A communication method, a communication device, and a communication system

Abstract

This application provides a communication method, communication device, and communication system, relating to the field of communication technology. The network device only sends a system information block to the terminal device when the terminal device requests it from the network device. This achieves on-demand transmission of system information blocks, saving power consumption and reducing signaling overhead. The communication method includes: the network device sending a first information block carrying configuration information to the terminal device; and the terminal device, after receiving the first information block from the network device, sending a request message to the network device to obtain the system information block if a first indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is request mode. The configuration information is used to configure the terminal device to obtain downlink synchronization and cell access control related information, and includes a first indication information indicating that the transmission mode of the system information block is request mode.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the widespread adoption of 5G across various industries and geographical regions, the increased processing power of terminal devices, and the growing demand for more advanced services and applications, the requirements for network data rates are constantly rising. To meet these higher data rate demands, networks need to be denser, have more antennas, greater bandwidth, and utilize more frequency bands.

[0003] Therefore, reducing power consumption is an urgent problem to be solved for current 5G communication systems and future evolved communication systems such as the 6th generation (6G). Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, communication device, and communication system. When the transmission mode of the system information block is request mode, after the network device receives the request message from the terminal device, it sends the system information block to the terminal device, which not only saves the power consumption of the network device, but also reduces signaling overhead.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided, applied to a terminal device. This method may include: after receiving a first information block from a network device, if the terminal device receives a system information block in a request mode as indicated by first indication information, the terminal device sends a request message to the network device to request the acquisition of the system information block, and receives the system information block from the network device. The first information block carries configuration information used to configure the terminal device to acquire information related to downlink synchronization and cell access control. The configuration information includes first indication information, which indicates the transmission mode of the system information block.

[0007] In this implementation, the first information block sent by the network device to the terminal device carries configuration information. After receiving the configuration information sent by the network device instructing the terminal device to obtain the system information block, the terminal device sends a request message to the network device to request the system information block as needed. This eliminates the need for the network device to continuously or periodically broadcast the system information block, thereby not only saving the power consumption of the network device but also reducing signaling overhead.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the configuration information further includes second indication information; wherein the second indication information is used to indicate terminal devices that are prohibited from accessing the cell, or the second indication information is also used to indicate terminal devices that are allowed to access the cell.

[0009] In this implementation, the network device is configured with second indication information to indicate which terminal devices are prohibited from accessing the cell, or to indicate which terminal devices are allowed to access the cell. This not only enables the network device to control the number of terminal devices accessing the cell and allocate network resources more effectively, but also avoids network overload.

[0010] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the second indication information includes the first information and the second information; or, the second indication information includes the second information; wherein the first information is used to indicate whether to prohibit the terminal device corresponding to the device type indicated by the second information from accessing the cell, and the second information is used to indicate the device type of the terminal device.

[0011] In one implementation, the network device configures terminal devices corresponding to the device types allowed to access the cell, or configures terminal devices of the device types prohibited from accessing the cell, by using the first and second information included in the second indication information in the configuration information. This not only enables the network device to control the device types and number of terminal devices accessing the cell, but also avoids terminal devices of prohibited cells from sending access requests to the network device, reducing the power consumption of the terminal devices and saving signaling overhead.

[0012] In another scenario, where the second indication information in the network device's configuration information only includes the second information, the network device can configure the value of the second information to indicate whether or not to prohibit terminal devices corresponding to the device type indicated by the second information from accessing the cell, and / or to indicate whether or not to allow terminal devices corresponding to the device type indicated by the second information from accessing the cell. This allows the network device to control the device type of the terminal devices accessing the cell.

[0013] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, when the first information is a first value, the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device corresponding to the device type indicated by the second information is prohibited from accessing the cell; when the first information is a second value, the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device corresponding to the device type indicated by the second information is allowed to access the cell.

[0014] In this implementation, the network device can configure the value of the first information so that the second indication information can either prohibit terminal devices of certain device types from accessing the cell, or allow terminal devices of certain device types to access the cell.

[0015] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the configuration information further includes third indication information; wherein the third indication information is used to indicate the transmission resources for the transmission request message.

[0016] In this implementation, the network device allocates different transmission resources to different terminal devices, thus avoiding interference between different terminal devices transmitting request messages on the same transmission resource.

[0017] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the transmission resources include time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources; the time-domain resources include at least one of transmission period, system frame, subframe, time slot, or start symbol within a time slot, wherein the start symbol within a time slot is one or more; the frequency-domain resources include frequency-domain multiplexing indication information, which is used to indicate that multiple request messages are transmitted at the same time through different frequency channels.

[0018] In this implementation, the network device allocates different time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources to different terminal devices, thereby avoiding interference between the transmission request messages of different terminal devices.

[0019] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the configuration information further includes fourth indication information; wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate the preamble or index information of the preamble when the terminal device sends a request message.

[0020] In this implementation, the terminal device receives the preamble or index information of the preamble configured by the network device to send the request message. The terminal device can send the request message according to the configured preamble without having to try each one in the preamble sequence. This not only improves the efficiency of the terminal device in sending the request message, but also saves signaling overhead.

[0021] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the method may further include: receiving fifth indication information from a network device; wherein the fifth indication information is used to indicate candidate transmission resources for control information of a system information block or transmission resources of a system information block, the candidate transmission resources including time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources, and the transmission resources also including time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources.

[0022] In this implementation, the terminal device receives the transmission resources of the transmission system information block configured by the network device. The terminal device can obtain the system information block from the indicated transmission resources, which improves the efficiency of the terminal device in receiving the system information block.

[0023] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the fifth instruction information is carried in the configuration information; or, the fifth instruction information is sent after the terminal device sends a request message to the network device.

[0024] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the fifth indication information is also used to indicate the transmission time window and / or retransmission number of system information blocks.

[0025] In this implementation, the terminal device can search for and receive system information blocks within the time window indicated by the transmission time window, avoiding the situation where the terminal device continuously searches for system information blocks, resulting in high power consumption and signaling overhead. Furthermore, the network device also indicates the number of retransmissions for the system information blocks, preventing the network device from stopping transmission after reaching the retransmission limit, thus avoiding the terminal device continuously searching for system information blocks and resulting in high power consumption and signaling overhead.

[0026] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the configuration information further includes sixth indication information; wherein the sixth indication information is used to indicate the public land mobile network (PLMN) supported by the network accessed by the terminal device, and the PLMN includes one or more.

[0027] In this implementation, the terminal device determines that the PLMN indicated by the sixth indication information is a PLMN supported by the network it is accessing. The terminal device then continues the network registration process, ensuring that the terminal device can successfully access and register with a network that supports its services, thus avoiding communication interruption due to network incompatibility.

[0028] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first information block is any of the following: the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) acquired by the terminal device; the first downlink DL information block acquired by the terminal device before accessing the cell; the first DL information block acquired by the terminal device after acquiring the synchronization signal block; the first DL information block in which the terminal device acquires the synchronization signal block; the DL information block in which the terminal device receives the main information block (MIB) from the network device; the main information block (MIB) and / or physical broadcast channel (PBCH) payload received by the terminal device from the network device; or, the first system information block before the establishment of a radio resource control (RRC) connection between the terminal device and the network device.

[0029] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the method may further include: receiving a system information block from a network device when the first indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is broadcast mode; receiving a first information block from the network device when the duration of the broadcast mode reaches the transmission duration of the system information block; wherein the configuration information carried by the first information block includes first indication information used to indicate that the transmission mode of the system information block is request mode.

