Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

This application provides a communication method and a communication device, which can be applied in the field of communication. In the technical solution proposed in this application, the NTN system can instruct the TN equipment to shut down or send some public information to reduce the power consumption of the TN equipment based on the location information of the terminal served by the TN equipment, service requirements, and the load status of the TN equipment.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In communication systems, to keep pace with the expansion of terrestrial networks, more and more network devices are being deployed, leading to increasingly higher energy consumption. Therefore, reducing the energy consumption of terrestrial networks is a problem that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The communication method and communication device provided in this application reduce the power consumption of the ground network equipment by shutting down the ground network equipment or reducing the amount of public information transmitted by the ground network equipment.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a communication device, or by a chip, chip system, processor, processor system, circuit unit, or circuit system configured for use in a communication device. For ease of description, the following description in this aspect will use a communication device as an example. For ease of description, the communication device executing this method in this application is referred to as the first device. The first device includes terrestrial network (TN) devices, non-terrestrial network (NTN) devices, or third-party devices other than terrestrial network devices and non-terrestrial network devices.

[0005] This communication method includes: acquiring first information, the first information including at least one of the following: location information of a terminal served by a terrestrial network device, service requirements of the terminal, or load status of the terrestrial network device; determining second information based on the first information, the second information indicating at least one of the following: the terrestrial network device is turned on, the terrestrial network device is turned off, or the terrestrial network device sends a first part of public information of the terrestrial network device.

[0006] Those skilled in the art will understand that when the terrestrial network equipment is turned on, it sends common information such as the synchronization signal block (SSB), system information block type 1 (SIB1), other system information (OSI), and paging. The OSI information includes system information other than SIB1 information and master information block (MIB) information, such as cell reselection information, neighbor cell information, and random access information. When the terrestrial network equipment is turned off, it does not send any messages and consumes no power. When the terrestrial network equipment sends the first part of its common information, the power consumption is less than the power consumption when the terrestrial network equipment is turned on.

[0007] This method uses the location information of the terminal served by the network device, the operational requirements, and the load status of the ground network device to instruct the ground network device to turn on, turn off, or send some public information, which can reduce the power consumption of the ground network device.

[0008] In one possible design, the second information instructs the terrestrial network device to shut down, and / or, when the second information instructs the terrestrial network device to send the first part of public information, a third information is determined based on the first information, and the third information instructs a non-terrestrial network device to send the public information of the terrestrial network device.

[0009] In this method, when the ground network device is turned off or the ground network device sends the first part of the public information, the non-ground network device sends the public information of the ground network device, which reduces the power consumption of the ground network device while ensuring the normal operation of the terminal devices within the service range of the ground network device.

[0010] In one possible design, the third information instructs the non-terrestrial network device to send differentiated public information, which includes differences between the public information of the terrestrial network device and the public information of the non-terrestrial network device, and / or differences between the public information of the terrestrial network device and the public information of other terrestrial network devices.

[0011] For example, the differentiated information includes at least one of the following: location information of the terrestrial network equipment, random access occasion (RO) resource configuration information, uplink transmission common configuration, random access channel (RACH) common configuration information, downlink transmission common configuration, SSB related information, and other characteristic information of the terrestrial network equipment, wherein the SSB related information includes one or more of the following: number of SSBs, SSB period, and SSB pattern.

[0012] In this design, when the ground network device is turned off or the ground network device sends the first part of the public information, the non-ground device sends the differentiated information of the ground network device. After receiving the differentiated information, the terminal device can connect to the target ground network device that needs to be accessed based on the differentiated information.

[0013] In one possible design, the first information includes the location information of the terminal served by the terrestrial network device. When the terminal is determined to be the first terminal based on the location information, the third information is determined to instruct the non-terrestrial network device to send the public information of the terrestrial network device, and the second information is determined to instruct: the terrestrial network device to be turned off, or the terrestrial network device to send the first part of the public information of the terrestrial network device. The first terminal includes an outdoor terminal.

[0014] In this method, when the terminal device is identified as the first terminal, the ground network device is instructed to shut down or send some public information, and the non-ground network device provides services to the terminal. This reduces the power consumption of the ground network device while ensuring terminal service.

[0015] In one possible design, a third message is sent.

[0016] In this method, the first device can be a terrestrial network device, a non-terrestrial network device, or a third-party device. When the first device is a terrestrial network device or a third-party device, the first device can send third information to the non-terrestrial network device to instruct the non-terrestrial network device to send the corresponding public information. When some non-terrestrial network devices are the first device, the non-terrestrial network device that is the first device can send third information to the non-terrestrial network device that is not the first device to instruct the non-terrestrial network device to send the corresponding public information, thus realizing the operation of the first device in multiple scenarios.

[0017] In one possible design, the second information instructs the terrestrial network device to shut down, and / or, when the second information instructs the terrestrial network device to send the first part of public information, a fourth information is determined, indicating that the service range of the non-terrestrial network device includes the service range of the terrestrial network device.

[0018] In this method, when the ground network device is turned off or the ground network device sends the first part of public information, it indicates that the service range of the non-ground network device includes the service range of the ground network device. This allows the non-ground network device to provide services to terminals within the coverage area of ​​the unactivated ground network device, thereby achieving energy saving for the ground network device while ensuring the normal operation of the terminals.

[0019] In one possible design, when the terminal is identified as the first terminal based on its location information, the second information indicates that either the terrestrial network device is activated, or the terrestrial network device sends a first part of its public information.

