Communication methods and communication devices

Abstract

This application provides a communication method and a communication device, applicable to the field of communication. In the technical solution of this application, the terminal wakes up the access network device via an uplink wake-up signal, and simultaneously requests the access network device to send an SSB via the same uplink wake-up signal. This helps the access network device send the SSB in a timely manner, thereby helping the terminal detect the SSB promptly. This, in turn, helps the terminal complete the relevant operations after detecting the SSB, and ultimately helps the terminal enter a sleep state in a timely manner to save power.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and communication devices. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of wireless communication technology, the energy consumption of communication equipment in wireless communication networks is also increasing. Therefore, how to reduce the energy consumption of communication equipment in wireless communication networks has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The communication method and communication device provided in this application help reduce the energy consumption of communication equipment.

[0004] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a communication device. The communication device can be a communication equipment, or a device within the communication equipment (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), a chip system, or a processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. As an example, the communication equipment is a terminal.

[0005] This method includes: sending a first signal, the first signal being used to wake up the access network device and to request the access network device to send a synchronization signal block; and detecting the synchronization signal block.

[0006] In this method, while the terminal sends a signal to the access network device to wake it up, it also requests the access network device to send a synchronization signal block. This helps the access network device to promptly send the synchronization signal block after being woken up, thereby helping the terminal detect the synchronization signal block earlier to achieve downlink synchronization. This, in turn, helps the terminal complete data transmission earlier and enter sleep mode, ultimately helping the terminal reduce power consumption. In this application, power consumption is also referred to as energy dissipation.

[0007] In some scenarios, in this application, the synchronization signal block requested by the terminal from the access network device is referred to as an additional synchronization signal block.

[0008] In some possible implementations, the first signal is used to request the access network device to send a synchronization signal block, including: the first signal includes first information, which is used to request the access network device to send a synchronization signal block.

[0009] In other words, in this implementation, the first signal is displayed to instruct the access network device to send a synchronization signal block. This implementation is simpler and easier to implement.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the location of the resource carrying the first signal is used to indicate that the first signal is also used to request the access network device to send a synchronization signal block. This implementation helps reduce indication overhead.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the first signal is used to request the access network device to increase the number of synchronization signal blocks in the synchronization signal block period, and / or the first signal is also used to request the access network device to decrease the period of the synchronization signal block.

[0012] In this implementation, the first signal is used to instruct the access network device to send a synchronization signal block, which helps to align the transmission operations of the synchronization signal block between the access network device and the terminal, thereby improving communication reliability.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the information contained in the first signal indicates whether the terminal is requesting the access network device to increase the number of synchronization signal blocks in the synchronization signal block period or to decrease the period of the synchronization signal block. This implementation is simpler and easier to implement.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the location of the resource carrying the first signal indicates whether the terminal is requesting the access network device to increase the number of synchronization signal blocks in the synchronization signal block period or to decrease the period of the synchronization signal block. This implementation helps to reduce indication overhead.

[0015] In some possible implementations, before detecting the synchronization signal block, the method further includes receiving second information, which is response information to the first signal.

[0016] In other words, after receiving the response information of the first signal from the access network device, the terminal determines whether to detect the synchronization signal block based on the response information, and only detects the synchronization signal block if the decision is made. This implementation method can avoid wasting the terminal's energy consumption and improve the communication reliability between the terminal and the access network device.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the second information includes at least one of the following: the number of synchronization blocks in the synchronization block period, the period of the synchronization block, an increase in the number of synchronization blocks in the synchronization block period, or a decrease in the period of the synchronization block.

[0018] In other words, the terminal learns from the access network device how the access network device sends synchronization signal blocks, and can then perform corresponding operations to detect the synchronization signal blocks, thereby ensuring detection efficiency and avoiding excessive power consumption.

[0019] Optionally, the second information instructs the access network device not to send a synchronization signal block in response to the request of the first signal. For example, after receiving the first signal, if the access network device determines, based on the access network device, the terminal device, or the network status, that it is not appropriate to send a synchronization signal block in response to the request of the first signal, it may choose not to send a synchronization signal block. In this case, the access network device informing the terminal of its response helps the terminal avoid wasting power due to blindly detecting synchronization signal blocks.

[0020] Optionally, the second information instructs the access network device to send a synchronization signal block in response to the request of the first signal. For example, if the second information includes at least one of the above-mentioned information, the access network device also displays the request to send a synchronization signal block in response to the request of the first signal through the second information. Alternatively, if the second information does not include at least one of the above-mentioned information, the access network device only instructs the sending of a synchronization signal block in response to the request of the first signal through the second information.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the second information is carried in a downlink low-power wake-up signal. In this implementation, the low-power wake-up signal is reused to carry the second information, which is convenient to implement and saves transmission overhead.

[0022] In some possible implementations, the method further includes sending a second signal to instruct the access network device to stop sending the synchronization signal block.

[0023] In this implementation, after the terminal no longer needs to detect synchronization signal blocks, it promptly feeds back to the access network device, instructing the access network device to stop sending synchronization signal blocks, which helps to save power consumption of the access network device.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the second signal is used to instruct the access network device to stop sending synchronization signal blocks, including: the second signal includes third information, which instructs the access network device to stop sending synchronization signal blocks.

[0025] In this implementation, the terminal instructs the access network device to stop sending synchronization signal blocks by displaying information in the second signal. This implementation is simple and easy to implement.

[0026] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a communication device. The communication device can be a communication equipment, or a device within the communication equipment (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), a chip system, or a processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. As an example, the communication device is an access network device.

[0027] The method includes: receiving a first signal, the first signal being used to wake up the access network device and to request the access network device to send a synchronization signal block; and sending a synchronization signal block based on the first signal.

[0028] In some possible implementations, the first signal is also used to request the access network device to increase the number of synchronization signal blocks in the synchronization signal block period, and / or, the first signal is also used to request the access network device to decrease the period of the synchronization signal block.

[0029] In some possible implementations, the first signal is used to request the access network device to send a synchronization signal block, including: the first signal includes first information, which is used to request the access network device to send a synchronization signal block.

[0030] In some possible implementations, before sending the synchronization signal block based on the first signal, the method further includes: sending second information, which is the response information of the first signal.

[0031] In some possible implementations, the second information includes at least one of the following: the number of synchronization blocks in the synchronization block burst, the period of the synchronization block, an increase in the number of synchronization blocks in the synchronization block period, or a decrease in the synchronization block period.

[0032] Optionally, the second information indicates that the access network device does not respond to the request of the first signal to send a synchronization signal block.

[0033] Optionally, the second information instructs the access network device to send a synchronization signal block in response to the request of the first signal.

[0034] In some possible implementations, the second information is carried in a downlink low-power wake-up signal.

[0035] In some possible implementations, the method further includes: receiving a second signal, the second signal being used to instruct the access network device to stop sending synchronization signal blocks; and stopping sending synchronization signal blocks based on the second signal.

[0036] In some possible implementations, the second signal is used to instruct the access network device to stop sending synchronization signal blocks, including: the second signal includes third information, which instructs the access network device to stop sending synchronization signal blocks.

[0037] In some possible implementations, transmitting a synchronization signal block based on a first signal includes: transmitting a synchronization signal based on the first signal and at least one of the following: a measurement result of a downlink signal, the terminal's quality of service requirements, or the type of the terminal.