[0030] In this implementation, the network device transmits system information blocks in broadcast mode, continuously or periodically sending system information blocks to the terminal device; or continuously or periodically sending system information blocks to the terminal device within a preset time window or a preset time length; or sending the system information blocks according to a preset method or pattern within a preset time window.

[0031] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the terminal device is a device capable of sending request messages to the network device to obtain system information blocks.

[0032] Secondly, this application provides a communication method applied to a network device. The method may include: the network device sending a first information block to a terminal device; and, if a first indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is a request mode, the network device, after receiving a request message from the terminal device requesting to obtain the system information block, sending the system information block to the terminal device. The first information block carries configuration information, which is used to configure the terminal device to obtain information related to downlink synchronization and cell access control. The configuration information includes first indication information, which indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is a request mode.

[0033] In this implementation, the network device sends a first information block carrying configuration information to the terminal device. The configuration information instructs the terminal device to obtain the system information block. After receiving the network configuration information, the terminal device sends a request message to the network device to request the system information block as needed. The network device does not need to continuously or periodically broadcast the system information block, which not only saves the power consumption of the network device, but also reduces signaling overhead.

[0034] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the configuration information further includes second indication information; wherein the second indication information is used to indicate terminal devices that are prohibited from accessing the cell, or the second indication information is also used to indicate terminal devices that are allowed to access the cell.

[0035] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the second indication information includes first information and second information; wherein the first information is used to indicate whether to prohibit the terminal device corresponding to the device type indicated by the second information from accessing the cell, and the second information is used to indicate the device type of the terminal device.

[0036] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the configuration information further includes third indication information; wherein the third indication information is used to indicate the transmission resources for the transmission request message.

[0037] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the transmission resources include time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources; the time-domain resources include at least one of transmission period, system frame, subframe, time slot, or start symbol within a time slot, and the start symbol within a time slot may be one or more; the frequency-domain resources include frequency-domain multiplexing indication information, which is used to indicate that multiple request messages are transmitted at the same time through different frequency channels.

[0038] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the configuration information further includes fourth indication information; wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate the preamble or index information of the preamble when the terminal device sends a request message.

[0039] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the method may further include: the network device sending fifth indication information to the terminal device; wherein the fifth indication information is used to indicate candidate transmission resources for control information of the system information block or transmission resources of the system information block, the candidate transmission resources including time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, and the transmission resources including time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources.

[0040] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the fifth instruction information is carried in the configuration information; or, the fifth instruction information is sent after the network device receives the request message.

[0041] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the configuration information further includes sixth indication information; wherein the sixth indication information is used to indicate the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) supported by the network accessed by the terminal device, and the PLMN includes one or more.

[0042] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the method may further include: sending a system information block to a terminal device when the first indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is broadcast mode; and sending a first information block to the terminal device when the duration of the broadcast mode reaches the transmission duration of the system information block; wherein the configuration information carried by the first information block includes the first indication information indicating that the transmission mode of the system information block is request mode.

[0043] In this implementation, the network device indicates the transmission mode of the system information block by sending a first information block to the terminal device.

[0044] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the method may further include: when the first indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is broadcast mode, the network device continuously or periodically sends the system information block to the terminal device; or, the network device continuously or periodically sends the system information block to the terminal device within a preset time window or a preset time length; or, the network device sends the system information block according to a preset method or pattern within a preset time window.

[0045] In this implementation, network devices continuously or periodically send system information blocks to terminal devices, ensuring that terminal devices can receive the latest system information blocks in real time and thus respond quickly. Sending system information blocks within a preset time window allows network devices to control network traffic and reduce bandwidth waste.

[0046] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, including one or more processors, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the communication method described in the first aspect embodiment above, and / or to implement the communication method described in the second aspect embodiment above.

[0047] Fourthly, this application provides a communication system, including a terminal device and a network device, wherein the terminal device is used to implement the communication method described in the first aspect embodiment above, and the network device is used to implement the communication method described in the second aspect embodiment above.

[0048] Fifthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program / instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method described in the first aspect embodiment above, and / or implements the communication method described in the second aspect embodiment above.

[0049] Sixthly, this application provides a chip system including a memory and a processor, wherein a program / instruction stored in the memory is executed by the processor to implement the communication method described in the first aspect of the above embodiments, and / or to implement the communication method described in the second aspect of the above embodiments.

[0050] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer program product comprising: a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the communication method described in the first aspect embodiment and / or implement the communication method described in the second aspect embodiment.

[0051] It is understood that the communication device described in the third aspect, the communication system described in the fourth aspect, the computer-readable storage medium described in the fifth aspect, the chip system described in the sixth aspect, and the computer program product described in the seventh aspect are all used to execute the corresponding methods provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods provided above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the interaction flow of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 3 An interactive example diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 4 An interactive example diagram of another communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 5 An interactive example diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 6 Structural Example of Second Indication Information Provided in Embodiments of this Application Figure 1 ;

[0058] Figure 7 Structural Example of Second Indication Information Provided in Embodiments of this Application Figure 2 ;

[0059] Figure 8 Example diagram of the structure of the second information provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 9 An interactive example diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 10 An interactive example diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B; the term "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone.

[0066] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0067] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0068] First, to facilitate understanding of the methods provided in this application, the technical terms involved in this application will be explained.

[0069] System information is information sent by network devices to terminal devices. It may include information required for terminal device initialization and other functional / characteristic information. When a terminal device accesses a cell or a broadcast message sent by a network device changes, the network device sends system information to help the terminal update or correct its current state and complete the corresponding communication services and physical processes. In this embodiment, the system information may be: system information block 1 (SIB1), remaining minimum system information (RMSI), or the first system information block. The first system information block is either the first system information block after the first information block, or a system information block after the first information block that includes cell selection information, cell access related information, and SI scheduling information.

[0070] Radio resource control (RRC) connections are a key component of the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) protocol. In mobile communication networks, they are responsible for handling signaling interactions during the radio access process, including connection establishment, maintenance, and release.

[0071] A cell, also known as a cellular unit, refers to the area covered by one access network device or a portion of an access network device (fan antenna) in a cellular communication system, within which terminal devices can communicate with the access network device via wireless channels.

[0072] For example, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is applied to a communication system.

[0073] The communication system can primarily include Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), 5th Generation (5G) systems, post-5G communication systems, New Radio Access Technology (NR) systems, 5.5G or 6G systems, and future communication systems. Of course, the communication system can also include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) systems, Terrestrial Radio Access Network systems, and GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN) systems. Furthermore, the technical solution provided in this embodiment can also be applied to wireless communication systems involving multiple terminals, such as Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) systems and Vehicle-to-X (V2X) systems. The V2X system can include vehicle-to-network (V2N) systems, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) systems, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) systems, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) systems, long-term evolution-vehicle (LTE-V) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, machine-type communication (MTC) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, long-term evolution-machine (LTE-M) systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) systems, etc., without limitation.

[0074] For example, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1As shown, the communication system may include network device 101 and terminal device 102, and the number of terminal devices 102 may include one or more. Network device 101 may be the network device 101 corresponding to the target cell; in other words, the cells managed by network device 101 include the target cell. Within the target cell, terminal device 102 can communicate with the network device via a wireless channel.

[0075] Terminal device 102 is a user-side entity used to receive or transmit signals, for sending uplink signals to network equipment or receiving downlink signals from network equipment. Terminal equipment can be user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), or mobile terminal (MT), etc. For example, terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals with cloud gaming capabilities, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Digital assistant (PDA), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or terminal devices in future public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc., are not limited to these in the embodiments of this application.

