Resource configuration method and related apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a resource configuration method and related devices, relates to the technical field of communication, and is beneficial to saving network energy consumption. The method comprises the following steps: determining first information, the first information is used for indicating a first physical random access channel (PRACH) resource, there is a first mapping relationship between the first PRACH resource and a synchronization signal block (SSB), and the first PRACH resource is a resource available to a first type of terminal device; determining second information, the second information is used for indicating a second PRACH resource, there is a second mapping relationship between the second PRACH resource and the SSB, the second PRACH resource is a resource available to both the first type of terminal device and a second type of terminal device, and the first type of terminal device and the second type of terminal device have different capabilities; and transmitting the first information and the second information.

Description

Resource allocation methods and related devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410593734.9, filed on May 10, 2024, entitled “Resource Allocation Method and Related Apparatus”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a resource allocation method and related apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Mobile networks, as one of the main services offered by major operators, account for approximately 23% of their total energy costs. A significant portion of this energy consumption arises from the process of terminal wireless access to the network, particularly through active antenna units (AAUs) and building baseband units (BBUs). Therefore, a method to conserve network energy during terminal wireless access is needed to reduce the costs incurred by major operators in mobile networks.

[0004] When a terminal wirelessly accesses the network, it initiates a physical random access channel (PRACH) request to the base station based on the received synchronization bignal block (SSB) and the PRACH resources corresponding to each SSB.

[0005] As technology advances, the number of terminals increases and their capabilities become more diverse. However, the current way network devices configure PRACH resources for terminals with different capabilities is not conducive to energy conservation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a resource allocation method and related apparatus, which are applied in the field of communication technology and are beneficial for saving network energy consumption.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a resource configuration method applied to a network device or a chip within a network device, without limitation thereof. The method includes: determining first information, wherein the first information indicates a first Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) resource, the first PRACH resource having a first mapping relationship with a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB), and the first PRACH resource being a resource available to a first type of terminal device; determining second information, wherein the second information indicates a second PRACH resource, the second PRACH resource having a second mapping relationship with the SSB, the second PRACH resource being a resource available to both the first and second types of terminal devices, the first and second types of terminal devices having different capabilities; and transmitting the first information and the second information.

[0008] Optionally, the first type of terminal equipment can be a terminal equipment with network energy saving (NES) capability, supporting the R19 communication standard and communication standards after R19. The first type of terminal equipment can be a device that supports network equipment to perform energy saving optimization under specific conditions, such as supporting more flexible sleep mode, adaptive power transmission, etc.; the second type of terminal equipment can be a terminal equipment that supports communication standards before R19, and can also be called a legacy terminal equipment (legacy UE) or existing terminal equipment, etc., but this application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0009] Optionally, the first terminal device may belong to either the first type of terminal device or the second type of terminal device; this application does not specifically limit this. In some implementations, the first type of terminal device may also possess the capabilities of the second type of terminal device.

[0010] The method provided in this application embodiment, in addition to indicating a second PRACH resource for a first type of terminal device and a second type of terminal device, also indicates a first PRACH resource for the first type of terminal device, and specifies that the SSB beam transmitted by the network device has a first mapping relationship with the first PRACH resource and a second mapping relationship with the second PRACH resource. Based on this mapping relationship, after receiving the first information and the second information, the first terminal device can select available resources to send uplink data. The method provided in this application embodiment embodiment gives the first mapping relationship between the SSB and the first PRACH resource, providing a possible implementation method for utilizing the first PRACH resource. If the first terminal device is a UE with NES capability, it can send uplink data on the first PRACH resource. If the first terminal device is a legacy UE, it can still send uplink data on the second PRACH resource, without affecting the normal operation of the second type of terminal device. At the same time, the network device can utilize the capabilities of the first type of terminal device to improve energy saving gain and reduce energy consumption.

[0011] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the application, the network device can reselect the time domain format of the PRACH resource without adjusting the SIB. Instead, it can indicate a new part of the resource based on the existing configuration, which helps to avoid the greater energy consumption caused by a complete update of the existing SIB configuration.

[0012] In some implementations, the first information can be carried by a cell with an R19 identifier, so that the first type of terminal device can recognize the information while the second type of terminal device does not have the ability to recognize the information, thus the first PRACH resource can be indicated to the first type of terminal device.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information is carried in one or more of the following ways: system information; radio resource control (RRC); media access control element (MAC CE); or downlink control information (DCI).

[0014] In some implementations, sending the first information via system information is beneficial for terminal devices that are not connected to the network to select resources and initiate random access. Sending it via RRC, MAC CE, or DCI is beneficial for shortening the resource indication cycle and improving resource allocation efficiency.

[0015] Optionally, the network device may include cells with the R19 identifier in system information, RRC, MAC CE, or DCI for transmission so that the first type of terminal device can recognize them, but this application does not limit this.

[0016] Optionally, the system information may include one or more of other system information blocks such as MIB, SIB1, SIB2, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, SIB6, SIB7, SIB8, SIB9, SIB10, SIB11, SIB12 or SIB13, and this application does not limit this.

[0017] Optionally, the first information and the second information can be carried by the same type of message or by different types of messages, and this application does not make any specific limitation in this regard.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first PRACH resource is dynamically changing in the time domain. The dynamically changed time domain position of the first PRACH resource is indicated in one or more of the following messages: system information; Radio Resource Control (RRC); Media Access Control (MAC) CE; or Downlink Control Information (DCI). Network devices can flexibly adjust the access timing of terminal devices by adjusting the indicated position of the first PRACH resource in the time domain. Network devices can concentrate data transmission within a specific time period, thereby saving network device energy consumption.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource may correspond to different PRACH resource format indices. Different PRACH resource format indices may point to the same subframe (SF) or different subframes. Therefore, the first PRACH resource may include the second PRACH resource or may not include the second PRACH resource.

[0020] In the case where the first PRACH resource includes the second PRACH resource, the first PRACH resource includes the second PRACH resource and the third PRACH resource, wherein the third PRACH resource is located in a different time domain than the second PRACH resource, and the third PRACH resource is a resource other than the second PRACH resource in the first PRACH resource.

[0021] In this case, the first PRACH resource includes the second PRACH resource (or it can be understood that the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource overlap), and compared with the second PRACH resource, the first PRACH resource also includes the third PRACH resource. The third PRACH resource is the resource remaining in the first PRACH resource after excluding the second PRACH resource. The third PRACH resource can also be understood as the resource added, additional, or extra resource of the first PRACH resource in the new subframe relative to the second PRACH resource.

[0022] Regarding the mapping relationship in the first mapping relationship, the mapping method between the second PRACH resource included in the first PRACH resource and the SSB can be the same as the existing method. That is, the SSB can be mapped to the second PRACH resource in ascending order of index number. This can minimize the changes to the resources already configured for the second type of terminal device, which is beneficial for saving network energy consumption.

[0023] This application provides several methods for mapping the third PRACH resource included in the first PRACH resource to the SSB in the first mapping relationship.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, in the first mapping relationship, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number.

[0025] In this embodiment of the application, the SSBs are mapped sequentially in descending order of index number in the third PRACH resource, which is beneficial to shorten the time for users to obtain the resources indicated by all SSBs and reduce the user's access latency.

[0026] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, in the first mapping relationship, the preset SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or the preset SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number, and the preset SSB is a part of the SSB.

[0027] Optionally, the preset SSB can be a beam with more than a certain threshold of access terminal devices. This can be understood as a beam with a large number of terminal devices or a large number of users, but this application does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0028] The method provided in this application embodiment can selectively map the third PRACH resource onto the SSB beam with a large number of connected terminal devices. Since the third PRACH resource is the resource added to the first PRACH resource in a new subframe relative to the second PRACH resource, mapping the preset SSB onto this part of the resource can allocate more resources to the SSB beam with a large number of terminal devices, which is beneficial to improving the communication efficiency of these terminal devices.

[0029] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is less than the association period of the second PRACH resource. The number of configuration periods is N, the number of SSBs is M, and the index numbers of the SSBs are integers from 0 to M-1. In the first configuration period of the second PRACH resource, the SSBs with index numbers from 0 to K are mapped to the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first configuration period in ascending order of index number. N and M are both integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than 0 and less than M-1. In the first mapping relationship, the SSBs are mapped sequentially from the SSB with index number K to the SSB with index number M-1, and then mapped sequentially from the SSB with index number 0 to the SSB with index number M-1.

[0030] The method provided in this application embodiment starts with the first unmapped SSB in the first configuration period of the second PRACH resource, and continues mapping sequentially from smallest to largest until the SSB corresponding to the largest index number is mapped. Then, mapping starts from SSB 0, and continues until all SSB beams have been traversed. Compared to the method that only indicates the second PRACH resource, this approach, by adding the third PRACH resource, allows the first type of terminal device to receive the PRACH resource that can form a complete association of all SSB beams more quickly, which helps to reduce the access latency of the first type of terminal device.

[0031] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the number of associated periods for the second PRACH resource is multiple. In the first mapping relationship, in the associated period with an odd index number, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number; in the associated period with an even index number, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number. Alternatively, in the associated period with an odd index number, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number; in the associated period with an even index number, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number.

