Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus are disclosed to reduce terminal access latency. In this method, a network can send configuration information indicating a time window to the terminal. The terminal sends measurement results of at least one reference signal within the time window to the network. Based on the measurement results of the at least one reference signal and an AI model, the network determines a TA (Target Access Transaction) for uplink synchronization between the terminal and a target cell, and instructs the first terminal on the TA. This enables the terminal to send a PUSCH (Programmable Array Component) to the target cell based on the TA, completing random access without RA preamble, thereby reducing terminal access latency. Furthermore, the terminal reporting the measurement results of the reference signal within the time window ensures the temporal consistency and real-time performance of the measurement results input to the model, thus improving the accuracy of TA inference. Moreover, the ability for base stations to interactively infer TA or TA deviations allows the power base station or target base station to update the AI ​​model. After updating the AI ​​model, this update can be synchronized with other base stations, further improving the accuracy of the AI ​​model.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, random access (RA) procedures can include 4-step random access, 2-step random access, etc. Furthermore, both 4-step and 2-step random access include contention-based random access (CBRA) and contention-free random access (CFRA).

[0003] Regardless of the random access procedure, the terminal needs to send a random access preamble (RA preamble) on the physical random access channel (PRACH). The base station needs to calculate the terminal's timing advance (TA) based on the RA preamble and notify the terminal of the TA via a TA command so that the terminal can complete uplink synchronization. However, in the current random access procedure described above, the terminal's random access delay is relatively long. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce the random access latency of a terminal.

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first radio access network (RAN) node, or by a component of the first RAN node, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the first RAN node, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first RAN node. The method includes: sending configuration information to a first terminal, the configuration information indicating a time window; receiving measurement results of at least one reference signal within the time window from the first terminal; determining a first timing advance (TA) based on the measurement results of the at least one reference signal and a first model; and sending a first TA to the first terminal, the first TA being used for uplink synchronization between the first terminal and a target cell.

[0006] Based on this scheme, the first RAN node can send configuration information to the terminal. The terminal, based on the measurement results of at least one reference signal according to the configuration, enables the network to determine a first TA (Target Access Transaction) for uplink synchronization between the terminal and the target cell, using the measurement results of the at least one reference signal and a first model. The network then indicates this first TA to the first terminal, allowing the terminal to send a PUSCH to the target cell based on the first TA, thus achieving RApreamble-free random access. In this scheme, since the first RAN node can infer the TA using the first model based on the measurement results of the reference signals reported by the terminal and indicate the TA to the terminal, the terminal can directly send uplink data to the target cell based on the TA, without needing to determine the TA based on the RApreamble sent by the terminal. This eliminates the need for the terminal to send the RApreamble to the target cell, thereby reducing the terminal's access latency. It also avoids the power consumption associated with sending the RA preamble, reducing the terminal's power consumption.

[0007] Furthermore, when the configuration information indicates the time window, the measurement results of the reference signal used for inference TA reported by the terminal are the measurement results of the reference signal within a certain time window, which can ensure the consistency and real-time performance of the measurement results input to the first model, thereby improving the accuracy of inference TA.

[0008] In one possible design, the configuration information is also used to indicate the reporting strategy, which indicates whether the default reporting of beam-level measurement results is supported.

[0009] In one possible design, if the reporting strategy does not support the default reporting of beam-level measurement results, the measurement results of at least one reference signal include the measurement results of all reference signals of the first cell, where the first cell is any cell measured by the first terminal.

[0010] Based on this possible design, if the reporting strategy does not support the default reporting of beam-level measurement results, the terminal can report the measurement results of all reference signals within the cell, enabling the RAN node to acquire comprehensive signal / channel characteristics, thereby improving the accuracy and precision of TA inference.

[0011] In one possible design, the reporting strategy indicates that, in the case of default reporting of beam-level measurement results, the configuration information is also used to determine the reference signal for prioritizing the reporting of measurement results.

[0012] Based on this possible design, the reporting strategy indicates that, under the default reporting of beam-level measurement results, the reference signal for priority reporting of measurement results can be determined based on the configuration information, thereby reporting the measurement results of that reference signal. Under the premise of meeting the TA inference accuracy and precision, it can save measurement reporting overhead and adapt to terminals with different capabilities.

[0013] In one possible design, the reference signal for which measurement results are reported first is associated with at least one of the following: the strength of the measurement result of the reference signal, the reference signal number, or the cell to which the reference signal belongs.

[0014] In one possible design, the reference signal for which the measurement result is reported first satisfies at least one of the following: the intensity of the measurement result of the reference signal is located in a first intensity set; or, the number of the reference signal is located in a first number set; or, the cell to which the reference signal belongs is located in a first cell set, the first cell set including at least one cell.

[0015] Based on this possible design, the intensity in the first intensity set can be greater than a certain threshold. Since the higher the intensity of the measurement result, the more obvious the signal / channel / spatial characteristics reflected by the measurement result are, the more beneficial it is for the RAN node to infer TA. Therefore, reporting measurement results with higher intensity can help improve the accuracy and precision of TA inference.

[0016] Alternatively, the first terminal can report the measurement results of a designated reference signal within the cell (i.e., a reference signal whose number is located in the first number set). This designated reference signal can be configured by the RAN node, allowing the RAN node to flexibly configure it according to inference requirements. For example, the RAN node can specify that the interval between adjacent numbers in the first number set is greater than 1, meaning that the terminal is designated to report the measurement results of reference signals with discrete numbers. Since the reference signals have different numbers and cover different directions, and since adjacent reference signals usually have adjacent or overlapping coverage directions, reporting the measurement results of reference signals with discrete numbers can provide the RAN node with more spatial features, which is beneficial for improving the accuracy and precision of TA inference.

[0017] Alternatively, if the first cell set includes multiple cells, the first terminal can prioritize reporting the measurement results of the reference signals of multiple cells. Since the geographical locations of different cells are different, reporting the measurement results of the reference signals of multiple cells can provide richer spatial features to the RAN node, thereby improving the accuracy and precision of TA inference.

[0018] In one possible design, where the first cell set includes multiple cells, the coverage areas of the reference signals of the multiple cells overlap.

[0019] In one possible design, receiving measurement results of at least one reference signal within a time window from a first terminal includes: receiving a measurement report from the first terminal, the measurement report including measurement results of at least one reference signal within the time window. The method further includes: receiving indication information from the first terminal. The indication information indicates the reference signals in the measurement report that are located within the time window; or, if all reference signals in the measurement report are located within the time window, the indication information indicates that the measurement report is a measurement report specifically for TA inference. Exemplarily, this indication information may be carried in the measurement report or in other information cells outside the measurement report.

[0020] Based on this possible design, the first terminal can indicate the measurement results of the reference signal used for TA inference to the first RAN node through indication information, so that the first RAN node can use appropriate measurement results for TA inference, avoid using unavailable or unreasonable measurement results for TA inference, and thus improve the accuracy of TA inference.

[0021] In one possible design, the RAN node to which the target cell belongs is the first RAN node; the method further includes: receiving a first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) from a first terminal, the first PUSCH being the PUSCH between the first terminal and the target cell; determining a second TA based on the first PUSCH; and updating a first model based on the measurement results of the second TA and at least one reference signal.

[0022] Based on this possible design, the RAN node can update the AI ​​model based on the measurement results of the real TA and its corresponding at least one reference signal, thereby improving the accuracy of the AI ​​model, that is, improving the accuracy of the inference TA, and thus improving the efficiency of the terminal performing random access.

[0023] In one possible design, the RAN node to which the target cell belongs is the second RAN node; the method further includes: receiving TA offsets from the second RAN node, the TA offsets being used to update the first model.

[0024] In one possible design, the method further includes: determining a second TA based on a first TA and TA deviation; and updating a first model based on measurements of the second TA and at least one reference signal.

[0025] In one possible design, the method further includes sending first information to at least one third RAN node, the third RAN node being a neighboring RAN node of the first RAN node. The first information includes measurement results of a second TA and at least one reference signal, or the first information includes updated model parameters of the first model.

[0026] In one possible design, the RAN node to which the target cell belongs is the second RAN node; the method further includes: sending a first TA to the second RAN node; receiving second information from the second RAN node, the second information including updated model parameters or a second TA. The updated model parameters or the second TA are used to update the first model, and the updated model parameters or the second TA are determined based on the first TA.

[0027] In one possible design, where the second information includes a second TA, the method further includes updating the first model based on the measurement results of the second TA and at least one reference signal.

[0028] Based on the above possible designs, the source RAN node and the target RAN node can interact to update the AI ​​model based on the TA deviation obtained by the target RAN node, the TA inferred by the source RAN node, and the measurement results of at least one reference signal reported by the terminal. This improves the accuracy of the AI ​​model, i.e., the accuracy of the inferred TA, thereby increasing the efficiency of the terminal in random access.

[0029] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first terminal, or by a component of the first terminal, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the first terminal, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first terminal. The method includes: receiving configuration information from a first radio access network (RAN) node, the configuration information indicating a time window; sending measurement results of at least one reference signal within the time window to the first RAN node; and receiving a first time advance (TA) from the first RAN node, the first TA being determined based on the measurement results of at least one reference signal and a first model, the first TA being used for uplink synchronization between the first terminal and a target cell. The technical effects of this second aspect are analogous to those of the first aspect described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0030] In one possible design, the configuration information is also used to indicate the reporting strategy, which indicates whether the default reporting of beam-level measurement results is supported.

[0031] In one possible design, if the reporting strategy does not support the default reporting of beam-level measurement results, the measurement results of at least one reference signal include the measurement results of all reference signals of the first cell, where the first cell is any cell measured by the first terminal.

[0032] In one possible design, the reporting strategy indicates that, in the case of default reporting of beam-level measurement results, the configuration information is also used to determine the reference signal for prioritizing the reporting of measurement results.

[0033] In one possible design, the reference signal for which measurement results are reported first is associated with at least one of the following: the strength of the measurement result of the reference signal, the reference signal number, or the cell to which the reference signal belongs.

[0034] In one possible design, the reference signal for which the measurement result is reported first satisfies at least one of the following: the intensity of the measurement result of the reference signal is located in a first intensity set; or, the number of the reference signal is located in a first number set; or, the cell to which the reference signal belongs is located in a first cell set, the first cell set including at least one cell.

[0035] In one possible design, where the first cell set includes multiple cells, the coverage areas of the reference signals of the multiple cells overlap.

[0036] In one possible design, sending the measurement results of at least one reference signal within a time window to a first RAN node includes: sending a measurement report to the first RAN node, the measurement report including the measurement results of at least one reference signal within the time window. The method further includes: sending indication information to the first RAN node; wherein the indication information indicates the reference signals in the measurement report that are located within the time window, or, if all reference signals in the measurement report are located within the time window, the indication information indicates that the measurement report is a measurement report dedicated to TA inference.

[0037] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending a first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) according to a first TA, wherein the first PUSCH is the PUSCH between the first terminal and the target cell.

[0038] The technical effects of any possible design in the second aspect can be referenced to the technical effects of the corresponding design in the first aspect, and will not be elaborated here.

[0039] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second radio access network (RAN) node, or by a component of the second RAN node, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the second RAN node, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second RAN node. The method includes: receiving a first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) from a first terminal, the first PUSCH being transmitted according to a first timing advance (TA); receiving a first TA from the first RAN node; and updating a second model based on the first PUSCH and the first TA, the second model being used for inferring the TA.

[0040] Based on this scheme, the first RAN node can infer the first TA, enabling the first terminal to send a PUSCH to the second RAN node based on the first TA. Thus, the second RAN node can update the second model based on the actually received PUSCH and the inferred first TA, thereby improving the accuracy of the second model, that is, improving the accuracy of the inferred TA, and thus improving the efficiency of the terminal's random access.

[0041] In one possible design, the method further includes sending second information to at least one fourth RAN node, the fourth RAN node being a neighboring RAN node of the second RAN node. The second information includes updated model parameters of the second model, or the second information includes a second TA, which is determined based on the first PUSCH and the first TA.

[0042] In one possible design, updating the second model based on the first PUSCH and the first TA includes: determining the TA deviation based on the first PUSCH; determining the second TA based on the TA deviation and the first TA; and updating the second model based on the measurement results of the second TA and at least one reference signal.

[0043] In one possible design, the method further includes receiving measurement results of at least one reference signal from the first RAN node.

[0044] Fourthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second radio access network (RAN) node, or by a component of the second RAN node, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the second RAN node, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second RAN node. The method includes: receiving a first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) from a first terminal, the first PUSCH being transmitted based on a first timing advance (TA); transmitting a timing advance TA offset to the first RAN node, the TA offset being determined based on the first PUSCH; and receiving first information from the first RAN node, the first information being determined based on the TA offset, the first information being used to update a second model, the second model being used to infer the TA.

[0045] Based on this scheme, the second RAN node can send the TA offset obtained based on PUSCH to the first RAN node, enabling the first RAN node to update the first model based on the TA offset and the first TA obtained through inference, thereby improving the accuracy of the first model, that is, improving the accuracy of the inferred TA, and thus improving the efficiency of random access by the terminal.

[0046] In one possible design, the first information includes the measurement results of a second TA and at least one reference signal, wherein the second TA is determined based on the TA deviation and the first TA; or, the first information includes the model parameters of an updated first model, wherein the first TA is determined based on the first model.

[0047] In one possible design, where the first information includes the measurement results of a second TA and at least one reference signal, the method further includes updating a second model based on the measurement results of the second TA and at least one reference signal.

[0048] Fifthly, a communication device is provided for implementing various methods. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the methods, wherein the modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions.

[0049] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The transceiver module may include a receiving module and a transmitting module, respectively used to implement the receiving function and the transmitting function in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof.

[0050] In some possible designs, the transceiver module can consist of transceiver circuitry, a transceiver unit, a transceiver interface, or a communication interface.

[0051] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory being used to store computer instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the above aspects and any possible design thereof.

[0052] A seventh aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used to communicate with a module outside the communication device; the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the above aspects and any possible designs thereof.

[0053] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; said processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects and any possible designs thereof. The memory may be coupled to the processor, or may be independent of the processor.

[0054] In a ninth aspect, a communication device (e.g., a chip or chip system) is provided, the communication device including a processor for implementing the functions involved in any of the above aspects and any possible designs thereof.