[0020] For example, the first terminal includes an outdoor terminal.

[0021] In this method, when the terminal is identified as the first terminal, the ground network device is instructed to activate, or the ground network device sends the first part of the public information. Because the non-ground network signal has a large path loss, it cannot meet the service needs of some terminals with large data transmission requirements. Therefore, by activating the ground network device, a higher quality service can be provided compared to the non-ground network. Alternatively, the ground network device can be instructed to send the first part of the public information, so that the terminal device can monitor the SSB channel of the ground network device and switch to the ground network or non-ground network as needed, thus meeting the service needs of the terminal device.

[0022] In one possible design, a second message is sent.

[0023] In this design, when the first device is a non-terrestrial network device or a third-party device, the first device sends second information to the terrestrial network device, which can instruct the terrestrial network device to turn on, turn off, or send some public information. When some terrestrial network devices are the first device, the second information can be sent to instruct the target terrestrial network device to turn on, turn off, or send some public information, thus enabling the first device to work in multiple scenarios.

[0024] Secondly, this application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a communication device, or by a chip, chip system, processor, processor system, circuit unit, or circuit system configured for use in a communication device. For ease of description, the following content in this aspect will use a communication device as an example. For ease of description, the communication device executing this method in this application is referred to as a terrestrial network device.

[0025] This communication method includes: acquiring second information, the second information indicating at least one of the following: the ground network device is turned on, the second information indicates the ground network device is turned off, or the ground network device sends a first part of public information of the ground network device; and determining the operating status of the ground network device based on the second information.

[0026] Those skilled in the art will understand that when a terrestrial network device is turned on, it sends common information such as SSB, SIB1, OSI, and Paging; when a terrestrial network device is turned off, it does not send any messages and consumes no power; when a terrestrial network device sends the first part of its common information, its power consumption is less than its power consumption when the terrestrial network device is turned on.

[0027] This method uses the location information of the terminal served by the network device, the operational requirements, and the load status of the ground network device to instruct the ground network device to turn on, turn off, or send some public information, which can both ensure terminal service and reduce the power consumption of the ground network device.

[0028] In one possible design, a first message is sent, which includes at least one of the following: location information of the terminal served by the terrestrial network equipment, the service request of the terminal, or the load status of the terrestrial network equipment.

[0029] For example, terrestrial network equipment includes base stations.

[0030] For example, the location information of the terminal served by the terrestrial network equipment includes: the coordinates of the terminal, whether the terminal is indoors or outdoors, and the area where the terminal is located.

[0031] For example, the service requirements of a terminal include: the terminal device has data transmission requirements, the terminal device does not have data transmission requirements, the data transmission requirements of the terminal device are higher than a predetermined threshold, or the data transmission requirements of the terminal device are lower than a predetermined threshold.

[0032] For example, the first part of the public information includes the SSB.

[0033] In this method, the terrestrial network device sends the above information to the first device. Based on the above information, the first device can accurately indicate the status of the terrestrial network device, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terrestrial network device while ensuring the quality of terminal services.

[0034] In one possible design, a second message is received.

[0035] In this method, the first device is a device other than the target terrestrial network device, including non-terrestrial network devices, other terrestrial network devices, or terrestrial network devices and third-party devices other than non-terrestrial network devices, thus enabling the implementation of this method in various scenarios.

[0036] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a communication device, or by a chip, chip system, processor, processor system, circuit unit, or circuit system configured for use in a communication device. For ease of description, the following content in this aspect will use a communication device as an example. For ease of description, the communication device executing this method in this application is referred to as a non-plane network device.

[0037] This communication method includes: acquiring third information, which instructs non-terrestrial network devices to send public information from terrestrial network devices.

[0038] For example, non-terrestrial network devices include satellites.

[0039] For example, the third information instructs non-terrestrial network devices to send public information of terrestrial network devices, including public information such as SSB, SIB1, OSI, and Paging.

[0040] This method instructs non-terrestrial network devices to send public information from terrestrial network devices. This allows the terrestrial network devices to provide services to terminals within their service range even when the terrestrial network devices are turned off or sending only part of their public information. This reduces the energy consumption of the terrestrial network devices while ensuring the service needs of the terminal devices.

[0041] In one possible design, the third information instructs the non-terrestrial network device to send differentiated public information, which includes information on the differences between the public information of the terrestrial network device and the public information of the non-terrestrial network device.

[0042] In one possible design, a fourth piece of information is obtained, which indicates that the service range of the non-terrestrial network device includes the service range of the terrestrial network device.

[0043] In one possible design, a fourth piece of information is received.

[0044] In one possible design, third-party information is received.

[0045] In this method, the first device is a device other than the target non-terrestrial network device, including terrestrial network devices, other non-terrestrial network devices, or terrestrial network devices and third-party devices other than non-terrestrial network devices, thus enabling the implementation of this method in various scenarios.

[0046] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device. This communication device can execute modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof. These modules can be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0047] In one design, the 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 the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, while the processing module is used to perform the processing actions involved in the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0048] In one design, the device may be a first device, or a device, module, circuit or chip configured in the first device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the first device.

[0049] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device. This communication device may include modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0050] In one design, the 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 the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, while the processing module is used to perform the processing actions involved in the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0051] In one design, the device can be a terrestrial network device, or a device, module, circuit, or chip configured in the terrestrial network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the terrestrial network device.

