Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a communication method and a communication device. The method comprises: a terminal device receiving first information, the first information indicating a region identifier associated with a current cell, the region identifier being associated with at least one cell, the at least one cell comprising the current cell, wherein the cells associated with the same region identifier correspond to the same system information. In this way, the terminal device can determine whether the system information of the current cell has changed based on the first information, such as whether the current cell and the cell before the current cell are associated with the same region identifier, and further determine whether to receive the system information of the current cell. Based on this, it is possible to avoid receiving repeated system information, thereby saving signaling overhead and reducing the power consumption of the terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] System information (SI) is a message that network devices periodically broadcast to all terminals in a cell via the broadcast channel. After a terminal performs a cell search and completes downlink synchronization with the cell, it needs to obtain the cell's SI information in order to access the cell and function correctly within it. If the cell the terminal is camped on changes, for example, if the terminal performs cell reselection, the terminal needs to immediately re-obtain the SI information of the new cell (i.e., the cell after reselection) to function properly. How to achieve energy saving in the process of the terminal obtaining SI information is a problem worth considering. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that can achieve energy saving when a terminal acquires system information.

[0004] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a communication device. This communication device can be a terminal device, or a component for the terminal device (such as a chip or circuit, which can be a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core, etc.), or a logic module or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions of the terminal device, etc.

[0005] The method may include: receiving first information, the first information indicating a first area identifier associated with a first cell, the first area identifier being associated with at least one cell, the at least one cell having the same system information, the at least one cell including the first cell, the first cell being a cell providing services to the terminal.

[0006] As an example, the first information indicates the first area identifier associated with the first cell, which can be replaced with any of the following: the first information is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the system information of the first cell, the first information is used by the terminal to determine whether the system information of the first cell and the system information of the second cell are the same, and the first information is used by the terminal device to determine whether the system information has changed.

[0007] Based on the above technical solution, taking a terminal device as an example, the terminal device can determine whether the system information of the current cell has changed based on the first information, and thus determine whether to receive the system information of the current cell. Specifically, after receiving the first information, the terminal device can determine the area identifier associated with the current cell based on the first information. Since the system information of cells associated with the same area identifier is the same, the terminal device can determine whether the current cell and the previous cell (i.e., the cell serving the terminal device before the terminal device moved to the current cell) are associated with the same area identifier based on the first information. If the current cell and the previous cell are associated with the same area identifier, the terminal device can determine that the system information of the current cell is the same as that of the previous cell, and thus does not need to receive the system information of the current cell, thereby saving signaling overhead and reducing the power consumption of the terminal device. If the current cell and the previous cell are associated with different area identifiers, the terminal device can determine that the system information of the current cell is different from that of the previous cell, and thus can choose whether to receive the system information of the current cell according to actual needs, thereby ensuring communication between the terminal device and the current cell.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the at least one cell has the same frequency point, or the first area identifier is associated with a frequency point.

[0009] Based on the above technical solution, a region identifier can be designed to be associated with a frequency point. Specifically, considering that system information related to a frequency point is likely to be different when using different frequencies, and potentially the same when using the same frequency, a region identifier can be designed to be associated with a frequency point. This not only allows a region identifier to be associated with one or more cells under a specific frequency point (i.e., the frequency point of those cells is the frequency point associated with the region identifier), but also reduces the signaling overhead of the region identifier and the power consumption of the terminal device receiving the first information.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: determining whether to receive system information of the first cell based on the first information.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, determining whether to receive the system information of the first cell based on the first information includes: determining whether to receive the system information block (SIB) 1 of the first cell based on the first information.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, determining whether to receive system information of the first cell based on the first information includes: when the first frequency point and the second frequency point are the same, determining whether to receive system information of the first cell based on the first information, wherein the first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell; or, the first frequency point is the frequency point associated with the first area identifier, the second frequency point is the frequency point associated with the second area identifier, and the cell associated with the second area identifier includes the second cell; wherein the second cell is a cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0013] Based on the above technical solution, it is possible to design a system where, when the first cell and the second cell operate on the same frequency (i.e., the frequency points of the first cell and the second cell are the same), the system information related to the frequency point is likely to be different; when operating on the same frequency, the system information related to the frequency point may be the same. Therefore, when operating on the same frequency, the terminal device can further determine whether to receive the system information of the first cell based on the first information, that is, determine whether the system information has changed based on the first information.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving system information of the first cell when the first frequency point and the second frequency point are different; the first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell, and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell; or, the first frequency point is the frequency point associated with the first area identifier, the second frequency point is the frequency point associated with the second area identifier, and the cell associated with the second area identifier includes the second cell; wherein, the second cell is a cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0015] Based on the above technical solution, it is possible to design a terminal device that can directly receive system information from the first cell when operating on different frequencies. Specifically, considering that the system information related to the frequency point is likely to be different when operating on different frequencies, the terminal device can directly receive the system information from the first cell when operating on different frequencies. That is, the terminal device can ignore or not receive the first information, thereby reducing the latency between the terminal device and the first cell for normal operation.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes any one of the following: receiving system information of the first cell when the value of the first information is a preset value; receiving system information of the first cell when the first area identifier and the second area identifier are different; determining not to receive system information of the first cell when the first area identifier and the second area identifier are the same; wherein, the cell associated with the second area identifier includes the second cell, and the second cell is a cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0017] Based on the above technical solution, when the terminal device determines whether to receive the system information of the first cell based on the first information, it can directly determine the method according to the value of the first information. The method is simple and easy to implement and has low power consumption requirements for the terminal device.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, receiving the first information includes: the terminal receiving the first information while in a low-capacity receiving state.

[0019] As an example, the terminal receiving the first information in a low-capability receiving state can be replaced by any of the following: the terminal receiving the first information in a first state, the terminal receiving the first information through a first circuit, the terminal receiving the first information through a first module, the terminal receiving the first information on a first link, or the terminal receiving the first information in a first mode.

[0020] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a communication device. This communication device can be a network device, or a component for a network device (such as a chip, chip system, or circuit), or a logic module or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions of a network device, etc., and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0021] The method may include: sending first information, the first information indicating a first area identifier associated with a first cell, the first area identifier being associated with at least one cell, the at least one cell having the same system information, the at least one cell including the first cell, the first cell being a cell that provides services to the terminal.

[0022] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the at least one cell has the same frequency point, or the first area identifier is associated with a frequency point.

[0023] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information is used to determine whether to receive system information from the first cell.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information is used to determine whether to receive system information of the first cell, including: the first information is used to determine whether to receive SIB1 of the first cell.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information is used to determine whether to receive system information of the first cell, including: when the first frequency point and the second frequency point are the same, the first information is used to determine whether to receive system information of the first cell, wherein the first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell; or, the first frequency point is the frequency point associated with the first area identifier, the second frequency point is the frequency point associated with the second area identifier, and the cell associated with the second area identifier includes the second cell; wherein the second cell is a cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0026] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: transmitting system information of the first cell when the first frequency point and the second frequency point are different; the first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell, and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell; or, the first frequency point is the frequency point associated with the first area identifier, the second frequency point is the frequency point associated with the second area identifier, and the cell associated with the second area identifier includes the second cell; wherein, the second cell is a cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes any one of the following: when the value of the first information is a preset value, sending the system information of the first cell; when the first area identifier and the second area identifier are different, sending the system information of the first cell; wherein the cell associated with the second area identifier includes the second cell, and the second cell is a cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0028] Regarding the beneficial effects not described in detail in the second aspect, please refer to the relevant description in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0029] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a communication device. This communication device can be a terminal device, or a component for the terminal device (such as a chip or circuit, which can be a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem core, etc.), or a logic module or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions of the terminal device, etc.

[0030] The method may include: obtaining second information, the second information indicating N groups of cells, each group of cells including at least one cell, and the system information of the cells in each group of cells being the same, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0031] As an example, the second information indicates N groups of cells, which can be replaced with any of the following: the second information is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the system information of the first cell, the second information is used by the terminal to determine whether the system information of the first cell and the system information of the second cell are the same, and the second information is used by the terminal device to determine whether the system information has changed.

[0032] Based on the above technical solution, taking a terminal device as an example, the terminal device can determine whether the system information of the current cell has changed based on the second information, and thus determine whether to receive the system information of the current cell. Specifically, the terminal device can determine the group to which the current cell belongs based on the second information. Since the system information of cells in the same group is the same, the terminal device can determine whether the current cell and the previous cell (i.e., the cell serving the terminal device before the terminal device moved to the current cell) are in the same group based on the second information. If the current cell and the previous cell are in the same group, the terminal device can determine that the system information of the current cell is the same as that of the previous cell, and thus does not need to receive the system information of the current cell again, thereby saving signaling overhead and reducing the power consumption of the terminal device. If the current cell and the previous cell are in different groups, the terminal device can determine that the system information of the current cell is different from that of the previous cell, and thus can choose whether to receive the system information of the current cell according to actual needs, thereby ensuring communication between the terminal device and the current cell.

[0033] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the cells in the same group of the N groups of cells have the same frequency point, or the cells in the same group of the N groups of cells are associated with a frequency point.

[0034] Based on the above technical solution, cell groups can be associated with frequency points. Specifically, considering that the system information related to frequency points is likely to be different when using different frequencies, and possibly the same when using the same frequency, a group can be associated with a frequency point. In this way, a cell group can be associated with one or more cells under a certain frequency point, that is, the frequency point of the one or more cells is the frequency point associated with the cell group.

[0035] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: determining, based on the second information, whether to receive system information of the first cell, wherein the first cell is a cell that provides services to the terminal.

[0036] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, determining whether to receive the system information of the first cell based on the second information includes: determining whether to receive the system information block 1SIB1 of the first cell based on the second information.

[0037] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, determining whether to receive system information of the first cell based on the second information includes: when the first frequency point and the second frequency point are the same, determining whether to receive system information of the first cell based on the second information; the first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell, and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell; or, the first frequency point is the frequency point associated with the group to which the first cell belongs, and the second frequency point is the frequency point associated with the group to which the second cell belongs; wherein, the second cell is a cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0038] Based on the above technical solution, it is possible to design a system where, when the first and second cells operate on the same frequency (i.e., the first and second cells share the same frequency), the system information related to the first cell is determined based on the second information. Specifically, considering that when the first and second cells operate on different frequencies (i.e., the first and second cells have different frequency points), the system information related to the frequency point is likely to be different; when operating on the same frequency, the system information related to the frequency point may be the same. Therefore, when operating on the same frequency, the terminal device can further determine whether to receive the system information of the first cell based on the second information, that is, determine whether the system information has changed based on the second information.

[0039] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: receiving system information of a first cell when the first frequency point and the second frequency point are different, wherein the first cell is a cell providing services to the terminal; the first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell, and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell; or, the first frequency point is a frequency point associated with the group to which the first cell belongs, and the second frequency point is a frequency point associated with the group to which the second cell belongs; wherein the second cell is a cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0040] Based on the above technical solution, it is possible to design a terminal device that can directly receive system information from the first cell when operating on different frequencies. Specifically, considering that the system information related to the frequency point is likely to be different when operating on different frequencies, the terminal device can directly receive the system information from the first cell when operating on different frequencies. That is, the terminal device can ignore or not obtain the second information, thereby reducing the latency between the terminal device and the first cell for normal operation.

[0041] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the second information indicates N groups of cells, including: the second information indicates the identifier of each cell in the N groups of cells.

[0042] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: when the terminal is in a low-capability reception state, determining the identifier of a first cell, the identifier of the first cell being used in conjunction with the second information to determine whether to receive system information from the first cell, the first cell being a cell that provides services to the terminal.

[0043] As an example, when the terminal is in a low-capability reception state, determining the identifier of the first cell can be replaced by any of the following: the terminal determines the identifier of the first cell when it is in a first state, the terminal determines the identifier of the first cell through a first circuit, the terminal determines the identifier of the first cell through a first module, the terminal determines the identifier of the first cell on a first link, or the terminal determines the identifier of the first cell when it is in a first mode.

