Table 3. Or, for example, the BWP configuration in Table 4 can be determined based on the transmission rate information of the first access network device indicating a low rate, and the initial activation of the BWP can be determined as BWP 1, which has the lowest bandwidth among the three BWP configurations in Table 4. This reduces both service interruptions caused by switching the activated BWP and service interruptions caused by changing the BWP configuration and replacing the activated BWP.

[0118] The transmission rate information received by the second access network device from the first access network device may include uplink transmission rate information and / or downlink transmission rate information. Correspondingly, the information for the first activation of the BWP determined by the second access network device based on the transmission rate information received from the first access network device may include information for the first activation of the uplink BWP (e.g., the identifier firstActiveUplinkBWP-Id), and / or information for the first activation of the downlink BWP (e.g., the identifier firstActiveDownlinkBWP-Id). Similarly, the BWP configuration information determined by the second access network device based on the transmission rate information received from the first access network device may include uplink BWP configuration information and / or downlink BWP configuration information.

[0119] For example, since uplink and downlink transmission demands may be inconsistent, such as when a terminal device is downloading a file, the downlink transmission demand is high while the uplink transmission demand is relatively low. Therefore, the information on the first activation of the uplink BWP and / or the uplink BWP configuration information of the second access network device can be determined based on the uplink transmission rate information of the first access network device, and the information on the first activation of the downlink BWP and / or the downlink BWP configuration information of the second access network device can be determined based on the downlink transmission rate information of the first access network device.

[0120] If it is an RRC re-establishment scenario, the second access network device sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device. The RRC reconfiguration message includes first configuration information. After receiving the message, the terminal device uses the first configuration information, for example, using the first activated BWP as the terminal device's activated BWP. If it is a handover scenario, the following step S303 can be executed.

[0121] S303, The second access network device sends a second message to the first access network device.

[0122] Accordingly, the first access network device receives the second message; the second message includes the first configuration information. It is understood that the sending process or scenario of the second message can be further referred to the relevant description at S203, and will not be repeated here.

[0123] In this embodiment, the first access network device sends first indication information to the second access network device. The first indication information indicates the transmission rate information of the terminal device in the first access network device. The second access network device determines the appropriate information for the first activation of the BWP and / or the BWP configuration information of the terminal device in the second access network device based on the first indication information, thereby reducing service interruptions caused by switching the activated BWP, and / or reducing service interruptions caused by changing the BWP configuration and replacing the activated BWP.

[0124] It should be noted that, in the above embodiments, the first access network device sends information about the terminal device's currently active BWP on the first access network device or the terminal device's transmission rate information on the first access network device to the second access network device. When both pieces of information exist, if only one can be sent, the first access network device may prioritize sending one of them. This priority may be specified by the protocol, determined by the first access network device itself, or indicated by the second access network device, such as in the third message.

[0125] In another embodiment of this application, a communication method is provided. In this communication method, a first access network device transmits information about the current active BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device and information about the transmission rate of the terminal device in the first access network device to a second access network device. That is, the first indication information includes both the information about the current active BWP of the terminal device in the first access network device and the information about the transmission rate of the terminal device in the first access network device. The second access network device can comprehensively consider these two pieces of information to determine appropriate first configuration information. For example, when the transmission rate information indicates a high rate, but the bandwidth of the currently active BWP in the same direction is small, the second access network device can determine the first configuration information for that direction based on the transmission rate information. When the transmission rate information indicates a low rate, but the bandwidth of the currently active BWP in the same direction is large, the second access network device can determine the first configuration information for that direction based on the information of the currently active BWP. Alternatively, the second access network device may prioritize determining the first configuration information based on the transmission rate information. That is, when the first access network device transmits both the transmission rate information and the information of the currently active BWP to the second access network device, the second access network device determines the first configuration information based on the transmission rate information, ignoring the information of the currently active BWP. When the first access network device does not transmit the transmission rate information to the second access network device, the second access network device determines the first configuration information based on the information of the currently active BWP. It is understood that the communication method flow in this embodiment, as well as the specific content such as the information of the currently active BWP and the transmission rate information, can be found in the relevant descriptions of the two embodiments mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0126] The apparatus used to implement the above method in the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the content above can be used in subsequent embodiments, and repeated content will not be described again.

[0127] Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 400 can correspondingly implement the functions or steps implemented by the first access network device or the second access network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0128] In some possible implementations, the communication device may include one or more of a transmitting unit 410, a receiving unit 420, and a processing unit 430. Optionally, it may also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions (code or programs) and / or data. The transmitting unit 410, the receiving unit 420, and the processing unit 430 may be coupled to the storage unit. For example, the processing unit 430 may read the instructions (code or programs) and / or data from the storage unit to implement a corresponding method. The aforementioned units may be set independently or partially or completely integrated.