[0032] When the first PRACH resource does not include the second PRACH resource, the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource are independent in the time domain. In the first mapping relationship, the mapping methods between the first PRACH resource and the SSB include the following.

[0033] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, in the first mapping relationship, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number.

[0034] The method provided in this application, which maps M SSBs to the second PRACH resource in ascending order of index number and M SSBs to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number, is beneficial for the first type of terminal device to receive the PRACH resource that can form a complete association of all SSB beams more quickly, and is beneficial to reduce the access latency of the first type of terminal device.

[0035] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, in the first mapping relationship, the preset SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or the preset SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number, and the preset SSB is a part of the SSB.

[0036] The method provided in this application embodiment can selectively map the third PRACH resource onto the SSB beam with a large number of connected terminal devices. Since the third PRACH resource is the resource added to the first PRACH resource in a new subframe relative to the second PRACH resource, mapping the preset SSB onto this part of the resource can allocate more resources to the SSB beam with a large number of terminal devices, which is beneficial to improving the communication efficiency of these terminal devices.

[0037] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is less than the association period of the second PRACH resource, the number of configuration periods is N, the number of SSBs is M, the index numbers of the SSBs are integers from 0 to M-1, and within the first configuration period of the second PRACH resource, the SSBs with index numbers from 0 to K are mapped to the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first configuration period in ascending order of index number, where N and M are both integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than 0 and less than M-1;

[0038] In the first mapping relationship, the SSB is mapped sequentially from the SSB with index number K to the SSB with index number M-1, and then sequentially from the SSB with index number 0 to the SSB with index number M-1 to the first PRACH resource.

[0039] The method provided in this application embodiment starts with the first unmapped SSB in the first configuration period of the second PRACH resource, and continues mapping sequentially from smallest to largest until the SSB corresponding to the largest index number is mapped. Then, mapping starts from SSB 0 again, and continues until all SSB beams have been traversed. This approach, based on the mapping of a portion of SSBs in the second PRACH resource, allows the first type of terminal device to receive the PRACH resource that can form a complete PRACH associated with all SSB beams more quickly, which helps reduce the access latency of the first type of terminal device.

[0040] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the number of associated periods for the second PRACH resource is multiple. In the first mapping relationship, in the associated period with an odd index number, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number; in the associated period with an even index number, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number. Alternatively, in the associated period with an odd index number, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number; in the associated period with an even index number, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number.

[0041] Secondly, this application provides a resource allocation method that can be applied to a terminal device or a chip in a terminal device. This application does not limit the application to this method. The method includes: receiving first information and second information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first physical random access channel (PRACH) resource, and the first PRACH resource has a first mapping relationship with a synchronization signal block (SSB); the second information is used to indicate a second PRACH resource, and the second PRACH resource has a second mapping relationship with the SSB; the first PRACH resource is a resource available to a first type of terminal device, and the second PRACH resource is a resource available to both the first and second types of terminal devices, wherein the capabilities of the first and second types of terminal devices are different; and transmitting data based on the first PRACH resource and / or the second PRACH resource.

[0042] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first PRACH resource includes the second PRACH resource and the third PRACH resource, wherein the third PRACH resource is located at a different time domain than the second PRACH resource.

[0043] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, in the first mapping relationship, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number.

[0044] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, in the first mapping relationship, the preset SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or the preset SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number, and the preset SSB is a part of the SSB.

[0045] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is less than the association period of the second PRACH resource. The number of configuration periods is N, the number of SSBs is M, and the index numbers of the SSBs are integers from 0 to M-1. In the first configuration period of the second PRACH resource, the SSBs with index numbers from 0 to K are mapped to the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first configuration period in ascending order of index number. N and M are both integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than 0 and less than M-1. Then, in the first mapping relationship, the SSBs are mapped sequentially from the SSB with index number K to the SSB with index number M-1, and then mapped sequentially from the SSB with index number 0 to the SSB with index number M-1.

[0046] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the number of associated periods for the second PRACH resource is multiple. In the first mapping relationship, in the associated period with an odd index number, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number; in the associated period with an even index number, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number. Alternatively, in the associated period with an odd index number, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number; in the associated period with an even index number, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number.

[0047] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first PRACH resource does not include the second PRACH resource.

[0048] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, in the first mapping relationship, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number.

[0049] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, in the first mapping relationship, the preset SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or the preset SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number, and the preset SSB is a part of the SSB.

[0050] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is less than the association period of the second PRACH resource. The number of configuration periods is N, the number of SSBs is M, and the index numbers of the SSBs are integers from 0 to M-1. In the first configuration period of the second PRACH resource, the SSBs with index numbers from 0 to K are mapped to the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first configuration period in ascending order of index number. N and M are both integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than 0 and less than M-1. In the first mapping relationship, the SSBs are mapped sequentially from the SSB with index number K to the SSB with index number M-1, and then mapped sequentially from the SSB with index number 0 to the first PRACH resource in ascending order.

[0051] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the number of associated periods for the second PRACH resource is multiple. In the first mapping relationship, in associated periods with odd index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number; in associated periods with even index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number. Alternatively, in associated periods with odd index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number; in associated periods with even index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number.

[0052] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information is carried in one or more of the following ways: system information; Radio Resource Control Protocol (RRC); Media Access Control Element (MAC CE); or Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0053] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first PRACH resource is dynamically changing in the time domain.

[0054] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the time-domain location of the first PRACH resource after dynamic change is indicated in one or more of the following messages: system information; Radio Resource Control (RRC); Media Access Control (MAC) CE; or Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0055] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the SSB is mapped sequentially to the second PRACH resource according to the index number in ascending order.

[0056] Thirdly, a communication apparatus is provided for performing the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect described above. Specifically, the apparatus includes a module for performing the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect described above.

[0057] Fourthly, this application provides yet another communication device, including a processor coupled to a memory, which can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method in any of the possible implementations of the first or second aspect described above. Optionally, the device further includes a memory. Optionally, the device further includes a communication interface, to which the processor is coupled.

[0058] In one implementation, the device is a terminal device. When the device is a terminal device, the aforementioned communication interface can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0059] In another implementation, the device is a chip configured in a terminal device. When the device is a chip configured in a terminal device, the aforementioned communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0060] Fifthly, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, causing the processor to execute the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect described above.

[0061] In the specific implementation process, the processor can be a chip, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the processing circuit can be a transistor, gate circuit, flip-flop, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be output to, for example, but not limited to, a transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0062] A sixth aspect provides a processing apparatus including a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to read instructions stored in the memory and to receive signals via a receiver and transmit signals via a transmitter to execute the method in any of the possible implementations of the first or second aspect described above.

[0063] Optionally, the processor may be one or more, and the memory may be one or more.

[0064] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be separated from the processor.

[0065] In the specific implementation process, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or set on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the way the memory and processor are set.

[0066] It should be understood that the relevant data interaction process, such as sending instruction information, can be a process of outputting instruction information from the processor, and receiving capability information can be a process of the processor receiving input capability information. Specifically, the processed output data can be output to the transmitter, and the input data received by the processor can come from the receiver. Here, the transmitter and receiver can be collectively referred to as transceivers.

[0067] The processing device in the sixth aspect above can be a chip. The processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc. When implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. The memory can be integrated into the processor or located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0068] In a seventh aspect, a chip or chip system is provided, comprising at least one processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface and the at least one processor are interconnected via a circuit, and the at least one processor is configured to run a computer program or instructions to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect described above. The communication interface in the chip may be an input / output interface, a pin, or a circuit, etc.

[0069] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), which, when the computer program is run, causes a computer to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect described above.

[0070] In a ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect described above. Attached Figure Description

[0071] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the overall architecture of the communication connection between various network elements provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a resource allocation method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the temporal location of a PRACH resource provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the time-domain location of another PRACH resource provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the SSB and PRACH resource mapping relationship provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the SSB and PRACH resource mapping relationship provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the SSB and PRACH resource mapping relationship provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the SSB and PRACH resource mapping relationship provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the SSB and PRACH resource mapping relationship provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the SSB and PRACH resource mapping relationship provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the SSB and PRACH resource mapping relationship provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0085] To facilitate understanding of the resource allocation method, system, storage medium, and product provided in the embodiments of this application, the resource allocation method, its system architecture, and application scenarios provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below. It is understood that the system architecture and application scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0086] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to communication scenarios in various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) systems, future 5th Generation (5G) systems or new radio access technologies (NR), vehicle-to-other devices (V2X), where V2X can include vehicle-to-network (V2N), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), etc., Long Term Evolution-Vehicle (LTE-V) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks, and machine-type communications. Type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), Long Term Evolution-Machine (LTE-M), Machine to Machine (M2M), etc.

[0087] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will be described in detail first with reference to FIG1. ​​FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 100 applicable to the embodiments of this application. As shown in FIG1, the communication system 100 may include at least one terminal device, such as terminal device 101 shown in FIG1. ​​It may also include at least one network device, such as network device 102 shown in FIG1. ​​The terminal device 101 may be mobile or fixed. The network device 102 is a device that can communicate with the terminal device 101 via a wireless link, such as a base station or base station controller. The network device 102 can provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area and can communicate with terminal devices located within the coverage area (cell).

