A communication method, apparatus, chip and module device

Abstract

The application discloses a communication method, device, chip and module equipment, and relates to the field of communication. In the method, a terminal can select a corresponding access resource to send a physical random access request message based on the signal quality of a service cell, that is, the terminal selects an access resource satisfying a current channel condition to send a physical random access request message, so that the demand of users in different time periods for the access resource can be matched, the energy consumption of a network side for receiving a random access request message is reduced, and the energy efficiency of the network side is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method, apparatus, chip, and module device. Background Technology

[0002] With the further evolution of communication technology, the energy efficiency requirements for network equipment are becoming increasingly stringent. In current networks, to ensure that terminal devices can access the network at any time, network devices continuously receive physical random access request messages from terminals, resulting in excessive energy consumption on the network side. How to reduce the energy consumption of the network side in receiving random access request messages is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, chip, and module device that can reduce the energy consumption of the network side in receiving random access request messages and improve the energy efficiency of the network side.

[0004] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: a terminal determining, based on the signal quality of the serving cell, whether to use a first access resource or a second access resource to send a physical random access request message.

[0005] In the above implementation, the terminal can select the corresponding access resource to send the Physical Random Access Request (PRAM) message based on the signal quality of the serving cell. That is, the terminal selects access resources that meet the current channel conditions to send the PRAM message. This matches the user's access resource needs at different times, reduces the energy consumption of the network side in receiving PRAM messages, and improves network efficiency. If the terminal mistakenly uses access resources that do not meet the current channel conditions to send the PRAM message, it will affect the network device's reception of the PRAM message. Receiving PRAM messages may affect the network device's energy consumption. Therefore, the terminal's selection of access resources that meet the current channel conditions to send the PRAM message reduces the energy consumption of the network side in receiving PRAM messages and improves network efficiency. Similarly, for the terminal, selecting access resources that meet the current channel conditions to send the PRAM message reduces the need for multiple random access attempts due to the terminal mistakenly using access resources that do not meet the current channel conditions, thus reducing the number of random access attempts and contributing to energy saving.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the terminal determines whether to use a first access resource or a second access resource to send a physical random access request message based on the signal quality of the serving cell, including: when the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the terminal uses the first access resource to send a physical random access request message; and / or, when the signal quality of the serving cell is less than the first threshold, the terminal uses the second access resource to send a physical random access request message.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the terminal includes a first wireless module that transmits a Physical Random Access Request (PRAM) message using a first access resource, including: transmitting the PRAM message via the first wireless module on the first access resource. The first wireless module is a low-power wireless module.

[0008] In the above implementation, the terminal uses the corresponding access resources through the first wireless module to send a physical random access request message, resulting in better energy saving.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the terminal includes a second wireless module. The terminal sends a Physical Random Access Request (PRAM) message using a second access resource, including: the terminal sending the PRAM message via the second wireless module on the second access resource. The second wireless module is the primary wireless module.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the terminal may further receive configuration information, which includes a first access resource set. The first access resource set comprises K subsets of access resources, where each of the K subsets is a positive integer representing a subset of the first access resources to which the first access resource belongs. Specifically, any subset of access resources in the first access resource set includes at least one physical random access channel (PRACH) resource; or, any subset of access resources in the first access resource set includes at least one PRACH resource and at least one uplink data channel resource.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the configuration information also includes K first values ​​corresponding to K subsets of access resources, with different first values ​​corresponding to different subsets of access resources.

[0012] In the above implementation, a first value corresponding to each subset of access resources is provided, which helps the terminal and network device to maintain a consistent understanding of the first value.

[0013] In one possible implementation, a random access response message is received within a first random access response window, the starting position of which is the time position where the end time of the first access resource is delayed by at least X time units. Here, a first value corresponding to the subset of the first access resources is used to determine the value X.

[0014] In the above implementation, the value of X is determined based on the first value corresponding to the first subset of access resources. This ensures that the terminal and network device have a consistent understanding of the starting position of the first random access response window, reducing the problem of random access response message reception failure due to inconsistent understanding of the starting position between the terminal and network device. Furthermore, when the random access response message is received via the second wireless module, delaying the reception by at least X time units can reduce the problem of failure to receive the random access response message due to the second wireless module not being woken up, thereby increasing the probability that the terminal successfully receives the random access response message.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the terminal may also report a first time, which is determined based on the time required for the second wireless module to transition from a sleep state to a wake-up state and / or the time required for time-frequency synchronization.

[0016] In the above embodiments, the terminal can report the first time, which is beneficial for the terminal and network device to have a consistent understanding of the first time. The first time can be used by the network device to determine the starting position of the first random access response window, thereby ensuring that the terminal and network device have a consistent understanding of the starting position of the first random access response window and reducing the problem of random access response message reception failure due to inconsistent understanding of the starting position by the terminal and network device.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the terminal includes a first wireless module and a second wireless module. The terminal determines whether to use a first access resource or a second access resource to send a Physical Random Access Request (PRAM) message based on the signal quality of the serving cell. This includes: the terminal determining whether to use a first random access procedure or a second random access procedure to complete access based on the signal quality of the serving cell. The first random access procedure includes sending a PRAM on the first access resource, receiving a random access response message through the first wireless module, sending message 3, and receiving message 4, or receiving a random access response message through the first wireless module. The second random access procedure includes sending a PRAM on the second access resource, receiving a random access response message through the second wireless module, sending message 3, and receiving message 4, or receiving a random access response message through the second wireless module.

[0018] In the above embodiments, the terminal can select one of the random access procedures to complete the access, which improves the flexibility of random access.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the terminal determines whether to use a first random access procedure or a second random access procedure to complete access based on the signal quality of the serving cell, including: when the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the terminal uses the first random access procedure to complete access; and / or, when the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to the second threshold, the terminal uses the second random access procedure to complete access.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the above method is applied to a terminal, which includes a first wireless module and a second wireless module. The terminal determines whether to use a first access resource or a second access resource to send a Physical Random Access Request (PRAM) message based on the signal quality of the serving cell. This includes: the terminal determining whether to use the first access resource to send the PRAM based on the signal quality of the serving cell, and completing access using a first random access procedure or a second random access procedure. The first random access procedure includes sending the PRAM on the first access resource, receiving a random access response message through the first wireless module, sending message 3, and receiving message 4, or receiving the random access response message through the first wireless module. The second random access procedure includes sending the PRAM on the second access resource, receiving the random access response message through the second wireless module, sending message 3, and receiving message 4, or receiving the random access response message through the second wireless module.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the terminal determines, based on the signal quality of the serving cell, whether to send a physical random access request message using a first access resource, or to complete access using a first random access procedure or a second random access procedure. This includes: when the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to a third threshold, the terminal completes access using a second random access procedure; and / or, when the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to the third threshold and less than or equal to a fourth threshold, the terminal sends a physical random access request message using the first access resource; and / or, when the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, the terminal completes access using a first random access procedure.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the terminal may also receive configuration information, which includes a first threshold; or, the configuration information may also include a second threshold; or, the configuration information may also include a third threshold and a fourth threshold.