[0055] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data.

[0056] In some possible designs, when the device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or contain chips and other discrete components.

[0057] The communication device described in the fifth to ninth aspects may be the first RAN node in the first aspect, or a device contained in the first RAN node, such as a chip or chip system; or the communication device may be the first terminal in the second aspect, or a device contained in the first terminal, such as a chip or chip system; or the communication device may be the second RAN node in the third or fourth aspect, or a device contained in the second RAN node, such as a chip or chip system.

[0058] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided. This communication device may be a first RAN node, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, chip system, or circuit) within the first RAN node that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect, or a module or unit that can be used in conjunction with the first RAN node; or, the communication device may be a first terminal, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, chip system, or circuit) within the first terminal that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect, or a module or unit that can be used in conjunction with the first terminal; or, the communication device may be a second RAN node, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, chip system, or circuit) within the second RAN node that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the third or fourth aspect, or a module or unit that can be used in conjunction with the second RAN node.

[0059] It is understandable that when the communication device provided in any of the fifth to tenth aspects is a chip, the sending action / function of the communication device can be understood as outputting information, and the receiving action / function of the communication device can be understood as inputting information.

[0060] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects and any possible designs thereof.

[0061] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided that, when run on a communication device, enables the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the foregoing aspects and any possible design thereof.

[0062] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a first RAN node, a first terminal, and a second RAN node. The first RAN node can be used to implement the method described in the first aspect and any possible design thereof, the first terminal can be used to implement the method described in the second aspect and any possible design thereof, and the second RAN node can be used to implement the method described in the third or fourth aspect and any possible design thereof.

[0063] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects five through thirteen can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in aspects one through four, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0064] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating uplink synchronization between a terminal and a base station, as provided in this application;

[0065] Figures 2-3 A schematic diagram of a four-step random access process provided in this application;

[0066] Figures 4-5 A schematic diagram of a two-step random access process provided in this application;

[0067] Figure 6 This application provides a basic flowchart of an LTM process.

[0068] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the process of uplink synchronization between a terminal and a candidate cell provided in this application;

[0069] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the process of generating measurement results provided in this application;

[0070] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in this application;

[0071] Figure 10 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of an O-RAN system;

[0072] Figures 11-18 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application;

[0073] Figures 19-21 A schematic diagram of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0074] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between the related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0075] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0076] Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0077] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0078] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0079] It is understood that in this application, “...when,” “if,” and “...under certain circumstances” all refer to taking corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0080] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0081] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments and their implementations in this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and their implementations are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features of different embodiments and their implementations can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships. The embodiments described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0082] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, a brief introduction to the relevant technologies of this application is given below.

[0083] 1. Timing Advance (TA) Mechanism:

[0084] In 5G mobile communication systems, the uplink time-frequency resources within a cell are orthogonal, meaning that uplink transmissions received by the base station from different terminals within the same cell will not interfere with each other. Because different terminals are at different distances from the base station, the arrival times of their uplink signals at the base station also differ.

[0085] To maintain the orthogonality of uplink signals from different terminals, base stations require that the boundaries of uplink subframes received from different terminals be approximately aligned. Therefore, the New Radio (NR) standard introduced the Transmission Timing (TA) mechanism. In the TA mechanism, the subframe in which a terminal transmits its uplink signal is preceded by a certain amount of time by the corresponding downlink subframe.

[0086] Typically, the TA (Target Acquisition Context) is determined by the base station during random access (RA) and sent to the terminal so that the terminal can adjust the transmission time of the uplink signal according to the TA, thereby achieving uplink synchronization between the terminal and the base station. Specifically, the terminal can initiate random access for purposes such as uplink and downlink synchronization with the base station and establishing a radio resource control (RRC) connection.

[0087] For example, during random access, the terminal sends a random access preamble (RApreamble) to the base station on the physical random access channel (PRACH). After receiving the RApreamble, the base station calculates the amount of time the terminal needs to advance before transmitting uplink signals, i.e., the timing advance (TA), and then sends the TA to the terminal via a timing advance command. Subsequently, the terminal can adjust the transmission timing of its uplink signals based on the received TA, achieving uplink synchronization between the terminal and the base station. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the base station sends TA commands to terminal 1 and terminal 2 respectively, indicating their respective TAs. After receiving the TA, terminal 1 and terminal 2 can adjust the transmission time of the uplink signal according to the TA and then transmit the uplink signal.

[0088] 2. 4-step random access:

[0089] The four-step random access includes two mechanisms: contention-based random access (CBRA) and contention-free random access (CFRA), which can be referred to as 4-step CBRA and 4-step CFRA, respectively.

[0090] The 4-step CBRA process can be described as follows: Figure 2 As shown. See also Figure 2 The 4-step CBRA process includes the following steps:

[0091] Step 0: The base station broadcasts synchronization and system information to the terminal.

[0092] The terminal can complete downlink synchronization based on synchronization and system information, and obtain relevant parameters of PRACH transmission resource configuration and RApreamble. For example, PRACH transmission resource configuration may include the format of RA Preamble, time-domain and frequency-domain configuration parameters of PRACH timing, etc.; relevant parameters of RApreamble may include subcarrier spacing, cyclic shift, type settings, etc.

[0093] Step 1: The terminal sends message 1 (Msg1) to the base station.

[0094] Msg1 includes an RApreamble. The purpose of the terminal sending the RA preamble is to inform the base station of the terminal's random access request and to estimate the TA based on the reception of the RApreamble.

[0095] Step 2: The base station sends message 2 (Msg2) to the terminal.

[0096] Msg2 can also be referred to as a random access response (RAR). For example, the base station can schedule the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) through the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and carry Msg2 in the PDSCH.

[0097] After sending the RApreamble, the terminal starts the RA-response window and continuously performs blind checks on the PDCCH within the RA-response window until the required RAR is obtained on the PDSCH. If the RAR contains a random access preamble identifier (RAPID) that is consistent with the RApreamble sent by the terminal, the terminal considers the RAR to be successful and proceeds to step 3 below.

[0098] If the terminal does not receive the RAR within the RA time window, or if the received RAR verification fails, the terminal assumes that the previously sent RA preamble was not correctly received by the base station, and the RAR fails. In this case, if the terminal's RA attempt count is less than the maximum attempt count, the terminal will attempt the RA again; if the maximum attempt count has been reached, the RA process fails.

[0099] Msg2 contains TA, RAPID, temporary cell radionetwork temporary identifier (TC-RNTI), and uplink grant (UL Grant).

[0100] For example, the TA can be determined by the base station via RA preamble. TC-RNTI is used as the scrambling code for scrambling message 3 (Msg3). The UL Grant contains the time-frequency resources, modulation and coding scheme (MCS) format, power control instructions, etc., for the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) used to carry Msg3.

[0101] Step 3: The terminal sends Msg3 to the base station.

[0102] Msg3 can also be understood as an RRC setup request. Msg3 carries a unique identifier for the terminal, which is used in step 4 for conflict resolution to distinguish the terminal that sent the conflict.

[0103] Step 4: The base station sends message 4 (Msg4) to the terminal.

[0104] Msg4 can also be understood as a contention resolution message.

[0105] The 4-step CFRA process can be described as follows: Figure 3 As shown. See also Figure 3 The 4-step CFRA process includes the following steps:

[0106] Step 1: The base station sends an RRC Reconfiguration message or a PDCCH order to the terminal to allocate an RApreamble to the terminal.

[0107] Step 2: The terminal sends Msg1 to the base station, which includes the RA preamble.

[0108] Step 3: The base station sends Msg2 to the terminal. Refer to the relevant explanation of Msg2 in the 4-step CBRA; it will not be repeated here.

[0109] Step 4: The terminal sends Msg3 to the base station.

[0110] Msg3 can also be understood as the RRC Reconfiguration complete message, which is carried in PUSCH.

[0111] 3. Two-step random access:

[0112] To improve transmission efficiency and reduce access latency (especially in initial access scenarios), 3GPP Release 16 (Rel-16) introduced the concept of two-step random access, which still consists of CBRA and CFRA mechanisms. These can be referred to as 2-step CBRA and 2-step CFRA, respectively.

[0113] The 2-step CBRA process can be described as follows: Figure 4 As shown. See also Figure 4The 2-step CBRA process includes the following steps:

[0114] Step 0: The base station broadcasts synchronization and system information to the terminal.

[0115] The terminal can complete downlink synchronization based on synchronization and system information, and obtain PRACH transmission resource configuration, RApreamble related parameters, and PUSCH resource configuration, etc.

[0116] Step 1: The terminal sends message A (MsgA) to the base station.

[0117] MsgA consists of two transmissions (RA preamble and PUSCH), but can be considered as a whole. The terminal can first send the RA preamble of MsgA (which can correspond to Msg1 in 4-Step CBRA), and then send the PUSCH of MsgA on the corresponding PUSCH time-frequency resource (carrying the RRC establishment request message, which can correspond to Msg3 in 4-Step CBRA).

[0118] Step 2: The base station sends message B (MsgB) to the terminal. MsgB can be divided into the following two cases:

[0119] (1) Success RAR + Contention Resolution: Successful contention resolution indicates successful access. SuccessRAR corresponds to Msg2 in 4-Step RA, and contention resolution corresponds to Msg4 in 4-Step CBRA.

[0120] (2) RAR fallback: fall back to 4-step random access. The structure of Fallback RAR can correspond to Msg2 in 4-step random access, indicating that the base station has matched access on PRACH, but has not matched access on PUSCH. Therefore, authorization needs to be issued in Fallback RAR so that the terminal can resend PUSCH in the form of Msg3, and then resolve the contention through Msg4.

[0121] The 2-step CFRA process can be described as follows: Figure 5 As shown. See also Figure 5 The 2-step CFRA process includes the following steps:

[0122] Step 0: The base station sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal to allocate RA preamble and PUSCH resources to the terminal.

[0123] Step 1: The terminal sends MsgA to the base station.

[0124] For example, the terminal first sends the RA preamble of MsgA (which can correspond to Msg1 in 4-Step CFRA), and then sends the PUSCH of MsgA (carrying the RRC reconfiguration completion message, which can correspond to Msg3 in 4-Step CFRA) in the corresponding time and frequency resources.

[0125] Step 2: The base station sends MsgB to the terminal. This MsgB can also be understood as RAR (corresponding to Msg2 in 4-Step CFRA).

[0126] 4. Layer 1 / Layer 2 Mobility Enhancement (or Layer 1 / Layer 2 Triggered Mobility, LTM):

[0127] Traditional cell switching is triggered by layer 3 (L3) measurements, and the base station sends RRC signaling (such as RRCReconfiguration) to the terminal to trigger random access in the target cell. These scenarios all involve resetting layers 2 (L2) and 1 (L1), which will result in a relatively long transmission interruption.

[0128] The goal of LTM is to achieve cell handover via L1 / L2 signaling. By performing the random access procedure during handover in advance, it reduces the time that terminals cannot transmit / receive data with the network due to handover. The basic LTM procedure can be described as follows: Figure 6 As shown, see Figure 6 For terminals in RRC connected state (RRC_CONNECTED), the process includes the following steps:

[0129] Step 1: The terminal sends a measurement report to the base station.

[0130] This measurement report can be an L3 measurement report. After receiving the measurement report, the base station can perform LTM candidate preparation.

[0131] Step 2: The base station sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal, which carries the LTM candidate cell configuration. For example, subsequent measurement configuration messages can be included in the LTM-config information element.

[0132] Step 3: The terminal sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the base station.

[0133] For example, the RRC reconfiguration completion message can be understood as an acknowledgment message sent by the terminal to the base station. Furthermore, the terminal can save the LTM candidate cell configuration.

[0134] Step 4a: The terminal performs downlink synchronization (DL synchronization) with the LTM candidate cell.

[0135] For example, LTM candidate cells can be activated in advance before step 6. Activating LTM candidate cells in advance may include:

[0136] a) Transmission configuration indicator (TCI) status of the cell. The base station can activate / deactivate the TCI status of the LTM candidate cell by the candidate cell TCI states activation / deactivation and the media access control-control element (MACCE).

[0137] b) The terminal maintains downlink synchronization with the LTM candidate cells, thereby switching to one of the candidate cells more quickly when a cell handover is triggered.

[0138] c) Upon receiving an LTM Cell Switch MAC CE, in addition to processing the TCI state of the target cell indicated by the MAC CE, all other active TCI states will be deactivated during the LTM cell handover.

[0139] Step 4b: The terminal performs uplink synchronization (UL synchronization) with the LTM candidate cell.

[0140] For example, step 4b has two implementation methods. The process of implementation method one is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, see Figure 7 The process includes the following steps:

[0141] Sub-step 1: The source base station pre-configures the RACH resources of the candidate cells to the terminal.

[0142] Sub-step 2.1: The source base station sends a PDCCH command to the terminal. This PDCCH command is used to trigger early preamble transmission. This PDCCH command can indicate the RA preamble of the LTM candidate cell.

[0143] Sub-step 2.2: The terminal sends the RA preamble to the LTM candidate cell, but the LTM candidate cell does not send the RAR.

[0144] Sub-step 2.3: The target base station estimates the TA and sends the TA to the source base station.

[0145] Sub-step 2.4: The source base station sends a TA to the terminal via the LTM cell handover MAC CE. The LTM cell handover MAC CE can be... Figure 6 It is sent in step 6 of the process shown.

[0146] Sub-step 3: TA update. When the TA value becomes invalid, the network can perform a TA update.

[0147] The process for implementing step 4b in method two includes:

[0148] Sub-step 1: The base station configures the terminal to measure TA itself via RRC signaling.

[0149] Sub-step 2: After receiving the RRC signaling, the timing of the TA measurement can be determined by the terminal. The terminal can perform the TA measurement before or after receiving the LTM cell handover MCE CE.

[0150] Sub-step 3: The terminal uses the TA of the current serving cell and the downlink timing difference (DL timing difference) of the candidate cell to calculate the TA of the LTM candidate cell.

[0151] In the second implementation method described above, the terminal may not need to send the RA preamble to the LTM candidate cell. However, there are differences in the performance of terminals from different manufacturers in calculating the TA. The performance of the terminal calculating the TA is not controllable. Calculating the TA uniformly through the base station has higher reliability and stability. Therefore, the first implementation method described above is usually used to achieve uplink synchronization between the terminal and the LTM candidate cell.