[0129] In some possible implementations, the communication device 400 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the first access network device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 400 can be the first access network device, or it can be a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the first access network device. The transmitting unit 410 and the receiving unit 420 can be used to perform all the receiving or transmitting operations performed by the first access network device in the above method embodiments, for example... Figure 2 S201 or in the illustrated embodiment Figure 3 S301 in the illustrated embodiment, and / or other processes used to support the technology described herein. The processing unit 430 is used to execute all operations performed by the first access network device in the above method embodiments, except for the transmit / receive operations, and / or other processes used to support the technology described herein.

[0130] In some embodiments, the processing unit 430 is configured to generate a first message, the first message including first indication information. The first indication information indicates the terminal device's information on the currently active BWP and / or transmission rate information in the first access network device. The information on the currently active BWP may include the identifier of the currently active BWP and / or the bandwidth of the currently active BWP. The transmission rate information may include a transmission rate value, transmission rate level information, or transmission rate range information. Since there are two transmission directions, uplink and downlink, the information on the currently active BWP may include information on the currently active downlink BWP and / or information on the currently active uplink BWP. The information on the currently active downlink BWP helps the second access network device determine appropriate downlink parameters in the first configuration information, thereby reducing service interruptions caused by the switching of the downlink active BWP and / or reducing service interruptions caused by changing the downlink BWP configuration and replacing the downlink active BWP. The information on the currently active uplink BWP helps the second access network device determine appropriate uplink parameters in the first configuration information, thereby reducing service interruptions caused by the switching of the uplink active BWP and / or reducing service interruptions caused by changing the uplink BWP configuration and replacing the uplink active BWP.

[0131] The sending unit 410 is used to send the first message to the second access network device.

[0132] As an optional implementation, the receiving unit 420 is used to receive a second message from the second access network device. The second message includes first configuration information. The first configuration information may include information about the terminal device's first activation of the BWP on the second access network device and / or BWP configuration information. The information about the first activation of the BWP may include an identifier of the first activation of the BWP. Since there are two transmission directions, uplink and downlink, the information about the first activation of the BWP may include information about the first activation of the downlink BWP and / or the first activation of the uplink BWP. The BWP configuration information may include downlink BWP configuration information and / or uplink BWP configuration information. Optionally, the sending unit 410 sends the first configuration information to the terminal device.

[0133] As another optional implementation, in the RRC re-establishment scenario, the receiving unit 420 is used to receive a UE context retrieval request message from the terminal device before sending the first message to the second access network device. The UE context retrieval request message is used to request the acquisition of the context information of the terminal device; the first message may be a UE context retrieval response message.

[0134] It should be understood that the processing unit 430 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuit components, and the sending unit 410 and the receiving unit 420 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components or a communication interface.

[0135] In some possible implementations, the communication device 400 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the second access network device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 400 can be the second access network device, or it can be a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the second access network device. The transmitting unit 410 and the receiving unit 420 can be used to perform all the receiving or transmitting operations performed by the second access network device in the above method embodiments, for example... Figure 2 S201 or in the illustrated embodiment Figure 3 S301 in the illustrated embodiment, and / or other processes used to support the technology described herein. Processing unit 430 is used to execute all operations performed by the second access network device in the above method embodiments, except for the transmit / receive operations, and / or other processes used to support the technology described herein.

[0136] In some embodiments, the receiving unit 420 is configured to receive a first message from a first access network device. The first message includes first indication information, which indicates the terminal device's information on the currently active BWP and / or transmission rate information on the first access network device. The information on the currently active BWP may include the identifier of the currently active BWP and / or the bandwidth of the currently active BWP. The transmission rate information may include a transmission rate value, a transmission rate level, or a transmission rate range. Since there are two transmission directions, uplink and downlink, the information on the currently active BWP may include information on the currently active downlink BWP and / or information on the currently active uplink BWP. The information on the currently active downlink BWP helps the second access network device determine appropriate downlink parameters in the first configuration information, thereby reducing service interruptions caused by the switching of the downlink active BWP and / or reducing service interruptions caused by changing the downlink BWP configuration and replacing the downlink active BWP. The information on the currently active uplink BWP helps the second access network device determine appropriate uplink parameters in the first configuration information, thereby reducing service interruptions caused by the switching of the uplink active BWP and / or reducing service interruptions caused by changing the uplink BWP configuration and replacing the uplink active BWP.