[0076] A network device (ND) 101 refers to a network-side device that provides a mobile communication network. Within the coverage area of ​​the mobile communication network provided by the network device, one or more terminal devices can access the mobile communication network and achieve communication. The network device is used to receive uplink signals from terminal devices or send downlink signals to terminal devices to realize functions such as resource scheduling, radio resource management, and radio access control of terminal devices. It is a type of device in the radio access network (RAN) that connects terminal devices to the wireless network. The RAN can be connected to the core network (e.g., it can be the core network of LTE, or the core network of 5G / 6G, etc.). The network device can be an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, a base station in a 5G network or a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), a base station that supports unilateral transmission (e.g., an uplink-only TRP or asymmetric TRP that supports uplink transmission but not downlink transmission), a broadband network gateway (BNG), an aggregation switch, or a non-3GPP access device; or the network device in the embodiments of this application can also be a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN); or a transmission and reception point (TRP), or a device including a TRP, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0077] Optionally, the network device 101 in this application embodiment may include various forms of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, etc., and this application embodiment does not specifically limit them. In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the function of the network device may be a network device or a device capable of supporting the network device to implement the function, such as a chip system (e.g., a chip, or a processing system composed of multiple chips) or a modem. The following describes the method provided in this application embodiment using the example of a network device as the device for implementing the function of the network device.

[0078] The base station can be an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G communication system, a base station in a next-generation 6G communication system, a base station in a future communication system, an access point (AP) in a WiFi system, a wireless controller, relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable devices, or other network equipment in future evolved communication systems. Alternatively, the network equipment can also be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station; for example, it can be a central unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). This application does not limit the specific technology or equipment form used in the network equipment.

[0079] Terminal device 102 is used for cell search and finds a target cell. If the signal quality of the target cell meets the handover conditions compared to the serving cell, it triggers the access procedure to the target cell. Network device 101 is also used to execute the access procedure to the target cell with terminal device 102.

[0080] When terminal device 102 is powered on, not connected to the network, or requires service transmission, it performs a cell search. During the cell search, network device 101 continuously broadcasts a synchronization signal and a Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB), as well as a System Message Block. Terminal device 102 determines the target cell based on the SSB. Terminal device 102 then sends a preamble to the network device 101 corresponding to the target cell via the random access channel (RACH). After successfully receiving the preamble from terminal device 102, network device 101 sends a random access response (RAR) message to terminal device 102. The RAR message includes uplink scheduling information and uplink grant information. The uplink scheduling information instructs terminal device 102 on the uplink resources for sending an RRC connection request, and the uplink grant information includes the uplink timing advance (TA). Terminal device 102 adjusts the transmission time of its uplink signal based on the received TA value to ensure that the signal arrives at the base station at the correct time. The TA value depends on the distance between terminal device 102 and network device 101. Terminal device 102 can send uplink synchronization information to network device 101 via the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) and / or the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) to confirm the accuracy of uplink synchronization. Uplink synchronization is established between network device 101 and terminal device 102, and network device 101 allocates uplink resources to terminal device 102 so that terminal device 102 can use these resources to send uplink data and control information.

[0081] Subsequently, terminal device 102 sends an RRC connection establishment request to network device 101. Upon receiving the RRC connection establishment request, network device 101 responds by sending an RRC connection establishment message to terminal device 102. This RRC connection message includes configuration information for the RRC connection, such as system information, security configuration, and cell configuration. After terminal device 102 and network device 101 successfully establish an RRC connection, the target cell is designated as the serving cell of the terminal device. Terminal device 102 can then send signals to network device 101 through the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) within the serving cell to enable communication with network device 101.

[0082] After the terminal device establishes an RRC connection with the network device, in order to support potential new terminal devices to establish connections with the network device or to support the potential measurement and synchronization needs of the connected devices, the network device continues to broadcast SSB and system information blocks, resulting in excessive power consumption of the network device.

[0083] Currently, with the gradual evolution of communication systems, wireless communication uses increasingly wider spectrums, and base stations have more and more transmitting antennas, resulting in higher power consumption. At the same time, the frequency bands used for network deployment during communication are increasing, while the coverage area is decreasing, leading to denser base station deployment and consequently, higher power consumption across the entire network.

[0084] Base stations periodically transmit public information to help terminal devices identify network devices and access the network. Even in cells with little or no service transmission demand, base stations still need to periodically transmit this public information, resulting in significant overhead.

[0085] Power consumption has become a critical part of operators' operating expenses. Statistics show that energy costs for mobile networks account for approximately 23% of operators' total costs. The majority of power consumption comes from the radio access network, particularly the active antenna unit (AAU). Data centers and fiber optic transmission account for a smaller share of power consumption. The power consumption of the radio access network can be divided into dynamic and static components. The dynamic component is consumed only during data transmission / reception, while the static component is consumed continuously to maintain the necessary operation of the radio access equipment, even when data transmission / reception is not in progress.

[0086] To address this, this application provides a communication method applied to a communication system. A network device sends a first information block carrying configuration information to a terminal device. After receiving the first information block from the network device, the terminal device sends a request message to the network device requesting a system information block. Thus, the network device only sends the system information block to the terminal device when the terminal device requests it. This achieves on-demand transmission of the system information block, which, compared to continuous broadcasting of the system information block, not only saves power consumption but also reduces signaling overhead.

[0087] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0088] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0089] S201, the network device sends a first information block to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information block sent by the network device.

[0090] This application does not limit the naming of the first information block; it may also be named the initial information block or other names, without restriction. For ease of description, this application describes the first information block as the initial information block in the embodiments.

[0091] Optionally, the initial information block can be any of the following: the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) acquired by the terminal device; the first downlink (DL) information block acquired by the terminal device before accessing the cell; the first DL information block acquired by the terminal device after acquiring the synchronization signal block; the first DL information block containing the synchronization signal block acquired by the terminal device; the DL information block containing the master information block (MIB) received by the terminal device from the network device; the master information block (MIB) and / or physical broadcast channel (PBCH) payload received by the terminal device from the network device; or, the first system information block before establishing an RRC connection between the terminal device and the network device. Specifically, the description and transmission method of these information blocks can refer to existing technologies and will not be elaborated further.

[0092] S202, the terminal device can send a request message to the network device according to the first information block; correspondingly, the network device receives the request message sent by the terminal device.

[0093] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device that sends a request message to the network device is a device capable of sending a request message to the network device to obtain system information blocks.

[0094] The request message can be used to request a system information block from the network device, or to request the network device to send a system information block. Specifically, the first information block may include configuration information such as first instruction information and second instruction information. The process by which the terminal device sends a request message to the network device based on the first information block is described below and will not be repeated here.

[0095] The first information block sent by the network device to the terminal device carries configuration information. After receiving the first information block, the terminal device can automatically retrieve the configuration information from it, improving the efficiency of network configuration. The network device can send the first information block carrying configuration information to all terminal devices in the cell. All terminal devices receive the same configuration information, ensuring the consistency of device configuration in the network and facilitating device management and maintenance.

[0096] S203, the network device sends a system information block to the terminal device according to the request message, and the terminal device receives the system information block from the network device accordingly.

[0097] The configuration information carried in the first information block is used to configure the terminal device to obtain relevant information about the system information block. The first information block may include, but is not limited to, information related to downlink synchronization and cell access control.

[0098] Downlink synchronization refers to the process by which terminal devices synchronize frequency and time with network devices by detecting synchronization signals periodically sent by network devices, thereby achieving cell synchronization. Cell access control related information refers to control information indicating whether a terminal device is permitted to access the network device.

[0099] Downlink synchronization-related information may include synchronization signals, which consist of three parts: primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and PBCH.