[0052] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device. This communication device may include modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0053] In one design, the 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 the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, while the processing module is used to perform the processing actions involved in the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0054] In one design, the device can be a non-terrestrial network device, or a device, module, circuit, or chip configured in a non-terrestrial network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with a non-terrestrial network device.

[0055] A seventh aspect provides an apparatus including a processor, wherein instructions, when executed by the processor, cause a method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0056] Optionally, the device may further include a storage medium that stores the instructions executed by the processor.

[0057] Eighthly, an apparatus is provided, including a processor, wherein instructions, when executed by the processor, cause a method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0058] Optionally, the device may further include a storage medium that stores the instructions executed by the processor.

[0059] A ninth aspect provides an apparatus including a processor, wherein instructions, when executed by the processor, cause a method as described in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0060] Optionally, the device may further include a storage medium that stores the instructions executed by the processor.

[0061] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, including processing circuitry for running a program or instructions to cause the methods described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[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] Eleventhly, a chip is provided, including processing circuitry for running programs or instructions to implement methods as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0065] Optionally, the chip may further include a memory for storing programs or instructions.

[0066] Optionally, the chip may also include the transceiver circuit, or an input / output interface.

[0067] In a twelfth aspect, a chip is provided, including processing circuitry for running a program or instructions to implement a method as described in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0068] Optionally, the chip may further include a memory for storing programs or instructions.

[0069] Optionally, the chip may also include the transceiver circuit, or an input / output interface.

[0070] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0071] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0072] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method as described in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0073] In a sixteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising computer program code or instructions that, when the computer program code or instructions are executed, cause the method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0074] In a seventeenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising computer program code or instructions that, when the computer program code or instructions are executed, cause the method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0075] Eighteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product including computer program code or instructions, which, when the computer program code or instructions are run, cause the method as in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect to be implemented.

[0076] Nineteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising: means for performing the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, means for performing the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, and means for performing the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0077] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture according to an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a satellite beam and coverage according to an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario according to an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram illustrating another application scenario of an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the initial access and paging process of a terminal accessing a network device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the service range of the TN and NTN networks in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 8 This is a time-domain distribution diagram of the network devices sending public information in different states according to embodiments of this application;

[0085] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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), new radio (NR) protocols (such as the TS38 series of technical specifications), and related protocols applied to future communication systems. This application does not limit this.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] The method provided in this application embodiment can be used in various communication systems, such as 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) communication systems, for example, long-term evolution (LTE) systems, 5th generation mobile communication technology (5G) systems, such as 5G NR communication systems, or various future communication systems and future communication networks.

[0100] The method provided in this application 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, or any future communication system, such as NR NTN, IoT NTN, etc. The NTN communication system can be, for example, a satellite communication system, 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture according to an embodiment of this application. It includes non-terrestrial network devices, terrestrial network devices, and terminals, which together form a non-terrestrial communication network (NTN). For ease of understanding, non-terrestrial network devices and terrestrial network devices can be collectively referred to as network devices.

[0103] NTN refers to networks that use radio frequency resources on satellite platforms (including low Earth orbit, medium Earth orbit, and geostationary orbit satellites), drone platforms, or high-altitude communication platforms to provide communication services. Compared to terrestrial cellular networks (such as 5G NR), NTN networks have wider coverage, higher path loss, greater latency, faster speeds, and lower costs. As a supplement and extension to terrestrial networks, NTN can achieve wide-area seamless coverage that wired telephone networks and terrestrial mobile communication networks cannot, effectively solving the problem of internet access in areas with scarce communication infrastructure. For example, by deploying a large number of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), seamless coverage over the ground can be achieved through reasonable constellation construction, and the round-trip transmission latency between satellites and ground terminals can be significantly reduced compared to geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, reaching the tens of millisecond level. With the use of technologies such as high-frequency bands, multi-beamforming, and frequency reuse, the communication capabilities of satellites have been significantly improved, while reducing the unit broadband cost, thus meeting the needs of high-data-rate services. Compared to terrestrial 5G networks and submarine fiber optic cables, NTN also has a significant cost advantage. Modern small satellites have low R&D and manufacturing costs, and software-defined technologies can further extend the lifespan of satellites in orbit. In addition to global coverage (such as remote areas and ocean-going vessels), NTNs can also be used in emergency relief (such as disaster monitoring and emergency communications), the Internet of Things, and high-speed mobility (such as high-speed rail and airplanes).

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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 service function (AUSF). The core network is used to complete functions such as registration, connection, and session management. The network open function module exposes 3GPP network functions' services and capabilities to the application function (AF), while also allowing the AF to provide information to the 3GPP network function; the policy and charging function module manages charging and QoS policies; the session management function (SMF) module performs session management functions such as UE IP address allocation, UPF selection, and charging and QoS policy control; and the user plane function (UPF) module performs user plane data forwarding and generates call detail records (CDRs) based on traffic conditions. It also acts as a data plane anchor point.