[0023] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: a network device sending configuration information, the configuration information including a first access resource set, the first access resource set including K access resource subsets, the K access resource subsets including the first access resource subset to which the first access resource belongs, where K is a positive integer; wherein, any access resource subset in the first access resource set includes at least one PRACH resource, or, any access resource subset in the first access resource set includes at least one PRACH resource and at least one uplink data channel resource.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the configuration information also includes K first values ​​corresponding to K subsets of access resources, with different first values ​​corresponding to different subsets of access resources.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the network device may also receive a first time, which is determined based on the time required for the second wireless module to transition from a sleep state to a wake-up state and / or the time required for time-frequency synchronization. The first time is used to determine K first values.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the configuration information may further include a first threshold; or, the configuration information may further include a second threshold; or, the configuration information may further include a third threshold and a fourth threshold.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the network device may also send a random access response message within a first random access response window, wherein the starting position of the first random access response window is the time position where the end time of the first access resource is delayed by at least X time units, and X is a positive integer.

[0028] The beneficial effects in the second aspect can be found in the beneficial effects in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0029] Thirdly, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising a unit for performing the method as described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0030] Fourthly, a chip is provided, including a processor configured to cause the chip to perform the method as described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0031] Fifthly, a module device is provided, comprising a communication module, a power module, a storage module, and a chip, wherein:

[0032] The power module is used to provide electrical energy to the module device;

[0033] Storage modules are used to store data and instructions;

[0034] The communication module is used for internal communication within the module device, and / or for communication between the module device and external devices;

[0035] The chip is used to perform the method described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0036] A sixth aspect provides a communication device including a memory and a processor, the memory for storing a computer program, the computer program including program instructions, and the processor configured to invoke the program instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0037] A seventh aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0038] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising: computer program code, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0039] A ninth aspect provides a communication system comprising a terminal for performing the method as described in any of the first aspects and / or a network device for performing the method as described in any of the second aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the starting position of a first random access response window provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a module device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The terminology used in the following embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” “the,” and “this” are intended to include the plural expressions as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0048] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. Furthermore, the term "comprising" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or server that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0049] This application can be applied to fifth-generation (5G) systems, also known as New Radio (NR) systems; or to sixth-generation (6G) systems, or seventh-generation (7G) systems, or other future communication systems; or it can also be used for device-to-device (D2D) systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, etc.

[0050] The basic architecture of the communication system provided in this application is described below. The communication system provided in this application may include one or more network devices and one or more terminals. The following describes... Figure 1 The system architecture shown is illustrated as an example. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system may include network device 110 and terminal 120.

[0051] It should be pointed out that, Figure 1 The number of network devices and terminals shown is merely illustrative and should not be considered a specific limitation of this application. The various devices involved in the system architecture will be described in detail below.

[0052] I. Terminal

[0053] A terminal can be a device with transceiver capabilities, and can also be called user equipment (UE), terminal equipment, remote terminal (Remote UE), relay equipment (Relay UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, mobile device, user terminal, smart terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. It should be noted that a relay device is a terminal capable of providing relay forwarding services to other terminals (including remote terminals).

[0054] For example, a terminal can be a mobile phone, a tablet, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in autonomous driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, or a wireless terminal in a smart home, etc.

[0055] For example, a terminal can also be a cellular phone, cordless phone, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle device, wearable device, terminal in next-generation communication systems (such as NR communication systems, 6G communication systems), or terminal in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc., without specific limitations.

[0056] In some possible implementations, the terminal can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted; it can be deployed on water (such as on ships); or it can be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, and satellites).

[0057] In some possible implementations, the terminal may include devices with wireless communication capabilities, such as a chip system, a chip, or a chip module. For example, the chip system may include a chip, and may also include other discrete devices.

[0058] In some possible implementations, the terminal described in the embodiments of this application may be a chip, chip module, device, unit, etc., and there are no specific limitations on this.

[0059] II. Network Equipment

[0060] A network device is a device with transceiver capabilities that can be used to communicate with terminals.

[0061] In some possible implementations, network devices can be responsible for radio resource management (RRM), quality of service (QoS) management, data compression and encryption, and data transmission and reception on the air interface side.

[0062] In some possible implementations, the network device can be a base station (BS) in a communication system or a device deployed in a radio access network (RAN) to provide wireless communication functions. For example, the network device can be a device in the RAN.

[0063] For example, devices in the RAN may include Evolutionary Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in the LTE communication system, Next Generation Evolved Node B (ng-eNB) in the NR communication system, Next Generation Node B (gNB) in the NR communication system, Master Node (MN) in the dual connectivity architecture, Secondary Node (SN) in the dual connectivity architecture, etc., without specific restrictions.

[0064] In some possible implementations, network devices can also be access points (APs) in WLANs, relay stations, communication devices in future PLMN networks, communication devices in NTN networks, etc.

[0065] In some possible implementations, the network device may include means for providing wireless communication capabilities to terminals, such as a chip system, a chip, or a chip module. For example, the chip system may include a chip, or it may include other discrete devices.

[0066] In some possible implementations, network devices can communicate with Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet, private IP networks, or other data networks.

[0067] In some possible implementations, the network device may include a single node to implement the functions of the aforementioned base station, or it may include two or more independent nodes to implement the functions of the aforementioned base station. For example, the network device includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), such as gNB-CU and gNB-DU. Furthermore, in some other embodiments of this application, the network device may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some of the functions of the network device, and the DU implements other functions. For example, the CU is responsible for handling non-real-time protocols and services, implementing the functions of the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer. The DU is responsible for handling physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing the functions of the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and Physical (PHY) layer. Additionally, the AAU can implement some physical layer processing functions, radio frequency processing, and related functions of the active antenna. Since RRC layer information ultimately becomes PHY layer information, or is derived from PHY layer information, in this network deployment, higher-layer signaling (such as RRC signaling) can be considered to be generated by the CU and sent by the DU, or jointly sent by the DU and AAU. It is understood that network devices can include at least one of CU, DU, and AAU. Furthermore, the CU can be classified as a RAN device, or it can be classified as a core network device; there are no specific limitations on this.

[0068] In some possible implementations, the network device can be any station in a multi-site coherent joint transmission (CJT) with the terminal, or another station outside of that multi-site group, or other network devices communicating with the terminal; no specific limitations are imposed. Multi-site coherent joint transmission can be multiple stations jointly transmitting coherently, or different data belonging to the same Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) being sent to the terminal from different stations, or multiple stations being virtually merged into one station for transmission. Names with the same meaning as those specified in other standards also apply to this application; that is, this application does not limit the names of these parameters. The stations in multi-site coherent joint transmission can be remote radio heads (RRHs), transmission and reception points (TRPs), network devices, etc., without specific limitations.

[0069] In some possible implementations, the network device can be any one of the multiple sites performing noncoherent cooperative transmission with the terminal, or another site outside of the multiple sites, or other network devices communicating with the terminal; no specific limitations are imposed. The multi-site noncoherent cooperative transmission can be a joint noncoherent transmission by multiple sites, or different data belonging to the same PDSCH being sent to the terminal from different sites, or different data belonging to the same PDSCH being sent to the terminal from different sites. Names with the same meaning as those specified in other standards also apply to this application; that is, this application does not limit the names of these parameters. The sites in the multi-site noncoherent cooperative transmission can be RRH, TRP, network devices, etc., without specific limitations.