[0038] In other words, after receiving the first signal, the access network device will only send a synchronization signal block based on the request of the first signal if one or more of the following conditions are met: the measurement results of the downlink signal, the quality of service requirements of the terminal, and the type of the terminal. This helps to avoid resource waste caused by sending unnecessary synchronization signal blocks, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0039] For example, if the terminal is of low power type, or if the communication quality between the terminal and the access network device is poor, even if the access network device sends a synchronization signal block based on the request of the first signal, the terminal cannot effectively detect the synchronization signal block, thus wasting the transmission resources of the synchronization signal block.

[0040] For example, when the terminal's communication needs are low, in order to avoid the energy consumption caused by the access network device sending a synchronization signal block in response to the first signal, the access network device may not send a synchronization signal block in response to the request for the first information.

[0041] In some possible implementations, this method further includes: stopping the transmission of the synchronization signal block based on the timing duration of the first timer, the preamble corresponding to the synchronization signal block, or the channel state information corresponding to the synchronization signal block.

[0042] This implementation helps access network devices to stop sending synchronization signal blocks based on the first signal in a timely and reasonable manner, avoiding resource waste and excessive power consumption.

[0043] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device. This communication device can be a communication equipment, or a device within a communication equipment (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system, or processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. As an example, the communication equipment is a terminal.

[0044] This communication device may include modules that perform the methods / operations / steps / actions described in any possible implementation of the first aspect. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0045] In one design, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The communication module is used to perform the sending and receiving actions in the method described in any possible implementation of the first aspect above, while the processing module is used to perform the processing actions involved in the method described in any possible implementation of the first aspect above.

[0046] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device. This communication device can be a communication equipment, or a device within a communication equipment (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modulation modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system, or processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. As an example, this communication equipment is an access network device.

[0047] This communication device may include modules that perform the methods / operations / steps / actions described in any possible implementation of the second aspect. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0048] In one design, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The communication module is used to perform the sending and receiving actions in the method described in any possible implementation of the second aspect above, while the processing module is used to perform the processing actions involved in the method described in any possible implementation of the second aspect above.

[0049] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device including a processor, wherein instructions are executed by the processor to cause a method as described in any possible implementation of the first aspect to be implemented.

[0050] Optionally, the communication device may further include a storage medium that stores the instructions executed by the processor.

[0051] In some implementations, the storage medium is integrated with the processor, for example, the storage medium is integrated into the processor.

[0052] As an example, the communication device can be a terminal or a device applied to a terminal.

[0053] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a communication device including a processor, wherein instructions are executed by the processor to cause the method as described in any possible implementation of the second aspect to be implemented.

[0054] Optionally, the communication device may further include a storage medium that stores the instructions executed by the processor.

[0055] In some implementations, the storage medium is integrated with the processor, for example, the storage medium is integrated into the processor.

[0056] As an example, the communication device may be an access network device or a device applied in an access network device.

[0057] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a chip including a processing circuit for running a program or instructions to implement the method as described in any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0058] Optionally, the chip may further include a memory for storing programs or instructions.

[0059] Optionally, the chip may also include the transceiver circuit, or an input / output interface.

[0060] As an example, the chip could be a chip used in a terminal.

[0061] Eighthly, this application provides a chip including processing circuitry for running programs or instructions to implement methods as described in any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0062] Optionally, the chip may further include a memory for storing programs or instructions.

[0063] Optionally, the chip may also include the transceiver circuit, or an input / output interface.

[0064] As an example, the chip could be a chip used in access network equipment.

[0065] A ninth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a method as described in any possible implementation of the first aspect to be implemented.

[0066] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method as described in any possible implementation of the second aspect to be implemented.

[0067] In one aspect, this application provides a computer program product comprising computer program code or instructions that, when executed, cause the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect to be implemented.

[0068] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a computer program product comprising computer program code or instructions that, when executed, cause the method in any possible implementation of the second aspect to be implemented.

[0069] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a communication system for performing the methods described in any possible implementation of the first aspect above and the methods described in any possible implementation of the second aspect above.

[0070] It is understandable that the technical effects in any of the second to thirteenth aspects can be referenced from the technical effects in the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0071] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to another embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of one embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of SSB beam scanning and SSB burst set transmission in TDM mode according to an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 6 A diagram illustrating the specific conditions for sending additional SSBs;

[0077] Figure 7 A schematic diagram for an additional SSB;

[0078] Figure 8 A diagram illustrating the time interval between the additional SSB and the associated RO's PRACH resource;

[0079] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the time offset between LP-WUS and the additional SSB;

[0080] Figure 10 and Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0081] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between the related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0082] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0083] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. 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 options. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0084] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "information", "signal", "message", "channel", and "signaling" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when their distinctions are not emphasized, their intended meanings are matched.

[0085] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "of", "corresponding (relevant)" and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, without emphasizing their distinction, their intended meanings are matched.

[0086] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the order of the process numbers does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0087] In the description of the embodiments of this application, "preset," "predefined," or "preconfigured" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device (e.g., including terminals and wireless access network devices), or by being pre-defined in a protocol. This application does not limit the specific implementation method. "Stored" can refer to storing in one or more memories. The one or more memories can be separate settings or integrated into an encoder or decoder, processor, or communication device. The one or more memories can also be partially separate settings and partially integrated into a decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0088] In the description of the embodiments of this application, "protocol" may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as 3GPP LTE protocols (such as technical specification (TS) 36, i.e., the TS36 series of technical specifications), NR protocols (such as the TS38 series of technical specifications), and related protocols applied to future communication systems. This application does not limit this.

[0089] It is understood that in this application, "...when" and "if" both refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time, nor do they require a judgment action to be performed during implementation.

[0090] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0091] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0092] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station.

[0093] The method provided in this application can be used in various communication systems, including 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) communication systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology (5G) systems such as 5G New Radio (NR) systems, and various future communication systems and networks. The method can be applied to terrestrial network communication systems as well as non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems. The NTN system can be an NTN system integrated with 4G, 5G, and any future communication system, such as NR NTN, IoT NTN, etc. NTN communication systems can be, for example, satellite communication systems, and can also include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), high altitude platform stations (HAPS), and other aerial access network equipment; this application does not limit this.

[0094] The methods provided in this application can also be applied to Internet of Things (IoT) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, or other similar future-oriented systems, such as future communication systems. This application does not specifically limit these applications. Furthermore, the terms "system" and "network" are interchangeable.

[0095] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, this communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, a core network (CN) 200, and an Internet 300.

[0096] The communication system provided in this application may also include artificial intelligence (AI) network elements to implement some or all AI-related operations. AI network elements can also be referred to as AI nodes, AI devices, AI entities, AI modules, AI models, or AI units, etc. The AI ​​network elements may be built into the network elements of the communication system. For example, an AI network element may be an AI module built into: access network equipment, core network equipment, cloud servers, or operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) systems to implement AI-related functions. The OAM system may act as the network management system for core network equipment and / or access network equipment. Alternatively, the AI ​​network element may be an independently configured network element within the communication system. Optionally, the terminal or its built-in chip may also include an AI entity to implement AI-related functions.

[0097] RAN 100 includes at least one radio access network device (such as...) Figure 1 110a and 110b (collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (such as Figure 1 RAN 100, denoted as RAN 120a to 120j, is collectively referred to as RAN 120. RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 is connected to wireless access network device 110 wirelessly. Wireless access network device 110 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via wired connection.