[0108] In one possible scenario, the network device can be any device with wireless transceiver capabilities in a satellite network. This includes, but is not limited to: evolved Node Bs (NodeBs, eNBs, or e-NodeBs) in LTE, base stations (gNodeBs or gNBs) or transceiver points (TRPs) in NR, base stations evolved from 3GPP, access nodes, wireless relay nodes, and wireless backhaul nodes in WiFi systems. Satellite base stations can be macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small cells, or relay stations. Network devices can also be balloon stations, drone stations, etc. Multiple base stations can support networks using the same technology mentioned above, or they can support networks using different technologies mentioned above. A base station can contain one or more co-located or non-co-located TRPs. The following explanation uses a satellite base station as an example. The multiple network devices can be base stations of the same type or different types. The base station can communicate with the terminal device, or it can communicate with the terminal device through a relay station. Terminal devices can communicate with multiple base stations using different technologies. For example, a terminal device can communicate with a base station supporting LTE networks, or with a base station supporting 5G networks, and can also support dual connectivity with both LTE and 5G base stations. In the development of NTN networks, the 3GPP standards organization conducted standardization research on NTN, aiming to achieve NTN construction using the NR architecture. 3GPP began research on satellite-ground convergence with Release 14 (R14), discussing the role and advantages of satellites in 5G systems in TS22.261, and for the first time specifying 5G support for satellite access. In R15, the first 5G and satellite convergence technology report, TR 38.811, was formed, defining eight eMBB scenarios and two mMTC scenarios, and defining the NTN channel model. R16 further studied the architecture and solutions for NR supporting NTN in TR 38.821. Based on the research results of R16, the standardization work for 5G NR supporting NTN was initiated in R17, resulting in the first version of the convergence technology specification. R18 will continue to conduct corresponding NTN enhancement research.

[0109] Because satellites are less susceptible to natural disasters or external damage, research is currently underway to use them as access network equipment (such as base stations) in mobile communication systems to provide communication services to areas such as oceans and forests. Unlike terrestrial base stations, satellites move at higher speeds relative to the ground and travel much farther, resulting in greater signal path loss when used as base stations. Current communication mechanisms designed for communication between terminal devices and terrestrial base stations cannot be directly applied to communication between terminal devices and satellite base stations. Figure 1 In the scenario shown, the UE can obtain continuous service under the combined coverage of non-terrestrial network equipment and terrestrial network equipment. Satellite coverage covers a larger area, achieving wide-area coverage.

[0110] In NTN systems, unlike terrestrial systems where a maximum of 8 SSBs (FR1) or 64 SSBs (FR2) are sufficient to cover the service area of ​​a single base station, NTN systems may require hundreds or even thousands of broadcast beams. For example, an NTN system with an orbital altitude of 600 km can provide a service area of ​​hundreds of thousands of square kilometers for a single satellite. To overcome path loss due to transmission distance and ensure communication service quality, satellites typically employ large-scale antenna arrays to provide higher array gain, but this also results in narrower beam main lobes. For instance, a 3dB beamwidth coverage radius is only a few dozen kilometers, covering an area of ​​approximately several hundred square kilometers. Therefore, achieving seamless coverage of a single satellite's service area using narrow beams would require thousands of beams. Furthermore, even with some beam widening, hundreds of beams are still needed to maintain the required gain level for coverage. Figure 2 The diagram shown is a satellite beam and coverage schematic of an embodiment of this application. Due to the large coverage area of ​​satellite communication, a large number of scanning beams are required. The number of beams may be 64, 128, 256, 512, etc.

[0111] like Figure 3 The figure shown is a schematic diagram of an application scenario according to an embodiment of this application. The figure illustrates a schematic diagram of the transparent satellite relay process. Figure 3 Mode 1 includes terminal equipment, transparently relayed satellites, non-3GPP interoperability satellite stations, a core network (including a 5G core network), and a data network. In this mode, the terminal establishes a connection with the transparently relayed satellites via non-3GPP radio protocols. The transparently relayed satellites connect to the gateway via non-3GPP radio protocols. The gateway connects to the core network via Next Generation (NG) interfaces (including N2 or N3 interfaces). The core network then connects to the data network via the N6 interface. Figure 3Mode 2 includes handheld devices or IoT devices, transparent satellite / RF relay equipment, base stations, core networks, and data networks. Handheld devices or IoT devices connect to the transparent satellite / RF relay equipment via the NR wireless protocol. The transparent satellite / RF relay equipment connects to the base station via the NR wireless protocol. The base station connects to the core network via the NG interface, and the core network connects to the data network via the N6 interface.

[0112] In this scenario, the transparent relay satellite only acts as a frequency conversion relay, essentially functioning as an analog radio frequency repeater. The satellite replicates the NR Uu radio interface signal from the feed link (between the NTN gateway and the satellite) to the service link (between the satellite and the UE), and vice versa. The satellite radio interface on the feed link transmits the NR-Uu interface signal; that is, the satellite does not terminate the NR Uu interface signal but rather replicates it. The NTN gateway supports all necessary functions for forwarding the NR-Uu interface signal. Different transmission satellites can connect to the same ground base station.

[0113] like Figure 4 The diagram illustrates another application scenario of this application. The diagram shows a satellite regeneration mode, including a handheld device or IoT device, a regeneration mode satellite, a base station / CU, a core network, and a data network. The handheld device or IoT device establishes a connection with the regeneration mode satellite via the NR wireless protocol. The regeneration mode satellite connects to the base station / CU via the F1 interface. The base station / CU connects to the core network via the NG interface. The core network connects to the data network via the N6 interface.

