A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and device are used to reduce confusion and conflict at the wave position level. The communication method comprises: a terminal device receives a first synchronization signal from a network device, and determines a first RO set according to the index of the first synchronization signal; the terminal device sends a random access preamble on a target RO in a second RO set; the second RO set is a subset of the first RO set; and the terminal device receives a random access response from the network device.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In satellite communication scenarios, the coverage area of ​​satellite base stations is much larger than that of terrestrial base stations. Therefore, the number of wavelengths covered by a satellite base station is also much greater than that of a terrestrial base station. Considering that the number of PCIs used to identify different cells is limited, in order to avoid cell confusion and communication conflicts, the use of PCIs should be minimized, that is, the number of cells in the coverage area of ​​a single satellite needs to be reduced. Accordingly, the number of wavelengths that each cell under a single satellite base station needs to cover will increase accordingly.

[0003] When a single cell needs to cover a large number of wavelengths, multiple wavelengths in different geographical locations within the cell need to reuse the same SSB index. Multiple wavelengths corresponding to each SSB index share the same RO set, which can lead to wavelength-level confusion and conflicts in communication between different terminal devices on multiple wavelengths and the base station. For example, when terminal device A on a particular wavelength initiates random access, the network cannot determine the specific wavelength to which terminal device A belongs based on the mapping relationship between the SSB index and the RO set, and therefore cannot accurately reply with a random access response message.

[0004] How to reduce confusion and conflict at the wave level is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for reducing wavelet-level confusion and conflict.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to components (such as processors, chips, chip systems, circuits, functional modules, or others) or software modules in a terminal device. The method may include: the terminal device receiving a first synchronization signal from a network device and determining a first set of Remote Access Registries (ROs) based on the index of the first synchronization signal; the terminal device sending a random access preamble on a target RO in a second set of ROs; the second set of ROs being a subset of the first set of ROs; and the terminal device receiving a random access response from the network device.

[0007] Using this method, the terminal device sends a preamble to the target RO in a subset of the first RO set (i.e., the second RO set), which reduces the range of the waveband where the terminal device is located after the network device receives the random access preamble and determines the target RO corresponding to the random access preamble. This can reduce or avoid waveband confusion and conflict.

[0008] In one possible design, the first synchronization signal is included in the first burst; the terminal device can also obtain the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period, and obtain the sequence identifier of the first burst to which the first synchronization signal belongs, the sequence identifier of the first burst being used to indicate the position of the first burst within the synchronization signal period; the terminal device can also determine the second RO set in the first RO set based on the sequence identifier and the total number of the first bursts.

[0009] In this way, the terminal device can divide the first RO set according to the sequence identifier and total number of the first burst, improve the accuracy of the second RO set, and thus reduce the wavelet-level confusion and conflict that may occur when the network device responds to random access.

[0010] In one possible design, the process by which the terminal device obtains the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period and the sequence identifier of the first burst to which the first synchronization signal belongs may include: the terminal device receiving first information from the network device, the first information including the sequence identifier and total number of the first burst; or, the terminal device determining the sequence identifier and total number of the first burst based on the system frame number of the first synchronization signal, the length of the synchronization signal period, and the dwell time in the wavelet region covered by a single burst.

[0011] In this way, the terminal device can directly obtain the sequence identifier and total number of the first burst in the first information, reducing the consumption of computing resources; or, the terminal device can calculate the sequence identifier and total number of the first burst based on the system frame number of the first synchronization signal, the length of the synchronization signal period, and the dwell time in the wavelet area covered by a single burst, reducing the consumption of signaling.

[0012] In one possible design, the first synchronization signal includes first indication information and second indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the length of the synchronization signal period; and the second indication information is used to indicate the dwell time of a single burst; or, the terminal device receives system information from the network device, wherein the system information includes the first indication information and the second indication information.

[0013] In this way, the terminal device can obtain the length of the synchronization signal period and the dwell time of a single burst through the first synchronization signal or system information; when there are redundant resources in the first synchronization signal, indicating this information through the first synchronization signal can reduce the waste of signaling resources to a certain extent; when there are no redundant resources in the first synchronization signal, indicating this information through system information enables the terminal device to determine the second RO set based on this information.

[0014] In one possible design, the total number is greater than or equal to the number of ROs in the first RO set, the second RO set includes one RO, which is the target RO; the sequence identifier of the first burst, the total number, the target RO, and the first RO set satisfy the following formula:

[0015]

[0016] or,

[0017]

[0018] Among them, i RO Indicates the position identifier of the target RO within the first RO set, i burst N represents the sequence identifier of the first burst. burst Indicates the total quantity. This indicates the number of ROs contained in the first RO set.

[0019] In one possible design, the total number is less than the number of ROs in the first RO set, the second RO set includes multiple ROs, and these multiple ROs include the target RO; the sequence identifier of the first burst, the total number, the second RO set, and the first RO set satisfy the following formula:

[0020]

[0021] or,

[0022]

[0023] Among them, i RO Indicates the position identifier of each RO in the second RO set within the first RO set, i burst N represents the sequence identifier of the first burst. burst Indicates the total quantity. This indicates the number of ROs contained in the first RO set.

[0024] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a network device, or a component (such as a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, functional module, or others) or software module within the network device. The method may include: the network device sending multiple synchronization signals; the network device receiving a random access preamble from a terminal device; the network device determining a target RO based on the random access preamble; the network device determining a first RO set to which the target RO belongs, and determining the index of the first synchronization signal received by the terminal device based on the first RO set; the network device determining a target pulse position corresponding to the first synchronization signal based on the index of the first synchronization signal and the sequence identifier of the first burst to which the first synchronization signal belongs; the sequence identifier of the first burst indicating the position of the first burst within the synchronization signal period; and the network device sending a random access response at the target pulse position.

[0025] In this way, the network device can determine the target RO of the terminal device based on the target RO corresponding to the random access preamble, and based on the synchronization signal index corresponding to the target RO and the sequence identifier of the first burst to which the first synchronization signal belongs. This communication method makes the allocation of RO more reasonable and helps to reduce confusion and conflict at the RO level.

[0026] In one possible design, the network device may also send first information, which includes the sequence identifier of the first burst and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period; or, the network device may also send system information, which includes first indication information and second indication information; or, the first synchronization signal includes first indication information and second indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the length of the synchronization signal period, and the second indication information is used to indicate the dwell time within the band position area covered by a single burst; wherein the length of the synchronization signal period and the dwell time within the band position area covered by a single burst are used to determine the sequence identifier of the first burst and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period.

[0027] In one possible design, the process by which the network device determines the target wavelength corresponding to the first synchronization signal may include: the network device determining at least two wavelengths corresponding to the index of the first synchronization signal based on the index of the first synchronization signal; and the network device selecting the target wavelength covered by the first burst from the at least two wavelengths based on the sequence identifier of the first burst.

[0028] In this way, when the index of the first synchronization signal corresponds to at least two waveforms, the network device can select the target waveform covered by the first burst from at least two waveforms according to the sequence identifier of the first burst, that is, determine the waveform where the terminal device is located as the target waveform, which helps to reduce confusion and conflict at the waveform level.

[0029] In one possible design, the process by which the network device determines at least two waveforms based on the index of the first synchronization signal may include: the network device acquiring a first mapping relationship, which indicates the correspondence between the indices and waveforms of multiple synchronization signals; and the network device determining at least two waveforms corresponding to the index of the first synchronization signal based on the first mapping relationship.

[0030] In this way, the network device can determine at least two waveforms corresponding to the index of the first synchronization signal based on the first synchronization signal, thereby determining the target waveform where the terminal device is located.

[0031] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a network device, or a component (such as a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, functional module, or others) or software module within the network device. The method may include: the network device determining a target RO based on a random access preamble, and determining a second RO set to which the target RO belongs; the network device obtaining a second mapping relationship; the second mapping relationship indicating the correspondence between multiple RO sets and waveforms, wherein the multiple RO sets include the second RO set; the network device determining the target waveform corresponding to the second RO set based on the second mapping relationship; and the network device sending a random access response on the target waveform.

[0032] In this way, the network device can obtain the second mapping relationship based on the target RO corresponding to the random access preamble, and determine the target wavelength position of the terminal device based on the target RO and the second mapping relationship. This communication method makes the allocation of RO more reasonable and helps to reduce confusion and conflict at the wavelength level.

[0033] In one possible design, the network device sends first information, which includes the sequence identifier of a first burst and the total number of bursts within a synchronization signal period; or, the network device sends system information, which includes first indication information and second indication information; or, multiple synchronization signals include a first synchronization signal, which includes first indication information and second indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the length of the synchronization signal period, and the second indication information is used to indicate the dwell time within the band position area covered by a single burst; wherein, the length of the synchronization signal period and the dwell time within the band position area covered by a single burst are used to determine the sequence identifier of the first burst and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period.

[0034] In one possible design, the network device can also determine at least two wavelengths corresponding to the second RO set based on the second mapping relationship; the network device can also select the target wavelength covered by the first burst from at least two wavelengths based on the sequence identifier of the first burst currently in the current position; the sequence identifier of the first burst is used to indicate the position of the first burst within the synchronization signal period.

[0035] In this way, when the index of the first synchronization signal corresponds to at least two waveforms, the network device can select the target waveform covered by the first burst from at least two waveforms according to the sequence identifier of the first burst, that is, determine the waveform where the terminal device is located as the target waveform, which helps to reduce confusion and conflict at the waveform level.

[0036] In one possible design, the first wave position is any wave position within the coverage area of ​​the network device; the network device can also determine the third RO set based on the index corresponding to the first wave position; the network device can also select the fourth RO set from the third RO set based on the sequence identifier of the second burst corresponding to the first wave position and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period; the sequence identifier of the second burst is used to indicate the position of the second burst within the synchronization signal period; the network device can also establish a correspondence between the first wave position and the fourth RO set; and update the correspondence between the first wave position and the fourth RO set to the second mapping relationship.

[0037] In this way, network devices can establish a second mapping relationship based on the information corresponding to any wavelength within the coverage area of ​​the network device.