[0152] Step 5: The terminal reports the L1 measurement results.

[0153] For example, the L1 measurement results include the L1 measurement results of LTM candidate cells. The terminal supports periodic / semi-persistent / aperiodic reporting. After receiving the L1 measurement results, the base station can make an LTM decision.

[0154] Step 6: The base station sends an LTM cell handover MAC CE to the terminal.

[0155] For example, an LTM cell handover MAC CE can also be understood as an LTM cell switch command carried by the MAC CE. Furthermore, after receiving the LTM cell handover MAC CE, the terminal detaches from the source cell and applies the target cell's configuration.

[0156] Step 7, Random Access Procedure. This step 7 can be divided into the following two cases:

[0157] Scenario 1: If the terminal has a valid TA value stored, a RACH-less procedure is performed. This means the terminal can send uplink data directly without sending an RA preamble to the target cell. The resources used by the terminal to send uplink data can be scheduled by the target cell via PDCCH or pre-configured granted (CG) resources. CG resources can be beam-associated, and the terminal can select the CG resource associated with the beam indicated in the LTM cell handover MAC CE.

[0158] For example, the valid TA value stored by the terminal can be measured by the terminal itself through the above-described implementation method two. If the LTM cell handover MAC CE indicates the TA value, and the terminal also measures the TA value itself, then the TA value indicated by the base station will be used first to send uplink data.

[0159] Case 2: If the terminal does not have a valid TA value, then execute the RACH-based procedure.

[0160] Step 8: LTM cell handover complete.

[0161] For example, steps 1-3 above can be understood as the LTM preparation phase. Steps 4a-4b can be understood as the early synchronization phase. Steps 5-7 can be understood as the LTM cell switch execution phase. Step 8 can be understood as the LTM cell switch completion phase.

[0162] 5. Mobility Management:

[0163] Mobility management is a crucial component of wireless mobile communication. It refers to all aspects of ensuring uninterrupted communication between the network and terminals due to terminal movement. Based on terminal state, it can be broadly categorized into two parts: RRC idle state mobility management and RRC connected state mobility management. In the RRC idle / deactivated state, mobility management primarily refers to cell selection / reselection; in the RRC connected state, it mainly refers to handover. Both cell selection / reselection and handover are based on measurement results. Therefore, mobility measurement is fundamental to mobility management. For example, the measurement process in NR can be as follows... Figure 8 As shown.

[0164] Typically, measurements can be divided into physical layer measurements (also known as layer 1 measurements) and RRC measurements (also known as layer 3 measurements). At the physical layer, the terminal performs specified types of measurements on the configured measurement resources. Then, for measurements based on synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel blocks (SSBs), the terminal merges the measurement results of multiple SSBs with the same SSB index and physical cell index (PCI) to obtain the beam-level layer 1 measurement result for that SSB (e.g., ...). Figure 8 China-Israel A 1 (This is indicated), and reported to Layer 3. The SSB is the SSB corresponding to the SSB index in the cell corresponding to the PCI.

[0165] For Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS) measurements, the terminal merges the measurement results of multiple CSI-RS with the same CSI-RS resource identifier and PCI to obtain the beam-level layer 1 measurement result of that CSI-RS (e.g., ...). Figure 8 China-Israel A 1 (This indicates that the CSI-RS is the resource identifier of the CSI-RS in the cell corresponding to the PCI), and it is reported to layer 3.

[0166] The process of merging multiple measurement results with the same PCI and SSB index / CSI-RS resource identifier can be understood as Layer 1 filtering. The specific implementation of Layer 1 filtering depends on the terminal implementation, and Layer 1 filtering is mainly used to eliminate the effects of fast fading.

[0167] After receiving the beam-level measurement results reported by Layer 1, Layer 3 can perform Layer 3 filtering to obtain the Layer 3 measurement results. Layer 3 filtering supports beam-level filtering (such as...). Figure 8 Layer 3 beam filtering and cell-level filtering (such as...) Figure 8 Layer 3 filtering for cell quality is used in this context.

[0168] See Figure 8 The process of generating the layer 3 measurement results is explained below when cell-level filtering is performed at layer 3:

[0169] A: Beam measurement results within the physical layer (i.e., beam-specific samples).

[0170] Layer 1 filtering: For beam-specific samples input at point A, merging and other processes are performed at the physical layer. The accuracy of filtering depends on the internal implementation.

[0171] A 1 After layer 1 filtering, the beam measurement results reported from layer 1 to layer 3 are obtained (i.e., beam-specific measurements).

[0172] Beam Consolidation / Selection: Selects and combines specific beam measurements to obtain cell quality. When calculating cell-level beam measurement results, the terminal needs to combine the cell's beam-level measurement results. The beam-level measurement results used for combining must meet the SSB combining threshold requirements. When the terminal measures multiple SSB beams in a cell that meet the SSB combining threshold requirements, it will combine the measurement results of these SSB beams at the cell level, and the maximum number of SSB beams allowed to be combined can be limited.

[0173] For example, the SSB merging threshold and the maximum number of SSB beams allowed to be merged are configured by the network. For instance, the network configures the parameter `absThreshSS-BlocksConsolidation`, which is an absolute threshold for merging Layer 1 SSB measurements. In Layer 3 filtering, SSB beam measurements exceeding this threshold are selected for merging to obtain cell measurement results, while beam measurements below the threshold are ignored. Furthermore, the network configures the parameter `nrofSS-BlocksToAverage` to indicate the maximum number of SSB beam measurements used during merging, i.e., the maximum number of measurements used for merging. The maximum value for both parameters can be 16.

[0174] If both types of parameters are configured and there is a beam measurement result higher than the threshold, the beam measurement results will be merged; otherwise, if one type of parameter is not configured, or if both types of parameters are configured but the beam measurement results are both lower than the threshold, the highest beam measurement result will be selected and not merged.

[0175] B: Cell measurement results (i.e., cell quality) obtained after beam combining / selection.

[0176] Layer 3 filtering for cell quality: Filtering is performed on the cell measurement results provided at point B. Layer 3 filtering is mainly used to smooth shadow fading and a small number of fast fading spikes.

[0177] C: Cell measurement results after Layer 3 filtering.

[0178] Evaluation of reporting criteria: This evaluation assesses whether an actual measurement report needs to be sent at point D. This evaluation is also based on reference point C. 1 A measurement flow is performed at the location.

[0179] D: Cell-level measurement reports (cell measurement information) sent on the wireless interface.

[0180] See Figure 8 The following is a description of the process for generating the layer 3 measurement results when beam-level filtering is performed at layer 3:

[0181] A: Beam measurement results within the physical layer (i.e., beam-specific samples).

[0182] Layer 1 filtering: For beam-specific samples input at point A, merging and other processes are performed at the physical layer. The accuracy of filtering depends on the internal implementation.

[0183] A1 After layer 1 filtering, the beam measurement results reported from layer 1 to layer 3 are obtained (i.e., beam-specific measurements).

[0184] Layer 3 beam filtering: for point A 1 The beam measurement results (i.e., beam-specific measurements) provided are filtered.

[0185] E: Beam measurement results after processing in the beam filter (i.e., beam-specific measurements).

[0186] Beam selection for reporting: Select X measurements from the measurements provided at point E.

[0187] F: Beam-level measurement report (beam measurement information) transmitted via the wireless interface.

[0188] Based on the above explanation, the main differences between beam-level filtering and cell-level filtering can be found in Table 1.

[0189] Table 1

[0190] Dimension Community-level filtering Beam-level filtering Application layer Based on the quality of the merged communities Acting on raw measurements of a single beam Triggering conditions SSB merging threshold must be met No merging operation is performed; physical layer reports are processed directly. Configuration granularity Configure by cell object Supports configuration by beam group or individual beams. Typical measurement source SSB / CSI-RS merge results Single-beam SSB or CSI-RS measurements

[0191] Furthermore, according to the 3GPP protocol definition, Layer 3 filtering is an Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) algorithm. Its core idea is to perform a time-weighted average of the raw physical layer measurements. This mechanism shares the following relationship between beam-level filtering and cell-level filtering:

[0192] F n = (1-a)·F n-1 +a·M n

[0193] Among them, F n F represents the measurement result after the nth filtering. n-1 M represents the filtering result of the (n-1)th iteration. n This represents the measurement value reported by the physical layer for the nth time, and 'a' represents the filtering coefficient, with a value range of 0 ≤ a ≤ 1.

[0194] As described above, the 4-step random access process involves numerous interactions between the terminal and the base station, resulting in longer access latency and higher power consumption. While the 2-step random access process reduces these interactions, it still requires sending the RA preamble, which also contributes to access latency. In other words, all of these random access procedures result in relatively long terminal access latency.

[0195] Although the terminal can send the RA preamble in advance during the LTM process through the early synchronization procedure to reduce some of the data interruption delay caused by the random access procedure during the handover, the sending of the RA preamble before the handover is still unavoidable and will still cause the transmission delay of user plane data.

[0196] Based on this, this application provides a communication method in which a base station can send configuration information indicating a time window to a terminal. The terminal sends the measurement results of at least one reference signal within the time window to the base station based on the base station's configuration. The base station determines a first TA for uplink synchronization between the terminal and a target cell based on the measurement results of the at least one reference signal and a first model, and indicates the first TA to the first terminal, so that the terminal can send a PUSCH to the target cell based on the first TA to complete random access without RA preamble.

[0197] In this scheme, since the base station can infer the TA (Target Access Decision) using the first model based on the measurement results of the reference signal reported by the terminal and indicate the TA to the terminal, the terminal can directly send uplink data to the target cell based on the TA, eliminating the need for the terminal to send the RA (Range Access Decision) preamble to the target cell. This reduces the terminal's access latency and avoids the power consumption associated with sending the RA preamble, thus reducing the terminal's power consumption. Furthermore, the measurement results of the reference signal reported by the terminal for TA inference are the measurement results of the reference signal within a certain time window, ensuring the temporal consistency and real-time performance of the measurement results input to the model, thereby improving the accuracy of the inferred TA and ultimately enhancing random access performance.

[0198] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be used in various communication systems, including 3GPP communication systems, such as fourth-generation (4G) systems like Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G systems like NR, LTE and 5G hybrid networking systems, integrated communication and sensing systems, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, machine-type communication (MTC) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, or other future communication systems. The communication system can also be a non-3GPP communication system; there is no limitation on this.

[0199] The communication systems described above are merely illustrative examples, and are not limited to those described herein. The communication systems provided in this application do not impose any limitations on the solutions described herein. This will be explained uniformly here and will not be repeated below.

[0200] Figure 9 A possible, non-limiting system schematic diagram is shown. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the communication system 90 includes a radio access network (RAN) 900 and a core network (CN) 1000. The RAN 900 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 9 910a and 910b (collectively referred to as 910) and at least one terminal (such as Figure 9 The 920a-920j in the core network are collectively referred to as 920. The core network 1000 includes at least one core network device.

[0201] Optionally, the RAN 900 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 9 (Not shown in the image). Terminal 920 is connected to RAN node 910 wirelessly. RAN node 910 is connected to core network 1000 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network equipment in core network 1000 and RAN node 910 in RAN 900 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0202] In one possible implementation, RAN 900 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN 900 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), a non-terrestrial network (NTN) (such as an NTN supporting pass-through mode and / or regenerative mode, or an NTN supporting eye-tracking mode (earth fixed cell) and / or non-eye-tracking mode (earth moving cell), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 900 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0203] In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 910 and terminal 920 are relative, for example, Figure 9The network element 920i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal 920j accessing RAN 900 via network element 920i, network element 920i is a base station; however, for base station 910a, network element 920i is a terminal. RAN node 910 and terminal 920 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 9 The network elements 910a and 910b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while the network elements 920a-920j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0204] In some scenarios, communication between RAN node 910 and terminal 920 follows a specific protocol layer structure, which may include a control plane protocol layer and a user plane protocol layer. The control plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, or physical (PHY) layer, etc. The user plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, or physical layer, etc.

[0205] As one possible implementation, terminal 920 can also be referred to as terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as D2D, V2X communication, MTC, IoT, virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0206] As one possible implementation, RAN node 910, sometimes also referred to as RAN entity or access node, constitutes part of the communication system to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 910 in the communication system 90 can be of the same type or different types.

[0207] In one possible scenario, RAN node 910 can be an access network device, such as a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. The RAN node can also be a macro base station (such as...). Figure 9 910a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 9 RAN nodes can be 910b (a type of RAN node), relay nodes or donor nodes, or wireless controllers in CRAN scenarios. Optionally, RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in V2X technology, the RAN node can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0208] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0209] For example, the BBU and RU can be co-located or separate. The CU can handle slow processing of non-real-time functions within the access network equipment, such as handover and connection management. The DU can handle fast processing of real-time functions within the access network equipment, such as encoding / decoding and fast scheduling. The RU is mainly used to complete the reception and transmission of baseband signals, as well as the modulation and demodulation of radio frequency signals, data processing, power amplification, and other functions. The RU can be deployed close to the antenna, resulting in low feeder loss.

[0210] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called an O-RAN central unit (O-CU), DU can also be called an O-RAN distributed unit (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an O-RAN central unit control plane (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an O-RAN central unit user plane (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an O-RAN radio unit (O-RU). Any of the units CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0211] For example, such as Figure 10 The diagram shown is a possible, non-limiting O-RAN system. In this system, the CU, DU, and RU cooperate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access.

[0212] See Figure 10 The CU communicates with the core network via the backhaul link, and the RU communicates with at least one terminal via the air interface (e.g., by establishing a physical transmission link). The DU communicates with at least one RU via the fronthaul link, and the CU communicates with at least one DU via the midhaul link.

[0213] As one possible implementation, the CU and DU respectively implement some of the protocol layer functions of the access network device. For example, some protocol layer functions are implemented in the CU, and the remaining or all protocol layer functions are implemented in the DU. The CU can control one or more DUs.

[0214] For example, a CU can deploy the RRC layer, SDAP layer, and PDCP layer; or, in other words, a CU can be understood as a logical node carrying the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layers of access network equipment. Therefore, the CU has the processing capabilities of the RRC, PDCP, and SDAP layers. Of course, the CU can also implement or carry other control functions. Similarly, a DU can deploy the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer; or, in other words, a DU can be understood as a logical node carrying the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers. Therefore, the DU has the processing capabilities of the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers. Of course, the DU can also implement or carry other functions.

