Communication method, apparatus, and readable storage medium

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of wireless communication, in particular to a communication method, device and readable storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: a terminal device detects / searches SSB according to N candidate frequency groups predefined by a standard; the N candidate frequency groups correspond to a same frequency band, one candidate frequency group comprises at least one SSB candidate frequency; different candidate frequency groups are associated with different search priorities, or different candidate frequency groups are associated with different bandwidths; N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. By adopting the embodiment of the application, the search cost of the terminal device can be reduced, and the search time can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The New Radio (NR) technology of 5G mobile communication systems defines a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SSB). An SSB can contain a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). In the time domain, an SSB occupies four consecutive orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. In the frequency domain, an SSB occupies 240 consecutive subcarriers.

[0003] Before accessing the NR system, terminal devices can first search for SSBs broadcast by network devices for downlink synchronization. Typically, the terminal device can search on frequencies within the synchronization raster, for example, initially attempting to receive an SSB on a frequency of (3000+1.44) MHz. If the SSB is successfully received, subsequent communication procedures (such as downlink synchronization or random access procedures) continue. If the SSB is not successfully received, the terminal device can attempt to receive SSBs on other frequencies within the same synchronization raster, and so on, until successful.

[0004] Currently, search costs on terminal devices are high. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and readable storage medium that can reduce the search overhead of terminal devices.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a communication method applied to a terminal device, which may be a terminal equipment, a communication module or component of the terminal equipment, or a logic module or chip capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal equipment. The method includes: the terminal device detecting a Special Signal-Based Bus (SSB) in N candidate frequency groups based on the bandwidths corresponding to those N candidate frequency groups. These N candidate frequency groups may correspond to a frequency band, which may be a frequency band used for transmitting SSBs. Each candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency. The SSB candidate frequency satisfies predefined rules, such as the SSB candidate frequency satisfying (3000 MHz + N × 1.44 MHz). N is an integer greater than or equal to 0. Different candidate frequency groups are associated with different bandwidths. The N candidate frequency groups correspond to N different bandwidths. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0007] In this application, "SSB candidate frequency" can be understood as "candidate frequency / optional frequency of the SSB's reference subcarrier". The reference subcarrier of the SSB can be the subcarrier numbered 0 in resource block 10 out of the 20 resource blocks (numbered from 0 to 19) occupied by the SSB. A resource block includes 12 consecutive subcarriers, which can be numbered from 0 to 11.

[0008] For example, the aforementioned N candidate frequency packets can be predefined by a standard, or they can be pre-stored / pre-set / pre-burned into the terminal device, or they can be sent to the terminal device by the network device, etc. This application embodiment does not limit the method by which the terminal device obtains the aforementioned N candidate frequency packets.

[0009] For example, the union of the above N candidate frequency groups can be the synchronization grid corresponding to the above frequency band (i.e. the frequency band used to transmit SSB), which satisfies the constraints of the prior art, as described below, but not in detail here.

[0010] In existing technology, network devices transmit SSBs based on one or more SSB candidate frequencies in a synchronization grid. Terminal devices then search for SSBs on frequencies within that synchronization grid. If an SSB is found, the subsequent communication process continues; if no SSB is found, the search continues on other frequencies within the synchronization grid until a successful SSB is found. Furthermore, the spacing between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the synchronization grid is limited by the minimum carrier bandwidth within the frequency band (such as the band used to transmit SSBs). When the minimum carrier bandwidth is small, the spacing between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the synchronization grid is also small. The more SSB candidate frequencies included in the synchronization grid, the greater the probability that the terminal device will perform more searches before finding an SSB, resulting in higher resource consumption.

[0011] In this application, different candidate frequency groups are associated with different bandwidths. That is, different candidate frequency groups are determined based on different bandwidths. The terminal device can then detect SSBs based on the bandwidths corresponding to these multiple candidate frequency groups. For example, it can prioritize detecting SSBs in candidate frequency groups with larger bandwidths. Since most countries or regions allocate large carrier bandwidths, in scenarios with large carrier bandwidths, the terminal device can detect SSBs by searching a small number of SSB candidate frequencies. This reduces the search overhead and latency of the terminal device, shortens the search time, and reduces the search complexity, without changing the minimum carrier bandwidth within a frequency band.

[0012] In this application, the carrier bandwidth can be understood as the bandwidth used for data transmission, that is, the difference between the highest and lowest frequencies of the carrier.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups include a first candidate frequency group and a second candidate frequency group, wherein the bandwidth corresponding to the first candidate frequency group is greater than the bandwidth corresponding to the second candidate frequency group. The terminal device detects a Special Slot (SSB) in the N candidate frequency groups based on their respective bandwidths, including: the terminal device detecting an SSB in the first candidate frequency group; if no SSB is detected in the first candidate frequency group, the terminal device detects an SSB in the second candidate frequency group. If an SSB is detected in the first candidate frequency group, the terminal device continues with subsequent communication procedures, such as a random access procedure.

[0014] In other words, the terminal device first detects SSBs in candidate frequency groups corresponding to large bandwidths. If an SSB is detected in such a candidate frequency group, the subsequent communication process, such as a random access procedure, continues. If no SSB is detected in the candidate frequency group, the device continues to detect SSBs in candidate frequency groups corresponding to smaller bandwidths, until a successful detection is achieved. Since most countries or regions allocate large carrier bandwidths, in most cases, the terminal device can detect an SSB by searching a small number of candidate frequencies, thereby reducing the terminal device's search overhead, search time, and search complexity.

[0015] In this application, "detecting an SSB" can be understood as "attempting to receive an SSB". Correspondingly, "the terminal device detects an SSB in a candidate frequency packet" can be understood as "the terminal device attempts to receive an SSB in this candidate frequency packet". "Not detecting an SSB in a candidate frequency packet" can be understood as "not successfully receiving an SSB in this candidate frequency packet". "Detecting an SSB in a candidate frequency packet" can be understood as "successfully receiving an SSB in this candidate frequency packet".

[0016] Secondly, this application provides a communication method applied to a network device, which may be a network equipment, a communication module or component of the network equipment, or a logic module or chip capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network equipment. The method includes: the network device transmitting a Service-Side Buffer (SSB) based on N candidate frequency groups. These N candidate frequency groups may correspond to a frequency band, which may be a frequency band used for transmitting SSBs. Each candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency. The SSB candidate frequency satisfies predefined rules, such as the SSB candidate frequency satisfying (3000 MHz + N × 1.44 MHz). N is an integer greater than or equal to 0. Different candidate frequency groups are associated with different bandwidths. The N candidate frequency groups correspond to N different bandwidths. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0017] For example, the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups can be predefined by standards, or they can be pre-stored / pre-set / pre-burned into the network device, etc. This application embodiment does not limit the method by which the network device obtains the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups.

[0018] For example, the union of the above N candidate frequency groups can be the synchronization grid corresponding to the above frequency band (i.e. the frequency band used to transmit SSB), which satisfies the constraints of the prior art, as described below, but not in detail here.

[0019] This application defines different candidate frequency groups as associated with different bandwidths. That is, different candidate frequency groups can be determined according to different bandwidths. The network device can send SSBs according to these multiple candidate frequency groups, so that the terminal device can detect the SSB when searching for a small number of SSB candidate frequencies. This can reduce the search overhead and latency of the terminal device, reduce the search time, and reduce the search complexity.

[0020] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the network device transmits an SSB based on N candidate frequency groups, including: the terminal device transmitting an SSB based on one or more SSB candidate frequencies from a candidate frequency group corresponding to the terminal device's carrier bandwidth among the N candidate frequency groups. It can be understood that one SSB can be transmitted based on one SSB candidate frequency; multiple SSBs can be transmitted based on multiple SSB candidate frequencies. It can also be understood that the specific SSB candidate frequencies(s) selected by the network device from the candidate frequency group corresponding to the terminal device's carrier bandwidth for transmission are determined by the network device's own strategy, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0021] This application restricts the network device to transmit SSBs on one or more SSB candidate frequencies in a candidate frequency group corresponding to the carrier bandwidth of the terminal device. On the one hand, this ensures that the terminal device can detect SSBs in the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups. On the other hand, since most countries or regions allocate large carrier bandwidths, meaning that there are more cases where the terminal device has a large carrier bandwidth, the terminal device can detect SSBs by searching a small number of SSB candidate frequencies, thereby reducing the search overhead and latency of the terminal device, reducing search time, and reducing search complexity.

[0022] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the aforementioned different candidate frequency groups are associated with different bandwidths, including: different candidate frequency groups are associated with different carrier bandwidths, or different candidate frequency groups are associated with different available bandwidths. For a description of the carrier bandwidth and available bandwidth, please refer to the following embodiments; they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0023] In combination with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups have no overlap. This prevents the terminal device from performing duplicate detections, further reducing the search overhead of the terminal device.

[0024] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, one of the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups includes: the x-th SSB candidate frequency among the multiple SSB candidate frequencies (i.e., the aforementioned synchronization grid) corresponding to the aforementioned frequency band, and an SSB candidate frequency selected every k SSB candidate frequencies within the range from the x-th SSB candidate frequency to the last SSB candidate frequency corresponding to the frequency band. For example, k can be 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64.

[0025] This application divides the SSB candidate frequencies included in the synchronization grid into N candidate frequency groups according to a fixed step size k, which has low complexity and the SSB candidate frequencies included in the N candidate frequency groups are evenly distributed.

