Communication method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, device and computer readable storage medium, and relates to the technical field of communication. The method comprises: determining at least one first physical random access channel (PRACH) occasion according to a first parameter, the first parameter being used to indicate at least one associated period, each of the at least one associated period comprising at least one PRACH configuration period; and transmitting a PRACH on the at least one PRACH occasion. The technical scheme of the present disclosure is beneficial to energy saving of the network side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] In 5G systems, PRACH (Physical Random Access Channel) is used for initial access and uplink synchronization. The 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) TS 38.213 specification defines a PRACH mask mechanism, which uses a PRACH mask index to instruct the UE (User Equipment) to perform PRACH transmissions on specific ROs (PRACH occasions).

[0003] In related technologies, the configuration and indication of the PRACH mask are based on the SSB (Synchronization Signal Block) - RO mapping cycle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors of this disclosure have discovered the following problem in the above-mentioned related technologies: for each SSB-RO mapping cycle, the network side needs to listen to at least one corresponding RO, which is not conducive to network energy saving.

[0005] In view of this, this disclosure proposes a communication technology solution that can control the timing of PRACH transmission, which is beneficial for energy saving on the network side.

[0006] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, comprising: determining at least one PRACH timing based on a first parameter, the first parameter being used to indicate at least one association period, each of the at least one association period including at least one PRACH configuration period; and transmitting PRACH at the at least one PRACH timing.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first parameter is used to indicate at least one associated pattern period, each of the at least one associated pattern period including at least one associated period; or the first parameter is used to indicate at least one time period, each of the at least one time period including at least one associated pattern period.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first parameter includes an index value, which is associated with an index of at least one associated period, an index of at least one associated pattern period, or an index of at least one time period.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least one index of an associated period, at least one index of an associated pattern period, or at least one index of a time period is reset according to a reset period, the reset period being determined based on the associated pattern period or the time period.

[0010] In some embodiments, the reset cycle includes at least one associated pattern cycle or at least one time cycle.

[0011] In some embodiments, the reset period includes multiple association pattern periods, and the index of at least one association period is reset according to the reset period. The number of multiple association pattern periods included in the reset period is such that the maximum value of the index of at least one association period does not exceed the maximum positive integer value of the first value.

[0012] In some embodiments, each time period is used for PRACH repetition or PRACH repetition of preamble.

[0013] In some embodiments, each time period includes a second numerical number of associated pattern periods, the second numerical number being the smallest integer satisfying the following conditions: such that for all configured PRACH retransmission counts, for each transmission's SSB index within each time period, at least one PRACH timing group can be determined; and for each configured PRACH retransmission count among all configured PRACH retransmission counts, at least one PRACH timing group repeats in each time period.

[0014] In some embodiments, transmitting a PRACH at at least one PRACH timing includes transmitting a PRACH at a subset of at least one PRACH timing.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least one PRACH timing is determined based on the first parameter, according to the second parameter.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second parameter instructs the first parameter to take effect, or determines, based on the second parameter, at least one PRACH timing based on the first parameter, including: in the case that the second parameter is defaulted, determining at least one PRACH timing based on the first parameter.

[0017] According to some other embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a determining unit configured to determine at least one PRACH timing based on a first parameter, the first parameter indicating at least one association period, each of the at least one association period including at least one PRACH configuration period; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit PRACH at the at least one PRACH timing.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first parameter is used to indicate at least one associated pattern period, each of the at least one associated pattern period including at least one associated period; or the first parameter is used to indicate at least one time period, each of the at least one time period including at least one associated pattern period.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first parameter includes an index value, which is associated with an index of at least one associated period, an index of at least one associated pattern period, or an index of at least one time period.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one index of an associated period, at least one index of an associated pattern period, or at least one index of a time period is reset according to a reset period, the reset period being determined based on the associated pattern period or the time period.

[0021] In some embodiments, the reset cycle includes at least one associated pattern cycle or at least one time cycle.