[0100] Cell access control related information may include MIBs, system information blocks (SIBs), access control parameters, security-related parameters, power control-related parameters, scheduling, and resource allocation information. MIBs may include cell access control indication information, which contains control information indicating whether a terminal device is allowed to access network devices. SIBs may include cell configuration information, neighbor cell information, and access control information. Access control parameters may include cell selection and reselection parameters (e.g., signal quality, signal strength, coverage area).

[0101] In this embodiment, after receiving a request message from a terminal device requesting to obtain a system information block, the network device sends the system information block to the terminal device. Upon receiving the system information block, the terminal device performs subsequent cell access and registration procedures based on the system information included in the system information block.

[0102] In summary, in the communication method of this application embodiment, after the network device sends configuration information to all terminal devices within the cell, the terminal devices indicated in the configuration information that are allowed to access the cell send a request message to the network device when they need a system information block. Upon receiving the request message from the terminal device, the network device sends the system information block to the corresponding terminal device. Therefore, not only is it possible for the network device to control the type and number of terminal devices accessing the cell and send system information blocks to terminal devices on demand, but it also achieves the goals of saving power and reducing signaling overhead.

[0103] The following is about Figure 2 The method shown describes the content carried by the first information block and how the terminal device sends a request message based on the first information block.

[0104] I. The configuration information carried in the first information block includes the first instruction information.

[0105] The first indication information is carried in the configuration information. This first indication information is used to indicate the transmission mode of the terminal device's system information block. This system information block may include multiple pieces of information such as cell selection information, cell access-related information, and SI scheduling information; that is, the system information block includes multiple pieces of system information.

[0106] It should be understood that the transmission modes of system information blocks include broadcast mode and request mode. When the first indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is broadcast mode, the network device continuously or periodically sends the system information block, or the network device continuously or periodically sends the system information block within a preset time window or a preset time length, or the network device sends the system information block within a preset time window according to an agreed preset method or pattern.

[0107] When the first instruction indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is request mode, that is, the network device only sends the system information block to the terminal device after receiving the request message sent by the terminal device. This achieves the goal of the network device sending system information blocks on demand, saving not only the power consumption of the network device but also signaling overhead.

[0108] When the first instruction information is used to instruct a terminal device to request a system information block, the network device prohibits certain terminal devices from accessing the cell. These terminal devices are those that lack the capability to send request messages to the network device to obtain a system information block. For example, terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 can locate the cell, but terminal device 1 lacks the capability to request the network device to send a system information block; therefore, the network device prohibits terminal device 1 from accessing the serving cell.

[0109] It should be explained that the cell in this application embodiment is a cell that supports system information block requests. This cell can be called a network energy savings (NES) cell. NES cells do not send system information blocks continuously, but send system information blocks on demand in order to save energy and reduce power consumption.

[0110] When a terminal device receives configuration information from a network device, including a first indication and indicating that the transmission mode of the system information block is request mode, the terminal device can send a request message to the network device to request the system information block when needed. Therefore, the network device does not need to continuously send system information blocks; instead, it sends system information blocks to the terminal device based on the received request message, thus saving power consumption and signaling overhead for the network device.

[0111] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, assuming the terminal devices in the cell include UE1 and UE2, and both UEs have the ability to send request messages to the network device to obtain system information blocks. At time T1, the network device sends configuration information to UE1 and UE2, including a first indication indicating that the transmission mode of the system information block is request mode. After receiving the configuration information including the first indication, UE1 and UE2 do not immediately send request messages to the network device. When UE1 needs a system information block, UE1 sends request message 1 to the network device at time T2, and the network device sends the system information block to UE1. When UE2 needs a system information block, UE2 sends request message 2 to the network device at time T3, and the network device sends the system information block to UE2. It can be seen that after the network device sends configuration information to different UEs, different UEs can send request messages to the network device as needed. After receiving the request message from a UE, the network device sends the system information block to the corresponding UE, achieving the goal of the network device sending system information blocks on demand, saving network device power consumption and signaling overhead.

[0112] Optionally, after the terminal device sends a request message to the network device, during the first transmission opportunity of the first information block or the first valid first information block after the network device receives the request message, or during the first transmission opportunity of the first information block or the first valid first information block in the next first information block cycle, the network device may switch the transmission mode of the system information block to broadcast mode, and the duration of the broadcast mode shall be the transmission duration of the system information block. The transmission duration of the system information block may be a value agreed upon in the protocol, or it may be the transmission duration indicated in the first information block; no limitation is made here.

[0113] Optionally, after the terminal device sends a request message to the network device, and after the network device receives the request message and sends a response message acknowledging receipt of the request message to the terminal device, the network device may switch the transmission mode of the system information block to broadcast mode during the first transmission opportunity of the first information block or the first valid first information block after the response message, or during the first transmission opportunity of the first information block or the first valid first information block in the next first information block cycle. The duration of the broadcast mode is equal to the transmission duration of the system information block. While the system information block is in broadcast mode, the network device may continuously send the system information block to all terminal devices in the cell within the transmission duration of the system information block. After the transmission duration of the system information block expires, the network device switches the transmission mode of the system information block from broadcast mode to request mode; or, if the transmission duration of the system information block expires and no new request message is received within the transmission duration of the system information block, the network device switches the transmission mode of the system information block to request mode. In the case of request mode, the network device sends the system information block to the terminal device only after receiving the request message from the terminal device.

[0114] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, assuming the network device sends a first information block including a first indication information to UE1 and UE2 at time T1, and the first indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is request mode, UE1 and UE2 do not immediately send a request message to the network device after receiving the first information block including the first indication information. When UE1 needs the system information block, UE1 sends a request message 1 to the network device at time T2. At time T3, the network device sends the first information block to the terminal device. The transmission mode of the system information block indicated in the first information block is broadcast mode, and the duration of the broadcast mode is the transmission duration T of the system information block (from T3 to T4). That is, the network device switches the transmission mode of the system information block from request mode to broadcast mode. The network device continuously or periodically broadcasts the system information block during the time period from T3 to T4, or continuously or periodically sends the system information block within a preset time window or a preset time length during the time period from T3 to T4, or sends the system information block according to a preset method or pattern within a preset time window during the time period from T3 to T4. Figure 4The diagram only shows the periodic broadcasting of system information blocks by the network device. At time T4, if the transmission duration of a system information block expires, or if the transmission duration of a system information block expires and no new request message is received within the transmission duration, the network device sends a first information block to the terminal device. This first information block indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is request mode. That is, the network device switches the transmission mode of the system information block from broadcast mode to request mode. Alternatively, if the network device receives a new request message from the terminal device within the transmission duration of the system information block, the network device may send a first information block to the terminal device, in which the transmission mode of the system information block remains broadcast mode.

[0115] Subsequently, after receiving the request message from the terminal device, the network device sends a system information block to the terminal device. For example, if UE2 sends request message 2 to the network device at time T5, and the network device receives request message 2, it sends a first information block to UE2 at time T6. The transmission mode of the system information block indicated in this first information block is broadcast mode, and the duration of the broadcast mode is the transmission duration T of the system information block (from T6 to T7). The method by which the network device sends the system information block to the terminal device during the time period from T6 to T7 is broadcast mode. For details, please refer to the method by which the network device sends the system information block during the time period from T3 to T4, which will not be repeated here.

[0116] Second, the configuration information carried in the first information block includes the second instruction information.

[0117] The second indication information is used to indicate which terminal devices are prohibited from accessing the cell, or it can also be used to indicate which terminal devices are allowed to access the cell. This second indication information is carried together with the aforementioned first indication information in the configuration information.