[0088] It should be understood that the number of network devices and terminal devices shown in Figure 1 is merely exemplary. The communication system 100 may include more or fewer network devices and more or fewer terminal devices. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0089] The aforementioned communication devices, such as terminal device 101 and network device 102 in Figure 1, can be configured with multiple antennas. These multiple antennas may include at least one transmitting antenna for transmitting signals and at least one receiving antenna for receiving signals. Additionally, each communication device also includes a transmitter chain and a receiver chain, which, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, may include multiple components related to signal transmission and reception (e.g., processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators, demultiplexers, or antennas). Therefore, network devices and terminal devices can communicate via multi-antenna technology.

[0090] Optionally, the wireless communication system 100 may also include other network entities such as a network controller and a mobility management entity, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0091] In this embodiment, the network device can determine the allocation of physical random access channel (PRACH) resources based on the load, and the terminal device can select and send PRACH resources based on the PRACH resources allocated by the network device.

[0092] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the overall architecture of the communication connection between various network elements in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 2, eNB is a 4G base station. gNB is a 5G base station. ng-eNB is a next-generation evolved Node B, i.e., an evolved base station, which is a base station that connects to the 5G core network after the 4G base station is upgraded. 5GC (5G Core) is the 5G core network, responsible for processing and controlling user data and signaling in the 5G network, and may include AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) and UPF (User Plane Function), etc. Among them, AMF is responsible for mobility management and access control, including access and mobility management of terminal users. AMF connects to the base station gNB through NG to complete the access and mobility management of terminal users. UPF is responsible for processing and forwarding user data packets. NG-RAN (NG Access Radio Network) is a next-generation radio access network that can meet the needs of multi-layer heterogeneous networks in multiple scenarios. As shown in Figure 2, NG-RAN consists of a group of gNBs and ng-eNBs connected to 5GC through the NG interface, and the gNBs and ng-eNBs can be interconnected through the Xn interface. The Xn interface is an interface between NG-RANs, and it mainly exists between base stations (such as gNB and ng-eNB).

[0093] In this embodiment of the application, the network device can be any device with wireless transceiver capabilities. This equipment includes, but is not limited to: evolved Node B (eNB), Radio Network Controller (RNC), Node B (NB), Base Station Controller (BSC), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), Home base station (e.g., Home evolved Node B, or Home Node B, HNB), Baseband Unit (BBU), Access Point (AP), Wireless Relay Node, Wireless Backhaul Node, Transmission Point (TP), or Transmission and Reception Point (TRP) in a Wireless Fidelity (WIFI) system. It can also be a gNB in ​​a 5G system, such as NR, or a transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a Baseband Unit (BBU) or a Distributed Unit (DU).

[0094] In some deployments, a gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distribution unit (DU). The gNB may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some of the gNB's functions, and the DU implements others. For example, the CU handles non-real-time protocols and services, implementing radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer functions. The DU handles physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layer functions. The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, radio frequency processing, and active antenna-related functions. Since RRC layer information ultimately becomes PHY layer information, or is derived from PHY layer information, in this architecture, higher-layer signaling, such as RRC layer signaling, can be considered to be sent by the DU, or by the DU+AAU. It is understood that network devices can be devices that include one or more of the following: CU nodes, DU nodes, and AAU nodes. In addition, the CU can be classified as a network device in the radio access network (RAN) or as a network device in the core network (CN), and this application does not limit this.

[0095] Network equipment provides services to cells. Terminal devices communicate with cells through transmission resources (e.g., frequency domain resources, or spectrum resources) allocated by the network equipment. The cell can belong to a macro base station (e.g., macro eNB or macro gNB) or to a base station corresponding to a small cell. Small cells can include: metro cells, micro cells, pico cells, femto cells, etc. These small cells have the characteristics of small coverage area and low transmission power, and are suitable for providing high-speed data transmission services.

[0096] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. The terminal devices in the embodiments of this application may be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, or terminal devices in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc.

[0097] Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices; they achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly defined, wearable smart devices include those with comprehensive functions, large sizes, and the ability to perform complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses. They also include devices focused on a specific application function that require the use of other devices, such as smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0098] Furthermore, terminal devices can also be terminal devices in Internet of Things (IoT) systems. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is connecting objects to networks through communication technologies, thereby realizing an intelligent network that enables human-machine interconnection and machine-to-machine interconnection.

[0099] This application does not limit the specific form of the terminal device.

[0100] To facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, some terms and technologies involved in the embodiments of this application are briefly introduced below:

[0101] 1. Synchronization Signal Block (SSB)

[0102] SSB is a synchronization signal block in wireless communication used to achieve initial synchronization between terminal devices and the 5G network. Specifically, it can include PSS (Primary Synchronization Signal), SSS (Secondary Synchronization Signal), and PBCH (Physical Broadcast Channel). During initial synchronization with the 5G network, the terminal device correlates the received signal and the synchronization signal sequence using a matched filter.

[0103] In some implementations, terminal devices need to access the network via random access. Before random access, the terminal device needs to receive uplink random access channel resources indicated by the network device. The network device's transmit beam can be mapped one-to-one with SSBs, and synchronization signal blocks can be mapped to random access channel resources. In this way, after the network device transmits SSBs with different indices through different beams, the terminal device can send uplink information on the random access channel resource corresponding to the SSB it receives (or select the resource corresponding to the SSB with the best quality among the received SSBs). Based on the resource selected by the terminal device, the network device can know which beam to select to send the downlink response.

[0104] 2. System Information (SI)

[0105] System information is cell-level information, which may include the master information block (MIB) and various system information blocks (SIBs), such as SIB1, SIB2, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, SIB6, SIB7, SIB8, SIB9, SIB10, SIB11, SIB12, SIB13, etc.

[0106] For example, among various system information, SIB1 can contain relevant cell access information, such as the cell global identifier, access parameter information, frequency information, cell restriction information, etc., which can be used to broadcast important cell information so that terminal devices can correctly access the cell. By reading the information in SIB1, terminal devices can understand the cell configuration and thus perform correct access and communication. Therefore, by broadcasting SIB1, terminal devices can quickly obtain important cell information, improving network connection efficiency and reliability.

[0107] 3. Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH)

[0108] The Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) is used by terminal devices to randomly initiate uplink requests when accessing the network. The primary function of the PRACH channel is to achieve uplink synchronization between terminal devices and network devices. The PRACH channel has two modes: contention-based random access and contention-free random access. In contention-based random access, the terminal device initiates the random access request by sending a preamble index; multiple terminal devices can send preambles simultaneously. In contention-free random access, the terminal device initiates the request by sending a specific contention-free random access request message. Specifically, when a terminal device needs to establish communication with a network device, it sends a preamble through the PRACH channel and then attempts to establish a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling connection with the network device.

[0109] 4. PRACH resource configuration period

[0110] The configuration period of PRACH resources can be understood as the repetition period of PRACH configuration in radio frames. Within each configuration period of PRACH resources, the position of PRACH resources follows the same pattern.

[0111] 5. Association period of PRACH resources

[0112] If a resource in a configuration cycle of a PRACH resource is not enough to map all SSBs, then mapping can continue in the next configuration cycle until all SSBs are mapped. The minimum sum of configuration cycles that is enough to map all SSBs can be called an associated cycle of a PRACH resource.

[0113] If all SSBs can be mapped within a configuration cycle of a PRACH resource, then the configuration cycle of the RACH resource can be considered equal to the association cycle of the PRACH resource. If the resources within a configuration cycle of a PRACH resource are insufficient to map all SSBs, then the configuration cycle of the RACH resource can be considered less than the association cycle of the PRACH resource. In this case, the association cycle of the PRACH resource should be an integer multiple of the configuration cycle of the RACH resource.

[0114] It is worth noting that the configuration period of a RACH resource should be less than or equal to the associated period of a PRACH resource. For example, Table 1 shows the relationship between the configuration period of a RACH resource and the number of configuration periods of the RACH resource in the associated period of the PRACH resource in a possible implementation.

[0115] Table 1

[0116] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0117] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following description is provided first:

[0118] First, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. For example, the first reserved instruction information and the second reserved instruction information are only used to distinguish different reserved instruction information and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0119] Second, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design options. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0120] Third, in the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, a--c, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0121] Fourth, in the embodiments of this application, "when," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when it is implemented, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0122] Fifth, the term "simultaneously" in the embodiments of this application can be understood as at the same point in time, within a period of time, or within the same cycle. The specific meaning can be understood in conjunction with the context.

[0123] Sixth, in the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A. "Execute B according to A" does not mean that B is executed only according to A, but also that B is executed according to A and / or other information.

[0124] Seventh, "predefined" or "preconfigured" can be achieved by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means of indicating relevant information in the device (e.g., including terminal devices and network devices). This application does not limit the specific implementation method. "Storing" can refer to storing in one or more memories. The one or more memories can be separate installations or integrated into the encoder or decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separate installations, while others are integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0125] The term "predefined" in this application can be understood as definition, pre-defined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0126] Eighth, in the embodiments of this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication, as well as explicit and implicit indication. The information indicated by a certain piece of information is called the information to be indicated. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be indicated, such as the information to be indicated itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be indicated by indicating other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be indicated. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the indication of the information to be indicated can be achieved by pre-agreed upon (e.g., by a protocol specifying) the existence of a certain information element, thereby reducing the indication overhead to some extent.