[0038] In one possible design, the total number is greater than or equal to the number of ROs in the third RO set, and the fourth RO set includes one RO; the sequence identifier of the second burst, the total number, the fourth RO set, and the third RO set satisfy the following formula:

[0039]

[0040] or,

[0041]

[0042] Among them, i RO ′ Indicates the position of an RO in the fourth RO set within the third RO set, i burst ′ N represents the sequence identifier of the second burst. burst Indicates the total quantity. This indicates the number of ROs contained in the third RO set.

[0043] In one possible design, the total number is less than the number of ROs in the third RO set, and the fourth RO set includes multiple ROs; the sequence identifier of the second burst, the total number, the fourth RO set, and the third RO set satisfy the following formula:

[0044]

[0045] or,

[0046]

[0047] Among them, i RO ′ i represents the position identifier of each RO in the fourth RO set within the third RO set. burst ′ N represents the sequence identifier of the second burst. burst Indicates the total quantity. This indicates the number of ROs contained in the third RO set.

[0048] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. The device can implement any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects described above.

[0049] In one optional implementation, the apparatus may include modules, units, or means corresponding one-to-one to the methods / operations / steps / actions that perform any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects. These modules, units, or means may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In another optional implementation, the apparatus includes a processing module (sometimes also called a processing unit) and a communication module (sometimes also called a transceiver module, communication unit, etc.). The communication module is capable of both sending and receiving functions. When the communication module performs the sending function, it may be called a sending unit (sometimes also called a sending module); when the communication module performs the receiving function, it may be called a receiving unit (sometimes also called a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit may be the same functional module, referred to as the communication module, which performs both sending and receiving functions; or, the sending unit and the receiving unit may be different functional modules, with "communication module" being a collective term for these functional modules.

[0050] For example, when the apparatus is used to perform the method described in any one of the first to third aspects, the apparatus may include a processing module and a communication module.

[0051] Fifthly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device, including a processor for executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, which, when executed, causes the device to perform a method as described in any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the processor and memory are integrated together.

[0053] In another possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device.

[0054] The communication device also includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as sending or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0055] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, enable the implementation of a method in any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects, and the method shown in any possible implementation of such method.

[0056] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the implementation of any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects.

[0057] Eighthly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device for performing a method of any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects described above.

[0058] Ninthly, a chip or chip system is provided, comprising logic circuitry (or, as understood, a processor, which may include logic circuitry, etc.), and further comprising an input / output interface. The input / output interface can be used to input messages or to output messages. The input / output interface can be the same interface, i.e., the same interface can implement both sending and receiving functions; or, the input / output interface includes an input interface and an output interface, the input interface being used to implement the receiving function, i.e., to receive messages; and the output interface being used to implement the sending function, i.e., to send messages. The logic circuitry can be used to perform operations other than the sending and receiving functions in any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects described above; the logic circuitry can also be used to transmit messages to the input / output interface or to receive messages from other communication devices from the input / output interface. The chip system can be used to implement any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects described above. The chip system can be composed of a chip or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0059] Optionally, the chip system may also include a memory, which can be used to store instructions, and the logic circuits can call the instructions stored in the memory to implement the corresponding functions.

[0060] A tenth aspect provides a communication system that may include a terminal device and a network device. The terminal device may be used to implement the method shown in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and the network device may be used to implement the method shown in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or the network device may be used to implement the method shown in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0061] The technical effects brought about by the second to tenth aspects above can be found in the description of the beneficial effects of the corresponding solutions in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0062] Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a satellite communication system.

[0063] Figure 2a An example diagram illustrating SSB index reuse provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 2b An example diagram of RO resource allocation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 4An example diagram illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0069] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific operational methods in the method embodiments can also be applied to the device embodiments or system embodiments; therefore, the implementation of the device and the method can refer to each other, and repeated details will not be repeated.

[0070] In the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0071] In the description of this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0072] In the description of this application, "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. " / " means "or", for example, a / b means a or b.

[0073] In the description of this application, "when..." can also be understood as "if...", "under the circumstances", etc.

[0074] In the embodiments of this application, "sending a signal (or data or information)" can be understood as one device sending a signal (or data or information) to another device, or it can also be understood as one logic module within a device sending a signal (or data or information) to another logic module. For example, "the terminal device sending a signal" can be understood as the terminal device sending a signal to another device (such as a network device), or it can be understood as logic module 1 in the terminal device sending a signal to logic module 2 in the network device.

[0075] In the embodiments of this application, "receiving a signal (or data or information)" can be understood as a device receiving a signal (or data or information) from another device, or it can also be understood as a logic module within a device receiving a signal (or data or information) from another logic module. For example, "a network device receiving a signal" can be understood as a network device receiving a signal from another device (such as a terminal device), or it can be understood as logic module 1 in the network device receiving a signal from logic module 2 in the terminal device.

[0076] In the embodiments of this application, "sending a signal to device A" can be understood as the destination of the signal being device A, and may include sending a signal directly or indirectly to device A. "Receiving a signal from device A" can be understood as the source of the signal being device A, and may include receiving a signal directly or indirectly from device A. The signal may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in the embodiments of this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be repeated here.

[0077] Before introducing the technical solutions provided in this application, some of the terms used in this application will be explained in order to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0078] (1) Network equipment refers to nodes in a radio access network (RAN), also known as base stations, RAN nodes (or equipment), RAN entities, access network equipment, or access nodes. Currently, some examples of access network equipment include: evolved NodeB (eNodeB), access point (AP), access point (AP) in wireless fidelity (WIFI) systems, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, transmission points (TP), next generation node B (gNB) in 5G networks, transmitting point (TP), transmission reception point (TRP), home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), macro base station, micro base station (also known as small station), relay station, satellite station, base band unit (BBU), or network equipment in communication systems evolved after 5G (6th Generation, 6G). Network equipment can also be other devices with network equipment functions, such as gNB, TRP, or TP in a 5G system, or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system. Furthermore, network equipment can also be equipment that performs base station functions in device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), Internet of Things (IoT), machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, or other communication systems. It can also include CU and DU in cloud radio access network (C-RAN) systems, and network equipment in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems, i.e., it can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites. This application does not specifically limit these aspects.

[0079] For example, in some possible network architectures, network devices can be CUs, DUs, CUs (control plane, CP), CUs (user plane, UP), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). In this network architecture, signaling generated by the CU can be sent to the terminal device via the DU, or signaling generated by the terminal device can be sent to the CU via the DU. The DU can directly pass the signaling through protocol layer encapsulation without parsing it to the terminal device or CU. In this network architecture, the CU is classified as a network device on the radio access network side; alternatively, the CU can also be classified as a network device on the core network side, and this application does not impose any limitations on this. For example, the functions of the PDCP layer and above are located in the CU, while the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as the RLC layer and MAC layer) are located in the DU. It is understood that the above division of the processing functions of the CU and DU according to protocol layers is merely an example, and other methods can also be used. For instance, the functions of the protocol layers above the RLC layer are located in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below the RLC layer are located in the DU. Alternatively, the CU or DU can be divided into those with functions from more protocol layers, or even those with partial processing functions from protocol layers.

[0080] It is understood that CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0081] Optionally, if the network equipment adopts a CU-DU separation architecture, this CU-DU separation architecture can also be called a distributed deployment architecture, or it can adopt a CU-DU-RU separation architecture. For example, the network equipment can logically include one CU and one or more DUs. Each DU can be connected to the CU through an F1 interface, and information exchange between different DUs can be completed based on the forwarding of the CU. The CU and DU can be physically set together or physically separated, without limitation. The CU can support the functions of RRC layer protocols, PDCP protocol, and SDAP protocol; the DU can support RLC layer protocols, MAC layer protocols, and some or all PHY layer functions. For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. As another example, the access network equipment can logically include CU, DU, and RU. The CU and DU can be physically set together or physically separated, without limitation. The CU can support the functions of RRC layer protocols, PDCP protocol, and SDAP protocol; the DU can support the functions of RLC layer protocols and MAC layer protocols, and can also support some PHY layer protocols; the RU can support some or all PHY layer functions. For example, the DU is mainly responsible for higher-level protocol functions such as data encryption and integrity protection, while the RU is mainly responsible for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals. It can be understood that in the CU-DU-RU separation architecture, the interface between the DU and RU can be called fronthaul, the interface between the CU and DU can be called midhaul, and the interface between the CU and the core network can be called backhaul.

[0082] (2) Terminal equipment is a device that provides voice or data connectivity to users. It can also be an Internet of Things (IoT) device, and can be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), access terminal equipment, vehicle-mounted terminal, industrial control terminal, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), remote station, remote terminal equipment, mobile device, UE terminal equipment, terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, UE agent, or UE device, etc. For example, terminal equipment includes handheld devices with wireless connectivity and vehicle-mounted equipment.Currently, terminal devices can include: mobile phones, tablets, customer-premises equipment (CPE), subscriber units, satellite phones, cellular phones, smartphones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, wireless data cards, personal digital assistant (PDA) computers, wireless modems, handsets, laptop computers, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), wireless terminals in industrial control, mobile internet devices (MIDs), in-vehicle terminal devices (e.g., cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), wireless terminals in self-driving cars, and remote medical devices. Wireless terminals can be used in various fields, including medical applications, smart grids, transportation safety, smart cities, smart homes, wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, and pedometers), vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, factory machinery / equipment, machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, ships, and robots. Terminal devices can also be other devices with terminal functions; for example, a terminal device can also function as a terminal in D2D communication.

[0083] (3) Beam: This refers to the main lobe of the directional array pattern. Network devices (such as satellites, which can also be called high-altitude platforms, high-altitude aircraft, or satellite base stations) can adjust the antenna weights so that the network device's beam can point in different directions, resulting in different coverage areas (or coverage regions or geographical coverage ranges). In this application, the beam coverage range refers to the beam's coverage area on the ground. For example, the beam coverage range can include at least one location point. As the satellite moves and the weights are adjusted, the beam coverage range will also change.

[0084] Understandably, a beam can be a wide beam, a narrow beam, or other types of beam. The technology used to form the beam can be beamforming technology or other technologies. Specifically, beamforming technology can be digital beamforming technology, analog beamforming technology, or hybrid digital / analog beamforming technology, etc. Beams can be associated with resources. For example, during beam measurement, network devices measure different beams using different resources. The terminal device reports the measured resource quality, and the network device knows the quality of the corresponding beam. In data transmission, beam information is also indicated through its corresponding resources. For example, network devices use the transmission configuration indicator (TCI) field in downlink control information (DCI) to indicate the information of the physical downlink sharing channel (PDSCH) beam on the terminal device.