[0044] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes any one of the following: if the first cell and the second cell belong to the same group of cells in the N groups of cells, determine not to receive system information of the first cell; if the first cell and the second cell belong to different groups of cells in the N groups of cells, receive system information of the first cell; if the N groups of cells do not include the first cell, receive system information of the first cell; wherein the first cell is a cell that provides services to the terminal, and the second cell is a cell that provided services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0045] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a communication device. This communication device can be a network device, or a component for a network device (such as a chip, chip system, or circuit), or a logic module or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions of a network device, etc., and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0046] The method may include: sending a second message indicating N groups of cells, each group of cells including at least one cell, and the system information of the cells in each group of cells being the same, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0047] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the cells in the same group of the N groups of cells have the same frequency point, or the cells in the same group of the N groups of cells are associated with a frequency point.

[0048] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the second information is used to determine whether to receive system information from the first cell, which is the cell that provides services to the terminal.

[0049] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the second information is used to determine whether to receive system information of the first cell, including: the second information is used to determine whether to receive SIB1 of the first cell.

[0050] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the second information is used to determine whether to receive system information of the first cell, including: when the first frequency point and the second frequency point are the same, the second information is used to determine whether to receive system information of the first cell; the first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell, and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell; or, the first frequency point is the frequency point associated with the group to which the first cell belongs, and the second frequency point is the frequency point associated with the group to which the second cell belongs; wherein, the second cell is a cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0051] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: when the first frequency point and the second frequency point are different, transmitting system information of a first cell, wherein the first cell is a cell providing services to the terminal; the first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell, and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell; or, the first frequency point is a frequency point associated with the group to which the first cell belongs, and the second frequency point is a frequency point associated with the group to which the second cell belongs; wherein the second cell is a cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0052] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the second information indicates N groups of cells, including: the second information indicates the identifier of each cell in the N groups of cells.

[0053] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes any one of the following: sending system information of the first cell when the first cell and the second cell belong to different groups of cells in N groups of cells; sending system information of the first cell when the first cell is not included in the N groups of cells; wherein the first cell is a cell that provides services to the terminal, and the second cell is a cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0054] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in some implementations, N = 1, and the N groups of cells are the first group of cells, which includes the first cell and at least one cell with the same system information as the first cell.

[0055] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in some implementations, the N groups of cells are at least one second group of cells, and the frequency points associated with the second group of cells are any of the following: the frequency points of the first cell, the frequency points contained in the radio access network area, and the frequency points contained in the tracking area, wherein the first cell is a cell that provides services to the terminal.

[0056] Regarding the beneficial effects not described in detail in the fourth aspect, please refer to the relevant description in the third aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0057] Fifthly, a communication apparatus is provided for performing the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects described above. Specifically, the apparatus may include units and / or modules for performing the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects, such as processing units and / or communication units.

[0058] In one implementation, the device is a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device). When the device is a communication device, the communication unit can be a transceiver or an input / output interface; the processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0059] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit for communication equipment (such as terminal equipment or network equipment). When the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit for communication equipment, the communication unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0060] A sixth aspect provides a communication device comprising: at least one processor for executing a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to perform a method in any of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects described above. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory for storing the computer program or instructions; correspondingly, the at least one processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions in the memory. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface coupled to the processor, which can be used to input information to the processor or output information from the processor. Optionally, the processor reads the computer program or instructions from the memory through the communication interface.

[0061] In one implementation, the device is a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device).

[0062] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit for communication equipment (such as terminal equipment or network equipment).

[0063] A seventh aspect provides a processor for performing the methods provided in any one of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0064] Unless otherwise specified, or if it does not contradict its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission and acquisition / reception operations involved in the processor can be understood as processor output and reception, input and other operations, or as transmission and reception operations performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This application does not limit them in this regard.

[0065] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program or instructions are stored, which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method provided in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0066] A ninth aspect provides a computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions for performing the methods of any possible implementation of the first or second aspect described above. In other words, when the computer program product is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the methods provided in any of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0067] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor reads instructions from a memory through the communication interface and executes the method provided in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0068] Optionally, as one implementation, the chip further includes a memory storing computer programs or instructions, and a processor for executing the computer programs or instructions in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor is used to perform the methods provided in any one of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0069] Eleventhly, a communication system is provided, comprising the aforementioned first device (or first communication device) and second device (or second communication device). The first device is configured to execute the method provided in any implementation of the first aspect, and the second device is configured to execute the method provided in any implementation of the second aspect; or, the first device is configured to execute the method provided in any implementation of the third aspect, and the second device is configured to execute the method provided in any implementation of the fourth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0070] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0071] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another wireless communication system applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0072] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an access network device applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0073] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the SI region.

[0074] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0075] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0076] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of a terminal device between cells, applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0077] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method 800 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0078] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0079] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0080] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a chip system 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0081] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] Before introducing the scheme of this application, the following points should be noted.

[0083] (1) In this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, implicit instruction, etc. When describing a certain instruction information as being used to instruct A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, carries the identifier of A, carries B which is associated with A, carries the identifier of B which is associated with A, etc. In other words, if the receiving side of a certain instruction information can determine A based on the instruction information, it can be described as the instruction information being used to instruct A, and the specific method of determination is not limited. When it is understood that the instruction information carries A, "instruction" or "used to instruct" can be replaced with "includes". In this case, a statement similar to "sending / receiving instruction information, the instruction information being used to instruct A" can be replaced with "sending / receiving A".

[0084] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Furthermore, the information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information pieces, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information pieces can be the same or different.

[0085] (2) In this application, the expression " / " is used to indicate that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship; for example, A / B can mean: A or B. The expression "and / or" is used to indicate that the objects before and after are in a relationship of either "and" or "or"; for example, A and / or B can mean the following: A exists alone, B exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be single or multiple. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions are used to indicate any combination of the listed items; for example, at least one of A, B and / or C can mean the following: A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, B and C exist simultaneously, A and C exist simultaneously, A, B and C exist simultaneously, where A, B, and C can be single or multiple.

[0086] (3) In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY by other units or modules via the air interface. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0087] (4) In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0088] (5) In this application, "first," "second," and "#1," "#2," and "#A" are merely for descriptive convenience and are used to distinguish objects, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. They are not used to describe the order or sequence of features. It should be understood that such described objects can be interchanged where appropriate in order to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0089] (6) In this application, "predefined" can mean a standard protocol predefined, or it can mean a pre-agreed or pre-negotiated agreement between devices. Here, "protocol" can refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, for example, it may include fourth-generation (4G) protocols. th Generation 4G network, fifth generation (5G) network th This application does not limit the scope to network protocols such as 5G (generation, 5G), New Radio (NR), 5.5G, and related protocols applied in future communication networks.

[0090] (7) In this application, the configuration can be signaling configuration, such as radio resource control (RRC) messages, control information (such as downlink control information (DCI)), or medium access control (MAC) signaling (e.g., MAC control element (MAC CE / MAC-CE)). As an example, signaling configuration can be configured by signaling to the terminal device. For example, the network device configures the area identifier (or the network device configures the area identifier for the terminal device). This can be understood as the network device indicating the area identifier to the terminal device through signaling.

[0091] (8) In this application, the words “exemplary,” “for example,” etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an “example” in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the word “example” is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, “of,” “corresponding, relevant,” and “corresponding” may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0092] First, let me introduce the communication system to which this application applies.

[0093] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) or new radio (NR) systems, frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, and time division duplex (TDD) systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication networks. Furthermore, the technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems such as inter-satellite communication and satellite communication.

[0094] As an example, a satellite communication system includes a satellite base station and terminal equipment. The satellite base station provides communication services to the terminal equipment. Satellite base stations can also communicate with each other. A satellite can act as a base station or as a terminal device. Here, "satellite" can refer to drones, hot air balloons, low-Earth orbit satellites, medium-Earth orbit satellites, high-Earth orbit satellites, etc. "Satellite" can also refer to non-terrestrial base stations or non-terrestrial equipment.

[0095] As an example, V2X communication can include: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, and vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication.

[0096] In a communication system, a device can send signals to or receive signals from another device. These signals can include information, signaling, or data. The device can also be replaced by an entity, network entity, communication equipment, communication module, node, communication node, etc. This application uses a device as an example for description.

[0097] The terminal device in this application embodiment can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. The terminal device can include various devices with wireless communication capabilities, which can be used to connect people, objects, machines, etc. The terminal device can be widely applied in various scenarios, such as: cellular communication, D2D, V2X, peer-to-peer (P2P), M2M, MTC, IoT, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery, etc. The terminal device can be a terminal in any of the above scenarios, such as an MTC terminal, an IoT terminal, etc. Terminal equipment can be user equipment (UE), terminal, fixed equipment, mobile station equipment or mobile equipment, subscriber unit, handheld device, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, cellular phone, smartphone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless data card, personal digital assistant (PDA), computer, tablet computer, laptop computer, wireless modem, handset, laptop computer, computer with wireless transceiver capability, smart book, vehicle, satellite, global positioning system (GPS) device, target tracking device, aircraft (e.g., drone, helicopter, multiple helicopters, four helicopters, or airplanes), ship, remote control device, smart home device, industrial equipment, transportation vehicle with wireless communication capability, communication module, or roadside unit with terminal function, all conforming to the 3GPP standard. The device may be a wireless communication unit (RSU), or a device built into the aforementioned device (e.g., a communication module, modem, or chip in the aforementioned device), or other processing devices connected to the wireless modem.

[0098] It should be understood that in certain scenarios, a UE can also be used as a base station. For example, a UE can act as a scheduling entity, providing sidelink signaling between UEs in scenarios such as V2X, D2D, or P2P.

[0099] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of a terminal device, i.e., the terminal device, can be the terminal device itself, or it can be any device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system, chip, circuit, or communication module (i.e., a communication module that performs communication functions). This device can be installed in the terminal device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. Furthermore, the device can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions.

[0100] The network device in this application embodiment can be a device or module with corresponding communication functions. The network device can be a device used to communicate with terminal devices; it can also be called an access network device or a wireless access network device, such as a base station. In this application embodiment, the network device can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects the terminal device to the wireless network. A base station can broadly encompass, or be replaced by, various names including: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitter, master station, auxiliary station, multiple standard radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), positioning node, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or similar, or a combination thereof. A base station can also refer to a communication module, modem, or chip installed within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. A base station can also be a mobile switching center, a device that performs base station functions in D2D, V2X, and M2M communications, or a device that performs base station functions in future communication systems. A base station can support networks using the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network equipment.

[0101] Base stations can be fixed or mobile. For example, a helicopter or drone can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move depending on the location of the mobile base station. In other examples, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a device to communicate with another base station.

[0102] In some deployments, the network devices mentioned in the embodiments of this application may be devices including CU, or DU, or devices including CU and DU, or devices with control plane CU nodes (central unit-control plane (CU-CP)) and user plane CU nodes (central unit-user plane (CU-UP)) and DU nodes.

[0103] In some deployments, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as RRUs, AAUs, or RRHs.

[0104] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, a radio access network can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN) architecture. In an O-RAN system, CU can also be called an open CU (openCU, O-CU), DU can also be called an open DU (open DU, O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open RU (openRU, O-RU). Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0105] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself, or a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, chip, circuit, or communication module (i.e., a communication module that performs communication functions). This device can be installed within the network device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. Furthermore, the device can be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions. This embodiment only uses a network device as an example to illustrate the device for implementing the functions of a network device, and does not limit the solution of this embodiment.

[0106] Network devices and terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the scenario in which the network devices and terminal devices are located.

[0107] See Figure 1 As an example, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the wireless communication system includes a wireless access network 100. The wireless access network 100 can be a next-generation (e.g., future or later) wireless access network, or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G, 3G, or 2G) wireless access network. One or more terminal devices (120a-120j, collectively referred to as 120) can be interconnected or connected to one or more network devices (110a, 110b, collectively referred to as 110) within the wireless access network 100. Network elements in the wireless communication system are connected via interfaces (e.g., NG, Xn) or over-the-air interfaces.

[0108] When network devices and terminal devices communicate, the network device can manage one or more cells, and a cell can include at least one terminal device. A cell can be understood as an area within the wireless signal coverage range of the network device.

[0109] Figure 1 This is just an illustration; the wireless communication system may also include other devices, such as core network equipment, wireless relay equipment, and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 It is not shown in the middle.