[0127] Ninth, several embodiments are described in detail below with reference to multiple flowcharts. However, it should be understood that these flowcharts and their corresponding descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and should not constitute any limitation on this application. Not every step in each flowchart is necessarily required; for example, some steps can be skipped. Furthermore, the execution order of each step is not fixed and is not limited to what is shown in the figures. The execution order of each step should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0128] Mobile networks, as one of the main services offered by major operators, account for approximately 23% of their total energy costs. A significant portion of this energy consumption arises from the wireless network access process of terminal devices, particularly through active antenna units (AAUs) and building baseband units (BBUs). Therefore, a method to conserve network energy during the wireless network access process of terminal devices is needed to reduce the costs incurred by major operators in mobile networks.

[0129] When a terminal device wirelessly accesses the network, it initiates a physical random access channel (PRACH) request to the base station based on the received synchronization bignal block (SSB) and the PRACH resources corresponding to each SSB.

[0130] With technological advancements, the number of terminal devices has increased, the distribution of terminal devices corresponding to different beams within a cell is uneven, and the capabilities of terminal devices have become different. However, when configuring PRACH resources, current network devices always allocate corresponding PRACH resources equally to each SSB regardless of the number and capabilities of terminal devices within the cell. Moreover, the number of terminal devices within a cell is dynamically changing, and the existing resource configuration method is not flexible enough and is not conducive to saving energy for network devices.

[0131] In view of this, this application provides a resource configuration method and related apparatus, which can indicate two sets of PRACH resources to a terminal device. The first PRACH resource is available to a first type of terminal device, and the second PRACH resource is available to both the first and second types of terminal devices. Furthermore, the embodiments of this application provide a mapping method for a first mapping relationship between the first PRACH resource and the SSB. In this way, the network device can indicate new PRACH resources without affecting the normal operation of the second type of terminal device. The first mapping relationship provides the possibility for the terminal device to utilize this new PRACH resource, which is beneficial to improving the flexibility of resource configuration and saving network device energy consumption.

[0132] The methods provided in the embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0133] It should be understood that the following description is for ease of understanding and explanation only, using the interaction between a terminal device and a network device as an example to illustrate the methods provided in the embodiments of this application. However, this should not constitute any limitation on the subject executing the methods provided in this application. For example, the terminal device shown in the embodiments below can be replaced by components (such as chips or circuits) configured in the terminal device. The network device shown in the embodiments below can also be replaced by components (such as chips or circuits) configured in the network device.

[0134] The embodiments shown below do not specifically limit the structure of the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. As long as it is possible to communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application, for example, the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of this application can be a terminal device or a network device, or a functional module in a terminal device or network device that can call and execute a program.

[0135] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart illustrating the resource configuration method 300 provided in this application embodiment from the perspective of interaction between network devices and terminal devices. This method 300 can be applied to the communication architectures shown in Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figure 3, the method 300 includes the following steps:

[0136] S301. The network device determines first information, which is used to indicate the first physical random access channel (PRACH) resource. There is a first mapping relationship between the first PRACH resource and the synchronization signal block (SSB). The first PRACH resource is a resource available to the first type of terminal device.

[0137] S302. The network device determines the second information, which is used to indicate the second PRACH resource. There is a second mapping relationship between the second PRACH resource and the SSB. The second PRACH resource is a resource that can be used by both the first type of terminal device and the second type of terminal device. The capabilities of the first type of terminal device and the second type of terminal device are different.

[0138] S303, the network device sends first information and second information; correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the first information and second information.

[0139] S304. The first terminal device sends data based on the first PRACH resource and / or the second PRACH resource.

[0140] Optionally, the first type of terminal equipment can be a terminal equipment with network energy saving (NES) capability, supporting the R19 communication standard and communication standards after R19. The first type of terminal equipment can be a device that supports network equipment to perform energy saving optimization under specific conditions, such as supporting more flexible sleep mode, adaptive power transmission, etc.; the second type of terminal equipment can be a terminal equipment that supports communication standards before R19, and can also be called a legacy terminal equipment (legacy UE) or existing terminal equipment, etc., but this application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0141] Optionally, the first terminal device may belong to either the first type of terminal device or the second type of terminal device; this application does not specifically limit this. In some implementations, the first type of terminal device may also possess the capabilities of the second type of terminal device.

[0142] The method provided in this application embodiment, in addition to indicating a second PRACH resource for a first type of terminal device and a second type of terminal device, also indicates a first PRACH resource for the first type of terminal device, and specifies that the SSB beam transmitted by the network device has a first mapping relationship with the first PRACH resource and a second mapping relationship with the second PRACH resource. Based on this mapping relationship, after receiving the first information and the second information, the first terminal device can select available resources to send uplink data. The method provided in this application embodiment embodiment gives the first mapping relationship between the SSB and the first PRACH resource, providing a possible implementation method for utilizing the first PRACH resource. If the first terminal device is a UE with NES capability, it can send uplink data on the first PRACH resource. If the first terminal device is a legacy UE, it can still send uplink data on the second PRACH resource, without affecting the normal operation of the second type of terminal device. At the same time, the network device can utilize the capabilities of the first type of terminal device to improve energy saving gain and reduce energy consumption.

[0143] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the application, the network device can reselect the time domain format of the PRACH resource without adjusting the SIB. Instead, it can indicate a new part of the resource based on the existing configuration, which helps to avoid the greater energy consumption caused by a complete update of the existing SIB configuration.

[0144] In some implementations, the first information can be carried by a cell with an R19 identifier, so that the first type of terminal device can recognize the information while the second type of terminal device does not have the ability to recognize the information, thus the first PRACH resource can be indicated to the first type of terminal device.

[0145] As an optional embodiment, the first information can be sent through one or more messages selected from System Information (SI), Radio Resource Control (RRC), Media Access Control (MAC) CE, or Downlink Control Information (DCI), but this application does not limit this. In some implementations, sending the first information through System Information is beneficial for terminal devices not connected to the network to select resources and initiate random access, while sending it through RRC, MAC CE, or DCI can shorten the resource indication period and improve resource allocation efficiency.

[0146] Optionally, the network device may include cells with the R19 identifier in system information, RRC, MAC CE, or DCI for transmission so that the first type of terminal device can recognize them, but this application does not limit this.

[0147] Optionally, the system information may include one or more of other system information blocks such as MIB, SIB1, SIB2, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, SIB6, SIB7, SIB8, SIB9, SIB10, SIB11, SIB12 or SIB13, and this application does not limit this.

[0148] Optionally, the first information and the second information can be carried by the same type of message or by different types of messages. The network device can send the first information and the second information at the same time or send the first information and the second information at different times. This application does not make any specific limitations on this.

[0149] As an optional embodiment, the first PRACH resource is dynamically changing in the time domain, and its dynamically changed time domain position is indicated in system information, RRC, MAC CE, or DCI. Network devices can flexibly adjust the access timing of terminal devices by adjusting the indicated position of the first PRACH resource in the time domain. This allows network devices to concentrate data transmission within a specific time period, thereby saving network device energy consumption.

[0150] In one possible implementation, the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource can correspond to different PRACH resource format indices. Different PRACH resource format indices may point to the same subframe (SF) or to different subframes. Furthermore, the configuration periods of the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource may be the same or different.

[0151] The following examples illustrate the possible temporal locations of the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource.

[0152] Figure 4 illustrates, exemplarily, the possible temporal positions of the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource when their configuration periods are different but the subframe positions indicated within their configuration periods are the same. Figure 4 is illustrated using an example where the resource configuration index number of the second PRACH resource is 3 and the resource configuration index number of the first PRACH resource is 7.

[0153] As shown in Figure 4, the horizontal edge of each small square in Figure 4 can represent the length of a subframe, i.e., 1 millisecond. The configuration period of the second PRACH resource is 20 milliseconds (20ms PRACH config period), and the temporal position of the second PRACH resource is the subframe following the 9th subframe (RO in SF 9) within each 20ms period. Figure 4 exemplarily shows two configuration periods for the second PRACH resource; the configuration period of the first PRACH resource is 10 milliseconds (10ms PRACH config period), and the temporal position of the first PRACH resource is the subframe following the 9th subframe (RO in SF 9) within each 10ms period. For example, if the subframe index starts from 0, SF 9 can also be understood as the subframe with index number 9, and similar descriptions below follow the same logic, without further elaboration. Figure 4 exemplarily shows four configuration periods for the first PRACH resource.

[0154] It should be understood that the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource in Figure 4 can occupy the same frequency band in the frequency domain. The first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource are drawn separately in Figure 4 only for easy distinction and do not constitute a specific limitation on this application.

[0155] It can be seen that both the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource are indicated in the subframe following the 9th subframe within their respective configuration periods. However, since the configuration period of the first PRACH resource is shorter than that of the second PRACH resource, the configuration density of the first PRACH resource is greater than that of the second PRACH resource. For example, taking only the resources shown in Figure 4 as an example, the second PRACH resource includes the subframes corresponding to 401 and 402, and the first PRACH resource includes the subframes corresponding to 401, 402, 403, and 404.