[0022] In some embodiments, the reset period includes multiple association pattern periods, and the index of at least one association period is reset according to the reset period. The number of multiple association pattern periods included in the reset period is such that the maximum value of the index of at least one association period does not exceed the maximum positive integer value of the first value.

[0023] In some embodiments, each time period is used for PRACH repetition or PRACH repetition of preamble.

[0024] In some embodiments, each time period includes a second numerical number of associated pattern periods, the second numerical number being the smallest integer satisfying the following conditions: such that for all configured PRACH retransmission counts, for each transmission's SSB index within each time period, at least one PRACH timing group can be determined; and for each configured PRACH retransmission count among all configured PRACH retransmission counts, at least one PRACH timing group repeats in each time period.

[0025] In some embodiments, the transmission unit is configured to transmit PRACH over a subset of at least one PRACH timing.

[0026] In some embodiments, the determining unit is configured to determine, based on the second parameter, at least one PRACH timing based on the first parameter.

[0027] In some embodiments, the second parameter indicates that the first parameter is effective, or the determining unit is configured to determine at least one PRACH timing based on the first parameter if the second parameter is defaulted.

[0028] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the communication method of any of the above embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory device.

[0029] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method of any of the above embodiments.

[0030] According to further embodiments of this disclosure, a computer program product is also provided, including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the communication method according to any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0031] In the above embodiments, the timing of PRACH transmission is indicated by the first parameter, thereby controlling PRACH transmission and facilitating energy saving on the network side. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0033] This disclosure will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, wherein:

[0034] Figure 1 Flowcharts illustrating some embodiments of the communication methods of this disclosure;

[0035] Figures 2-7 Schematic diagrams illustrating some embodiments of the communication methods of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 8 Block diagrams illustrating some embodiments of the communication apparatus of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 9 Block diagrams illustrating other embodiments of the communication apparatus of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 10 Block diagrams illustrating further embodiments of the communication apparatus of this disclosure are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual scale.

[0041] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use.

[0042] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0043] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0044] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0045] As mentioned earlier, 3GPP TS 38.213 defines the PRACH mask indication for a single PRACH transmission, including indications for different scenarios. For example, the PRACH mask indicates some ROs, and the UE transmits PRACH based on the ROs indicated by the PRACH mask index; the PRACH mask index is reset with a mapping period of a certain SSB index.

[0046] 3GPP TS 38.321 provides the PRACH mask index values, as shown in the table below:

[0047]

[0048] According to the mapping relationship between SSBs and ROs given in 3GPP TS 38.331, one SSB can be mapped to a maximum of eight ROs, which corresponds to the PRACH mask indices 1 to 8. For example, as shown in the table below, suppose one SSB#1 is mapped to four ROs:

[0049] SSB#1 SSB#2 SSB#3 SSB#4 RO1 RO2 RO3 RO4

[0050] If the PRACH mask index = 2, then RO2 can be used for PRACH transmission; similarly, if the PRACH mask index = 9, then all odd-numbered ROs, namely RO1 and RO3, can be used for PRACH transmission. Since the PRACH mask index is reset for each SSB-RO mapping period, it means that the RO with the corresponding sequence number in each mapping period can be used for PRACH transmission. However, according to the protocol, the UE must select the RO indicated by the PRACH mask index within the first available mapping period.

[0051] As mentioned earlier, regardless of how the PRACH mask is configured, there is at least one RO that can be used for PRACH transmission during the SSB-RO mapping cycle. That is, the network side needs to listen to at least one corresponding RO for each SSB-RO mapping cycle, which is not conducive to network energy saving.

[0052] To address the aforementioned technical issues, this disclosure proposes a PRACH resource indication method. By indicating the timing of PRACH transmission through a first parameter, PRACH transmission can be controlled, and transmission strategies can be adjusted as needed, thereby reducing network-side listening time and achieving energy-saving effects.

[0053] For example, the technical solution of this disclosure can be implemented through the following embodiments.

[0054] Figure 1 Flowcharts illustrating some embodiments of the communication methods of this disclosure are shown.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, in step S110, at least one PRACH timing is determined according to a first parameter, the first parameter being used to indicate at least one association period, and each association period in the at least one association period includes at least one PRACH configuration period.