[0118] It should be understood that the configuration information sent by the network device to the terminal device includes second indication information. When the second indication information is used to indicate which terminal devices are prohibited from accessing the cell, the network device instructs that certain types of terminal devices be prohibited from accessing the cell. Alternatively, when the second indication information is used to indicate which terminal devices are allowed to access the cell, the network device instructs that certain types of terminal devices be allowed to access the cell. In this way, the network device instructs terminal devices corresponding to the allowed device types to send request messages to the network device. Upon receiving the request message, the network device sends a system information block to the terminal device that sent the request message. This allows the network device to control the number of terminal devices accessing the cell, more effectively allocating network resources and avoiding network overload. Furthermore, by prohibiting terminal devices that excessively consume network resources from accessing the cell, the network device reduces network congestion, improves overall network performance and data transmission rates, manages the network more effectively, and enhances user experience.

[0119] When a cell contains multiple terminal devices, the configuration information sent by the network device to all types of terminal devices within the cell includes the second indication information. Upon receiving the configuration information including the second indication information, each terminal device within the cell determines whether the network device allows it to access the cell.

[0120] Optionally, in one scenario, a subsequent terminal device may send a request message to the network device only if the terminal device determines that the network device allows it to access the cell. Alternatively, in another scenario, a subsequent terminal device may not send a request message to the network device if the terminal device determines that the network device prohibits it from accessing the cell. This avoids terminal devices in prohibited cells sending access requests to the network device, reducing power consumption and saving signaling overhead.

[0121] For example, suppose that different types of terminal devices include energy-efficient devices, non-terrestrial network (NTN) devices, or reduced capability (RedCap) devices, etc. Figure 5 As shown, the configuration information sent by the network device to the terminal device includes a second indication that terminal devices of the NTN device type are allowed to access the cell. All terminal devices of the NTN device type within the cell can establish connections with the network device, meaning all terminal devices of the NTN device type can send request messages to the network device. When the second indication in the configuration information indicates that terminal devices of the RedCap device type are prohibited from accessing the cell, all terminal devices of the RedCap device type within the cell cannot establish connections with the network device, meaning all terminal devices of the RedCap device type cannot send request messages to the network device. Furthermore, when the second indication in the configuration information indicates that terminal devices of all device types are allowed to access the cell, all terminal devices of all device types within the cell can establish connections with the network device. When the second indication in the configuration information indicates that terminal devices of all device types are prohibited from accessing the cell, all terminal devices of all device types within the cell cannot establish connections with the network device.

[0122] Optionally, the second indication information may include first information and second information. The first information indicates whether to prohibit a terminal device corresponding to the device type indicated by the second information from accessing the cell, and the second information indicates the device type of the terminal device. Thus, when the first information is a first value, the second indication information indicates that the terminal device corresponding to the device type indicated by the second information is prohibited from accessing the cell. Alternatively, when the first information is a second value, the second indication information indicates that the terminal device corresponding to the device type indicated by the second information is allowed to access the cell.

[0123] For example, when the first information is 1, the second indication information is used to indicate that terminal devices corresponding to the device type indicated by the second information are prohibited from accessing the cell. Alternatively, when the first information is 0, the second indication information is used to indicate that terminal devices corresponding to the device type indicated by the second information are allowed to access the cell.

[0124] It should be understood that the first information can also take other values, such that the second indication information is used to indicate whether to prohibit terminal devices of the device type indicated by the second information from accessing the cell, or to indicate whether to allow terminal devices of the device type indicated by the second information from accessing the cell; this is not limited here. For example, when the first information is 0, the second indication information is used to indicate whether to prohibit terminal devices of the device type indicated by the second information from accessing the cell. Or, when the first information is 1, the second indication information is used to indicate whether to allow terminal devices of the device type indicated by the second information from accessing the cell.

[0125] Optionally, the second indication information includes two fields, Field 1 and Field 2. The value of Field 1 indicates whether terminal device access to the cell is prohibited, and the value of Field 2 indicates the device type. In this way, the network device can configure different values ​​for Field 1 and Field 2 to control access to the cell for terminal devices of different device types.

[0126] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown in (a), assuming the second indication information is cellBarredType, cellBarredType contains cellBarred (field 1) and deviceType (field 2). Field 1 can indicate whether the terminal device is prohibited from accessing the cell (e.g., a value of 1) or allowed to access the cell (e.g., a value of 0). Field 2 carries two binary bits: binary bit 00 can indicate an energy-saving device type, binary bit 01 can indicate an NTN device type, binary bit 10 can indicate a RedCap device type, and binary bit 11 can indicate all device types. For example... Figure 6As shown in (b), if field 1 of the cellBarredType configuration information is 1 and field 2 is 00, the network device will prohibit energy-saving terminal devices from accessing the cell. For example... Figure 6 As shown in (c), if field 1 of the cellBarredType configuration information indicates 1 and field 2 indicates 11, then the network device will prohibit terminal devices of all device types from accessing the cell. For example... Figure 6 As shown in (d), if field 1 of the cellBarredType configuration information is 0 and field 2 is 01, then the network device allows terminal devices of the NTN device type to access the cell.

[0127] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown in (a), suppose the second indication information configured by the network device includes a bitmap, for example, a 4-bit bitmap. These 4 bits are used to indicate the energy-saving device type, NTN device type, RedCap device type, and other device types, respectively. Suppose the first information is to prohibit terminal devices from accessing the cell (e.g., a value of 1) and not prohibit terminal devices from accessing the cell (e.g., a value of 0), and the network device configuration bit is set to 1, prohibiting terminal devices corresponding to the device type indicated by that bit from accessing the cell; and the bit is set to 0, allowing terminal devices corresponding to the device type indicated by that bit to access the cell. In this case, as... Figure 7 As shown in (b), if the second indication information included in the configuration information of the network device is "11100", then the network device prohibits terminal devices corresponding to the energy-saving device type and NTN device type from accessing the cell, and allows terminal devices corresponding to the RedCap device type and other device types to access the cell. Figure 7 As shown in (c), if the second indication information included in the configuration information of the network device is "01010", then the network device allows terminal devices corresponding to the energy-saving device type and the RedCap device type to access the cell, and prohibits terminal devices corresponding to the NTN device type and other device types from accessing the cell.

[0128] Optionally, the second indication information may consist only of the second information. The network device can configure the value of the second information to indicate that terminal devices corresponding to the device type indicated by the second information are prohibited from accessing the cell, and / or to indicate that terminal devices corresponding to the device type indicated by the second information are allowed to access the cell. Thus, by configuring only the second information, the network device controls the device type corresponding to the terminal device accessing the cell, saving bits included in the configuration information and improving the efficiency of transmitting configuration information.

[0129] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown in (a), assuming the second information is still a 4-bit bitmap, these 4 bits are used to indicate the energy-saving device type, NTN device type, RedCap device type, and other device types, respectively. Figure 8 As shown in (b), if the network device is configured with the second information as "1100", then the network device will prohibit terminal devices of the energy-saving device type and NTN device type from accessing the cell, while allowing terminal devices of the RedCap device type and other device types to access the cell. For example... Figure 8 As shown in (c), if the network device is configured with the second information as "0000", then the network device allows terminal devices of all device types to access the cell. For example... Figure 8 As shown in (d), if the network device configures the second information as "1111", then the network device will prohibit all terminal devices corresponding to all device types from accessing the cell. In summary, the network device can configure the values ​​of different bits in the second information to control which terminal device types are prohibited or allowed from accessing the cell.