[0156] Furthermore, referring to Figure 4, it can be seen that the first PRACH resource includes the second PRACH resource (or it can be understood that the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource overlap), and compared with the second PRACH resource (which may be the resource configured for the ledacy terminal device), the first PRACH resource also includes the third PRACH resource. The third PRACH resource is the resource remaining in the first PRACH resource after excluding the second PRACH resource. The third PRACH resource can also be understood as the resource added to the first PRACH resource in a new subframe relative to the second PRACH resource. For example, the third PRACH resource may be the resource of the subframe corresponding to 403 and the subframe corresponding to 404 shown in Figure 4.

[0157] It should also be understood that Figure 4 only shows a portion of the time domain location of the first PRACH resource and a portion of the time domain location of the second PRACH resource. In longer or shorter time domain intervals, the PRACH resource with resource configuration index number 3 belongs to the second PRACH resource, and the PRACH resource with resource configuration index number 7 belongs to the first PRACH resource.

[0158] Figure 5 illustrates, exemplarily, the possible temporal positions of the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource when their configuration periods are the same but the indicated subframe positions within those configuration periods are the same. Figure 5 is illustrated using an example where the resource configuration index number of the second PRACH resource is 192 and the resource configuration index number of the first PRACH resource is 196.

[0159] As shown in Figure 5, the horizontal edge of each small square in Figure 5 represents the length of a subframe, i.e., 1 millisecond. The configuration period for the second PRACH resource is 20 milliseconds (20ms PRACH config period), and the temporal position of the second PRACH resource is the subframe following the 9th subframe (RO in SF 9) within each 20ms period. Figure 5 exemplarily illustrates the configuration periods for two second PRACH resources; the configuration period for the first PRACH resource is 20 milliseconds (20ms PRACH config period), and the temporal position of the first PRACH resource is the subframe following the 4th subframe and the subframe following the 9th subframe within each 20ms period (RO in SF 4,9). Figure 5 exemplarily illustrates the configuration periods for two first PRACH resources.

[0160] It should be understood that the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource in Figure 5 can occupy the same frequency band in the frequency domain. The first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource are drawn separately in Figure 5 only for easy distinction and do not constitute a specific limitation on this application.

[0161] It can be seen that although the configuration periods of the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource are the same, the configuration density of the first PRACH resource is greater than that of the second PRACH resource because the second PRACH resource only indicates one subframe position within its configuration period, while the first PRACH resource indicates two subframe positions within its configuration period. For example, considering only the resources shown in Figure 5, the second PRACH resource includes the subframes corresponding to 501 and 502, while the first PRACH resource includes the subframes corresponding to 501, 502, 503, and 504.

[0162] Furthermore, referring to Figure 5, it can be seen that the first PRACH resource includes the second PRACH resource (or it can be understood that the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource overlap), and compared with the second PRACH resource, the first PRACH resource also includes the third PRACH resource. The third PRACH resource is the resource remaining in the first PRACH resource after excluding the second PRACH resource. The third PRACH resource can also be understood as the resource added to the first PRACH resource in a new subframe relative to the second PRACH resource. For example, the third PRACH resource can be the resource of the subframe corresponding to 503 and the subframe corresponding to 504 shown in Figure 5.

[0163] It should also be understood that Figure 5 only shows a portion of the time domain location of the first PRACH resource and a portion of the time domain location of the second PRACH resource. In longer or shorter time domain intervals, the PRACH resource with resource configuration index number 192 belongs to the second PRACH resource, and the PRACH resource with resource configuration index number 196 belongs to the first PRACH resource.

[0164] As can be seen from Figures 4 and 5 above, regardless of whether the configuration periods of the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource are the same, and regardless of whether the subframe positions indicated by the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource within their respective configuration periods are the same, there may be a situation where the first PRACH resource includes the second PRACH resource.

[0165] Optionally, the above resource configuration index can be taken from table 6.3.3.2-3 in 38.211 for random access configurations for FR1 and unpaired spectrum, and this application does not limit it in this way.

[0166] Below, taking the case where the first PRACH resource includes the second PRACH resource as an example, and referring to Figure 4 above, with the number of SSBs included in the network device being M, and the indices of the M SSBs being integers from 0 to M-1, we will explain the mapping method of the M SSBs on the first PRACH resource, where M is an integer greater than 1.

[0167] In one possible implementation, to minimize changes to resources already configured for the second type of terminal devices, regardless of how the first PRACH is mapped, SSBs are mapped sequentially to the second PRACH resource in ascending order of index number. If the first PRACH resource includes the second PRACH resource, the mapping method for SSBs on the second PRACH resource can be the same as the existing method, that is, mapping M SSBs sequentially to the second PRACH resource in ascending order of index number. This also helps to save network energy.

[0168] Therefore, it is understandable that, regarding the first mapping relationship, what needs to be given now is the mapping method of M SSBs on the third PRACH resource, that is, the additional resource added to the first PRACH resource in the new subframe relative to the second PRACH resource. This can include the following 5 implementation methods.

[0169] It should be understood that, regarding the possible temporal locations of the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource shown in Figure 5, if the first PRACH resource includes the second PRACH resource, the SSB mapping method of the third PRACH resource is similar to that described in conjunction with Figure 4. To avoid redundancy, it will not be described again in conjunction with Figure 5.

[0170] Method 1: The M SSBs are mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of their index numbers (e.g., from SSB M-1 to SSB 0).

[0171] In this approach, within one association cycle of the second PRACH resource, the third PRACH resource can first map the beam with the largest SSB index, such as SSB M-1, and then map sequentially according to the decreasing SSB index number until SSB 0 is mapped.

[0172] If the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is less than the association period of the second PRACH resource, for example, as shown in Figure 4 above, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is 20ms and the association period of the second PRACH resource is 40ms. Taking M=8 as an example, the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the second PRACH resource and the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the third PRACH resource can be as shown in Figure 6.

[0173] As shown in Figure 6, optionally, the eight SSBs can be fully mapped by the resources corresponding to two second PRACH resource configuration cycles. This application does not specify how many second PRACH resource configuration cycles are required for mapping all SSBs.

[0174] Optionally, in the second mapping relationship, the eight SSBs can be mapped sequentially and evenly to the resources corresponding to the two second PRACH resource configuration periods in ascending order of index number. The second PRACH resource corresponding to the first second PRACH resource configuration period is the area corresponding to 401, which can be mapped sequentially to SSB 0 to SSB 3. The second PRACH resource corresponding to the second second PRACH resource configuration period is the area corresponding to 402, which can be mapped sequentially to SSB 4 to SSB 7. All SSBs are mapped within the association period of one second PRACH.

[0175] In this embodiment, the mapping relationship between the second PRACH resource included in the first PRACH resource and the SSB can also be as follows: in the configuration period of the first PRACH resource, corresponding area 401 is mapped sequentially to SSB 0 to SSB 3; in the configuration period of the third PRACH resource, corresponding area 402 is mapped sequentially to SSB 4 to SSB 7. Optionally, this mapping relationship can be included in the first mapping relationship in the same way, or it can be omitted from the first mapping relationship. It is sufficient to state that the mapping relationship between the second PRACH resource included in the first PRACH resource and the SSB is the same as or similar to the mapping method described in the second mapping relationship. This application does not limit this.

[0176] Furthermore, for the area corresponding to the third PRACH resource 403 included in the configuration cycle of the second first PRACH resource, SSBs 7 to 4 can be mapped sequentially. Similarly, for the area corresponding to the third PRACH resource 404 included in the configuration cycle of the third first PRACH resource, SSBs 3 to 0 can be mapped sequentially. This allows all SSBs to be mapped within one association cycle of the first PRACH resource. Moreover, mapping SSBs sequentially in descending order of index number within the third PRACH resource helps shorten the time it takes for the terminal device to acquire the resources indicated by all SSBs, thus reducing the access latency of the terminal device.

[0177] When the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is equal to the association period of the second PRACH resource, that is, all SSBs can be completely mapped within each configuration period, the M SSBs can still be mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number (e.g., from SSB M-1 to SSB 0). Unlike when the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is less than the association period of the second PRACH resource, in this case, the third PRACH can completely map all SSBs within each configuration period. Taking M=8 as an example, when the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is equal to the association period of the second PRACH resource, the mapping order of SSBs on the resources shown in Figure 4 can be as shown in Figure 7.

[0178] Method 2: The M SSBs are mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of their index numbers (e.g., from SSB 0 to SSB M-1).

[0179] In this approach, within an association cycle, the third PRACH resource can first map the beam with the smallest SSB index, such as SSB 0, and then map sequentially according to the increasing SSB index number until SSB M-1 is mapped.

[0180] When the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is shorter than the association period of the second PRACH resource, for example, as shown in Figure 4 above, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is 20ms and the association period of the second PRACH resource is 40ms. Taking M=8 as an example, the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the second PRACH resource and the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the third PRACH resource can be as shown in Figure 8.