[0026] Thirdly, this application provides a terminal device, which may be a terminal equipment or a chip in a terminal equipment. The terminal device is used to execute the methods described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The terminal device includes modules for executing the methods described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0027] Fourthly, this application provides a network apparatus, which may be a network device or a chip within a network device. The network apparatus is used to perform the methods described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The network apparatus includes modules having the ability to perform the methods described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0028] In the third or fourth aspect, the aforementioned apparatus may include a transceiver module and a processing module. Further details regarding the transceiver module and processing module can be found in the apparatus embodiments shown below. The beneficial effects of the third and fourth aspects described above can be referenced in the relevant descriptions of the first and second aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0029] Fifthly, this application provides a communication method applied to a terminal device, which may be a terminal equipment, a communication module or component of the terminal equipment, or a logic module or chip capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal equipment. The method includes: the terminal device detecting a Special Segment Bus (SSB) in N candidate frequency groups according to their respective search priorities. These N candidate frequency groups may correspond to a frequency band, which may be a frequency band used for transmitting SSBs. Each candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency. The SSB candidate frequency satisfies predefined rules, such as the SSB candidate frequency satisfying (3000 MHz + N × 1.44 MHz). N is an integer greater than or equal to 0. Different candidate frequency groups are associated with different search priorities. The N candidate frequency groups correspond to N different search priorities. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0030] For example, the aforementioned N candidate frequency packets can be predefined by a standard, or they can be pre-stored / pre-set / pre-burned into the terminal device, or they can be sent to the terminal device by the network device, etc. This application embodiment does not limit the method by which the terminal device obtains the aforementioned N candidate frequency packets.

[0031] For example, the union of the above N candidate frequency groups can be the synchronization grid corresponding to the above frequency band (i.e. the frequency band used to transmit SSB), which satisfies the constraints of the prior art, as described below, but not in detail here.

[0032] This application divides the synchronization grid into multiple candidate frequency groups and defines different search priorities for these candidate frequency groups (each candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency). The terminal device then detects SSBs according to the search priorities corresponding to these candidate frequency groups. For example, it prioritizes detecting whether there is an SSB in the candidate frequency group with a higher search priority. In practical applications, the probability of an SSB appearing in the candidate frequency group with a higher search priority is relatively high. This is because the (frequency) interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the candidate frequency group with a higher search priority is large, and its corresponding carrier bandwidth is large. Since most countries or regions allocate large carrier bandwidths, in scenarios with large carrier bandwidths, when the terminal device detects SSBs according to the search order / search priority, it can detect the SSB as early as possible. After detecting the SSB, there is no need to check whether there is an SSB in the remaining candidate frequency groups. This reduces the search overhead of the terminal device, reduces search time, reduces search complexity, and does not change the minimum carrier bandwidth within a frequency band.

[0033] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups include a first candidate frequency group and a second candidate frequency group. The search priority corresponding to the first candidate frequency group is higher than that corresponding to the second candidate frequency group. The terminal device detects SSBs in the N candidate frequency groups according to their respective search priorities, including: the terminal device detecting SSBs in the first candidate frequency group; if no SSB is detected in the first candidate frequency group, the terminal device detects SSBs in the second candidate frequency group. If an SSB is detected in the first candidate frequency group, the terminal device continues with subsequent communication procedures, such as a random access procedure.

[0034] In other words, the terminal device first detects SSBs in candidate frequency groups corresponding to high search priorities. If an SSB is detected in such a candidate frequency group, the subsequent communication process, such as a random access procedure, continues. If no SSB is detected in the candidate frequency group, the device continues to detect SSBs in candidate frequency groups corresponding to lower search priorities until a successful detection is achieved. In this way, the terminal device can detect SSBs by searching a small number of candidate frequencies, thereby reducing the search overhead, search time, and search complexity.

[0035] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups have no overlap. This prevents the terminal device from performing duplicate detections, further reducing the search overhead of the terminal device.

[0036] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, one of the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups includes: the x-th SSB candidate frequency among the multiple SSB candidate frequencies (i.e., the aforementioned synchronization grid) corresponding to the aforementioned frequency band, and an SSB candidate frequency selected every k SSB candidate frequencies within the range from the x-th SSB candidate frequency to the last SSB candidate frequency corresponding to the frequency band. For example, k can be 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64.

[0037] This application divides the SSB candidate frequencies included in the synchronization grid into N candidate frequency groups according to a fixed step size k, which has low complexity and the SSB candidate frequencies included in the N candidate frequency groups are evenly distributed.

[0038] Sixthly, this application provides a communication method applied to a network device, which may be a network equipment, a communication module or component of the network equipment, or a logic module or chip capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network equipment. The method includes: the network device transmitting an SSB based on one or more SSB candidate frequencies. The SSB candidate frequencies satisfy predefined rules, such as (3000 MHz + N × 1.44 MHz). These one or more SSB candidate frequencies are contained in a synchronization grid. The synchronization grid includes multiple SSB candidate frequencies, and the (frequency) interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the synchronization grid meets the requirements of the prior art, as described below, and will not be elaborated here. It is understood that the specific SSB candidate frequencies(s) selected by the network device in the synchronization grid for transmitting the SSB are determined by the network device's own strategy, and this application does not limit this. This method can be implemented without modifying the network side, exhibiting high compatibility.

[0039] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a terminal device, which may be a terminal equipment or a chip within a terminal equipment. The terminal device is used to perform the methods in any possible implementation of the fifth or sixth aspect described above. The terminal device includes modules having the capability to perform the methods in any possible implementation of the fifth or sixth aspect.

[0040] In the seventh aspect, the aforementioned terminal device may include a transceiver module and a processing module. For a detailed description of the transceiver module and the processing module, please refer to the device embodiments shown below. The beneficial effects of the seventh aspect can be referred to the relevant description in the preceding fifth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0041] Eighthly, this application provides a network apparatus, which may be a network device or a chip within a network device. The network apparatus is used to perform the methods described in the sixth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The network apparatus includes modules having the capability to perform the methods described in the sixth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0042] Ninthly, this application provides a communication method applied to a terminal device, which may be a terminal equipment, a communication module or component of the terminal equipment, or a logic module or chip capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal equipment. The method includes: the terminal device detecting SSBs based on N candidate frequency groups. These N candidate frequency groups may correspond to a frequency band, which may be a frequency band used for transmitting SSBs. Each candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency. The SSB candidate frequency satisfies predefined rules, such as the SSB candidate frequency satisfying (3000 MHz + N × 1.44 MHz). N is an integer greater than or equal to 0. Different candidate frequency groups among these N candidate frequency groups are associated with different SSB detection periods. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0043] In this application, the "SSB detection period" refers to the period during which the terminal device detects SSBs when searching for cells, and it is not the same as the period during which the network device transmits SSBs. For example, the SSB detection period can be greater than, less than, or equal to the SSB transmission period.

[0044] For example, the aforementioned N candidate frequency packets can be predefined by a standard, or they can be pre-stored / pre-set / pre-burned into the terminal device, or they can be sent to the terminal device by the network device, etc. This application embodiment does not limit the method by which the terminal device obtains the aforementioned N candidate frequency packets.

[0045] For example, the union of the above N candidate frequency groups can be the synchronization grid corresponding to the above frequency band (i.e. the frequency band used to transmit SSB), which satisfies the constraints of the prior art, as described below, but not in detail here.

[0046] In conjunction with aspect nine, in one possible implementation, the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups include a first candidate frequency group and a second candidate frequency group. The SSB detection period corresponding to the first candidate frequency group is greater than or equal to the SSB detection period corresponding to the second candidate frequency group. The terminal device detects SSBs based on the N candidate frequency groups, including: the terminal device detecting SSBs in the first candidate frequency group according to the SSB detection period corresponding to the first candidate frequency group; if no SSB is detected in the first candidate frequency group, the terminal device detecting SSBs in the second candidate frequency group according to the SSB detection period corresponding to the second candidate frequency group.

[0047] Tenthly, this application provides a communication method applied to a network device, which may be a network equipment, a communication module or component of the network equipment, or a logic module or chip capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network equipment. The method includes: the network device transmitting a Special Signal-Side Buffer (SSB) based on N candidate frequency groups. These N candidate frequency groups may correspond to a frequency band, which may be a frequency band used for transmitting SSBs. Each candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency. The SSB candidate frequency satisfies predefined rules, such as the SSB candidate frequency satisfying (3000 MHz + N × 1.44 MHz). N is an integer greater than or equal to 0. Different candidate frequency groups among these N candidate frequency groups are associated with different SSB detection periods. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0048] For example, the aforementioned N candidate frequency packets can be predefined by a standard, or they can be pre-stored / pre-set / pre-burned into the terminal device, or they can be sent to the terminal device by the network device, etc. This application embodiment does not limit the method by which the terminal device obtains the aforementioned N candidate frequency packets.

[0049] For example, the union of the above N candidate frequency groups can be the synchronization grid corresponding to the above frequency band (i.e. the frequency band used to transmit SSB), which satisfies the constraints of the prior art, as described below, but not in detail here.

[0050] In conjunction with the tenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the terminal device transmits an SSB based on N candidate frequency groups, including: the terminal device transmitting an SSB based on one or more SSB candidate frequencies from a candidate frequency group corresponding to the terminal device's carrier bandwidth among the N candidate frequency groups. It can be understood that one SSB can be transmitted based on one SSB candidate frequency; multiple SSBs can be transmitted based on multiple SSB candidate frequencies. It can also be understood that the specific SSB candidate frequencies(s) selected by the network device from the candidate frequency group corresponding to the terminal device's carrier bandwidth for transmission are determined by the network device's own strategy, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0051] In conjunction with aspect nine or ten, in one possible implementation, the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups have no overlap. This prevents the terminal device from performing duplicate detections, further reducing the search overhead of the terminal device.

[0052] In conjunction with aspect nine or ten, in one possible implementation, one of the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups includes: the x-th SSB candidate frequency among the plurality of SSB candidate frequencies (i.e., the aforementioned synchronization grid) corresponding to the aforementioned frequency band, and an SSB candidate frequency selected every k SSB candidate frequencies within the range from the x-th SSB candidate frequency to the last SSB candidate frequency corresponding to the frequency band. For example, k can be 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64.

