A communication method and a communication device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application disclose a communication method and a communication device, which are used for improving communication efficiency of a second communication device and a first communication device. A communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application comprises: receiving first information from the first communication device, wherein the first information is used for indicating beam shutdown corresponding to a first synchronization signal block (SSB); and determining the beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB according to the first information.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the increasing diversity of wireless communication applications, many new technologies are being introduced into future wireless communication processes to meet the diverse needs of scenarios such as high speed, low latency, and massive connectivity. In wireless communication networks, Initial Access is a crucial step in establishing communication between User Equipment (UE) and Base Station (BS). The Initial Access process determines whether the UE can successfully register with the network and establish a connection with the base station to enable subsequent data transmission and service access.

[0003] The primary objective of initial access is to allocate necessary resources and establish a reliable communication link for the UE when it first accesses or re-accesses the network. This process involves multiple signaling interaction steps, which may include a random access procedure. The random access procedure resolves the time-frequency synchronization issue between the UE and the base station and allocates uplink resources to the UE for further communication. Depending on the different requirements of the access procedure, random access procedures can be divided into contention-based random access (CBRA) and contention-free random access (CFRA).

[0004] In 5G systems, the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) is the physical channel used to carry the random access preamble. The UE sends an access request to the base station by transmitting the random access preamble, and the base station responds with an access response based on the received preamble. The configuration and management of the PRACH determine the efficiency and reliability of network access. Due to the introduction of multiple frequency bands and high-density beam management technology in 5G systems, the design and configuration of the PRACH have become more complex.

[0005] In a user-centric, cell-free system, unlike the cell division of cellular networks, the network architecture provides services to user equipment through a large number of distributed transmission reception points (TRPs), thus achieving "cell-free" operation.

[0006] In cellless systems, the UE cannot identify which TRP the SSB originates from. If the SSB becomes unusable, the UE may experience repeated or incorrect access attempts, reducing communication efficiency between the network equipment and the UE. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides the following technical solutions:

[0008] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a second communication device. For example, the second communication device may be a communication equipment (such as a terminal device), or it may be a component of a communication equipment (such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system responsible for communication functions), or it may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. The following description uses a second communication device as an example. In this method...

[0009] Receive first information from the first communication device, the first information being used to instruct the beam to be turned off corresponding to the first synchronization signal block SSB;

[0010] Based on the first information, determine the beam cutoff corresponding to the first SSB.

[0011] In the above scheme, after receiving the first information, the second communication device parses the first information and can determine that the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off. Therefore, when the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off, the second communication device will not use the turned-off beam corresponding to the first SSB, thereby avoiding duplicate or erroneous access by the second communication device and improving the communication efficiency between the second and first communication devices.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first information includes at least one of the following: first downlink control information, random access response (RAR) message, message 4Msg4, or second downlink control information;

[0013] The first downlink control information is used to schedule the RAR message, and the second downlink control information is used to schedule message 4.

[0014] In the above scheme, there are multiple ways to implement the first information sent by the first communication device to the second communication device. Examples are given below. The first information can be downlink control information, random access response information, or message 4. For example, the downlink control information can include: first downlink control information and second downlink control information. The first downlink control information is used to schedule RAR messages, and the second downlink control information is used to schedule message 4.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the RAR message includes: a Media Access Control (MAC) CE, wherein a first field in the MAC CE is used to indicate beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB;

[0016] Alternatively, Msg4 may include a second field, which is used to indicate the beamout corresponding to the first SSB;

[0017] or,

[0018] The first downlink control information includes: a third field, which is used to indicate the beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB;

[0019] or,

[0020] The second downlink control information includes: a fourth field, which is used to indicate the beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB.

[0021] In the above scheme, any one of the first, second, third, and fourth fields can be used to indicate that the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off. Thus, the second communication device can determine that the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off based on any one of the first, second, third, and fourth fields. The second communication device will no longer use the beam corresponding to the turned-off first SSB, thereby avoiding repeated or incorrect access by the second communication device and improving the communication efficiency between the second and first communication devices.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first field is a reserved field in the MACCE;

[0023] or,

[0024] The first field is the uplink grant (UL Grant) field in the MAC CE;

[0025] or,

[0026] The first field is the Temporary Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (TC-RNTI) field in the MAC CE;

[0027] The first field is an extended field in the MAC CE.

[0028] In the above scheme, the second communication device can determine the beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB based on any one of the reserved field, uplink authorization field, TC-RNTI field or extended field in the MAC CE. The second communication device will no longer use the beam corresponding to the shut-down first SSB, thereby avoiding repeated access and erroneous access of the second communication device and improving the communication efficiency between the second communication device and the first communication device.

[0029] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second field is a reserved field in Msg4;

[0030] or,

[0031] The second field is the race resolution field in Msg4;

[0032] or,

[0033] The second field is an extended field in Msg4.

[0034] In the above scheme, the second communication device can determine the beam cut-off corresponding to the first SSB based on any one of the reserved fields, competitive resolution fields, or extended fields in Msg4. The second communication device will no longer use the beam corresponding to the cut-off first SSB, thereby avoiding repeated access and erroneous access of the second communication device and improving the communication efficiency between the second communication device and the first communication device.

[0035] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the third field is a reserved field in the first downlink control information; or,

[0036] The third field is an extended field in the first downlink control information.

[0037] In the above scheme, the second communication device can determine the beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB based on any one of the reserved fields or extended fields in the first downlink control information. The second communication device will no longer use the beam corresponding to the shut-down first SSB, thereby avoiding repeated access and erroneous access of the second communication device and improving the communication efficiency between the second communication device and the first communication device.

[0038] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the fourth field is a reserved field in the second downlink control information; or,

[0039] The fourth field is an extended field in the second downlink control information.

[0040] In the above scheme, the second communication device can determine the beam cut-off corresponding to the first SSB based on any one of the reserved fields or extended fields in the second downlink control information. The second communication device will no longer use the beam corresponding to the cut-off first SSB, thereby avoiding repeated access and erroneous access of the second communication device and improving the communication efficiency between the second communication device and the first communication device.