[0085] For example, network devices can generate different beams pointing in different transmission directions. In downlink data transmission, when a network device sends data to a terminal device using a specific beam, it needs to inform the terminal device of the transmit beam information so that the terminal device can use the corresponding receive beam to receive the data sent by the network device.

[0086] Optionally, in some embodiments, multiple beams having the same or similar communication characteristics can be considered as a single beam. A beam may include one or more antenna ports for transmitting data channels, control channels, and probe signals, etc. One or more antenna ports forming a beam can also be considered as a set of antenna ports.

[0087] In this application, unless otherwise specified, a beam refers to the transmit beam of a network device. In beam measurement, each beam of a network device corresponds to a resource, and therefore the beam corresponding to that resource can be uniquely identified by the resource index.

[0088] (4) Beam Position: The service area of ​​a satellite network can be divided into multiple small geographical regions based on geographic location or beam coverage direction. Each geographical region can be called a beam position. A beam position (or can be understood as the coverage area of ​​a beam, the geographical coverage area of ​​a beam, or the physical location information of a beam) can be represented in different shapes. For example, the physical location information of a beam can include location coordinates, latitude and longitude, area identification, etc. It can be understood that a beam position is used to indicate the coverage area of ​​a beam (or can be called the projection range of the beam on the ground). Network devices (such as satellites) can adjust the antenna weights so that the beams transmitted by the network devices can point in different directions, thereby producing different coverage areas. For example, a satellite is configured with 16 beams, each beam has a different coverage area, and the coverage area of ​​each beam can be a beam position. As another example, a satellite is configured with 16 beams, with each pair forming a group, and the coverage area of ​​each group of beams can be a beam position; that is, a beam position can be covered by multiple beams.

[0089] (5) Synchronization Signal and PBCH Block (SSB) (or Synchronization Signal Block): The SSB consists of three parts: primary synchronization signals (PSS), secondary synchronization signals (SSS), and PBCH. Both PSS and SSS are synchronization signals. PSS can be used to transmit the cell number, and SSS can be used to transmit the cell group number. The cell number and cell group number together determine multiple physical cell identities (PCIs) in the communication system. PBCH can be used by terminal devices to obtain information about the cell they are accessing. For example, PBCH can be used to indicate the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carrying system information block 1 (SIB1), which can be used to configure random access resources. Terminal devices can access the network according to the random access resources.

[0090] (6) Relationship between SSB and beam position (including beams in at least one direction): Network devices (such as base stations or satellites) may use multiple antennas to enhance coverage, but using multiple antennas results in very narrow antenna radiation beams, which are difficult to cover the entire cell with a single narrow beam. Furthermore, due to hardware limitations, network devices often cannot simultaneously transmit signals through multiple beams to cover the entire cell. Therefore, communication systems have introduced beam scanning technology to cover the entire cell. In other words, network devices can transmit signals through a portion of the beams at one time to cover a portion of the cell (i.e., a portion of the beam position), and then transmit signals through another portion of the beams at another time to cover another portion of the cell (i.e., another portion of the beam position).

[0091] (7) Random access resources: The random access resources in this application may include at least one of time domain resources, frequency domain resources or code domain resources.

[0092] For example, time-domain resources may include at least one of the following: radio frames, subframes, slots, mini slots, or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. A radio frame may include multiple subframes, a subframe may include one or more slots, and a slot may include at least one symbol. Alternatively, a radio frame may include multiple slots, and a slot may include at least one symbol. It should be noted that an OFDM symbol can also be simply referred to as a symbol. Frequency-domain resources may include at least one of the following: resource element (RE), resource block (RB), channel, subchannel, carrier, or bandwidth part (BWP). In this application, a channel can also be equivalently replaced by a resource block set (RB set), where the frequency domain bandwidth of an RB set can be 20 MHz.

[0093] (8) Random Access: Before accessing the network, a terminal device needs to perform a cell search. For example, a cell search can be performed when a terminal device is powered off and then powered on again. The purpose of the cell search is to enable the terminal device to obtain system time and frequency synchronization, thereby allowing the terminal device to read system information (e.g., information about the cell to be accessed, system bandwidth, and other cell broadcast information) and perform subsequent data transmission. Afterward, the terminal device can perform random access. Random access is the process initiated by the terminal device to obtain uplink synchronization between the terminal device and the network device (e.g., a satellite) after downlink synchronization has been achieved. For example, random access can be divided into contention-based random access (also known as 4-step random access) and contention-free random access (also known as 2-step random access).

[0094] (9) Resources for Random Access: Random access requests are transmitted on a physical random access channel occasion (RO). An RO is understood as a random access resource. Terminal devices can send a random access preamble sequence on a specific RO (i.e., a specific time-frequency resource). The random access preamble sequence can also be called a preamble, random access sequence, or preamble sequence, etc. The format of the RO corresponds to the format of the preamble sequence.

[0095] It is understandable that in existing standards (3GPP TS38.331), the configuration information for ROs and preamble sequences used for random access is indicated through system information, such as through the random access channel (RACH) config common. For example, the parameter RACH-config generalization in the RACH-config generalization indicates information related to the generation of the physical random access channel (PRACH) sequence. This information may include, for example, root indication, the number of frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) operations (the number of frequency-domain ROs), and frequency-domain locations. Optionally, the RACH-config generalization may also include information such as the association between SSBs and ROs. It should be understood that an RO is a specific resource allocation unit on the PRACH.

[0096] To more clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the communication methods and devices provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0097] The technical solutions in this application embodiment can be applied to NTN systems such as satellite communication systems, high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Examples include integrated communication and navigation (ICAN) systems, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), and ultra-dense low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems. Satellite communication systems can be integrated with traditional mobile communication systems. For example, the mobile communication system can be a fourth-generation (4G) communication system (e.g., long term evolution (LTE) system), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a fifth-generation (5G) communication system (e.g., new radio (NR) system), and future communication networks.

[0098] For example, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a possible satellite communication system architecture applicable to embodiments of this application. Figure 1As shown, the satellite communication system architecture may include at least one terminal device (e.g., terminal device 1, terminal device 2, etc.), at least one satellite (e.g., satellite 1, satellite 2, etc.) (or a base station deployed on the satellite, such as a 5G base station), a ground station, a core network (CN) (e.g., a 5G core network), and a data network (DN). The terminal device and the satellite (or the base station deployed on the satellite) can communicate via an air interface (which can be of various types, such as 5G New Radio). For example, taking terminal device 1 as an example, terminal device 1 can access satellite 1 via a 5G New Radio interface. There are wireless links (e.g., Xn interfaces) between satellites (or base stations deployed on the satellite), which can be used for signaling interaction and user data transmission between base stations. For example, satellites (or base stations deployed on the satellite) can communicate via the Xn interface. The satellite and the ground station can communicate via the NG interface. The ground station can connect to the core network via the NG interface, which can be wired or wireless. The core network and the data network can communicate via the N6 interface. Satellites can typically form multiple beams, each beam similar to a cell / sector in a terrestrial mobile communication system (such as LTE / NR).

[0099] The following is a brief introduction to the equipment and interfaces included in the satellite communication system architecture.

[0100] (1) Base station: Primarily used to provide wireless access services, allocate wireless resources to accessing terminal devices, and provide reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols. In this embodiment, the base station can send broadcast / RRC / DCI signaling related to the configuration message in this invention to the terminal device. The terminal device can receive network-side signaling and identify the SSB scanning status corresponding to its current wavelength.

[0101] (2) Core Network: Primarily used to provide functions such as user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and billing. The core network consists of multiple functional units, which can be divided into control plane network elements (or control plane functional units) and user plane network elements (or user plane processing units). User plane network elements are responsible for the transmission of service data; for example, user plane network elements may include, but are not limited to, user plane function (UPF) network elements. Control plane network elements are responsible for the management of the mobile network; for example, control plane network elements may include, but are not limited to, access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements and session management function (SMF) network elements. AMF network elements are responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. SMF network elements are responsible for terminal device session management (including session establishment, modification, and release), UPF network element selection and reselection, terminal device Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation, Quality of Service (QoS) control, and selection of UPF network elements providing packet forwarding functions. UPF is used to manage user plane data transmission, traffic statistics, and other functions.

[0102] (3) Data Network: A data network that provides business services (such as data and / or voice services) to users. Generally, the client is located on the terminal device, and the server is located on the data network. The data network can be a private network, such as a local area network, or an external network not controlled by the operator, such as the Internet, or a dedicated network jointly deployed by the operator, such as a network that provides IP multimedia core network subsystem (IMS) services.

[0103] (4) Ground station: mainly responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between satellite and core network.

[0104] (5) 5G New Radio: refers to the wireless link between the terminal device and the satellite.

[0105] (6) Xn interface: This refers to the interface between satellites (or base stations deployed on satellites), mainly used for signaling interaction such as handover.

[0106] (7) NG interface: This refers to the interface between the satellite and the core network. It mainly exchanges non-access stratum (NAS) signaling of the core network and user service data.

[0107] Compared to satellites, terrestrial base stations have fewer coverage areas divided into several bands. Each band in a terrestrial base station is typically covered by a beam, and each beam can be indicated by the index of the SSB (SSB index) transmitted on that beam. Accordingly, each SSB index corresponds to a set of ROs, and each band corresponds to a set of ROs, with different bands corresponding to different RO sets.

[0108] In satellite communication systems, the area covered by a satellite is much larger than the area covered by a terrestrial base station. Therefore, the number of spectrum positions allocated within the satellite coverage area (e.g., 1058) is also much greater than the number of spectrum positions allocated within the terrestrial base station coverage area (usually 4). However, if the configuration rules for SSB indexes in terrestrial base stations are followed, the number of available SSB indexes for satellites is extremely limited and usually cannot cover all spectrum positions. Taking frequency bands below 3 GHz as an example, each cell has only 4 SSB indexes, while the number of spectrum positions within the satellite coverage area may be much greater than 4.