[0098] The core network equipment in the core network 200 and the radio access network equipment 110 in the RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device that integrates core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0099] RAN 100 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system, like LTE; a 5G mobile communication system, like NR and NTN; and a communication system evolving after 5G, such as Future Mobile Communications System (MWC). It can also be a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication system, a device-to-everything (D2D) communication system, or a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication system. RAN 100 can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a WiFi system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0100] Understandable. Figure 1 This application only illustrates one possible communication system architecture that can be applied to an embodiment of the present application. In other possible scenarios, the communication system architecture may also include other devices.

[0101] The radio access network device 110 is a node in the RAN, also known as an access network device or an RAN node (or device). The radio access network device 110 is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple radio access network devices 110 in a communication system can be nodes of the same type or different types.

[0102] In some scenarios, the roles of wireless access network device 110 and terminal 120 are relative, for example, Figure 1 The network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. Both the wireless access network device 110 and the terminal 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 1 Network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 120a to 120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0103] In one possible scenario, wireless access network equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, a satellite, or an access point (AP) in a WiFi system, such as a home gateway, router, server, switch, bridge, etc. It can also be an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or a wireless access network device in a mobile switching center (NTN) communication system, meaning it can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites. Wireless access network equipment can also be a macro base station (such as...) Figure 1 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 1 The wireless access network equipment can be a satellite in a satellite communication system, or a base station device mounted on a satellite. It can also function as a base station in D2D communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, or machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Optionally, it can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in V2X technology, the access network equipment can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0104] In some possible scenarios, multiple radio access network (RAN) devices collaborate to assist a terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN device performing some of the functions of a base station. In this scenario, as an example, the RAN devices can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc.

[0105] CU and DU can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as in a baseband unit (BBU). RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0106] It is understood that in the description of the following embodiments, the radio access network device can be a CU node, a DU node, or a device including both CU nodes and DU nodes. Furthermore, a CU can be classified as a network device in the access network (RAN) or as a network device in the core network (CN), and no limitation is imposed here.

[0107] In some implementations, the CU performs some of the functions of layer 2 (L2) and layer 3 (L3), the DU performs some of the functions of layer 1 (L1) and L2, and the RU performs the computation of L1 and the digital part of RF.

[0108] The midhaul interface carries traffic between the CU and DU, the backhaul interface carries traffic between the CU and CN, and the fronthaul interface carries traffic between the RU and DU. The integrated DU includes the functions of both the DU and RU mentioned above.

[0109] The CU and / or DU include processors and hardware accelerators. The processors may include x86 processors or non-x86 processors, and the hardware accelerators may include FPGAs, GPUs, or other accelerators.

[0110] Taking DU as an example, DU can be implemented using a multi-core processor and one or more hardware accelerators. Parts of the DU protocol stack can be implemented in software running on a multi-core processor, while computationally intensive L1 and L2 functions can be offloaded to FPGA- or GPU-based hardware accelerators; or all L1 functions can be offloaded to FPGA- or GPU-based hardware accelerators, while other protocol stack components are implemented in software running on the processor; or the entire protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the processor. The hardware accelerator supports interconnection with x86 or non-x86 processors. Similarly, the accelerator has a multi-channel PCIe interface pointing to the CPU and external connections via GbE.

[0111] An RU can include three parts: an O-RAN processing unit (OPU), an O-RU digital processing unit (DPU), and a radio frequency (RF) processing unit.

[0112] The OPU receives eCPRI frames from the O-RAN fronthaul and performs fronthaul interface, lowest-level L1 (encoding, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding), synchronization, beamforming, and resource unit mapping. The OPU can be a CPU, FPGA, or ASIC.

[0113] The DPU can perform synchronous, DDC (digital downconversion in UL), and DUC (digital upconversion in DL) operations, improving power amplifier efficiency by reducing PAPR / ACLR at the RF front end; the DPU can be an FPGA or an ASIC.

[0114] The RF processing unit may include a transceiver module, up / down converters, power amplifiers (PAs), low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), and Tx / Rx filters. All conversions between the analog and digital domains (DAC and ADC), such as RF sampling, frequency conversion using RF, IF, and LO mixing during up-conversion and down-conversion, are performed within the transceiver module. In some implementations, the physical and logical partitions within the RF processing unit do not require specific boundaries.

[0115] In some implementations, the radio access network may include a non-real-time RAN intelligent controller (Non-RT RIC), a near-real-time RAN intelligent controller (Near-RT RIC), an O-RAN central unit control plane (O-CU-CP), an O-RAN central unit user plane (O-CU-UP), an O-RAN distributed unit (O-DU), and an O-RAN radio unit (O-RU). The O-CU-CP and O-CU-UP together can be referred to as the O-RAN central unit (O-CU). These can all be considered radio access network devices.

[0116] The Near-RT RAN Intelligent Controller is used to implement non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions, enabling AI / ML workflows including model training and model updates, and guiding applications / functions in the Near-RT RIC based on policies.

[0117] The near real-time RAN intelligent controller is used to realize near real-time intelligent management of the RAN. It can achieve near real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface.

[0118] The O-RAN aggregation unit is used to implement the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, and other control functions.

[0119] The O-RAN aggregation unit control plane is part of the O-CU and is used to implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0120] The O-RAN aggregation unit user plane is part of the O-CU and is used to implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0121] Based on the low-layer function segmentation, the O-RAN distributed unit is used to implement the radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and higher physical layer (Higher PHY). Among them, the higher physical layer functions include one or more of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation.

[0122] Based on the low-layer function segmentation, the O-RAN radio frequency unit is used to implement lower physical layer (Lower PHY) functions and radio frequency functions. These lower physical layer functions include one or more of the following: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) / Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) transformation, digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH), etc.

[0123] The A1 interface serves as the interface between the Non-RT RIC and the Near-RT RIC, enabling intelligent and dynamic control of radio resources within the O-RAN. The Non-RT RIC provides policies, rich information, and ML model updates to the Near-RT RIC via the A1 interface, while the Near-RT RIC provides policy feedback to the Non-RT RIC via the A1 interface.

[0124] The E2 interface is an open interface between two endpoints used to connect the Near-RT RIC and the RAN node. RAN nodes include CU, DU, O-RAN compatible eNBs in 4G, O-CU (O-CU-CP and / or O-CU-UP), or O-DU, etc. The RIC can obtain data and feedback collected by the RAN node through the E2 node, and the RAN node can obtain control feedback from the Near-RT RIC through the E2 node.

[0125] The E1 interface is the interface between CU-CP and CU-UP.

[0126] The F1-C interface is the interface between the CU-CP and DU.

[0127] The F1-U interface is the interface between CU-UP and DU.

[0128] In this embodiment, the form of the wireless access network device is not limited. The device used to implement the function of the wireless access network device can be the wireless access network device itself; or it can be a device that supports the wireless access network device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the wireless access network device or used in conjunction with the wireless access network device.

[0129] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of this application can be referred to as a terminal, which can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. It can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as ships); and it can also be deployed in the air (e.g., on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The terminal device can be a user equipment (UE), where the UE includes handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, or computing devices with wireless communication capabilities. For example, the UE can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. The terminal device can also be a satellite communication terminal, such as a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) (commonly referred to as a VSAT terminal), a portable station, a fixed station, a vehicle-mounted or airborne satellite communication terminal, etc. Terminal devices can also be virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, and so on.