[0041] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first information is further used to indicate a second SSB that is available to the second communication device, and / or a third SSB that is unavailable to the second communication device;

[0042] And / or,

[0043] The first information is also used to indicate the fourth SSB to which the second communication device switches;

[0044] And / or,

[0045] The first information is also used to indicate clock synchronization deviation information, which is used to indicate the clock synchronization deviation between the first SSB and the fifth SSB, and the fifth SSB is used to access the second communication device.

[0046] In the above scheme, the first information is also used to indicate the second SSB that is available to the second communication device and / or the third SSB that is unavailable to the second communication device. The second communication device can determine the available second SSB and the unavailable third SSB through the first information, so that the second communication device can quickly determine the currently available SSB or the currently unavailable SSB, saving the overhead of indicating the available or unavailable SSB between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0047] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first information includes at least one of the following: wake-up signaling, paging message, system message block (SIB), or third downlink control information;

[0048] The third downlink control information is used to schedule the paging message.

[0049] In the above scheme, any one of the above wake-up signaling, paging message, system message block, or third downlink control information can be used to instruct the beam corresponding to the first SSB to be turned off. Thus, the second communication device can determine the beam corresponding to the first SSB to be turned off based on any one of the wake-up signaling, paging message, system message block, or third downlink control information. The second communication device will no longer use the beam corresponding to the turned-off first SSB, thereby avoiding repeated access and erroneous access of the second communication device and improving the communication efficiency between the second communication device and the first communication device.

[0050] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, receiving the first information from the first communication device includes: receiving the first information from the first communication device at a first time, and the beam corresponding to the first SSB being turned off at a second time, wherein the second time is later than the first time;

[0051] The method further includes:

[0052] Before the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off, a communication connection is established with the first communication device using the beam corresponding to the first SSB.

[0053] In the above scheme, the second communication device can determine the beam corresponding to the first SSB as early as possible, and before the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off, the second communication device uses the beam corresponding to the first SSB to establish a communication connection with the first communication device, thereby realizing a fast connection between the second communication device and the first communication device and improving the resource utilization efficiency of the first SSB.

[0054] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first information is further used to indicate at least one of the following: shutdown interval, access prohibition interval, shutdown time, and access prohibition time;

[0055] The shutdown interval is used to indicate that the second communication device shuts down the first SSB after the time corresponding to the shutdown interval is reached;

[0056] The access denial interval is used to indicate that the second communication device is prohibited from accessing the first SSB after the time corresponding to the access denial interval is reached;

[0057] The shutdown time is used to instruct the second communication device to shut down the first SSB at the shutdown time;

[0058] The access ban time is used to instruct the second communication device to ban access to the first SSB starting from the access ban time.

[0059] In the above scheme, by using at least one of the following indicated by the first information: shutdown interval, access prohibition interval, shutdown time, access prohibition time, the second communication device can determine the beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB in a timely and effective manner.

[0060] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first information is broadcast in a periodic, non-periodic, or event-triggered manner.

[0061] In the above scheme, the first information can indicate that the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off. When the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off, the second communication device will not use the beam corresponding to the turned-off first SSB again, thereby avoiding repeated access and erroneous access of the second communication device and improving the communication efficiency between the second communication device and the first communication device.

[0062] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method includes:

[0063] Receive second information from the first communication device, the second information being different from the first information;

[0064] The second information is used to indicate a second SSB that is available to the second communication device, and / or a third SSB that is not available to the second communication device;

[0065] And / or,

[0066] The second information is used to indicate the fourth SSB to which the second communication device switches;

[0067] And / or,

[0068] The second information is used to indicate clock synchronization deviation information, which is used to indicate the clock synchronization deviation between the first SSB and the fifth SSB, and the fifth SSB is used to access the second communication device.

[0069] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method, which is applied to a first communication device. For example, the first communication device may be a communication equipment (such as a network device), or it may be a component of a communication equipment (such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system responsible for communication functions), or it may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. The following description uses a first communication device as an example. In this method...

[0070] Obtain the beam corresponding to the first synchronization signal block SSB that needs to be turned off;

[0071] Send a first message to the second communication device, the first message being used to instruct the beam corresponding to the first SSB to be turned off.

[0072] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first information includes at least one of the following: first downlink control information, random access response (RAR) message, message 4Msg4, or second downlink control information;

[0073] The first downlink control information is used to schedule the RAR message, and the second downlink control information is used to schedule message 4.

[0074] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first information is further used to indicate a second SSB that is available to the second communication device, and / or a third SSB that is unavailable to the second communication device;

[0075] And / or,

[0076] The first information is also used to indicate the fourth SSB to which the second communication device switches;

[0077] And / or,

[0078] The first information is also used to indicate clock synchronization deviation information, which is used to indicate the clock synchronization deviation between the first SSB and the fifth SSB, and the fifth SSB is used to access the second communication device.

[0079] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first information includes at least one of the following: wake-up signaling, paging message, system message block (SIB), or third downlink control information;

[0080] The third downlink control information is used to schedule the paging message.

[0081] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, sending the first information to the second communication device includes: sending the first information to the second communication device at a first time, and the beam corresponding to the first SSB being turned off at a second time, wherein the second time is later than the first time;

[0082] The method further includes:

[0083] Before the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off, a communication connection is established with the second communication device using the beam corresponding to the first SSB.

[0084] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first information is further used to indicate at least one of the following: shutdown interval, access prohibition interval, shutdown time, access prohibition time;

[0085] The shutdown interval is used to indicate that the second communication device shuts down the first SSB after the time corresponding to the shutdown interval is reached;

[0086] The access denial interval is used to indicate that the second communication device is prohibited from accessing the first SSB after the time corresponding to the access denial interval is reached;

[0087] The shutdown time is used to instruct the second communication device to shut down the first SSB at the shutdown time;

[0088] The access ban time is used to instruct the second communication device to ban access to the first SSB starting from the access ban time.

[0089] In a third aspect of this application, the constituent modules of the communication device may also perform the steps described in the first aspect and various possible implementations, as detailed in the foregoing description of the first aspect and various possible implementations.

[0090] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device, the communication device comprising:

[0091] The receiving module is configured to receive first information from the first communication device, wherein the first information is used to indicate the beam cut-off corresponding to the first synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0092] The processing module is used to determine the beam cutoff corresponding to the first SSB based on the first information.