[0070] In some possible implementations, the network device can have mobility characteristics; for example, the network device can be a mobile device. In one possible implementation, the network device can be a satellite or a balloon station. For example, the satellite can be a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a highly elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite, etc. In one possible implementation, the network device can also be a base station located on land, water, or other similar locations.

[0071] In some possible implementations, the network device described in the embodiments of this application may be a chip, chip module, device, unit, etc., and there are no specific limitations on it.

[0072] The relevant names or terms used in this application are described below to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0073] I. Random Access (RA) Procedure

[0074] A random access procedure refers to the process from when a terminal sends a preamble to attempt to access the network until a basic signaling connection is established with the network. For example, a 4-step random access procedure may include sending message 1 (Msg1), receiving message 2 (Msg2), sending message 3 (Msg3), and receiving message 4 (Msg4), but does not include establishing a basic signaling connection with the network. Alternatively, a 2-step random access procedure may include sending message A (MsgA) and receiving message B (MsgB), also without establishing a basic signaling connection with the network.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the terminal can establish a connection with the network device using a four-step random access procedure, specifically:

[0076] 1. The terminal sends message 1 to the network device. Message 1 is used to request access to the network device.

[0077] Accordingly, the network device receives message 1 from the terminal.

[0078] Message 1 may include a random access preamble. The random access preamble, often simply referred to as a preamble, is used to request access to the network device. In one possible implementation, the random access preamble may be carried in a PRACH. In another possible implementation, PRACH is an example of a random access channel; in different systems and scenarios, random access channels may have different names, and this application does not limit this.

[0079] In one possible implementation, the terminal sends message 1 to the network device, which can also be described as: the terminal sends a PRACH, random access preamble, or physical random access request message to the network device, wherein the physical random access request message includes a random access preamble.

[0080] 2. The network device sends message 2 to the terminal.

[0081] Accordingly, the terminal receives message 2 from the network device.

[0082] When the network correctly receives message 1, the network device can send message 2 scrambled with the Random Access Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RA-RNTI). In this way, the terminal can descramble message 2 from the network device based on the RA-RNTI.

[0083] In one possible implementation, message 2 can be called a random access response (RAR) message, which can also be called a physical random access response message. Message 2 may include at least one of the following: identification information of the random access preamble, uplink grant (UL grant), temporary cell radio network temporary identifier (TC-RNTI), power control, and uplink resources allocated by the network device to the terminal (such as a resource indication for sending message 3 (Msg3)). Message 2 may also include other information, which is not limited here.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the identification information of the random access preamble can be the number of the random access preamble or the index of the random access preamble, etc., which is not limited here.

[0085] In one possible implementation, if the random access preamble indicated by the identifier in message 2 is the same as the random access preamble sent by the terminal to the network device, the terminal considers that message 1 has been successfully received by the network device, and message 2 is a random access response to Msg1. If the random access preamble indicated by the identifier in message 2 is different from the random access preamble sent by the terminal to the network device, the terminal considers that message 1 has not been successfully received by the network device, and the terminal can re-trigger the random access procedure.

[0086] 3. The terminal sends message 3 to the network device.

[0087] Accordingly, the network device receives message 3 from the terminal.

[0088] Message 3 may include terminal identification information, such as System Architecture Evolution Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (S-TMSI), Globally Unique Temporary Identity (GUTI), Resume ID, Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI), or a random number, etc., without limitation. The RNTI here can be a Cell RNTI (C-RNTI) or an Inactive RNTI (I-RNTI), etc.

[0089] 4. The network device sends message 4 to the terminal.

[0090] Accordingly, the terminal receives message 4 from the network device.

[0091] Message 4 may include a contention resolution identity (CR ID). The CR ID is determined based on the terminal's identification information in message 3; for example, the CR ID may be part or all of the terminal's identification information. When the terminal receives message 4, it compares the CR ID with the terminal's identification information in message 3. If they match, the conflict is resolved successfully, indicating that the terminal has successfully accessed the network device. If the terminal does not receive message 4 or the CR ID does not match the terminal's identification information in message 3, the terminal can re-initiate random access.

[0092] In another possible implementation, the terminal can establish a connection with the network device using a two-step random access procedure, specifically:

[0093] 1. The terminal sends message A to the network device. Message A is used to request access to the network device.

[0094] Accordingly, the network device receives message A from the terminal.

[0095] Message A includes a random access preamble. In one possible implementation, message A may also include uplink data. This uplink data can be carried in an uplink data channel, which may be a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). In one possible implementation, PUSCH is used as an example of an uplink data channel; in different systems and scenarios, the uplink data channel may have different names, and this application does not limit this.

[0096] In one possible implementation, message A may also include the terminal's identification information.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the terminal sends message A to the network device, which can also be described as the terminal sending a random access preamble or a physical random access request message to the network device. The physical random access request message includes the random access preamble. In another possible implementation, the physical random access request message may further include uplink data and / or the terminal's identification information.

[0098] 2. The network device sends message B to the terminal.

[0099] Accordingly, the terminal receives message B from the network device.

[0100] Message B may include one or more random access response messages, including success RAR messages or fallback RAR messages. In one possible implementation, message B may carry indication information to indicate whether the random access response message in message B is a success RAR message or a fallback RAR message.

[0101] The successful random access response message includes the CR ID. In one possible implementation, the successful random access response message may indicate that the network device detected the random access preamble and successfully decoded the uplink data in message A. If the conflict resolution is successful, the terminal terminates the random access process; otherwise, the terminal can re-initiate random access.

[0102] A rollback random access response message indicates that the network device detected the random access preamble but failed to decode the uplink data in message A, meaning the terminal did not win in the two-step random access process. After receiving the rollback random access response, the terminal can roll back to the four-step random access mechanism, for example, by sending message 3 to the network device.

[0103] II. Access Resources

[0104] The access resources involved in this application are PRACH resources, or the access resources involved in this application include both PRACH resources and uplink data channel resources. For example, in a 4-step random access process, the access resources are PRACH resources. In a 2-step random access process, the access resources include both PRACH resources and uplink data channel resources. The uplink data channel resources may refer to PUSCH resources.

[0105] III. Signal Quality of the Serving Cell

[0106] The signal quality of the serving cell can be the average, maximum, minimum, or median of the signal quality of the top n beams with the highest signal quality in at least one beam of the serving cell, where n is a positive integer. Alternatively, the signal quality of the serving cell's beams can be the signal quality of the beams in the serving cell whose signal quality exceeds a preset threshold, or the signal quality of the beam with the highest signal quality among the beams in the serving cell whose signal quality exceeds the preset threshold.

[0107] In one possible implementation, the signal quality involved in this application can be used to describe information related to channel quality. For example, in this application, signal quality can be characterized by one or more of the following parameters: reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), etc.

[0108] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Wherein, Figure 2 The method shown can be executed by a terminal or network device. Alternatively, Figure 2 The method shown can be implemented by chips or devices in terminals and network equipment. Figure 2 This explanation will use terminals and network devices as the implementing entities for this method. Figure 2 As shown, the method includes steps 201-202. In one possible implementation, step 201 may be an optional step. When step 201 is an optional step, the configuration information in step 201 may be predefined, and this application does not limit this.