[0053] This application divides the SSB candidate frequencies included in the synchronization grid into N candidate frequency groups according to a fixed step size k, which has low complexity and the SSB candidate frequencies included in the N candidate frequency groups are evenly distributed.

[0054] In conjunction with aspect nine or ten, in one possible implementation, when k takes the value of 8, 16 or 32, the SSB detection period corresponding to the candidate frequency group is any one of the following: 160ms, 80ms or 40ms.

[0055] In conjunction with aspect nine or ten, in one possible implementation, when k takes the value of 2, 4 or 8, the SSB detection period corresponding to the candidate frequency group is any one of the following: 40ms or 20ms.

[0056] Eleventhly, this application provides a terminal device, which may be a terminal equipment or a chip in a terminal equipment. The terminal device is used to execute the method in the ninth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The terminal device includes modules having the ability to execute the method in the ninth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0057] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a network apparatus, which may be a network device or a chip within a network device. The network apparatus is used to perform the methods described in the tenth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The network apparatus includes modules having functions for performing the methods described in the tenth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0058] In the eleventh or twelfth aspect, the aforementioned apparatus may include a transceiver module and a processing module. The beneficial effects of the eleventh and twelfth aspects can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the ninth and tenth aspects mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0059] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including a processor configured to execute the methods described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect, or the ninth aspect, or the tenth aspect, or any one of these aspects or any possible implementations thereof. The processor executes a program stored in a memory, and when the program is executed, the methods described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect, or the ninth aspect, or the tenth aspect, or any one of these aspects or any possible implementations thereof are executed.

[0060] In conjunction with aspect thirteen, in one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the aforementioned communication device.

[0061] In conjunction with aspect thirteen, in one possible implementation, the memory is located within the aforementioned communication device.

[0062] In conjunction with aspect thirteen, in one possible implementation, the processor and memory can also be integrated into a single device; that is, the processor and memory can be integrated together. For example, the communication device can be a chip.

[0063] In conjunction with aspect thirteen, in one possible implementation, the aforementioned communication device further includes a transceiver for sending or receiving information. Exemplarily, the communication device may be a terminal device or a network device.

[0064] In a fourteenth aspect, this application provides a communication device including a processor and an interface circuit coupled together. The interface circuit is used for transmitting, receiving, or inputting / outputting information or data. The processor is used to execute program instructions that cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any possible implementation of the first, second, fifth, sixth, ninth, or tenth aspects above. The interface circuit may be a communication interface or a transceiver. The transceiver may be a radio frequency module in the communication device, or a combination of a radio frequency module and an antenna, or an input / output interface of a chip or circuit.

[0065] In a fifteenth aspect, this application provides a readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in any possible implementation of the first aspect, or the second aspect, or the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect, or the ninth aspect, or the tenth aspect, or any of the aspects described above.

[0066] In a sixteenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product containing program instructions that, when run, causes the method described in any possible implementation of the first aspect, or the second aspect, or the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect, or the ninth aspect, or the tenth aspect, or any of the aspects, to be executed.

[0067] In a seventeenth aspect, this application provides a communication system comprising a terminal device and a network device. The terminal device is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof; the network device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0068] Alternatively, the communication system may include a terminal device for performing the method described in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0069] Alternatively, the communication system includes a terminal device and a network device. The terminal device is used to perform the method described in the ninth aspect or any possible implementation thereof; the network device is used to perform the method described in the tenth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0070] The technical effects achieved in the above aspects can be referred to each other or to the beneficial effects in the method embodiments shown below, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0071] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a possible device provided by an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is another schematic diagram of a possible device provided by an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0072] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific operation methods and functional descriptions in the method embodiments can also be applied to the device embodiments or system embodiments.

[0073] 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.

[0074] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or, b, or, c, or, a and b, or, a and c, or, b and c, or, a, b, and c. Here, a, b, and c can each be single or multiple.

[0075] In this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they distinguish different instruction information, rather than describing a specific order or sequence. Such descriptions can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0076] In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. "Send information to XX (device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being that device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to that device. "Receive information from XX (device)" can be understood as the source of the information being that device, and can include receiving information directly or indirectly from that device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be elaborated further here. Additionally, "send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. In other words, "send" or "receive" can occur between devices, for example, between network devices and terminal devices via an air interface; "send" or "receive" can also occur within a device, for example, between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0077] It is understandable that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar statements in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0078] In this application, the words "exemplary," "for example," "such as," etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the term "example" is used to present concepts in a concrete manner.

[0079] In this application, expressions such as "A is associated with B" or "B corresponds to A" can indicate that there is a correspondence / mapping relationship between A and B, and that B can be determined based on A. Determining B based on A includes determining B based solely on A, as well as determining B based on A and other information.

[0080] The following describes the communication system involved in this application.

[0081] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems or New Radio (NR) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems, 5.5G / 5G-Advanced (5G enhanced) systems, or future communication systems, such as 6th generation mobile communication systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to low-frequency scenarios, high-frequency scenarios, terahertz, optical communication, licensed frequency bands, and unlicensed frequency bands.

[0082] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 1000 may include a wireless access network 100, and optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include a core network 200 and / or an Internet 300. The wireless access network 100 may include at least one network device (such as...). Figure 1 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110, may also include at least one terminal device (such as...). Figure 1 The 120a-120j models are collectively referred to as 120. Terminal devices connect to network devices wirelessly, and network devices connect to core network devices wirelessly or via wired connections. Core network devices and network devices can be independent physical devices, or they can integrate the functions of core network devices and network devices onto the same physical device. Alternatively, a single physical device can integrate some core network device functions and some network device functions. Terminal devices and network devices can be interconnected via wired or wireless connections.

[0083] Understandable. Figure 1 This is just a schematic diagram; the communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless repeaters and wireless backhaul devices. Figure 1 It is not shown in the middle.

[0084] A network device can be a device deployed in a wireless access network that enables wireless communication with terminals. Network devices can take many forms, such as base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), transmission reception points (TRPs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs) in 5G mobile communication systems, and base stations in future mobile communication systems.

[0085] Network equipment can be macro base stations (such as...) Figure 1 (e.g., 110a), or it can be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as...) Figure 1 The 110b in the text can also be a relay node or donor node. Network equipment can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN) device, a cloud radio access network (CRAN) device, or satellite or drone equipment in NTN communication. Network equipment can also be an access network device in a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems. Network equipment can be a macro base station (such as...). Figure 1 (e.g., 110a), or it can be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as...) Figure 1 The 110b in the figure can also be a relay node or donor node, or a terminal that implements base station functions in machine-to-machine (M2M) or device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0086] In addition, network devices can also be modules or units that perform some of the functions of a base station. For example, they can be central units (CU), distributed units (DU), or radio units (RU). RUs can be used to transmit and receive radio signals. CUs and DUs can be two independent network devices or integrated into the same network device, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). CUs can be further divided into two types of radio access network nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane. In different systems, network devices may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The network devices in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules. For example, the network device can be a server loaded with corresponding software modules.

[0087] The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network devices. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a network device in the following description. It is understood that a base station can be referred to as a communication device. For example, a base station can be understood as a device with base station functions. For example, the device used to implement the functions of a base station can be a base station; or some components in a base station, such as CU, DU, etc. It can also be a device that can support the base station in implementing this function, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module, which can be installed in a base station or can be used in conjunction with a base station. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0088] Terminal devices can be devices with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from base stations. Terminal devices can also be called terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations (MS), mobile terminals (MT), etc. They are widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, smart homes, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation, autonomous delivery and mobility, etc. Terminal devices can include mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc.

[0089] The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device. It is understood that the terminal device may be referred to as a communication device. For example, a terminal device can be understood as a device with terminal functions. For example, the device used to implement the terminal function can be a terminal device; it can also be a device capable of supporting the terminal in implementing that function, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module. This device can be installed in the terminal device or can be used in conjunction with the terminal device.

[0090] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0091] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative, for example, Figure 1The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 The 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1 The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0092] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0093] It is understood that the system architecture described in this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided in this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture, the technical solution provided in this application is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0094] In the frequency domain, a single SSB occupies 240 consecutive subcarriers, which can be numbered from 0 to 239 (0, 1, 2, 3, …, 239). In OFDM-based communication systems, a typical frequency domain resource block (hereinafter referred to as a resource block) consists of 12 consecutive subcarriers, which can be numbered from 0 to 11 (0, 1, 2, 3, …, 11). Therefore, the 240 subcarriers occupied by an SSB can also be referred to as 20 resource blocks, which can be numbered from 0 to 19 (0, 1, 2, 3, …, 19). For an SSB, the subcarrier numbered 0 in resource block number 10 is the reference subcarrier, and the frequency corresponding to the reference subcarrier of each SSB satisfies predefined rules. For example, the rule is (3000MHz + N × 1.44 MHz), where N = 0,1,2,3,…, 14756, and the symbol “×” represents the mathematical operation “multiply” or “by”, which will not be elaborated further below. In other words, the frequency corresponding to the reference subcarrier of any SSB satisfies (3000 MHz + N × 1.44MHz).

[0095] A synchronization raster can be used to describe candidate / optional frequencies of the reference subcarrier of an SSB, enabling terminal devices (such as UEs) to quickly locate the SSB. In other words, a synchronization raster can include one or more frequencies that satisfy the predefined rules described above. For ease of description, this application refers to "candidate / optional frequencies of the reference subcarrier of the SSB" as "SSB candidate frequencies," and will not repeat the terminology below. In other words, the "SSB candidate frequencies" described in this application can be understood as "candidate / optional frequencies of the reference subcarrier of the SSB."