[0215] Optionally, the CU connects to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, which can be E2 interfaces, etc. Furthermore, the CU can also implement some core network functions. The CU (e.g., PDCP layer and higher layers) connects to the DU (e.g., RLC layer and lower layers) through interfaces, which can be interfaces such as F1. In some examples, these interfaces (e.g., F1 interface) can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). For example, F1 supports control plane functions through F1-C and user plane functions through F1-U.

[0216] In one example, the CU may include CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP can be understood as a logical node carrying the RRC layer and the PDCP control plane (PDCP control plane part of PDCP, PDCP-C), used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can communicate with the DU via F1-C. CU-UP can be understood as a logical node carrying the SDAP layer and the PDCP user plane (PDCP user plane part of PDCP, PDCP-U), used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can communicate with the DU via F1-U.

[0217] CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements can be access and mobility function network elements, such as the AMF network element in a 5G system. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements can be, for example, UPF network elements.

[0218] The functional division of CU and DU described above is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation on CU and DU. Furthermore, the functions of CU and DU can be configured as needed. For example, CU or DU can be configured as a node with more protocol layer functions, or as a node with partial protocol layer processing functions. For instance, some functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. As another example, the functions of CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency, placing functions that need to meet low latency requirements in the DU and functions that do not need to meet such latency requirements in the CU.

[0219] For example, in some examples, the CU may not carry the PDCP layer, i.e., it may only carry the RRC layer. CU-CP may not carry PDCP-C, CU-UP may not carry PDCP-U, or CU-UP may not exist. In other examples, the DU may not carry the RLC layer. Furthermore, it is also possible to have only the DU without a CU.

[0220] As one possible implementation, the DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. For example, the DU can deploy the RLC layer, MAC layer, and higher physical layer (Higher PHY). The RU can deploy the lower physical layer (Lower PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing functions. The DU can control at least one RU, and the DU and RU can communicate via a fronthaul interface. The DU and RU can be co-located or not.

[0221] The higher physical layer is closer to the MAC layer, and its functions include at least one of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, modulation / demodulation, etc. The lower physical layer is closer to the mid-RF side, and its functions include at least one of the following: fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH), etc. The RU is similar to the TRP or remote radio head (RRH) in 3GPP, but it includes lower-level PHY functions such as FFT / iFFT or PRACH extraction.

[0222] The functional division of DU and RU described above is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation on DU and RU. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and RU can be configured to implement radio frequency functions, etc.

[0223] In some scenarios, the RAN in the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application may further include a RAN intelligent controller (RIC). The RIC may further include a non-real time RAN intelligent controller (Non-RT RIC or NRT RIC) and a near-real time RAN intelligent controller (Near-RT RIC or nRT RIC).

[0224] Non-real-time RICs are used to implement non-real-time intelligent management of the RAN, processing non-real-time information, such as latency-insensitive data with latency in the order of seconds. They can also implement artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) workflows, including model training and updates, and guide applications / functions in near-real-time RICs based on policies. Near-real-time RICs are used to implement near-real-time intelligent management of the RAN, processing near-real-time information, such as latency-sensitive data with latency in the order of tens of milliseconds. They can also achieve near-real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface. The E2 interface can be understood as an open interface between two nodes (or endpoints).

[0225] As one possible implementation, near real-time RICs can be used for model training and inference. For example, they can be used to train AI models and then use those models for inference. Near real-time RICs can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (e.g., CUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, DUs, and / or RUs) and / or terminals. This information can be used as training data or inference data. Optionally, near real-time RICs can deliver inference results to RAN nodes and / or terminals. Optionally, inference results can be exchanged between CUs and DUs, and / or between DUs and RUs. For example, a near real-time RIC might deliver inference results to a DU, which then forwards them to an RU. Non-real-time RICs can also be used for model training and inference. Refer to the relevant documentation on using near real-time RICs for model training and inference; details will not be elaborated here.

[0226] As one possible implementation, near real-time RICs and non-real-time RICs can be configured as separate network elements. Alternatively, near real-time RICs and non-real-time RICs can also be part of other devices. For example, near real-time RICs can be set in RAN nodes (e.g., CU, DU), while non-real-time RICs can be set in OAM, cloud servers, core network devices, or other devices.

[0227] It should be noted that the communication system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0228] The following is combined Figure 9 The system shown uses the interaction between the terminal and RAN nodes, and the interaction between RAN nodes, as examples to describe the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. It should be noted that the message names, parameter names, or information names between devices in the following embodiments of this application are just examples, and other names may be used in other embodiments. The method provided in this application does not specifically limit these names.

[0229] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the terminal or RAN node may execute some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also perform other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the various steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessarily necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0230] It is understood that this application uses a terminal and a RAN node as examples to illustrate the execution of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be executed by a module applied to the terminal (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal's functions; similarly, the method executed by the RAN node can also be executed by a module applied to the RAN node (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the RAN node's functions.

[0231] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the communication method may include the following steps S1101-S1104.

[0232] S1101, the first RAN node sends configuration information to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the configuration information from the first RAN node.

[0233] The first RAN node can be understood as the source RAN node, or as the serving RAN node of the first terminal, or as the RAN node to which the serving cell of the first terminal belongs.

[0234] This configuration information is used to indicate the time window and / or reporting strategy.

[0235] In one possible implementation, the time window can be understood as the time window during which the first terminal performs L1 filtering, or the measurement results of the reference signal within the time window will be used as the same batch of inputs (or inputs in one inference process) of the artificial intelligence (AI) model, which is used to infer TA.

[0236] For example, taking the first terminal measuring SSB1, SSB2 of cell 1, and SSB1 of cell 2 respectively as an example, Figure 12 As shown, the first terminal will measure SSB1, SSB2 of cell 1, and SSB1 of cell 2 multiple times at different times. When a time window is configured in the configuration information, the first terminal performs L1 filtering based on the time window, that is, it merges the measurement results of the same reference signal of the same cell within the time window to obtain the final measurement result of each reference signal.

[0237] For example, such as Figure 12 As shown, the first terminal performs four measurements on SSB1, SSB2 of cell 1, and SSB1 of cell 2 within the time window. The first terminal then merges the four measurement results of SSB1 of cell 1 within the time window to obtain the measurement result of SSB1 of cell 1, merges the four measurement results of SSB2 of cell 1 within the time window to obtain the measurement result of SSB2 of cell 1, and merges the four measurement results of SSB1 of cell 2 within the time window to obtain the measurement result of SSB1 of cell 2.

[0238] It should be noted that this application does not specifically limit the method of L1 filtering for the first terminal, which may depend on the specific implementation of the first terminal.

[0239] As one possible implementation, the configuration information may include the start and end times of the time window; or it may include the start and length of the time window; or it may include the end and length of the time window; or it may include the length of the time window. In this case, the start time of the time window may be the time when the first terminal receives the configuration information, or a predefined time interval between the start time and the time the first terminal receives the configuration information. Furthermore, the aforementioned start time, end time, and length may be expressed in relative time (such as time slots, subframes, time-domain symbols, etc.) or in absolute time, such as Universal Time Chiming (UTC), without limitation.

[0240] In one possible implementation, the reporting policy indicates whether default reporting of beam-level measurement results is supported. For example, the reporting policy indicates whether the network (or the first RAN node) supports default reporting of beam-level measurement results by the terminal. Here, beam-level measurement results can also be understood as reference signal-level measurement results, or measurement results with beam (or reference signal) granularity.

[0241] As one possible implementation, if the default reporting of beam-level measurement results is not supported, the first terminal needs to report the measurement results of all reference signals in the same cell. For example, if the first terminal measures cell 1, which includes 16 SSBs with SSB indices from 0 to 15, then the first terminal needs to report the measurement results of SSB0 to SSB15 of the cell.

[0242] For example, if the first terminal does not measure all reference signals of a certain cell, the reported measurement result of the unmeasured reference signals can be the minimum value or can be set to NULL. The minimum value can be the minimum value in the preset measurement result range or the minimum value in the measured results.

[0243] For example, if the first terminal measures the SSB0-SSB10 of cell 1, the measurement results of SSB11-SSB15 of cell 1 reported by the first terminal can be the minimum value in the preset measurement result range, or the minimum value in the measurement results of SSB0-SSB10, or can be set to empty.

[0244] As one possible implementation, if the default reporting of beam-level measurement results is supported, the first terminal can report the measurement results of a portion of the reference signals in the same cell, or report the measurement results of a portion of the measured reference signals.

[0245] Optionally, when default reporting of beam-level measurement results is supported, this configuration information is also used to determine the reference signal for priority reporting of measurement results, and / or to determine the reference signal for which measurement results can be reported by default. The implementation of this configuration information for determining the reference signal for priority reporting of measurement results will be described in subsequent embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0246] In one possible implementation, the first RAN node may broadcast the configuration information, for example, by including the configuration information in system information or system messages; or, the first RAN node may unicast the configuration information to the first terminal, for example, by including the configuration information in an RRC message, such as an RRC reconfiguration message, without limitation.

[0247] S1102, the first terminal sends the measurement result of at least one reference signal to the first RAN node. Correspondingly, the first RAN node receives the measurement result of the at least one reference signal from the first terminal.

[0248] For example, the reference signal can be an SSB, CSI-RS, or other type of reference signal, without limitation. Furthermore, the at least one reference signal can be a reference signal in one or more cells, which can be understood as neighboring cells of the first terminal's current serving cell. For instance, the first terminal reports the measurement results of reference signal 1, reference signal 2, reference signal 3, and reference signal 4, where reference signal 1 and reference signal 2 are reference signals for cell 1, reference signal 3 is a reference signal for cell 2, and reference signal 4 is a reference signal for cell 3.

[0249] For example, the measurement result of the reference signal can be at least one of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal interference noise ratio (SINR), and received signal strength indicator (RSSI). Furthermore, the measurement result of the reference signal can be either an L1 measurement or an L3 measurement, without limitation.

[0250] For example, the first terminal may periodically, semi-periodically, or non-periodically transmit the measurement results of at least one reference signal to the first RAN node, without limitation.

[0251] As one possible implementation, in step S1102, the first terminal sends the measurement results of at least one reference signal to the first RAN node according to the above configuration information.

[0252] For example, when the configuration information indicates a time window, the first terminal sends the measurement results of at least one reference signal within that time window to the first RAN node. Refer to the description of the measurement results of the reference signal within the time window in step S1101 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0253] When the configuration information indicates a reporting strategy, and the reporting strategy indicates that the default reporting of beam-level measurement results is not supported, the measurement results of the at least one reference signal sent by the first terminal include the measurement results of all reference signals of the first cell, wherein the first cell is any cell measured by the first terminal.

[0254] When the configuration information indicates a reporting strategy, and the reporting strategy indicates support for the default reporting of beam-level measurement results, the above-mentioned at least one reference signal is a reference signal that needs to be reported with priority. The at least one reference signal can be determined by the first terminal according to the configuration information, which will be explained in subsequent embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0255] S1103. The first RAN node determines the first TA based on the measurement results of the at least one reference signal and the first model. That is, the first TA is determined based on the measurement results of the at least one reference signal and the first model.

[0256] As one possible implementation, the first RAN node can input the measurement results of at least one reference signal into the first model to obtain the first TA. That is, the measurement results of at least one reference signal are used as the input of the first model, and correspondingly, the output of the first model is the first TA.

[0257] Understandably, when the configuration information indicates a time window, the measurement result of the at least one reference signal can be understood as the measurement result of at least one reference signal within the time window.

[0258] The first model is used for inference TA. That is, the first model can be understood as the model maintained or stored by the first RAN node for inference TA. For example, the first model can be an AI model, such as a k-nearest neighbor algorithm (KNN) model, an artificial neural network (ANN) model, a support vector machine (SVM) model, etc.

[0259] S1104. The first RAN node sends the first TA to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the first TA from the first RAN node.

[0260] The first TA is used for uplink synchronization between the first terminal and the target cell. For example, the target cell is determined by the first RAN node based on the measurement results of at least one reference signal reported by the first terminal.

[0261] As one possible implementation, the RAN node to which the target cell belongs can be the first RAN node, in which case the first RAN node can also be understood as the target RAN node. Alternatively, the RAN node to which the target cell belongs can also be the second RAN node, which is different from the first RAN node, in which case the second RAN node can be understood as the target RAN node.

[0262] As one possible implementation, the first RAN node can also send relevant information for accessing the target cell to the first terminal, such as the target cell's identifier, carrier frequency information, power control parameters, etc., without restriction.

[0263] As one possible implementation, the first RAN node sending the first TA to the first terminal may include: the first RAN node sending indication information of the first TA to the first terminal, whereby the indication information of the first TA is used to indicate the first TA. For example, the indication information of the first TA may be an index of the first TA, or it may be a value of the first TA, etc.

[0264] As one possible implementation, the first RAN node can send an RRC reconfiguration message to the first terminal, indicating the first TA in the RRC reconfiguration message. Alternatively, the first RAN node can send a MAC control element (MAC CE) message to the first terminal, indicating the first TA in the MAC CE message.

[0265] As one possible implementation, the first TA has an expiration period. The first RAN node can also indicate the expiration period of the first TA to the first terminal. The first TA is valid within the expiration period and expires after the expiration period. For example, the first RAN node can indicate the start and end times of the expiration period, or the start time and duration of the expiration period, or the end time of the expiration period, without limitation.

[0266] In one possible implementation, after step S1104, the method may further include the following step S1105:

[0267] S1105, The first terminal sends the first PUSCH according to the first TA.

[0268] Here, the first PUSCH is the PUSCH between the first terminal and the target cell. For example, the first terminal sending the first PUSCH according to the first TA can be understood as: the first terminal sending the first PUSCH, and the sending time of the first PUSCH is determined according to the first TA.

[0269] As one possible implementation, the resource configuration of the first PUSCH can be pre-configured by the first RAN node in the system information; or it can be configured by the first RAN node to the first terminal in step S1104 above. In this case, the resource configurations of the first TA and the first PUSCH can be carried in the same message or in different messages, without restriction.