[0109] 201. The network device sends configuration information, which includes a first access resource set and / or a second access resource set. The first access resource set includes K access resource subsets, and the K access resource subsets include the first access resource subset to which the first access resource belongs, where K is a positive integer. The second access resource set includes L access resource subsets, and the L access resource subsets include the second access resource subset to which the second access resource belongs, where L is a positive integer.

[0110] Accordingly, the terminal receives the configuration information.

[0111] To facilitate understanding, the wireless module in the terminal will be described below.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the terminal may include a first wireless module and a second wireless module, wherein the first wireless module initiates an access procedure using a first access resource and the second wireless module initiates an access procedure using a second access resource.

[0113] In one possible implementation, the first wireless module is a low-power wireless module, and the second wireless module is the main wireless module. Alternatively, the first wireless module receives a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS), which can be used to wake up the second wireless module. In response to receiving the LP-WUS, the first wireless module can directly or indirectly wake up the second wireless module, causing it to transition from a (deep) sleep state (or a powered-off state) to a wake-up state (or a working state). The second wireless module, in its wake-up state (or working state), can receive data from network devices or other terminals.

[0114] In one possible implementation, the first wireless module and the second wireless module can be two independent modules in the terminal. If the first wireless module is in a wake-up state (or an active state), the second wireless module can be in a (deep) sleep state or a turned-off state, or vice versa. Alternatively, the first wireless module and the second wireless module can be in a wake-up state (or an active state) simultaneously.

[0115] In one possible implementation, the second wireless module is primarily responsible for wireless communication between the terminal and network devices and / or other terminals. Compared to the second wireless module, the first wireless module can play a supporting role during communication between the terminal and network devices and / or other terminals.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the first wireless module and the second wireless module may differ in performance, hardware and software configuration, etc. For example, the first wireless module may include fewer components when operating compared to the second wireless module.

[0117] In one possible implementation, the configuration information may be carried in one or more of the following messages: broadcast messages, radio resource control (RRC) messages, media access control-control element (MAC CE) messages, downlink control information (DCI) messages, and other messages, without limitation herein.

[0118] The broadcast message can be an existing broadcast message or a newly added broadcast message. An existing broadcast message can be a broadcast message in an existing version of the communication standard. For example, a broadcast message can be a system information block (SIB) 1, etc. The specific naming of the broadcast message does not limit the scope of protection of this application. A newly added broadcast message can be a newly defined broadcast message, such as a broadcast message in a future communication standard.

[0119] The following section describes each item in the configuration information.

[0120] In one possible implementation, the configuration information includes a first access resource set and / or a second access resource set, or it can be described as: the configuration information is used to configure the first access resource set and / or the second access resource set. For example, the configuration information may include existing access resource configuration parameters, such as access resource configuration parameters in existing versions of communication standards, or access resource configuration parameters in future communication standards. In one possible implementation, the access resource configuration parameters can configure the first access resource set and / or the second access resource set. The access resource configuration parameters mentioned in this application may include at least one of the following: random access index (prach-ConfigurationIndex), total number of preambles, at least one preamble index, maximum number of preamble transmissions, initial preamble transmit power, preamble power ramping step, random access-response window size, maximum number of retransmissions of the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) for message 3 (msg3), timing of the contention resolution timer (mac-contention resolution timer), or frequency division multiplexing (FDM) (msg1-FDM) (used to indicate how many frequency-domain consecutive PRACH transmission opportunities are frequency-division multiplexed on the time-domain resources of each physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission opportunity), etc., which are not limited in this application.

[0121] In one possible implementation, any subset of access resources in the first access resource set in the configuration information includes at least one PRACH resource, or any subset of access resources in the first access resource set includes at least one PRACH resource and at least one uplink data channel resource. Similarly, any subset of access resources in the second access resource set in the configuration information includes at least one PRACH resource, or any subset of access resources in the second access resource set includes at least one PRACH resource and at least one uplink data channel resource.

[0122] In one possible implementation, the configuration information also includes K first values ​​corresponding to K access resource subsets, with different first values ​​corresponding to different access resource subsets. For example, suppose the first value corresponding to access resource subset #0 is 10 milliseconds, the first value corresponding to access resource subset #1 is 9 milliseconds, and the first value corresponding to access resource subset #2 is 11 milliseconds, etc.

[0123] In one possible implementation, the K first values ​​can be determined based on the first time reported by terminals of different types. That is, the first time reported by terminals of different types can be different, so that the values ​​of the first values ​​determined based on the first time of terminals of different types are different. For example, the value of the first value determined based on the first time of a terminal of the first type is greater than or less than the value of the first value determined based on the first time of a terminal of the second type, etc. The first type and the second type are different, such as the first type being a normal terminal (also known as a traditional terminal) and the second type being a reduced capability (REDCAP) terminal, or vice versa. This application does not limit the type of terminal.

[0124] In one possible implementation, the first time is determined based on the time required for the second wireless module to transition from a (deep) sleep state (or a powered-off state) to a wake-up state (or an operational state) and / or the time required for time-frequency synchronization. For example, the first time is the time required for the second wireless module to transition from a (deep) sleep state (or a powered-off state) to a wake-up state (or an operational state). Alternatively, the first time is the time required for time-frequency synchronization. Or, the first time is the sum of the time required for the second wireless module to transition from a (deep) sleep state (or a powered-off state) to a wake-up state (or an operational state) and the time required for time-frequency synchronization.

[0125] In one possible implementation, the first time information may be carried in one or more non-access stratum (NAS) messages and other messages, without limitation. In another possible implementation, the terminal may report the first time information based on an instruction from the network device; for example, the terminal may report the first time information when the network device instructs it to do so. Alternatively, the terminal may proactively report the first time information.

[0126] In one possible implementation, when the terminal learns the K first values ​​corresponding to the K subsets of access resources through configuration information, it can select one of the K subsets of access resources as the first access resource set based on the time required for its second wireless module to transition from a (deep) sleep state (or a powered-off state) to a wake-up state (or a working state) and / or the time required for time-frequency synchronization. For example, suppose the first value corresponding to access resource subset #0 is 5 milliseconds, the first value corresponding to access resource subset #1 is 6 milliseconds, and the first value corresponding to access resource subset #2 is 11 milliseconds, etc. If the time required for the second wireless module to transition from a (deep) sleep state (or a powered-off state) to a wake-up state (or a working state) is 5 milliseconds, the terminal can use access resource subset #0 as the first access resource set. Alternatively, if the time-frequency synchronization time is 6 milliseconds, the terminal can use access resource subset #1 as the first access resource set. Alternatively, if the sum of the time required for the second wireless module to transition from (deep) sleep (or off) state to wake-up state (or working state) and the time required for time-frequency synchronization is 11 milliseconds, the terminal may use access resource subset #2 as the first access resource set.

[0127] In one possible implementation, when the terminal learns of L access resource subsets through configuration information, it can randomly select one of the L access resource subsets as the second access resource set, or refer to existing access resource selection methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0128] 202. The terminal determines whether to use the first access resource or the second access resource to send a physical random access request message based on the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0129] The terminal's determination of whether to use the first access resource or the second access resource to send a physical random access request message based on the signal quality of the serving cell can be interpreted in several ways:

[0130] The first interpretation is that the terminal sends a Physical Random Access Request (PRAM) message using either the first or second access resource, such as message 1 or message A, solely based on the signal quality of the serving cell. In other words, it selects which access resource to send the PRAM message using the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0131] For example, when the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the terminal sends a Physical Random Access Request message using the first access resource. Alternatively, when the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to the first threshold, the terminal sends a Physical Random Access Request message using the second access resource.