[0114] In this scenario, the regenerable mode satellite includes gNB equipment or a digital processing unit (DU). In this architecture, the satellite acts as a base station, regenerating signals received from the ground. Specifically, NR-Uu radio interface signals are transmitted on the service link between the UE and the satellite, and satellite radio interface signals are transmitted on the feeder link between the NTN gateway and the satellite. The SRI interface is a transmission link between the NTN gateway and the satellite. NG interface signals are transmitted to the NTN gateway via the SRI interface, and then forwarded by the NTN gateway to the ground-based core network equipment.

[0115] In the above scenarios, during the initial access phase of the network, the network device needs to scan all beams sequentially and configure random access resources for the terminal device. For example... Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating the initial access and paging process of a terminal accessing a network device according to an embodiment of this application. The random access process generally refers to the process from when the terminal device sends a random access preamble (or simply preamble) to attempt to access the network device until a basic signaling connection is established between the terminal device and the network device. Currently, network devices can broadcast different synchronization signals / physical broadcast channel blocks (SS / PBCH blocks or SSBs) for different communication areas, distinguished by their SSB index numbers. Generally, different SSB indices represent downlink synchronization signals with different beam directions, covering and serving different areas. After receiving the SSB, the terminal device completes timing synchronization and confirms the time-frequency position of system information SIB1 according to the information in the SSB, and then resolves SIB1 to obtain cell information. The terminal detects SIB19 based on the search space configured in SIB1 and completes data parsing to obtain the satellite's ephemeris information (for terrestrial systems, ephemeris information is not required; for satellite systems, it is required. As shown in the figure, SIB19 is the system message carried by the ephemeris information that the NTN cell needs to send). After obtaining cell information and / or ephemeris information (only required for satellite systems), the UE sends a random access preamble on the corresponding uplink resources based on the configuration information and SSB index. For the network device, the received random access preamble and the corresponding uplink resources can be used to determine the area where the terminal device is located and establish a connection with the terminal device.

[0116] After a UE accesses the network, it can perform service data transmission. During this process, the UE can report its own location, and the network can then use a narrower beamwidth for downlink (DL) and uplink (UP) data transmission to a specific UE based on that location. When the network needs to page a UE, it sends a paging message to the UE. This paging message uses the same beamwidth associated with the SSB and carries the UE's UE ID. Therefore, the area covered by a paging message associated with an SSB is the same as the area covered by that SSB. If multiple UEs are being paged within the same SSB range, a single paging message can be used for paging. Since NTN and TN are independent cells, if a UE can receive signals from both TN and NTN cells, it can choose to access either the TN or NTN cell for service. NTN cells have a wider coverage area; the coverage of one NTN cell will include multiple terrestrial TN cells. In general, the initial access process of TN & NTN cells requires sending common channels such as SSB and SIB1, and after access, users are paged via Paging.

[0117] In the above NTN systems, such as Figure 6 As shown, a single satellite beam can cover multiple ground cells. Each ground cell has a small coverage area, resulting in a large number of cells covering the same area. Furthermore, each cell transmits public information, such as... Figure 5 The signal between the base station and the terminal during the process shown includes common information such as SSB, SIB1, OSI, and Paging, which generates significant overhead. To address this, this application proposes a method that indicates the operating status of the TN device based on the location information of the terminal served by the TN network, service requirements, and the load status of the TN device. For example, the TN device may be shut down or sent with some common information to reduce the power consumption of the TN device.

[0118] like Figure 7 The diagram shows a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application, including steps S702 and S703. This method is executed by a first device, a terrestrial network device, and a non-terrestrial network device. The first device includes a terrestrial network (TN) device, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) device, or a third-party device other than a terrestrial network device and a non-terrestrial network device.

[0119] S702, the first device obtains first information, which includes at least one of the following: location information of the terminal served by the terrestrial network device, the service requirements of the terminal, or the load status of the terrestrial network device.

[0120] For example, the location information of the terminal served by the terrestrial network equipment includes: the coordinates of the terminal, whether the terminal is indoors or outdoors, and the area where the terminal is located.

[0121] For example, the service requirements of a terminal include: the terminal device has data transmission requirements, the terminal device does not have data transmission requirements, the data transmission requirements of the terminal device are greater than a predetermined threshold, or the data transmission requirements of the terminal device are less than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0122] For example, the load status of a terrestrial network device includes: the load status of the terrestrial network device is higher than a predefined threshold, or the load status of the terrestrial network device is less than or equal to a predefined threshold.

[0123] S703, the first device determines second information based on the first information, the second information indicating at least one of the following: the terrestrial network device is turned on, the terrestrial network device is turned off, or the terrestrial network device sends a first part of the terrestrial network device's public information.

[0124] In this method, the first device can be deployed in a ground area (such as a centralized node on a TN network) or an air area (such as a centralized node on an NTN network). The first device can communicate with the TN network and the NTN network, collect information reported by the TN network and the NTN network, make judgments and decisions based on this information, and instruct the TN network and the NTN network to cooperate.

[0125] For example, the first part of the public information includes the SSB.

[0126] For example, such as Figure 8 The diagram shows the time-domain distribution of public information sent by network devices in different states. When the terrestrial network device is powered on, it sends public information such as SSB, SIB1, OSI, and Paging. When the terrestrial network device is powered off, it does not send any messages and consumes no power. When the terrestrial network device sends the first part of its public information (such as SSB), the power consumption is less than the power consumption when the terrestrial network device is powered on.

[0127] In some implementations, when the terminal in the first information is an indoor terminal, the second information is determined to be the activation of the terrestrial network equipment based on the first information, because the satellite beam will be blocked by buildings and cannot provide normal service.