[0270] As one possible implementation, the first terminal sends the first PUSCH according to the first TA during the validity period of the first TA.

[0271] As one possible implementation, step S1105 can also be understood as: the first terminal performs random access without RA preamble (in the target cell) according to the first TA.

[0272] Based on the above scheme, the network can send configuration information to the terminal. The terminal sends the measurement results of at least one reference signal to the network based on the network configuration. The network then determines the first TA for uplink synchronization between the terminal and the target cell based on the measurement results of the at least one reference signal and the first model, and instructs the first TA to the first terminal. This enables the terminal to send PUSCH to the target cell based on the first TA, thereby completing random access without RA preamble.

[0273] In this scheme, since the network can infer the TA using the first model based on the measurement results of the reference signal reported by the terminal and indicate the TA to the terminal, the terminal can directly send uplink data to the target cell based on the TA, eliminating the need for the terminal to send the RA preamble to the target cell. This reduces the terminal's access latency and avoids the power consumption caused by sending the RA preamble, thus reducing the terminal's power consumption.

[0274] Furthermore, when the configuration information indicates a time window, the measurement results of the reference signal reported by the terminal for inference TA are the measurement results of the reference signal within a certain time window. This ensures the consistency and real-time performance of the measurement results input to the first model, thereby improving the accuracy of inference TA. Since the terminal may be mobile, its location may change over time. The terminal's TA is related to the distance between the terminal and the RAN node; therefore, different terminal locations will result in different distances between the terminal and the RAN node, leading to different TA values. If the terminal applies L1 filtering to the measurement results of the reference signal over a long period, the measurement results will correspond to a large time span, severely affecting the accuracy of the inference TA.

[0275] When the configuration information indicates a reporting strategy that does not support the default reporting of beam-level measurement results, the terminal can report the measurement results of all reference signals within the cell, enabling the RAN node to acquire comprehensive signal / channel characteristics, thereby improving the accuracy and precision of TA inference.

[0276] When the reporting strategy indicates that the default reporting of beam-level measurement results is supported, the reference signal for priority reporting of measurement results can be determined based on the configuration information, thereby reporting the measurement results of that reference signal. Under the premise of meeting the TA inference accuracy, it can save measurement reporting overhead and adapt to terminals with different capabilities.

[0277] In one possible implementation, regarding the reporting strategy in step S1101 above, if the reporting strategy indicates that the default reporting of beam-level measurement results is supported, the configuration information is also used to determine the reference signal for which the measurement results are reported first, or in other words, the configuration information is also used to configure the reporting priority of the measurement results of the reference signal.

[0278] As one possible implementation, the reference signal for which the measurement results are reported first is associated with at least one of the following: the strength of the measurement result of the reference signal, the number (or index) of the reference signal, or the cell to which the reference signal belongs.

[0279] For example, the reference signal for which the measurement result is reported first satisfies at least one of the following: the intensity of the measurement result of the reference signal is located in a first intensity set, the number of the reference signal is located in a first number set, or the cell to which the reference signal belongs is located in a first cell set, which includes at least one cell.

[0280] As a first possible implementation, if the intensity of the measured result of the reference signal falls within the first intensity set, the reporting priority of the measurement results can be considered to be divided according to the intensity of the measured result of the reference signal. The first terminal can prioritize reporting measurement results whose intensity falls within the first intensity set.

[0281] For example, the first strength set may be configured by the first RAN node or may be predefined by the protocol. For instance, the strengths in the first strength set may be greater than or equal to a certain strength threshold. In this case, if the first strength set is configured by the first RAN node, the configuration information may indicate or carry the first strength set.

[0282] Alternatively, the first intensity set can be the top N strongest measurement results among the reference signal measurement results measured by the first terminal. For example, the measurement results of at least one reference signal reported by the first terminal in step S1102 are the top N strongest measurement results among the reference signal measurement results measured by the first terminal. In this case, the configuration information can indicate the value of N.

[0283] Understandably, in the example above, the reference signal with the higher intensity of the measurement result has a higher priority for reporting the measurement result.

[0284] Based on this possible implementation, since the higher the intensity of the measurement result, the more obvious the signal / channel / spatial characteristics reflected by the measurement result, which is more conducive to RAN node inference TA, reporting measurement results with higher intensity can help improve the accuracy and precision of TA inference.

[0285] As a second possible implementation, if the reference signal number is located in the first number set, it can be assumed that the reporting priority of the measurement results is divided according to the reference signal number.

[0286] For example, the first set of numbers may be configured by the first RAN node or may be predefined by the protocol. When the first RAN node configures the first set of numbers, the configuration information may indicate or carry the first set of numbers.

[0287] For example, in this implementation, the measurement results of at least one reference signal reported by the first terminal in step S1102 may include: the measurement results of reference signals whose numbers belong to the first number set within the same cell. For the measurement results of reference signals whose numbers do not belong to the first number set within the cell, these can be inferred by the RAN node.

[0288] Taking the reference signal as SSB and the first number set as SSB index={0,2,4,6} as an example, if the first terminal measures SSB0-SSB7 in cell 1 and SSB0-SSB7 in cell 2, then the first terminal reports the measurement results of SSB0, SSB2, SSB4, and SSB6 in cell 1 and the measurement results of SSB0, SSB2, SSB4, and SSB6 in cell 2 in step S1102.

[0289] Based on this possible implementation, the first terminal can report the measurement results of a specified reference signal within the cell. This specified reference signal can be configured by the RAN node, allowing the RAN node to flexibly configure it according to inference requirements. For example, the RAN node can specify that the interval between adjacent numbers in the first number set is greater than 1, meaning that the terminal is designated to report the measurement results of reference signals with discrete numbers. Since the reference signals have different numbers and cover different directions, and since adjacent reference signals usually have adjacent or overlapping coverage directions, reporting the measurement results of reference signals with discrete numbers can provide the RAN node with more spatial features, which is beneficial for improving the accuracy and precision of TA inference.

[0290] As a third possible implementation, if the cell to which the reference signal belongs is located in the first cell set, and the first cell set includes multiple cells, it can be assumed that the first terminal prioritizes reporting the measurement results of the reference signal across cells / base stations. For example, the measurement results of at least one reference signal reported by the first terminal in step S1102 include the measurement results of reference signals from at least two cells.

[0291] For example, taking a first cell set including cell 1, cell 2 and cell 3 as an example, if the first terminal measures SSB0-SSB7 of cell 1, SSB0-SSB3 of cell 2 and SSB0-SSB7 of cell 3, the first terminal can report the measurement results of some or all of the SSBs in SSB0-SSB7 of cell 1, some or all of the SSBs in SSB0-SSB3 of cell 2, and some or all of the SSBs in SSB0-SSB7 of cell 3.

[0292] Furthermore, the first terminal can prioritize reporting the measurement results of the designated reference signal of each cell in the first cell set. For example, taking the first cell set as including cell 1, cell 2 and cell 3, the designated reference signal corresponding to cell 1 can be SSB2, the designated reference signal corresponding to cell 2 can be SSB1, and the designated reference signal corresponding to cell 3 can be SSB7. In this case, the first terminal will prioritize reporting the measurement results of SSB2 of cell 1, the measurement results of SSB1 of cell 2, and the measurement results of SSB7 of cell 3.

[0293] For example, the first cell set can be predefined by the protocol, configured by the first RAN node, or determined by the first terminal itself. For instance, the first terminal can determine all the cells it measures as the first cell set. The specified reference signal corresponding to each cell in the first cell set can be predefined by the protocol, configured by the first RAN node, or determined by the first terminal itself; there is no limitation on this.

[0294] Optionally, when the first cell set includes multiple cells, the coverage areas of the reference signals of these multiple cells overlap. In other words, the coverage areas of the specified reference signals of these multiple cells overlap. For example, in the example above, the coverage areas of SSB2 of cell 1, SSB1 of cell 2, and SSB7 of cell 3 overlap. Exemplarily, the first terminal may be located within this overlapping coverage area.

[0295] Based on this possible implementation, the first terminal can prioritize reporting the measurement results of reference signals from multiple cells. Since different cells have different geographical locations, reporting the measurement results of reference signals from multiple cells can provide richer spatial features to the RAN node, thereby improving the accuracy and precision of TA inference.

[0296] As a fourth possible implementation, if the cell to which the reference signal belongs is located in the first cell set, and the first cell set includes only one cell, it can be assumed that the first terminal prioritizes reporting the measurement results of reference signals belonging to the same cell. For example, the measurement results of at least one reference signal reported by the first terminal in step S1102 are the measurement results of at least one reference signal within the same cell.

[0297] For example, if the first terminal measures the reference signal of two cells, and the reference signal of one cell (denoted as cell A) is stronger than the reference signal of the other cell (denoted as cell B), the first terminal may prioritize reporting the reference signal measurement result of cell A.

[0298] For example, if the first terminal measures SSB0-SSB3 in cell 1 and SSB1 in cell 2, and the measurement results of SSB0-SSB3 in cell 1 are stronger than the measurement results of SSB1 in cell 2 are weaker, then the first terminal will prioritize reporting the measurement results of SSB0-SSB3 in cell 1.

[0299] Alternatively, for example, if the first model does not support the measurement results of reference signals across cells or base stations as input, reporting the measurement results of multiple cells would lead to a waste of reporting resources and would not help TA inference. Therefore, the first terminal may prioritize reporting the measurement results of reference signals belonging to the same cell.

[0300] Based on this possible implementation, weaker measurement results cannot provide effective signal / channel / spatial characteristics to the RAN node, and reporting them to the RAN node may also affect TA inference. Therefore, the first terminal can prioritize reporting stronger measurement results and default to reporting weaker ones, thereby reducing the impact on TA inference and improving its accuracy. Alternatively, if the first model does not support cross-cell or cross-base station reference signal measurement results as input, the first terminal can prioritize reporting reference signal measurement results belonging to the same cell, saving resource overhead and avoiding resource waste.

[0301] As one possible implementation, the conditions that the reference signal for priority reporting of measurement results described above can be used in combination. For example, the intensity of the measurement result of the reference signal is located in a first intensity set, and the number of the reference signal is located in a first number set; or the number of the reference signal is located in a first number set, and the cell to which the reference signal belongs is located in a first cell set; or the intensity of the measurement result of the reference signal is located in a first intensity set, and the cell to which the reference signal belongs is located in a first cell set; or the intensity of the measurement result of the reference signal is located in a first intensity set, the number of the reference signal is located in a first number set, and the cell to which the reference signal belongs is located in a first cell set.

[0302] As one possible implementation, the first RAN node can carry priority information in its configuration information to indicate a reference signal that prioritizes the reporting of measurement results, using one or more of the four implementation methods described above.

[0303] For example, the priority information can be implemented using a bitmap, which includes 4 bits, each bit corresponding to an implementation method. If a bit is set to "1" (or "0"), it means that the reference signal for prioritizing the reporting of measurement results is determined using the method corresponding to that bit. For example, if the bitmap is "1001", it means that the combination of the first and fourth methods mentioned above is used to determine the reference signal for prioritizing the reporting of measurement results. As another example, if the bitmap is "0100", it means that the reference signal for reporting measurement results is determined using the second method mentioned above.

[0304] Alternatively, the priority information can be an index of the implementation method. For example, indices 1-4 correspond to the first to fourth implementation methods mentioned above, respectively. If the priority information includes indices 1 and 4, it means that the combination of the first and fourth methods is used to determine the reference signal for prioritizing the reporting of measurement results; or, if the priority information includes index 2, it means that the second method is used to determine the reference signal for reporting measurement results.

[0305] In one possible implementation, step S1102 above, where the first terminal sends the measurement result of at least one reference signal to the first RAN node, may include: the first terminal sending a measurement report to the first RAN node, and correspondingly, the first RAN node receiving the measurement report from the first terminal, the measurement report including the measurement result of the at least one reference signal. Further, the measurement result of the at least one reference signal may be the measurement result of at least one reference signal within the aforementioned time window.

[0306] At this time, the first terminal can also send indication information to the first RAN node, and the first RAN node receives the indication information from the first terminal.

[0307] As one possible implementation, the indication information indicates the reference signal in the measurement report that is located within the time window, or in other words, the indication information indicates the measurement result of the reference signal in the measurement report that belongs to the time window.

[0308] For example, if the measurement report includes the measurement results of reference signal 1, reference signal 2, and reference signal 3, and the measurement results of reference signal 1 and reference signal 2 are obtained by measuring reference signal 1 and reference signal 2 within the time window, or by performing L1 filtering on multiple measurement results of reference signal 1 and reference signal 2 within the time window, and the measurement result of reference signal 3 is not obtained by measuring reference signal 3 within the time window, then the indication information indicates reference signal 1 and reference signal 2.

[0309] For example, the indication information can be a Flag. If the measurement result of a certain reference signal in the measurement report is the measurement result of the reference signal within the time window, then the Flag corresponding to the measurement result of the reference signal can be set to "true". Alternatively, the indication information can be a bitmap. For example, if the measurement report includes the measurement results of M reference signals, then the bitmap can include M bits, each of which corresponds one-to-one with one of the M reference signals. When a bit is set to "1" (or "0"), it indicates that the measurement result of the reference signal corresponding to that bit is the measurement result of that reference signal within the time window.

[0310] As another possible implementation, if all reference signals in the measurement report are within the time window, or if all measurement results in the measurement report are measurement results of reference signals within the time window, the indication information indicates that the measurement report is a measurement report specifically for TA inference.

[0311] For example, if the measurement report includes the measurement results of reference signal 1, reference signal 2, and reference signal 3, and the measurement results of reference signal 1, reference signal 2, and reference signal 3 are obtained by measuring reference signal 1, reference signal 2, and reference signal 3 respectively within the time window, then the indication information indicates that the measurement report is a measurement report specifically used for TA inference.

[0312] As one possible implementation, the indication information can be carried in the measurement report or in other information cells outside the measurement report. If the indication information is carried in other information cells outside the measurement report, it can be carried in the same message as the measurement report or in a different message, without limitation.

[0313] Furthermore, when the indication information is carried in other information elements besides the measurement report, the indication information may carry the identifier of the measurement report or the measurement identity associated with the measurement report to indicate the measurement report associated with the indication information.