[0130] Terminal devices can also be devices that provide voice / data, such as handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, etc. Currently, examples of terminals include: laptops, handheld computers, mobile internet devices (MIDs), point-of-sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), light user equipment (UE), reduced capability UE (REDCAP UE), vehicle devices (such as vehicle units, onboard modules, onboard chips, onboard units (OBUs) or telematics boxes (T-BOXs), wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, 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, and wireless local loops. Loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or terminal devices in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), devices in Zigbee networks, devices in LoRa networks, Bluetooth (BT) slaves, BLE slaves, Wi-Fi stations (STAs), IoT terminals, etc.

[0131] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the terminal's functions can be a terminal itself; it can also be a device capable of supporting the terminal in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the terminal. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the device for implementing the terminal's functions is a terminal, and the terminal is a UE (User Equipment) as an example, to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0132] In this embodiment of the application, the core network, exemplarily, includes network elements such as mobility management network elements, session management network elements, user plane network elements, authentication service function network elements, and label management function network elements, without limitation. The mobility management network element can be an access and mobility management function (AMF). The session management network element can be a session management function (SMF). The user plane network element can be a user plane function (UPF). The authentication service function network element can be an authentication server function (AUSF).

[0133] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to another embodiment of this application. The super station (super BS) can be of various forms such as satellite, air balloon station, and drone station, and the ground station in the figure can be the current cellular station (macro station, small station, micro station, etc.).

[0134] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of one embodiment of this application. Figure 3 (a) in the diagram represents a single-link scenario, in which the terminal connects to a single base station, and both the base station and the core network to which the base station connects are of the same standard. For example, the core network is a 5G core network, the corresponding base station is a 5G base station, and the 5G base station is directly connected to the 5G core network; or, the core network is a new standard core network, the corresponding base station is a new standard base station, and the new standard base station is directly connected to the new standard core network.

[0135] Figure 3(b) in the diagram represents a dual connectivity (DC) scenario, in which the terminal simultaneously connects to base stations of different or the same standard, applicable to terminals in connected mode. For example, if the core network is a 5G core network, the terminal connects simultaneously to both a 5G base station and a base station of the new standard, with the 5G base station acting as the primary station and the new standard base station as the secondary station. Another example is a core network of the new standard, where the terminal connects simultaneously to both a base station of the new standard and a 5G base station, with the new standard base station acting as the primary station and the 5G base station as the secondary station. Yet another example is a core network of the new standard, where the terminal connects simultaneously to two base stations of the new standard, meaning both the primary and secondary stations are base stations of the new standard.

[0136] It is understood that the network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0137] In a communication system, access network equipment sends a synchronization signal. Communication between the terminal and the access network equipment is only possible after the terminal detects the synchronization signal. For example, the terminal uses the synchronization signal provided by the access network equipment to perform cell synchronization with the access network equipment in order to demodulate the master indication block (MIB) and system information block (SIB) broadcast by the cell. Alternatively, the synchronization signal can be used for broadcast information and / or for signal quality measurement.

[0138] The following section uses a 5G NR communication system as an example to introduce some relevant aspects of synchronization signals.

[0139] The terminal performs cell synchronization with the access network equipment through the synchronization signal block (SSB) provided by the access network equipment, where PBCH is the abbreviation for physical broadcast channel.

[0140] As an example, the SSB includes the primary synchronization signal (PSS), the secondary synchronization signal (SSS), the reference signal (RS), and the PBCH.

[0141] As an example, RS can be a demodulation reference signal (DMRS).

[0142] In some implementations, a cell performs a beam scan by sending a set of SSB bursts to ensure that the synchronization signal covers the entire service area of ​​the cell. Alternatively, the SSBs required to complete one beam scan form an SSB burst set. The SSB burst set repeats the beam scan at a certain period, called the SSB period.

[0143] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of SSB beam scanning and SSB burst set transmission under time division multiplexing (TDM) mode according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 Taking an SSB period containing one SSB burst set, and an SSB burst set containing 8 SSBs as an example, these 8 SSBs are denoted as SSB0, SSB1, ..., SSB7. Figure 4 The content on the left shows an example of beam coverage of an SSB burst set in the spatial domain, while the content on the right shows examples of SSB periods and SSB burst sets in the time domain.

[0144] In some implementations, the protocol specifies a default SSB subcarrier spacing by frequency band. When a base station cell transmits SSBs, it transmits according to the subcarriers specified in the protocol standard. Along with specifying the SSB subcarrier spacing, the protocol also specifies the corresponding SSB mode.

[0145] However, in certain special frequency bands, such as n5, n41, and n66, the default SSB subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz and 30 kHz, while in bands n257, n258, n260, and n261 the default SSB subcarrier spacing is 120 kHz and 240 kHz. These bands will have two corresponding subcarrier spacings. The reason for setting two subcarrier spacings is mainly to provide greater flexibility in network deployment.

[0146] With lower system bandwidth, a subcarrier spacing of 15kHz is required. However, if LTE and 5G NR are deployed together in the same area, both using a 15kHz subcarrier spacing, 5G NR will interfere with the LTE physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and cell-specific reference signal (CRS). In this case, the 5G NR system must use a 30kHz subcarrier spacing. This way, the two different network deployments can avoid interference and coexist.

[0147] During the initial cell search, the protocol specifies that the terminal detects SSBs within a period of 20 milliseconds (ms). For cells that support initial cell search, the actual SSB transmission period can be 5ms, 10ms, or 20ms, but typically cannot exceed 20ms. For cells that do not support initial cell search, their SSB transmission period can be configured as {5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160}ms. After completing the initial cell search, the terminal can obtain the actual SSB transmission period of the cell through configuration information. For cells whose configuration information does not indicate the SSB transmission period, the terminal can assume that the actual SSB transmission period is 5ms.

[0148] With the development of wireless communication technology, the energy consumption of access network devices and terminals in wireless communication networks is increasing. Therefore, how to reduce the energy consumption of access network devices and terminals in wireless communication networks has become an urgent technical problem to be solved.

[0149] One way to reduce the energy consumption of access network devices is to reduce the time it takes for network devices to send signals.

[0150] In some implementations, the communication system uses a common signal adaptive transmission mechanism for SSB. This mechanism enables access network devices to dynamically adjust the SSB to a sparse transmission mode when the load is light or the number of service users is small, thereby saving the power consumption of the access network devices in transmitting SSB.

[0151] In some implementations, under carrier aggregation scenarios, secondary cell SSB-less technology is used. This means that if the secondary cell and the anchor cell meet requirements such as reception time difference and power difference, the secondary cell can refrain from sending an SSB, thereby reducing network equipment power consumption. The terminal obtains the timing and synchronization of the secondary cell based on the anchor cell's SSB through the network equipment's association configuration.

[0152] In some implementations, the communication system uses a power-saving mechanism that triggers secondary cell SSBs on demand. For example, in scenarios where secondary cell SSB-less technology is not applicable, this mechanism is used. Under this mechanism, secondary cell SSBs are not transmitted by default or are transmitted at longer intervals, thereby saving power consumption of network equipment. When a terminal device has a need (e.g., secondary carrier activation or data transmission), the access network equipment can quickly trigger the transmission of secondary cell SSBs, thus enabling timing, synchronization, and automatic gain control (AGC) requirements.