[0128] In some implementations, smart reflective panels are deployed in the building area to transmit NTN network signals to the indoor scene and provide services to indoor users. In this approach, when the terminal in the first information is an indoor terminal, the second information is determined based on the first information to be either the ground network device being turned off or the ground network device sending partial information, and the NTN device provides services.

[0129] In some implementations, when the terminal in the first information is an outdoor terminal, the second information is determined based on the first information to be either the terrestrial network equipment shutting down or the terrestrial network equipment sending some public information. This is because NTN equipment can provide services to terminals over a wide area in an outdoor environment, and instructing TN equipment to shut down or send some public information can reduce the overhead of the TN network.

[0130] In some implementations, when the terminal in the first information is an outdoor terminal, the second information is determined based on the first information to be either the ground network device being turned on or the ground network device sending some public information.

[0131] For example, when the data transmission demand of an outdoor terminal exceeds a predefined threshold, and the NTN device is unable to provide normal service due to high signal loss, it instructs the TN network to start providing services or instructs the TN network to send some public information so that the terminal can choose to access the TN network to obtain better services.

[0132] In some implementations, the TN-Type ENUMERATED field indicates the operating status of the TN network.

[0133] Examples include: using TN-off to indicate that a TN device is off, using TN-on to indicate that a TN device is on, and using TN-SSB-only to indicate that a TN device is sending some common information.

[0134] In some implementations, the operating status of the TN network is indicated by tables and bit indexes.

[0135] For example, the table and bit indexing shown in Table 1 indicate the operating status of the TN network:

[0136] Table 1

[0137] Bit meaning 00 TN network shutdown 01 TN network enabled 10 TN network only sends SSB 11 Undefined

[0138] In some implementations, the operating status of the TN network is indicated by a bitmap.

[0139] For example, 001 indicates that the TN network is off, 010 indicates that the TN network is on, and 100 indicates that the TN network only sends the first part of the public information.

[0140] In some implementations, the first part of the public information also includes at least one of the following: SIB1, OSI, or paging.

[0141] For example, the first part of public information includes SIB1, the first part of public information includes SSB and SIB1, the first part of public information includes SSB, SIB1 and OSI, and the first part of public information includes: SSB, SIB1, OSI and paging.

[0142] For example, when the first part of the public information includes SSB and SIB1, the TN-Type ENUMERATED field indicates the operating status of the TN network. TN-off indicates that the TN device is off, TN-on indicates that the TN device is on, TN-SSB-only indicates that the TN device sends an SSB, and TN-SSBandSIB1 indicates that the TN device sends both an SSB and SIB1.

[0143] For example, the operational status of a TN network can be indicated using tables and bit indexes. Table 2, for instance, illustrates this method of using tables and bit indexes to indicate the operational status of a TN network.

[0144] Table 2

[0145] Bit meaning 00 TN network shutdown 01 TN network enabled 10 TN network only sends SSB 11 TN network sends SSB and SIB1

[0146] For example, when the first part of the public information includes SSB and SIB1, the bitmap is used as follows: 0001 indicates that the TN network is off, 0010 indicates that the TN network is on, 0100 indicates that the TN network only sends SSB, and 1000 indicates that the TN network sends both SSB and SIB1.

[0147] Optionally, this method also includes S701.

[0148] S701, the terrestrial network device sends the first information. Correspondingly, the first device receives the first information.

[0149] It is understood that when the first device is not a terrestrial network device or the first device is not the terrestrial network device that sent the first information, the terrestrial network device sends the first information to the first device.

[0150] Alternatively, this method may also include S704 to S707.

[0151] S704: The first device sends the second information. The corresponding ground network device receives the second information.

[0152] It is understandable that when the first device is not a terrestrial network device or is not the terrestrial network device that needs to be instructed, the first device sends the second information to the terrestrial network device.

[0153] S705, the first device determines the third information based on the first information, and the third information instructs the non-terrestrial network device to send the public information of the terrestrial network device.

[0154] In some implementations, when the second information instructs the terrestrial network device to shut down, and / or when the second information instructs the terrestrial network device to send a first part of public information, the first device determines the third information based on the first information, and the third information instructs the non-terrestrial network device to send the public information of the terrestrial network device.

[0155] It is understandable that the second information instructs the terrestrial network device to shut down, and / or, when the second information instructs the terrestrial network device to send the first part of the public information, the third information instructs the non-terrestrial network device to send the public information of the terrestrial network device, which can reduce the overhead of the terrestrial network while ensuring the normal service of the terminal.

[0156] In some implementations, the third information also instructs the non-terrestrial network device to send differentiated public information.

[0157] For example, the differentiated information includes the location information and RO resource configuration information of the terrestrial network equipment, as well as other characteristic information of the terrestrial network equipment. Terminal devices can connect to the target terrestrial network equipment they need to access based on this differentiated information.

[0158] In some implementations, the first information includes the location information of the terminal served by the terrestrial network device. When the terminal is determined to be the first terminal based on the location information, the third information is determined to instruct the non-terrestrial network device to send the public information of the terrestrial network device, and the second information is determined to instruct: the terrestrial network device to be turned off, or the terrestrial network device to send the first part of the public information of the terrestrial network device. The first terminal includes an outdoor terminal.