[0181] The descriptions of the regions corresponding to 401 and 402 in Figure 8 are similar to those in Figure 6 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0182] In this approach, for the third PRACH resource 403 included in the configuration cycle of the second first PRACH resource, the corresponding area can be mapped sequentially to SSB 0 to SSB 3; for the third PRACH resource 404 included in the configuration cycle of the third first PRACH resource, the corresponding area can be mapped sequentially to SSB 4 to SSB 7.

[0183] When the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is equal to the association period of the second PRACH resource, that is, all SSBs can be completely mapped within each configuration period, M SSBs can still be mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number (e.g., from SSB 0 to SSB M-1). Unlike when the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is less than the association period of the second PRACH resource, in this case, the third PRACH can completely map all SSBs within each configuration period. Taking M=8 as an example, when the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is equal to the association period of the second PRACH resource, the mapping order of SSBs on the resources shown in Figure 4 can be as shown in Figure 9.

[0184] Optionally, mapping according to the SSB index number in ascending order can also be understood as sequential mapping, and correspondingly, mapping according to the SSB index number in descending order can also be understood as reverse mapping. However, this application does not specifically limit what constitutes sequential or reverse mapping.

[0185] Method 3: The configuration period of the second PRACH resource is shorter than the association period of the second PRACH resource. There are N configuration periods and M SSBs. The index numbers of the SSBs are integers from 0 to M-1. In the first configuration period of the second PRACH resource, the SSBs with index numbers from 0 to K are mapped to the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first configuration period in ascending order of index number. In the first mapping relationship, M are mapped in ascending order starting from the SSB with index number K until the SSB with index number M-1 is mapped. Then, the SSB with index number 0 is mapped in ascending order to the third PRACH resource. N and M are both integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than 0 and less than M-1.

[0186] In this approach, within an association cycle, the third PRACH resource is associated starting from the SSBs that the second PRACH resource has not yet been associated with. For example, if M=8 and K=3, and the second PRACH resource has already mapped SSBs with index numbers 0 to 3 in the first configuration cycle, then the third PRACH resource can start from SSB 4, first mapping SSBs 4 to 7 in sequence, and then mapping SSBs 0 in ascending order of index number.

[0187] As shown in Figure 4 above, the configuration period for the second PRACH resource is 20ms, and the association period for the second PRACH resource is 40ms. Still using M=8 as an example, the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the second PRACH resource and the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the third PRACH resource can be as shown in Figure 10. The descriptions of the corresponding regions 401 and 402 in Figure 10 are similar to those in Figure 6 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0188] As shown in Figure 10, for the third PRACH resource included in the configuration cycle of the second first PRACH resource, which corresponds to the 403 region, SSB 4 to SSB 7 can be mapped sequentially starting from SSB 4, which has not yet been mapped in the 401 region. For the third PRACH resource included in the configuration cycle of the third first PRACH resource, which corresponds to the 404 region, it can start from the beginning, that is, from SSB 0 and continue from small to large SSB 0 to SSB 3.

[0189] It should be understood that when the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is less than the association period of the second PRACH resource, the number of configuration periods of the second PRACH resource included in the association period of the second PRACH shown in Figure 4 is only exemplary. The number of SSBs that can be mapped in the resource corresponding to each configuration period of the second PRACH resource described above is also exemplary. Under the resource index shown in Figure 4, the association period of the second PRACH can include more configuration periods of the second PRACH resource, and the number of SSBs that can be mapped in the resource corresponding to each configuration period of the second PRACH resource can also be more or less. This application does not limit this.

[0190] In one example, the associated period of the second PRACH can include four configuration periods of the second PRACH resource. The number of SSBs that can be mapped in the resource corresponding to each configuration period of the second PRACH resource can also be two. Thus, SSB 0 to SSB 1 can be mapped sequentially in the first configuration period of the second PRACH resource, SSB 2 to SSB 3 can be mapped sequentially in the second configuration period of the second PRACH resource, SSB 4 to SSB 5 can be mapped sequentially in the third configuration period of the second PRACH resource, and SSB 6 to SSB 7 can be mapped sequentially in the fourth configuration period of the second PRACH resource. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the second PRACH resource included in the configuration cycle of the first PRACH resource has the above-mentioned mapping relationship (mapping SSB 0 to SSB 1 in sequence), in the third PRACH resource included in the configuration cycle of the second first PRACH resource, SSB 2 to SSB 3 can be mapped sequentially starting from SSB 2, which is not yet mapped in the second PRACH resource at this time. In the third PRACH resource included in the configuration cycle of the third first PRACH resource, the mapping continues to the next index of the SSB mapped by the third PRACH resource included in the configuration cycle of the second first PRACH resource, that is, SSB 4 to SSB 5 are mapped sequentially, and so on, which will not be elaborated further.

[0191] The method provided in this application embodiment starts with the first unmapped SSB in the first configuration period of the second PRACH resource, and continues mapping sequentially from smallest to largest until the SSB corresponding to the largest index number is mapped. Then, mapping starts from SSB 0, and continues until all SSB beams have been traversed. Compared to the method that only indicates the second PRACH resource, this approach, by adding the third PRACH resource, allows the first type of terminal device to receive the PRACH resource that can form a complete association of all SSB beams more quickly, which helps to reduce the access latency of the first type of terminal device.

[0192] Method 4: The third PRACH resource may only map a preset SSB. The preset SSB is a part of M SSBs. Regardless of the relationship between the configuration period of the second PRACH resource and the association period of the second PRACH resource, the preset SSBs may be mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or in ascending order of index number, or in any other specified order. This application does not limit this.

[0193] Optionally, the preset SSB can be a beam with more than a certain threshold of access terminal devices. This can be understood as a beam with a large number of terminal devices or a large number of users, but this application does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0194] In one example, the preset SSBs can be SSB 0, SSB 2, SSB 4, and SSB 6. As shown in Figure 4 above, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is 20ms, and the association period of the second PRACH resource is 40ms. Taking M=8 as an example, the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the second PRACH resource and the mapping order of SSB 0, SSB 2, SSB 4, and SSB 6 on the third PRACH resource can be as shown in Figure 11.

[0195] The descriptions of the regions corresponding to 401 and 402 in Figure 11 are similar to those in Figure 6 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0196] As shown in Figure 11, the third PRACH resource included in the configuration cycle of the second first PRACH resource is the area corresponding to 403, which can be mapped to SSB 0, SSB 2, SSB 4, and SSB 6 in sequence. Similarly, the third PRACH resource included in the configuration cycle of the fourth first PRACH resource is the area corresponding to 404, which can also be mapped to SSB 0, SSB 2, SSB 4, and SSB 6 in sequence.

[0197] In another example, when the configuration period of the second PRACH resource equals the association period of the second PRACH resource, meaning that all SSBs can be fully mapped within each configuration period, the preset SSBs can still be mapped to the third PRACH resource sequentially according to their index numbers, either in descending or ascending order. In this case, although the third PRACH resource within each configuration period is sufficient to map all SSBs, it only maps the preset SSBs. Taking M=8 as an example, when the configuration period of the second PRACH resource equals the association period of the second PRACH resource, the mapping order of the preset SSBs on the resources shown in Figure 4 can be as shown in Figure 12.

[0198] As shown in Figure 12, 401 can represent the second PRACH resource corresponding to the configuration period of the first second PRACH resource, and is also the second PRACH resource corresponding to the configuration period of the first first PRACH resource (a part of the first PRACH resource). This part of the resource can be mapped sequentially to SSB 0 to SSB 7 in ascending order of index number; 402 can represent the third PRACH resource included in the configuration period of the second first PRACH resource (a part of the first PRACH resource), and this part can be mapped sequentially to SSB 0, SSB 2, SSB 4, and SSB 6; 403 can represent the second PRACH resource corresponding to the configuration period of the second second PRACH resource, and is also the second PRACH resource corresponding to the configuration period of the third first PRACH resource (a part of the first PRACH resource). This part of the resource can be mapped sequentially to SSB 0 to SSB 7 in ascending order of index number; 404 can represent the third PRACH resource included in the configuration period of the fourth first PRACH resource, and can also be mapped sequentially to SSB 0, SSB 2, SSB 4, and SSB 6. 6.

[0199] The method provided in this application embodiment can selectively map the third PRACH resource onto the SSB beam with a large number of connected terminal devices. Since the third PRACH resource is the resource added to the first PRACH resource in a new subframe relative to the second PRACH resource, mapping the preset SSB onto this part of the resource can allocate more resources to the SSB beam with a large number of terminal devices, which is beneficial to improving the communication efficiency of these terminal devices.

[0200] Optionally, SSB 0, SSB 2, SSB 4 and SSB 6 can also be mapped in descending order of index number, and this application does not limit this.

[0201] Method 5: There are multiple association periods for the second PRACH resource. The mapping method of SSB on the third PRACH resource in the association period of the second PRACH resource with an odd index number is different from the mapping method of SSB on the third PRACH resource in the association period of the second PRACH resource with an even index number.

[0202] In some examples, in the first mapping relationship, during the association period of the second PRACH resource with an odd index number, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number, and during the association period of the second PRACH resource with an even index number, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number.