[0096] Before accessing the NR system, terminal devices can search for SSBs broadcast by network devices for downlink synchronization. Typically, the terminal device can search on frequencies within the synchronization grid. For example, it might first attempt to receive an SSB on a frequency of (3000 + 1.44) MHz. If the SSB is successfully received, subsequent communication procedures (such as downlink synchronization or random access) continue. If the SSB is not successfully received, the terminal device can try receiving the SSB again on other frequencies within the synchronization grid (such as (3000 + 1.44 × 2) MHz). If the SSB is still not successfully received, it continues to try on other frequencies until it succeeds.

[0097] Currently, the spacing between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in a synchronization grid is related to the minimum carrier bandwidth within a frequency band (such as the band used to transmit SSBs). The smaller the minimum carrier bandwidth within a frequency band, the smaller the spacing between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the synchronization grid; conversely, the larger the minimum carrier bandwidth within a frequency band, the larger the spacing between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the synchronization grid. For example, assuming the spacing between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the synchronization grid is X, then the value of X satisfies: X + SSB bandwidth < minimum carrier bandwidth …………………………………(1-1) Here, SSB bandwidth refers to the bandwidth occupied by the SSB. For example, for certain frequency bands, the minimum carrier bandwidth is 10 MHz, the SSB bandwidth is 7.2 MHz, therefore X is 1.44 MHz. For these frequency bands, the interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the synchronization grid is 1.44 MHz.

[0098] However, some frequency bands have bandwidths of several hundred megahertz, but the minimum carrier bandwidth within these bands may be small. When the interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies is 1.44 MHz, there are hundreds of SSB candidate frequencies corresponding to these frequency bands, and the terminal equipment (such as UE) consumes a lot of resources when performing SSB search.

[0099] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, apparatus, and readable storage medium. This method can reduce the search overhead and search time of terminal devices without changing the minimum carrier bandwidth within a frequency band.

[0100] This application describes "terminal device" and "network device" as the execution subjects. The terminal device can be a terminal equipment (such as a UE), a communication module or component of a terminal equipment, or a logic module or chip that can implement all or part of the functions of a terminal equipment. The network device can be a network equipment (such as a base station), a communication module or component of a network equipment, or a logic module or chip that can implement all or part of the functions of a network equipment. This application does not limit the specific form of the terminal device and the network device.

[0101] The communication method of this application embodiment is described below by way of example.

[0102] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the communication method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps: S101, the network device transmits an SSB based on one or more SSB candidate frequencies.

[0103] In one possible implementation, the network device can periodically broadcast a Service-Specific Bus (SSB) whose reference subcarrier (i.e., the subcarrier numbered 0 in resource block number 10) corresponds to a frequency that satisfies predefined rules in the standard. For example, the frequency corresponding to the reference subcarrier of the SSB might satisfy (3000 MHz + N × 1.44 MHz), where N is an integer greater than or equal to 0. The range of N can be determined by the standard, for example, N = 0, 1, 2, 3, ..., 14756. Exemplarily, the standard can also predefine frequency bands for transmitting SSBs and corresponding synchronization grids. These synchronization grids include multiple candidate SSB frequencies, and the (frequency) interval between two adjacent candidate SSB frequencies in the synchronization grid is related to the minimum carrier bandwidth within the frequency band. The network device can broadcast an SSB based on one or more candidate SSB frequencies in the synchronization grid. It is understood that the network device can transmit one SSB based on one candidate SSB frequency in the synchronization grid; and multiple SSBs based on multiple candidate SSB frequencies in the synchronization grid. It can also be understood that the specific SSB candidate frequency selected by the network device in the synchronization grid to transmit the SSB is determined by the network device's own strategy, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0104] S102, the terminal device detects SSBs according to the search priorities corresponding to the N candidate frequency groups; the N candidate frequency groups correspond to a frequency band, and each candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency. Different candidate frequency groups are associated with different search priorities. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the synchronization grid described above includes multiple SSB candidate frequencies, which can be divided into N candidate frequency groups. Each candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency. For example, these N candidate frequency groups have no overlap. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. These N candidate frequency groups may correspond to the same frequency band, which can be a band used for transmitting SSBs. Different candidate frequency groups may be associated with different search priorities. In other words, different candidate frequency groups correspond to different search priorities. However, the search priorities corresponding to the individual SSB candidate frequencies within the same candidate frequency group can be the same.

[0106] In one possible implementation, different candidate frequency groups among the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups are associated with different SSB detection periods. In other words, at least two different candidate frequency groups among the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups correspond to different SSB detection periods. However, the SSB detection periods corresponding to the various SSB candidate frequencies within the same candidate frequency group can be the same. It is understood that the "SSB detection period" in this application refers to the period during which the terminal device detects SSBs during cell search, and it is not equivalent to the period during which the network device transmits SSBs. For example, the SSB detection period can be greater than, less than, or equal to the SSB transmission period.

[0107] It is understood that the “candidate frequency grouping” mentioned in the embodiments of this application is only a way of describing for convenience. In essence, it refers to some frequency points (or SSB candidate frequencies). In some scenarios, it may not exist in the form of “grouping”. It may exist in the form of “set”, “list” or “some frequency points / at least one frequency point”. The embodiments of this application are not limited to this.

[0108] In one possible implementation, one of the N candidate frequency groups may include: the xth SSB candidate frequency among the multiple SSB candidate frequencies (i.e., the synchronization grid) corresponding to the above frequency band (i.e., the frequency band used to transmit SSB), and an SSB candidate frequency selected every k SSB candidate frequencies within the range from the xth SSB candidate frequency to the last SSB candidate frequency (corresponding to the frequency band).

[0109] For example, the aforementioned synchronization grid includes M SSB candidate frequencies. These M SSB candidate frequencies are arranged in ascending or descending order and numbered starting from 0, such as 0, 1, 2, 3, ..., (M-1). The numbering of the SSB candidate frequencies included in a candidate frequency group can be represented by a data set as [x : k : (M-1)]. The value of x can be different for different candidate frequency groups. In this application, [x : k : (M-1)] represents a data set starting from x and ending at (M-1), with a step size of k, i.e., the set [x, x+k, x+2k, x+3k, ..., (M-1)]. Whether the last value (M-1) can be obtained depends on whether ((M-1) - x) is exactly an integer multiple of k. If ((M-1) - x) is not an integer multiple of k, then the data set represented by [x : k : (M-1)] does not contain (M-1). The same expressions in this article have the same meaning, and will not be repeated elsewhere.

[0110] In some scenarios, k can equal 2. nn is a positive integer; for example, k can be 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64. For example, k can be 8 and N can be 4. For example, the SSB candidate frequencies included in candidate frequency group 1 can be [0 : 8 : (M-1)], the SSB candidate frequencies included in candidate frequency group 2 can be [4 : 8 : (M-1)], the SSB candidate frequencies included in candidate frequency group 3 can be [2 : 8 : (M-1)] and [6 : 8 : (M-1)], and the SSB candidate frequencies included in candidate frequency group 4 can be [1 : 8 : (M-1)], [3 : 8 : (M-1)], [5 : 8 : (M-1)], and [7 : 8 : (M-1)].

[0111] In one possible implementation, N candidate frequency groups can correspond to N different search priorities. The higher the search priority of a candidate frequency group, the larger the frequency interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies. Conversely, the lower the search priority of a candidate frequency group, the smaller the frequency interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies, but not less than (i.e., greater than or equal to) the frequency interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the synchronization grid. In other words, the sparser the SSB candidate frequency positions, the higher the search priority of the candidate frequency group, and the denser the SSB candidate frequency positions, the lower the search priority of the candidate frequency group. As an example, the search priority of candidate frequency group 1 is higher than that of candidate frequency group 2, the search priority of candidate frequency group 2 is higher than that of candidate frequency group 3, and the search priority of candidate frequency group 3 is higher than that of candidate frequency group 4.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the N candidate frequency groups can also correspond to N SSB detection periods. One candidate frequency group can correspond to one SSB detection period. At least two of these N SSB detection periods are different. For example, the larger the (frequency) interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in a candidate frequency group, the larger the corresponding SSB detection period can be. Conversely, for example, the smaller the (frequency) interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in a candidate frequency group, but not less than (i.e., greater than or equal to) the (frequency) interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the synchronization grid, the smaller the corresponding SSB detection period can be. In other words, the higher the search priority of a candidate frequency group, the larger the corresponding SSB detection period; conversely, the lower the search priority of a candidate frequency group, the smaller the corresponding SSB detection period.

[0113] For example, the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups may include a first candidate frequency group and a second candidate frequency group, wherein the frequency interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the first candidate frequency group is f1, and the SSB detection period corresponding to the first candidate frequency group is m1; the frequency interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the second candidate frequency group is f2, and the SSB detection period corresponding to the second candidate frequency group is m2. If f1 is greater than f2, then m1 is greater than or equal to m2.

[0114] It is understandable that a candidate frequency group can include: the x-th SSB candidate frequency from multiple SSB candidate frequencies (i.e., the synchronization grid) corresponding to the aforementioned frequency band (i.e., the frequency band used for transmitting SSBs), and an SSB candidate frequency selected every k SSB candidate frequencies within the range from the x-th SSB candidate frequency to the last SSB candidate frequency (corresponding to the frequency band). Therefore, when k takes different values, the (frequency) interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the candidate frequency group is also different, and the SSB detection period corresponding to the candidate frequency group can also be different. For example, when k takes the value of 8, 16, or 32, the SSB detection period corresponding to the candidate frequency group can be any of the following: 160ms, 80ms, or 40ms. As another example, when k takes the value of 2, 4, or 8, the SSB detection period corresponding to the candidate frequency group can be any of the following: 40ms or 20ms.