[0159] For example, when the terminal device is an outdoor terminal and the NTN device can support the terminal's service needs, the NTN device is instructed to send public information of the terrestrial network device, and the second information is determined to instruct the terrestrial network device to shut down, or the terrestrial network device sends part of the public information.

[0160] S706, the first device sends the third information. Correspondingly, the non-terrestrial network device receives the third information.

[0161] It is understandable that when the first device is not a non-terrestrial network device or the first device is not a non-terrestrial network device that needs to be indicated, the first device sends third information to indicate the non-terrestrial network device.

[0162] In some implementations, the second information instructs the terrestrial network device to shut down, and / or, when the second information instructs the terrestrial network device to send the first part of public information, the first device determines the fourth information, which instructs the service range of the non-terrestrial network device to include the service range of the terrestrial network device.

[0163] For example, the fourth piece of information includes the location of the center point to be covered, the coverage radius, etc., which can instruct the NTN network to adjust its coverage area. Or, taking the location of the TN network as an example, it can indicate the number and location of the TN networks that the NTN network needs to cover.

[0164] For example, there are three TN cells: cell 0, cell 1, and cell 2. Cell 0 is active, while cell 1 and cell 2 are deactivated. However, there are terminals with data transmission needs within the service range of cell 1. In this case, the fourth information indicates that the service range of the NTN device includes the service range of cell 1 to provide services to the terminal, or the fourth information indicates that the service range of the NTN device includes the service range of all three TN cells to provide services to the terminal.

[0165] In some implementations, the fourth piece of information includes the identifier of the TN cell, and the NTN device determines the service area based on the TN cell identifier.

[0166] S707, the first device sends the fourth message. Correspondingly, the non-terrestrial network device receives the fourth message.

[0167] It is understandable that when the first device is not a non-terrestrial network device or the first device is not a non-terrestrial network device that needs to be indicated, the first device sends the fourth information to indicate the non-terrestrial network device.

[0168] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. (See diagram below.) Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 900 may include a processing module 910 and a communication module 920.

[0169] As a first example, the communication device 900 can be used to implement... Figure 7 The embodiment shown illustrates a communication method implemented by a first device. For example, processing module 910 is used to implement... Figure 7 The steps related to the processing performed by the first device in the illustrated embodiment are implemented by the communication module 920. Figure 7 The embodiments shown depict steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first device.

[0170] As an example, when the communication device 900 is used to implement the function implemented by the first device in any of the above method embodiments, the processing module 910 is used to: determine second information based on the first information, wherein the second information indicates at least one of the following: the ground network device is turned on, the second information indicates that the ground network device is turned off, or the ground network device sends a first part of the public information of the ground network device.

[0171] The processing module 910 is also used to determine third information based on the first information, wherein the third information instructs the non-terrestrial network device to send public information of the terrestrial network device.

[0172] The processing module 910 is also used to determine, when the terminal is determined to be the first terminal based on the terminal's location information, to determine a third information instruction that the non-terrestrial network device sends public information of the terrestrial network device, and to determine a second information instruction that the terrestrial network device is turned off, or that the terrestrial network device sends a first part of the terrestrial network device's public information, wherein the first terminal includes an outdoor terminal.

[0173] Processing module 910 is also used to determine fourth information, which indicates that the service range of the non-terrestrial network equipment includes the service range of the terrestrial network equipment.

[0174] As an example, when the communication device 900 is used to implement the function implemented by the first device in any of the above method embodiments, the communication module 920 is used to: obtain first information, the first information including at least one of the following: location information of the terminal served by the terrestrial network device, the service requirements of the terminal, or the load status of the terrestrial network device.

[0175] The communication module 920 is also used to send third information.

[0176] The communication module 920 is also used to send a fourth message.

[0177] The communication module 920 is also used to send a second message.

[0178] For example, when the communication device 900 is used to implement the functions implemented by the network device in any of the above method embodiments, the processing module 910 is used to: determine the operating status of the ground network device based on the second information.

[0179] The communication module 920 is used to acquire second information, which indicates at least one of the following: the ground network device is turned on, the ground network device is turned off, or the ground network device sends a first part of the ground network device's public information.

[0180] The communication module 920 is also used to acquire third information, which instructs non-terrestrial network devices to send public information from terrestrial network devices.

[0181] The communication module 920 is also used to acquire fourth information, which indicates that the service range of the non-terrestrial network equipment includes the service range of the terrestrial network equipment.

[0182] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to another embodiment of this application, which can be used to implement this application. Figure 7 The communication method shown is as follows. Figure 10As shown, the communication device 1000 includes a processor 1010 and a communication circuit 1020. The processor 1010 and the communication circuit 1020 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the communication circuit 1020 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0183] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a memory 1030 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1010, or storing input data required by the processor 1010 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1010 executes instructions. It is understood that the memory 1030 may be located outside the processor 1010, or inside the processor 1010.

[0184] As an example, processor 1010 is used to implement the functions of the processing module 910 described above, and communication circuit 1020 is used to implement the functions of the communication module 920 described above.

[0185] The communication device 1000 can be a network device or a chip used in a network device.

[0186] It is understandable that when the communication device 1000 is a network device, the communication circuit 1020 can be a transceiver. When the communication device 1000 is a chip, the communication circuit 1020 can be an input / output interface.

[0187] The communication device 1000 can be the first device or a chip used in the first device.