[0314] Based on this possible implementation, the first terminal can indicate the measurement results of the reference signal used for TA inference to the first RAN node through the indication information, so that the first RAN node can use the appropriate measurement results for TA inference, avoid using unavailable or unreasonable measurement results for TA inference, and thus improve the accuracy of TA inference.

[0315] In one possible implementation, the first model in step S1103 above can be obtained by the first RAN node through pre-training. For example, after the first RAN node obtains the RSRPs corresponding to each of the multiple SSBs sent by the terminal, it trains the first model based on the RSRPs corresponding to the multiple SSBs measured by the terminal and the terminal's TA. One implementation of the first RAN node obtaining the terminal's TA includes: the first RAN node determining the terminal's TA based on the RA preamble sent by the terminal.

[0316] For example, when training the first model, the first RAN node uses the RSRPs corresponding to multiple SSBs measured by the terminal as input to the first model and the TA of the terminal as output to the first model. That is, it can be considered that when training the first model, a training sample consists of multiple RSRPs obtained by a terminal measuring multiple SSBs and the TA of that terminal. For example, the SSBs broadcast in the cell include four SSBs: SSB1, SSB2, SSB3, and SSB4. The cell includes terminal #1. Terminal #1 measures the signal strength of SSB1 as RSRP1, SSB2 as RSRP2, SSB3 as RSRP3, and SSB4 as RSRP4. The first RAN node determines the TA of terminal #1 as TA1 based on the RA preamble sent by terminal #1. Then, RSRP1, RSRP2, RSRP3, RSRP4, and TA1 of terminal #1 constitute a training sample. When training the first model based on this training sample, RSRP1, RSRP2, RSRP3, and RSRP4 in the training sample are used as the input of the first model, and TA1 in the training sample is used as the output of the first model.

[0317] Generally speaking, the more training samples used to train the first model, the more accurate the trained first model usually is. For example, in one implementation, a terminal can be placed every x meters (e.g., x equals 10) in a cell, for example, a total of P terminals are placed. Then, the first RAN node obtains P training samples based on the TA of each of the P terminals and N RSRPs measured by each terminal, and trains the first model based on the P training samples.

[0318] In one possible implementation, after the first terminal performs random access, the RAN node can update the model (such as the first model) used for inference TA based on the random access of the first terminal.

[0319] The following example, taking the RAN node of the target cell as the first RAN node, i.e., the first terminal performing intra-site random access (or intra-site handover), further illustrates the communication method provided in this application. Figure 13 As shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0320] S1301-S1304 are the same as steps S1101-S1104 above. Please refer to the relevant explanations of steps S1101-S1104 above. They will not be repeated here.

[0321] S1305, the first terminal sends the first PUSCH to the first RAN node, and correspondingly, the first RAN node receives the first PUSCH from the first terminal.

[0322] The first PUSCH is the PUSCH between the first terminal and the target cell. Please refer to the relevant description in step S1105, which will not be repeated here.

[0323] S1306. The first RAN node determines the second TA based on the first PUSCH. For example, the second TA can be understood as the actual TA corresponding to the first terminal.

[0324] As one possible implementation, the first RAN node can determine the second TA based on the actual reception time of the first PUSCH. For example, the first RAN node can determine the TA offset based on the actual reception time of the first PUSCH and the expected reception time of the first PUSCH, and then determine the second TA based on the first TA and the TA offset. For example, the TA offset can also be called the TA adjustment amount (delta TA), and the two can be used interchangeably.

[0325] The expected reception time of the first PUSCH can be the expected reception time preset by the first RAN node, which can be the end position of the time domain resource of the first PUSCH configured by the first RAN node. The actual reception time of the first PUSCH can be the time when the first RAN node actually receives the first PUSCH, or the actual end position of the time domain resource of the first PUSCH.

[0326] For example, the TA bias can be the difference between the actual reception time of the first PUSCH and the expected reception time of the first PUSCH. The second TA can be the sum of the first TA and the TA bias.

[0327] S1307. The first RAN node updates the first model based on the measurement results of the second TA and at least one reference signal.

[0328] As one possible implementation, the first RAN node can use the measurement result of at least one reference signal and the second TA as the input and output of the first model, respectively, to update the first model, such as by retraining the first model or by training the model based on the first model. The measurement result of the at least one reference signal refers to the measurement result of the at least one reference signal reported by the first terminal in step S1301 above.

[0329] For example, updating the first model can also be understood as updating the model parameters of the first model. In this embodiment, the model obtained after updating the first model is called the updated first model (also called the third model). The first model before the update and the first model after the update are different, or in other words, their model parameters are different.

[0330] As one possible implementation, the first RAN node can update the first model based on the measurement results of multiple sets of real TAs and their corresponding reference signals. For example, the measurement results of these multiple sets of real TAs and their corresponding reference signals may include, but are not limited to: (TA1, measurement result 1), (TA2, measurement result 2), (TA3, measurement result 3), etc. Here, TA1, TA2, and TA3 are real TAs, measurement result 1 is the measurement result corresponding to TA1, measurement result 2 is the measurement result corresponding to TA2, and measurement result 3 is the measurement result corresponding to TA3.

[0331] For example, the correspondence between the measurement results of the actual TA and the reference signal can be understood as follows: the RAN node uses the measurement results and the AI ​​model to determine the inference TA; after the terminal uses the inference TA for random access, the RAN node obtains the actual TA based on this random access. Refer to the relevant explanations in steps S1301-S1306 above; they will not be repeated here.

[0332] The measurement results of the multiple sets of real TAs and their corresponding reference signals used by the first RAN node may include the measurement results of the second TA and at least one of the aforementioned reference signals. Furthermore, the measurement results of these multiple sets of real TAs and their corresponding reference signals may be the measurement results of real TAs and their corresponding reference signals in a terminal performing intra-site random access scenarios, or the measurement results of real TAs and their corresponding reference signals in a terminal performing inter-site random access scenarios.

[0333] For example, the first RAN node can sequentially use the actual TA as output and the measurement result of the reference signal corresponding to the actual TA as input to update the first model multiple times. For instance, firstly, TA1 is used as output and measurement result 1 is used as input to update the first model, and the updated result is denoted as first model 1; then, TA2 is used as output and measurement result 2 is used as input to update the first model 1, and the updated result is denoted as first model 2; finally, TA3 is used as output and measurement result 3 is used as input to update the first model 2, and the updated result is the updated first model, i.e., the third model.

[0334] S1308, the first RAN node sends first information to at least one third RAN node. Correspondingly, at least one third RAN node receives the first information from the first RAN node.

[0335] The at least one third RAN node is a neighboring RAN node of the first RAN node. The at least one third RAN node may include a second RAN node.

[0336] The first information includes measurement results of the second TA and at least one reference signal. Alternatively, the first information includes model parameters of the updated first model.

[0337] For example, in the embodiments of this application, model parameters may include model structure parameters (such as weights, biases, network layer structure, etc.), training process parameters (such as learning rate, number of iterations, loss function, etc.), optimization and tuning parameters (such as optimizer, regularization parameters, etc.), etc., without limitation.

[0338] Optionally, if the first information includes the measurement results of the second TA and at least one reference signal, the first information may further include the measurement results of at least one set of real TAs and their corresponding reference signals. The measurement results of the real TAs and their corresponding reference signals can be found in the relevant description in step S1306 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0339] As one possible implementation, the third RAN node can also maintain or store a model for inference TA. For ease of description, in this embodiment, the model maintained or stored by the third RAN node for inference TA is referred to as the second model. The second models maintained by different third RAN nodes may be the same or different. Furthermore, the second model may be the same as or different from the first model.

[0340] As one possible implementation, after receiving the first information, the third RAN node can update the second model based on the first information to obtain the updated second model (which can also be called the fourth model).

[0341] For example, if the first information includes the measurement results of the second TA and the at least one reference signal, the third RAN node can use the second TA as the output of the second model and the measurement results of the at least one reference signal as the input of the second model to update the second model, thus obtaining the updated second model. In this case, the second model updated by the third RAN node (i.e., the fourth model) and the first model updated by the first RAN node (i.e., the third model) may be the same or different.

[0342] Alternatively, if the first information includes the updated model parameters of the first model, the third RAN node can replace the model parameters of the second model with the updated model parameters of the first model; in other words, the third RAN node replaces the second model with the updated first model. In this case, the second model updated by the third RAN node (i.e., the fourth model) can be considered the same as the first model updated by the first RAN node (i.e., the third model).

[0343] As one possible implementation, step S1307 can also be understood as the first RAN node synchronizing its AI model with neighboring stations. This model synchronization can be performed periodically; for example, the first RAN node can periodically send model parameters or measurement results of the actual TA and its corresponding reference signal to neighboring stations. Alternatively, the model synchronization can be triggered based on the update of the first RAN node's AI model; for example, when the first model is updated, the first RAN node sends the updated model parameters of the first model or measurement results of the actual TA and its corresponding reference signal to neighboring stations.

[0344] Based on the above scheme, the RAN node can update the AI ​​model according to the measurement results of the real TA and its corresponding at least one reference signal, thereby improving the accuracy of the AI ​​model, that is, improving the accuracy of the inference TA, and thus improving the efficiency of the terminal for random access.

[0345] The above explanation uses the example of a first terminal performing intra-site random access. Furthermore, this application also provides a communication method in which, in a scenario where a first terminal performs inter-site random access, the source RAN node can infer the TA (Transmission Target) based on the measurement results of the reference signal reported by the first terminal and indicate the inferred TA to the first terminal. After the first terminal performs random access based on this TA, either the source RAN node or the target RAN node can update the model used for inferring the TA.

[0346] The following explanation will first use the example of updating the model used for inference TA using the source RAN node as the first RAN node and the target RAN node as the second RAN node. Figure 14 As shown, the communication method may include the following steps:

[0347] S1401-S1404 are the same as steps S1101-S1104 above. Please refer to the relevant explanations of steps S1101-S1104 above. They will not be repeated here.

[0348] S1405, the first terminal sends the first PUSCH to the second RAN node, and correspondingly, the second RAN node receives the first PUSCH from the first terminal.

[0349] The first PUSCH is the PUSCH between the first terminal and the target cell. The target cell is a cell managed by the second RAN node. Please refer to the relevant description in step S1105, which will not be repeated here.

[0350] S1406, the second RAN node sends a TA offset to the first RAN node. Correspondingly, the first RAN node receives the TA offset from the second RAN node.

[0351] The TA bias can be used to update the first model at the first RAN node.

[0352] As one possible implementation, the TA offset can be determined by the second RAN node based on the first PUSCH. For example, the second RAN node can determine the TA offset based on the actual reception time of the first PUSCH and the expected reception time of the first PUSCH. Refer to the relevant explanation of the first RAN node determining the TA offset in step S1306 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0353] S1407. The first RAN node determines the second TA based on the first TA and the TA deviation.

[0354] For example, the second TA can be the sum of the deviations of the first TA and TA, as can be found in the relevant description in step S1306 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0355] S1408, the first RAN node updates the first model based on the measurement results of the second TA and at least one reference signal.

[0356] The measurement result of at least one reference signal is the measurement result of at least one reference signal reported by the first terminal in step S1401 above. The specific implementation of step S1408 can be referred to the relevant description of step S1307 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0357] S1409, The first RAN node sends first information to at least one third RAN node. Correspondingly, at least one third RAN node receives the first information from the first RAN node.

[0358] At least one third RAN node is a neighboring RAN node of the first RAN node. At least one third RAN node may include a second RAN node. Figure 14 Only the second RAN node is shown; the other adjacent RAN nodes of the first RAN node are not shown. Figure 14 As shown in the image.

[0359] The first information includes the measurement results of the second TA and at least one of the aforementioned reference signals, or the first information includes the updated model parameters of the first model. Refer to the relevant description in S1308 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0360] As one possible implementation, the third RAN node can maintain or store a second model for inference TA, as described in the relevant instructions in step S1308 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0361] As one possible implementation, for the third RAN node, the first information is determined based on the TA offset it sends, and this first information can be used by the third RAN node to update the second model. That is, after receiving the first information, the third RAN node can update the second model based on the first information to obtain the updated second model (which can also be called the fourth model).

[0362] For example, if the first information includes the measurement results of the second TA and the at least one reference signal, the third RAN node can update the second model based on the measurement results of the second TA and the at least one reference signal. Refer to the relevant description in step S1308 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0363] Alternatively, if the first information includes the updated model parameters of the first model, the third RAN node can replace the model parameters of the second model with the updated model parameters of the first model; or, in other words, the third RAN node replaces the second model with the updated first model. Refer to the relevant explanation in step S1308 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0364] Furthermore, this application also provides a communication method in a scenario where a first terminal performs random inter-site access. The source RAN node can infer the reference signal inference (TA) based on the measurement results of the reference signal reported by the first terminal and indicate the inferred TA to the first terminal. After the first terminal performs random access based on this TA, the target RAN node can update the model used for TA inference. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the communication method may include the following steps:

[0365] S1501-S1505 are the same as steps S1401-S1405 above. Please refer to the relevant explanations of steps S1401-S1405 above. They will not be repeated here.

[0366] S1506, the first RAN node sends the first TA to the second RAN node. Correspondingly, the second RAN node receives the first TA from the first RAN node.

[0367] It should be noted that there is no strict order between steps S1506 and S1505. Step S1505 can be executed first, followed by step S1506; or step S1506 can be executed first, followed by step S1505; or steps S1505 and S1506 can be executed simultaneously. There is no restriction.

[0368] S1507, the second RAN node updates the second model based on the first PUSCH and the first TA.

[0369] As one possible implementation, the second RAN node can determine the TA deviation based on the first PUSCH, determine the second TA based on the TA deviation and the first TA, and then update the second model based on the measurement results of the second TA and at least one reference signal. Refer to the relevant explanations in steps S1306 and S1307 above; they will not be repeated here.

[0370] For example, the second RAN node can receive the measurement result of the at least one reference signal from the first RAN before the measurement result of the second TA and the at least one reference signal. That is, the first RAN node can send the measurement result of the at least one reference signal reported by the first terminal in step S1502 to the second RAN node before step S1507.

[0371] S1508, the second RAN node sends second information to at least one fourth RAN node. Correspondingly, at least one fourth RAN node receives the second information from the second RAN node.