[0109] Based on this, this application provides a design scheme in which, when a single cell (e.g., a satellite) needs to cover a large number of spectral positions, multiple spectral positions in different geographical locations within the cell need to share the same SSB index.

[0110] For example, refer to Figure 2a When there are X (e.g. 64) spectral positions within the satellite coverage area, but the satellite only has Y (Y < X) (e.g. 4) available SSB indices, the satellite can transmit X / Y (e.g. 16) bursts in a time-division manner within the synchronization signal period, with each burst including Y SSBs, thereby covering all X spectral positions.

[0111] In this way, four SBBs within a single burst can cover Y waveforms, each corresponding to a different SSB index; SSBs within different bursts may need to share an SSB index. For example, refer to... Figure 2a The 16 bursts can be labeled as burst1 to burst16, and the sequence labels corresponding to the 16 bursts are 1 to 16 respectively. The index corresponding to the first wave position in each burst is SSB#1, the index corresponding to the second wave position in each burst is SSB#2 (not shown in the figure), the index corresponding to the third wave position in each burst is SSB#3 (not shown in the figure), and the index corresponding to the fourth wave position in each burst is SSB#4 (not shown in the figure).

[0112] In the embodiments of this application, the wave position with index q in the p-th burst can be represented as SSB#q in burst p. For example, the wave position with index SSB#3 in the second burst can be represented as SSB#3 in burst 2.

[0113] Based on the aforementioned design, each SSB index corresponds to a set of ROs. Multiple wavelengths corresponding to this SSB index need to share the same set of ROs. Communication between different terminal devices and network devices on multiple wavelengths may cause confusion and conflict at the wavelength level.

[0114] For example, still combined Figure 2a As shown in the example, each of the 16 bursts includes a wave position with the index SSB#1, meaning that the 16 wave positions share the index SSB#1; in this scenario, all 16 wave positions are mapped to the same set of ROs, see reference. Figure 2b The RO set corresponding to index SSB#1 is RO set #1. When terminal device A on a certain wave position among multiple wave positions initiates random access, the network device cannot determine the specific wave position to which terminal device A belongs based on the mapping relationship between the SSB index and the aforementioned RO set, and therefore cannot accurately reply with a random access response message.

[0115] To reduce wavelet-level confusion and conflict, this application provides a communication method. The following is in conjunction with... Figure 3 The technical solution of this application will be described in detail with specific method embodiments. This communication method can be implemented by network devices and terminal devices, such as base stations deployed on the ground or via satellite (e.g., Figure 1 (Satellites in the middle). For example, Figure 3 As shown, the communication method may include:

[0116] S301: The network device sends multiple synchronization signals. The network device may send the aforementioned multiple synchronization signals at different time points and / or at different wavelengths; the network device may send the synchronization signals via multicast.

[0117] The multiple synchronization signals include a first synchronization signal transmitted on the target RO. Correspondingly, communication devices (including terminal devices) located in this wavelength position receive the first synchronization signal from the network device. The first synchronization signal is contained within a first burst, that is, the first burst currently occurring within the synchronization signal period, and the terminal device is located within the wavelength position area covered by the first burst. Combined with... Figure 2a The first burst can be burst1, and the corresponding sequence identifier of the first burst is 1; the sequence identifier of the first burst is used to indicate the position of the first burst within the synchronization signal period.

[0118] In some examples, the first synchronization signal may include the index of the first synchronization signal and the system frame number (SFN) of the first synchronization signal.

[0119] In some examples, the first synchronization information may be a synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0120] S302: The terminal device can determine the first RO set based on the index of the first synchronization signal.

[0121] Optionally, network devices and terminal devices can pre-synchronize (through mutual negotiation or unilateral instruction) the initial mapping relationship between multiple indices and multiple RO sets. This initial mapping relationship between multiple indices and multiple RO sets can be achieved through... Figure 2b Embody; with Figure 2b For example, assuming the index of the first synchronization signal is SSB#1, then the first RO set is RO set #1.

[0122] In some examples, the network device determines a first mapping relationship between multiple indices and multiple RO sets (including a first RO set) and sends the first mapping relationship to the terminal device. For example, the network device may carry the first mapping relationship in a system information block (SIB) type 1 (SSB1) sent during random access. For example, SIB1 may include RRC higher-layer signaling: RACH-General Configuration, which includes a first signaling and a second signaling; wherein, the first signaling is used to indicate the PRACH configuration index, such as a row of PRACH resource configuration in a table in the protocol, which can also be understood as the periodic RO resources configured on the network device side in this embodiment; the second signaling is used to indicate the association criterion between the timing of each SS-PBCH block (SSB-per RACH-occasion) and the number of contention-based preambles per SSB (CB-preambles per SSB), that is, the correspondence between the index of each RO and each SSB. The first signaling may include the period in which the RO appears in the time domain under this configuration, the number of ROs in the period, and the position of each RO (e.g., system frame number, subframe number, starting symbol).

[0123] Optionally, the second signaling may include the number M of SSB indices corresponding to each RO. When M > 1, each RO will map to multiple SSB indices. When M ≤ 1, each SSB index can correspond to multiple RO resources; for example, when parameter M is configured as 1 / N (N is a positive integer), each SSB index can correspond to N ROs; Figure 2b For example, we know that M = 1 / 4 and N = 4. Each SSB index can correspond to 4 ROs. The first RO set (e.g., RO set #1) corresponding to the index of the first synchronization signal (e.g., SSB#1) includes 4 ROs.

[0124] In other examples, the terminal device defines a first mapping relationship between multiple indices and multiple RO sets (including a first RO set) and sends the first mapping relationship to the network device.

[0125] S303: The terminal device may send a random access preamble on a target RO in the second RO set; the second RO set is a subset of the first RO set. Correspondingly, the network device receives the random access preamble from the terminal device. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the ROs in the first RO set are identified sequentially, and each RO corresponds to a unique sequence identifier. Therefore, the sequence identifier of an RO can also be understood as the position identifier of that RO in the first RO set; the second RO set is a subset of the first RO set, and the ROs belonging to the second RO set still use the aforementioned sequence identifier.

[0126] In some examples, the terminal device may carry the random access preamble in message 1 (msg1) sent during the random access process.

[0127] In this way, when the terminal device sends the preamble on the target RO in the subset of the first RO set (i.e., the second RO set), it can reduce or avoid confusion and conflict at the wavelet level. The following examples 1, 2 and 3 illustrate the manifestation of this effect.

[0128] Example 1:

[0129] refer to Figure 2b The first RO set (e.g., RO set #1) corresponding to the index of the first synchronization signal (e.g., SSB#1) includes 4 ROs. The total number of bursts in the synchronization signal period is 16. Then, the synchronization signals sent on the 16 wavelengths with the same index in different bursts all correspond to the first RO set, such as the first mapping relationship shown in Table 1-1. In this case, after receiving the random access preamble, the network device determines the wavelength range of the terminal device as the aforementioned 16 wavelengths based on the target RO corresponding to the random access preamble, which can easily lead to a large number of wavelength-level confusions and conflicts.

[0130]

[0131]

[0132] Table 1-1

[0133] Based on the first mapping relationship shown in Table 1-1 above, the first RO set is divided into multiple subsets (including the second RO set), and the multiple subsets are mapped to different wavelengths respectively; for example, in the second mapping relationship shown in Table 1-2, each subset of the first RO set includes 1 RO, and each subset maps 4 wavelengths, that is, each RO maps 4 wavelengths; in this case, after receiving the random access preamble, the network device determines the wavelength range of the terminal device to be 4 wavelengths according to the target RO corresponding to the random access preamble, which can reduce confusion and conflict at the wavelength level.

[0134]

[0135] Table 1-2

[0136] Example 2:

[0137] Assuming that the first RO set corresponding to the index of the first synchronization signal includes 8 ROs, and the total number of bursts in the synchronization signal period is 8, then the synchronization signals on the 8 wavelengths with the same index in different bursts all correspond to the first RO set, such as the first mapping relationship shown in Table 1-3. In this case, after receiving the random access preamble, the network device determines the wavelength range of the terminal device as the aforementioned 8 wavelengths based on the target RO corresponding to the random access preamble, which can easily lead to a large number of wavelength-level confusions and conflicts.

[0138]

[0139] Table 1-3

[0140] Based on the first mapping relationship shown in Tables 1-3 above, the first RO set is divided into multiple subsets (including the second RO set), and each subset maps to a different wavelength. For example, in the second mapping relationship shown in Tables 1-4, each subset of the first RO set includes one RO, and each subset maps to one wavelength, that is, each RO maps to one wavelength. In this case, after receiving the random access preamble, the network device determines the wavelength range of the terminal device as one wavelength according to the target RO corresponding to the random access preamble, which can completely avoid confusion and conflict at the wavelength level.

[0141]

[0142] Table 1-4

[0143] Example 3:

[0144] Assuming that the first RO set corresponding to the index of the first synchronization signal includes 8 ROs, and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period is 4, then the synchronization signals on the 4 wavelengths with the same index in different bursts all correspond to the first RO set, such as the first mapping relationship shown in Table 1-5. In this case, after receiving the random access preamble, the network device determines the wavelength range of the terminal device as the aforementioned 4 wavelengths based on the target RO corresponding to the random access preamble, which can easily lead to wavelength-level confusion and conflict.

[0145]

[0146] Table 1-5

[0147] Based on the first mapping relationship shown in Tables 1-5 above, the first RO set is divided into multiple subsets (including the second RO set), and the multiple subsets are mapped to different wavelengths; for example, the second mapping relationship shown in Tables 1-6, each subset of the first RO set includes multiple (e.g., 2) ROs, and each subset is mapped to 1 wavelength, that is, multiple ROs are mapped to 1 wavelength; in this case, after receiving the random access preamble, the network device determines the wavelength range of the terminal device as 1 wavelength according to the target RO corresponding to the random access preamble, which can completely avoid confusion and conflict at the wavelength level.

[0148]

[0149] Table 1-6

[0150] Before executing S303, the terminal device may further divide the first RO set into multiple subsets (including the second RO set), with each subset mapping different wavelengths; the terminal device may also select the second RO set and determine the target RO. In one possible example, the terminal device may also determine the second RO set from the first RO set through steps A1 and A2.