[0132] In the first interpretation, the first access resource is the first PRACH resource, the second access resource is the second PRACH resource, and the physical random access request message is the physical random access request message in a four-step random access process, such as message 1. Alternatively, the first access resource includes the first PRACH resource and the first uplink data channel resource, the second access resource includes the second PRACH resource and the second uplink data channel resource, and the physical random access request message is the physical random access request message in a two-step random access process, such as message A.

[0133] In one possible implementation, in a first understanding, the terminal sending a Physical Random Access Request (PRAM) message using the first access resource can be described as follows: the terminal sends the PRAM message via a first wireless module on the first access resource. That is, sending the PRAM message on the first access resource is completed via the first wireless module. Similarly, the terminal sending a PRAM message using a second access resource can be described as follows: the terminal sends the PRAM message via a second wireless module on the second access resource. That is, sending the PRAM message on the second access resource is completed via the second wireless module. In this case, one or more of the remaining steps in the random access process, excluding the sending of the PRAM message, can be completed by the first wireless module and / or the second wireless module.

[0134] For example, one or more of the remaining steps in the four-step random access process, excluding the sending of the physical random access request message, can be completed by the first wireless module and / or the second wireless module. For instance, in the four-step random access process, the terminal receives a random access response message from the network device, such as message 2, through the first wireless module. The terminal sends message 3 through the first wireless module. The terminal receives message 4 through the first wireless module. Alternatively, the terminal receives the random access response message from the network device, such as message 2, through the second wireless module. The terminal sends message 3 through the second wireless module. The terminal receives message 4 through the second wireless module. Or, the terminal receives the random access response message from the network device, such as message 2, through the second wireless module. The terminal sends message 3 through the first wireless module. The terminal receives message 4 through the second wireless module, and so on. These are just some possible examples; other methods are also possible, which are not listed here.

[0135] For example, the remaining steps in the two-step random access process, excluding the sending of the physical random access request message, can be completed by either the first wireless module or the second wireless module. For instance, in the two-step random access process, the terminal receives a random access response message, such as message B, from the network device via the first wireless module. Alternatively, the terminal receives a random access response message, such as message B, from the network device via the second wireless module.

[0136] The second interpretation is that the terminal determines whether to use a first random access procedure or a second random access procedure to complete access based on the signal quality of the serving cell. The first random access procedure includes sending a physical random access request message, such as message 1 or message A, on the first access resource. The second random access procedure includes sending a physical random access request message, such as message 1 or message A, on the second access resource. In other words, the terminal selects which random access procedure to complete access based on the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0137] For example, when the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the terminal completes access using the first random access procedure. As another example, when the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to the second threshold, the terminal completes access using the second random access procedure.

[0138] In the second interpretation, both the first and second random access procedures are four-step random access procedures. The first access resource is the first PRACH resource, the second access resource is the second PRACH resource, and the physical random access request message is the physical random access request message in the four-step random access procedure, such as message 1. Alternatively, both the first and second random access procedures are two-step random access procedures. The first access resource includes the first PRACH resource and the first uplink data channel resource, the second access resource includes the second PRACH resource and the second uplink data channel resource, and the physical random access request message is the physical random access request message in the two-step random access procedure, such as message A.

[0139] In one possible implementation, in a second understanding, the terminal completing access using the first random access procedure can be described as follows: the terminal completes the first random access procedure through a first wireless module. That is, all steps of the first random access procedure can be completed through the first wireless module. For example, in a 4-step random access procedure, the terminal sends a Physical Random Access Request message (PRAM) on the first access resource through the first wireless module, such as message 1; the terminal receives a random access response message from the network device (such as message 2) through the first wireless module; the terminal sends message 3 through the first wireless module; and the terminal receives message 4 through the first wireless module. Alternatively, in a 2-step random access procedure, the terminal sends a PRAM on the first access resource through the first wireless module, such as message A; the terminal receives a random access response message from the network device (such as message B) through the first wireless module; the terminal sends message 3 through the first wireless module; and the terminal receives message 4 through the first wireless module. In another possible implementation, the terminal completing access using the first random access procedure can be described as follows: the terminal completes the first random access procedure through both a first wireless module and a second wireless module. The first random access procedure, which includes sending a physical random access request message on the first access resource, can be described as follows: the terminal sends a physical random access request message on the first access resource through the first wireless module. One or more of the remaining steps in the first random access procedure, excluding the sending of the physical random access request message, can be completed by the first wireless module and / or the second wireless module. For details, please refer to the relevant description in the first interpretation above, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0140] Similarly, the terminal completing access using the second random access procedure can be described as follows: the terminal completes the second random access procedure through the second wireless module. That is, all steps of the second random access procedure can be completed through the second wireless module. For example, in a 4-step random access procedure, the terminal sends a physical random access request message (e.g., message 1) on the second access resource through the second wireless module, and receives a random access response message from the network device (e.g., message 2) through the second wireless module. The terminal then sends message 3 through the second wireless module. Finally, the terminal receives message 4 through the second wireless module. Alternatively, in a 2-step random access procedure, the terminal sends a physical random access request message (e.g., message A) on the second access resource through the second wireless module, and receives a random access response message from the network device (e.g., message B) through the second wireless module. The terminal then sends message 3 through the second wireless module. Finally, the terminal receives message 4 through the second wireless module. In another possible implementation, the terminal completing access using the first random access procedure can be described as follows: the terminal completes the first random access procedure through both the first and second wireless modules. That is, the second random access procedure, including sending a physical random access request message on the second access resource, can be described as follows: the terminal sends a physical random access request message on the second access resource through the second wireless module. One or more of the remaining steps in the second random access process, excluding the sending of the physical random access request message, can be completed by the first wireless module and / or the second wireless module. For details, please refer to the relevant description in the first understanding above, which will not be repeated here.

[0141] The third interpretation is that, based on the signal quality of the serving cell, the terminal selects either a first access resource to send a Physical Random Access Request (PRAM) message, a first random access procedure to complete access, or a second random access procedure to complete access. The first random access procedure includes sending a PRAM message, such as message 1 or message A, on the first access resource, and the second random access procedure includes sending a PRAM message, such as message 1 or message A, on the second access resource. In other words, the terminal can choose which random access procedure to use and which access resource to use to send the PRAM message based on the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0142] For example, when the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to the third threshold, the terminal completes access using the second random access procedure. For example, when the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to the third threshold and less than or equal to the fourth threshold, the terminal sends a physical random access request message, such as message 1 or message A, using the first access resource. For yet another example, when the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, the terminal completes access using the first random access procedure.

[0143] In the third interpretation, the description of sending a physical random access request message using the first access resource can be referred to the first interpretation above. The descriptions of completing access using the first random access procedure and the second random access procedure can be referred to the second interpretation above. The descriptions of the first access resource and the second access resource in the third interpretation can be referred to the first interpretation above, and will not be elaborated here.