[0093] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device, the communication device comprising:

[0094] The processing module is used to obtain the beam corresponding to the first synchronization signal block SSB that needs to be turned off;

[0095] The transmitting module is used to send first information to the second communication device, wherein the first information is used to indicate that the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off.

[0096] In the fourth aspect of this application, the constituent modules of the communication device may also perform the steps described in the second aspect and various possible implementations, as detailed in the foregoing description of the second aspect and various possible implementations.

[0097] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the first or second aspect above.

[0098] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the first or second aspect above.

[0099] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which may include entities such as terminal devices or chips. The communication device includes: a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store instructions; the processor is used to execute the instructions in the memory, causing the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of the first or second aspects above.

[0100] Eighthly, this application provides a chip system including a processor for supporting a second communication device and a first communication device in implementing the functions involved in the foregoing aspects, such as transmitting or processing data and / or information involved in the foregoing methods. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary to support the second communication device and the first communication device. This chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0101] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip including one or more interface circuits and one or more processors; the interface circuits are used to receive signals from the memory of an electronic device and send signals to the processors, the signals including computer instructions stored in the memory; when the processor executes the computer instructions, it causes the electronic device to perform the communication method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or the communication method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0102] The ninth aspect and any implementation thereof correspond to the first aspect and any implementation thereof, respectively. The technical effects corresponding to the ninth aspect and any implementation thereof are similar to those corresponding to the first aspect and any implementation thereof, and will not be repeated here.

[0103] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, including a second communication device as described in any one of the preceding third aspects and a first communication device as described in any one of the preceding fourth aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0104] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the interaction process between a first communication device and a second communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the system architecture of a Cell-Free system provided in this application embodiment;

[0107] Figure 4 A schematic diagram is provided for an embodiment of this application to indicate the shutdown in the PDCCH used for RA-RNTI crosstalk of RAR messages;

[0108] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the shutdown via MAC CE instruction provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0109] Figure 6 A schematic diagram is provided for an embodiment of this application to indicate the shutdown in the PDCCH used for TC-RNTI crosstalk of MSG4 messages;

[0110] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the shutdown instruction via paging message is provided for embodiments of this application;

[0111] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the beam generation shutdown (BS) indicating additional information to the UE corresponding to the SSB in an embodiment of this application;

[0112] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating the shutdown indication via WUS message is provided for embodiments of this application;

[0113] Figure 10 A schematic diagram illustrating the shutdown instruction via paging message is provided for embodiments of this application;

[0114] Figure 11 A schematic diagram illustrating the broadcast instruction to turn off in the SIB is provided for embodiments of this application;

[0115] Figure 12 This application provides a schematic diagram illustrating the broadcasting of multiple shutdown indication messages within a broadcast time window as an embodiment of the present application;

[0116] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the composition structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0117] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the composition structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0118] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, wherein the RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 1 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110, may also include at least one terminal (such as...). Figure 1 RAN100, denoted as RAN100, comprises RAN nodes 120a-120j, collectively referred to as RAN120. RAN100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. Terminals and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. Communication system 1000 may also include core network 200. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 via wireless or wired means. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of core network equipment and RAN node. Communication system 1000 may also include Internet 300.

[0119] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, a 6th generation (6G) radio access system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), or it can be a WiFi system. RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0120] A RAN node, also known as a radio access network device, RAN entity, or access node, is used to help terminals access a communication system wirelessly. In one application scenario, an RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a next-generation base station in a 6G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. A RAN node can also be a macro base station (such as...) Figure 1 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1 110b in the middle can also be a relay node or a donor node.

[0121] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RANC) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes or integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0122] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, a RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description.

[0123] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be called terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0124] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0125] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative, for example, Figure 1The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 The 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1 The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0126] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0127] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0128] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. To communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection on a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell. When the terminal communicates with this serving cell, it is also susceptible to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0129] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, PDSCH, PDCCH and PUSCH are just examples of downlink data channel, downlink control channel and uplink data channel, respectively. In different systems and different scenarios, data channel and control channel may have different names, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0130] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, PDSCH and PDCCH are just examples of downlink data channel and downlink control channel, respectively. In different systems and different scenarios, data channel and control channel may have different names, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0131] The following explanations of some terms involved in the embodiments of this application are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. This explanation is for the purpose of understanding only and should not be regarded as a disclosure or specific limitation of the technical solution of this application.

[0132] To reduce the complexity and power consumption of blind detection in the second communication device, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and a communication device.

[0133] The communication method and communication device will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the embodiments of this application use a first communication device and a second communication device as examples of the execution subjects of the interactive illustration, but the embodiments of this application do not limit the execution subjects of the interactive illustration. For example, the method executed by the first communication device in the embodiments of this application can also be implemented by the communication / processing module in the first communication device or the circuit or chip responsible for communication / processing functions in the terminal. The method executed by the second communication device in the embodiments of this application can also be implemented by a module (e.g., circuit, chip, or chip system) in the second communication device, or a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second communication device. For example, the first communication device can be a network device, such as a base station or a base station chip. The second communication device can be a terminal device, such as a UE or a UE chip. In the embodiments of this application, "terminal device" and "terminal" have the same meaning, and no distinction is made regarding their functions or meanings.

[0134] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The interaction process between the first communication device and the second communication device mainly includes the following:

[0135] 201. The first communication device acquires the beam corresponding to the first synchronization signal block (SSB) that needs to be turned off.

[0136] The first communication device determines that the beam corresponding to the SSB needs to be shut down for various reasons. For example, the first communication device determines that the beam corresponding to the first SSB needs to be shut down, where the first SSB refers to the SSB that needs to be shut down. For example, shutting down the beam corresponding to the SSB in this embodiment may include shutting down the TRP to which the SSB belongs, or shutting down the SSB itself. For example, due to network coverage adjustments, energy saving purposes for the first communication device, or a malfunction of the first communication device, when the beam corresponding to the first SSB needs to be shut down, the first communication device may shut down the random access resources connected to the TRP to which the first SSB belongs.