[0115] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups can be predefined by a standard, or they can be pre-stored / pre-set / pre-burned into the terminal device, or they can be determined by the terminal device based on the synchronization grid corresponding to the frequency band used for transmitting SSBs. This application embodiment does not limit the method by which the terminal device obtains the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups. Similarly, the aforementioned N SSB detection cycles can be predefined by a standard, or they can be pre-stored / pre-set / pre-burned into the terminal device. This application embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can detect SSBs in the N candidate frequency groups according to their respective search priorities. For example, the terminal device can detect SSBs in the N candidate frequency groups in descending order of search priority. Alternatively, the terminal device can first attempt to receive an SSB on a candidate frequency group with a high search priority. If an SSB is successfully received on that candidate frequency group, the subsequent communication process continues; if an SSB is not successfully received on that candidate frequency group, the terminal device continues to attempt to receive an SSB on candidate frequency groups with a lower search priority, until successful. For example, when attempting to receive an SSB on a candidate frequency group, the terminal device can attempt to receive it according to the SSB detection period corresponding to that candidate frequency group.

[0117] For example, the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups include a first candidate frequency group and a second candidate frequency group, where the search priority of the first candidate frequency group is higher than that of the second candidate frequency group. The terminal device can first attempt to receive an SSB in the first candidate frequency group. If it successfully receives an SSB in the first candidate frequency group, subsequent communication procedures can proceed; there is no need to attempt to receive an SSB in the second candidate frequency group. If it fails to receive an SSB in the first candidate frequency group, the terminal device can then attempt to receive an SSB in the second candidate frequency group. If it successfully receives an SSB in the second candidate frequency group, subsequent communication procedures can proceed.

[0118] For example, assuming N equals 4, these four candidate frequency groups can be candidate frequency group 1, candidate frequency group 2, candidate frequency group 3, and candidate frequency group 4. The SSB candidate frequencies included in these four candidate frequency groups, and their corresponding search priorities, have been described previously and will not be repeated here. The terminal device can first attempt to receive an SSB in candidate frequency group 1. If it successfully receives an SSB in candidate frequency group 1, the subsequent communication process can proceed; there is no need to attempt to receive an SSB in candidate frequency groups 2, 3, and 4. If it fails to receive an SSB in candidate frequency group 1, the terminal device can then attempt to receive an SSB in candidate frequency group 2. If it successfully receives an SSB in candidate frequency group 2, the subsequent communication process can proceed; there is no need to attempt to receive an SSB in candidate frequency groups 3 and 4. If it fails to receive an SSB in candidate frequency group 2, the terminal device continues to attempt to receive an SSB in candidate frequency group 3. If it successfully receives an SSB in candidate frequency group 3, the subsequent communication process can proceed; there is no need to attempt to receive an SSB in candidate frequency group 4. If the SSB is not successfully received in candidate frequency group 3, the terminal device continues to try to receive the SSB in candidate frequency group 4. If the SSB is successfully received in candidate frequency group 4, the subsequent communication process can proceed.

[0119] In one possible implementation, the terminal device attempting to receive an SSB in a candidate frequency group can be understood as: the terminal device attempts to receive an SSB on all candidate SSB frequencies included in the candidate frequency group. The terminal device failing to successfully receive an SSB in a candidate frequency group can be understood as: the terminal device failed to successfully receive an SSB on any of the candidate SSB candidate frequencies included in the candidate frequency group. The terminal device successfully receiving an SSB in a candidate frequency group can be understood as: the terminal device successfully received an SSB on at least one candidate SSB frequency included in the candidate frequency group.

[0120] For example, the terminal device can attempt to receive an SSB on one SSB candidate frequency within this candidate frequency group each time. If the SSB is successfully received, it means the terminal device has successfully received an SSB in this candidate frequency group, and it no longer needs to traverse (here, the traversal method is not limited; it can be sequential traversal or traversal according to certain rules) the other SSB candidate frequencies in this candidate frequency group, that is, it will no longer attempt to receive an SSB on the other SSB candidate frequencies in this candidate frequency group. If the SSB is not successfully received, it will attempt to receive an SSB on another SSB candidate frequency in this candidate frequency group. If the SSB is successfully received, it means the terminal device has successfully received an SSB in this candidate frequency group, and it no longer needs to traverse the remaining SSB candidate frequencies in this candidate frequency group. If the SSB is not successfully received, it will attempt to receive an SSB on other SSB candidate frequencies in this candidate frequency group until an SSB is successfully received or the candidate frequency group has been traversed.

[0121] For example, a candidate frequency group may include two SSB candidate frequencies, namely SSB candidate frequency a and SSB candidate frequency b. The process by which a terminal device attempts to receive an SSB in this candidate frequency group may include: the terminal device attempts to receive an SSB on one of the SSB candidate frequencies (e.g., SSB candidate frequency a) within the candidate frequency group. If it successfully receives an SSB on SSB candidate frequency a, it means that the terminal device has successfully received an SSB in this candidate frequency group, and it can stop attempting to receive an SSB on the other SSB candidate frequency (e.g., SSB candidate frequency b) within the same candidate frequency group. If it fails to receive an SSB on SSB candidate frequency a, it continues to attempt to receive an SSB on the other SSB candidate frequency (e.g., SSB candidate frequency b) within the same candidate frequency group. If it successfully receives an SSB on the other SSB candidate frequency (e.g., SSB candidate frequency b), it means that the terminal device has successfully received an SSB in this candidate frequency group. If it fails to receive an SSB on the other SSB candidate frequency (e.g., SSB candidate frequency b), it means that the terminal device has failed to receive an SSB in this candidate frequency group.

[0122] It is understood that the embodiments of this application divide the synchronization grid into multiple candidate frequency groups, and define different search priorities for these multiple candidate frequency groups (each candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency). The terminal device (such as UE) then detects SSBs according to the search priorities corresponding to these multiple candidate frequency groups. For example, it prioritizes detecting whether there is an SSB in the candidate frequency group with a high search priority. In practical applications, the probability of an SSB appearing in the candidate frequency group with a high search priority is relatively high. This is because the (frequency) interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the candidate frequency group with a high search priority is large, and its corresponding carrier bandwidth is large. Since most countries or regions allocate large carrier bandwidths, in a large carrier bandwidth scenario, when the terminal device detects an SSB according to the search order / search priority, it can detect the SSB as early as possible. After detecting the SSB, there is no need to detect whether there is an SSB in the remaining candidate frequency groups. This can reduce the search overhead of the terminal device, reduce search time, reduce search complexity, and does not change the minimum carrier bandwidth within a frequency band.

[0123] See Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the communication method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps: S201, the network device sends an SSB based on N candidate frequency packets; the N candidate frequency packets correspond to a frequency band, and one of the candidate frequency packets includes at least one SSB candidate frequency; different candidate frequency packets are associated with different bandwidths. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0124] In one possible implementation, a candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency. This SSB candidate frequency satisfies predefined rules, such as (3000 MHz + N × 1.44 MHz). The aforementioned N candidate frequency groups may correspond to the same frequency band, which can be a band used for transmitting SSBs. Exemplarily, these N candidate frequency groups have no overlap. The union of these N candidate frequency groups is the synchronization grid corresponding to the frequency band, which satisfies prior art constraints, such as the (frequency) spacing between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the synchronization grid being related to the minimum carrier bandwidth within the frequency band. In other words, embodiments of this application can divide the multiple SSB candidate frequencies included in the synchronization grid into N candidate frequency groups.

[0125] Different candidate frequency groups can be associated with different bandwidths. This bandwidth is greater than or equal to the minimum carrier bandwidth within the frequency band used to transmit the SSB. This bandwidth is less than or equal to the frequency band width used to transmit the SSB. Here, "bandwidth" can refer to either carrier bandwidth or available bandwidth. Carrier bandwidth can be understood as the bandwidth used for data transmission, i.e., the difference between the highest and lowest frequencies of the carrier. Available bandwidth can be understood as the bandwidth used for signal transmission, and the available bandwidth is less than or equal to the carrier bandwidth.

[0126] For example, the spacing between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in a candidate frequency group is associated with bandwidth. The larger the bandwidth (such as carrier bandwidth or available bandwidth), the larger the (frequency) spacing between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the candidate frequency group. Conversely, the smaller the bandwidth (such as carrier bandwidth or available bandwidth), the smaller the (frequency) spacing between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the candidate frequency group, but not less than (i.e., greater than or equal to) the (frequency) spacing between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the synchronization grid.

[0127] It is understood that the “candidate frequency grouping” mentioned in the embodiments of this application is only a way of describing for convenience. In essence, it refers to some frequency points (or SSB candidate frequencies). In some scenarios, it may not exist in the form of “grouping”. It may exist in the form of “set”, “list” or “some frequency points / at least one frequency point”. The embodiments of this application are not limited to this.

[0128] In one possible implementation, one of the N candidate frequency groups may include: the xth SSB candidate frequency among the multiple SSB candidate frequencies (i.e., the synchronization grid) corresponding to the above frequency band (i.e., the frequency band used to transmit SSB), and an SSB candidate frequency selected every k SSB candidate frequencies within the range from the xth SSB candidate frequency to the last SSB candidate frequency (corresponding to the frequency band).

[0129] For example, the aforementioned synchronization grid includes M SSB candidate frequencies. These M SSB candidate frequencies are arranged in ascending or descending order and numbered starting from 0, such as 0, 1, 2, 3, ..., (M-1). The numbering of the SSB candidate frequencies included in a candidate frequency group can be represented by a data set as [x : k : (M-1)]. The value of x can be different for different candidate frequency groups. In this application, [x : k : (M-1)] represents a data set starting from x and ending at (M-1), with a step size of k, i.e., the set [x, x+k, x+2k, x+3k, ..., (M-1)]. Whether the last value (M-1) can be obtained depends on whether ((M-1) - x) is exactly an integer multiple of k. If ((M-1) - x) is not an integer multiple of k, then the data set represented by [x : k : (M-1)] does not contain (M-1). The same expressions in this article have the same meaning, and will not be repeated elsewhere.