[0137] As an optional implementation, the sending unit 410 is used to send a second message to the first access network device. The second message includes first configuration information. The first configuration information may include information on the first activation of the BWP by the terminal device in the second access network device and / or BWP configuration information. The information on the first activation of the BWP may include an identifier of the first activation of the BWP. Since there are two transmission directions, uplink and downlink, the information on the first activation of the BWP may include information on the first activation of the downlink BWP and / or information on the first activation of the uplink BWP. The BWP configuration information may include downlink BWP configuration information and / or uplink BWP configuration information.

[0138] As another optional implementation, in the RRC re-establishment scenario, before the receiving unit 420 receives the first message from the first access network device, the sending unit 410 sends a third message to the first access network device. This third message may be a UE context retrieval request message from the XnAP protocol, used to request the acquisition of the terminal device's context information. The first message may be a UE context retrieval response message. After the receiving unit 420 receives the first message from the first access network device, the sending unit 410 may send an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device. This RRC reconfiguration message includes first configuration information. After receiving this message, the terminal device uses this first configuration information, for example, using the initial activation BWP as the terminal device's activation BWP.

[0139] The processing unit 430 is used to determine the first configuration information of the terminal device in the second access network device based on the first indication information; the first configuration information may include the terminal device's first activation of BWP and / or BWP configuration information in the second access network device, the first activation of BWP information may include the identifier of the first activation of BWP, since there are two transmission directions, uplink and downlink, the first activation of BWP information may include the first activation of downlink BWP information and / or the first activation of uplink BWP information, and the BWP configuration information may include downlink BWP configuration information and / or uplink BWP configuration information.

[0140] It should be understood that the processing unit 430 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components, and the sending unit 410 and the receiving unit 420 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components.

[0141] The storage unit in the above embodiments can be implemented using a memory.

[0142] like Figure 5 The diagram shows a communication device 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 500 can be an access network device, capable of implementing the functions of the first or second access network device in the method provided in this application; alternatively, the communication device 500 can be a terminal device, capable of implementing the functions of the terminal device in the method provided in this application. The communication device 500 can also be a device that supports the first or second access network device in implementing the corresponding functions in the method provided in this application, or a device that supports the terminal device in implementing the corresponding functions in the method provided in this application. The communication device 500 can be a chip system. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0143] The communication device 500 includes at least one processor 520, used to implement or support the communication device 500 in implementing the functions of the first access network device, the second access network device, or the terminal device in the methods provided in the embodiments of this application. See the detailed description in the method examples for specific examples; they will not be repeated here.

[0144] The communication device 500 may further include at least one memory 530 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 530 is coupled to the processor 520. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 520 may operate in conjunction with the memory 530. The processor 520 may execute the program instructions and / or data stored in the memory 530 to cause the communication device 500 to implement a corresponding method. Optionally, at least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor.

[0145] The communication device 500 may further include a communication interface 510 for communicating with other devices via a transmission medium, thereby enabling the devices in the communication device 500 to communicate with other devices. For example, when the communication device is a terminal device, the other device is a first access network device or a second access network device; or, when the communication device is a first access network device or a second access network device, the other device is a terminal device. The processor 520 can use the communication interface 510 to send and receive data. Specifically, the communication interface 510 may be a transceiver. For example, the aforementioned sending unit 410 and receiving unit 420 constitute the communication interface 510.

[0146] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the communication interface 510, processor 520, and memory 530. For example, this application embodiment... Figure 5 The memory 530, processor 520, and communication interface 510 are connected via a bus 540. Figure 5 The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 5 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0147] In the embodiments of this application, the processor 520 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, 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, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0148] In this embodiment, the memory 530 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 this embodiment can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0149] It should be noted that the communication device in the above embodiments can be a terminal device, a circuit, a chip applied in a terminal device, or other combined devices or components with the functions of the aforementioned terminal device. When the communication device is a terminal device, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver, which may include an antenna and radio frequency circuits, etc., and the processing module can be a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU). When the communication device is a component with the functions of the aforementioned terminal device, the transceiver unit can be a radio frequency unit, and the processing module can be a processor. When the communication device is a chip system, the transceiver unit can be the input / output interface of the chip system, and the processing module can be the processor of the chip system.