[0151] Step A1: The terminal device obtains the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period, and obtains the sequence identifier of the first burst to which the first synchronization signal belongs. The sequence identifier of the first burst is used to indicate the position of the first burst within the synchronization signal period.

[0152] Optionally, the terminal device can obtain the sequence identifier and total number of the first burst through one of the following methods, two of the following methods, three of the following methods, or any combination of two of them.

[0153] Method 1: The network device can send the first information through a wavelet-level broadcast message, which includes the sequence identifier and total quantity of the first burst; the communication device (including terminal device) in the wavelet can receive the sequence identifier and total quantity of the first burst from the network device.

[0154] It should be understood that network devices can broadcast different content to communication devices in different wavelengths through wavelength-level broadcast messages.

[0155] Method 2: The multiple synchronization signals in S301 include a first synchronization signal. The first synchronization signal includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information indicates the length of the synchronization signal period; the second indication information indicates the dwell time of a single burst. The terminal device can parse the first synchronization signal to obtain the sequence identifier and total number of the first burst. The terminal device can also determine the sequence identifier and total number of the first burst based on the system frame number of the first synchronization signal, the length of the synchronization signal period, and the dwell time of a single burst.

[0156] In some examples, the first indication information and the second indication information can be combined. In the embodiments of this application, the combined first indication information and the second indication information are represented by a third indication information; the third indication information can be carried in redundant bits in the first synchronization signal.

[0157] For example, network devices and terminal devices can pre-establish associations between the information to be indicated (corresponding to different scenarios) and different bit values ​​based on various common conditions (the length of the synchronization signal period and the dwell time of a single burst). For instance, suppose two reserved bits are pre-reserved in the first synchronization signal for the third indication information, meaning that the bit value can occupy two bits, and the two bits can respectively indicate four different conditions. Table 2-1 shows an example of the association between the information to be indicated and the bit value.

[0158]

[0159]

[0160] Table 2-1

[0161] Method 3: The terminal device can receive system information from the network device. This system information includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information indicates the length of the synchronization signal period; the second indication information indicates the dwell time of a single burst. The terminal device can parse the first synchronization signal to obtain the sequence identifier and total number of the first burst. The terminal device can also determine the sequence identifier and total number of the first burst based on the system frame number of the first synchronization signal, the length of the synchronization signal period, and the dwell time of a single burst.

[0162] Optionally, the system information can be in SIBs. For example, the terminal device can carry the synchronization signal period and the dwell time of a single burst in the SIB1 sent during the random access procedure. Alternatively, the terminal device can carry indication information of the synchronization signal period and indication information of the dwell time of a single burst in the SIB1 sent during the random access procedure.

[0163] Based on the aforementioned method two or three, the terminal device can calculate the frame index within the synchronization signal period according to the system frame number, and calculate the sequence identifier of the first burst according to the frame index. For example, assuming the dwell time of a single burst is 20ms, it can also be understood as the dwell time of a single burst being 2 system frames, denoted as T0 = 2 (the unit is the number of system frames); assuming the system frame number of the first synchronization signal is SFN = 18, and the length of the synchronization signal period is identified as period. ssb =160ms, then the terminal device can calculate the frame index N0: N0 = mod(SFN, period) ssb / 10ms)=mod(18,160 / 10)=mod(18,16)=2;The terminal device can also calculate the sequence identifier of the first burst as burst id: burst id=floor(N0 / T0)=floor(2 / 2)=1, that is, the first burst is the first burst in the synchronization signal period.

[0164] Step A2: The terminal device can determine the second RO set from the first RO set based on the sequence identifier and total quantity of the first burst.

[0165] In the aforementioned design, the sequence identifier, total number, second RO set, and number of ROs contained in the first RO set satisfy preset rules. The following examples illustrate some of these preset rules (expressed through formulas) using methods A and B. When the sequence identifier and total number of the first burst are greater than or equal to the number of ROs in the first RO set, and the second RO set includes one RO, the terminal device can determine the second RO set using method A. In method A, the synchronization signal of a certain index in a single burst can map to only one RO, or each RO still needs to be shared by synchronization signals in multiple bursts. When the sequence identifier and total number of the first burst are less than the number of ROs in the first RO set, and the second RO set includes multiple ROs, including the target RO, the terminal device can determine the second RO set using method B. In method B, the synchronization signal of a certain index in a single burst can individually map to multiple ROs.

[0166] Method A:

[0167] The sequence identifier of the first burst, the total number, the target RO, and the first RO set satisfy either the following formula (Formula 1) or formula (Formula 2):

[0168]

[0169] Among them, i RO Indicates the position identifier of the target RO in the first RO set, i burst N represents the sequence identifier of the first burst. burst Indicates the total quantity. This indicates the number of ROs contained in the first RO set.

[0170] Assuming the total number mentioned above is 8, that is, there are 8 bursts within the synchronization signal period; the number of ROs in the first RO set is 4, which are identified as: RO1, RO2, RO3, and RO4.

[0171] Combining Formula 1 above, we can obtain:

[0172] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 1, the second RO set includes RO1;

[0173] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 2, the second RO set includes RO1;

[0174] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 3, the second RO set includes RO2;

[0175] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 4, the second RO set includes RO2;

[0176] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 5, the second RO set includes RO3;

[0177] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 6, the second RO set includes RO3;

[0178] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 7, the second RO set includes RO4;

[0179] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 8, the second RO set includes RO4.

[0180] Combining with Formula 2 above, we can obtain:

[0181] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 1, the second RO set includes RO1;

[0182] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 2, the second RO set includes RO2;

[0183] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 3, the second RO set includes RO3;

[0184] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 4, the second RO set includes RO4;

[0185] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 5, the second RO set includes RO1;

[0186] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 6, the second RO set includes RO2;

[0187] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 7, the second RO set includes RO3;

[0188] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 8, the second RO set includes RO4.

[0189] Method B:

[0190] The sequence identifier of the first burst, the total number, the number of ROs in the second RO set, and the number of ROs in the first RO set satisfy the following formula three or formula four:

[0191]

[0192] Among them, i RO Indicates the sequence identifier of the ROs included in the second RO set, i burst N represents the sequence identifier of the first burst. burst Indicates the total quantity. This indicates the number of ROs in the first RO set.

[0193] Assuming the total number mentioned above is 8, that is, there are 8 bursts within the synchronization signal period; the number of ROs in the first RO set is 16, which are identified as RO1 to RO16 respectively.

[0194] Combining Formula 3 above, we can obtain:

[0195] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 1, the second RO set includes RO1 and RO2;

[0196] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 2, the second RO set includes RO3 and RO4;

[0197] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 3, the second RO set includes RO5 and RO6;

[0198] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 4, the second RO set includes RO7 and RO8;

[0199] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 5, the second RO set includes RO9 and RO10;

[0200] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 6, the second RO set includes RO11 and RO12;

[0201] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 7, the second RO set includes RO13 and RO14;

[0202] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 8, the second RO set includes RO15 and RO16.

[0203] Combining Formula 4, we can obtain:

[0204] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 1, the second RO set includes RO1 and RO9;

[0205] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 2, the second RO set includes RO2 and RO10;

[0206] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 3, the second RO set includes RO3 and RO11;

[0207] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 4, the second RO set includes RO4 and RO12;

[0208] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 5, the second RO set includes RO5 and RO13;

[0209] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 6, the second RO set includes RO6 and RO14;

[0210] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 7, the second RO set includes RO7 and RO15;

[0211] When the sequence identifier of the first burst is 8, the second RO set includes RO8 and RO16.

[0212] The following describes the communication method by which a network device sends a random access response on the target waveform after receiving a random access preamble, using the communication methods shown in S304 to S307 or S308 to S311.

[0213] Implementation Method 1:

[0214] S304: The network device determines the target RO based on the random access preamble.

[0215] It should be understood that the method by which network devices confirm the target RO based on the random access preamble can refer to commonly used techniques in the field, and is not limited in this application.

[0216] S305: The network device determines the first set of ROs to which the target RO belongs, and determines the index of the first synchronization signal received by the terminal device based on the first set of ROs.

[0217] For example, assuming the target RO is RO2, the first RO set can be {RO1, RO2, RO3, RO4}; correspondingly, the SSB index of the first RO set can be SSB#1.

[0218] S306: The network device determines the target wave position corresponding to the first synchronization signal based on the index of the first synchronization signal and the sequence identifier of the first burst to which the first synchronization signal belongs; the sequence identifier of the first burst is used to indicate the position of the first burst within the synchronization signal period.

[0219] In some examples, when the number of waveforms corresponding to the index of the first synchronization signal is greater than or equal to 2, the network device can determine the target waveform through steps B1 and B2.

[0220] Step B1: The network device determines at least two waveforms corresponding to the index of the first synchronization signal based on the index of the first synchronization signal.

[0221] Optionally, step B1 may include steps B1-1 and B1-2:

[0222] Step B1-1: The network device obtains the first mapping relationship, which is used to indicate the correspondence between the indices and waveforms of multiple synchronization signals.

[0223] The first mapping relationship can be found in Tables 1-1, 1-3, and 1-5. It should be understood that this application does not limit the method by which network devices obtain the first mapping relationship.

[0224] Step B1-2: The network device determines at least two waveforms corresponding to the index of the first synchronization signal according to the first mapping relationship.

[0225] For example, when the first mapping relationship is Table 1-1, the SSB index corresponding to the first RO set is SSB#1, and the wave positions corresponding to SSB#1 include: SSB#1in burst 1, SSB#1in burst 2, SSB#1in burst 3, SSB#1in burst 4, SSB#1in burst 5, SSB#1in burst 6, SSB#1in burst 7, SSB#1in burst 8, SSB#1in burst 9, SSB#1in burst 10, SSB#1in burst 11, SSB#1in burst 12, SSB#1in burst 13, SSB#1inburst 14, SSB#1in burst 15, and SSB#1in burst 16.

[0226] Step B2: The network device selects the target wavelength covered by the first burst from at least two wavelengths based on the sequence identifier of the first burst.

[0227] For example, when the sequence identifier of the first burst is burst1, SSB#1in burst 1 is selected as the target wave position.