[0130] In some scenarios, k can equal 2. n n is a positive integer; for example, k can be 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64. For example, k can be 8 and N can be 4. For example, the SSB candidate frequencies included in candidate frequency group 1 can be [0 : 8 : (M-1)], the SSB candidate frequencies included in candidate frequency group 2 can be [4 : 8 : (M-1)], the SSB candidate frequencies included in candidate frequency group 3 can be [2 : 8 : (M-1)] and [6 : 8 : (M-1)], and the SSB candidate frequencies included in candidate frequency group 4 can be [1 : 8 : (M-1)], [3 : 8 : (M-1)], [5 : 8 : (M-1)], and [7 : 8 : (M-1)]. Among them, the bandwidths corresponding to candidate frequency groups 1 to 4 are different, and the bandwidth corresponding to candidate frequency group 1 is greater than the bandwidth corresponding to candidate frequency group 2, the bandwidth corresponding to candidate frequency group 2 is greater than the bandwidth corresponding to candidate frequency group 3, and the bandwidth corresponding to candidate frequency group 3 is greater than the bandwidth corresponding to candidate frequency group 4.

[0131] In one possible implementation, the network device can transmit an SSB based on one or more SSB candidate frequencies from a candidate frequency group corresponding to the carrier bandwidth of the terminal device among the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups. It is understood that the network device can transmit one SSB based on one SSB candidate frequency, or multiple SSBs based on multiple SSB candidate frequencies. It is also understood that the specific SSB candidate frequencies(s) selected by the network device from the candidate frequency group corresponding to the carrier bandwidth of the terminal device for transmission are determined by the network device's own strategy, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0132] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned N candidate frequency packets can be predefined by a standard, or they can be pre-stored / pre-set / pre-burned into the terminal device and / or network device, or they can be sent to the terminal device by the network device, etc. This application does not limit the method by which the network device and / or terminal device obtains the aforementioned N candidate frequency packets.

[0133] S202, the terminal device detects SSBs based on the bandwidths corresponding to the N candidate frequency groups. The N candidate frequency groups correspond to a frequency band, and each candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency. Different candidate frequency groups are associated with different bandwidths.

[0134] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups correspond to N different bandwidths. The terminal device can detect SSBs in these N candidate frequency groups based on their respective bandwidths. For example, the terminal device can detect SSBs in these N candidate frequency groups in descending order of bandwidth. Alternatively, the terminal device can first attempt to receive an SSB on the candidate frequency group corresponding to a larger bandwidth. If an SSB is successfully received on that candidate frequency group, the subsequent communication process continues; if an SSB is not successfully received on that candidate frequency group, the device continues to attempt to receive an SSB on the candidate frequency group corresponding to a smaller bandwidth, until successful.

[0135] For example, the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups include a first candidate frequency group and a second candidate frequency group, where the bandwidth corresponding to the first candidate frequency group is greater than the bandwidth corresponding to the second candidate frequency group. The terminal device can first attempt to receive an SSB in the first candidate frequency group. If it successfully receives an SSB in the first candidate frequency group, subsequent communication procedures can proceed; there is no need to attempt to receive an SSB in the second candidate frequency group. If it fails to receive an SSB in the first candidate frequency group, the terminal device can then attempt to receive an SSB in the second candidate frequency group. If it successfully receives an SSB in the second candidate frequency group, subsequent communication procedures can proceed.

[0136] For example, suppose N equals 4, and the four candidate frequency groups are candidate frequency group 1, candidate frequency group 2, candidate frequency group 3, and candidate frequency group 4. The bandwidth corresponding to candidate frequency group 1 is greater than that corresponding to candidate frequency group 2, the bandwidth corresponding to candidate frequency group 2 is greater than that corresponding to candidate frequency group 3, and the bandwidth corresponding to candidate frequency group 3 is greater than that corresponding to candidate frequency group 4. The terminal device can first attempt to receive the SSB in candidate frequency group 1. If the SSB is successfully received in candidate frequency group 1, the subsequent communication process can proceed; there is no need to attempt to receive the SSB in candidate frequency groups 2, 3, and 4. If the SSB is not successfully received in candidate frequency group 1, the terminal device can then attempt to receive the SSB in candidate frequency group 2. If the SSB is successfully received in candidate frequency group 2, the subsequent communication process can proceed; there is no need to attempt to receive the SSB in candidate frequency groups 3 and 4. If the SSB is not successfully received in candidate frequency group 2, the terminal device continues to attempt to receive the SSB in candidate frequency group 3. If an SSB is successfully received in candidate frequency group 3, the subsequent communication process can proceed; there is no need to attempt to receive an SSB in candidate frequency group 4. If an SSB is not successfully received in candidate frequency group 3, the terminal device continues to attempt to receive an SSB in candidate frequency group 4. If an SSB is successfully received in candidate frequency group 4, the subsequent communication process can proceed.

[0137] The explanation of how the terminal device attempts to receive an SSB in a candidate frequency group can be found in the foregoing. Figure 2 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here. It is understood that the embodiments of this application can determine different candidate frequency groups based on different bandwidths. The network device (such as a base station) can send an SSB candidate frequency from one of these candidate frequency groups that corresponds to the carrier bandwidth of the terminal device. The terminal device can then detect the SSB based on the bandwidth corresponding to each of these candidate frequency groups. For example, it can prioritize detecting whether there is an SSB in the candidate frequency group with a large bandwidth. Since most countries or regions allocate large carrier bandwidths, in a large carrier bandwidth scenario, the terminal device can detect the SSB by searching a small number of SSB candidate frequencies. This reduces the search overhead and latency of the terminal device, reduces search time, reduces search complexity, and does not change the minimum carrier bandwidth within a frequency band.

[0138] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. For example, this method can be combined with the aforementioned... Figure 2 The embodiments shown can be implemented in combination or individually, and there is no limitation.

[0139] like Figure 4 As shown, the communication method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps: S301, the network device sends an SSB based on N candidate frequency packets. These N candidate frequency packets correspond to a frequency band, and each candidate frequency packet includes at least one SSB candidate frequency. Different candidate frequency packets among the N candidate frequency packets are associated with different SSB detection periods. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0140] In one possible implementation, the network device can periodically broadcast a Service-Specific Bus (SSB) whose reference subcarrier (i.e., the subcarrier numbered 0 in resource block number 10) corresponds to a frequency that satisfies predefined rules in the standard. For example, the frequency corresponding to the reference subcarrier of the SSB might satisfy (3000 MHz + N × 1.44 MHz), where N is an integer greater than or equal to 0. The range of N can be determined by the standard, for example, N = 0, 1, 2, 3, ..., 14756. Exemplarily, the standard can also predefine frequency bands for transmitting SSBs and corresponding synchronization grids. These synchronization grids include multiple candidate SSB frequencies, and the (frequency) interval between two adjacent candidate SSB frequencies in the synchronization grid is related to the minimum carrier bandwidth within the frequency band. The network device can broadcast an SSB based on one or more candidate SSB frequencies in the synchronization grid.

[0141] For example, the network device may transmit an SSB based on one or more SSB candidate frequencies in a candidate frequency group corresponding to the carrier bandwidth of the terminal device in the synchronization grid. It is understood that the specific SSB candidate frequencies selected by the network device for transmission are determined by the network device's own strategy, and this embodiment does not limit this selection.

[0142] S302, the terminal device detects SSBs based on N candidate frequency groups. These N candidate frequency groups correspond to a frequency band, and each candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency. Different candidate frequency groups among the N candidate frequency groups are associated with different SSB detection periods. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0143] In one possible implementation, the synchronization grid comprising multiple SSB candidate frequencies can be divided into N candidate frequency groups. Each candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency. For example, these N candidate frequency groups have no overlap. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. These N candidate frequency groups may correspond to the same frequency band, which can be a band used for transmitting SSBs. Different candidate frequency groups among these N candidate frequency groups can be associated with different SSB detection periods. In other words, at least two different candidate frequency groups among these N candidate frequency groups correspond to different SSB detection periods. However, the SSB detection periods corresponding to the various SSB candidate frequencies within the same candidate frequency group can be the same.

[0144] It is understood that the "SSB detection period" in this application refers to the period during which the terminal device detects SSBs when searching for cells, and it is not the same as the period during which the network device transmits SSBs. For example, the SSB detection period can be greater than, less than, or equal to the SSB transmission period.

[0145] It is also understood that the “candidate frequency grouping” mentioned in the embodiments of this application is only a way of describing for convenience. In essence, it refers to some frequency points (or SSB candidate frequencies). In some scenarios, it may not exist in the form of “grouping”. It may exist in the form of “set”, “list” or “some frequency points / at least one frequency point”, etc. The embodiments of this application are not limited.

[0146] In one possible implementation, one of the N candidate frequency groups may include: the xth SSB candidate frequency among the multiple SSB candidate frequencies (i.e., the synchronization grid) corresponding to the above frequency band (i.e., the frequency band used to transmit SSB), and an SSB candidate frequency selected every k SSB candidate frequencies within the range from the xth SSB candidate frequency to the last SSB candidate frequency (corresponding to the frequency band).