[0056] In step S120, PRACH is transmitted at at least one PRACH timing.

[0057] In this way, by determining the transmission timing based on the association period indicated by the first parameter, and transmitting PRACH at the indicated PRACH timing, the transmission strategy can be controlled and the transmission strategy adjusted as needed, thereby reducing network-side listening time and achieving energy saving.

[0058] In some embodiments, PRACH is transmitted on at least a subset of PRACH timings. This avoids conflicts with access requests from other UEs by transmitting PRACH on determined PRACH timings or subsets of PRACH timings, ensuring access reliability and improving system resource utilization efficiency.

[0059] For example, it can be done through Figures 2-7The embodiment in the text implements step S110.

[0060] Figures 2-7 Schematic diagrams illustrating some embodiments of the communication methods of this disclosure are shown.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, multiple Returning Objects (ROs) are configured in a two-dimensional distribution across the time and frequency domains for each association period. The first parameter indicates the multiple association periods within the association pattern period. For example, the association period is determined based on the PRACH configuration period, which is one or more PRACH configuration periods that ensure the SSB block index completes at least one mapping with the PRACH timing within the association period.

[0062] In some embodiments, the index of at least one associated period is reset according to a reset period, which is determined based on the associated pattern period or time period.

[0063] In some embodiments, the reset period includes at least one associated pattern period or at least one time period. For example, the reset period may include one associated pattern period, multiple associated pattern periods, one time period, or multiple time periods.

[0064] Reference Figure 2 This shows two association pattern cycles, each consisting of four association cycles. The reset cycle is one association pattern cycle, therefore... Figure 2 The indexes for the eight associated cycles shown are reset according to one associated pattern cycle, i.e., reset according to four associated cycles. Within the same associated pattern cycle, the indexes of the associated cycles are consecutively arranged as #1, #2, #3, #4. The indexes are reset when the associated pattern cycle changes.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first parameter includes an index value that may be associated with an index for at least one associated period.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the reset period is one association pattern period, and the index of the association period is reset according to one association pattern period (i.e., four association periods). The indices of the association periods included in each reset period are #1, #2, #3, and #4, respectively. The index value included in the first parameter is associated with these four indices.

[0067] For example, the first parameter includes index value #0, which is associated with the index of association period #1. At this time, the UE transmits PRACH at the PRACH timing within association period #1.

[0068] In this way, the network side can dynamically adjust the timing of the UE's PRACH transmission by flexibly configuring the index value of the first parameter, so that the network side only listens to the specified RO within the predetermined association period, thereby reducing the network side's listening time and achieving energy saving.

[0069] In some embodiments, the index value included in the first parameter may be associated with indexes of multiple associated periods.

[0070] For example, Figure 3 An example is shown where the index value included in the first parameter is associated with the index of multiple associated periods.

[0071] Reference Figure 3 This shows two association pattern cycles, each consisting of four association cycles. The reset cycle is one association pattern cycle, therefore... Figure 3 The indexes for the eight associated cycles shown are reset according to one associated pattern cycle, i.e., reset according to four associated cycles. Within the same associated pattern cycle, the indexes of the associated cycles are consecutively arranged as #1, #2, #3, #4. The indexes are reset when the associated pattern cycle changes.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, the indices of the associated periods included in each reset cycle are #1, #2, #3, and #4, respectively. The index value included in the first parameter is associated with these four indices.

[0073] For example, the first parameter includes index value #1, which is associated with the index of association period #1 and association period #3. At this time, the UE transmits PRACH at the PRACH timing within association period #1 and #3.

[0074] In some embodiments, the reset cycle may include multiple associated mode cycles.

[0075] For example, Figure 4 An example is shown where the reset cycle is a multiple associated pattern cycle.