[0137] For example, taking a cell-free communication system as an example, the TRP within a cell-free system may need to shut down the beam corresponding to the SSB for various reasons, such as coverage adjustment, energy saving, or faults. When a TRP is shut down, the RACH resources connected to the shut-down TRP are affected.

[0138] 202. The first communication device sends first information to the second communication device, the first information being used to instruct the beam corresponding to the first SSB to be turned off.

[0139] When the first communication device determines that the beam corresponding to the first SSB needs to be turned off, the first communication device needs to instruct the second communication device to turn off the beam corresponding to the first SSB. In this embodiment, the second communication device is a communication device that communicates with the first communication device. In this embodiment, it is not limited to the second communication device communicating directly with the first communication device, or the second communication device communicating with the first communication device through other communication devices.

[0140] The first communication device can interact with the second communication device. The first communication device needs to instruct the second communication device to turn off the beam corresponding to the first SSB. For example, the first communication device uses first information to interact with the second communication device, and the first information is used to instruct the beam to turn off the beam corresponding to the first SSB. The specific implementation of the first information is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0141] In this embodiment, the first information may be information sent from the first communication device to the second communication device. The type and implementation of the first information are not limited in this embodiment. The first information may be physical layer signaling or higher layer signaling. For example, the first information may be at least one of the following: Downlink Control Information (DCI), Medium Access Control-Control Element (MAC CE) message, RRC signaling, etc.

[0142] 203. The second communication device receives first information from the first communication device, the first information being used to instruct the beam to be turned off corresponding to the first synchronization signal block SSB.

[0143] In this embodiment of the application, the second communication device can interact with the first communication device and obtain first information from the first communication device.

[0144] 204. The second communication device determines the beam cutoff corresponding to the first SSB based on the first information.

[0145] After receiving the first information, the second communication device parses it and determines that the beam corresponding to the first SSB is off. Therefore, when the beam corresponding to the first SSB is off, the second communication device will not use the off beam again, thus avoiding duplicate or erroneous access and improving the communication efficiency between the second and first communication devices.

[0146] In some embodiments of this application, the first information includes at least one of the following: first downlink control information, a Random Access Response (RAR) message, message (Msg)4, or second downlink control information;

[0147] The first downlink control information is used to schedule RAR messages, and the second downlink control information is used to schedule message 4.

[0148] Specifically, in this application embodiment, there are multiple ways to implement the first information sent by the first communication device to the second communication device. For example, the first information can be downlink control information, random access response information, or message 4. For instance, the downlink control information can include: first downlink control information and second downlink control information. The first downlink control information is used to schedule RAR messages, and the second downlink control information is used to schedule message 4. The specific implementation method of the first information can be determined based on the application scenario, and is not limited here.

[0149] For example, the first downlink control information mentioned above could specifically be a DCI scrambled with the Random Access Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RA-RNTI) for scheduling message 2 (MSG2). The DCI scrambled with RA-RNTI for scheduling MSG2 can be used to indicate beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB. Similarly, the second control information mentioned above could specifically be a DCI scrambled with the Temporary Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (TC-RNTI) or Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI) for scheduling message 4 (MSG4). The DCI scrambled with TC-RNTI or C-RNTI for scheduling MSG4 can be used to indicate beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB.

[0150] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this application, the RAR message includes: a Medium Access Control-Control Element (MAC CE), where the first field in the MAC CE is used to indicate beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB;

[0151] Alternatively, Msg4 includes: a second field, which is used to indicate the beamout corresponding to the first SSB;

[0152] or,

[0153] The first downlink control information includes: a third field, which is used to indicate the beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB;

[0154] or,

[0155] The second downlink control information includes: a fourth field, which is used to indicate the beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB.

[0156] The first information can be used to indicate the beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB. This first information can be a RAR message, for example, the RAR message may include a MAC CE. The MAC CE may include a first field. In this embodiment, the position and size of the first field within the MAC CE are not limited. This first field can indicate the beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB. The specific implementation of the first field is not limited in this embodiment.

[0157] In other embodiments of this application, the first information can be used to indicate beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB. This first information can be Msg4, which may include a second field. In these embodiments, the position and size of the second field in Msg4 are not limited. This second field can indicate beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB. The specific implementation of the second field is not limited in these embodiments.

[0158] In other embodiments of this application, the first information can be used to indicate beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB. This first information can be first downlink control information, such as a third field. In these embodiments, the position and size of the third field within the first downlink control information are not limited. This third field can indicate beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB. The specific implementation of the third field is not limited in these embodiments.

[0159] In other embodiments of this application, the first information can be used to indicate beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB. This first information can be second downlink control information, such as a fourth field. In this application, the position and size of the fourth field within the second downlink control information are not limited. This fourth field can indicate beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB. The specific implementation of the fourth field is not limited in this application.

[0160] In this embodiment of the application, any one of the first field, second field, third field and fourth field can be used to indicate that the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off. Thus, the second communication device can determine that the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off based on any one of the first field, second field, third field and fourth field. The second communication device will no longer use the beam corresponding to the turned-off first SSB, thereby avoiding repeated access and incorrect access of the second communication device and improving the communication efficiency between the second communication device and the first communication device.

[0161] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this application, the first field is a reserved field in MAC CE;

[0162] or,

[0163] The first field is the Uplink Grant (UL Grant) field in MAC CE;

[0164] or,

[0165] The first field is the Temporary Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (TC-RNTI) field in MAC CE;

[0166] The first field is an extended field in MAC CE.

[0167] The first field can be implemented in various ways. For example, the first field can be a reserved field in the MAC CE, an uplink grant field in the MAC CE, a TC-RNTI field in the MAC CE, or an extended field in the MAC CE. This application embodiment does not limit the specific implementation of the first field. Similarly, this application embodiment does not limit the size and position of the extended field in the MAC CE. The second communication device can determine the beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB based on any one of the reserved field, uplink grant field, TC-RNTI field, or extended field in the MAC CE. The second communication device will not use the beam corresponding to the shut-down first SSB, thereby avoiding duplicate or erroneous access by the second communication device and improving the communication efficiency between the second and first communication devices.

[0168] In some other embodiments of this application, the second field is a reserved field in Msg4;

[0169] or,

[0170] The second field is the race resolution field in Msg4;

[0171] or,

[0172] The second field is an extended field in Msg4.