[0110] See Figure 2 As an example, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another wireless communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. This wireless communication system may be referred to as an ORAN system, for example. The wireless communication system may include a core network, access network equipment, and a UE. As an example, the ORAN system may also include... Figure 2 Other components besides those shown are not specifically limited in this application.

[0111] Access network equipment can communicate with the core network (CN) via a backhaul link. Access network equipment can also communicate with the UE via an air interface. Specifically, the BBU in the access network equipment communicates with the core network via a backhaul link. The RU in the access network equipment communicates with at least one UE via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link; the BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. A BBU includes at least one CU and at least one DU, and the CU and DU can communicate via at least one midhaul link.

[0112] See Figure 3 As an example, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an access network device applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0113] Optionally, the access network equipment includes a CU. The CU is a logical node that carries the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network equipment. The CU can connect to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, such as the E2 interface. The CU may have some core network functions. The CU (e.g., the PDCP layer and / or higher) connects to the DU (e.g., the radio link control (RLC) layer and lower layers of the DU) through interfaces, such as the F1 interface. Optionally, the F1 interface can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). F1AP is the application protocol of the F1 interface, defining the signaling procedures of F1 in some examples. The F1 interface supports control plane F1-C and user plane F1-U.

[0114] As an example, a CU includes CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP is a logical node carrying the control plane (PDCP-C) layer, which carries the RRC layer and the Packet Data Convergence Protocol layer, and is used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements in the core network can be access and mobility function (AMF) network elements, such as the access and mobility management function (AMF) in a 5G system. The AMF network element is responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover. CU-UP is a logical node carrying the user plane (PDCP-U) layer, which carries the SDAP layer and the Packet Data Convergence Protocol layer, and is used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements in the core network, such as the user plane function (UPF) in a 5G system, are responsible for data forwarding and receiving in terminal devices. The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples. In practical applications, the functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or to have only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements. For example, based on latency, functions that require low latency can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not require low latency can be placed in the CU.

[0115] Optionally, the access network equipment includes a DU. For example... Figure 3 As shown, a DU is a logical node that carries the RLC layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, a DU can control at least one RU. The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which can be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0116] Optionally, the access network equipment includes a RU. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the RU is a logical node that carries both lower physical layer (Lower PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU can be a 3GPP transmission reception point (TRP), a remote radiohead (RRH), or other similar entities. In some examples, the Lower-PHY includes the PHY processing portion, such as fast fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link (such as an RF chain).

[0117] The DU and RU can be co-located or not. The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a fronthaul link through a lower-layer split CUS-plane (LLS-CUS-Plane) (or O-RANCUS-Plane) interface. Here, CUS-Plane represents the control plane (C-Plane), user plane (UPlane), and synchronization plane (S-Plane) (CUS-Plane). LLS-CUS may include a lower-layer split control (LLS-C) interface providing the control plane and a lower-layer split user (LLS-U) interface respectively. Additionally, LLS-CUS may include a lower-layer split synchronization (LLS-S) interface providing the synchronization plane. In some examples, the control plane (or control plane) refers to the real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management plane information via the lower-layer split management (LLS-M) interface of the fronthaul link. The management plane (M-Plane) refers to the non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0118] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0119] The above Figures 1 to 3 For illustrative purposes only, the embodiments described in this application are not limited thereto.

[0120] To facilitate a better understanding of the technical solution of this application, some related technologies involved in the technical solution of this application are introduced.

[0121] 1. Anchor cells and non-anchor cells

[0122] An anchor cell, also known as an anchor cell, does not refer to a specific cell, but rather to a class of cells. An anchor cell can transmit anchor cell-related information / signals, and it can also transmit information / signals related to non-anchor cells. One possible implementation is that the system information on the anchor cell includes the cell configuration information of the non-anchor cells associated with it. That is, the anchor cell can transmit its own system information (such as SIB), and it can also transmit the cell configuration information of non-anchor cells. For the terminal device, it can receive the anchor cell's system information and the non-anchor cell's cell configuration information from the anchor cell. The non-anchor cell's cell configuration information can include information related to the non-anchor cell's configuration, such as its system information (such as SIB) and frequency location.

[0123] Non-anchor cells, also known as non-anchored cells, do not refer to a specific cell, but rather to a type of cell. Compared to anchor cells, non-anchor cells do not need to transmit certain information / signals related to the current non-anchor cell; such information / signals can be transmitted through the anchor cell. In other words, information related to non-anchor cells can be transmitted through the anchor cell. For example, an anchor cell can transmit the cell configuration information of a non-anchor cell, but a non-anchor cell does not need to transmit the information included in that non-anchor cell's configuration information.

[0124] 2. System Information (SI): Information that network devices can periodically broadcast to all terminal devices in a cell via the broadcast channel. After performing a cell search and completing downlink synchronization with the cell, terminal devices typically need to obtain the cell's system information in order to access the cell and communicate within it.

[0125] As an example, system information includes the master information block (MIB) and the system information block (SIB). The MIB contains the most basic and important information for a cell, and is the primary information a UE must obtain when camping on a cell. There are many types of SIBs, such as SIB1, SIB2, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, SIB6, SIB7, SIB8, SIB9, SIB10, SIB11, SIB12, and SIB13. SIB1 is relatively important, as it includes parameters for the UE to access the cell (e.g., cell selection parameters), and also includes scheduling information for other types of SIBs. If the UE cannot receive SIB1, it cannot receive other types of SIBs either. During the process of UE receiving SIB1, it first detects SSB and receives PBCH to obtain MIB, thereby obtaining CORESET 0 and SS 0 information required to receive SIB1, and then can receive SIB1. For example, the UE receives PDCCH information of scheduling PDSCH carrying SIB1 on CORESET 0, and receives PDSCH information carrying SIB1 according to PDCCH information.

[0126] It's understandable. Although there are many types of SIBs, terminal devices generally only need to receive the SIBs they need, and there is no requirement for the terminal device to receive every single SIB.

[0127] In some situations, terminal devices need to obtain system information. For example, when the cell on which the terminal device is camped changes, such as when the terminal device performs cell reselection, the terminal device needs to immediately re-obtain the system information of the new cell (i.e., the cell after cell reselection); or, if the cell on which the terminal device is camped remains the same but the cell's system information changes, the terminal device will generally re-obtain the changed system information in the next system information change cycle.

[0128] Currently, the concept of an SI area has been introduced for SI reception to reduce the reception of the same SI. An SI area is associated with at least one cell; in other words, each cell is associated with one SI area. Certain SIBs (referred to as specific SIBs for distinction) within cells associated with the same SI area (i.e., cells with the same SI area identifier (ID)) have identical content. Thus, when a terminal device reselects to a new cell, if the new cell is associated with the same SI area as the original cell, the specific SIBs in the new and original cells have the same content, so the terminal device does not need to reacquire those specific SIBs, thereby saving energy. As mentioned earlier, there are many types of SIBs, such as SIB1, SIB2, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, SIB6, SIB7, SIB8, SIB9, SIB10, SIB11, SIB12, and SIB13. Currently, the aforementioned specific SIBs mainly refer to SIBs other than SIB1; that is, SIB1 is not considered a specific SIB. In other words, SIBs are cell-specific. As an example, network devices can broadcast which SIBs are specific SIBs. For instance, a network device can indicate whether an SIB is a "specific SIB" for each SIB. If a network device indicates that an SIB is a specific SIB, it means that the content of that SIB is the same within the same SI area. Therefore, the terminal device can save power consumption from receiving that specific SIB. If a network device indicates that an SIB is not a specific SIB, it means that the content of that SIB may be different within the same SI area. For such SIBs, the terminal device needs to re-receive that type of SIB after reselecting to a new cell.

[0129] See Figure 4 As an example, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of SIarea. (For example...) Figure 4 As shown, assume that SIB1 is cell-specific, meaning that when a terminal device reselects from one cell to another, it needs to obtain the SIB1 of the new cell; and assume that the specific SIBs are SIB2, SIB3, SIB4, and SIB5. Figure 4 As shown, when a terminal device reselects from cell #1 to cell #2, since cell #1 and cell #2 are associated with the same SIArea, the terminal device does not need to obtain a specific SIB after reselecting to cell #2. That is, the terminal device can communicate in cell #2 based on the specific SIB obtained from cell #1. When a terminal device selects from cell #2 to cell #3, since cell #2 and cell #3 are associated with different SIAreas, the terminal device needs to obtain the specific SIB of cell #3 after reselecting to cell #3.

[0130] However, with current technology, after cell reselection, the terminal device still needs to receive MIB and SIB1, and once it starts receiving SIB1, the terminal device may need to use a large bandwidth for reception, resulting in poor energy saving.

[0131] In view of this, this application proposes a scheme in which a terminal device receives indication information in a low-power mode and determines (or judges) whether to exit the low-power mode to receive system information based on the indication information. If the terminal device determines that it does not need to exit the low-power mode, it can maintain the low-power mode. This allows the terminal device to remain in the low-power mode as little as possible, reducing the power consumption of the terminal device and thus achieving energy saving.

[0132] The methods provided by the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments provided by this application can be applied to the scenarios shown in the above figures and are not limited thereto. Furthermore, the terms used below are as explained above and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0133] For ease of description, the following examples use terminal devices and network devices as illustrations. The term "terminal device" (or "terminal") can be replaced by its components, such as chips, chip systems, circuits, or communication modules. Similarly, "network device" can be replaced by its components, such as chips, chip systems, circuits, or communication modules. Furthermore, the steps described below as being performed by a single execution entity can also be divided into steps performed by multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated.

[0134] For ease of description, the following example uses a first cell and a second cell. Here, the first cell represents the cell after the terminal device reselects, and the second cell represents the cell that provided service to the terminal device before it reselected to the first cell; that is, the terminal device reselects from the second cell to the first cell. In other words, the second cell represents the cell where the terminal device was located before it moved, and the first cell represents the cell where the terminal device is located after it moved; that is, the terminal device moved from the second cell to the first cell. Figure 4 For example, if a terminal device reselects (or moves) from cell #2 to cell #1, then the first cell is cell #1 and the second cell is cell #2.

[0135] See Figure 5 As an example, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 The method 500 shown may include the following steps.

[0136] S510, the terminal device obtains the first information.

[0137] The first information can be used by the terminal device to determine (or judge) whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell (i.e., an example of system information); in other words, the first information can be used by the terminal device to determine whether the system information #A of the first cell and the system information #A of the second cell are the same; in other words, the first information can be used by the terminal device to determine whether the system information #A has changed.

[0138] As an example, system information #A may be an SI, or system information #A may include system information related to a frequency point. For example, system information #A may be SIB1; or system information #A may include SIB1 and other types of SIBs; or system information #A may include all SIBs, i.e., system information #A may be all SIs. System information #A may also be referred to as any of the following: basic system information (e.g., basic SIB), minimum system information (e.g., minimum SIB), or critical system information (e.g., critical SIB).

[0139] The first piece of information includes at least the following scenarios.

[0140] In scenario #1, the first information indicates the area identifier associated with the first cell. In this scenario, the terminal device obtains the first information, for example, by receiving the first information indicating the area identifier associated with the first cell. This implementation will be explained in detail later in conjunction with method 600.

[0141] Scenario #2: The first information indicates N groups of cells, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In this scenario, the terminal device obtains the first information, for example, by receiving or determining N groups of cells. This implementation will be explained in detail later in conjunction with method 800.

[0142] Scenario #3: The first information indicates the frequency of the first cell. In this scenario, the terminal device obtains the first information, for example, by determining the frequency of the first cell; or by receiving the frequency of the first cell, such as when the network device indicates the frequency of the first cell to the terminal device. Furthermore, the frequency information of the second cell can be obtained by the terminal device while it is camped on the second cell, or by the terminal device when it reselects to the second cell from another cell; this is not limited. Additionally, the terminal device can obtain the frequency information of the second cell either by receiving it or by determining it itself; this is not limited.

[0143] It is understood that the above-mentioned scenarios can be used individually or in combination, and there is no limitation on this. For example, scenarios #1 and #3 can be used in combination, which will be explained in detail in the following combination method 600; as another example, scenarios #2 and #3 can be used in combination, which will be explained in detail in the following combination method 800.

[0144] Optionally, in S510, the terminal device acquires the first information when it is in the first state.