[0144] In one possible implementation, in the third interpretation, the terminal sending a Physical Random Access Request (PRAM) message using the first access resource can be described as follows: the terminal sends the PRAM message via the first wireless module on the first access resource. In this case, one or more of the remaining steps in the four-step random access process, excluding the sending of the PRAM message, can be completed by the first wireless module and / or the second wireless module. The remaining steps in the two-step random access process, excluding the sending of the PRAM message, can be completed by either the first wireless module or the second wireless module; for details, please refer to the relevant description in the first interpretation above, which will not be repeated here.

[0145] In one possible implementation, at least one of the first to fourth thresholds may be predefined or indicated to the terminal by the network device. For example, the terminal may receive configuration information that may include the first threshold. Alternatively, the configuration information may include a second threshold. Alternatively, the configuration information may include a third and a fourth threshold. In one possible implementation, the first and second thresholds may be the same or different.

[0146] In one possible implementation, in any of the first to third interpretations described above, the random access response message can be received within the random access response window.

[0147] For example, when the physical random access request message is sent on the first access resource, the terminal can receive the random access response message within the first random access response window. Here, the starting position of the first random access response window is the time position where the end time of the first access resource is delayed by at least X time units, where X is a positive integer. For example, in Figure 3 In section 3-1, the starting position of the first random access response window is the time position where the end time of the first access resource is delayed by X time units. Alternatively, in... Figure 3 In 3-2, the starting position of the first random access response window is the time position of P time units after the end time of the first access resource is delayed by X time units, where P is a positive integer.

[0148] For example, when the physical random access request message is sent on the second access resource, the terminal can receive the random access response message within the second random access response window. The starting position of the second random access response window can refer to the starting position of an existing random access response window or the starting position of a newly added random access response window. The starting position of an existing random access response window can be the starting position of a random access response window in an existing version of the communication standard. The starting position of a newly added random access response window can be the starting position of a newly defined random access response window, for example, the starting position of a random access response window in a future communication standard.

[0149] In one possible implementation, the time unit can be a time unit in the time domain. For example, the time unit can be at least one frame, at least one subframe, at least one time slot, at least one symbol, or at least one micro-slot (mini-slot or sub-slot), etc., which is not limited in this application. Alternatively, the time unit can be milliseconds or seconds, etc., which is not limited in this application.

[0150] In one possible implementation, the value of X is determined based on a first value corresponding to the first subset of first access resources to which the first access resource belongs.

[0151] As an example, when the time unit is at least one time slot, X is determined based on a first value corresponding to the subset of first access resources to which the first access resource belongs and the subcarrier spacing corresponding to the downlink data channel where the random access response message is located. For example, the subcarrier spacing corresponding to the downlink data channel where the random access response message is located is used to determine the duration of a single time slot, and X is the ratio of the first value to the duration of a single time slot. Here, the downlink data channel can be a PDSCH. In one possible implementation, PDSCH is used as an example of a random access channel. In different systems and scenarios, the downlink data channel may have different names, and this application does not limit this.

[0152] As another example, when the time unit is a time unit other than at least one time slot, X is the first value corresponding to the first access resource subset to which the first access resource belongs.

[0153] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device can be a terminal or a device with terminal functionality (e.g., a chip). Specifically, as shown... Figure 4 As shown, the communication device 400 may include:

[0154] The sending unit 401 is used to determine, based on the signal quality of the serving cell, the physical random access request message using the first access resource or the second access resource.

[0155] In one possible implementation, when determining whether to use the first access resource or the second access resource for the physical random access request message based on the signal quality of the serving cell, the sending unit 401 is specifically configured to: when the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the terminal uses the first access resource to send the physical random access request message; and / or, when the signal quality of the serving cell is less than the first threshold, the terminal uses the second access resource to send the physical random access request message.

[0156] In one possible implementation, the terminal includes a first wireless module. When sending a Physical Random Access Request message using the first access resource, the sending unit 401 is specifically used to: send the Physical Random Access Request message through the first wireless module on the first access resource.

[0157] In one possible implementation, the terminal includes a second wireless module. When sending a Physical Random Access Request message using the second access resource, the sending unit 401 is specifically used to: send the Physical Random Access Request message through the second wireless module on the second access resource.

[0158] In one possible implementation, the communication device 400 may further include a receiving unit 402, which is also configured to receive configuration information. The configuration information includes a first access resource set, which comprises K access resource subsets, each of which includes a subset of the first access resource to which the first access resource belongs, where K is a positive integer. Specifically, any subset of the first access resource set includes at least one PRACH resource, or any subset of the first access resource set includes at least one PRACH resource and at least one uplink data channel resource.

[0159] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit 402 is further configured to receive a random access response message within a first random access response window, wherein the starting position of the first random access response window is the time position where the end time of the first access resource is delayed by at least X time units.

[0160] In one possible implementation, the transmitting unit 401 is further configured to report a first time, which is determined based on the time required for the second wireless module to transition from a sleep state to a wake-up state and / or the time required for time-frequency synchronization.

[0161] In one possible implementation, the terminal includes a first wireless module and a second wireless module. When determining whether to send a Physical Random Access Request message using the first access resource or the second access resource based on the signal quality of the serving cell, the sending unit 401 is specifically used to determine whether to complete access using the first random access procedure or the second random access procedure based on the signal quality of the serving cell. The first random access procedure includes sending a Physical Random Access Request message on the first access resource, receiving a random access response message through the first wireless module, sending message 3, and receiving message 4, or receiving a random access response message through the first wireless module. The second random access procedure includes sending a Physical Random Access Request message on the second access resource, receiving a random access response message through the second wireless module, sending message 3, and receiving message 4, or receiving a random access response message through the second wireless module.

[0162] In one possible implementation, when determining whether to complete access using a first random access procedure or a second random access procedure based on the signal quality of the serving cell, the sending unit 401 is specifically configured to: complete access using a first random access procedure when the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to a second threshold; and / or, complete access using a second random access procedure when the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0163] In one possible implementation, the terminal includes a first wireless module and a second wireless module. When determining whether to use the first access resource or the second access resource to send a Physical Random Access Request (PRAM) message based on the signal quality of the serving cell, the sending unit 401 is specifically used to determine whether to use the first access resource to send the PRAM, and to complete access using either the first random access procedure or the second random access procedure. The first random access procedure includes sending the PRAM on the first access resource, receiving a random access response message through the first wireless module, sending message 3, and receiving message 4, or receiving the random access response message through the first wireless module. The second random access procedure includes sending the PRAM on the second access resource, receiving the random access response message through the second wireless module, sending message 3, and receiving message 4, or receiving the random access response message through the second wireless module.

[0164] In one possible implementation, when determining whether to send a Physical Random Access Request message using the first access resource and complete access using the first random access procedure or the second random access procedure based on the signal quality of the serving cell, the sending unit 401 is specifically configured to: complete access using the second random access procedure when the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to a third threshold; and / or, send a Physical Random Access Request message using the first access resource when the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to the third threshold and less than or equal to a fourth threshold; and / or, complete access using the first random access procedure when the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold.