[0076] Reference Figure 4 This displays four association pattern cycles, each consisting of two association cycles. The reset cycle is two association pattern cycles, therefore... Figure 4 The indexes for the eight associated cycles shown are reset according to two associated pattern cycles, i.e., four associated cycles. Within the two associated pattern cycles included in the reset cycle, the indexes for the associated cycles are consecutively arranged as #1, #2, #3, #4; the indexes for the associated cycles are reset at the end of each reset cycle.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, the indices of the associated periods included in each reset cycle are #1, #2, #3, and #4, respectively. The index value included in the first parameter is associated with these four indices.

[0078] For example, the first parameter includes index value #2, which is associated with the index of association period #2. At this time, the UE transmits PRACH at the PRACH timing within association period #2.

[0079] In some embodiments, the reset period includes multiple association pattern periods, and the index of at least one association period is reset according to the reset period. The number of multiple association pattern periods included in the reset period is such that the maximum value of the index of at least one association period does not exceed the maximum positive integer value of the first value.

[0080] The following exemplary embodiment illustrates the process for determining the number of associated pattern cycles included in the reset cycle.

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, four correlation pattern cycles are presented, each of which includes two correlation cycles.

[0082] For example, if the first value is configured as 4, then when the reset cycle includes 3 associated pattern cycles, the index of the associated cycle is reset according to 3 associated pattern cycles, that is, according to 6 associated cycles. The indices of the associated cycles within each reset cycle are then #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6. In this case, the maximum value of the associated cycle index is 6, which is greater than the first value (i.e., 4). Therefore, the number of associated pattern cycles included in the reset cycle should be less than 3. When the reset cycle includes 2 associated pattern cycles, the index of the associated cycle is reset according to 2 associated pattern cycles, that is, according to 4 associated cycles. The indices of the associated cycles are then #1, #2, #3, #4. In this case, the maximum value of the associated cycle index is 4, which does not exceed the first value (i.e., 4). Therefore, the largest positive integer value that ensures the maximum value of the associated cycle index does not exceed the first value (i.e., 4) is 2. In other words, the reset cycle should include 2 associated pattern cycles.

[0083] therefore, Figure 5 The indexes for the eight associated cycles shown are reset according to two associated pattern cycles, i.e., four associated cycles. Within the two associated pattern cycles included in the reset cycle, the associated cycle indices are consecutively arranged as #1, #2, #3, #4; the associated cycle indices are reset at the end of each reset cycle. The index value included in the first parameter is associated with these four indices.

[0084] In this way, the network side can configure the maximum value of the index of the associated period according to actual needs, thereby adjusting the length of the reset period, taking into account both bit overhead and the distinguishability of different indications, making the indication of the first parameter for PRACH transmission more flexible.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first parameter is used to indicate at least one association pattern period, and each of the at least one association pattern period includes at least one association period.

[0086] For example, Figure 6 An example is shown where the first parameter is used to indicate at least one associated pattern cycle.

[0087] Reference Figure 6 It shows 4 correlation pattern cycles, each of which includes 2 correlation cycles. The first parameter can indicate the RO within a correlation pattern cycle.

[0088] In some embodiments, the index of at least one associated pattern period is reset according to a reset period. The number of associated pattern periods included in the reset period is a third value, which is a positive integer.

[0089] For example, the third value is configured on demand by the network side. The larger the third value, the larger the maximum value of the associated pattern cycle index, and the greater the bit overhead. However, if the third value is too small, the differentiation under different indications of the first parameter will be too small. For example, with 8 associated pattern cycles, if the third value is 4, the index of the associated pattern cycle is reset according to 4 associated pattern cycles, namely #1, #2, #3, #4, #1, #2, #3, #4. If the third value is 2, the index of the associated pattern cycle is reset according to 2 associated pattern cycles, namely #1, #2, #1, #2, #1, #2, #1, #2. That is to say, if the third value is configured as 2, the index value of the first parameter can indicate relatively few index combinations, that is, it can only indicate associated pattern cycle #1, associated pattern cycle #2, or associated pattern cycle #1 and associated pattern cycle #2. However, if the third value is configured as 4, the first parameter can indicate associated pattern cycle #1, associated pattern cycle #2, associated pattern cycle #3, associated pattern cycle #4 and any combination thereof, odd numbering, even numbering, etc. This allows the first parameter to indicate more index combinations, making it more flexible.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first parameter includes an index value associated with an index of at least one associated pattern period.