[0372] Wherein, the at least one fourth RAN node is a neighboring RAN node of the second RAN node. The at least one fourth RAN node includes the first RAN node. Figure 15 Only the first RAN node is shown; the other adjacent RAN nodes of the second RAN node are not shown. Figure 15 As shown in the image.

[0373] The second information includes updated model parameters, which are the model parameters of the updated second model; or, the second information includes a second TA. The updated model parameters or the second TA can be used by the first RAN node to update the first model.

[0374] As one possible implementation, after receiving the second information, the first RAN node can update the first model based on the second information to obtain the updated first model (also known as the third model).

[0375] For example, if the second information includes a second TA, the first RAN node can update the first model based on the measurement results of the second TA and at least one reference signal. Alternatively, if the second information includes updated model parameters, the first RAN node can replace the model parameters of the first model with the updated model parameters. Refer to the relevant description in step S1308 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0376] Based on the above scheme, the source RAN node and the target RAN node can interact to update the AI ​​model according to the TA deviation obtained by the target RAN node, the TA inferred by the source RAN node, and the measurement results of at least one reference signal reported by the terminal. This improves the accuracy of the AI ​​model, that is, the accuracy of the inferred TA, thereby improving the efficiency of the terminal in random access.

[0377] In one possible implementation, for the above method embodiments, in a traditional network architecture, the RAN node can be an access network device, such as a base station. In the ORAN system, the function of interaction between the RAN node and the first terminal can be implemented by the DU. The function of interaction between RAN nodes can be implemented by the CU, and there is an interface (such as an XN interface) between CUs. The information sent by the RAN node to the first terminal can be generated by the DU or by the CU. The processing function of the RAN node can be implemented by the CU, or by the DU, or by a combination of the CU and DU, without limitation.

[0378] As one possible implementation, taking the first RAN node as the first DU and the first CU as an example, the above Figure 13 The communication method shown can be used in the ORAN system as follows: Figure 16 As shown. See also Figure 16 The method includes the following steps:

[0379] S1601, the first CU sends configuration information to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the configuration information from the first CU.

[0380] The configuration information is used to indicate the time window and / or reporting strategy. Please refer to the relevant explanation in step S1101 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0381] S1602, the first terminal sends the measurement result of at least one reference signal to the first DU. Correspondingly, the first DU receives the measurement result of the at least one reference signal from the first terminal.

[0382] As one possible implementation, in step S1602, the first terminal sends the measurement result of at least one reference signal to the first DU according to the above configuration information. Refer to the relevant description of step S1102 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0383] S1603. The first DU determines the first TA based on the measurement results of the at least one reference signal and the first model.

[0384] S1604, the first DU sends the first TA to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the first TA from the first DU.

[0385] The implementation of steps S1603-S1604 can be referred to the relevant descriptions of steps S1103-S1104 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0386] S1605, the first terminal sends the first PUSCH to the first CU. Correspondingly, the first CU receives the first PUSCH from the first terminal.

[0387] S1606, The first DU determines the second TA based on the first PUSCH.

[0388] For example, the first CU may send the actual reception time and / or expected reception time of the first PUSCH to the first DU so that the first DU can determine the second TA based on the first PUSCH.

[0389] S1607. The first DU updates the first model based on the measurement results of the second TA and at least one reference signal.

[0390] The implementation of steps S1605-S1607 can be referred to the relevant descriptions of steps S1105-S1107 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0391] S1608, the first DU sends first information to at least one third RAN node. Correspondingly, at least one third RAN node receives the first information from the first DU.

[0392] The first information includes the measurement results of the second TA and at least one reference signal. Alternatively, the first information includes the model parameters of the updated first model. Refer to the relevant description of step S1308 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0393] As another possible implementation, taking the first RAN node as the first DU and the first CU as an example, the above Figure 14 The communication method shown can be used in the ORAN system as follows: Figure 17 As shown. See also Figure 17 The method includes the following steps:

[0394] S1701, the first CU sends configuration information to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the configuration information from the first CU.

[0395] The configuration information is used to indicate the time window and / or reporting strategy. Please refer to the relevant explanation in step S1101 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0396] S1702, the first terminal sends the measurement result of at least one reference signal to the first DU. Correspondingly, the first DU receives the measurement result of the at least one reference signal from the first terminal.

[0397] As one possible implementation, in step S1702, the first terminal sends the measurement result of at least one reference signal to the first DU according to the above configuration information. Refer to the relevant description of step S1102 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0398] S1703, the first DU determines the first TA based on the measurement results of the at least one reference signal and the first model.

[0399] S1704, the first DU sends the first TA to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the first TA from the first DU.

[0400] The implementation of steps S1703-S1704 can be referred to the relevant descriptions of steps S1103-S1104 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0401] S1705, the first terminal sends the first PUSCH to the second RAN node. Correspondingly, the second RAN node receives the first PUSCH from the first terminal.

[0402] For example, the second RAN node in step S1705 can also be understood as the second CU. That is, the first terminal sends the first PUSCH to the CU of the second RAN node.

[0403] S1706, the second RAN node sends a TA offset to the first DU. Correspondingly, the first DU receives the TA offset from the second RAN node.

[0404] For example, the second RAN node in step S1706 can be understood as the second CU or the second DU, that is, the CU or DU of the second RAN node sends the TA offset to the first DU.

[0405] S1707. The first DU determines the second TA based on the first TA and the TA deviation.

[0406] S1708, the first DU updates the first model based on the measurement results of the second TA and at least one reference signal.

[0407] S1709, the first DU sends first information to at least one third RAN node. Correspondingly, at least one third RAN node receives the first information from the first DU.

[0408] At least one third RAN node is a neighboring RAN node of the first RAN node. At least one third RAN node may include a second RAN node. Figure 17 Only the second RAN node is shown; the other adjacent RAN nodes of the first RAN node are not shown. Figure 17 As shown in the image.

[0409] The first information includes the measurement results of the second TA and at least one of the aforementioned reference signals, or the first information includes the model parameters of the updated first model.

[0410] The implementation of steps S1705-S1709 can be referred to the relevant descriptions of steps S1405-S1409 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0411] As another possible implementation, taking the first RAN node as the first DU and the first CU as an example, the above... Figure 15 The communication method shown can be used in the ORAN system as follows: Figure 18 As shown. See also Figure 18 The method includes the following steps:

[0412] S1801, the first CU sends configuration information to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the configuration information from the first CU.

[0413] The configuration information is used to indicate the time window and / or reporting strategy. Please refer to the relevant explanation in step S1101 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0414] S1802, the first terminal sends the measurement result of at least one reference signal to the first DU. Correspondingly, the first DU receives the measurement result of the at least one reference signal from the first terminal.

[0415] As one possible implementation, in step S1802, the first terminal sends the measurement result of at least one reference signal to the first DU according to the above configuration information. Refer to the relevant description of step S1102 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0416] S1803, the first DU determines the first TA based on the measurement results of the at least one reference signal and the first model.

[0417] S1804, the first DU sends the first TA to the first terminal. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the first TA from the first DU.

[0418] The implementation of steps S1803-S1804 can be referred to the relevant descriptions of steps S1103-S1104 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0419] S1805, the first terminal sends the first PUSCH to the second RAN node. Correspondingly, the second RAN node receives the first PUSCH from the first terminal.

[0420] For example, the second RAN node in step S1805 can also be understood as the second CU. That is, the first terminal sends the first PUSCH to the CU of the second RAN node.

[0421] S1806, the first DU sends the first TA to the second RAN node. Correspondingly, the second RAN node receives the first TA from the first DU.

[0422] For example, the second RAN node in step S1806 can also be the second CU or the second DU, that is, the first DU sends the first TA to the CU or DU of the second RAN node.

[0423] S1807, the second RAN node updates the second model based on the first PUSCH and the first TA.

[0424] S1808, the second RAN node sends second information to at least one fourth RAN node. Correspondingly, at least one fourth RAN node receives the second information from the second RAN node.

[0425] Wherein, the at least one fourth RAN node is a neighboring RAN node of the second RAN node. The at least one fourth RAN node includes the first RAN node. Figure 18 Only the first DU is shown; the other adjacent RAN nodes of the second RAN node are not shown. Figure 18 As shown in the image.

[0426] For example, the second RAN node in steps S1807-S1808 can also be a second CU or a second DU. The CU or DU of the second RAN node updates the second model and synchronizes the updated model with neighboring stations.

[0427] Based on the above scheme, under the ORAN architecture, the network side can infer the TA using the first model based on the measurement results of the reference signal reported by the terminal, and indicate the TA to the terminal. This enables the terminal to directly send uplink data to the target cell based on the TA, eliminating the need for the terminal to send the RA preamble to the target cell. This reduces the terminal's access latency and avoids the power consumption caused by sending the RA preamble, thus reducing the terminal's power consumption.

[0428] The method provided in this application has been described above. In addition, this application also provides a communication device for implementing the functions described in the above method embodiments.

[0429] It is understood that, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0430] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0431] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of a communication device 190 is shown. The communication device 190 includes a processing module 1901 and a transceiver module 1902. The communication device 190 can be used to implement the functions of the aforementioned first terminal or RAN node (such as a first RAN node or a second RAN node).

[0432] In some embodiments, the communication device 190 may further include a storage module ( Figure 19 (Not shown in the image) is used to store program instructions and data.

[0433] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1902, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement sending and / or receiving functions. The transceiver module 1902 may consist of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0434] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1902 may include a receiving module and a sending module, respectively configured to perform the receiving and sending steps performed by the first terminal or RAN node in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein; the processing module 1901 may be configured to perform the processing steps performed by the first terminal or RAN node in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein.

[0435] When the communication device 190 is used to implement the functions of the first RAN node:

[0436] The transceiver module 1902 is used to send configuration information to the first terminal, which is used to indicate a time window; the transceiver module 1902 is also used to receive the measurement results of at least one reference signal within the time window of the first terminal; the processing module 1901 is used to determine a first time advance (TA) based on the measurement results of at least one reference signal and a first model; the transceiver module 1902 is also used to send a first TA to the first terminal, which is used for uplink synchronization between the first terminal and the target cell.

[0437] As one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1902 is configured to receive measurement results of at least one reference signal within a time window from the first terminal, including: the transceiver module 1902 is configured to receive a measurement report from the first terminal, the measurement report including measurement results of at least one reference signal within the time window; the transceiver module 1902 is further configured to receive indication information from the first terminal. Wherein, the indication information indicates the reference signal in the measurement report located within the time window, or, if all reference signals in the measurement report are located within the time window, the indication information indicates that the measurement report is a measurement report specifically for TA inference.

[0438] As one possible implementation, if the RAN node to which the target cell belongs is the first RAN node, the transceiver module 1902 is further configured to receive the first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) from the first terminal, wherein the first PUSCH is the PUSCH between the first terminal and the target cell; the processing module 1901 is further configured to determine the second TA based on the first PUSCH; the processing module 1901 is further configured to update the first model based on the measurement results of the second TA and at least one reference signal.

[0439] As one possible implementation, if the RAN node to which the target cell belongs is the second RAN node, the transceiver module 1902 is also used to receive the TA offset from the second RAN node, and the TA offset is used to update the first model.

[0440] As one possible implementation, the processing module 1901 is further configured to determine a second TA based on the first TA and the TA deviation; the processing module 1901 is further configured to update the first model based on the measurement results of the second TA and at least one reference signal.

[0441] As one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1902 is further configured to send first information to at least one third RAN node, wherein the third RAN node is a neighboring RAN node of the first RAN node. The first information includes measurement results of a second TA and at least one reference signal, or the first information includes updated model parameters of the first model.

[0442] As one possible implementation, if the RAN node to which the target cell belongs is the second RAN node, the transceiver module 1902 is further configured to send a first TA to the second RAN node; the transceiver module 1902 is also configured to receive second information from the second RAN node, the second information including updated model parameters or a second TA. The updated model parameters or the second TA are used to update the first model, and the updated model parameters or the second TA are determined based on the first TA.

[0443] As one possible implementation, if the second information includes a second TA, the processing module 1901 is also used to update the first model based on the measurement results of the second TA and at least one reference signal.

[0444] When the communication device 190 is used to implement the functions of a terminal:

[0445] The transceiver module 1902 is used to receive configuration information from the first radio access network (RAN) node, the configuration information being used to indicate a time window; the transceiver module 1902 is also used to send the measurement results of at least one reference signal within the time window to the first RAN node; the transceiver module 1902 is also used to receive a first time advance (TA) from the first RAN node, the first TA being determined based on the measurement results of at least one reference signal and a first model, the first TA being used for uplink synchronization between the first terminal and the target cell.

[0446] As one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1902 is further configured to send measurement results of at least one reference signal within a time window to the first RAN node, including: the transceiver module 1902 is further configured to send a measurement report to the first RAN node, the measurement report including the measurement results of at least one reference signal within the time window. The transceiver module 1902 is further configured to send indication information to the first RAN node. Wherein, the indication information indicates the reference signal located within the time window in the measurement report, or, if all reference signals in the measurement report are located within the time window, the indication information indicates that the measurement report is a measurement report dedicated to TA inference.

[0447] As one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1902 is also configured to send a first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) according to a first TA, wherein the first PUSCH is the PUSCH between the first terminal and the target cell.

[0448] In one possible implementation, when the communication device 190 is used to implement the function of the second RAN node:

[0449] The transceiver module 1902 is used to receive the first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) from the first terminal, the first PUSCH being sent according to the first time advance (TA); the transceiver module 1902 is also used to receive the first TA from the first RAN node; the processing module 1901 is used to update the second model according to the first PUSCH and the first TA, the second model being used to infer the TA.

[0450] As one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1902 is further configured to send second information to at least one fourth RAN node, the fourth RAN node being a neighboring RAN node of the second RAN node. The second information may include updated model parameters of the second model, or the second information may include a second TA, which is determined based on the first PUSCH and the first TA.

[0451] In another possible implementation of the communication device 190 for realizing the function of the second RAN node:

[0452] The transceiver module 1902 is used to receive a first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) from a first terminal, the first PUSCH being transmitted based on a first timing advance (TA); the transceiver module 1902 is also used to send a timing advance (TA) offset to a first RAN node, the TA offset being determined based on the first PUSCH; the transceiver module 1902 is also used to receive first information from the first RAN node, the first information being determined based on the TA offset, the first information being used to update a second model, and the second model being used to infer the TA.