[0145] The phrase "the terminal device obtains the first information when it is in the first state" can be replaced by any of the following: the terminal device obtains the first information through the first circuit; the terminal device obtains the first information through the first module; the terminal device obtains the first information on the first link; or the terminal device obtains the first information when it is in the first mode. Several possible scenarios are explained below.

[0146] In one possible scenario, the terminal device can be in a first state and a second state. The first state and the second state are used to describe different states of the terminal device. For example, the power consumption of the terminal device in the first state is less than the power consumption of the terminal device in the second state. The first state can be, for example, a state similar to receiving a primary synchronization signal (PSS) / secondary synchronization signal (SSS) or MIB, or a state where the terminal device uses low capability (or lower capability) for reception; the second state can be, for example, a state where the terminal device uses high capability (or higher capability) for reception. As an example, low capability can include at least one of the following: smaller bandwidth, fewer antennas, fewer multi-input multi-output (MIMO) layers. As an example, high capability can include at least one of the following: larger bandwidth, more antennas, more MIMO layers.

[0147] As an example, the first state can also be referred to as any of the following: minimum core receive state, or low-capability receive state, or low-power receive state, etc.

[0148] In a second possible scenario, the terminal device includes a first circuit (or a first module) and a second circuit (or a second module). The terminal device can transmit signals through either the first circuit or the second circuit. Furthermore, when the terminal device transmits signals through the first circuit, the second circuit can be in a sleep state or a turned-off state; similarly, when the terminal device transmits signals through the second circuit, the first circuit can be in a sleep state or a turned-off state. For example, the power consumption of the first circuit is less than that of the second circuit.

[0149] In a third possible scenario, the terminal device can operate on both the first and second links. This means the terminal device can transmit signals on either the first or the second link. In other words, the terminal device and the network device can communicate via either the first or the second link. For example, the power consumption of the terminal device operating on the first link is less than the power consumption of the terminal device operating on the second link.

[0150] The fourth possible scenario is that the terminal device can be in both a first mode and a second mode. The first mode and the second mode describe different ways the terminal device transmits signals. For example, the power consumption of the terminal device transmitting signals in the first mode is less than the power consumption of the terminal device transmitting signals in the second mode. The first mode can be, for example, a mode in which the terminal device uses low capability (or lower capacity) for receiving signals; the second mode can be, for example, a mode in which the terminal device uses high capability (or higher capacity) for receiving signals. For information on low capability and high capability, please refer to the preceding descriptions.

[0151] As an example, the first mode may also be referred to as any of the following: minimum core mode, low-capacity receive mode, low-power receive mode, etc.

[0152] It is understood that the above explanation primarily uses terminal devices as an example. It is also understood that the above description applies to other communication devices (such as network devices), but for the sake of brevity, it will not be elaborated upon here. Furthermore, in the following description, for the sake of brevity, the explanation will use the example of a terminal device being in a first state and a second state.

[0153] S520, the terminal device determines whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on the first information.

[0154] The solutions for scenarios #1 and #2 will be explained in detail later with reference to methods 600 and 800 respectively. Here, we will mainly introduce the solution for scenario #3, which is to assume that the first information indicates the frequency of the first cell.

[0155] One possible implementation is that the terminal device determines whether to receive system information #A from the first cell based on whether the frequency points of the first cell and the second cell are the same.

[0156] As an example, if the frequency of the first cell is the same as that of the second cell, the terminal device determines whether to receive or not receive the system information #A of the first cell. For example, the terminal device directly determines not to receive the system information #A of the first cell, or the terminal device can combine other information (such as information #1 in method 600, or information #2 in method 800) to determine whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell; if the frequency of the first cell is different from that of the second cell, the terminal device determines to receive the system information #A of the first cell.

[0157] Specifically, considering that when the first and second cells operate on different frequencies, the frequency-related system information (such as SIB1) is likely to be different; when the first and second cells operate on the same frequency, the frequency-related system information (such as SIB1) may be the same. Therefore, if the terminal device reselects to a cell operating on a different frequency (i.e., the first and second cells operate on different frequencies), the terminal device will receive this type of system information (such as SIB1) from the first cell, meaning the terminal device will receive this type of system information from the new cell (i.e., the first cell). If the terminal device reselects to a cell operating on the same frequency (i.e., the first and second cells operate on the same frequency), the terminal device may not need to receive this type of system information (such as SIB1) from the first cell.

[0158] It is understood that the above is an illustrative example, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. For example, if the first cell and the second cell are in a relationship of anchor cell and non-anchor cell, the terminal device may not need to receive the system information #A of the first cell after reselecting to the first cell. As an example, if the first cell and the second cell are in a relationship of anchor cell and non-anchor cell, and the frequency of the first cell is different from that of the second cell, the terminal device may not need to receive the system information #A of the first cell after reselecting to the first cell. For example, if the second cell is an anchor cell and the first cell is a non-anchor cell, and the terminal device receives and saves the system information #A of the non-anchor cell (i.e., the first cell) in the second cell, then after the terminal device reselects to the first cell, since the terminal device has already obtained the system information #A of the first cell, the terminal device may not need to receive the system information #A of the first cell again in the first cell. In the embodiments below, for ease of description, the example of the first cell and the second cell not being in a relationship of anchor cell and non-anchor cell is mainly used for illustrative purposes, but the embodiments of this application do not exclude the scenario where the first cell and the second cell are in a relationship of anchor cell and non-anchor cell.

[0159] Regarding S520, there are two possible scenarios.

[0160] In the first possible scenario, the terminal device determines that it needs to receive system information #A from the first cell. In this scenario, method 500 may further include: the terminal device receiving system information #A from the first cell. Furthermore, as an example, in this scenario, S520 can be replaced with: the terminal device determining that it needs to receive system information #A from the first cell based on first information. Taking scenario #3 above as an example, S520 can be replaced with: the terminal device determining that it needs to receive system information #A from the first cell based on the difference in frequency points between the first cell and the second cell; or, if the frequency points of the first cell and the second cell are different, the terminal device receives system information #A from the first cell.

[0161] Specifically, if the terminal device determines that it needs to receive the system information #A of the first cell, then the terminal device receives the system information #A of the first cell, and in this way, the terminal device can communicate with the first cell based on the system information #A of the first cell.

[0162] As an example, the terminal device receives system information #A from the first cell when it is in the second state. For instance, if the terminal device determines that it needs to receive system information #A from the first cell, it switches from the first state to the second state, or in other words, it activates the second state to receive system information #A from the first cell. Receiving system information #A from the first cell when the terminal device is in the second state can also be replaced by any of the following: the terminal device receives system information #A from the first cell through a second circuit; the terminal device receives system information #A from the first cell through a second module; the terminal device receives system information #A from the first cell on a second link; or the terminal device receives system information #A from the first cell when it is in the second mode.

[0163] Taking system information #A as SIB1 as an example, in this case, the terminal device determines that it needs to receive SIB1. Furthermore, regarding other types of SIBs (such as the specific SIBs mentioned earlier), there are several possible implementation methods. One possible implementation method is that the terminal device determines whether it needs to receive other types of SIBs based on its own needs. Another possible implementation method is that the terminal device determines whether it needs to receive other types of SIBs based on the SIArea. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a previous implementation.) Figure 4 For example, terminal devices can determine whether to receive a specific SIB based on the SIarea; see the previous section for details. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions in the documentation will not be repeated here. Another possible implementation is that the terminal device determines whether to receive other types of SIBs based on its own needs and the SIarea.

[0164] In the second possible scenario, the terminal device determines not to receive the system information #A of the first cell. In this case, as an example, S520 can be replaced with: the terminal device determines not to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on the first information. Taking scenario #3 above as an example, S520 can be replaced with: the terminal device determines not to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on the fact that the frequency points of the first cell and the second cell are the same; or, if the frequency points of the first cell and the second cell are the same, the terminal device does not receive the system information #A of the first cell.

[0165] Specifically, if the terminal device determines that it will not receive system information #A from the first cell, then the terminal device can communicate with the first cell based on system information #A from the second cell. The system information #A from the second cell can be obtained by the terminal device while in the second cell. In other words, the terminal device still considers the system information #A obtained in the second cell to be valid in the first cell.

[0166] The above section, in conjunction with method 500, describes the relevant scheme for the terminal device to determine whether to receive system information #A of the first cell based on the first information. The following section, in conjunction with methods 600 and 800, describes the relevant schemes for scenarios #1 and #2 mentioned above, namely, the schemes for the first information indicating the area identifier associated with the first cell, and the schemes for the first information indicating N groups of cells. Terms or schemes not described in detail below can be referred to the description in method 500, and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0167] First, let's introduce the relevant scheme for indicating the area identifier associated with the first cell using method 600. For distinction, the first information in method 600 will be referred to as information #1.

[0168] See Figure 6 As an example, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 The method 600 shown may include the following steps.

[0169] S610, the terminal device receives information #1, which indicates the area identifier associated with the first cell. Correspondingly, the network device sends information #1.

[0170] Specifically, each time the terminal device reselects a cell (i.e., an example of the first cell), it can receive information #1 from that cell or other devices. This information #1 indicates the area identifier associated with that cell. Furthermore, the area identifier associated with the second cell can be obtained by the terminal device when it is camped on the second cell, or it can be obtained by the terminal device when it reselects from another cell to the second cell; there is no limitation on this.

[0171] Optionally, in S610, the terminal device receives information #1 when it is in the first state. The statement that the terminal device receives information #1 when it is in the first state can be replaced by any of the following: the terminal device receives information #1 through the first circuit; the terminal device receives information #1 through the first module; the terminal device receives information #1 on the first link; or the terminal device receives information #1 when it is in the first mode. Refer to the relevant description in method 500 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0172] Among them, information #1 indicates the area identifier associated with the first cell, which can be replaced by: information #1 indicating whether system information #A has changed, specifically, information #1 indicating whether system information #A of the first cell and the second cell are the same; or, information #1 indicates the area identifier associated with the first cell, which can be replaced by: information #1 indicating (or identifying) the area associated with the first cell; or, information #1 indicates the area identifier associated with the first cell, which can be replaced by: information #1 used by the terminal device to determine whether to exit the first state, or information #1 used by the terminal device to determine whether to update to the second state.

[0173] In the embodiments of this application, the area identifier is mentioned several times, and it will be explained here uniformly.

[0174] Specifically, the concept of a region or region identifier can be introduced for system information #A to reduce the amount of system information #A received. Taking a region identifier as an example, a region identifier is used to identify a region. Specifically, a region identifier is associated with at least one cell; in other words, a region includes at least one cell. Each cell is associated with a region identifier, and different cells may be associated with the same or different region identifiers. The content of system information #A for cells associated with the same region identifier is identical. In other words, when a terminal device moves between cells associated with the same region identifier, the terminal device can communicate based on the same system information #A. For example, suppose a region identifier is associated with cells #1 and #2. After a terminal device reselects from cell #1 to cell #2, since cells #1 and #2 are associated with the same region identifier, their system information #A is considered to be the same. Therefore, the terminal device does not need to receive system information #A in cell #2, but can communicate within cell #2 based on the system information #A obtained by the terminal device in cell #1.

[0175] It is understood that the name of the region identifier, also referred to as an identifier, value, or index, does not limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application. For ease of description, the region identifier will be used uniformly in the following description. In addition, in the embodiments of this application, the region identifier can also be replaced by region.

[0176] For ease of description and distinction, in this embodiment of the application, the area identifier associated with the first cell is referred to as the first area identifier, and the area identifier associated with the second cell is referred to as the second area identifier.

[0177] Optionally, method 600 further includes step S620.

[0178] S620, the terminal device determines whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on information #1.

[0179] Taking system information #A including SIB1 as an example, in S620, the terminal device determines whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on information #1, including: the terminal device determines whether to receive the SIB1 of the first cell based on information #1.

[0180] Optionally, if the first frequency and the second frequency are the same, the terminal device determines whether to receive system information #A of the first cell based on information #1. Specifically, when the first cell and the second cell are on the same frequency, the system information related to the frequency (such as SIB1) may be the same. Therefore, if the terminal device reselects to a cell on the same frequency (i.e., the first cell and the second cell have the same frequency), the terminal device can further determine whether to receive this type of system information (such as SIB1) of the first cell based on information #1.