[0173] The second field can be implemented in various ways. For example, it can be a reserved field in Msg4, a contention resolution field in Msg4, or an extended field in Msg4. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the second field. Similarly, the size and position of the extended field in Msg4 are not limited in this application. The second communication device can determine the beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB based on any one of the reserved field, contention resolution field, or extended field in Msg4. The second communication device will then not use the beam corresponding to the shut-off first SSB, thereby avoiding duplicate or erroneous access by the second communication device and improving the communication efficiency between the second and first communication devices.

[0174] In some embodiments of this application, the third field is a reserved field in the first downlink control information; or,

[0175] The third field is an extended field in the first downlink control information.

[0176] The third field is either a reserved field or an extended field in the first downlink control information. The specific implementation of the third field is not limited in this embodiment. Similarly, the size and position of the extended field in the first downlink control information are not limited in this embodiment. The second communication device can determine the beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB based on either the reserved field or the extended field in the first downlink control information. The second communication device will not use the beam corresponding to the shut-down first SSB, thereby avoiding duplicate or erroneous access by the second communication device and improving the communication efficiency between the second and first communication devices.

[0177] In some embodiments of this application, the fourth field is a reserved field in the second downlink control information; or,

[0178] The fourth field is an extended field in the second downlink control information.

[0179] The fourth field is either a reserved field or an extended field in the second downlink control information. The specific implementation of the fourth field is not limited in this embodiment. Similarly, the size and position of the extended field in the second downlink control information are not limited in this embodiment. The second communication device can determine the beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB based on either the reserved field or the extended field in the second downlink control information. The second communication device will not use the beam corresponding to the shut-down first SSB, thereby avoiding duplicate or erroneous access by the second communication device and improving the communication efficiency between the second and first communication devices.

[0180] In some embodiments of this application, the first information is also used to indicate a second SSB that is available to the second communication device, and / or a third SSB that is unavailable to the second communication device;

[0181] And / or,

[0182] The first information is also used to indicate the fourth SSB to which the second communication device switches;

[0183] And / or,

[0184] The first information is also used to indicate clock synchronization deviation information, which is used to indicate the clock synchronization deviation between the first SSB and the fifth SSB. The fifth SSB is used to access the second communication device.

[0185] In addition to indicating the beamout of the first SSB, the first information sent by the first communication device to the second communication device can also indicate other information according to the actual scenario. For example, the first information can also indicate the second SSB that is available to the second communication device and / or the third SSB that is unavailable to the second communication device. The second communication device can determine the available second SSB and the unavailable third SSB through the first information, so that the second communication device can quickly determine the currently available SSB or the currently unavailable SSB, saving the overhead of indicating available or unavailable SSBs between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0186] In other embodiments of this application, the first information may also indicate other information to the second communication device according to the actual scenario. For example, the first information may also be used to indicate the fourth SSB to which the second communication device should switch. This allows the second communication device to determine the fourth SSB to which it needs to switch, thus improving the switching efficiency of the second communication device.

[0187] In other embodiments of this application, the first information may also indicate other information to the second communication device according to the actual scenario. For example, the first information may also indicate clock synchronization deviation information, which indicates the clock synchronization deviation between the first SSB and the fifth SSB. The fifth SSB is used to access the second communication device. In the embodiments of this application, the second communication device can determine the clock synchronization information between the first SSB and the fifth SSB by parsing the first information. Based on the clock synchronization information, the second communication device can quickly determine the fifth SSB, thereby enabling the second communication device to quickly access the device through the fifth SSB, improving the access efficiency of the second communication device.

[0188] In some embodiments of this application, the first information includes at least one of the following: wake-up signaling, paging message, system information block (SIB), or third downlink control information;

[0189] The third downlink control information is used to schedule paging messages.

[0190] Specifically, the first information can be used to indicate the beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB. The first information can be at least one of the following: wake-up signaling, paging message, system message block, or third downlink control information. The specific implementation method of the first information can be determined in combination with the application scenario, and is not limited here.

[0191] In this embodiment, any one of the above-mentioned wake-up signaling, paging message, system message block, or third downlink control information can be used to instruct the beam corresponding to the first SSB to be turned off. Thus, the second communication device can determine the beam corresponding to the first SSB to be turned off based on any one of the wake-up signaling, paging message, system message block, or third downlink control information. The second communication device will no longer use the beam corresponding to the turned-off first SSB, thereby avoiding repeated access and erroneous access of the second communication device and improving the communication efficiency between the second communication device and the first communication device.

[0192] In some embodiments of this application, step 202, in which the first communication device sends first information to the second communication device, includes:

[0193] A1. The first communication device sends first information to the second communication device at a first time, and the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off at a second time, wherein the second time is later than the first time;

[0194] The communication method provided in this application embodiment also includes:

[0195] A2. Before the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off, the first communication device uses the beam corresponding to the first SSB to establish a communication connection with the second communication device.

[0196] In some embodiments of this application, step 203, in which the second communication device receives first information from the first communication device, includes:

[0197] B1. The second communication device receives the first information from the first communication device at a first time, and the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off at a second time, wherein the second time is later than the first time.

[0198] The communication method provided in this application embodiment also includes:

[0199] B2. Before the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off, the second communication device uses the beam corresponding to the first SSB to establish a communication connection with the first communication device.

[0200] In this embodiment, the first communication device needs to indicate first information to the second communication device in advance. For example, if the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off at a second time, the first information from the first communication device needs to be received at a first time earlier than the second time. The specific implementation of the first and second times is not limited in this application. Thus, the second communication device can determine that the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off as early as possible, and before the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off, the second communication device uses the beam corresponding to the first SSB to establish a communication connection with the first communication device, thereby achieving a rapid connection between the second and first communication devices and improving the resource utilization efficiency of the first SSB.

[0201] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this application, the first information is also used to indicate at least one of the following: shutdown interval, access prohibition interval, shutdown time, and access prohibition time;

[0202] The shutdown interval is used to indicate that the second communication device shuts down the first SSB after the time corresponding to the shutdown interval is reached.

[0203] The access denial interval is used to indicate that the second communication device is prohibited from accessing the first SSB after the time corresponding to the access denial interval is reached.