[0147] For example, the aforementioned synchronization grid includes M SSB candidate frequencies. These M SSB candidate frequencies are arranged in ascending or descending order and numbered starting from 0, such as 0, 1, 2, 3, ..., (M-1). The numbering of the SSB candidate frequencies included in a candidate frequency group can be represented by a data set as [x : k : (M-1)]. The value of x can be different for different candidate frequency groups. In this application, [x : k : (M-1)] represents a data set starting from x and ending at (M-1), with a step size of k, i.e., the set [x, x+k, x+2k, x+3k, ..., (M-1)]. Whether the last value (M-1) can be obtained depends on whether ((M-1) - x) is exactly an integer multiple of k. If ((M-1) - x) is not an integer multiple of k, then the data set represented by [x : k : (M-1)] does not contain (M-1). The same expressions in this article have the same meaning, and will not be repeated elsewhere.

[0148] In some scenarios, k can equal 2. n n is a positive integer; for example, k can be 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64. For example, k can be 8 and N can be 4. For example, the SSB candidate frequencies included in candidate frequency group 1 can be [0 : 8 : (M-1)], the SSB candidate frequencies included in candidate frequency group 2 can be [4 : 8 : (M-1)], the SSB candidate frequencies included in candidate frequency group 3 can be [2 : 8 : (M-1)] and [6 : 8 : (M-1)], and the SSB candidate frequencies included in candidate frequency group 4 can be [1 : 8 : (M-1)], [3 : 8 : (M-1)], [5 : 8 : (M-1)], and [7 : 8 : (M-1)].

[0149] In one possible implementation, N candidate frequency groups can correspond to N SSB detection periods. One candidate frequency group can correspond to one SSB detection period. At least two of these N SSB detection periods are different. For example, the larger the (frequency) interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in a candidate frequency group, the larger the corresponding SSB detection period can be. Conversely, for example, the smaller the (frequency) interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in a candidate frequency group, but not less than (i.e., greater than or equal to) the (frequency) interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the synchronization grid, the smaller the corresponding SSB detection period can be. In other words, the higher the search priority of a candidate frequency group, the larger the corresponding SSB detection period; conversely, the lower the search priority of a candidate frequency group, the smaller the corresponding SSB detection period.

[0150] For example, the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups may include a first candidate frequency group and a second candidate frequency group, wherein the frequency interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the first candidate frequency group is f1, and the SSB detection period corresponding to the first candidate frequency group is m1; the frequency interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the second candidate frequency group is f2, and the SSB detection period corresponding to the second candidate frequency group is m2. If f1 is greater than f2, then m1 is greater than or equal to m2.

[0151] It is understandable that a candidate frequency group can include: the x-th SSB candidate frequency from multiple SSB candidate frequencies (i.e., the synchronization grid) corresponding to the aforementioned frequency band (i.e., the frequency band used for transmitting SSBs), and an SSB candidate frequency selected every k SSB candidate frequencies within the range from the x-th SSB candidate frequency to the last SSB candidate frequency (corresponding to the frequency band). Therefore, when k takes different values, the (frequency) interval between two adjacent SSB candidate frequencies in the candidate frequency group is also different, and the SSB detection period corresponding to the candidate frequency group can also be different. For example, when k takes the value of 8, 16, or 32, the SSB detection period corresponding to the candidate frequency group can be any of the following: 160ms, 80ms, or 40ms. As another example, when k takes the value of 2, 4, or 8, the SSB detection period corresponding to the candidate frequency group can be any of the following: 40ms or 20ms.

[0152] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups can be predefined by a standard, or they can be pre-stored / pre-set / pre-burned into the terminal device, or they can be determined by the terminal device based on the synchronization grid corresponding to the frequency band used for transmitting SSB. This application does not limit the method by which the terminal device obtains the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups.

[0153] Similarly, the aforementioned N SSB detection cycles can be predefined by a standard, or they can be pre-stored / pre-set / pre-burned into the terminal device. This application's embodiments are not limited to these.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can detect SSBs among the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups. For example, the terminal device can detect SSBs in each candidate frequency group according to the corresponding SSB detection period. For instance, the terminal device can first attempt to receive an SSB on a candidate frequency group with a large frequency interval. If an SSB is successfully received on that candidate frequency group, the subsequent communication process continues; if an SSB is not successfully received on that candidate frequency group, the terminal device continues to attempt to receive an SSB on a candidate frequency group with a smaller frequency interval, until successful. It can be understood that when the terminal device attempts to receive an SSB on a candidate frequency group, it can attempt to receive it according to the corresponding SSB detection period for that candidate frequency group.

[0155] For example, the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups may include a first candidate frequency group and a second candidate frequency group, wherein the SSB detection period corresponding to the first candidate frequency group is greater than or equal to the SSB detection period corresponding to the second candidate frequency group. The terminal device can first attempt to receive an SSB in the first candidate frequency group according to the SSB detection period corresponding to the first candidate frequency group. If an SSB is successfully received in the first candidate frequency group, subsequent communication procedures can proceed; there is no need to attempt to receive an SSB in the second candidate frequency group. If an SSB is not successfully received in the first candidate frequency group, the terminal device can then attempt to receive an SSB in the second candidate frequency group according to the SSB detection period corresponding to the second candidate frequency group. If an SSB is successfully received in the second candidate frequency group, subsequent communication procedures can proceed.

[0156] It is understood that the embodiments of this application divide the synchronization grid into multiple candidate frequency groups, and define an SSB detection period for each candidate frequency group (each candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency). Multiple SSB detection periods can be different (including partially different, and / or all different). The terminal device can detect SSBs based on these multiple candidate frequency groups. In practical applications, the terminal device can detect SSBs according to the SSB detection period and can merge and receive SSBs with different transmission periods. This reduces the search overhead, search time, and search complexity of the terminal device, while also improving SSB detection performance. Simultaneously, a longer SSB detection period allows the base station to extend the SSB transmission period, thereby benefiting base station energy saving. For example, when the service load is light, the base station can shut down some devices for a longer period, thus achieving energy saving.

[0157] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the network device and terminal device include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0158] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the possible apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application. These apparatuses can be used to implement the functions of the network apparatus or terminal apparatus in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The device shown can be a network device, a terminal device, or a module (such as a chip) applied to a network device or a terminal device.

[0159] like Figure 5 As shown, the device 400 includes a processing module 410 and a transceiver module 420. The device 400 is used to implement the above-described... Figure 2 or Figure 3 or Figure 4 The methods illustrated describe the functions of the network device or terminal device.

[0160] When device 400 is used to achieve Figure 2 In the method embodiment shown, the terminal device functions as follows: the processing module 410 detects SSBs according to the search priorities corresponding to N candidate frequency groups. These N candidate frequency groups correspond to a frequency band, and each candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency. Different candidate frequency groups are associated with different search priorities. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0161] For example, the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups include a first candidate frequency group and a second candidate frequency group. The search priority corresponding to the first candidate frequency group is higher than the search priority corresponding to the second candidate frequency group. The aforementioned processing module 410 can be specifically used to: detect SSB in the first candidate frequency group; if no SSB is detected in the first candidate frequency group, detect SSB in the second candidate frequency group.

[0162] For example, the "detection" in this application embodiment can be understood as "attempt to receive". Therefore, the processing module 410 is used to detect SSB in a certain candidate frequency group, which can also be understood as: the processing module 410 is used to control the transceiver module 420 to attempt to receive SSB in a certain candidate frequency group.

[0163] For example, the above N candidate frequency groups have no overlap.

[0164] For example, one of the N candidate frequency groups mentioned above includes: the xth SSB candidate frequency among the multiple SSB candidate frequencies corresponding to the above frequency band, and an SSB candidate frequency selected every k SSB candidate frequencies within the range from the xth SSB candidate frequency to the last SSB candidate frequency corresponding to the frequency band.

[0165] For example, the value of k can be 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64.

[0166] For a more detailed description of the aforementioned processing module 410 and transceiver module 420, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown.

[0167] When device 400 is used to achieve Figure 3 In the method embodiment shown, the terminal device functions as follows: the processing module 410 detects SSBs based on the bandwidths corresponding to N candidate frequency groups. These N candidate frequency groups correspond to a frequency band, and each candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency. Different candidate frequency groups are associated with different bandwidths. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0168] For example, the aforementioned N candidate frequency groups include a first candidate frequency group and a second candidate frequency group. The bandwidth corresponding to the first candidate frequency group is greater than the bandwidth corresponding to the second candidate frequency group. The aforementioned processing module 410 can be specifically used to: detect SSB in the first candidate frequency group; if no SSB is detected in the first candidate frequency group, detect SSB in the second candidate frequency group.

[0169] For example, the "detection" in this application embodiment can be understood as "attempt to receive". Therefore, the processing module 410 is used to detect SSB in a certain candidate frequency group, which can also be understood as: the processing module 410 is used to control the transceiver module 420 to attempt to receive SSB in a certain candidate frequency group.

[0170] For example, different candidate frequency groups are associated with different bandwidths, including: different candidate frequency groups are associated with different carrier bandwidths, or different candidate frequency groups are associated with different available bandwidths.

[0171] For example, the above N candidate frequency groups have no overlap.

[0172] For example, one of the N candidate frequency groups mentioned above includes: the xth SSB candidate frequency among the multiple SSB candidate frequencies corresponding to the above frequency band, and an SSB candidate frequency selected every k SSB candidate frequencies within the range from the xth SSB candidate frequency to the last SSB candidate frequency corresponding to the frequency band.

[0173] For example, the value of k is 8.

[0174] When device 400 is used to achieve Figure 3 In the illustrated method embodiment, the network device functions as follows: processing module 410 generates SSBs; transceiver module 420 transmits SSBs based on N candidate frequency packets. These N candidate frequency packets correspond to a frequency band, and each candidate frequency packet includes at least one SSB candidate frequency. Different candidate frequency packets are associated with different bandwidths. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0175] For example, the transceiver module 420 is specifically used to transmit an SSB based on one or more SSB candidate frequencies in a candidate frequency group that corresponds to the carrier bandwidth of the terminal device among N candidate frequency groups.