[0228] In other examples, when the number of waveforms corresponding to the index of the first synchronization signal is equal to 1, the network device can obtain the unique waveform corresponding to the index of the first synchronization signal and use this unique waveform as the target waveform. In this way, when the number of waveforms is the same as the number of ROs or the number of waveforms is less than the number of ROs, one waveform can occupy at least one RO, and the target RO corresponds to only one target waveform, so there is no confusion or conflict at the waveform level.

[0229] S307: The network device sends a random access response on the target waveform.

[0230] Using the communication method described in S301 to S307 above, after determining the first RO set according to the index corresponding to the first synchronization signal, the terminal device can also send a preamble on a subset of the first RO set (the second RO set); correspondingly, the network device can determine the target wave position of the terminal device according to the target RO corresponding to the random access preamble, and according to the synchronization signal index corresponding to the target RO and the sequence identifier of the first burst to which the first synchronization signal belongs; this communication method makes the allocation of ROs more reasonable and helps to reduce confusion and conflict at the wave position level.

[0231] Implementation Method Two:

[0232] S308: The network device determines the target RO based on the random access preamble and determines the second RO set to which the target RO belongs.

[0233] It should be understood that the method by which network devices confirm the target RO based on the random access preamble can refer to commonly used techniques in the field, and is not limited in this application.

[0234] S309: The network device obtains the second mapping relationship, which is used to indicate the correspondence between multiple RO sets and wave positions, and the multiple RO sets include the second RO set.

[0235] It should be understood that S309 can be executed before S301, or at any time from S301 to S308, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0236] The second mapping relationship can be found in Tables 1-2, 1-4, and 1-6. It should be understood that this application does not limit the method by which network devices obtain the second mapping relationship.

[0237] Optionally, the network device may obtain the second mapping relationship by: the network device may establish a second mapping relationship between multiple ROs and multiple wavelengths based on the rules for dividing the first RO set into subsets by the terminal device (such as the aforementioned preset rules); or the network device may receive the second mapping relationship from other communication devices.

[0238] In one possible design, the first wave position is any wave position within the coverage area of ​​the network device. The following describes part of the process of establishing the second mapping relationship using the first wave position as an example through steps C1 to C3.

[0239] Step C1: The network device determines the third RO set based on the index corresponding to the first wave bit;

[0240] Step C2: The network device selects the fourth RO set from the third RO set based on the sequence identifier of the second burst corresponding to the first burst and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period; the sequence identifier of the second burst is used to indicate the position of the second burst within the synchronization signal period;

[0241] Step C3: The network device establishes a mapping relationship between the first wavelet and each RO included in the fourth RO set; and updates the correspondence between the first wavelet and the fourth RO set to the second mapping relationship.

[0242] In the aforementioned design, the sequence identifiers, total number, fourth RO set, and number of ROs contained in the third RO set of the second burst satisfy preset rules. The following examples (expressed through formulas) illustrate some of these preset rules using methods C and D. When the sequence identifiers and total number of the second burst are greater than or equal to the number of ROs in the third RO set, and the fourth RO set includes one RO, the network device can determine the fourth RO set using method C. In method C, the synchronization signal of a certain index in a single burst can map to only one RO, or each RO still needs to be shared by synchronization signals in multiple bursts. When the sequence identifiers and total number of the second burst are less than the number of ROs in the third RO set, and the fourth RO set includes multiple ROs, including the target RO, the network device can determine the fourth RO set using method D. In method D, the synchronization signal of a certain index in a single burst can individually map to multiple ROs.

[0243] Method C:

[0244] The sequence identifier of the second burst, the total number, the number of ROs in the fourth RO set, and the number of ROs in the third RO set satisfy the following formula five or formula six:

[0245]

[0246] Among them, i RO ′ Indicates the sequence identifier of the ROs included in the fourth RO set, i burst ′ N represents the sequence identifier of the second burst. burst Indicates the total quantity. This indicates the number of ROs in the third RO set.

[0247] It should be understood that the calculated beam-RO mapping relationship should be the same for both Method C and Method A. The mapping relationship obtained through Formula 5 can be referenced in the example for Formula 1 in Method A, and the mapping relationship obtained through Formula 6 can be referenced in the example for Formula 2 in Method A; it will not be repeated here.

[0248] Method D:

[0249] The sequence identifier of the second burst, the total number, the number of ROs in the fourth RO set, and the number of ROs in the third RO set satisfy the following formula seven or formula eight:

[0250]

[0251] Among them, i RO ′ Indicates the sequence identifier of the ROs included in the fourth RO set, i burst′ N represents the sequence identifier of the second burst. burst Indicates the total quantity. This indicates the number of ROs in the third RO set.

[0252] It should be understood that the calculated beam mapping relationship between Method D and Method B should be the same. The mapping relationship obtained through Method 7 can be referenced in the example for Formula 3 in Method B, and the mapping relationship obtained through Formula 8 can be referenced in the example for Formula 4 in Method B. It will not be repeated here.

[0253] Formulas 1 to 8 described above are merely one possible example. In formulas 1 to 8, the sequence identifiers of the ROs in the first RO set (or the third RO set) are pre-set to start from 1, and the sequence identifiers of the bursts within the synchronization information period also start from 1. In some examples, if the sequence identifiers of the ROs in the first RO set (or the third RO set) start from 0, and / or the sequence identifiers of the bursts within the synchronization information period start from 0, then formulas 1 to 8 can be adjusted accordingly. This application does not limit the arrangement of the aforementioned formulas and sequence identifiers.

[0254] S310: The network device determines the target waveform corresponding to the second RO set according to the second mapping relationship.

[0255] For example, when the terminal device determines the first RO set, the second RO set, and multiple wavelengths according to preset rules and satisfies the second mapping relationship shown in Table 1-2, the second mapping relationship obtained by the network device can be shown in Table 3-1 below.

[0256] RO wave position RO1 SSB#1in burst 1, SSB#1in burst 2, SSB#1in burst 3, SSB#1in burst 4 RO2 SSB#1in burst 5, SSB#1in burst 6, SSB#1in burst 7, SSB#1in burst 8 RO3 SSB#1in burst 9, SSB#1in burst 10, SSB#1in burst 11, SSB#1in burst 12 RO4 SSB#1in burst 13, SSB#1in burst 14, SSB#1in burst 15, SSB#1in burst 16 …… ……

[0257] Table 3-1

[0258] Under the mapping relationship in Table 1-1, the number of wavelengths corresponding to any RO in the first RO set is 16. In this embodiment of the application, the third RO set is divided into multiple subsets (including the fourth RO set), and the multiple subsets are mapped to different wavelengths respectively. For example, in the second mapping relationship shown in Table 3-1, each RO maps to 4 wavelengths. In this case, the network device can determine the wavelength range corresponding to the target RO as 4 wavelengths according to the second mapping relationship. Compared with the case in Table 1-1 where any RO maps to 16 wavelengths, the wavelength range is significantly reduced, thereby reducing confusion and conflict at the wavelength level.

[0259] For example, when the terminal device determines the first RO set, the second RO set, and multiple wavelengths according to preset rules and the second mapping relationship shown in Table 1-4 is satisfied, the second mapping relationship obtained by the network device can be shown in Table 3-2 below.

[0260]

[0261]

[0262] Table 3-2

[0263] Under the mapping relationships in Table 1-3, the number of wavelengths corresponding to any RO in the first RO set is 8. In this embodiment of the application, the third RO set is divided into multiple subsets (including the fourth RO set), and the multiple subsets are mapped to different wavelengths respectively. For example, in the second mapping relationship shown in Table 3-2, each RO is mapped to 1 wavelength. In this case, the network device can determine the wavelength range corresponding to the target RO as 1 wavelength according to the second mapping relationship. Compared with the case in Table 1-3 where any RO is mapped to 8 wavelengths, the wavelength range is clearer, thereby avoiding confusion and conflict at the wavelength level.

[0264] For example, when the terminal device determines the first RO set, the second RO set, and multiple wavelengths according to preset rules and the second mapping relationship shown in Table 1-6 is satisfied, the second mapping relationship obtained by the network device can be shown in Table 3-3 below.

[0265]

[0266] Table 3-3

[0267] Under the mapping relationships in Tables 1-5, the number of wavelengths corresponding to any RO in the first RO set is 4. In this embodiment of the application, the third RO set is divided into multiple subsets (including the fourth RO set), and the multiple subsets are mapped to different wavelengths respectively. For example, in the second mapping relationship shown in Tables 3-3, each RO is mapped to 1 wavelength. In this case, the network device can determine the wavelength range corresponding to the target RO as 1 wavelength according to the second mapping relationship. Compared with the case in Tables 1-5 where any RO is mapped to 4 wavelengths, the wavelength range is clearer, thereby avoiding confusion and conflict at the wavelength level.

[0268] In some examples, when the number of wavelengths corresponding to the target RO is greater than or equal to 2, the network device can determine the target wavelength through steps D1 and D2.

[0269] Step D1: The network device determines at least two wavelengths corresponding to the second RO set based on the second mapping relationship.

[0270] For example, when the second mapping relationship is Table 3-1, it is assumed that the second RO set includes RO1, and the wave positions corresponding to RO1 include: SSB#1in burst 1, SSB#1in burst 2, SSB#1in burst 3, and SSB#1in burst 4.

[0271] Step D2: The network device selects the target wavelength covered by the first burst from at least two wavelengths based on the sequence identifier of the current first burst. In other words, the network device selects the wavelength that the synchronization signal within the first burst can cover from at least two wavelengths corresponding to the target RO as the target wavelength.

[0272] Still assuming the target burst RO is RO1, the corresponding burst positions for RO include: SSB#1in burst 1, SSB#1in burst 2, SSB#1in burst 3, and SSB#1in burst 4; these four burst positions belong to the coverage areas of different bursts. Assuming the current burst is the first burst, and the sequence identifier of the first burst is burst1, then the target burst position selected from the aforementioned four burst positions is SSB#1in burst 1.

[0273] Using the methods shown in steps D1 and D2, when there are too many waveforms and insufficient ROs, multiple waveforms share the same RO. The target RO may correspond to multiple waveforms, but the bursts to which the multiple waveforms belong are different. Therefore, the network device can determine the target waveform based on the burst to which the target RO belongs, thereby avoiding confusion and conflict at the waveform level.