[0204] The shutdown time is used to instruct the second communication device to shut down the first SSB during the shutdown time;

[0205] The access denial time is used to instruct the second communication device to prohibit access to the first SSB from the start of the access denial time.

[0206] The first information may indicate at least one of the following: a shutdown interval, a prohibited access interval, a shutdown time, and a prohibited access time. The first communication device sends the first information to the second communication device, thereby allowing the second communication device to determine the shutdown interval, the prohibited access interval, the shutdown time, and the prohibited access time by parsing the first information. Therefore, the second communication device shuts down the first SSB after the time corresponding to the shutdown interval arrives, or prohibits access to the first SSB after the time corresponding to the prohibited access interval arrives, or shuts down the first SSB at the shutdown time, or prohibits access to the first SSB starting from the prohibited access time. In this embodiment, by indicating at least one of the following in the first information: a shutdown interval, a prohibited access interval, a shutdown time, and a prohibited access time, the second communication device can promptly and effectively determine the beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB.

[0207] In some embodiments of this application, the first information is broadcast in a periodic, non-periodic, or event-triggered manner.

[0208] The first communication device can broadcast the first information in a periodic, aperiodic, or event-triggered manner, so that the second communication device can receive the first information in a periodic, aperiodic, or event-triggered manner. Since the first information can indicate that the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off, the second communication device will not use the beam corresponding to the turned-off first SSB when the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off, thereby avoiding repeated access and erroneous access of the second communication device and improving the communication efficiency between the second communication device and the first communication device.

[0209] To facilitate a better understanding and implementation of the above-described solutions in the embodiments of this application, the following examples illustrate corresponding application scenarios.

[0210] User-centric coverage is achieved through the dynamic collaboration of multiple TRPs (Transmission Representations) within the network, forming a user-centric coverage, which can be referred to as a user-centric virtual cell. When a UE (User Equipment) moves, its virtual cell can move accordingly. Some current TRPs may move out of their virtual cell, while new TRPs may join. During this process, the system can dynamically update the TRPs serving the UE based on real-time signal measurements or simple predictions of the UE's movement.

[0211] When a UE performs initial access / random access, it can scan the SSBs sent by the TRP serving its virtual cell to obtain basic network information, and further send uplink requests based on the channel resources associated with the SSBs to access the network.

[0212] Optionally, the TRP in the communication system may include an anchor TRP and a capacity TRP. In some implementations, the anchor TRP serves as the primary transmission and receiving point, playing a role in stable coverage, control, and management, while the capacity TRP serves as an auxiliary transmission and receiving point, used to improve the user's data transmission rate and capacity.

[0213] Alternatively, the communication system may be referred to as a user-centric cell-free (UCCF) system.

[0214] like Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic of the system architecture of a Cell-Free system provided in an embodiment of this application. This embodiment can be applied to Cell-Free systems, but is not limited to them. The anchor transmission and reception point (TRP) can indicate the SSB to capacity TRP1 and capacity TRP2, allowing the UE to stop using the beam of the disabled SSB during RACH, avoiding repeated or erroneous UE access and improving the communication efficiency between the UE and network devices.

[0215] Next, taking the first communication device as a network device and the second communication device as a terminal device as an example. For example, the network device is a base station (BS), and the terminal device is a user equipment (UE). The BS indicates the SSB shutdown status to the UE through unicast, multicast, and broadcast.

[0216] like Figure 4The diagram shown illustrates an embodiment of this application providing an indication of shutdown in the PDCCH used for RA-RNTI crosstalk in RAR messages, mainly including:

[0217] S01.UE sends MSG 1 to BS.

[0218] S02.BS determines the beamout corresponding to the SSB of MSG1.

[0219] S03.BS sends a RAR message to UE, which is used to indicate that the beam corresponding to SSB is turned off.

[0220] Among them, the BS provides a shutdown indication for the UE that is undergoing initial access, such as indicating the beam shutdown corresponding to the SSB in the RAR.

[0221] As shown in Table 1 below, the PDCCH for RA-RNTI crosstalk used in RAR messages indicates that it is turned off.

[0222] Table 1

[0223]

[0224] Use the 1 bit reserved in DCI1_0 of RA-RNTI crosstalk or add 1 bit to indicate that the SSB of the current connection is off.

[0225] For example, BS can also instruct shutdown in RAR MAC CE.

[0226] like Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a method for indicating SSB shutdown via MAC CE according to an embodiment of this application. A reserved bit in the RAR Media Access Control (MAC) CE element is used to indicate the shutdown of the currently connected SSB. Alternatively, the indication can be made in the Reserve bit, the Uplink Grant (UL Grant), or a location in the Temporary Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (TC-RNTI). For example, the last 3 bits of the last UL Grant or the last 4 bits of the TC-RNTI can be used to indicate SSB shutdown.

[0227] After receiving the RAR, the UE stops the current RACH procedure and no longer sends MSG3.

[0228] In some other embodiments of this application, the BS may also instruct the SSB to be turned off in the MSG4. For example... Figure 6 The diagram shown illustrates the indication of shutdown in the PDCCH for TC-RNTI crosstalk of MSG4 messages, as provided in this application embodiment. The main process includes the following steps:

[0229] S11.UE sends MSG1 to BS.

[0230] S12. The UE sends a RAR message to the BS.

[0231] S13.BS determines the beamout corresponding to the SSB of MSG1.

[0232] S14. The UE sends MSG3 to the BS.

[0233] S15.BS sends MSG4 to UE, which is used to indicate that the beam corresponding to SSB is turned off.

[0234] As shown in Table 2 below: the PDCCH for TC-RNTI crosstalk used for MSG4 messages indicates the shutdown.

[0235] Table 2

[0236]

[0237] Use the 1 bit reserved in DCI 1_0 of TC-RNTI crosstalk or add 1 bit to indicate that the SSB of the current connection is off.

[0238] The MSG4 indicates whether the currently selected SSB is turned off, specifically within the contention resolution mechanism. The MSG4 has a DCI scrambled with TC_RNTI. A 1-bit indicator can be added to the Reserved bit in the DCI, or to the PDSCH (which includes the contention resolution flag) indicated by the DCI.