[0091] like Figure 6 As shown, the third value is 2, and the index of the associated pattern cycle is reset every two associated pattern cycles. Within the same reset cycle, the indices of the associated pattern cycle are consecutively arranged as #1, #2; the index of the associated pattern cycle is reset at the end of each reset cycle. The index value included in the first parameter is associated with the indices of these two associated pattern cycles.

[0092] For example, the first parameter includes index value #0, which is associated with the index of associated mode period #1. At this time, the UE transmits PRACH at the PRACH timing within associated mode period #1.

[0093] In some embodiments, the index value included in the first parameter may also be associated with the indexes of multiple associated periods. For example, the first parameter includes index value #1, which is associated with the indexes of associated mode period #1 and associated mode period #2. In this case, the UE transmits PRACH at the PRACH timing within associated mode periods #1 and #2.

[0094] In this way, the network side can dynamically adjust the timing of the UE's PRACH transmission by flexibly configuring the index value of the first parameter, so that the network side only listens to the specified RO within the predetermined association mode period, thereby reducing the network side's listening time and achieving energy saving.

[0095] In some embodiments, PRACH transmission requires repeated transmission to ensure reliable access, especially in situations with poor signal quality or significant interference. To improve the success rate, repeated transmission of the preamble enhances the recognizability of the access request, thereby increasing the success rate of PRACH transmission. In this case, the time period can be indicated by the first parameter to signal the PRACH transmission.

[0096] In some embodiments, the first parameter is used to indicate at least one time period, each of the at least one time period including at least one associated pattern period.

[0097] In some embodiments, each time period is used for PRACH repetition or PRACH repetition of preamble.

[0098] The following exemplary embodiment illustrates the case where the first parameter is used to indicate at least one time period.

[0099] Reference Figure 7 It shows two time periods, each time period includes two consecutive correlation pattern periods, and each correlation pattern period includes two correlation periods. The first parameter can indicate the RO within a time period.

[0100] In some embodiments, the time period begins from frame 0 of the system frame and includes a second numerical number of associated mode periods, the second numerical number being the smallest integer satisfying the following conditions: such that for all configured PRACH retransmission counts, for each transmission's SSB index within each time period, at least one PRACH timing group can be determined; and for each configured PRACH retransmission count among all configured PRACH retransmission counts, at least one PRACH timing group repeats in each time period.

[0101] In some embodiments, the mapping between the SSB index and the PRACH timing can be determined in several ways. For example, the order in which the SSB index is mapped to the PRACH timing can be determined by at least one of the following methods: within a PRACH timing, mapping is performed in ascending order of the preamble; for frequency-multiplexed PRACH timings, mapping is performed in ascending order of the frequency domain resource index; for time-multiplexed PRACH timings within a PRACH slot, mapping is performed in ascending order of the time domain resource index; or mapping is performed in ascending order of the PRACH slot index.

[0102] In some embodiments, the index for at least one time period is reset according to a reset period. The number of time periods included in the reset period is a fourth value, which is a positive integer.

[0103] The fourth value is configured on demand by the network side. The larger the fourth value, the larger the maximum value of the index of the time period, and the greater the bit overhead. At the same time, the first parameter can indicate more index combinations, making it more flexible.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first parameter includes an index value associated with an index for at least one time period.

[0105] Reference Figure 7 The fourth value is 2, and the index of the time period is reset every two time periods. Within the same reset period, the indexes of the time periods are consecutively arranged as #1, #2; the indexes of the time periods are reset at the end of each reset period. The index value included in the first parameter is associated with the indexes of these two time periods.

[0106] For example, the first parameter indicates index value #0, which is associated with the index of time period #1. At this time, the UE transmits PRACH at the PRACH timing within time period #1.

[0107] In this way, the network side can dynamically adjust the PRACH transmission timing of the UE by flexibly configuring the index value of the first parameter, so that the network side only listens to the specified RO within a predetermined time period, thereby reducing the network side's listening time and achieving energy saving.