[0453] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0454] In this application, the communication device 190 can be presented in an integrated manner, divided into various functional modules. Here, "module" can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0455] In some embodiments, when Figure 19 When the communication device 190 is a chip or chip system, the function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1902 can be implemented through the input / output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the function / implementation process of the processing module 1901 can be implemented through the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0456] Since the communication device 190 provided in this embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0457] As a possible product form, the first terminal or RAN node described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented using one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits capable of performing the various functions described throughout this application.

[0458] As another possible product form, the first terminal or RAN node described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented using a general bus architecture. For ease of explanation, see [link to documentation]. Figure 20 , Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 200 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 200 includes a processor 2001 and a transceiver 2002. The communication device 200 can be a first terminal, or a chip or chip system therein; or, the communication device 200 can be a RAN node, or a chip or module therein. Figure 20 Only the main components of the communication device 200 are shown. In addition to the processor 2001 and transceiver 2002, the communication device may further include a memory 2003 and input / output devices. Figure 20 (Not indicated).

[0459] Optionally, the processor 2001 is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process the data of the software programs, thereby implementing the methods provided in the above-described method embodiments. The memory 2003 is mainly used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 2002 may include radio frequency (RF) circuitry and an antenna. The RF circuitry is mainly used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are mainly used to receive user input data and output data to the user.

[0460] Optionally, the processor 2001, transceiver 2002, and memory 2003 can be connected via a communication bus.

[0461] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 2001 can read the software program in the memory 2003, execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 2001 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 2001. The processor 2001 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0462] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be set up independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be arranged remotely, independent of the communication device.

[0463] In some embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the above-described communication device 190 can be implemented in hardware using... Figure 20 The communication device 200 shown is in the form of [example device].

[0464] As an example, Figure 19 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1901 can be obtained through Figure 20 The processor 2001 in the communication device 200 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in the memory 2003 to implement the function. Figure 19 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1902 in the middle can be obtained through Figure 20 This is achieved through the transceiver 2002 in the communication device 200 shown.

[0465] As another possible product form, the first terminal or RAN node in this application can adopt... Figure 21 The shown composition structure, or including Figure 21 The components shown. Figure 21 This application provides a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device 210. The communication device 210 may be a first terminal or a chip or system-on-a-chip in the first terminal; or it may be a RAN node or a chip or system-on-a-chip in the RAN node.

[0466] like Figure 21 As shown, the communication device 210 includes at least one processor 2101 and at least one communication interface. Figure 21 (This is merely an example illustration, using a communication interface 2104 and a processor 2101 as examples.) Optionally, the communication device 210 may also include at least one of a communication bus 2102, a memory 2103, and a computer-readable storage medium 2107.

[0467] Processor 2101 can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor (e.g., x86, ARM), a microcontroller, an FPGA, a GPU, a PLD, a state machine, gated logic, discrete hardware circuitry, other suitable hardware configured to perform various functions, or any combination thereof. Processor 2101 can also be other devices with processing capabilities, such as circuits, devices, or software modules, without limitation.

[0468] The communication bus 2102 is used to connect different components in the communication device 210, enabling these components to communicate. For example, the communication bus 2102 communicatively couples various circuits together. The communication bus 2102 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. This bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 21 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. For example, the communication bus 2102 may include any number of interconnect buses and bridges, depending on the specific application of the communication device and the overall design constraints. In addition, the communication bus 2102 may also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits.

[0469] As one possible implementation, communication interface 2104 is used for communication with other devices or communication networks. Exemplarily, communication interface 2104 can be a transceiver module, interface, circuit, transceiver, or any device capable of communication. The transceiver can be coupled to an antenna array, and the transceiver and antenna array can be used together to communicate with the appropriate network type. The transceiver module is capable of both transmitting and receiving functions. When the transceiver module performs the transmitting function, it can be called a transmitting module (sometimes also called a transmitting unit), and when the transceiver module performs the receiving function, it can be called a receiving module (sometimes also called a receiving unit). The transmitting module and the receiving module can be the same functional module, called the transceiver module, which performs both transmitting and receiving functions; or, the transmitting module and the receiving module can be different functional modules, with "transceiver module" being a collective term for these functional modules.

[0470] As another possible implementation, the communication interface 2104 can also be an input / output interface located within the processor 2101, used to implement signal input and signal output of the processor.

[0471] As another possible implementation, communication interface 2104 can also be understood as a bus interface. It provides an interface between the communication bus and the transceiver. The transceiver can provide an interface or device for communicating with various other devices via wireless / wired transmission media. The transceiver can be coupled to an antenna array, and the transceiver and antenna array can be used together for communication with the appropriate type of network.

[0472] The memory 2103 can be a device with storage function for storing instructions and / or data. The instructions can be computer programs. For example, the memory 2103 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and / or instructions; it can also be a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and / or instructions; it can also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, etc., without limitation.

[0473] It should be noted that the memory 2103 can exist independently of the processor 2101, or it can be integrated with the processor 2101. The memory 2103 can be located inside or outside the communication device 210, without restriction.

[0474] The processor 2101 can be used to execute instructions stored in the memory 2103, or to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium 2107, to implement the methods provided in the above embodiments of this application.

[0475] For example, the processor 2101 may also implement at least one of the following functions, or the processor 2101 executes instructions or computer programs stored in the memory 2103 or computer-readable storage medium 2107 to implement at least one of the following functions: encoding, decoding, rate matching, rate matching de-scrambling, scrambling, modulation, demodulation, layer mapping, fast fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT), inverse discrete fourier transform (IDFT), precoding, resource element (RE) mapping, channel equalization, RE de-mapping, digital beamforming (BF), adding cyclic prefix (CP), removing CP, etc.

[0476] Optionally, the processor 2101 and / or memory 2103 may include an artificial intelligence (AI) module, which is used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio network intelligent controller (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0477] As an optional implementation, the communication device 210 may also include an output device 2105 and an input device 2106. Figure 21 (Not shown in the image). Output device 2105 communicates with processor 2101 and can display information in various ways. For example, output device 2105 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. Input device 2106 communicates with processor 2101 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, input device 2106 can be a mouse, keyboard, touch screen device, or sensor device, etc.

[0478] In some embodiments, the hardware implementation will be apparent to those skilled in the art as described above. Figure 19 The communication device 190 shown can employ Figure 21 The communication device 210 shown is in the form of [example device].

[0479] As an example, Figure 19 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1901 can be obtained through Figure 21 The processor 2101 in the communication device 210 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in the memory 2103 to implement the communication. Figure 19 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1902 in the middle can be obtained through Figure 21 This is achieved through the communication interface 2104 in the communication device 210 shown.

[0480] It should be noted that, Figure 21 The structure shown does not constitute a specific limitation on the first terminal or RAN node. For example, in other embodiments of this application, the first terminal or RAN node may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The components illustrated may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0481] In one possible implementation, the processor in this application embodiment may include communication and processing circuitry. The communication and processing circuitry may include one or more hardware components that provide a physical structure that performs various processes related to wireless communication or sensing (such as signal reception and / or signal transmission). The communication and processing circuitry may include two or more transmit / receive chains. The functions implemented by the communication and processing circuitry may also be processed on a computer-readable medium.

[0482] In some embodiments, this application also provides a communication device, which includes a processor for implementing the methods in any of the above method embodiments.

[0483] As one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory. This memory stores necessary computer programs and data. The computer program may include instructions, which a processor can invoke to instruct the communication device to execute the methods described in any of the above method embodiments. Alternatively, the memory may not be present in the communication device.

[0484] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes an interface circuit, which is a code / data read / write interface circuit, used to receive computer execution instructions (which are stored in memory and may be read directly from memory or may be transmitted through other devices) and transmit them to the processor.

[0485] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes a communication interface for communicating with modules outside the communication device.

[0486] It is understood that the communication device can be a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0487] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above-described method embodiments.

[0488] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0489] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0490] It is understood that the systems, apparatuses, and methods described in this application can also 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 couplings or direct couplings or communication connections shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0491] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0492] 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.

[0493] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state drive (SSD)). In this embodiment, the computer may include the aforementioned apparatus.

[0494] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0495] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely illustrative descriptions of the application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from its scope. Thus, if such modifications and modifications fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first radio access network (RAN) node, and the method includes: Send configuration information to the first terminal, the configuration information being used to indicate a time window; Receive measurement results of at least one reference signal within the time window from the first terminal; Based on the measurement results of the at least one reference signal and the first model, a first time advance TA is determined; The first TA is sent to the first terminal, and the first TA is used for uplink synchronization between the first terminal and the target cell.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The configuration information is also used to indicate the reporting strategy, which indicates whether the default reporting of beam-level measurement results is supported.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the case where the reporting strategy does not support the default reporting of beam-level measurement results, the measurement results of the at least one reference signal include the measurement results of all reference signals of the first cell, where the first cell is any cell measured by the first terminal.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the reporting strategy indicates that the default reporting of beam-level measurement results is supported, the configuration information is also used to determine the reference signal for prioritizing the reporting of measurement results.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reference signal for priority reporting of measurement results is associated with at least one of the following: the strength of the measurement result of the reference signal, the number of the reference signal, or the cell to which the reference signal belongs.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The reference signal for prioritizing the reporting of measurement results satisfies at least one of the following: The intensity of the measured reference signal lies within the first intensity set; or, The reference signal number is located in the first number set; or, The cell to which the reference signal belongs is located in a first set of cells, which includes at least one cell.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the first cell set includes multiple cells, the coverage areas of the reference signals of the multiple cells overlap.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The measurement result of receiving at least one reference signal from the first terminal within the time window includes: Receive a measurement report from the first terminal, the measurement report including the measurement results of the at least one reference signal within the time window; The method further includes: Receive indication information from the first terminal; wherein, the indication information indicates that the reference signal in the measurement report is located within the time window, or, if all the reference signals in the measurement report are located within the time window, the indication information indicates that the measurement report is a measurement report dedicated to TA inference.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The RAN node to which the target cell belongs is the first RAN node; the method further includes: Receive a first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) from the first terminal, wherein the first PUSCH is the PUSCH between the first terminal and the target cell; Determine the second TA based on the first PUSCH; The first model is updated based on the measurement results of the second TA and the at least one reference signal.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The RAN node to which the target cell belongs is the second RAN node; the method further includes: The TA bias is received from the second RAN node and is used to update the first model.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second TA is determined based on the deviation between the first TA and the TA; The first model is updated based on the measurement results of the second TA and the at least one reference signal.

12. The method according to claim 9 or 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: sending first information to at least one third RAN node, wherein the third RAN node is a neighboring RAN node of the first RAN node; The first information may include the measurement results of the second TA and the at least one reference signal, or the first information may include the updated model parameters of the first model.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The RAN node to which the target cell belongs is the second RAN node; the method further includes: Send the first TA to the second RAN node; Receive second information from the second RAN node, the second information including updated model parameters or second TA; The updated model parameters or the second TA are used to update the first model, and the updated model parameters or the second TA are determined based on the first TA.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, If the second information includes the second TA, the method further includes: The first model is updated based on the measurement results of the second TA and the at least one reference signal.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first terminal, and the method includes: Receive configuration information from the first radio access network (RAN) node, the configuration information being used to indicate a time window; The measurement results of at least one reference signal within the time window are sent to the first RAN node; The first timing advance (TA) is received from the first RAN node. The first TA is determined based on the measurement results of the at least one reference signal and the first model. The first TA is used for uplink synchronization between the first terminal and the target cell.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The configuration information is also used to indicate the reporting strategy, which indicates whether the default reporting of beam-level measurement results is supported.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, In the case where the reporting strategy does not support the default reporting of beam-level measurement results, the measurement results of the at least one reference signal include the measurement results of all reference signals of the first cell, where the first cell is any cell measured by the first terminal.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, When the reporting strategy indicates that the default reporting of beam-level measurement results is supported, the configuration information is also used to determine the reference signal for prioritizing the reporting of measurement results.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The reference signal for priority reporting of measurement results is associated with at least one of the following: the strength of the measurement result of the reference signal, the number of the reference signal, or the cell to which the reference signal belongs.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The reference signal for prioritizing the reporting of measurement results satisfies at least one of the following: The intensity of the measured reference signal lies within the first intensity set; or, The reference signal number is located in the first number set; or, The cell to which the reference signal belongs is located in a first set of cells, which includes at least one cell.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, When the first cell set includes multiple cells, the coverage areas of the reference signals of the multiple cells overlap.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15-21, characterized in that, The measurement results of sending at least one reference signal within the time window to the first RAN node include: A measurement report is sent to the first RAN node, the measurement report including the measurement results of the at least one reference signal within the time window; The method further includes: Send indication information to the first RAN node; wherein, the indication information indicates that the reference signal in the measurement report is located within the time window, or, if all the reference signals in the measurement report are located within the time window, the indication information indicates that the measurement report is a measurement report dedicated to TA inference.

23. The method according to any one of claims 15-22, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) is sent according to the first TA, wherein the first PUSCH is the PUSCH between the first terminal and the target cell.

24. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second radio access network (RAN) node, and the method includes: Receive a first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) from a first terminal, wherein the first PUSCH is sent according to a first time advance (TA). Receive the first TA from the first RAN node; The second model is updated based on the first PUSCH and the first TA, and the second model is used to infer the TA.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: sending second information to at least one fourth RAN node, wherein the fourth RAN node is a neighboring RAN node of the second RAN node; The second information may include the updated model parameters of the second model, or the second information may include a second TA, which is determined based on the first PUSCH and the first TA.

26. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second radio access network (RAN) node, and the method includes: Receive a first physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) from a first terminal, wherein the first PUSCH is transmitted according to a first time advance (TA). Send the timing advance (TA) offset to the first RAN node, the TA offset being determined based on the first PUSCH; The system receives first information from the first RAN node, the first information being determined based on the TA deviation, and the first information is used to update the second model, the second model being used to infer the TA.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The first information includes the measurement results of a second TA and at least one reference signal, wherein the second TA is determined based on the TA deviation and the first TA; or, The first information includes the updated model parameters of the first model, and the first TA is determined based on the first model.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor; the processor is configured to run a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-27.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs that, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in any one of claims 1-27 to be performed.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions; when some or all of the computer instructions are run on a computer, the method described in any one of claims 1-27 is performed.

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