[0239] like Figure 7 The diagram shown illustrates a method for instructing shutdown via a paging message, as described in this application embodiment. The main steps include the following:

[0240] S21.BS sends a paging message to UE, which is used to indicate that the beam corresponding to SSB is turned off.

[0241] S22.BS reselects an SSB for access.

[0242] S23.UE sends MSG1 to BS.

[0243] In other embodiments of this application, the BS may also send additional indication information to the UE, which may be the first information in the foregoing embodiments.

[0244] like Figure 8 The diagram shown illustrates how the beam generation shutdown BS ​​instructs the UE to provide additional information corresponding to the SSB in an embodiment of this application. The main process includes the following steps:

[0245] S31. Send first information, the first information being used to indicate at least one of the following: beam shutdown indication corresponding to the current SSB, available SSB indication, switching SSB indication, clock synchronization.

[0246] When the beam corresponding to the SSB is turned off, the BS can indicate additional information to the UE, including but not limited to:

[0247] Indicates the currently available SSB index. This can also be achieved by indicating an unavailable SSB index.

[0248] It instructs the UE to switch to the beam corresponding to a specific SSB for access. Specifically, it indicates the corresponding SSB index.

[0249] Indicates clock synchronization for accessing other beams.

[0250] It indicates the clock synchronization deviation between other beams and the current beam, assisting the UE in fast access.

[0251] like Figure 9 The diagram shown illustrates a method for indicating shutdown via WUS messages, as described in this application embodiment. The main steps include the following:

[0252] S41.BS determines that there is a beamout corresponding to the SSB.

[0253] S42.BS sends a Wake-up WUS message to the UE.

[0254] The WUS message is used to indicate the beam shutdown corresponding to the SSB.

[0255] S43. The UE reselects an SSB for access.

[0256] S44.UE sends MSG1 to BS.

[0257] Specifically, the BS can indicate the SSB shutdown status in downlink Wake-up Signal and other signaling for all UE shutdown indications. If the UE has a Wake-up Radio and can receive WUS signaling, the BS can indicate that the UE's currently connected SSB is shut down through the WUS signal.

[0258] Besides WUS signaling, it could also be UE-specific signaling or broadcast signaling sent by other BSs.

[0259] like Figure 10 The diagram shown illustrates a method for instructing shutdown via a paging message, as described in this application embodiment. The main steps include the following:

[0260] S51.BS determines that there is a beamout corresponding to the SSB.

[0261] S52. Send a paging message, which is used to indicate that the beam corresponding to the SSB is turned off.

[0262] S53. The UE reselects an SSB for access.

[0263] S44.UE sends MSG1 to BS.

[0264] In addition, the BS can also instruct the SSB to be turned off in signaling such as Paging.

[0265] As shown in Table 3 below, the PDCCH for Paging Radio Network Temporary Identifier P-RNTI crosstalk is indicated as off.

[0266] Table 3

[0267]

[0268] Use the 1 bit reserved in DCI1_0 of P-RNTI crosstalk or add 1 bit to indicate that the SSB of the current connection is off.

[0269] The Paging PDSCH indicates whether the currently selected SSB is turned off, i.e., the information carried in the Paging Message.

[0270] For example, in some embodiments of this application, the BS may also broadcast an instruction to the SSB to be turned off in the SIB.

[0271] like Figure 11 The diagram shown illustrates the broadcast indication of SSB shutdown in an embodiment of this application. The BS can broadcast the SSB shutdown status in the SIB information.

[0272] In other embodiments of this application, the BS can indicate the SSB's shutdown status to the UE in advance, allowing the UE to prepare for SSB shutdown. A connection is established using the SSB that is about to be shut down, and the connection is established before shutdown, then switched to another beam after the connection is established.

[0273] Establish a connection using an unshutdownable SSB.

[0274] The instructions are given in advance via SIB1, Paging, etc.

[0275] like Figure 12 As shown, the BS can indicate to the UE how long after receiving the indicator that the TRP / SSB should be turned off. One TRP can be associated with multiple beams or SSBs; turning off one TRP corresponds to turning off multiple SSBs, while turning off a single beam only represents turning off one SSB.

[0276] In addition, the BS can also indicate how long after the UE receives the indicator that a specific TRP / SSB cannot access the network.

[0277] Additionally, the BS can also instruct the UE on the time for TRP / SSB shutdown. The shutdown time is an accurate shutdown time, and the UE adjusts its access time accordingly.

[0278] In addition, the BS can also instruct the UE to disable access for a specified period using the TRP / SSB. The disabling time is determined by the BS, and the TRP / SSB may not actually shut down until some time has elapsed since the disabling time.

[0279] In addition, broadcasts sent by the BS can be periodic, aperiodic, or event-triggered.

[0280] Periodic broadcasting can be used to broadcast multiple indicators within a certain broadcast time window.

[0281] Aperiodic broadcasting can be carried out according to upper-level scheduling.

[0282] Event-triggered broadcasts can be triggered based on shutdown events.

[0283] This application primarily considers how, in a Cell-Free system, the SSB instructs the UE to stop during the RACH process when the TRP (Transmission Redirection Point) is disabled. The BS (Base Station) informs the UE during the initial access process of the disabled SSB selected by the UE, enabling the UE to terminate the RA process early and save system energy. In addition to indicating the corresponding SSB disabled status, the BS can also indicate additional information to help the UE re-access, thereby improving access efficiency. The BS can broadcast the SSB disabled status to all UEs. The BS can also broadcast the upcoming SSB disabled status in advance, allowing the UE to plan access to its selected SSB as early as possible.

[0284] The embodiments of this application can be used not only in future communication systems, but also in 5.5G, or other standards such as Wi-Fi and UWB.

[0285] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the base station and terminal include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0286] Figure 13 and Figure 14 The diagram illustrates the possible structures of communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of a terminal or base station in the above method embodiments, and thus also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device may be as follows: Figure 1 One of the terminals 120a-120j shown can also be as follows: Figure 1 The base station 110a or 110b shown can also be a module (such as a chip) applied to a terminal or base station.