[0274] In other examples, when the number of wavelets corresponding to the target RO is 1, the network device obtains the unique wavelet corresponding to the second RO and uses this unique wavelet as the target wavelet. In this way, when the number of wavelets is the same as the number of ROs or the number of wavelets is less than the number of ROs, one wavelet can occupy at least one RO, and the target RO corresponds to only one target wavelet, so there is no confusion or conflict at the wavelet level.

[0275] S311: The network device sends a random access response on the target waveform.

[0276] Using the methods S301-S303 and S308-S311, after determining the first RO set according to the index corresponding to the first synchronization signal, the terminal device can also send a preamble on a subset of the first RO set (the second RO set). Correspondingly, the network device can obtain the second mapping relationship based on the target RO corresponding to the random access preamble, and determine the target wavelength position of the terminal device based on the target RO and the second mapping relationship. This communication method makes the allocation of ROs more reasonable and helps to reduce confusion and conflict at the wavelength level.

[0277] In some possible designs, assuming the terminal device in S301 and S311 is UE1, the communication system executing this embodiment also includes other terminal devices (e.g., UE2). UE1 is within the bandwidth range covered by burst1, and UE2 is within the bandwidth range covered by burst2. The first synchronization signal in burst1 and the second synchronization signal in burst2 share the same index SSB#1. The multiple synchronization signals transmitted in S301 also include the second synchronization signal. Accordingly, UE2 can receive the second synchronization signal. The communication method further includes the following steps E1 to E2:

[0278] Step E1: UE2 can determine the first RO set based on the index of the second synchronization signal. That is, since the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal share the same index, the first RO sets determined by UE1 and UE2 are the same.

[0279] Step E2: UE2 can send a random access preamble on the fifth RO set; the fifth RO set is a subset of the first RO set, and the fifth RO set is different from the second RO set. The implementation process of step E2 can be referred to the aforementioned S303.

[0280] Accordingly, after receiving the random access preamble from UE2, the network device can refer to the aforementioned implementation method one or implementation method two to determine the wave position where UE2 is located, and send a random access response on that wave position.

[0281] In this way, even if multiple synchronization signals share the same index, the network device can determine the waveform of the terminal device, thereby accurately sending the random access response and avoiding waveform-level confusion and conflict.

[0282] The following provides a communication flow example, where network devices are represented by NW and terminal devices by UE; see reference Figure 4 The communication process includes steps 1 to 5.

[0283] Step 1: The NW sends an SSB; correspondingly, the UE receives the SSB and determines the SSB index. Step 1 can be referred to S301 above.

[0284] Step 2: The NW sends an SIB (or RRC), which includes information indicating the length of the synchronization signal period and the dwell time of a single burst. After receiving the SIB, the UE can determine the sequence identifier of the first burst and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period based on the information of the length of the synchronization signal period and the dwell time of a single burst. Step 2 can refer to the aforementioned steps A1 and A2.

[0285] Step 3: The UE determines the first RO set based on the SSB index and the first mapping relationship.

[0286] Step 4: Based on the sequence identifier of the first burst and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period, the UE divides the first RO set into multiple subsets, which include the second RO set.

[0287] Based on this, the UE can send a random access preamble on the target spectral position in the second RO set.

[0288] Step 5: Based on the sequence identifier of the first burst and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period, NW divides the first RO set under the first mapping relationship into multiple subsets (including the second RO set), and determines the correspondence between the multiple subsets and multiple waveforms (i.e., the second mapping relationship). It should be understood that the division method and result of the first RO set in steps 4 and 5 are consistent. Step 5 can be referred to in S309.

[0289] Based on this, after receiving the random access preamble from the UE, the NW can determine the UE's position according to the RO and the second mapping relationship corresponding to the random access preamble, and send a random access response on that position.

[0290] 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.

[0291] It should also be noted that each step in the above embodiments can be executed by the corresponding device, or by components such as chips, processors, or chip systems within that device. The embodiments of this application do not limit their execution. The above embodiments are merely illustrative examples of execution by the corresponding device. Furthermore, the specific implementation methods or examples in the above embodiments do not limit the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application.

[0292] Based on the same technical concept, this application provides a communication device, which includes modules, units or means that perform the method steps in the above method embodiments. The functions, units or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0293] For example, see Figure 5 The communication device 500 may include a processing module 501 and a communication module 502.

[0294] Optionally, the communication module 502 may include a sending module and / or a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments. It should be noted that the communication device 500 may only include a sending module and not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 500 may only include a receiving module and not a sending module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above scheme performed by the communication device 500 includes both sending and receiving actions.

[0295] The processing module 501 is used for data processing. The communication module 502 can implement the corresponding communication functions.

[0296] Optionally, the communication device 500 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 501 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 500 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0297] It should be understood that all relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced to the functional description of the corresponding functional module.

[0298] The processing module 501 in the above embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. The communication module 502 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The communication module 502 can also be referred to as a communication module or a communication interface.

[0299] For example, the communication device 500 can be a terminal device or a component configured inside the terminal device. The communication module 502 is used to receive a first synchronization signal from the network device and determine a first RO set according to the index of the first synchronization signal; the processing module 501 is used to send a random access preamble to a target RO in the second RO set; the second RO set is a subset of the first RO set; the communication module 502 is also used to receive a random access response from the network device.

[0300] In one possible design, the first synchronization signal is included in the first burst; the processing module 501 is further configured to obtain the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period, and to obtain the sequence identifier of the first burst to which the first synchronization signal belongs, the sequence identifier of the first burst being used to indicate the position of the first burst within the synchronization signal period; and to determine the second RO set in the first RO set based on the sequence identifier and the total number of the first bursts.

[0301] In one possible design, the communication module 502 is specifically used to receive first information from the network device, the first information including the sequence identifier and total number of the first burst; or, the processing module 501 is further used to determine the sequence identifier and total number of the first burst based on the system frame number of the first synchronization signal, the length of the synchronization signal period, and the dwell time in the wavelet region covered by a single burst.

[0302] In one possible design, the first synchronization signal includes first indication information and second indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the length of the synchronization signal period; and the second indication information is used to indicate the dwell time of a single burst; or, the communication module 502 is further used to receive system information from the network device, wherein the system information includes the first indication information and the second indication information.

[0303] In one possible design, the total number is greater than or equal to the number of ROs in the first RO set, the second RO set includes one RO, which is the target RO; the sequence identifier of the first burst, the total number, the target RO, and the first RO set satisfy the following formula:

[0304]

[0305] or,

[0306]

[0307] Among them, i RO Indicates the position identifier of the target RO within the first RO set, i burst N represents the sequence identifier of the first burst. burst Indicates the total quantity. This indicates the number of ROs contained in the first RO set.

[0308] In one possible design, the total number is less than the number of ROs in the first RO set, the second RO set includes multiple ROs, and these multiple ROs include the target RO; the sequence identifier of the first burst, the total number, the second RO set, and the first RO set satisfy the following formula:

[0309]

[0310] or,

[0311]

[0312] Among them, i RO Indicates the position identifier of each RO in the second RO set within the first RO set, i burst N represents the sequence identifier of the first burst. burst Indicates the total quantity. This indicates the number of ROs contained in the first RO set.

[0313] For example, the communication device 500 can be a network device or a component configured within a network device. The communication module 502 is used to send multiple synchronization signals; the processing module 501 is further used to receive a random access preamble from a terminal device; the processing module 501 is used to determine a target RO based on the random access preamble; the processing module 501 is further used to determine a first RO set to which the target RO belongs, and to determine the index of the first synchronization signal received by the terminal device based on the first RO set; the processing module 501 is further used to determine the target waveform corresponding to the first synchronization signal based on the index of the first synchronization signal and the sequence identifier of the first burst to which the first synchronization signal belongs; the sequence identifier of the first burst is used to indicate the position of the first burst within the synchronization signal period; the communication module 502 is further used to send a random access response at the target waveform.

[0314] In one possible design, the communication module 502 is further configured to transmit first information, the first information including the sequence identifier of the first burst and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period; or, the communication module 502 is further configured to transmit system information, the system information including first indication information and second indication information; or, the first synchronization signal includes first indication information and second indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the length of the synchronization signal period, and the second indication information is used to indicate the dwell time within the wavelength region covered by a single burst; wherein, the length of the synchronization signal period and the dwell time within the wavelength region covered by a single burst are used to determine the sequence identifier of the first burst and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period.

[0315] In one possible design, the processing module 501 is specifically used to determine at least two wave positions corresponding to the index of the first synchronization signal based on the index of the first synchronization signal; and to select the target wave position covered by the first burst from the at least two wave positions based on the sequence identifier of the first burst.

[0316] In one possible design, the processing module 501 is specifically used to obtain a first mapping relationship, which indicates the correspondence between the indices and wave positions of multiple synchronization signals; and to determine at least two wave positions corresponding to the index of the first synchronization signal based on the first mapping relationship.

[0317] For example, the communication device 500 can be a network device or a component configured inside the network device. The processing module 501 is configured to determine the target RO based on the random access preamble and to determine the second RO set to which the target RO belongs; the processing module 501 is also configured to obtain a second mapping relationship; the second mapping relationship indicates the correspondence between multiple RO sets and wavelengths, the multiple RO sets including the second RO set; the processing module 501 is also configured to determine the target wavelength corresponding to the second RO set based on the second mapping relationship; the communication module 502 is configured to send a random access response on the target wavelength.

[0318] In one possible design, the communication module 502 is further configured to transmit first information, the first information including the sequence identifier of the first burst and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period; or, the communication module 502 is further configured to transmit system information, the system information including first indication information and second indication information; or, multiple synchronization signals include a first synchronization signal, the first synchronization signal including first indication information and second indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the length of the synchronization signal period, and the second indication information is used to indicate the dwell time within the wavelength region covered by a single burst; wherein, the length of the synchronization signal period and the dwell time within the wavelength region covered by a single burst are used to determine the sequence identifier of the first burst and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period.

[0319] In one possible design, the processing module 501 is further configured to determine, according to the second mapping relationship, at least two wave positions corresponding to the second RO set; the processing module 501 is further configured to select the target wave position covered by the first burst from the at least two wave positions according to the sequence identifier of the first burst currently in the current position; the sequence identifier of the first burst is used to indicate the position of the first burst within the synchronization signal period.