[0108] In some embodiments, at least one PRACH timing is determined based on the first parameter, according to the second parameter.

[0109] In some embodiments, the second parameter indicates that the first parameter is effective, or if the second parameter is defaulted, at least one PRACH timing is determined based on the first parameter.

[0110] For example, when the second parameter is a specific value or the second parameter is defaulted, the UE determines that the first parameter is effective, and thus determines at least one PRACH timing based on the first parameter.

[0111] In this way, by using the second parameter to determine the PRACH transmission timing based on the first parameter, a more reasonable approach can be taken to determine the PRACH timing according to the network status and load, thereby avoiding resource conflicts and improving network access efficiency.

[0112] In the above embodiments, the index value included in the first parameter indicates the association period, association mode period, or time period, and the reset period is flexibly configured. Based on the indication result, the PRACH transmission timing is determined. This not only improves the adaptability of the network and rationally plans the access timing, but also effectively reduces the network-side listening time, achieving the effect of energy saving.

[0113] Figure 8 Block diagrams illustrating some embodiments of the communication apparatus of this disclosure are shown.

[0114] like Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 8 includes a determining unit 81 and a transmitting unit 82.

[0115] The determining unit 81 determines at least one PRACH timing based on a first parameter, the first parameter being used to indicate at least one associated period, each of the at least one associated period including at least one PRACH configuration period.

[0116] The transmission unit 82 transmits PRACH at at least one PRACH timing.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first parameter is used to indicate at least one associated pattern period, each of the at least one associated pattern period including at least one associated period; or the first parameter is used to indicate at least one time period, each of the at least one time period including at least one associated pattern period.

[0118] In some embodiments, the first parameter includes an index value, which is associated with an index of at least one associated period, an index of at least one associated pattern period, or an index of at least one time period.

[0119] In some embodiments, at least one index of an associated period, at least one index of an associated pattern period, or at least one index of a time period is reset according to a reset period, the reset period being determined based on the associated pattern period or the time period.

[0120] In some embodiments, the reset cycle includes at least one associated pattern cycle or at least one time cycle.

[0121] In some embodiments, the reset period includes multiple association pattern periods, and the index of at least one association period is reset according to the reset period. The number of multiple association pattern periods included in the reset period is such that the maximum value of the index of at least one association period does not exceed the maximum positive integer value of the first value.

[0122] In some embodiments, each time period is used for PRACH repetition or PRACH repetition of preamble.

[0123] In some embodiments, each time period includes a second numerical number of associated pattern periods, the second numerical number being the smallest integer satisfying the following conditions: such that for all configured PRACH retransmission counts, for each transmission's SSB index within each time period, at least one PRACH timing group can be determined; and for each configured PRACH retransmission count among all configured PRACH retransmission counts, at least one PRACH timing group repeats in each time period.

[0124] In some embodiments, the transmission unit 82 is configured to transmit PRACH on a subset of at least one PRACH timing.

[0125] In some embodiments, the determining unit 81 is configured to determine, based on the second parameter, at least one PRACH timing based on the first parameter.

[0126] In some embodiments, the second parameter indicates that the first parameter is effective, or the determining unit 81 is configured to determine at least one PRACH timing based on the first parameter if the second parameter is defaulted.

[0127] Figure 9 Block diagrams illustrating other embodiments of the communication apparatus of this disclosure are shown.

[0128] like Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 9 of this embodiment includes a memory 91 and a processor 92 coupled to the memory 91. The processor 92 is configured to execute the communication method in any embodiment of this disclosure based on instructions stored in the memory 91.

[0129] The memory 91 may include, for example, system memory, fixed non-volatile storage media, etc. The system memory stores, for example, the operating system, application programs, boot loader, database, and other programs.

[0130] Figure 10 Block diagrams illustrating further embodiments of the communication apparatus of this disclosure are shown.

[0131] like Figure 10As shown, the communication device 10 of this embodiment includes a memory 1010 and a processor 1020 coupled to the memory 1010. The processor 1020 is configured to execute the communication method in any of the foregoing embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory 1010.