[0153] In some implementations, the communication system uses a mechanism for triggering SIB1 on demand. Under this mechanism, energy-saving cells do not send SIB1 by default, thereby saving network power consumption. The uplink wake-up signal configuration used to wake up energy-saving cells to send SIB1 is broadcast by another cell. The terminal obtains the uplink wake-up signal configuration based on the information broadcast by this cell, and sends the uplink wake-up signal to the energy-saving cell to obtain SIB1 when needed.

[0154] In some implementations, the terminal will support a main receiver and a low-power wake-up receiver. The main receiver is used to receive existing downlink signals in the communication system. The main receiver has strong receiving performance and can achieve high transmission rates; however, it is also more complex and consumes more power. The low-power wake-up receiver is used to receive low-power signals. Low-power signals include the low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) and the low-power synchronization signal (LP-SS). Low-power receivers have relatively weaker performance and limited transmission rates; however, they are simpler to implement and less complex, therefore consuming far less power than the main receiver.

[0155] Although some methods for reducing the power consumption of access network equipment and terminals have been provided in communication systems, there is still considerable room for energy saving in communication systems, and more energy-saving methods are needed. To address this energy-saving issue, this application provides a new technical solution.

[0156] In the new technical solution provided in this application, when the terminal needs it, it sends an uplink wake-up signal (UL WUS) to wake up the access network device and instruct the access network device to configure SSB resources to speed up the downlink synchronization process. This allows the terminal to have more time to enter a sleep state, thereby reducing the power consumption of the access network device when sending SSB and saving the terminal's power consumption.

[0157] It is understood that in this application, the terminal sending a UL WUS instruction to the access network device to configure SSB resources can also be referred to as: the terminal sending a UL WUS to trigger, enable, or request the access network device to configure SSB resources. For ease of description, the following content will use the terminal sending a UL WUS to request the access network device to configure SSB resources as an example.

[0158] In this application, SSB resources can be abbreviated as SSB. Unless otherwise specified, SSB and SSB resources are interchangeable in the following description. For example, a terminal sending a UL WUS request to the access network device to configure SSB resources can be referred to as: the terminal sending a UL WUS request to the access network device to configure SSB.

[0159] In some implementations, the terminal sends a UL WUS request to the access network device to configure an SSB. Compared to the SSBs previously configured by the access network device for the terminal, the SSB cycle is shorter, and / or the number of SSBs within one SSB cycle is greater. Therefore, the SSBs sent by the terminal to the access network device to request configuration can be referred to as additional SSBs or more SSBs.

[0160] Because the additional SSBs in this implementation have shorter SSB cycles and / or more SSBs, the overall latency for the terminal to perform downlink synchronization and complete access is shortened, and the sleep time is longer, thus further saving energy.

[0161] In some scenarios, the number of SSBs within an SSB cycle is determined by the number of SSBs in the SSB burst set within that cycle. Therefore, increasing the number of SSBs within an SSB cycle can be achieved by increasing the number of SSBs in the SSB burst set. Thus, in some scenarios, increasing the number of SSBs within an SSB cycle can be replaced by increasing the number of SSBs in the SSB burst set.

[0162] It is understood that in one application scenario of the new technical solution provided in this application, the access network device is in a dormant state. Optionally, in this scenario, the terminal is in an idle state or a disconnected state.

[0163] In the technical solution provided in this application, the terminal sends a UL WUS request to the access network device to send an SSB. The access network device responds to the terminal's UL WUS request by sending an SSB. Even if the access network device is in a sleep state, it helps the terminal to detect the SSB more quickly, thereby helping the terminal to perform the operation after detecting the SSB more quickly, such as the synchronization process. This helps the terminal enter the sleep state earlier, or in other words, helps the terminal to stay in the sleep state for a longer period of time, ultimately reducing the terminal's energy consumption.

[0164] The technical solution provided in this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application. The method includes steps S510, S520, and S530. The method is executed by a first device and a second device.

[0165] It is understood that the first device in the embodiments of this application may be a terminal, or may be a device within the terminal (e.g., a module, a communication module, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), a chip system, or a processor), or may be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal functions.

[0166] It is understood that the second device in the embodiments of this application may be an access network device, or may be a device within the access network device (e.g., a module, a communication module, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), a chip system, or a processor), or may be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0167] It is understood that, in order to more clearly describe the technical solution of this application, this embodiment uses the SSB sent by the first signal request access network device as an additional SSB for introduction.

[0168] As an example, the access network device in this embodiment is the access network device in the aforementioned communication system or a module capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the access network device, and the terminal in this embodiment is the terminal in the aforementioned communication system or a module capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0169] S510, the first device sends a first signal, which is used to wake up the access network device and to request the access network device to send an additional SSB. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first signal.

[0170] In some implementations, the first signal is an on-off keying (OOK) signal or a narrowband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal.

[0171] In some scenarios, access network equipment is in a dormant state. For example, the secondary cell or secondary carrier of the access network equipment is in a dormant state.

[0172] In some scenarios, the first signal can be called the uplink wake-up signal.

[0173] In some scenarios, the terminal corresponding to the first device is in an idle (RRC_Idle) state or an inactive (RRC_inactive) state.

[0174] In some scenarios, the terminal has at least one of the following requirements: sending uplink data, reporting measurement events, or periodically sending measurement reports.

[0175] In some scenarios, the terminal is in a network energy savings (NES) cell. There are no periodic SIB1 messages in NES cells. The terminal needs to send UL WUS to request On-demand SIB1 to obtain PRACH resource configuration, measurement configuration, etc.

[0176] In some implementations, the first signal is used to request the access network device to send an additional SSB, including: the first signal includes first information, which is used to request the access network device to send an additional SSB. Alternatively, the terminal indicates that the access network device has sent an additional SSB through the first information in the first signal.

[0177] In some implementations, the first device uses a dedicated resource to send a first signal, which is associated with an additional SSB, or in other words, the resource is dedicated to sending a signal requesting an additional SSB. After detecting the first signal on this resource, the second device can determine that the terminal is requesting the access network device to send an additional SSB.

[0178] For example, the first device uses PRACH resources to transmit a first signal. For example, the PRACH resource is a dedicated PRACH resource. As an example, the PRACH resource is a terminal-specific PRACH resource.

[0179] In some implementations, the first signal is also used to instruct the access network device on how to send additional SSBs. For example, the first signal is also used to request the access network device to increase the number of SSBs in the SSB cycle, and / or, the first signal is also used to request the access network device to decrease the SSB cycle.

[0180] As an example, the first signal carries information used to: request the access network device to increase the number of SSBs in the SSB cycle, and / or request the access network device to decrease the SSB cycle.

[0181] As another example, a shared PRACH resource is used to send the first signal. This resource corresponds to different locations, implicitly instructing the access network device to send more SSBs, reduce the number of SSB cycles, or both during the SSB cycle. For example, this PRACH resource is a shared PRACH resource between this terminal and other terminals.

[0182] It is understandable that if the first signal does not indicate how the access network device sends additional SSBs, the way the access network device sends additional SSBs can be predefined.

[0183] S520, the second device sends an additional SSB based on the first signal.