[0130] Third, the configuration information carried in the first information block may also include third instruction information.

[0131] This third indication information is used to indicate the transmission resources for the transmission request message. That is, the network device indicates the transmission resources for the transmission request message to the terminal device, and the terminal device transmits the request message in the indicated transmission resources.

[0132] The aforementioned first instruction information, second instruction information, and third instruction information are carried together in the configuration information.

[0133] In this embodiment, the transmission resources for transmitting request messages may include time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources. The time-domain resources define the position of the request information transmission on the time axis. Time-domain resources may include at least one of a transmission period, a system frame, a subframe, a time slot, or a start symbol within a time slot. The transmission period defines the periodicity of transmitting request messages, i.e., the interval between when the terminal device sends request messages to the network device. For example, assuming the transmission period included in the time-domain resources is 2ms, the terminal device can send one or more request messages to the network device every 2ms. A system frame refers to the frame structure in a communication system, typically including multiple subframes, with the system frame serving as a time unit. A subframe is a component of a system frame, containing a series of time slots. A time slot is a time unit within a subframe, typically used to schedule specific transmission tasks. The start symbol within a time slot refers to the precise time point at which data transmission within the time slot begins. There can be one or more start symbols within a time slot, which is not limited here.

[0134] Frequency domain resources define the location of the transmission of request information on the frequency axis. Frequency domain resources may include frequency domain multiplexing indication information. This frequency domain multiplexing indication information is used to indicate that multiple request messages can be transmitted simultaneously through different frequency channels. In other words, the frequency domain multiplexing indication information indicates the number of frequency domain opportunities available for transmitting request messages on the same time domain resource.

[0135] When the transmission resources of the transmission request message indicated by the third indication information in the configuration information include both time domain resources and frequency domain resources, allocating the transmission resources of the transmission request message by combining time domain resources and frequency domain resources can make more efficient use of the entire spectrum, allowing multiple users and services to share spectrum resources at the same time, which is beneficial to improving the operational efficiency of the network.

[0136] For example, assuming the request message sent by the terminal device to the network device is a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) signal, the third indication information may include the time-domain and frequency-domain resources of the PRACH signal, the corresponding format of the PRACH signal, the root sequence, the preamble index, and the subcarrier spacing (SCS) corresponding to the PRACH signal. The time-domain resources of the PRACH may include the transmission period of the PRACH signal, the system frame, subframe, time slot, and one or more start symbols within the time slot. The frequency-domain resources of the PRACH may include frequency-domain multiplexing indication information for random access channel occasions (RO).

[0137] Fourth, the configuration information carried in the first information block may also include fourth instruction information.

[0138] The fourth indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to send a preamble or preamble index information for a request message. When the configuration information includes the first, second, third, and fourth indication information simultaneously, these three information can be carried together in the same configuration information.

[0139] It should be understood that there are various ways for a terminal device to send a request message to a network device, such as through different random access preambles, different request types, or different service requirements. Therefore, the configuration information sent by the network device to the terminal device may include request signal indication information, which indicates the method used by the terminal device to send the request message.

[0140] The communication system defines a cell that can support up to 64 different preambles. These 64 preambles can be divided into multiple groups, each group including multiple preambles, which include restricted and unrestricted sets. Each preamble corresponds to a unique index. A terminal device can send a request message using one or more of the 64 preambles. Therefore, the network device can indicate the preamble or index information of the preamble for sending the request message in the fourth indication information included in the configuration information. Thus, if the configuration information received by the terminal device includes the fourth indication information, the terminal device can send the request message according to the preamble indicated in the fourth indication information. Alternatively, the terminal device can send the request message according to the preamble corresponding to the index information of the preamble indicated in the fourth indication information.

[0141] Therefore, when the terminal device receives the preamble or index information of the preamble configured by the network device to send the request message, the terminal device can send the request message according to the configured preamble without having to try each one in the preamble sequence. This not only improves the efficiency of the terminal device in sending the request message, but also saves signaling overhead.

[0142] For example, assuming that the above 64 preambles are preamble 0, preamble 1, ..., preamble 63, and the preamble indicating the sending of the request message in the fourth indication information is preamble 1, then the terminal device can use preamble 1 to send the request message.

[0143] Fifth, the configuration information carried in the first information block may also include the fifth instruction information.

[0144] In another implementation, the configuration information may further include fifth indication information. This fifth indication information is used to indicate candidate transmission resources for the control information of the system information block or the transmission resources of the system information block. The candidate transmission resources include time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources, and the transmission resources include time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources.

[0145] For example, assuming the system information block is SIB1, the control information of the system information block refers to the SIB1 physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and the aforementioned candidate transmission resources refer to the candidate transmission resources of the SIB1 PDCCH. That is, the frequency domain resources of the candidate transmission resources include the control resource set (CORESET) of the SIB1 PDCCH, and the time domain resources of the candidate transmission resources include the search space (SS).

[0146] Since system information is generally transmitted through the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), which is typically scheduled via the PDCCH, the PDCCH contains a large amount of information, such as encoding / decoding information and time-frequency domain resource information. The PDCCH's encoding scheme is defined by 3GPP and does not require notification. Therefore, the candidate transmission resources for the PDCCH, namely CORESET and SS, are directly configured in the configuration information. This only requires time-frequency domain resource information, resulting in relatively low bit overhead.

[0147] Furthermore, for resources scheduled via PDCCH, network devices are typically configured with candidate transmission resources. This means that within the same period, there may be multiple resources, and the network device only needs to transmit the message at one of them. The terminal device, however, needs to perform blind detection at multiple candidate transmission resource locations. Therefore, network devices do not need to configure fixed resource locations for each terminal device, reducing the signaling overhead for resource allocation.

[0148] For resources scheduled via PDSCH, network devices typically use PDCCH for scheduling. PDCCH directly provides transmission resources, meaning the network device transmits system information blocks at fixed time or frequency domain locations. Terminal devices directly detect these blocks at the corresponding locations, and once detected, they can receive the system information blocks from that location. There is an exception to PDSCH: semi-static PDSCH transmission. In this case, the network device pre-configures a set of periodically occurring resources for the terminal devices. These configured resources are reused within a specific time period, eliminating the need for PDCCH scheduling for every transmission. This allows the network device to save PDCCH resources, reduce control signaling overhead, and thus improve resource utilization.

[0149] In some embodiments, the fifth indication information is further used to indicate the transmission time window and / or the number of retransmissions for the system information block. The transmission time window for the system information block indicates the time required to transmit the system information block.

[0150] For example, assuming the system information block is SIB1, the transmission time window indicates the specific time window during which the terminal device should listen to SIB1. For instance, the transmission time window indicates the start time and duration. The terminal device needs to search for and receive SIB1 within the time window indicated by this transmission time window.

[0151] The retransmission count indicates the maximum number of times a network device can send system information blocks to a terminal device. It should be understood that after a network device sends a system information block to a terminal device, if the terminal device sends a request message to the network device again, the network device determines whether the number of times it has sent system information blocks to the terminal device has reached the retransmission count. If the network device determines that the number of times it has sent system information blocks to the terminal device has not reached the retransmission count, the network device can continue to send system information blocks to the terminal device. However, if the network device determines that the number of times it has sent system information blocks to the terminal device has reached the retransmission count, the network device stops sending system information blocks to the terminal device. This avoids the situation where the network device stops transmitting system information blocks after reaching the retransmission count, causing the terminal device to continuously search for system information blocks, resulting in high power consumption and signaling overhead for the terminal device.

[0152] In one scenario, the aforementioned fifth indication information can be carried within the configuration information. That is, the configuration information carried by the network device when sending the first information block to the terminal device may include the fifth indication information.