[0132] The memory 1010 may include, for example, system memory, fixed non-volatile storage media, etc. The system memory may store, for example, the operating system, application programs, boot loader, and other programs.

[0133] The communication device 10 may also include an input / output interface 1030, a network interface 1040, and a storage interface 1050. These interfaces 1030, 1040, and 1050, as well as the memory 1010 and processor 1020, can be connected, for example, via a bus 1060. The input / output interface 1030 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as a monitor, mouse, keyboard, touchscreen, microphone, and speakers. The network interface 1040 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 1050 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as SD cards and USB flash drives.

[0134] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this disclosure can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this disclosure can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this disclosure can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable non-transitory storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0135] The communication method according to this disclosure has now been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of this disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art will fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.

[0136] The methods and systems of this disclosure may be implemented in many ways. For example, they may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of software, hardware, and firmware. The above-described order of steps for the methods is for illustrative purposes only, and the steps of the methods of this disclosure are not limited to the specific order described above unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, in some embodiments, this disclosure may also be implemented as a program recorded on a recording medium, the program including machine-readable instructions for implementing the methods according to this disclosure. Thus, this disclosure also covers recording media storing programs for performing the methods according to this disclosure.

[0137] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: Based on a first parameter, at least one Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) timing is determined, wherein the first parameter is used to indicate at least one associated period, and each of the at least one associated period includes at least one PRACH configuration period. At the at least one PRACH timing, a PRACH is transmitted.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The first parameter is used to indicate at least one associated pattern period, each of the at least one associated pattern period including the at least one associated period; or The first parameter is used to indicate at least one time period, each of the at least one time period including the at least one associated pattern period.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, wherein, The first parameter includes an index value, which is associated with the index of the at least one associated period, the index value is associated with the index of the at least one associated pattern period, or the index value is associated with the index of the at least one time period.

4. The communication method according to claim 3, wherein, The index of the at least one associated period, the index of the at least one associated pattern period, or the index of the at least one time period is reset according to a reset period, wherein the reset period is determined based on the associated pattern period or the time period.

5. The communication method according to claim 4, wherein, The reset cycle includes at least one associated pattern cycle or at least one time cycle.

6. The communication method according to claim 5, wherein, The reset period includes multiple association pattern periods, and the index of the at least one association period is reset according to the reset period. The number of multiple association pattern periods included in the reset period is such that the maximum value of the index of the at least one association period does not exceed the maximum positive integer value of the first value.

7. The communication method according to claim 2, wherein, Each time period is used for PRACH repetition or PRACH repetition of preamble.

8. The communication method according to claim 7, wherein, Each time period includes a second numerical associated pattern period, the second numerical value being the smallest integer satisfying the following conditions: such that for all configured PRACH retransmission counts, for each transmission's SSB index within each time period, at least one PRACH timing group can be determined; for each configured PRACH retransmission count among all configured PRACH retransmission counts, the at least one PRACH timing group repeats according to each time period.

9. The communication method according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The transmission of PRACH at at least one PRACH timing includes: PRACH is transmitted on a subset of the at least one PRACH timing.

10. The communication method according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The step of determining the timing of at least one Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) based on the first parameter includes: Based on the second parameter, the at least one PRACH timing is determined based on the first parameter.

11. The communication method according to claim 10, wherein, The second parameter indicates that the first parameter is effective, or The step of determining the at least one PRACH timing based on the first parameter based on the second parameter includes: If the second parameter is defaulted, the at least one PRACH timing is determined based on the first parameter.

12. A communication device, comprising: The determining unit is configured to determine at least one Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) timing based on a first parameter, the first parameter being used to indicate at least one association period, each of the at least one association period including at least one PRACH configuration period; The transmission unit is configured to transmit PRACH at the at least one PRACH timing.

13. A communication device, comprising: Memory; and A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the communication method of any one of claims 1-11 based on instructions stored in the memory.

14. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method according to any one of claims 1-11.

15. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1-11.

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