[0184] In a scenario where the access network device is in a dormant state, the second device sends an additional SSB based on the first signal, including: the second device being woken up by the first signal to send an additional SSB.

[0185] For example, in scenarios where the secondary cell or secondary carrier of the access network equipment is in a dormant state, in some implementations, after the second device receives the first signal, it wakes up the secondary cell or secondary carrier and sends an additional SSB through the secondary cell or secondary carrier.

[0186] In some scenarios, the second device sends an additional SSB based on the first signal, which can be understood as: the second device sends an additional SSB in response to the first signal.

[0187] In some implementations, the second device, after receiving the first signal, only sends an additional SSB in response to the first signal under specific conditions.

[0188] As an example, this specific condition relates to the distance between the terminal and the access network device and / or the latency requirements in the terminal's quality of service (QoS).

[0189] For example, if the distance between the terminal and the access network device is large, and / or the latency requirement in the terminal's quality of service (QoS) is less than or equal to the latency requirement threshold, the second device will respond to the first signal by sending an additional SSB.

[0190] For example, if the distance between the terminal and the access network device is small, and / or the latency requirement in the terminal's QoS is greater than the latency requirement threshold, the second device will not respond to the first signal by sending an additional SSB.

[0191] In some implementations, the distance between the terminal and the access network equipment is determined by comparing the measurement results of LP-WUS and / or LP-SS with the signal quality threshold.

[0192] For example, if the measurement results of LP-WUS and / or LP-SS are less than or equal to the first threshold, it is determined that the distance between the terminal and the access network equipment is large; if the measurement results of LP-WUS and / or LP-SS are greater than the first threshold, it is determined that the distance between the terminal and the access network equipment is small.

[0193] For example, if the measurement results of LP-WUS and / or LP-SS are less than or equal to a first threshold and greater than or equal to a second threshold, then the distance between the terminal and the access network equipment is determined to be large; if the measurement results of LP-WUS and / or LP-SS are greater than the first threshold, then the distance between the terminal and the access network equipment is determined to be small. The first threshold is greater than the second threshold.

[0194] It is understandable that if the measurement results of LP-WUS and / or LP-SS are less than the second threshold, it indicates that the distance between the terminal and the access network equipment is very far, and the signal transmission performance is very poor. In this case, the access network equipment may also choose not to respond to the first signal and send an additional SSB to avoid wasting resources.

[0195] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the specific conditions for sending additional SSBs. As shown, these conditions relate to QoS latency requirements and LP-WUS signal reception power. These conditions include: the terminal's QoS latency requirement is less than or equal to 10ms (i.e., the QoS latency requirement threshold), and the LP-WUS signal reception power is between -120dBm (i.e., the second threshold) and -80dBm (i.e., the first threshold).

[0196] In other words, the second device will only respond to the first signal and send an additional SSB if the terminal's QoS latency requirement is less than or equal to 10ms and the terminal's signal reception power for LP-WUS is between -120dBm and -80dBm.

[0197] Optionally, specific conditions depend on the terminal type. For example, if the terminal is a low-power device, the second device may not send an additional SSB in response to the first signal. Examples of low-power devices include redcap or narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT).

[0198] In some implementations, the resource location of the additional SSB is dynamically configured. For example, after the second device detects the first signal, it sends second information via a downlink signal. The second information carries the configuration of the additional SSB, and the first device detects the additional SSB based on the second information. This second information can be referred to as feedback information for the first signal.

[0199] As an example, the second piece of information is the random access response (RAR).

[0200] As an example, LP-WUS carries a second piece of information.

[0201] As an example, the configuration of an additional SSB includes at least one of the following: subcarrier spacing (SCS), frequency point (Point A), subcarrier offset (kSSB), whether to increase the number of SSBs, whether to shorten the SSB period, the SSB period of the additional SSB, or the number of SSBs within the SSB burst of the additional SSB. Among these, whether to increase the number of SSBs, whether to shorten the SSB period, the SSB period of the additional SSB, or the number of SSBs within the SSB burst of the additional SSB can be collectively referred to as the transmission method of the additional SSB.

[0202] Under normal circumstances, if the SSB configuration indicates that the number of SSBs should not be increased, the SSB configuration may not include the number of SSBs within the SSB burst; if the SSB configuration indicates that the SSB period should not be shortened, the SSB configuration may not include the SSB period; if the SSB configuration includes the SSB period, the SSB configuration may not indicate that the SSB period should be shortened; if the SSB configuration includes the number of SSBs, the SSB configuration may not indicate that the number of SSBs should be increased; if the configuration of additional SSBs indicates that the number of SSBs should not be increased, the configuration of additional SSBs may not simultaneously indicate that the SSB period should not be shortened.

[0203] For example, if the first signal requests the access network device to send an additional SSB, but does not specify the method of sending the additional SSB, the configuration of the additional SSB should specify the method of sending the additional SSB so that the terminal and the access network device can align the method of sending the additional SSB. This helps the terminal improve the detection efficiency of the SSB and avoid waste of resources.

[0204] For example, if the first signal requests the access network device to send an additional SSB and also indicates the method of sending the additional SSB, but the configuration of the additional SSB does not indicate the method of sending the additional SSB, then the terminal defaults to the access network device sending the additional SSB using the method indicated by the terminal.

[0205] For example, if the first signal requests the access network device to send an additional SSB and also indicates the transmission method of the additional SSB, the configuration of the additional SSB should also indicate the transmission method. In this case, the access network device can select a transmission method for the additional SSB that differs from the one indicated by the terminal based on its own needs, and the terminal can be informed of the transmission method ultimately used by the access network device.

[0206] For example, if the first signal requests the access network device to send an additional SSB and also indicates the transmission method of a portion of the additional SSB, the configuration of the additional SSB indicates the transmission method of the remaining portions of the additional SSB. As an example, if the first signal requests the access network device to send an additional SSB and also requests an increase in the number of SSBs, the configuration of the additional SSB indicates the SSB period of the additional SSB; or, if the first signal requests the access network device to send an additional SSB and also requests a shortening of the SSB period, the configuration of the additional SSB indicates the number of SSBs.

[0207] In multi-carrier scenarios, in some implementations, the second information includes the identity (ID) of the carrier where the additional SSB is located.

[0208] In some implementations, after receiving the first signal, the second device determines not to send an additional SSB. In this case, the second device sends a third message to the first device, instructing the second device not to send an additional SSB.

[0209] In some implementations, when the second device sends the second information to the first device, the second device begins sending an additional SSB after a certain time offset.

[0210] As an example, this time offset is X time units, where X is a positive integer. Alternatively, if we denote the time unit where the second message is located as N, then the time unit at which the additional SSB begins to be sent is N+X, where N is a non-negative integer.

[0211] The time unit can be a radio frame, subframe, slot, mini-slot, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, hour (h), minute (min), second (s), millisecond (ms), partial OFDM symbol, on-off keying (OOK) symbol, OOK time unit, or a fraction of a millisecond (e.g., 1 / 32ms) time unit, etc.

[0212] Taking time units as time slots as an example, X can be equal to 5, 10 or 20.

[0213] In other implementations, all or part of the resource locations of the additional SSB are predefined, and the terminal performs downlink synchronization by combining the configuration of the predefined resource locations and the second information. Optionally, the terminal performs RRM measurements at the predefined resource locations.