[0320] In one possible design, the first wave position is any wave position within the coverage area of ​​the communication device 500; the processing module 501 is further configured to determine a third RO set based on the index corresponding to the first wave position; the processing module 501 is further configured to select a fourth RO set from the third RO set based on the sequence identifier of the second burst corresponding to the first wave position and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period; the sequence identifier of the second burst is used to indicate the position of the second burst within the synchronization signal period; the processing module 501 is further configured to establish a correspondence between the first wave position and the fourth RO set; the processing module 501 is further configured to update the correspondence between the first wave position and the fourth RO set to a second mapping relationship.

[0321] In one possible design, the total number is greater than or equal to the number of ROs in the third RO set, and the fourth RO set includes one RO; the sequence identifier of the second burst, the total number, the fourth RO set, and the third RO set satisfy the following formula:

[0322]

[0323] or,

[0324]

[0325] Among them, i RO ′ Indicates the position of an RO in the fourth RO set within the third RO set, i burst ′ N represents the sequence identifier of the second burst. burst Indicates the total quantity. This indicates the number of ROs contained in the third RO set.

[0326] In one possible design, the total number is less than the number of ROs in the third RO set, and the fourth RO set includes multiple ROs; the sequence identifier of the second burst, the total number, the fourth RO set, and the third RO set satisfy the following formula:

[0327]

[0328] or,

[0329]

[0330] Among them, i RO ′ i represents the position identifier of each RO in the fourth RO set within the third RO set. burst ′ N represents the sequence identifier of the second burst. burst Indicates the total quantity. This indicates the number of ROs contained in the third RO set.

[0331] The following is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 6 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 600, including:

[0332] At least one processor 601; and a communication interface 603 communicatively connected to the at least one processor 601; the at least one processor 601 causes the device to perform the method steps in the above method embodiments through the communication interface 603 by executing instructions stored in the memory 602.

[0333] The memory 602 may be located outside the communication device 600. Alternatively, the memory 602 may be located inside the communication device 600. Optionally, the communication device 600 includes the memory 602, which is connected to the at least one processor 601, and stores instructions executable by the at least one processor 601. (Appendix) Figure 6 The dashed line indicates that memory 602 is optional for communication device 600.

[0334] The processor 601 and the memory 602 can be coupled through an interface circuit or integrated together; no restriction is imposed here.

[0335] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the processor 601, memory 602, and communication interface 603. This application embodiment... Figure 6 The processor 601, memory 602, and communication interface 603 are connected via a bus 604. Figure 6 The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 6 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0336] Taking a network device as an example, when the communication device 600 is a network device, the network device may include a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The memory may store computer program code, and the transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver.

[0337] The processor is primarily used for processing communication protocols and data; controlling terminal devices; executing software programs; and processing data from those programs. The memory is primarily used for storing software programs and data. The transmitter is used to send signals to other communication devices or equipment, and the receiver is used to receive signals from other communication devices or equipment.

[0338] When the communication device 600 is a chip in a terminal device, the chip may include a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The transceiver may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processor may be a processing module integrated on the chip, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit. In the above method embodiments, the sending operation of the terminal device can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the terminal device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0339] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc. When implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, implemented by reading software code stored in memory.

[0340] For example, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0341] It should be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0342] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0343] It should be noted that the memories described herein are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0344] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium, including a program or instructions, which, when run on a computer, cause the methods in the above method embodiments to be executed.

[0345] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product, including instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the methods in the above method embodiments to be executed.

[0346] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, which may include network devices and terminal devices. For example, this communication system can be used to implement... Figure 3 The method flow is described in the text. Optionally, the communication system may also include other communication devices.

[0347] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0348] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0349] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0350] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0351] 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.

[0352] 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.

Claims

1. A communication method applied to a terminal device, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive a first synchronization signal from a network device, and determine a first RO set based on the index of the first synchronization signal; Send a random access preamble on the target RO in the second RO set; the second RO set is a subset of the first RO set; Receive a random access response from the network device.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first synchronization signal is included in the first burst; the method further includes: Obtain the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period, and obtain the sequence identifier of the first burst to which the first synchronization signal belongs. The sequence identifier of the first burst is used to indicate the position of the first burst within the synchronization signal period. The second RO set is determined from the first RO set based on the sequence identifier of the first burst and the total number.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The steps of obtaining the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period and obtaining the sequence identifier of the first burst to which the first synchronization signal belongs include: Receive first information from the network device, the first information including the sequence identifier of the first burst and the total quantity; or, The sequence identifier of the first burst and the total number are determined based on the system frame number of the first synchronization signal, the length of the synchronization signal period, and the dwell time within the wavelet region covered by a single burst.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first synchronization signal includes first indication information and second indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the length of the synchronization signal period; The second indication information is used to indicate the dwell time of the individual burst; or The method further includes: receiving system information from the network device, the system information including the first indication information and the second indication information.

5. The method as described in any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The total number is greater than or equal to the number of ROs in the first RO set, the second RO set includes one RO, and the RO is the target RO; the sequence identifier of the first burst, the total number, the target RO, and the first RO set satisfy the following formula: or, Among them, i RO Indicates the position identifier of the target RO within the first RO set, i burst N represents the sequence identifier of the first burst. burst This represents the total quantity. This indicates the number of ROs contained in the first RO set.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The total number is less than the number of ROs in the first RO set, the second RO set includes multiple ROs, and the multiple ROs include the target RO; the sequence identifier of the first burst, the total number, the second RO set, and the first RO set satisfy the following formula: or, Among them, i RO This represents the position identifier of each RO in the second RO set within the first RO set, i burst N represents the sequence identifier of the first burst. burst This represents the total quantity. This indicates the number of ROs contained in the first RO set.

7. A communication method applied to a network device, characterized in that, The method includes: Send multiple synchronization signals; Receive random access preamble from the terminal device; The target RO is determined based on the random access preamble; Determine the first set of ROs to which the target RO belongs, and determine the index of the first synchronization signal received by the terminal device based on the first set of ROs; The target wave position corresponding to the first synchronization signal is determined based on the index of the first synchronization signal and the sequence identifier of the first burst to which the first synchronization signal belongs; the sequence identifier of the first burst is used to indicate the position of the first burst within the period of the synchronization signal. A random access response is sent on the target wavelength.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first information, the first information including the sequence identifier of the first burst and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period; or The system information is sent, which includes first indication information and second indication information; or, the first synchronization signal includes the first indication information and the second indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the length of the synchronization signal period, and the second indication information is used to indicate the dwell time in the wavelength region covered by a single burst; wherein, the length of the synchronization signal period and the dwell time in the wavelength region covered by the single burst are used to determine the sequence identifier of the first burst and the total number of bursts in the synchronization signal period.

9. The method as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, Determining the target wave position corresponding to the first synchronization signal based on the index of the first synchronization signal and the sequence identifier of the first burst to which the first synchronization signal belongs includes: Based on the index of the first synchronization signal, determine at least two wave positions corresponding to the index of the first synchronization signal; Based on the sequence identifier of the first burst, the target wavelength covered by the first burst is selected from the at least two wavelengths.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Determining at least two wave positions based on the index of the first synchronization signal includes: Obtain a first mapping relationship, which is used to indicate the correspondence between the indices and wave positions of multiple synchronization signals; Based on the first mapping relationship, determine the at least two wave positions corresponding to the index of the first synchronization signal.

11. A communication method applied to a network device, characterized in that, The method includes: Send multiple synchronization signals and receive random access preambles from terminal devices; The target RO is determined based on the random access preamble, and the second RO set to which the target RO belongs is determined; Obtain a second mapping relationship; the second mapping relationship is used to indicate the correspondence between multiple RO sets and wave positions, wherein the multiple RO sets include the second RO set; Based on the second mapping relationship, determine the target wave position corresponding to the second RO set; A random access response is sent on the target wavelength.

12. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first information, the first information including the sequence identifier of the first burst and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period; or The system information is sent, including first indication information and second indication information; or, the plurality of synchronization signals include a first synchronization signal, which includes the first indication information and the second indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the length of the synchronization signal period, and the second indication information is used to indicate the dwell time within the wavelength region covered by a single burst; wherein, the length of the synchronization signal period and the dwell time within the wavelength region covered by the single burst are used to determine the sequence identifier of the first burst and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period.

13. The method as described in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the second mapping relationship, it is determined that the second RO set corresponds to at least two wave positions; Based on the sequence identifier of the current first burst, the target wave position covered by the first burst is selected from the at least two wave positions; the sequence identifier of the first burst is used to indicate the position of the first burst within the synchronization signal period.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, The first wave position is any wave position within the coverage area of ​​the network device; the method further includes: The third RO set is determined based on the index corresponding to the first wave position; Based on the sequence identifier of the second burst corresponding to the first wave position and the total number of bursts within the synchronization signal period, a fourth RO set is selected from the third RO set; the sequence identifier of the second burst is used to indicate the position of the second burst within the synchronization signal period; Establish a correspondence between the first wave position and the fourth RO set; update the correspondence between the first wave position and the fourth RO set to the second mapping relationship.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The total number is greater than or equal to the number of ROs in the third RO set, and the fourth RO set includes one RO; the sequence identifier of the second burst, the total number, the fourth RO set, and the third RO set satisfy the following formula: or, Among them, i RO ′ Indicates the position identifier of the RO in the fourth RO set within the third RO set, i burst ′ N represents the sequence identifier of the second burst. burst This represents the total quantity. This indicates the number of ROs contained in the third RO set.

16. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The total number is less than the number of ROs in the third RO set, and the fourth RO set includes multiple ROs; the sequence identifier of the second burst, the total number, the fourth RO set, and the third RO set satisfy the following formula: or, Among them, i RO ′ Indicates the position identifier of each RO in the fourth RO set within the third RO set, i burst ′ N represents the sequence identifier of the second burst. burst This represents the total quantity. This indicates the number of ROs contained in the third RO set.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-16.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor for executing computer programs or instructions to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-16.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed by a communication device, the method as described in any one of claims 1-16 is implemented.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is executed by a computer, the computer performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-16.

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