[0165] See Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device can be a network device or a device with network device functionality (e.g., a chip). Specifically, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, the communication device 500 may include:

[0166] The sending unit 501 is used to send configuration information, which includes a first access resource set, the first access resource set includes K access resource subsets, and the K access resource subsets include the first access resource subset to which the first access resource belongs, where K is a positive integer; wherein, any access resource subset in the first access resource set includes at least one PRACH resource, or, any access resource subset in the first access resource set includes at least one PRACH resource and at least one uplink data channel resource.

[0167] In one possible implementation, the communication device 500 may further include a receiving unit 502, which is used to receive a first time. The first time is determined based on the time required for the second wireless module to transition from a sleep state to a wake-up state and / or the time required for time-frequency synchronization. The first time is used to determine K first values.

[0168] In one possible implementation, the sending unit 501 is further configured to send a random access response message within a first random access response window, wherein the starting position of the first random access response window is the time position where the end time of the first access resource is delayed by at least X time units, and X is a positive integer.

[0169] This application also provides a chip that can perform the relevant steps of the terminal or network device in the foregoing method embodiments. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface.

[0170] For example, the chip can perform the relevant steps of the terminal in the aforementioned method embodiments. The processor is configured to cause the chip to perform the following operation: determine, based on the signal quality of the serving cell, to send a physical random access request message through the communication interface using a first access resource or a second access resource.

[0171] In one possible implementation, when determining whether to use a first access resource or a second access resource to send a physical random access request message through a communication interface based on the signal quality of the serving cell, the processor is specifically configured to cause the chip to perform the following operations: when the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the terminal uses the first access resource to send a physical random access request message through a communication interface; and / or, when the signal quality of the serving cell is less than the first threshold, the terminal uses the second access resource to send a physical random access request message through a communication interface.

[0172] In one possible implementation, when sending a Physical Random Access Request (PRAM) message via the communication interface using the first access resource, the processor is specifically configured to cause the chip to perform the following operation: sending the PRAM message via the first wireless module on the first access resource. The communication interface is connected to the first wireless module. Alternatively, the processor is connected to the first wireless module.

[0173] In one possible implementation, when sending a Physical Random Access Request (PRAM) message via the communication interface using the second access resource, the processor is specifically configured to cause the chip to perform the following operation: sending the PRAM message via the second wireless module on the second access resource. The communication interface and the second wireless module are connected. Alternatively, the processor and the second wireless module are connected.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to cause the chip to perform the following operations: receiving configuration information, the configuration information including a first access resource set, the first access resource set including K access resource subsets, the K access resource subsets including the first access resource subset to which the first access resource belongs, where K is a positive integer. Wherein, any access resource subset in the first access resource set includes at least one PRACH resource, or, any access resource subset in the first access resource set includes at least one PRACH resource and at least one uplink data channel resource.

[0175] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to cause the chip to perform the following operation: receiving a random access response message within a first random access response window, the starting position of which is the time position where the end time of the first access resource is delayed by at least X time units. Wherein, a first value corresponding to a subset of the first access resources is used to determine the value X.

[0176] In one possible implementation, the processor is also configured to cause the chip to perform the following operations: report a first time, which is determined based on the time required for the second wireless module to transition from a sleep state to a wake-up state and / or the time required for time-frequency synchronization.

[0177] In one possible implementation, when a Physical Random Access Request (PRAM) message is sent using either a first access resource or a second access resource based on the signal quality of the serving cell, the processor is specifically configured to cause the chip to perform the following operations: determining whether to complete access using either a first random access procedure or a second random access procedure based on the signal quality of the serving cell. The first random access procedure includes sending a PRAM message on the first access resource, receiving a random access response message via a first radio module, sending message 3, and receiving message 4, or receiving a random access response message via the first radio module. The second random access procedure includes sending a PRAM message on the second access resource, receiving a random access response message via a second radio module, sending message 3, and receiving message 4, or receiving a random access response message via the second radio module.

[0178] In one possible implementation, when determining whether to use a first random access procedure or a second random access procedure to complete access based on the signal quality of the serving cell, the processor is specifically configured to cause the chip to perform the following operations: when the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to a second threshold, use the first random access procedure to complete access; and / or, when the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to the second threshold, use the second random access procedure to complete access.

[0179] In one possible implementation, when determining whether to send a Physical Random Access Request (PRAM) message using a first access resource or a second access resource based on the signal quality of the serving cell, the processor is specifically configured to cause the chip to perform the following operations: determining whether to send a PRAM message using the first access resource based on the signal quality of the serving cell, and completing access using a first random access procedure or a second random access procedure. The first random access procedure includes sending a PRAM message on the first access resource, receiving a random access response message through a first radio module, sending message 3, and receiving message 4, or receiving a random access response message through the first radio module. The second random access procedure includes sending a PRAM message on the second access resource, receiving a random access response message through a second radio module, sending message 3, and receiving message 4, or receiving a random access response message through the second radio module.

[0180] In one possible implementation, when determining, based on the signal quality of the serving cell, to send a physical random access request message using the first access resource and to complete access using the first random access procedure or the second random access procedure, the processor is specifically configured to cause the chip to perform the following operations: when the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to a third threshold, to complete access using the second random access procedure; and / or, when the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to the third threshold and less than or equal to a fourth threshold, to send a physical random access request message using the first access resource; and / or, when the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, the terminal completes access using the first random access procedure.

[0181] For example, the chip can perform the relevant steps of the network device in the aforementioned method embodiments. The processor is configured to cause the chip to perform the following operations: sending configuration information, the configuration information including a first access resource set, the first access resource set including K access resource subsets, the K access resource subsets including the first access resource subset to which the first access resource belongs, K being a positive integer; wherein, any access resource subset in the first access resource set includes at least one PRACH resource, or, any access resource subset in the first access resource set includes at least one PRACH resource and at least one uplink data channel resource.

[0182] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to cause the chip to perform the following operations: receiving a first time, the first time being determined based on the time required for the second wireless module to transition from a sleep state to a wake-up state and / or the time required for time-frequency synchronization, the first time being used to determine K first values.

[0183] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to cause the chip to perform the following operation: sending a random access response message within a first random access response window, the starting position of which is the time position where the end time of the first access resource is delayed by at least X time units, where X is a positive integer.

[0184] Optionally, the chip includes at least one processor, at least one first memory, and at least one second memory; wherein the at least one first memory and the at least one processor are interconnected by a circuit, and the first memory stores instructions; the at least one second memory and the at least one processor are interconnected by a circuit, and the second memory stores data that needs to be stored in the above method embodiments.

[0185] For each device or product applied to or integrated into a chip, each of its modules can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, or at least some modules can be implemented using software programs that run on a processor integrated inside the chip, while the remaining (if any) modules can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0186] See Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device can be a terminal or a network device. The communication device 600 may include a memory 601 and a processor 602. Optionally, it may also include a communication interface 603. The memory 601, processor 602, and communication interface 603 are connected via one or more communication buses. The communication interface 603 is controlled by the processor 602 for sending and receiving information.

[0187] Memory 601 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provides instructions and data to processor 602. A portion of memory 601 may also include non-volatile random access memory.

[0188] Communication interface 603 is used to receive or send data.

[0189] Processor 602 can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), but it can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor; optionally, processor 602 can also be any conventional processor. Wherein:

[0190] Memory 601 is used to store program instructions.