[0214] In some implementations, the second device sends additional SSBs, including shortening the SSB period. For example, before receiving the first signal, the second device originally sent an SSB burst every 20ms, meaning the original SSB period was 20ms; after receiving the first signal, the second device sends an SSB burst every 5ms or 10ms, meaning the current SSB period is 5ms or 10ms.

[0215] In other implementations, the second device sends additional SSBs, including increasing the number of SSBs in an SSB cycle or an SSB burst. For example, before receiving the first signal, the second device was originally configured with an 8-beam downlink scan, meaning there were 8 SSBs in one SSB burst. After receiving the first signal, the second device doubles the number of SSBs; for example, the downlink scan is now 16 beams, meaning there are now 16 SSBs in one SSB burst.

[0216] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an additional SSB. Among them, Figure 7 In the diagram, (a) represents the original SSB cycle and the number of SSBs. Figure 7 (b) in the diagram is an example of an additional SSB in a scenario where the SSB cycle is shortened; Figure 7 (c) in the diagram is an example of an additional SSB in a scenario where the number of SSBs is increased.

[0217] Understandable. Figure 7 The time granularity of the time axes in (a), (b) and (c) is the same, or in other words, the line segments of equal length on these three time axes represent equal durations.

[0218] As an example, Figure 7 (a) shows the start time of the SSB cycle and Figure 7 (b) shows that the start times of the SSB cycles are the same. This shows that although... Figure 7 (a) shows the number of SSBs in each SSB cycle and Figure 7 (b) shows that the number of SSBs in each SSB cycle is the same, however, Figure 7 (b) The SSB period shown is less than Figure 7 (a) shows the SSB cycle. Therefore, within a period longer than the shortened SSB cycle, Figure 7 (b) The number of SSBs in the SSB transmission method shown is necessarily greater than Figure 7 (a) shows the number of SSBs in the SSB transmission method. This helps the terminal detect SSBs earlier.

[0219] As an example, Figure 7 (a) shows the start time of the SSB cycle and Figure 7 (c) shows that the start times of the SSB cycles are the same. This shows that, although Figure 7 (a) shows each SSB cycle and Figure 7 (c) shows that each SSB cycle has the same duration, however, Figure 7 (c) shows that the number of SSBs in one SSB cycle is greater than Figure 7 (a) shows the number of SSBs within one SSB cycle. Therefore, in a period greater than Figure 7 (a) shows the duration of the SSB burst set. Figure 7 The number of SSBs in the SSB transmission method shown in (c) is necessarily greater than [the number of SSBs]. Figure 7 (a) shows the number of SSBs in the SSB transmission method. This helps the terminal detect SSBs earlier.

[0220] In some other implementations, the second device sends additional SSBs, including shortening the SSB cycle and increasing the number of SSBs.

[0221] S530, the first device detects additional SSB.

[0222] It is understandable that the first device can begin detecting additional SSBs before or after the second device sends additional SSBs.

[0223] As an example, the first device begins detecting additional SSBs after receiving LP-WUS at intervals of X time slots.

[0224] In the technical solution provided in this application, when the second device sends additional SSBs, the second device can manage the transmission duration of the additional SSBs, or in other words, manage the time when to stop sending additional SSBs. This can avoid resource waste caused by continuously sending additional SSBs.

[0225] In the first implementation, the second device manages the transmission duration of the additional SSB using a timer. For example, after detecting the first signal, the second device activates a timer, during which it continuously transmits the additional SSB; after the timer expires, the second device stops transmitting the additional SSB. As an example, the timer duration is an integer multiple of 20 milliseconds, which facilitates resource allocation for the additional SSB and avoids resource waste. For example, the timer duration could be 80ms, 160ms, etc.

[0226] In the second implementation, the terminal sends a second signal to instruct the access network device to stop sending additional SSBs.

[0227] As a first example, the second signal carries indication information, instructing the access network equipment to stop sending additional SSBs.

[0228] As a second example, the resource implicitly instructs the access network device to stop sending additional SSBs.

[0229] As an example, the second signal is UL WUS.

[0230] When both the first and second signals are UL WUS, in some implementations, UL WUS carries M bits, which have at least two values: one value indicates a request for the access network device to send an additional SSB, and the other value indicates that the access network device should stop sending additional SSBs, where M is a positive integer.

[0231] As an example, M equals 1.

[0232] When M equals 1, for example, a value of "1" in this bit indicates a request for the access network device to send an additional SSB; a value of "0" in this bit instructs the access network device to stop sending additional SSBs.

[0233] In some implementations where both the first and second signals are UL WUS, the UL WUS resources are divided into at least two groups, denoted as group1 and group2. The UL WUS instruction carried by group1 requests the access network device to send an additional SSB, while the UL WUS instruction carried by group2 instructs the access network device to stop sending additional SSBs.

[0234] In the third implementation, a set of additional SSBs is associated with a random access opportunity (RO). When the first device detects the additional SSBs, it sends a random access preamble at the associated RO. When the second device detects the preamble, it stops sending additional SSBs.

[0235] As an example, the time interval (or time offset) between the additional SSB and the PRACH resource of the associated RO can be configured according to the terminal's service latency requirements to enable the terminal to access quickly. Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the time interval between the additional SSB and the associated RO's PRACH resource.

[0236] In this application, an additional set of SSBs may contain one or more SSBs, such as a burst set of SSBs.

[0237] In the third implementation, a set of additional SSBs is associated with a set of channel state information (CSI) reference signal (RS) resources or tracking reference signal (TRS) resources. In this implementation, the first device detects the additional SSBs, measures and reports the CSI; the second device, upon receiving the CSI, stops transmitting the additional SSBs.

[0238] In the scenario where the second device sends LP-WUS, if the second device determines to send an additional SSB, the time offset between the transmission time of the additional SSB and LP-WUS is X time slots. In some implementations, if the second device determines to stop sending additional SSB, the second device carries indication information in LP-WUS to indicate that there is no additional SSB in the SSB period after that LP-WUS. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the time offset between LP-WUS and the additional SSB.

[0239] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. These devices can be used to implement the functions implemented by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0240] As an example, this device may be an access network device, or it may be a device within an access network device (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system or processor), or it may be a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0241] As an example, the device may be a terminal, or a device within the terminal (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system or processor), or a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal functions.

[0242] like Figure 10 As shown, the communication device 1000 includes a processing unit 1010 and a transceiver unit 1020. The device 1000 is used to implement the functions implemented by the first device or the second device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0243] As an example, when device 1000 is used to implement the function implemented by the first device in any of the above method embodiments, transceiver unit 1020 is used to: send a first signal, the first signal being used to wake up the access network device, and the first signal being used to request the access network device to send a synchronization signal block; processing unit 1010 is used to: detect the synchronization signal block.

[0244] In some implementations, the first signal is also used to request the access network device to increase the number of synchronization signal blocks in the synchronization signal block period, and / or, the first signal is also used to request the access network device to decrease the synchronization signal block period.

[0245] In some implementations, the first signal is used to request the access network device to send a synchronization signal block, including: the first signal includes first information, which is used to request the access network device to send the synchronization signal block.

[0246] In some implementations, before detecting the synchronization signal block, the transceiver unit 1020 is further configured to: receive second information, which is response information of the first signal.