[0153] In another scenario, the aforementioned fifth indication information can also be sent from the network device to the terminal device after the terminal device sends a request message to the network device. For example, after receiving the request message from the terminal device, the network device sends a RAR message to the terminal device, which may carry the fifth indication information to indicate candidate transmission resources for the control information of the system information block.

[0154] It should be understood that the timing of the network device sending the fifth instruction information to the terminal device is not limited in the embodiments of this application. As long as the network device sends the fifth instruction information before sending the system information block to the terminal device, the solution of this application can be achieved.

[0155] VI. The configuration information carried in the first information block may also include the sixth instruction information.

[0156] In another implementation, the configuration information may further include sixth indication information. This sixth indication information indicates the public land mobile network (PLMN) supported by the network accessed by the terminal device. The PLMN may include one or more network operators. For example, the PLMN may be at least one of multiple network operators.

[0157] It should be understood that the configuration information sent by the network device to the terminal device includes a sixth indication information indicating at least one PLMN. The terminal device can determine whether it can access the network based on the PLMNs it supports. For example, such as... Figure 9As shown, assuming UE1 is a user of network operator A and UE2 is a user of network operator B, the configuration information sent by the network device to all terminal devices in the cell at time T1 includes the sixth indication information indicating network operator A. That is, the cell supports network operator A but not network operator B. In this case, when UE1 needs a system information block, UE1 can send a request message to the network device at time T2, meaning UE1 can access the cell. However, when UE2 needs a system information block at time T3, UE2 cannot send a request message to the network device, meaning UE2 cannot access the cell and will reselect another cell.

[0158] When the terminal device receives configuration information, including the sixth indication information, from the network device, it determines that the PLMN indicated by the sixth indication information is a PLMN supported by the network it is accessing, and then continues the network registration process. This ensures that the terminal device can successfully access and register with a network that supports its services, avoiding communication interruptions due to network incompatibility.

[0159] In this embodiment of the application, the first to sixth instruction information can be carried in the same configuration information. That is, the network device can complete all the configurations of the terminal device requesting the system information block through one configuration, thereby improving the configuration efficiency of the network device.

[0160] The communication method of this application embodiment is described below with reference to an example.

[0161] For example, such as Figure 10 As shown, assuming the first information block carrying configuration information is a MIB, the terminal device sends a request message to the network device, requesting a system information block of type SIB1. The network device broadcasts the MIB within the NES cell. The first indication information carried in the MIB indicates that the network device transmits the system information block in request mode. The third indication information carried in the MIB configures the format, root sequence, and SCS corresponding to the PRACH signal, as well as the time-domain and frequency-domain resources for PRACH transmission. The fourth indication information carried in the MIB configures the index information of the preamble for the request message sent by the terminal device. The fifth indication information carried in the MIB configures the CORESET and SS corresponding to the PDCCH of SIB1, and also indicates the transmission resources and retransmission count of SIB1. The sixth indication information carried in the MIB configures two PLMN information, such as network operator 1 and network operator 2.

[0162] UE1 is a user of network operator 1 and does not support access to NES cells; UE2 is a user of network operator 2 and supports access to NES cells; UE3 is a user of network operator 3 and does not support access to NES cells; UE4 is a user of network operator 1 and supports access to NES cells.

[0163] like Figure 10 As shown, after the network device sends the MIB to UE1 through UE4 at time T1, UE1, UE2, UE3, and UE4, upon receiving the MIB, confirm that the current cell is an NES cell and that the current network supports network operator 1 and network operator 2. The network device sends SIB1 in request mode. Since UE1 does not support access to the NES cell, it cannot access this cell. UE3 is a user of network operator 3, and this cell does not support access by users of network operator 3. Therefore, UE1 and UE3 will reselect to other cells. Since UE2 is a user of network operator 2 and supports access to the NES cell, and UE4 is a user of network operator 1 and supports access to the NES cell, UE2 and UE4 can camp on the current cell.

[0164] When UE2 needs a system information block (e.g., RRC connection establishment), UE2 can request SIB1 based on the configuration resource information in the MIB. For example... Figure 10 As shown, UE2 sends a request message to the network device at time T2 to obtain SIB1. After receiving the request message sent by UE2, the network device responds to the request message and sends SIB1 PDCCH on CORESET and SS#0 of SIB1 PDCCH.

[0165] If the network device sends a MIB to UE1 to UE4 at time T3, and the mode of transmitting SIB1 in the MIB is switched from request mode to broadcast mode, and UE4 confirms that SIB1 is in broadcast mode before requesting SIB1, then UE4 directly performs blind detection of PDCCH on the PDCCH candidate transmission resource of SIB1 and receives the detected SIB1.

[0166] The foregoing mainly describes the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application from the perspective of interaction between various devices. It is understood that each device, such as a terminal device or network device, includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules to perform the aforementioned functions. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0167] This application embodiment can group terminal devices, network devices, etc., into functional modules according to the above method examples. For example, each functional group can correspond to a functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. The grouping of modules in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional grouping; other grouping methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0168] By way of example, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device.

[0169] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0170] like Figure 11 As shown, the communication device 1100 can exist independently or be integrated into other devices. It can communicate with the network devices mentioned above to implement the operations corresponding to the terminal devices or network devices in the above method embodiments.

[0171] The communication device 1100 may include a transceiver unit 1101. The communication device 1100 may also include a processing unit. The transceiver unit 1101 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing unit is used for data processing. The transceiver unit 1101 may also be referred to as a communication interface or communication unit.

[0172] Optionally, when the communication device 1100 is used to implement the functions of a terminal device:

[0173] The transceiver unit 1101 is used to receive a first information block from a network device; wherein the first information block carries configuration information, the configuration information is used to configure the terminal device to obtain information related to downlink synchronization and cell access control, and the configuration information includes first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate the transmission mode of the terminal device system information block.

[0174] The transceiver unit 1101 is further configured to send a request message to the network device when the first indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is request mode; wherein the request message is used to request to obtain the system information block.

[0175] The transceiver unit 1101 is also used to receive system information blocks from network devices.

[0176] When the communication device 1100 is used to implement the functions of a network device:

[0177] The transceiver unit 1101 is used to send a first information block to the terminal device; wherein the first information block carries configuration information, the configuration information is used to configure the terminal device to obtain information related to downlink synchronization and cell access control, and the configuration information includes first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate the transmission mode of the system information block.

[0178] The transceiver unit 1101 is used to receive a request message when the first indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is request mode; wherein the request message is used to request to obtain the system information block.

[0179] The transceiver unit 1101 is also used to send system information blocks to the terminal device.

[0180] It should be understood that the corresponding processes performed by each unit have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0181] The processing unit in the preceding embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. The transceiver unit 1101 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The transceiver unit can also be referred to as a communication unit or communication interface. The storage unit can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0182] Since the communication device 1100 provided in this embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0183] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It should be noted that the module division in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0184] By way of example, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device.

[0185] Please see Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0186] The communication device 1200 includes a processor 1201 coupled to a memory 1202. The memory 1202 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 1201 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions and / or data stored in the memory 1202, so that the methods in the preceding method embodiments are executed.

[0187] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may include one or more processors 1201.

[0188] Optionally, such as Figure 12 As shown, the communication device 1200 may also include a memory 1202.

[0189] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may include one or more memory 1202.

[0190] Alternatively, the memory 1202 may be integrated with the processor 1201 or set separately.