[0181] For example, if the first frequency and the second frequency are the same, the terminal device receives information #1. As another example, the terminal device receives information #1, and if the first frequency and the second frequency are the same, it determines whether to receive system information #A from the first cell based on information #1.

[0182] Further optionally, if the first frequency point and the second frequency point are different, the terminal device receives the system information #A of the first cell. In one possible implementation, if the first frequency point and the second frequency point are different, the terminal device may not need to receive the indication information #1, or may not need to parse the indication information #1, or may directly ignore the indication information #1.

[0183] Regarding the first and second frequency points, at least the following two implementation methods are included.

[0184] In the first possible implementation, the first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell, and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell.

[0185] Based on this method, if the frequency of the first cell is the same as that of the second cell, the terminal device can further determine whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on information #1; if the frequency of the first cell is different from that of the second cell, the terminal device can ignore information #1 and directly determine whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell.

[0186] Specifically, considering that when the first and second cells operate on different frequencies, the frequency-related system information (such as SIB1) is likely to be different; when the first and second cells operate on the same frequency, the frequency-related system information (such as SIB1) may be the same. Therefore, if the terminal device reselects to a cell operating on a different frequency (i.e., the first and second cells operate on different frequencies), the terminal device can receive this type of system information (such as SIB1) from the first cell. In other words, information #1 does not affect the reception of this type of system information, meaning the terminal device must receive this type of system information from the new cell (i.e., the first cell). If the terminal device reselects to a cell operating on the same frequency (i.e., the first and second cells operate on the same frequency), the terminal device can determine whether to receive this type of system information (such as SIB1) from the first cell based on information #1.

[0187] The second possible implementation is that the first frequency point is the frequency point associated with the first region identifier, and the second frequency point is the frequency point associated with the second region identifier.

[0188] Based on this method, if the frequency associated with the first area identifier is the same as the frequency associated with the second area identifier, it is possible to further determine whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on information #1; if the frequency associated with the first area identifier is different from the frequency associated with the second area identifier, information #1 can be ignored and it can be directly determined that the system information #A of the first cell should be received.

[0189] Optionally, a region identifier is associated with a frequency point. For example, a region identifier (such as a first region identifier or a second region identifier) ​​is associated with a frequency point. In other words, a cell associated with a region identifier (such as at least one cell associated with a first region identifier) ​​is associated with a frequency point. Specifically, considering that when operating on different frequencies, the system information (such as SIB1) related to the frequency point is likely to be different; when operating on the same frequency, the system information (such as SIB1) related to the frequency point may be the same. Therefore, it is possible to design a region identifier associated with a frequency point. In this way, a region identifier can be associated with one or more cells under a certain frequency point, that is, the frequency point of the one or more cells is the frequency point associated with the region identifier.

[0190] As a further example, the area identifiers associated with different frequency points may be the same or different, without limitation. Specifically, considering that the terminal device may ignore or not receive information #1 when the frequency points are different, for cells with different frequency points, even if their associated area identifier values ​​are the same, the terminal device will directly determine the receiving system information #A based on the difference in frequency points.

[0191] For example, suppose there are 6 cells, denoted as: Cell #1, Cell #2, Cell #3, Cell #4, Cell #5, and Cell #6. Cells #1, #2, #3, and #4 all use frequency #1, while Cells #5 and #6 use frequency #2. The area identifier associated with Cells #1 and #2 is area identifier #1, with Cells #3 and #4 using area identifier #2, and with Cells #5 and #6 using area identifier #3. Area identifiers associated with the same frequency can be different; for example, area identifier #1 associated with frequency #1 may be different from area identifier #2 associated with frequency #1. Area identifiers associated with different frequencies may be the same or different; for example, area identifier #1 associated with frequency #1 and area identifier #3 associated with frequency #2 may be the same or different, and similarly, area identifiers #2 associated with frequency #1 and area identifier #3 associated with frequency #2 may be the same or different.

[0192] Optionally, the terminal device determines whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on information #1, including the following implementation methods. It is understood that the implementation methods described below can be used individually or in combination. For example, the implementation methods described below can coexist, and the terminal device can select one of the implementation methods to determine whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell according to the actual situation.

[0193] In the first possible implementation, the terminal device determines whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on the second area identifier and the first area identifier indicated by information #1.

[0194] As an example, if the frequency of the first cell is the same as that of the second cell, the terminal device determines whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on the second area identifier and the first area identifier indicated by information #1.

[0195] In one example, when the first area identifier and the second area identifier are different, the terminal device receives the system information #A of the first cell.

[0196] Specifically, if the first area identifier and the second area identifier are different, it means that the first cell and the second cell are associated with different system information #A areas, that is, the system information #A of the first cell and the second cell are different. Therefore, after the terminal device reselects to the first cell, it needs to receive the system information #A of the first cell.

[0197] In another example, if the first area identifier and the second area identifier are the same, the terminal device will not receive the system information #A of the first cell.

[0198] Specifically, if the first area identifier and the second area identifier are the same, it means that the first cell and the second cell are associated with the same system information #A area, that is, the system information #A of the first cell and the second cell is the same. Therefore, after the terminal device reselects to the first cell, it no longer needs to receive the system information #A of the first cell. In other words, the terminal device can directly communicate with the first cell based on the system information #A of the second cell. The system information #A of the second cell can be obtained by the terminal device when it is in the second cell.

[0199] In the second possible implementation, the terminal device determines whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on whether the value of information #1 is a preset value.

[0200] As an example, if the frequency of the first cell is the same as that of the second cell, the terminal device determines whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on whether the value of information #1 is a preset value.

[0201] For example, when information #1 is a preset value, the terminal device receives system information #A from the first cell.

[0202] Specifically, considering situations where system information #A might be configured differently, to avoid increasing the bit overhead of information #1, the value of information #1 can be designed to be a special value (i.e., a preset value). By using a special value for information #1 received in a certain cell, it indicates that the system information #A of that cell is cell-specific rather than region-specific. Therefore, the system information #A of that cell needs to be obtained separately.

[0203] In another example, if information #1 is not a preset value, the terminal device determines whether to receive system information #A from the first cell based on the second area identifier and the first area identifier indicated by information #1. Refer to the preceding description for further details.

[0204] It is understood that the above is an illustrative example, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. For example, if the first cell and the second cell are in a relationship of anchor cell and non-anchor cell, then after the terminal device reselects to the first cell, it may not be necessary to receive the system information #A of the first cell.

[0205] As an example, if the first cell and the second cell are in a relationship of anchor cell and non-anchor cell, then if the first area identifier and the second area identifier are different, or if the first cell and the second cell have different frequency points, the terminal device, after reselecting to the first cell, does not need to receive the system information #A of the first cell in the first cell. For example, if the second cell is an anchor cell and the first cell is a non-anchor cell, and the terminal device receives and saves the system information #A of the non-anchor cell (i.e., the first cell) in the second cell, then after the terminal device reselects to the first cell, since the terminal device has already obtained the system information #A of the first cell, the terminal device does not need to repeatedly receive the system information #A of the first cell in the first cell. In the following embodiments, for ease of description, the example is mainly based on the first cell and the second cell not being in a relationship of anchor cell and non-anchor cell, but the embodiments of this application do not exclude the scenario where the first cell and the second cell are in a relationship of anchor cell and non-anchor cell.

[0206] See Figure 7 As an example, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of a terminal device between cells, applicable to embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 7 As shown in (a), assume that cells with different shapes and different frequencies—that is, cells #1, #2, ..., #9 have the same frequency but are different from the frequencies of cells #10, #11, and #12, and also different from the frequencies of cells #13, #14, and #15. Furthermore, the frequencies of cells #10, #11, and #12 are also different from the frequencies of cells #13, #14, and #15. Cells with different frequencies are associated with different area identifiers. Alternatively, assume that cells with different filling patterns at the same frequency are associated with different area identifiers, and cells with the same filling pattern are associated with the same area identifier. For example... Figure 7 As shown, cell #1 and cell #2 are associated with the same area identifier (referred to as area identifier #1), cell #3, cell #6, and cell #9 are associated with the same area identifier (referred to as area identifier #2), and cell #4, cell #5, cell #7, and cell #8 are associated with the same area identifier (referred to as area identifier #3).

[0207] As an example, when a terminal device moves within a cell with the same frequency and area identifier, it does not need to obtain the system information of the new cell. Figure 7 As shown, for example, when a terminal device moves (i.e. reselects) from cell #3 to cell #6, the terminal device does not need to receive system information #A in cell #6. That is, the terminal device can communicate based on the system information #A obtained in cell #3.

[0208] As an example, when a terminal device moves within a cell with the same frequency but a different area identifier, it needs to obtain the system information #A of the new cell. For example... Figure 7 As shown, for example, when a terminal device moves (i.e., reselects) from cell #5 to cell #6, the terminal device needs to receive system information #A from cell #6. As another example, when a terminal device moves (i.e. reselects) from cell #1 to cell #4, the terminal device needs to receive system information #A from cell #4.

[0209] As an example, when a terminal device moves between cells with different frequency points, it needs to obtain the system information #A of the new cell. For example... Figure 7 As shown, for example, when a terminal device moves from cell #3 to (i.e., is reselected to) cell #10, the terminal device needs to receive system information #A of cell #10 within cell #10.

[0210] As an example, when a terminal device moves to (or reselects to) a cell whose area identifier is a preset value, it needs to obtain the system information #A of the new cell. For example... Figure 7 As shown, assuming the area identifier associated with cell #1 and cell #2 is a preset value, i.e., area identifier #1 is a preset value, then as long as the terminal device moves (i.e., reselects) to cell #1, such as moving (i.e., reselecting) to cell #1 from a cell other than cell #1 (such as cell #2 to cell #15), the terminal device will receive system information #A from cell #1; or, as long as the terminal device moves (i.e. reselects) to cell #2, such as moving (i.e. reselecting) to cell #2 from a cell other than cell #2 (such as cell #1, cell #3 to cell #15), the terminal device will receive system information #A from cell #2.

[0211] The terminal device determines whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on information #1, including the following two possible scenarios.

[0212] In the first possible scenario, the terminal device determines the system information #A of the first cell based on information #1. In this scenario, method 600 further includes S631.

[0213] S631, the terminal device receives system information #A from the first cell. In other words, the terminal device receives system information #A within the first cell.

[0214] As an example, the terminal device receives system information #A of the first cell when it is in the second state. For instance, if the terminal device determines that it needs to receive system information #A of the first cell based on information #1, then the terminal device switches from the first state to the second state, or in other words, the terminal device activates the second state in order to receive system information #A of the first cell. The terminal device receiving system information #A of the first cell when it is in the second state can also be replaced by any of the following: the terminal device receives system information #A of the first cell through a second circuit; the terminal device receives system information #A of the first cell through a second module; the terminal device receives system information #A of the first cell on a second link; or the terminal device receives system information #A of the first cell when it is in the second mode.

[0215] Taking system information #A as SIB1 as an example, in this case, the terminal device determines that it needs to receive SIB1 based on information #1. Furthermore, for other types of SIBs (such as the specific SIBs mentioned above), please refer to the relevant description in method 500, which will not be repeated here.

[0216] In the second possible scenario, the terminal device determines, based on information #1, not to receive system information #A from the first cell. In this case, as an example, method 600 further includes S632.

[0217] S632, the terminal device communicates with the first cell based on the system information #A of the second cell. In other words, the terminal device uses the system information #A received in the second cell (i.e., the system information #A of the second cell) in the first cell. For example, the terminal device accesses the first cell based on the system information #A of the second cell in order to communicate within the first cell.

[0218] The above section, in conjunction with method 600, introduced the relevant scheme for the first information indicating the area identifier associated with the first cell. The following section, in conjunction with method 800, introduces the relevant scheme for the first information indicating N groups of cells. For distinction, the first information in method 800 will be referred to as information #2.

[0219] See Figure 8 As an example, Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method 800 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 The method 800 shown may include the following steps.

[0220] S810, terminal device obtains information #2, information #2 indicates N groups of cells.

[0221] In this context, each of the N groups of cells includes at least one cell, and the cells within each group share the same system information #A. In other words, at least one cell with the same system information #A can be considered a group of cells. The term "group" can also be replaced with "region" or "range," as in information #2 indicating cells in N regions. Each of these N regions includes at least one cell, and the cells within each region share the same system information #A. Alternatively, "group" can be replaced with "association," as in information #2 indicating N associations. At least one cell with the same system information #A can be considered to have one (or a group of) associations. In other words, each of the N associations corresponds to (or is associated with) at least one cell, and cells corresponding to the same association share the same system information #A.