[0247] In some implementations, the second information includes at least one of the following: the number of synchronization blocks in the synchronization block period, the synchronization block period, an increase in the number of synchronization blocks in the synchronization block period, or a decrease in the synchronization block period.

[0248] In some implementations, the second information is carried in a downlink low-power wake-up signal.

[0249] In some implementations, the transceiver unit 1020 is further configured to: send a second signal, the second signal being used to instruct the access network device to stop sending the synchronization signal block.

[0250] In some implementations, the second signal is used to instruct the access network device to stop sending the synchronization signal block, including: the second signal includes third information, which instructs the access network device to stop sending the synchronization signal block.

[0251] As an example, when device 1000 is used to implement the function implemented by the second device in any of the above method embodiments, transceiver unit 1020 is used to: receive a first signal, the first signal being used to wake up the access network device and to request the access network device to send a synchronization signal block; and send a synchronization signal block based on the first signal.

[0252] In some implementations, the first signal is also used to request an increase in the number of synchronization signal blocks in the synchronization signal block period, and / or, the first signal is also used to request a decrease in the period of the synchronization signal block.

[0253] In some implementations, the first signal is used to request the access network device to send a synchronization signal block, including: the first signal includes first information, which is used to request the access network device to send a synchronization signal block.

[0254] In some implementations, before sending the synchronization signal block based on the first signal, the transceiver unit 1020 is also used to: send second information, which is the response information of the first signal.

[0255] In some implementations, the second information includes at least one of the following: the number of synchronization signal blocks in the synchronization signal block period, the synchronization signal block period, an increase in the number of synchronization signal blocks in the synchronization signal block period, or a decrease in the synchronization signal block period.

[0256] In some implementations, the second information is carried in a downlink low-power wake-up signal.

[0257] In some implementations, the transceiver unit 1020 is further configured to: receive a second signal, the second signal being used to instruct the access network device to stop transmitting the synchronization signal block; and stop transmitting the synchronization signal block based on the second signal.

[0258] In some implementations, the second signal is used to instruct the access network device to stop sending the synchronization signal block, including: the second signal includes third information, which instructs the access network device to stop sending the synchronization signal block.

[0259] In some implementations, the transceiver unit 1020 is specifically used to: transmit a synchronization signal based on a first signal and at least one of the following: a measurement result of a downlink signal, the terminal's quality of service requirements, or the type of the terminal.

[0260] In some implementations, the processing unit 1010 is used to: stop sending the synchronization signal block based on the timing duration of the first timer, the preamble corresponding to the synchronization signal block, or the channel state information corresponding to the synchronization signal block.

[0261] For a more detailed description of the operations performed by the processing unit 1010 and the transceiver unit 1020, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0262] like Figure 11As shown, the communication device 1100 includes a processor 1110 and an interface circuit 1120. The processor 1110 and the interface circuit 1120 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1120 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the device 1100 may also include a memory 1130 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1110, or storing input data required by the processor 1110 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1110 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 1120 can also be understood as part of the processor 1110, in which case the device 1100 includes the processor 1110.

[0263] As an example, when the device 1100 is used to implement any of the aforementioned methods, the processor 1110 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1010, and the interface circuit 1120 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 1020.

[0264] As an example, when the above-mentioned device is a chip used in a communication device, the chip receiving information can be understood as the information being received first by other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the communication device, and then sent to the chip by these modules. Similarly, the chip sending information can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the communication device, and then sent by these modules.

[0265] In some embodiments of this application, a computer program product is also provided, which, when run on a processor, can implement the method implemented by the first device in any of the above embodiments.

[0266] In some embodiments of this application, a computer program product is also provided, which, when run on a processor, can implement the method implemented by the second device in any of the above embodiments.

[0267] In some embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, which contains computer instructions that, when executed on a processor, can implement the method implemented by the first device in any of the above embodiments.

[0268] In some embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, which contains computer instructions that, when executed on a processor, can implement the method implemented by the second device in any of the above embodiments.

[0269] In some embodiments of this application, a communication system is also provided, which can implement the methods implemented by the first device and the second device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0270] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit, or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0271] In this embodiment of the application, the processor may include one or more of the following: a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor unit (MPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an artificial intelligence processor (AI processor), or a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0272] In this application embodiment, the memory may include, but is not limited to, cache, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code having an instruction or data structure form and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in this application embodiment may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions for storing computer programs or instructions, and / or data.

[0273] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, optical discs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and the storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the base station or terminal.

[0274] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0275] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send a first signal, which is used to wake up the access network device and to request the access network device to send a synchronization signal block; Detect the synchronization signal block.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first signal is also used to request the access network device to increase the number of synchronization signal blocks in the synchronization signal block period, and / or the first signal is also used to request the access network device to decrease the synchronization signal block period.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first signal is used to request the access network device to send a synchronization signal block, including: The first signal includes first information, which is used to request the access network device to send the synchronization signal block.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Before detecting the synchronization signal block, the method further includes: Receive second information, which is the response information of the first signal.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second information includes at least one of the following: the number of synchronization signal blocks in the synchronization signal block period, the synchronization signal block period, an increase in the number of synchronization signal blocks in the synchronization signal block period, or a decrease in the synchronization signal block period.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The second information is carried in a downlink low-power wake-up signal.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: A second signal is sent, which instructs the access network device to stop sending the synchronization signal block.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second signal is used to instruct the access network device to stop sending the synchronization signal block, including: The second signal includes third information, which is used to instruct the access network device to stop sending the synchronization signal block.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a first signal, the first signal being used to wake up the access network device, and the first signal being used to request the access network device to send a synchronization signal block; The synchronization signal block is sent based on the first signal.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first signal is also used to request an increase in the number of synchronization signal blocks in the synchronization signal block period, and / or the first signal is also used to request a decrease in the period of the synchronization signal block.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first signal is used to request the access network device to send a synchronization signal block, including: The first signal includes first information, which is used to request the access network device to send a synchronization signal block.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, Before sending the synchronization signal block based on the first signal, the method further includes: Send a second message, which is a response message to the first signal.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second information includes at least one of the following: the number of synchronization signal blocks in the synchronization signal block period, the synchronization signal block period, an increase in the number of synchronization signal blocks in the synchronization signal block period, or a decrease in the synchronization signal block period.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The second information is carried in a downlink low-power wake-up signal.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a second signal, the second signal being used to instruct the access network device to stop sending the synchronization signal block; The transmission of the synchronization signal block is stopped based on the second signal.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second signal is used to instruct the access network device to stop sending the synchronization signal block, including: The second signal includes third information, which is used to instruct the access network device to stop sending the synchronization signal block.

17. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that, The step of transmitting a synchronization signal block based on the first signal includes: A synchronization signal is transmitted based on the first signal and at least one of the following: the measurement result of the downlink signal, the terminal's quality of service requirements, or the type of the terminal.

18. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the timing duration of the first timer, the preamble corresponding to the synchronization signal block, or the channel state information corresponding to the synchronization signal block, the transmission of the synchronization signal block is stopped.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A module or unit for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 8 or any one of claims 9 to 18.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program, wherein when the processor invokes the computer program, the communication device performs the method of any one of claims 1 to 8 or any one of claims 9 to 18.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used for storing computer programs, the computer programs comprising: instructions for implementing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 or any one of claims 9 to 18.

22. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer causes the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 or any one of claims 9 to 18.

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