[0191] Processor 602 is used to call program instructions stored in memory 601.

[0192] The processor 602 calls the program instructions stored in the memory 601, causing the communication device 600 to execute the method executed by the terminal or network device in the above method embodiment.

[0193] See Figure 7 , Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a module device provided in an embodiment of this application. The module device 700 can perform the relevant steps of the terminal or network device in the aforementioned method embodiments. The module device 700 includes: a communication module 701, a power module 702, a storage module 703, and a chip 704.

[0194] The power module 702 is used to provide power to the module device; the storage module 703 is used to store data and instructions; the communication module 701 is used for internal communication within the module device or for communication between the module device and external devices; and the chip 704 is used to execute the methods executed by the terminal or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0195] It should be noted that, Figure 6 and Figure 7 For details not mentioned in the corresponding embodiments and the specific implementation methods of each step, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 The embodiments shown and the foregoing content will not be repeated here.

[0196] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a processor, enable the implementation of the method flow described in the above method embodiments.

[0197] This application also provides a computer program product that stores computer-readable instructions. When the computer-readable instructions are run on a computer, the computer executes the method flow of the above-described method embodiments.

[0198] Regarding the modules / units included in the various devices and products described in the above embodiments, they can be software modules / units, hardware modules / units, or a combination of both. For example, for various devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip, all of their modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs that run on the chip's integrated processor, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. For various devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip module, all of their modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules / units can be located in the same part (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components of the chip module, or at least some modules / units... It can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor integrated within the chip module. The remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. For various devices and products applied to or integrated into the terminal, the modules / units they contain can all be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules / units can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components within the terminal. Alternatively, at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs that run on the processor integrated within the terminal, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0199] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, as some operations can be performed in other orders or simultaneously according to this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0200] The descriptions of the various embodiments provided in this application can be referenced mutually. Each embodiment has its own emphasis, and parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment can be referred to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. For the sake of convenience and brevity, for example, the functions and operations of the various devices and equipment provided in the embodiments of this application can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments of this application. The method embodiments and the device embodiments can also be referenced, combined or cited from each other.

[0201] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Based on the signal quality of the serving cell, it is determined whether to send a physical random access request message using the first access resource or the second access resource.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of signal quality based on the serving cell, using either the first access resource or the second access resource to send a physical random access request message, includes: When the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the physical random access request message is sent using the first access resource; and / or, When the signal quality of the serving cell is less than the first threshold, the physical random access request message is sent using the second access resource.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal, the terminal including a first wireless module, wherein sending the physical random access request message using the first access resource includes: The Physical Random Access Request message is sent via the first wireless module on the first access resource.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal, the terminal including a second wireless module, wherein sending the physical random access request message using the second access resource includes: The Physical Random Access Request message is sent via the second wireless module on the second access resource.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive configuration information, the configuration information including a first access resource set, the first access resource set including K access resource subsets, the K access resource subsets including the first access resource to which the first access resource belongs, and K being a positive integer; Wherein, any subset of access resources in the first access resource set includes at least one PRACH resource, or any subset of access resources in the first access resource set includes at least one PRACH resource and at least one uplink data channel resource.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes K first values ​​corresponding to the K access resource subsets, with different first values ​​corresponding to different access resource subsets.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first value corresponding to the first access resource subset is used to determine the value X, where X is a positive integer.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: A random access response message is received within a first random access response window, the starting position of which is the time position where the end time of the first access resource is delayed by at least X time units.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first time to report is determined based on the time required for the second wireless module to transition from sleep state to wake-up state and / or the time required for time-frequency synchronization.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal, which includes a first wireless module and a second wireless module. The step of determining whether to send a Physical Random Access Request message based on the signal quality of the serving cell using either a first access resource or a second access resource includes: Based on the signal quality of the serving cell, it is determined whether to complete the access process using a first random access procedure or a second random access procedure. The first random access procedure includes sending the physical random access request message on the first access resource, receiving the random access response message through the first wireless module, sending message 3 and receiving message 4, or receiving the random access response message through the first wireless module. The second random access procedure includes sending the physical random access request message on the second access resource, receiving the random access response message through the second wireless module, sending message 3 and receiving message 4, or receiving the random access response message through the second wireless module.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The signal quality determination based on the serving cell is completed using either a first random access procedure or a second random access procedure, including: When the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to the second threshold, access is completed using the first random access procedure; and / or, When the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to the second threshold, the second random access procedure is used to complete the access.

12. The method according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal, which includes a first wireless module and a second wireless module. The step of determining whether to send a Physical Random Access Request message based on the signal quality of the serving cell using either a first access resource or a second access resource includes: Based on the signal quality of the serving cell, it is determined whether to use the first access resource to send a physical random access request message, or to use the first random access procedure or the second random access procedure to complete the access. The first random access procedure includes sending the physical random access request message on the first access resource, receiving the random access response message through the first wireless module, sending message 3 and receiving message 4, or receiving the random access response message through the first wireless module. The second random access procedure includes sending the physical random access request message on the second access resource, receiving the random access response message through the second wireless module, sending message 3 and receiving message 4, or receiving the random access response message through the second wireless module.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The determination of signal quality based on the serving cell, using the first access resource to send a physical random access request message and using a first random access procedure or a second random access procedure to complete access, includes: When the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to the third threshold, access is completed using the second random access procedure; and / or, When the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to the third threshold and less than or equal to the fourth threshold, the physical random access request message is sent using the first access resource; and / or, When the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, the first random access procedure is used to complete the access.

14. The method according to claim 3, 4, 10 or 12, characterized in that, The first wireless module is a low-power wireless module, and the second wireless module is a main wireless module.

15. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The configuration information may further include a first threshold; or, the configuration information may further include a second threshold; or, the configuration information may further include a third threshold and a fourth threshold.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send configuration information, the configuration information including a first access resource set, the first access resource set including K access resource subsets, the K access resource subsets including the first access resource subset to which the first access resource belongs, and K being a positive integer; Wherein, any subset of access resources in the first access resource set includes at least one PRACH resource, or any subset of access resources in the first access resource set includes at least one PRACH resource and at least one uplink data channel resource.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The configuration information also includes K first values ​​corresponding to the K access resource subsets, with different first values ​​corresponding to different access resource subsets.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first time is received, which is determined based on the time required for the second wireless module to transition from a sleep state to a wake-up state and / or the time required for time-frequency synchronization. The first time is used to determine the K first values.

19. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The configuration information may further include a first threshold; or, the configuration information may further include a second threshold; or, the configuration information may further include a third threshold and a fourth threshold.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, or it includes a unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 16 to 19.

21. A chip, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor is configured to cause the chip to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, or the processor is configured to cause the chip to perform the method as described in any one of claims 16 to 19.

22. A module device, characterized in that, The module device includes a communication module, a power module, a storage module, and a chip, wherein: The power module is used to provide electrical energy to the module device; The storage module is used to store data and instructions; The communication module is used for internal communication within the module device, and / or for communication between the module device and external devices; The chip is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, or the chip is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 16 to 19.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a memory and a processor, the memory being used to store a computer program, the computer program including program instructions, and the processor being configured to invoke the program instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, or to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 16 to 19.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer storage medium stores computer-readable instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 15, or cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 16 to 19.

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