[0222] It is understandable that the concept of "group" here can refer to a logically divided group, meaning that one or more residential areas can be considered a group. The expression "group" can be replaced by "one or more residential areas," or it can mean that one or more residential areas are associated together, forming one or more sets of relationships. The concept of "group" mentioned below will include logically divided concepts.

[0223] For ease of description and distinction, in this embodiment, the group to which the first cell belongs is referred to as the first cell group, and the group to which the second cell belongs is referred to as the second cell group. The first cell group can also be replaced by the first association relationship or the first region, and the second cell group can also be replaced by the second association relationship or the second region. For simplicity and consistency, the following description will use the first cell group and the second cell group.

[0224] As an example, the terminal device obtains information #2 in at least the following two ways.

[0225] In the first possible implementation, the terminal device receives information #2. Correspondingly, the network device sends information #2. For example, the network device sends (or broadcasts) information #2 via broadcast, and the terminal device receives information #2. Another example is that the network device sends information #2 to the terminal device via unicast, and the terminal device receives information #2. In this implementation, the network device sending information #2 can be the network device belonging to the current cell (such as the base station to which the current cell belongs); or it can be a network device not belonging to the current cell. For example, if the terminal device reselects from the second cell to the current cell (such as the first cell), the network device sending information #2 can be the network device belonging to the second cell, meaning the network device belonging to the second cell sends information #2 to the terminal device. If the terminal device is camped in the second cell, the network device belonging to the second cell sends information #2 to the terminal device. Here, the second cell and the current cell belong to different network devices. Another example is that the network device sending information #2 can be the network device to which the terminal device initially accesses the network, such as when the terminal device initially accesses the network, the network device that initially accesses the network sends information #2 to the terminal device.

[0226] In the second possible implementation, information #2 is predefined; in other words, the N groups of cells are predefined. In this case, the terminal device can directly determine the N groups of cells, meaning the terminal device can directly determine which cells constitute a group of cells.

[0227] Optionally, method 800 also includes S820.

[0228] S820, the terminal device determines whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on information #2.

[0229] Taking system information #A including SIB1 as an example, in S820, the terminal device determines whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on information #2, including: the terminal device determines whether to receive the SIB1 of the first cell based on information #2.

[0230] Information #2 indicates N groups of cells. In other words, information #2 is used by the terminal device to determine which cells belong to the same group, and thus which cells have the same system information #A. Information #2 indicating N groups of cells can be replaced with: Information #2 indicating whether system information #A has changed; specifically, Information #2 indicating whether the system information #A of the first cell and the second cell is the same; or, Information #2 indicating (or identifying) the group to which the first cell belongs, or Information #2 indicating (or identifying) the area associated with the first cell; or, Information #2 indicating (or identifying) whether the groups to which the first cell and the second cell belong are the same, or Information #2 indicating (or identifying) whether the areas associated with the first cell and the second cell are the same; or, Information #2 indicating N groups of cells can be replaced with: Information #2 used by the terminal device to determine whether to exit the first state, or Information #2 used by the terminal device to determine whether to update to the second state.

[0231] N cell groups can exist in the form of tables, functions, text, or strings, such as in storage or transmission. For example, N cell groups are shown in Table 1 or Table 2. Table 1 or Table 2 can be predefined, indicative, or configured; there are no restrictions.

[0232] Table 1

[0233]

[0234] Table 2

[0235]

[0236] Taking Tables 1 and 2 above as examples, it can be seen from Tables 1 and 2 that Community #1, Community #2, Community #3 and Community #4 are a group of communities; Community #5 and Community #6 are a group of communities.

[0237] The cells in Tables 1 and 2 above can exist in the form of cell identifiers. Taking cell #1 in Tables 1 and 2 as an example, "cell #1" can be replaced with "identifier of cell #1". The difference between Tables 1 and 2 is that in Table 2, each group of cells can be associated with information about a cell group. As an example, the information of this cell group can be, for example, the identifier of the cell group, or the frequency point associated with the cell group, without limitation.

[0238] Optionally, cell groups are associated with frequency points. Cells within the same group of N cells share the same frequency point; that is, all cells within a cell group share the same frequency point. In other words, cells within the same group of N cells are associated with a single frequency point, meaning a cell group is associated with a single frequency point, and the frequency point associated with the cell group is the frequency point of each cell within that cell group. Specifically, considering that system information related to a frequency point (such as SIB1) is likely to be different when cells operate on different frequencies, while system information related to a frequency point (such as SIB1) may be the same when cells operate on the same frequency, multiple cells with the same frequency point can be designed as a cell group. In this case, the cell group is associated with a single frequency point, and the associated frequency point is the frequency point of each cell within the cell group. This allows cells with the same frequency point to be associated with a cell group, meaning a cell group is associated with one or more cells under a certain frequency point, and the frequency point of these one or more cells is the frequency point associated with the cell group.

[0239] It is understood that Tables 1 and 2 above are merely illustrative examples, and any variations of Tables 1 or 2 are applicable to the embodiments of this application. For example, Tables 1 or 2 may also include more cell groups.

[0240] For N groups of cells, at least the following implementation methods are included.

[0241] In the first possible implementation, N groups of cells are the same group as the first cell (i.e., the first cell group), where N = 1. In other words, the terminal device can obtain cells that belong to the same cell group as the current cell (i.e., the cell the terminal device is currently in). For ease of description, assume that the first cell group includes the first cell and Y cells, that is, the first cell and Y cells form a group of cells, where Y is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0242] Based on this implementation, in S810, the terminal device obtains information #2, including: the terminal device receives information #2, which indicates the first cell group. As an example, the network device sends information #2 via broadcast. For instance, this information #2 is carried in SI.

[0243] For example, information #2 indicates Y cells, such as the identifier of each of the Y cells. Based on this, after receiving information #2, the terminal device can determine that the first cell belongs to the same cell group as the Y cells. In other words, the terminal device can determine that the system information #A of the first cell is the same as the system information #A of the Y cells.

[0244] In another example, information #2 indicates information about the first cell group, such as the group identifier of the first cell group. Based on this, after receiving information #2, the terminal device can directly determine which cells belong to the same cell group as the first cell based on the predefined cells contained in the first cell group. In other words, the terminal device can determine which cells have the same system information #A as the first cell. Taking Table 2 as an example, suppose the first cell is cell #6, and information #2 indicates cell group #2. After receiving information #2, the terminal device can determine that the group to which the first cell belongs is cell group #2, and then, based on the predefined Table 2, determine the cells in cell group #2, that is, determine that cell #6 has the same system information #A as cell #5.

[0245] Furthermore, based on this implementation, as an example, each time the terminal device reselects a cell, it can receive a message #2 to indicate the cell group to which the current cell (i.e., the cell where the terminal device is currently located) belongs.

[0246] The second possible implementation involves N groups of cells that are associated with at least one frequency point. For distinction, this at least one frequency point is referred to as frequency point #A.

[0247] Frequency point #A can be any of the following: a frequency point of the first cell, at least one frequency point contained in the RAN area, or at least one frequency point contained in the tracking area (TA). Several examples are given below.

[0248] Example 1: Frequency point #A is the frequency point of the first cell, which is also the cell group associated with the frequency point of the first cell (N groups of cells). For ease of description, the frequency point of the first cell is denoted as frequency point #A.

[0249] Based on this implementation, in S810, the terminal device obtains information #2, including: the terminal device receives information #2, which indicates the cell group associated with frequency point #A. As an example, the network device sends information #2 via broadcast, which indicates at least one cell group associated with frequency point #A. For example, this information #2 is carried in SI.

[0250] Frequency #A may be associated with one cell group or multiple cell groups.

[0251] For example, frequency point #A is associated with a cell group. In this case, the cell group associated with frequency point #A is the first cell group, which is indicated by information #2. Please refer to the previous descriptions for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0252] Another example is that frequency point #A is associated with multiple cell groups. For instance, suppose frequency point #A is associated with cell group #1 and cell group #2. Information #2 can indicate cell group #1, and information #2 can also indicate cell group #2. Refer to the previous description of information #2 indicating the first cell group for details; it will not be repeated here.

[0253] Example 2, frequency point #A is at least one frequency point contained in the RAN area.

[0254] For example, frequency point #A represents a subset of the frequencies contained in the RAN area; another example is that frequency point #A represents all the frequencies contained in the RAN area. For ease of description, the following example will primarily use frequency point #A representing all the frequencies contained in the RAN area.

[0255] Based on this implementation, in S810, the terminal device obtains information #2, including: the terminal device receives information #2, which indicates the cell groups associated with each frequency point in the RANarea. As an example, the network device sends information #2 via unicast, indicating the cell groups associated with each frequency point in the RANarea. For instance, the network device sends an RRC message (such as an RRC connection release message) to the terminal device, which indicates the cell groups associated with each frequency point in the current RANarea. In this case, since information #2 indicates the cell groups associated with each frequency point in the RANarea, it can be understood that information #2 is associated with the RANarea; that is, one RANarea is associated with one information #2, or in other words, one information #2 is associated with one RANarea. When the terminal device moves within a certain RANarea, it only needs to receive information #2 once; the terminal device receives information #2 again after moving to a new RANarea.

[0256] Example 3, frequency point #A is at least one frequency point contained in TA.

[0257] For example, frequency point #A represents some of the frequencies contained in the TA; another example is that frequency point #A represents all the frequencies contained in the TA. For ease of description, the following example will primarily use frequency point #A representing all the frequencies contained in the TA.

[0258] Based on this implementation, in S810, the terminal device obtains information #2, including: the terminal device receives information #2, which indicates the cell groups associated with each frequency point in the TA. As an example, the network device sends information #2 via unicast, indicating the cell groups associated with each frequency point in the TA. For instance, the network device sends a non-access stratum (NAS) message (such as a registration response message) to the terminal device, where information #2 indicates the cell groups associated with each frequency point in the current TA. In this case, since information #2 indicates the cell groups associated with each frequency point in the TA, the terminal device may not need to receive information #2 again for a long period after receiving it once; that is, it only needs to receive information #2 again after moving to a new TA.

[0259] The above is an illustrative example, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0260] Optionally, if the first frequency and the second frequency are the same, the terminal device determines whether to receive system information #A of the first cell based on information #2. Specifically, when the first cell and the second cell are on the same frequency, the system information related to the frequency (such as SIB1) may be the same. Therefore, if the terminal device reselects to a cell on the same frequency (i.e., the first cell and the second cell have the same frequency), the terminal device can further determine whether to receive this type of system information (such as SIB1) of the first cell based on information #2.

[0261] For example, if the first frequency and the second frequency are the same, the terminal device acquires information #2. As another example, the terminal device acquires information #2, and if the first frequency and the second frequency are the same, it determines, based on information #2, whether to receive system information #A from the first cell.

[0262] Further optionally, if the first frequency point and the second frequency point are different, the terminal device receives the system information #A of the first cell. In one possible implementation, if the first frequency point and the second frequency point are different, the terminal device may not need to obtain information #2, or may not need to determine whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on information #2.

[0263] Regarding the first and second frequency points, at least the following two implementation methods are included.

[0264] In the first possible implementation, the first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell, and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell.

[0265] Based on this method, if the frequency of the first cell is the same as that of the second cell, it can be further determined whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on information #2; if the frequency of the first cell is different from that of the second cell, information #2 can be ignored and it can be directly determined whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell.

[0266] Specifically, considering that when the first and second cells operate on different frequencies, the frequency-related system information (such as SIB1) is likely to be different; when the first and second cells operate on the same frequency, the frequency-related system information (such as SIB1) may be the same. Therefore, if the terminal device reselects to a cell operating on a different frequency (i.e., the first and second cells operate on different frequencies), the terminal device can receive this type of system information (such as SIB1) from the first cell. In other words, information #2 does not affect the reception of this type of system information, meaning the terminal device must receive this type of system information from the new cell (i.e., the first cell). If the terminal device reselects to a cell operating on the same frequency (i.e., the first and second cells operate on the same frequency), the terminal device can determine whether to receive this type of system information (such as SIB1) from the first cell based on information #2.