[0188] It is understandable that when the communication device 1000 is the first device, the communication circuit 1020 can be a transceiver. When the communication device 1000 is a chip, the communication circuit 1020 can be an input / output interface.

[0189] When the communication device 1000 is used in a terminal device, the processor needs to receive SSB, SIB1, or SIB19 messages sent by the network device and obtain RO resource configuration information, as well as information about the TN or NTN cell. The UE selects a target cell based on its own location, the location of the TN cell, or the location of the NTN cell, receives the SSB from the target cell, determines the corresponding RO resource based on the RO configuration sent by the cell, and sends a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) on that RO resource to access the target cell network. This target cell can be a TN cell or an NTN cell.

[0190] When the communication device 1000 is applied to the first device, the processor needs to receive network status information sent by the TN cell and the NTN cell, determine the current service status in the network (number of UEs, UE location, UE service status, TN cell load, NTN cell load, etc.), and determine the UE associated network information based on the service status (whether a UE is associated with the TN network or the NTN network, i.e., whether a UE will be provided by the TN network or the NTN network next), and send indication information to the TN network and the NTN network, such as indicating the status of the TN network (on, off, SSB-only), and indicating the service coverage area of ​​the NTN network next.

[0191] When the communication device 1000 is applied to a TN device, the processor reports the current service status of the TN network of the first device and receives the status information indication of the first device. Based on the status information, it determines whether the current network is off, on, or only sending SSBs, and performs the corresponding operation.

[0192] When the communication device 1000 is applied to an NTN device, the processor reports the current service status of the NTN network to the first device, receives information indications from the first device, determines the coverage service range, drives the wide beam to transmit SSB, SIB1 / SIB19, receives PRACH, and provides services to users.

[0193] In some embodiments of this application, a computer program product is also provided. When the computer program product is run on a processor, it can implement the method implemented by the network device in any of the above embodiments, or it can implement the method implemented by the first device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0194] 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 network device in any of the above embodiments, or can implement the method implemented by the first device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0195] In some embodiments of this application, a communication system is also provided, which can implement the methods implemented by the network device and the first device in any of the above embodiments.

[0196] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be any of the following devices or all or part of the circuitry used for processing functions: a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0197] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC can reside in a network device or terminal device. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can exist as discrete components in the network device or terminal device.

[0198] 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.

[0199] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0200] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain first information, which includes at least one of the following: location information of the terminal served by the terrestrial network equipment, the service requirements of the terminal, or the load status of the terrestrial network equipment; Based on the first information, second information is determined, wherein the second information indicates at least one of the following: the terrestrial network device is turned on, the second information indicates the terrestrial network device is turned off, or the terrestrial network device sends a first part of its public information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second information instructs the terrestrial network device to shut down, and / or the second information instructs the terrestrial network device to send the first part of the public information; The method further includes: determining third information based on the first information, wherein the third information instructs the non-terrestrial network device to send the public information of the terrestrial network device.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The third information instructs the non-terrestrial network device to send the public information of the terrestrial network device, including: The third information instructs the non-terrestrial network device to send differentiated public information, which includes differences between the public information of the terrestrial network device and the public information of the non-terrestrial network device, and / or differences between the public information of the terrestrial network device and the public information of other terrestrial network devices.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first information includes the location information of the terminal served by the terrestrial network equipment, wherein determining the third information based on the first information includes: When the terminal is determined to be the first terminal based on the location information of the terminal, the third information indicates that the non-terrestrial network device sends the public information of the terrestrial network device, and the second information indicates that the terrestrial network device is turned off, or the terrestrial network device sends the first part of the public information of the terrestrial network device, wherein the first terminal includes an outdoor terminal.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the third message.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes, when the second information instructs the terrestrial network device to shut down, and / or when the second information instructs the terrestrial network device to send the first portion of public information: A fourth piece of information is determined, which indicates that the service range of the non-terrestrial network device includes the service range of the terrestrial network device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first information includes the location information of the terminal served by the terrestrial network equipment, wherein determining the second information based on the first information includes: When the location information of the terminal determines that the terminal is the first terminal, the second information indicates that the terrestrial network device is turned on, or the terrestrial network device sends the first part of the public information of the terrestrial network device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the second message.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain second information, the second information indicating at least one of the following: the terrestrial network device is turned on, the second information indicates the terrestrial network device is turned off, or the terrestrial network device sends a first part of the terrestrial network device's public information; The operating status of the terrestrial network equipment is determined based on the second information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: sending first information, the first information including at least one of the following: location information of the terminal served by the terrestrial network device, the service requirements of the terminal, or the load status of the terrestrial network device.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: acquiring third information, the third information instructing a non-terrestrial network device to send public information of the terrestrial network device.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The third information instructs the non-terrestrial network device to send the public information of the terrestrial network device, including: The third information instructs the non-terrestrial network device to send differentiated public information, which includes the difference between the public information of the terrestrial network device and the public information of the non-terrestrial network device.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: obtaining fourth information, the fourth information indicating that the service range of the non-terrestrial network device includes the service range of the terrestrial network device.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, or includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 9-10, or includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 11-13.

15. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a first device and a network device; The first device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, and the second device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9-13.

16. A chip or chip system, characterized in that, The chip or chip system includes a processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-8 to be executed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 9-10 to be executed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 11-13 to be executed.

17. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions; when some or all of the computer instructions are run on a computer, they cause the method of any one of claims 1-8 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 9-10 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 11-13 to be performed.

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