[0203] Optionally, still using Figure 4 above, the configuration period for the second PRACH resource is 20ms, and the association period for the second PRACH resource is 40ms. Again, taking M=8 as an example, in the association period of the second PRACH resource with odd index numbers, the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the second PRACH resource and the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the third PRACH resource can be as shown in Figure 6. In the association period of the second PRACH resource with even index numbers, the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the second PRACH resource and the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the third PRACH resource can be as shown in Figure 8. Here, 401 and 402 can represent the second PRACH resource, and 403 and 404 can represent the third PRACH resource.

[0204] In other examples, during the association period of the second PRACH resource with an odd index number, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number, while during the association period of the second PRACH resource with an even index number, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number.

[0205] Optionally, still using Figure 4 above, the configuration period for the second PRACH resource is 20ms, and the association period for the second PRACH resource is 40ms. Again, taking M=8 as an example, in the association period of the second PRACH resource with even-numbered indexes, the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the second PRACH resource and the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the third PRACH resource can be as shown in Figure 6. In the association period of the second PRACH resource with odd-numbered indexes, the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the second PRACH resource and the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the third PRACH resource can be as shown in Figure 8. Here, 401 and 402 can represent the second PRACH resource, and 403 and 404 can represent the third PRACH resource.

[0206] In some implementations, the association period of the second PRACH resource with index 0 is the first association period of the second PRACH resource.

[0207] The first mapping relationship has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 4 to 11 when the first PRACH resource includes the second PRACH resource. The first mapping relationship when the first PRACH resource does not include the second PRACH resource is described below.

[0208] It should be understood that when the first PRACH resource does not include the second PRACH resource, the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource are independent of each other in the time domain. When the first PRACH resource does not include the second PRACH resource, the first mapping relationship can be implemented in the following five ways.

[0209] Optionally, if the first PRACH resource does not include the second PRACH resource, the mapping method of SSBs on the second PRACH resource can also be the same as the existing method, that is, the M SSBs are mapped to the second PRACH resource in ascending order of index number, which is also conducive to saving network energy consumption.

[0210] Method 1: In the first mapping relationship, the M SSBs can be mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of their index numbers.

[0211] When the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is less than the association period of the second PRACH resource, taking the association period of the second PRACH resource including two configuration periods of the second PRACH resource and the number of SSBs as an example, the mapping method of the eight SSBs on the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource within one association period of the second PRACH resource can be referred to Figure 6. In the implementation of this method one, 401 shown in Figure 6 can represent the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first second PRACH resource configuration period, 402 can represent the second PRACH resource corresponding to the second second PRACH resource configuration period, 403 can represent the first PRACH resource corresponding to the first first PRACH resource configuration period, and 402 can represent the first PRACH resource corresponding to the second first PRACH resource configuration period.

[0212] When the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is equal to the association period of the second PRACH resource, taking an example with 8 SSBs, the mapping method of the 8 SSBs on the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource within the association period of the two second PRACH resources (that is, the configuration period of the two second PRACH resources) can be referred to Figure 7. In the implementation of this method one, 401 in Figure 7 can represent the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first second PRACH resource configuration period, 402 can represent the second PRACH resource corresponding to the second second PRACH resource configuration period, 403 can represent the first PRACH resource corresponding to the first first PRACH resource configuration period, and 402 can represent the first PRACH resource corresponding to the second first PRACH resource configuration period.

[0213] The method provided in this application, which maps M SSBs to the second PRACH resource in ascending order of index number and M SSBs to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number, is beneficial for the first type of terminal device to receive the PRACH resource that can form a complete association of all SSB beams more quickly, and is beneficial to reduce the access latency of the first type of terminal device.

[0214] Method 2: In the first mapping relationship, the M SSBs can be mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of their index numbers.

[0215] When the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is less than the association period of the second PRACH resource, taking the association period of the second PRACH resource including two configuration periods of the second PRACH resource and the number of SSBs as an example, the mapping method of the eight SSBs on the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource within the association period of one second PRACH resource can be referred to Figure 8. In the implementation of this method two, 401 shown in Figure 8 can represent the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first second PRACH resource configuration period, 402 can represent the second PRACH resource corresponding to the second second PRACH resource configuration period, 403 can represent the first PRACH resource corresponding to the first first PRACH resource configuration period, and 402 can represent the first PRACH resource corresponding to the second first PRACH resource configuration period.

[0216] When the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is equal to the association period of the second PRACH resource, taking an example with 8 SSBs, the mapping method of the 8 SSBs on the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource within the association period of the two second PRACH resources (that is, the configuration period of the two second PRACH resources) can be referred to Figure 9. In this implementation of method two, 401 in 9 can represent the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first second PRACH resource configuration period, 402 can represent the second PRACH resource corresponding to the second second PRACH resource configuration period, 403 can represent the first PRACH resource corresponding to the first first PRACH resource configuration period, and 402 can represent the first PRACH resource corresponding to the second first PRACH resource configuration period.

[0217] Method 3: The first PRACH resource does not include the second PRACH resource. The configuration period of the second PRACH resource is shorter than the association period of the second PRACH resource. There are N configuration periods and M SSBs. The index numbers of the SSBs are integers from 0 to M-1. In the first configuration period of the second PRACH resource, the SSBs with index numbers from 0 to K are mapped to the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first configuration period in ascending order of index number. In the first mapping relationship, the SSBs are mapped from the SSB with index number K in ascending order until the SSB with index number M-1 is mapped. Then, the SSBs are mapped from the SSB with index number 0 in ascending order to the third PRACH resource. N and M are both integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than 0 and less than M-1.

[0218] When the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is less than the association period of the second PRACH resource, taking the association period of the second PRACH resource including two configuration periods of the second PRACH resource and the number of SSBs as an example, the mapping method of the eight SSBs on the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource within one association period of the second PRACH resource can be referred to Figure 10. In the implementation of this method three, 401 shown in Figure 10 can represent the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first second PRACH resource configuration period, 402 can represent the second PRACH resource corresponding to the second second PRACH resource configuration period, 403 can represent the first PRACH resource corresponding to the first first PRACH resource configuration period, and 402 can represent the first PRACH resource corresponding to the second first PRACH resource configuration period.

[0219] The method provided in this application embodiment starts with the first unmapped SSB in the first configuration period of the second PRACH resource, and continues mapping sequentially from smallest to largest until the SSB corresponding to the largest index number is mapped. Then, mapping starts from SSB 0 again, and continues until all SSB beams have been traversed. This approach, based on the mapping of a portion of SSBs in the second PRACH resource, allows the first type of terminal device to receive the PRACH resource that can form a complete PRACH associated with all SSB beams more quickly, which helps reduce the access latency of the first type of terminal device.

[0220] Method 4: The first PRACH resource does not include the second PRACH resource. In the first mapping relationship, the default SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or the default SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number. The default SSB is a part of the SSB.

[0221] When the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is less than the association period of the second PRACH resource, taking the association period of the second PRACH resource including two configuration periods of the second PRACH resource, the number of SSBs being 8, and the preset SSBs being SSB 0, SSB 2, SSB 4 and SSB 6 as an example, the mapping method of SSBs on the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource within one association period of the second PRACH resource can be referred to Figure 11. In the implementation of this method four, 401 shown in Figure 11 can represent the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first second PRACH resource configuration period, 402 can represent the second PRACH resource corresponding to the second second PRACH resource configuration period, 403 can represent the first PRACH resource corresponding to the first first PRACH resource configuration period, and 402 can represent the first PRACH resource corresponding to the second first PRACH resource configuration period.

[0222] When the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is equal to the association period of the second PRACH resource, taking an example with 8 SSBs and the preset SSBs as SSB 0, SSB 2, SSB 4 and SSB 6, the mapping method of SSBs on the first PRACH resource and the second PRACH resource within the association period of the two second PRACH resources can be referred to Figure 12. In the implementation of this method four, 401 shown in Figure 12 can represent the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first second PRACH resource configuration period, 402 can represent the second PRACH resource corresponding to the second second PRACH resource configuration period, 403 can represent the first PRACH resource corresponding to the first first PRACH resource configuration period, and 402 can represent the first PRACH resource corresponding to the second first PRACH resource configuration period.

[0223] The method provided in this application embodiment can selectively map the third PRACH resource onto the SSB beam with a large number of connected terminal devices. Since the third PRACH resource is the resource added to the first PRACH resource in a new subframe relative to the second PRACH resource, mapping the preset SSB onto this part of the resource can allocate more resources to the SSB beam with a large number of terminal devices, which is beneficial to improving the communication efficiency of these terminal devices.

[0224] Method 5: There are multiple association periods for the second PRACH resource. The mapping method of SSB on the first PRACH resource in the association period of the second PRACH resource with an odd index number is different from the mapping method of SSB on the first PRACH resource in the association period of the second PRACH resource with an even index number.

[0225] In some examples, in the first mapping relationship, during the association period of the second PRACH resource with an odd index number, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number, and during the association period of the second PRACH resource with an even index number, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number.

[0226] Optionally, still using Figure 4 above, the configuration period for the second PRACH resource is 20ms, and the association period for the second PRACH resource is 40ms. Again, taking M=8 as an example, in the association period of the second PRACH resource with odd index numbers, the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the second PRACH resource and the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the first PRACH resource can be as shown in Figure 6. In the association period of the second PRACH resource with even index numbers, the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the second PRACH resource and the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the first PRACH resource can be as shown in Figure 8. Here, 401 and 402 represent the second PRACH resource, and 403 and 404 represent the first PRACH resource.