[0191] like Figure 12 As shown, the communication device 1200 may further include a transceiver 1203 for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, the processor 1201 is used to control the transceiver 1203 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0192] As one option, the communication device 1200 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device or network device in the method embodiments described above.

[0193] This application also provides a communication device, including one or more processors, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory. The processor executes the computer program to implement the communication method in the above embodiments.

[0194] This application also provides a communication system. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 13 As shown, the communication system 1300 may include a terminal device 1310 and a network device 1320.

[0195] The network device 1320 is used to send configuration information to the terminal device 1310. The configuration information is used to configure the terminal device to obtain information related to downlink synchronization and cell access control. The configuration information includes first indication information, which is used to indicate the transmission mode of the system information block.

[0196] After receiving configuration information from the network device, the terminal device 1310 sends a request message to the network device when the first indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is request mode; wherein, the request message is used to request to obtain the system information block.

[0197] Network device 1320 is also used to send system information blocks to terminal devices.

[0198] In this embodiment, the terminal device is further configured to execute the method executed by the terminal device in the above embodiments, and the network device is further configured to execute the method executed by the network device in the above embodiments.

[0199] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the aforementioned related method steps to implement the communication method in the above embodiments.

[0200] Embodiments of this application also provide a chip system including a memory and a processor, wherein programs / instructions stored in the memory are executed by the processor to implement the communication methods described in the above embodiments.

[0201] Embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product, including a computer program / instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the communication method described in the above embodiments.

[0202] It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, terminal devices and network devices include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments of this invention.

[0203] This application embodiment can divide the terminal device, network device, etc., into functional modules according to the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. The module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0204] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. The specific working process of the system, device, and unit described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0205] In the embodiments of this application, the functional units can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0206] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, essentially, or the parts that contribute to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as flash memory, portable hard disk, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0207] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: The system receives a first information block from a network device; wherein the first information block carries configuration information, the configuration information being used to configure the terminal device to acquire information related to downlink synchronization and cell access control, the configuration information including first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the transmission mode of the system information block; When the first indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is request mode, a request message is sent to the network device; wherein, the request message is used to request to obtain the system information block; Receive the system information block from the network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes second instruction information; The second indication information is used to indicate terminal devices that are prohibited from accessing the cell, or the second indication information is also used to indicate terminal devices that are allowed to access the cell.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second indication information includes the first information and the second information; or, the second indication information includes the second information. Wherein, the first information is used to indicate whether to prohibit the terminal device corresponding to the device type indicated by the second information from accessing the cell, and the second information is used to indicate the device type of the terminal device.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the first information is a first value, the second indication information is used to indicate that terminal devices corresponding to the device type indicated by the second information are prohibited from accessing the cell; When the first information is a second value, the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device corresponding to the device type indicated by the second information is allowed to access the cell.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes third instruction information; The third indication information is used to indicate the transmission resources for transmitting the request message.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transmission resources include time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources; The time-domain resources include at least one of the following: transmission period, system frame, subframe, time slot, or start symbol within a time slot; the start symbol within a time slot may be one or more. The frequency domain resources include frequency domain multiplexing indication information, which is used to indicate that multiple request messages are transmitted through different frequency channels at the same time.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes fourth indication information; wherein the fourth indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to send the preamble of the request message or the index information of the preamble.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a fifth indication information from the network device; wherein the fifth indication information is used to indicate candidate transmission resources for the control information of the system information block or transmission resources of the system information block, the candidate transmission resources including time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources, and the transmission resources including time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fifth instruction information is carried in the configuration information; or... The fifth instruction information is sent after the terminal device sends a request message to the network device.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The fifth indication information is also used to indicate the transmission time window and / or retransmission number of the system information block.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes a sixth indication information; wherein the sixth indication information is used to indicate the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) supported by the network accessed by the terminal device, and the PLMN includes one or more.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The first information block is any one of the following information blocks: The terminal device acquires the synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel block (SSB). The first downlink DL information block obtained by the terminal device before accessing the cell; The terminal device acquires the first DL information block after obtaining the synchronization signal block; The terminal device acquires the first DL information block where the synchronization signal block is located; The terminal device receives the DL information block containing the main information block (MIB) from the network device. The terminal device receives the Master Information Block (MIB) and / or Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) payload from the network device; or... The first system information block before the establishment of a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection between the terminal device and the network device.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the first indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is broadcast mode, the system information block is received from the network device; The system receives the first information block from the network device; wherein the configuration information carried in the first information block includes first indication information indicating that the transmission mode of the system information block is request mode.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The terminal device is a device capable of sending the request message to the network device to obtain the system information block.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to network devices, the method includes: Send a first information block to the terminal device; wherein the first information block carries the configuration information, the configuration information being used to configure the terminal device to obtain information related to downlink synchronization and cell access control, the configuration information including first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the transmission mode of the system information block; When the first indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is a request mode, a request message is received; wherein the request message is used to request to obtain the system information block; The system information block is sent to the terminal device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes second instruction information; The second indication information is used to indicate terminal devices that are prohibited from accessing the cell, or the second indication information is also used to indicate terminal devices that are allowed to access the cell.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The second indication information includes the first information and the second information; or, the second indication information includes the second information. Wherein, the first information is used to indicate whether to prohibit the terminal device corresponding to the device type indicated by the second information from accessing the cell, and the second information is used to indicate the device type of the terminal device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15-17, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes third instruction information; The third indication information is used to indicate the transmission resources for transmitting the request message.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The transmission resources include time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources; The time-domain resources include at least one of the following: transmission period, system frame, subframe, time slot, or start symbol within a time slot; the start symbol within a time slot may be one or more. The frequency domain resources include frequency domain multiplexing indication information, which is used to indicate that multiple request messages are transmitted through different frequency channels at the same time.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15-19, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes fourth indication information; wherein the fourth indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to send the preamble of the request message or the index information of the preamble.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15-20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fifth indication message; wherein the fifth indication message is used to indicate candidate transmission resources for the control information of the system information block or transmission resources of the system information block, the candidate transmission resources including time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, and the transmission resources including time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The fifth instruction information is carried in the configuration information; or... The fifth instruction information is sent after the network device receives the request message.

23. The method according to any one of claims 15-22, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes a sixth indication information; wherein the sixth indication information is used to indicate the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) supported by the network accessed by the terminal device, and the PLMN includes one or more.

24. The method according to any one of claims 15-23, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the first indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is broadcast mode, the system information block is sent to the terminal device; When the duration of the broadcast mode reaches the transmission duration of the system information block, the first information block is sent to the terminal device; wherein, the configuration information carried by the first information block includes the first indication information indicating that the transmission mode of the system information block is a request mode.

25. The method according to any one of claims 15-24, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the first indication information indicates that the transmission mode of the system information block is broadcast mode, the system information block is continuously or periodically sent to the terminal device; or, the system information block is sent within a preset time window according to a preset method or pattern.

26. A communication device comprising one or more processors, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory, characterized in that, The processor executes the computer program to implement the method of any one of claims 1-14; and / or to implement the method of any one of claims 15-25.

27. A communication system, characterized in that, The method includes a terminal device and a network device, wherein the terminal device is used to implement the method of any one of claims 1-14; and the network device is used to implement the method of any one of claims 15-25.

28. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program / instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When executed by a processor, the computer program / instructions implement the method of any one of claims 1-14; and / or implement the method of any one of claims 15-25.

29. A chip system comprising a memory and a processor, characterized in that, When the program / instructions stored in the memory are executed by the processor, they implement the method of any one of claims 1-14; and / or, implement the method of any one of claims 15-25.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-14; and / or cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 15-25.

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