[0267] The second possible implementation is that the first frequency point is the frequency point associated with the first cell group, and the second frequency point is the frequency point associated with the second cell group.

[0268] Based on this method, if the frequency associated with the first cell group is the same as the frequency associated with the second cell group, it can be further determined whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on information #2; if the frequency associated with the first cell group is different from the frequency associated with the second cell group, information #2 can be ignored and it can be directly determined to receive the system information #A of the first cell.

[0269] As mentioned earlier, all cells in a cell group share the same frequency. A cell group is associated with a frequency, and the frequency associated with the cell group is the frequency of each cell in that cell group.

[0270] Optionally, the terminal device determines whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on information #2, including the following implementation methods. It is understood that the implementation methods described below can be used individually or in combination. For example, the implementation methods described below can coexist, and the terminal device can select one of the implementation methods to determine whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell according to the actual situation.

[0271] In the first possible implementation, the terminal device determines whether to receive system information #A from the first cell based on whether the first cell and the second cell belong to the same group of cells.

[0272] As an example, if the frequency of the first cell is the same as that of the second cell, the terminal device determines whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on whether the first cell and the second cell belong to the same group of cells.

[0273] Optionally, method 800 further includes: the terminal device determining information about the first cell, such as the identifier of the first cell. In this way, the terminal device can combine the information about the first cell with the N groups of cells indicated by information #2 to determine whether the first cell and the second cell belong to the same group of cells. For example, after the terminal device reselects to the first cell, it determines the identifier of the first cell and, in conjunction with Table 1 or Table 2, determines whether the first cell and the second cell are in the same group. The information about the second cell, such as the identifier of the second cell, can be obtained when the terminal device is camped on the second cell, or it can be obtained when the terminal device reselects to the second cell from another cell; it is not limited to this.

[0274] As an example, when the terminal device is in the first state, it determines the information of the first cell, such as determining the identifier of the first cell. The determination of the first cell information when the terminal device is in the first state can be replaced by any of the following: the terminal device determines the first cell information through a first circuit; the terminal device determines the first cell information through a first module; the terminal device determines the first cell information on a first link; or the terminal device determines the first cell information when it is in the first mode. Refer to the relevant description in method 500 for further details, which will not be repeated here.

[0275] For example, if the first cell and the second cell belong to the same group of cells in group N, the terminal device will not receive system information #A from the first cell.

[0276] Specifically, if the first cell and the second cell belong to the same cell group (i.e., the first cell group and the second cell group are the same), it means that the system information #A of the first cell and the second cell is the same. Therefore, after the terminal device reselects to the first cell, it no longer needs to receive the system information #A of the first cell; that is, the terminal device can directly communicate with the first cell based on the system information #A of the second cell. The system information #A of the second cell can be obtained by the terminal device when it is in the second cell. As an example, if the first frequency point and the second frequency point are the same, and the first cell and the second cell belong to the same cell group, then the terminal device does not need to receive the system information #A of the first cell. In other words, the system information #A obtained by the terminal device in the second cell is still considered valid in the first cell.

[0277] In another example, if the first cell and the second cell belong to different groups of cells in group N, the terminal device receives system information #A from the first cell.

[0278] Specifically, if the first cell and the second cell do not belong to the same cell group, that is, the first cell group and the second cell group are different, then the system information #A of the first cell and the second cell may be different. Therefore, after the terminal device reselects to the first cell, it must receive the system information #A of the first cell. As an example, if the first frequency point and the second frequency point are the same, and the first cell and the second cell do not belong to the same cell group, then the terminal device receives the system information #A of the first cell.

[0279] The second possible implementation is that the terminal device determines whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on whether the first cell is included in the N groups of cells.

[0280] For example, in the case where the first cell is not included in the N groups of cells, the system information #A of the first cell is received.

[0281] Specifically, considering situations where system information #A might be configured differently, to avoid increasing the bit overhead of information #2, we can design that the first cell is not included in the N cell groups. In other words, the first cell can be left ungrouped. By indicating that a certain cell is not included in the N cell groups, we suggest that the system information #A of that cell is cell-specific rather than region-specific. Therefore, the system information #A of that cell should be obtained separately. As an example, if the first frequency and the second frequency are the same, and the first cell is not included in the N cell groups, then the terminal device receives the system information #A of the first cell.

[0282] Another example is when N cell groups include the first cell, the decision to receive system information #A from the first cell is based on whether the first cell and the second cell belong to the same cell group. Please refer to the preceding descriptions for details.

[0283] The third possible implementation is that the terminal device determines whether to receive the system information of the first cell based on the number of cells in the first cell group.

[0284] For example, when the number of cells in the first cell group is 1, that is, when the first cell group only includes the first cell, the terminal device determines that it is receiving the system information #A of the first cell.

[0285] Specifically, considering situations where system information #A might be configured differently, the first cell can be set up as a separate cell group. By having a cell group contain only one cell, it indicates that the system information #A of that cell is cell-specific rather than region-specific; therefore, the system information #A of that cell should be obtained separately. As an example, if the first frequency point and the second frequency point are the same, and the first cell group contains only the first cell, then the terminal device receives the system information #A of the first cell.

[0286] In another example, when the number of cells in the first cell group is greater than one, i.e., when the first cell group includes the first cell and other cells, the terminal device determines whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on whether the first cell and the second cell belong to the same cell group. Please refer to the preceding description for further details.

[0287] It is understood that the above is an illustrative example, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. For example, if the first cell and the second cell are in a relationship of anchor cell and non-anchor cell, then after the terminal device reselects to the first cell, it may not need to receive the system information #A of the first cell. Please refer to the relevant descriptions above for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0288] The following is combined with Figure 7 Here are some specific examples.

[0289] like Figure 7 In (b), it is assumed that cells with different shapes correspond to different frequencies. Specifically, cells #1, #2, ..., #9 have the same frequency, but are different from the frequencies of cells #10, #11, and #12, and also different from the frequencies of cells #13, #14, and #15. Furthermore, the frequencies of cells #10, #11, and #12 are also different from the frequencies of cells #13, #14, and #15. It is assumed that cells with different filling patterns at the same frequency belong to different groups of cells, and cells with the same filling pattern belong to the same group of cells. For example... Figure 7 As shown, cell #1 belongs to a group of cells (referred to as cell group #1), cell #2 belongs to a group of cells (referred to as cell group #2), cell #3, cell #6, and cell #9 belong to the same group of cells (referred to as cell group #3), and cell #4, cell #5, cell #7, and cell #8 belong to the same group of cells (referred to as cell group #4).

[0290] As an example, when a terminal device moves within the same frequency band and the same group of cells, it does not need to obtain the system information of the new cell. Figure 7 As shown, for example, when a terminal device moves (i.e. reselects) from cell #3 to cell #6, the terminal device does not need to receive system information #A in cell #6. That is, the terminal device can communicate based on the system information #A obtained in cell #3.

[0291] As an example, when a terminal device moves within a cell group that shares the same frequency but is located in a different cell group, it needs to obtain the system information #A of the new cell. For example... Figure 7As shown, for example, when a terminal device moves (i.e., reselects) from cell #5 to cell #6, the terminal device needs to receive system information #A from cell #6. As another example, when a terminal device moves (i.e. reselects) from cell #1 to cell #4, the terminal device needs to receive system information #A from cell #4.

[0292] As an example, when a terminal device moves between cells with different frequency points, it needs to obtain the system information #A of the new cell. For example... Figure 7 As shown, for example, when a terminal device moves from cell #3 to (i.e., is reselected to) cell #10, the terminal device needs to receive system information #A of cell #10 within cell #10.

[0293] As an example, when a terminal device moves to (or reselects to) a cell that is not in group N, it needs to obtain the system information #A of the new cell. For example... Figure 7 As shown, assuming the terminal device moves to (i.e. reselects) cell #16, since cell #16 is not included in the N groups of cells, the terminal device determines that it should receive system information #A from cell #1.

[0294] As an example, when a terminal device moves to (or reselects) a group of cells containing only one cell, it needs to obtain the system information #A of the new cell. For example... Figure 7 As shown, there is one cell in cell group #1 (i.e., cell #1) and one cell in cell group #2 (i.e., cell #2). Therefore, as long as the terminal device moves (i.e., reselects) to cell #1, such as moving (i.e., reselecting) to cell #1 from a cell other than cell #1 (e.g., cell #2 to cell #15), the terminal device needs to receive system information #A from cell #1; or, as long as the terminal device moves (i.e., reselects) to cell #2, such as moving (i.e., reselecting) to cell #2 from a cell other than cell #2 (e.g., cell #1, cell #3 to cell #15), the terminal device needs to receive system information #A from cell #2.

[0295] The terminal device determines whether to receive the system information #A of the first cell based on information #2, including the following two possible scenarios.

[0296] In the first possible scenario, the terminal device determines the system information #A of the first cell based on information #2. In this scenario, method 800 further includes S831.

[0297] S831, the terminal device receives system information #A from the first cell. In other words, the terminal device receives system information #A within the first cell.

[0298] As an example, the terminal device receives system information #A of the first cell when it is in the second state. For instance, if the terminal device determines that it needs to receive system information #A of the first cell based on information #2, then the terminal device switches from the first state to the second state, or in other words, the terminal device activates the second state in order to receive system information #A of the first cell. The terminal device receiving system information #A of the first cell when it is in the second state can also be replaced by any of the following: the terminal device receives system information #A of the first cell through a second circuit; the terminal device receives system information #A of the first cell through a second module; the terminal device receives system information #A of the first cell on a second link; or the terminal device receives system information #A of the first cell when it is in the second mode.

[0299] Taking system information #A as SIB1 as an example, in this case, the terminal device determines that it needs to receive SIB1 based on information #2. Furthermore, for other types of SIBs (such as the specific SIBs mentioned earlier), please refer to the relevant description in method 500, which will not be elaborated here.

[0300] In the second possible scenario, the terminal device determines, based on information #2, not to receive system information #A from the first cell. In this case, as an example, method 800 further includes S832.

[0301] S832, the terminal device communicates with the first cell based on the system information #A of the second cell. In other words, the terminal device uses the system information #A received in the second cell (i.e., the system information #A of the second cell) in the first cell. For example, the terminal device accesses the first cell based on the system information #A of the second cell in order to communicate within the first cell.

[0302] It is understood that in the above method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by the device can also be implemented by components of the device (such as chips or circuits), without limitation.

[0303] The above, combined with Figures 5 to 8 The methods provided in the embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Figures 9 to 11 The apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail. It should be understood that the description of the apparatus embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for content not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0304] See Figure 9 As an example, Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 900 includes a transceiver unit 910. The transceiver unit 910 can be used to implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 910 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit. Optionally, the device 900 further includes a processing unit 920. The processing unit 920 can be used to perform processing, such as determining whether to receive system information.

[0305] Optionally, the device 900 further includes a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 920 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit to enable the device to implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0306] In a first possible design, the device 900 can be the terminal device as described in the foregoing embodiments (e.g., ...). Figure 5 or Figure 6 The device 900 (as shown in the diagram) can implement the steps or processes performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver unit 910 can be used to perform transceiver-related operations (such as sending and / or receiving data or messages) of the terminal device in the above method embodiments; the processing unit 920 can be used to perform processing-related operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiments, or operations other than transceiver (such as operations other than sending and / or receiving data or messages).

[0307] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 910 is used to receive first information, the first information indicating a first area identifier associated with a first cell, the first area identifier being associated with at least one cell, the system information corresponding to the at least one cell being the same, the at least one cell including the first cell, and the first cell being the cell that provides services to the terminal.

[0308] Optionally, the processing unit 920 is configured to determine whether to receive the system information of the first cell based on the first information.

[0309] Optionally, the processing unit 920 is configured to determine whether to receive the system information of the first cell based on the first information, including: the processing unit 920 is configured to determine whether to receive the SIB1 of the first cell based on the first information.