[0176] For example, different candidate frequency groups are associated with different bandwidths, including: different candidate frequency groups are associated with different carrier bandwidths, or different candidate frequency groups are associated with different available bandwidths.

[0177] For example, the above N candidate frequency groups have no overlap.

[0178] For example, one of the N candidate frequency groups mentioned above includes: the xth SSB candidate frequency among the multiple SSB candidate frequencies corresponding to the above frequency band, and an SSB candidate frequency selected every k SSB candidate frequencies within the range from the xth SSB candidate frequency to the last SSB candidate frequency corresponding to the frequency band.

[0179] For example, the value of k can be 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64.

[0180] For a more detailed description of the aforementioned processing module 410 and transceiver module 420, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown.

[0181] like Figure 6As shown, device 500 includes a processor 510 and interface circuitry 520. The processor 510 and interface circuitry 520 are coupled to each other. It is understood that interface circuitry 520 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, device 500 may also include a memory 530 for storing instructions executed by the processor 510, or storing input data required for the processor 510 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 510 executes instructions. Sometimes, interface circuitry 520 can also be understood as part of processor 510, in which case device 500 includes processor 510.

[0182] When device 500 is used to achieve Figure 2 or Figure 3 In the method shown, the processor 510 is used to implement the functions of the processing module 410, and the interface circuit 520 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver module 420.

[0183] When the aforementioned device is a chip applied to a network device, the chip implements the functions of the network device in any of the above method embodiments. The chip receiving information from the terminal device can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the network device, and then sent to the chip by these modules. The chip sending information to the terminal device can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the network device, and then sent to the terminal device by these modules.

[0184] When the aforementioned device is a chip applied to a terminal device, the chip implements the functions of the terminal device in any of the above method embodiments. The chip receiving information from a network device can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal device, and then sent to the chip by these modules. The chip sending information to a network device can be understood as the information being sent to other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal device, and then sent to the network device by these modules.

[0185] In one possible implementation, the processor 510 may include a transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. This transceiver may provide a communication interface or means for communicating with various other devices / apps via a wireless transmission medium. The transceiver may be coupled to an antenna array, and the transceiver and antenna array may be used together for communication with the appropriate network type.

[0186] In one possible implementation, the processor 510 may store instructions, which may be a computer program. This computer program, running on the processor 510, causes the communication device to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. The computer program may be embedded in the processor 510; in this case, the processor 510 may be implemented in hardware.

[0187] In one implementation, the aforementioned device 500 can be a communication device. The communication device may include circuitry that performs the functions of transmitting, receiving, or communicating as described in the foregoing method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this application can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), positive channel metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0188] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a terminal device and a network device, and the terminal device and network device can be used to execute the methods in any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0189] In addition, this application also provides a computer program for implementing the operations and / or processes performed by a terminal device or a network device in the method provided in this application.

[0190] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing computer code that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the operations and / or processes described in this application that are performed by a terminal device or a network device.

[0191] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a communication device, cause the operations and / or processes performed by a terminal device or network device in the method provided in this application to be executed.

[0192] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and modules described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be described again here.

[0193] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0194] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0195] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0196] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to existing solutions, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0197] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to terminal devices, including: Based on N candidate frequency groups, detect the Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB), where each of the N candidate frequency groups corresponds to a frequency band, and each candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency; different candidate frequency groups are associated with different search priorities, or different candidate frequency groups are associated with different bandwidths; N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of detecting SSB based on N candidate frequencies includes: SSBs are detected based on the search priorities corresponding to the N candidate frequency groups.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The N candidate frequency groups include a first candidate frequency group and a second candidate frequency group, and the search priority corresponding to the first candidate frequency group is higher than the search priority corresponding to the second candidate frequency group. The step of detecting SSBs based on the search priorities corresponding to the N candidate frequency groups includes: Detect SSBs in the first candidate frequency group; If no SSB is detected in the first candidate frequency group, an SSB is detected in the second candidate frequency group.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, Among the N candidate frequency groups, different candidate frequency groups are associated with different SSB detection cycles.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The SSB detection period corresponding to the first candidate frequency group is greater than or equal to the SSB detection period corresponding to the second candidate frequency group.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of detecting SSB based on N candidate frequencies includes: SSB is detected based on the bandwidth corresponding to each of the N candidate frequency groups.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The N candidate frequency groups include a first candidate frequency group and a second candidate frequency group, and the bandwidth corresponding to the first candidate frequency group is greater than the bandwidth corresponding to the second candidate frequency group. The step of detecting SSB based on the bandwidth corresponding to each of the N candidate frequency groups includes: Detect SSBs in the first candidate frequency group; If no SSB is detected in the first candidate frequency group, an SSB is detected in the second candidate frequency group.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The different candidate frequency groups are associated with different bandwidths, including: Different candidate frequency groups are associated with different carrier bandwidths, or different candidate frequency groups are associated with different available bandwidths.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The N candidate frequency groups have no overlap.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, One of the N candidate frequency groups includes: the xth SSB candidate frequency among the multiple SSB candidate frequencies corresponding to the frequency band, and an SSB candidate frequency selected every k SSB candidate frequencies within the range from the xth SSB candidate frequency to the last SSB candidate frequency corresponding to the frequency band.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The value of k can be 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, When k takes the value of 8, 16 or 32, the SSB detection period corresponding to the candidate frequency group is any one of the following: 160ms, 80ms or 40ms.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, When k takes the value of 2, 4 or 8, the SSB detection period corresponding to the candidate frequency group is any one of the following: 40ms or 20ms.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to network devices, including: Based on N candidate frequency groups, a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SSB) is transmitted; the N candidate frequency groups correspond to a frequency band, and one candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency; different candidate frequency groups are associated with different bandwidths; N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The step of sending SSBs based on N candidate frequencies includes: SSB is transmitted based on one or more SSB candidate frequencies in one of the N candidate frequency groups that correspond to the carrier bandwidth of the terminal device.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The different candidate frequency groups are associated with different bandwidths, including: Different candidate frequency groups are associated with different carrier bandwidths, or different candidate frequency groups are associated with different available bandwidths.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The N candidate frequency groups have no overlap.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, One of the N candidate frequency groups includes: the xth SSB candidate frequency among the multiple SSB candidate frequencies corresponding to the frequency band, and an SSB candidate frequency selected every k SSB candidate frequencies within the range from the xth SSB candidate frequency to the last SSB candidate frequency corresponding to the frequency band.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The value of k can be 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64.

20. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to terminal devices, including: Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB) is detected based on N candidate frequency groups, where each of the N candidate frequency groups corresponds to a frequency band, and each candidate frequency group includes at least one SSB candidate frequency. Different candidate frequency groups among the N candidate frequency groups are associated with different SSB detection periods. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The N candidate frequency groups include a first candidate frequency group and a second candidate frequency group, wherein the SSB detection period corresponding to the first candidate frequency group is greater than or equal to the SSB detection period corresponding to the second candidate frequency group. The step of detecting SSB based on N candidate frequencies includes: SSBs are detected in the first candidate frequency group according to the SSB detection period corresponding to the first candidate frequency group. If no SSB is detected in the first candidate frequency group, the SSB is detected in the second candidate frequency group according to the SSB detection period corresponding to the second candidate frequency group.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The N candidate frequency groups have no overlap.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that, One of the N candidate frequency groups includes: the xth SSB candidate frequency among the multiple SSB candidate frequencies corresponding to the frequency band, and an SSB candidate frequency selected every k SSB candidate frequencies within the range from the xth SSB candidate frequency to the last SSB candidate frequency corresponding to the frequency band.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The value of k can be 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, When k takes the value of 8, 16 or 32, the SSB detection period corresponding to the candidate frequency group is any one of the following: 160ms, 80ms or 40ms.

26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that, When k takes the value of 2, 4 or 8, the SSB detection period corresponding to the candidate frequency group is any one of the following: 40ms or 20ms.

27. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to network devices, including: Based on N candidate frequency groups, a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SSB) is transmitted; the N candidate frequency groups correspond to a frequency band, and one of the candidate frequency groups includes at least one SSB candidate frequency; different candidate frequency groups among the N candidate frequency groups are associated with different SSB detection periods; N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The step of sending SSBs based on N candidate frequencies includes: SSB is transmitted based on one or more SSB candidate frequencies in one of the N candidate frequency groups that correspond to the carrier bandwidth of the terminal device.

29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that, The N candidate frequency groups have no overlap.

30. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that, One of the N candidate frequency groups includes: the xth SSB candidate frequency among the multiple SSB candidate frequencies corresponding to the frequency band, and an SSB candidate frequency selected every k SSB candidate frequencies within the range from the xth SSB candidate frequency to the last SSB candidate frequency corresponding to the frequency band.

31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that, The value of k can be 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64.

32. The method according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that, When k takes the value of 8, 16 or 32, the SSB detection period corresponding to the candidate frequency group is any one of the following: 160ms, 80ms or 40ms.

33. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that, When k takes the value of 2, 4 or 8, the SSB detection period corresponding to the candidate frequency group is any one of the following: 40ms or 20ms.

34. A terminal device, characterized in that, It includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 20 to 26.

35. A network device, characterized in that, It includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 19, or includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 27 to 33.

36. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive information from other communication devices and transmit it to the processor or send information from the processor to other communication devices, and the processor enables the communication devices to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 33 through the interface circuit or by executing code instructions.

37. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 33.

38. A computer program product, comprising a computer program or instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed by the communication device, the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 33 is implemented.

39. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a terminal device for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, 20 to 26; Alternatively, the communication system may include a terminal device for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, 20 to 26, and a network device for performing the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 19, 27 to 33.

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