[0150] Figure 6 A simplified schematic diagram of a communication device is shown. This is for ease of understanding and illustration. Figure 6 In this context, the communication device is exemplified by an access network device. This access network device can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 In the system shown, it is possible to Figure 1 The network device in the above method embodiment performs the functions of the access network device. The access network device 600 may include one or more radio frequency units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU) 610 and one or more baseband units (BBUs) (also referred to as digital units, DUs) 620. The RRU 610 may be referred to as a communication module, and... Figure 4 The transmitting unit 410 and receiving unit 420 correspond to each other. Optionally, this communication module can also be called a transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver unit, etc., and it may include at least one antenna 611 and radio frequency unit 612. The RRU 610 part is mainly used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals and converting radio frequency signals to baseband signals, such as for sending indication information to terminal devices. The BBU 620 part is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling access network equipment, etc. The RRU 610 and BBU 620 can be physically set together or physically separated, i.e., distributed access network equipment.

[0151] The BBU 620 is the control center of the access network equipment, also known as the processing module, and can communicate with... Figure 4 The processing unit 430 in the diagram is mainly used to complete baseband processing functions, such as channel coding, multiplexing, modulation, spreading, etc. For example, the BBU (processing module) can be used to control the access network device to execute the operation process of the access network device in the above method embodiment, such as generating the above-mentioned indication information.

[0152] In one example, the BBU 620 can be composed of one or more boards. Multiple boards can collectively support a single access standard wireless access network (such as an LTE network), or they can each support different access standards wireless access networks (such as LTE, 5G, or other networks). The BBU 620 also includes a memory 621 and a processor 622. The memory 621 is used to store necessary instructions and data. The processor 622 is used to control the access network device to perform necessary actions, such as controlling the access network device to execute the operation procedures related to the access network device in the above method embodiments. The memory 621 and processor 622 can serve one or more boards. That is, each board can have its own memory and processor, or multiple boards can share the same memory and processor. Furthermore, each board can also have necessary circuitry.

[0153] This application also provides a communication device, which can be a terminal device or a circuit. This communication device can be used to perform the actions performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0154] Figure 7 A simplified schematic diagram of a terminal device is shown. This is for ease of understanding and illustration. Figure 7 In this context, the terminal device is taken as a mobile phone as an example. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the terminal device includes a processor, memory, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, antenna, and input / output devices. The processor is primarily used for processing communication protocols and data, controlling the on-board unit, executing software programs, and processing software program data. The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data. The RF circuitry is mainly used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are mainly used to receive user input data and output data to the user. It should be noted that some types of devices may not have input / output devices.

[0155] When data needs to be transmitted, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then processes the baseband signal and transmits it outward as an electromagnetic wave through the antenna. When data is sent to the device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts it into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor then converts the baseband signal back into data and processes it. For ease of explanation, Figure 7Only one memory and processor are shown in the illustration. In actual device products, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. Memory may also be referred to as storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory may be set up independently of the processor or integrated with the processor; this application does not limit this.

[0156] In this embodiment, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver functions can be considered as the transceiver unit of the device, and the processor with processing functions can be considered as the processing unit of the device. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the device includes a transceiver unit 710 and a processing unit 720. The transceiver unit 710 can also be called a transceiver, transceiver, or transceiver device. The processing unit 720 can also be called a processor, processing board, processing module, or processing device. Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit 710 used to implement the receiving function can be considered as a receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit 710 used to implement the transmitting function can be considered as a transmitting unit; that is, the transceiver unit 710 includes both a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The transceiver unit 710 can sometimes be called a transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver unit. The receiving unit can sometimes be called a receiver, receiver, or receiving circuit. The transmitting unit can sometimes be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit.

[0157] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 710 is used to perform the sending and receiving operations on the terminal device side in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 720 is used to perform other operations on the terminal device in the above method embodiments besides the sending and receiving operations.

[0158] For example, in one implementation, the transceiver unit 710 can be used to perform... Figure 2 S201 in the illustrated embodiments and / or other processes used to support the techniques described herein.

[0159] For example, in one implementation, the transceiver unit 710 can be used to perform... Figure 3 S301 in the illustrated embodiments and / or other processes used to support the techniques described herein.

[0160] When the communication device is a chip-based device or circuit, it may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit may be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface; the processing unit may be an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit.

[0161] In this embodiment, it can be referred to Figure 8 The device shown. As an example, this device can perform similar functions. Figure 4 The functions of the processing unit 430. Figure 8The device includes a processor 810, a data transmission processor 820, and a data reception processor 830. The processing unit 430 in the above embodiment may be... Figure 8 The processor 810 in the above embodiment performs the corresponding functions. The processing unit 430 in the above embodiment may be... Figure 8 The transmitting data processor 820 and / or receiving data processor 830 are included. Although Figure 8 The diagram shows a channel encoder and a channel decoder, but it is understood that these modules are not limiting to this embodiment and are merely illustrative.