[0310] Optionally, the processing unit 920 is configured to determine whether to receive system information of the first cell based on the first information, including: the processing unit 920 is configured to determine whether to receive system information of the first cell based on the first information when the first frequency point and the second frequency point are the same, wherein the first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell; or, the first frequency point is the frequency point associated with the first area identifier and the second frequency point is the frequency point associated with the second area identifier, wherein the cell associated with the second area identifier includes the second cell; wherein the second cell is the cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0311] Optionally, the transceiver unit 910 is further configured to receive system information of the first cell when the first frequency point and the second frequency point are different; the first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell, and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell; or, the first frequency point is the frequency point associated with the first area identifier, the second frequency point is the frequency point associated with the second area identifier, and the cell associated with the second area identifier includes the second cell; wherein, the second cell is the cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0312] Optionally, if the value of the first information is a preset value, the transceiver unit 910 is further configured to receive system information of the first cell; or, if the first area identifier and the second area identifier are different, the transceiver unit 910 is further configured to receive system information of the first cell; or, if the first area identifier and the second area identifier are the same, the processing unit 920 is configured to determine not to receive system information of the first cell; wherein, the cell associated with the second area identifier includes the second cell, which is the cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0313] In a second possible design, the device 900 could be a terminal device as described in the aforementioned embodiments (e.g., ...). Figure 5 or Figure 8 The device 900 (as shown in the diagram) can implement the steps or processes performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver unit 910 can be used to perform transceiver-related operations (such as sending and / or receiving data or messages) of the terminal device in the above method embodiments; the processing unit 920 can be used to perform processing-related operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiments, or operations other than transceiver (such as operations other than sending and / or receiving data or messages).

[0314] One possible implementation is that the transceiver unit 910 is used to obtain second information, which indicates N groups of cells, each group of cells including at least one cell, and the system information of the cells in each group of cells is the same, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0315] Optionally, the processing unit 920 is configured to determine, based on the second information, whether to receive the system information of the first cell, where the first cell is a cell that provides services to the terminal.

[0316] Optionally, the processing unit 920 is configured to determine whether to receive the system information of the first cell based on the second information, including: the processing unit 920 is configured to determine whether to receive the SIB1 of the first cell based on the second information.

[0317] Optionally, the processing unit 920 is configured to determine whether to receive system information of the first cell based on the second information, including: the processing unit 920 is configured to determine whether to receive system information of the first cell based on the second information when the first frequency point and the second frequency point are the same, wherein the first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell; or, the first frequency point is the frequency point associated with the group to which the first cell belongs, and the second frequency point is the frequency point associated with the group to which the second cell belongs; wherein the second cell is the cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0318] Optionally, the transceiver unit 910 is further configured to receive system information of the first cell when the first frequency point and the second frequency point are different; the first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell, and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell; or, the first frequency point is the frequency point associated with the group to which the first cell belongs, and the second frequency point is the frequency point associated with the group to which the second cell belongs; wherein, the second cell is the cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0319] Optionally, if the first cell and the second cell belong to the same group of cells in group N, the processing unit 920 is configured to determine not to receive system information from the first cell; or, if the first cell and the second cell belong to different groups of cells in group N, the transceiver unit 910 is further configured to receive system information from the first cell; or, if the first cell is not included in group N, the transceiver unit 910 is further configured to receive system information from the first cell; wherein the first cell is the cell that provides services to the terminal, and the second cell is the cell that provided services to the terminal before the first cell.

[0320] A third possible design is that the device 900 can be a network device (such as...) as described in the previous embodiments. Figure 5 or Figure 6 The device 900 (as shown in the network device) can implement the steps or processes performed by the network device corresponding to those described in the method embodiments above. The transceiver unit 910 can be used to perform transceiver-related operations (such as sending and / or receiving data or messages) of the network device described in the method embodiments above; the processing unit 920 can be used to perform processing-related operations of the network device described in the method embodiments above, or operations other than transceiver (such as operations other than sending and / or receiving data or messages).

[0321] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 910 is used to send first information, the first information indicating a first area identifier associated with a first cell, the first area identifier being associated with at least one cell, the system information corresponding to the at least one cell being the same, the at least one cell including the first cell, and the first cell being the cell that provides services to the terminal.

[0322] A fourth possible design is that the device 900 can be a network device (such as...) as described in the previous embodiments. Figure 5 or Figure 8 The device 900 (as shown in the network device) can implement the steps or processes performed by the network device corresponding to those described in the method embodiments above. The transceiver unit 910 can be used to perform transceiver-related operations (such as sending and / or receiving data or messages) of the network device described in the method embodiments above; the processing unit 920 can be used to perform processing-related operations of the network device described in the method embodiments above, or operations other than transceiver (such as operations other than sending and / or receiving data or messages).

[0323] One possible implementation is that the transceiver unit 910 is used to send second information, which indicates N groups of cells, each group of cells including at least one cell, and the system information of the cells in each group of cells is the same, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0324] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0325] It should also be understood that the device 900 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 900 can specifically be the communication device in the above embodiments, and can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the communication device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described again here.

[0326] The apparatus 900 of each of the above-described schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device) in the above-described methods. The function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions; for example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (e.g., the transmitting unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as processing units, can be replaced by a processor, respectively executing the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0327] In addition, the transceiver unit 910 described above can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit can be a processing circuit.

[0328] It should be pointed out that, Figure 9 The device mentioned can be the communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device) in the foregoing embodiments, or it can be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on a chip (SoC). The transceiver unit can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processing unit is a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. No limitations are imposed here.

[0329] See Figure 10 As an example, Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 1000 includes a processor 1010, which is coupled to a memory 1020. The memory 1020 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 1010 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1020, or to read the data stored in the memory 1020, in order to execute the methods in the above method embodiments.

[0330] Optionally, there may be one or more processors 1010.

[0331] Optionally, the memory 1020 may be one or more.

[0332] Alternatively, the memory 1020 can be integrated with the processor 1010, or it can be set separately.

[0333] Optionally, such as Figure 10 As shown, the device 1000 also includes a transceiver 1030, which is used for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, the processor 1010 is used to control the transceiver 1030 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0334] As an example, processor 1010 may have Figure 9 The processing unit 920 shown has the function of a storage unit, the memory 1020 can have the function of a storage unit, and the transceiver 1030 can have the function of a storage unit. Figure 9 The function of the transceiver unit 910 shown is illustrated.

[0335] As one option, the device 1000 is used to implement the operations performed by a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device) in the various method embodiments described above.

[0336] For example, processor 1010 is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in memory 1020 to implement the relevant operations of the communication device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0337] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0338] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or 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). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: 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).

[0339] 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) can be integrated into the processor.

[0340] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0341] See Figure 11 As an example, Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a chip system 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The chip system 1100 (or may also be referred to as a processing system) includes logic circuitry 1110 and an input / output interface 1120.

[0342] The logic circuit 1110 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 1100. The logic circuit 1110 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 1100 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 1120 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 1100, outputting processed information from the chip system 1100, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 1100 for processing.

[0343] As one approach, the chip system 1100 is used to implement operations performed by communication devices (such as terminal devices or network devices) in the various method embodiments described above.

[0344] For example, logic circuit 1110 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device) in the above method embodiments; input / output interface 1120 is used to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device) in the above method embodiments.

[0345] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions for implementing the methods executed by a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device) in the above-described method embodiments. For example, when the computer program or instructions are run on the communication device, the communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device) performs the above-described methods (such as method 500, method 600, or method 800).

[0346] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the methods described above as performed by a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device). For example, when the computer program or instructions are run on the communication device, the communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device) performs the methods described above (such as method 500, method 600, or method 800).

[0347] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the terminal device and network device described in the above embodiments. For example, the system includes... Figure 5The terminal device and network device in the embodiment. For example, the system includes... Figure 6 The terminal device and network device in the embodiment. For example, the system includes... Figure 8 The terminal device and network device in the embodiments.

[0348] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0349] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of 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 mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0350] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer 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. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. 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 that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs). For example, the aforementioned available media include, but are not limited to, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0351] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal, the method includes: The system receives first information, which indicates a first area identifier associated with a first cell. The first area identifier is associated with at least one cell, and the system information corresponding to the at least one cell is the same. The at least one cell includes the first cell, which is the cell that provides services to the terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one cell has the same frequency, or the first area identifier is associated with a frequency.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the first information, determine whether to receive the system information of the first cell.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of determining whether to receive system information from the first cell based on the first information includes: Based on the first information, determine whether to receive the system information block 1SIB1 of the first cell.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The step of determining whether to receive system information from the first cell based on the first information includes: If the first frequency point and the second frequency point are the same, determine whether to receive the system information of the first cell based on the first information. The first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell, and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell; or, the first frequency point is the frequency point associated with the first area identifier, the second frequency point is the frequency point associated with the second area identifier, and the cell associated with the second area identifier includes the second cell; wherein, the second cell is the cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the first frequency point and the second frequency point are different, the system information of the first cell is received; The first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell, and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell; or, the first frequency point is the frequency point associated with the first area identifier, the second frequency point is the frequency point associated with the second area identifier, and the cell associated with the second area identifier includes the second cell; wherein, the second cell is the cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes any one of the following: When the value of the first information is a preset value, the system information of the first cell is received; If the first area identifier and the second area identifier are different, the system information of the first cell is received; If the first area identifier and the second area identifier are the same, it is determined that the system information of the first cell will not be received; The cell associated with the second area identifier includes the second cell, which is the cell that provided services to the terminal before the first cell.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The receiving of the first information includes: The terminal is in a low-capacity receiving state when receiving the first information.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send first information, the first information indicating a first area identifier associated with a first cell, the first area identifier being associated with at least one cell, the at least one cell having the same system information, the at least one cell including the first cell, the first cell being a cell providing services to the terminal.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The at least one cell has the same frequency, or the first area identifier is associated with a frequency.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal, the method includes: Obtain second information, which indicates N groups of cells, each group of cells including at least one cell, and the system information of the cells in each group of cells is the same, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The cells in the same group of N cells share the same frequency, or the cells in the same group of N cells are associated with the same frequency.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the second information, it is determined whether to receive system information from the first cell, which is the cell that provides services to the terminal.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The step of determining whether to receive system information from the first cell based on the second information includes: Based on the second information, determine whether to receive the system information block 1SIB1 of the first cell.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The step of determining whether to receive system information from the first cell based on the second information includes: If the first frequency point and the second frequency point are the same, determine whether to receive the system information of the first cell based on the second information; The first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell, and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell; or, the first frequency point is the frequency point associated with the group to which the first cell belongs, and the second frequency point is the frequency point associated with the group to which the second cell belongs; wherein, the second cell is the cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the first frequency point and the second frequency point are different, the system information of the first cell is received, where the first cell is the cell that provides services to the terminal; The first frequency point is the frequency point of the first cell, and the second frequency point is the frequency point of the second cell; or, the first frequency point is the frequency point associated with the group to which the first cell belongs, and the second frequency point is the frequency point associated with the group to which the second cell belongs; wherein, the second cell is the cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that, The second information indicates N groups of cells, including: the identifier of each cell in the N groups of cells.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the terminal is in a low-capacity reception state, it determines the identifier of the first cell. The identifier of the first cell is used in conjunction with the second information to determine whether to receive the system information of the first cell. The first cell is the cell that provides services to the terminal.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that, The method further includes any one of the following: If the first cell and the second cell belong to the same group of cells in group N, it is determined that system information from the first cell will not be received. If the first cell and the second cell belong to different groups of cells in group N, the system information of the first cell is received. If the first cell is not included in the N groups of cells, the system information of the first cell is received; The first cell is the cell that provides services to the terminal, and the second cell is the cell that provides services to the terminal before the first cell.

20. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal, the method includes: Send a second message indicating N groups of cells, each group of cells including at least one cell, and the system information of the cells in each group of cells is the same, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The cells in the same group of N cells share the same frequency, or the cells in the same group of N cells are associated with the same frequency.

22. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 21, characterized in that, The N=1, and the N groups of cells are the first group of cells, which includes the first cell and at least one cell with the same system information as the first cell.

23. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 21, characterized in that, The N groups of cells are at least one second group of cells, and the frequency points associated with the second group of cells are any of the following: the frequency points of the first cell, the frequency points contained in the radio access network area, and the frequency points contained in the tracking area, wherein the first cell is a cell that provides services to the terminal.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules or units for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor for executing a computer program or instructions in a memory to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 23.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that, The device further includes the memory and / or a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor. The communication interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 23.

28. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 23.

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