[0287] like Figure 13 As shown, the communication device 1300 includes a processing unit 1310 and a transceiver unit 1320. The communication device 1300 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figure 2 The method embodiments shown depict the functions of a terminal or base station.

[0288] Communication device 1300 is used to achieve Figure 2 The terminal functionality shown in the method embodiment.

[0289] Communication device 1300 is used to realize Figure 2 The method embodiment shown illustrates the function of the base station.

[0290] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 1310 and the transceiver unit 1320, please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 2 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown.

[0291] like Figure 14 As shown, the communication device 1400 includes a processor 1410 and an interface circuit 1420. The processor 1410 and the interface circuit 1420 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1420 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may also include a memory 1430 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1410, or storing input data required by the processor 1410 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1410 executes instructions.

[0292] When the communication device 1400 is used to implement Figure 12 In the method shown, the processor 1410 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1310, and the interface circuit 1420 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 1320.

[0293] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal, which is information sent to the terminal by the base station; or, the terminal chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal, which is information sent to the base station by the terminal.

[0294] When the aforementioned communication device is a module applied to a base station, the base station module implements the functions of the base station in the above method embodiments. The base station module receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station, information sent by the terminal to the base station; or, the base station module sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station, information sent by the base station to the terminal. Here, the base station module can be the baseband chip of the base station, or a DU (Digital Unit) or other modules. The DU can be a DU under an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture.

[0295] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0296] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0297] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0298] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology 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.

[0299] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0300] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0301] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology 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.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first information from the first communication device, the first information being used to instruct the beam to be turned off corresponding to the first synchronization signal block SSB; Based on the first information, determine the beam cutoff corresponding to the first SSB.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: first downlink control information, random access response (RAR) message, message 4Msg4, or second downlink control information; The first downlink control information is used to schedule the RAR message, and the second downlink control information is used to schedule message 4.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The RAR message includes: a Media Access Control (MAC) CE, wherein the first field in the MAC CE is used to indicate the beamout corresponding to the first SSB; Alternatively, Msg4 may include a second field, which is used to indicate the beamout corresponding to the first SSB; or, The first downlink control information includes: a third field, which is used to indicate the beam shutdown corresponding to the first SSB; or, The second downlink control information includes a fourth field, which is used to indicate the beamout corresponding to the first SSB.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first field is a reserved field in the MAC CE; or, The first field is the uplink grant (UL Grant) field in the MAC CE; or, The first field is the Temporary Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (TC-RNTI) field in the MAC CE; The first field is an extended field in the MAC CE.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second field is a reserved field in Msg4; or, The second field is the race resolution field in Msg4; or, The second field is an extended field in Msg4.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third field is a reserved field in the first downlink control information; or... The third field is an extended field in the first downlink control information.

7. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fourth field is a reserved field in the second downlink control information; or... The fourth field is an extended field in the second downlink control information.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate a second SSB that is available to the second communication device, and / or a third SSB that is not available to the second communication device; And / or, The first information is also used to indicate the fourth SSB to which the second communication device switches; And / or, The first information is also used to indicate clock synchronization deviation information, which is used to indicate the clock synchronization deviation between the first SSB and the fifth SSB, and the fifth SSB is used to access the second communication device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: wake-up signaling, paging message, system message block (SIB), or third downlink control information; The third downlink control information is used to schedule the paging message.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The receiving of first information from the first communication device includes: receiving first information from the first communication device at a first time, and the beam corresponding to the first SSB being turned off at a second time, wherein the second time is later than the first time; The method further includes: Before the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off, a communication connection is established with the first communication device using the beam corresponding to the first SSB.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate at least one of the following: shutdown interval, access prohibition interval, shutdown time, access prohibition time; The shutdown interval is used to indicate that the second communication device shuts down the first SSB after the time corresponding to the shutdown interval is reached; The access denial interval is used to indicate that the second communication device is prohibited from accessing the first SSB after the time corresponding to the access denial interval is reached; The shutdown time is used to instruct the second communication device to shut down the first SSB at the shutdown time; The access ban time is used to instruct the second communication device to block access to the first SSB starting from the access ban time.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The first message is broadcast in a periodic, non-periodic, or event-triggered manner.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain the beam corresponding to the first synchronization signal block SSB that needs to be turned off; Send a first message to the second communication device, the first message being used to instruct the beam corresponding to the first SSB to be turned off.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: first downlink control information, random access response (RAR) message, message 4Msg4, or second downlink control information; The first downlink control information is used to schedule the RAR message, and the second downlink control information is used to schedule message 4.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate a second SSB that is available to the second communication device, and / or a third SSB that is not available to the second communication device; And / or, The first information is also used to indicate the fourth SSB to which the second communication device switches; And / or, The first information is also used to indicate clock synchronization deviation information, which is used to indicate the clock synchronization deviation between the first SSB and the fifth SSB, and the fifth SSB is used to access the second communication device.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: wake-up signaling, paging message, system message block (SIB), or third downlink control information; The third downlink control information is used to schedule the paging message.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the second communication device includes: sending the first information to the second communication device at a first time, and turning off the beam corresponding to the first SSB at a second time, wherein the second time is later than the first time; The method further includes: Before the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off, a communication connection is established with the second communication device using the beam corresponding to the first SSB.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate at least one of the following: shutdown interval, access prohibition interval, shutdown time, access prohibition time; The shutdown interval is used to indicate that the second communication device shuts down the first SSB after the time corresponding to the shutdown interval is reached; The access denial interval is used to indicate that the second communication device is prohibited from accessing the first SSB after the time corresponding to the access denial interval is reached; The shutdown time is used to instruct the second communication device to shut down the first SSB at the shutdown time; The access ban time is used to instruct the second communication device to block access to the first SSB starting from the access ban time.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: The receiving module is configured to receive first information from the first communication device, wherein the first information is used to indicate the beam cut-off corresponding to the first synchronization signal block (SSB). The processing module is used to determine the beam cutoff corresponding to the first SSB based on the first information.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: The processing module is used to obtain the beam corresponding to the first synchronization signal block SSB that needs to be turned off; The transmitting module is used to send first information to the second communication device, the first information being used to indicate that the beam corresponding to the first SSB is turned off.

21. A communication device comprising a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

22. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 18.

23. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

Images