[0162] Figure 9 This illustrates another form of the present embodiment. The communication device 900 includes modules such as a modulation subsystem, a central processing subsystem, and a peripheral subsystem. The communication device in this embodiment can serve as the modulation subsystem. Specifically, the modulation subsystem may include a processor 903 and an interface 904. The processor 903 performs the functions of the aforementioned processing unit 430, and the interface 904 performs the functions of the aforementioned transmitting unit 410 and receiving unit 420. As another variation, the modulation subsystem includes a memory 906, a processor 903, and a program stored in the memory 906 and executable on the processor. When the processor 903 executes the program, it implements the method of the terminal device in the above method embodiment. It should be noted that the memory 906 may be non-volatile or volatile, and its location may be inside the modulation subsystem or within the processing device 900, as long as the memory 906 can be connected to the processor 903.

[0163] This application also provides a communication system. Specifically, the communication system may include a first access network device and a second access network device, or it may include more first access network devices and multiple second access network devices. Optionally, the communication system may also include at least one terminal device. Exemplarily, the communication system includes components for implementing the above. Figure 2 or Figure 3 The first access network device and the second access network device that perform the relevant functions, or the communication system includes devices for implementing the above. Figure 4 The first access network device and the second access network device that perform the relevant functions, or the communication system includes devices for implementing the above. Figure 5 or Figure 6 The first access network device and the second access network device that perform the relevant functions, or the communication system includes devices for implementing the above-mentioned functions. Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 or Figure 6 The embodiments of at least two figures in the diagram relate to the functions of a first access network device and a second access network device.

[0164] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform... Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 or Figure 6 The method executed by the first access network device or the second access network device.

[0165] This application also provides a computer program product, including instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform... Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 or Figure 6 The method executed by the first access network device or the second access network device.

[0166] This application provides a chip system including a processor and potentially a memory, for implementing the functions of the first access network device and the second access network device in the aforementioned method; or for implementing the functions of the first access network device, the second access network device, and the terminal device in the aforementioned method. The chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0167] It should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0168] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, timing, priority, or importance of multiple objects. For example, "first message" and "second message" are only used to distinguish different messages, and do not indicate that the two messages are different in priority, sending order, or importance.

[0169] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a CPU, or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0170] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0171] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) is integrated into the processor.

[0172] It should be noted that the memories described herein are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0173] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0174] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0175] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0176] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0177] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0178] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0179] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0180] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a first device, which is a second access network device or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required by the second access network device to implement the method. The method includes: Receive a first message from a first access network device, wherein the first message includes first indication information, the first indication information indicating the terminal device's information on the currently active partial bandwidth (BWP) of the first access network device; Based on the first indication information, the first configuration information of the terminal device in the second access network device is determined.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A second message is sent to the first access network device, the second message including the first configuration information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before receiving the first message from the first access network device, the method further includes: A third message is sent to the first access network device, the third message being used to request the context information of the terminal device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein determining the first configuration information of the terminal device in the second access network device based on the first indication information is characterized in that, Determine the information of the first activated BWP or the BWP configuration information that matches the bandwidth information or the transmission rate information of the currently activated BWP.

5. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a second device, which is a first access network device or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required by the first access network device to implement the method. The method includes: Generate a first message, wherein the first message includes first indication information, the first indication information indicating the information of the terminal device in the currently active partial bandwidth (BWP) of the first access network device; Send the first message to the second access network device.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive a second message from the second access network device, wherein the second message includes first configuration information of the terminal device on the second access network device, the first configuration information being determined based on the first indication information; The first configuration information is sent to the terminal device.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Before generating the first message, the following is also included: A third message is received from the second access network device, the third message being used to request the acquisition of the context information of the terminal device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The information of the currently active BWP includes the information of the currently active downlink BWP, and / or the information of the currently active uplink BWP.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The information of the currently active BWP includes the identifier of the currently active BWP and / or the bandwidth information of the currently active BWP.

10. The method according to claim 2 or 6, characterized in that, The first message is a handover request message, and the second message is a handover request confirmation message; or the first message is a handover preparation information message, and the second message is a handover command message.

11. The method according to claim 3 or 7, characterized in that, The third message is a UE context retrieval request message, and the first message is a UE context retrieval response message.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The first configuration information includes information on the initial activation of BWP, and / or BWP configuration information.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes at least one processor and memory; The memory is used to store program code; The processor is configured to execute the program code to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 to be implemented.

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