[0227] In other examples, during the association period of the second PRACH resource with an odd index number, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number, while during the association period of the second PRACH resource with an even index number, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number.

[0228] Optionally, still using Figure 4 above, the configuration period for the second PRACH resource is 20ms, and the association period for the second PRACH resource is 40ms. Again, taking M=8 as an example, in the association period of the second PRACH resource with even-numbered indexes, the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the second PRACH resource and the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the first PRACH resource can be as shown in Figure 8. In the association period of the second PRACH resource with odd-numbered indexes, the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the second PRACH resource and the mapping order of the 8 SSBs on the first PRACH resource can also be as shown in Figure 8. Here, 401 and 402 represent the second PRACH resource, and 403 and 404 represent the first PRACH resource.

[0229] In some implementations, the association period of the second PRACH resource with index 0 is the first association period of the second PRACH resource.

[0230] The resource configuration method of the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 4 to 12. The communication device of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 13 and 14. The communication device includes modules or units for executing the corresponding parts of each of the above embodiments. Modules or units can be software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The following is only a brief illustrative example of the communication device; for details of the implementation, please refer to the description of the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated below.

[0231] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1300 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 13, the device 1300 includes a processing module 1301 and a transceiver module 1302.

[0232] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1300 is used to implement the steps corresponding to the network device in the method 300 described above.

[0233] The processing module 1301 is configured to: determine first information, which indicates a first physical random access channel (PRACH) resource, wherein a first mapping relationship exists between the first PRACH resource and a synchronization signal block (SSB), and the first PRACH resource is a resource available to a first type of terminal device; and determine second information, which indicates a second PRACH resource, wherein a second mapping relationship exists between the second PRACH resource and an SSB, and the second PRACH resource is a resource available to both the first and second types of terminal devices, wherein the capabilities of the first and second types of terminal devices are different.

[0234] The transceiver module 1302 is used to send first information and second information.

[0235] Optionally, the first PRACH resource includes a second PRACH resource and a third PRACH resource, wherein the third PRACH resource is located in a different time domain than the second PRACH resource.

[0236] Optionally, in the first mapping relationship, SSBs are mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or SSBs are mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number.

[0237] Optionally, in the first mapping relationship, the default SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or the default SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number, and the default SSB is a part of the SSB.

[0238] Optionally, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is shorter than the association period of the second PRACH resource. The number of configuration periods is N, and the number of SSBs is M. The index numbers of the SSBs are integers from 0 to M-1. In the first configuration period of the second PRACH resource, the SSBs with index numbers from 0 to K are mapped to the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first configuration period in ascending order of index number. N and M are both integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than 0 and less than M-1. Then, in the first mapping relationship, the SSBs are mapped sequentially from the SSB with index number K to the SSB with index number M-1, and then the SSBs with index number 0 are mapped sequentially to the third PRACH resource in ascending order.

[0239] Optionally, the number of associated periods for the second PRACH resource can be multiple. In the first mapping relationship, in associated periods with odd index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number, and in associated periods with even index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number; or, in associated periods with odd index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number, and in associated periods with even index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number.

[0240] Optionally, the first PRACH resource does not include the second PRACH resource.

[0241] Optionally, in the first mapping relationship, SSBs are mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or SSBs are mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number.

[0242] Optionally, in the first mapping relationship, the default SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or the default SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number, and the default SSB is a part of the SSB.

[0243] Optionally, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is shorter than the association period of the second PRACH resource. The number of configuration periods is N, the number of SSBs is M, and the index numbers of the SSBs are integers from 0 to M-1. In the first configuration period of the second PRACH resource, the SSBs with index numbers from 0 to K are mapped to the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first configuration period in ascending order of index number. N and M are both integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than 0 and less than M-1. Then, in the first mapping relationship, the SSBs are mapped sequentially from the SSB with index number K to the SSB with index number M-1, and then the SSBs with index number 0 are mapped sequentially to the first PRACH resource in ascending order.

[0244] Optionally, the number of associated periods for the second PRACH resource can be multiple. In the first mapping relationship, in associated periods with odd index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number, and in associated periods with even index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number; or, in associated periods with odd index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number, and in associated periods with even index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number.

[0245] Optionally, the first information may be carried in one or more of the following ways: system information; Radio Resource Control (RRC); Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE); or Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0246] Optionally, the first PRACH resource is dynamically changing in the time domain.

[0247] Optionally, the time-domain location of the first PRACH resource after dynamic changes is indicated in one or more of the following messages: system information; Radio Resource Control (RRC); Media Access Control (MAC) CE; or Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0248] Optionally, the SSB is mapped to the second PRACH resource in ascending order of index number.

[0249] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1300 is used to implement the steps corresponding to the network device in the method 300 described above.

[0250] The transceiver module 1302 is used to receive first information and second information. The first information is used to indicate a first physical random access channel (PRACH) resource, and there is a first mapping relationship between the first PRACH resource and the synchronization signal block (SSB). The second information is used to indicate a second PRACH resource, and there is a second mapping relationship between the second PRACH resource and the SSB. The first PRACH resource is a resource available to a first type of terminal device, and the second PRACH resource is a resource available to both the first and second types of terminal devices. The capabilities of the first and second types of terminal devices are different.

[0251] The processing module 1301 is used to send data based on the first PRACH resource and / or the second PRACH resource.

[0252] Optionally, the first PRACH resource includes a second PRACH resource and a third PRACH resource, wherein the third PRACH resource is located in a different time domain than the second PRACH resource.

[0253] Optionally, in the first mapping relationship, SSBs are mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or SSBs are mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number.

[0254] Optionally, in the first mapping relationship, the default SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or the default SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number, and the default SSB is a part of the SSB.

[0255] Optionally, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is shorter than the association period of the second PRACH resource. The number of configuration periods is N, and the number of SSBs is M. The index numbers of the SSBs are integers from 0 to M-1. In the first configuration period of the second PRACH resource, the SSBs with index numbers from 0 to K are mapped to the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first configuration period in ascending order of index number. N and M are both integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than 0 and less than M-1. Then, in the first mapping relationship, the SSBs are mapped sequentially from the SSB with index number K to the SSB with index number M-1, and then the SSBs with index number 0 are mapped sequentially to the third PRACH resource in ascending order.

[0256] Optionally, the number of associated periods for the second PRACH resource can be multiple. In the first mapping relationship, in associated periods with odd index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number, and in associated periods with even index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number; or, in associated periods with odd index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number, and in associated periods with even index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number.

[0257] Optionally, the first PRACH resource does not include the second PRACH resource.

[0258] Optionally, in the first mapping relationship, SSBs are mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or SSBs are mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number.

[0259] Optionally, in the first mapping relationship, the default SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or the default SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number, and the default SSB is a part of the SSB.

[0260] Optionally, the configuration period of the second PRACH resource is shorter than the association period of the second PRACH resource. The number of configuration periods is N, the number of SSBs is M, and the index numbers of the SSBs are integers from 0 to M-1. In the first configuration period of the second PRACH resource, the SSBs with index numbers from 0 to K are mapped to the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first configuration period in ascending order of index number. N and M are both integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than 0 and less than M-1. Then, in the first mapping relationship, the SSBs are mapped sequentially from the SSB with index number K to the SSB with index number M-1, and then the SSBs with index number 0 are mapped sequentially to the first PRACH resource in ascending order.

[0261] Optionally, the number of associated periods for the second PRACH resource can be multiple. In the first mapping relationship, in associated periods with odd index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number, and in associated periods with even index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number; or, in associated periods with odd index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number, and in associated periods with even index numbers, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number.

[0262] Optionally, the first information may be carried in one or more of the following ways: system information; Radio Resource Control (RRC); Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE); or Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0263] Optionally, the first PRACH resource is dynamically changing in the time domain.

[0264] Optionally, the time-domain location of the first PRACH resource after dynamic changes is indicated in one or more of the following messages: system information; Radio Resource Control (RRC); Media Access Control (MAC) CE; or Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0265] Optionally, the SSB is mapped to the second PRACH resource in ascending order of index number.

[0266] It should be understood that the device 1300 here is embodied in the form of a functional module. The term "module" here can refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (e.g., shared processors, proprietary processors, or group processors, etc.) and memories for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that device 1300 can specifically be a network device or terminal device in the above embodiments. Device 1300 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described again here.

[0267] The aforementioned device 1300 has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the network device or terminal device in the above method; the above function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above function.

[0268] In embodiments of this application, the device 1300 in FIG13 can also be a chip, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-chip (SoC), a central processor unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD), or other integrated chips. Correspondingly, the transceiver module 1302 can be the transceiver circuit of the chip, and is not limited thereto.

[0269] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1400 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 1400 includes a processor 1401, a transceiver 1402, and a memory 1403. The processor 1401, transceiver 1402, and memory 1403 communicate with each other through an internal connection path. The memory 1403 is used to store instructions, and the processor 1401 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 1403 to control the transceiver 1402 to send and / or receive signals.

[0270] It should be understood that the device 1400 may specifically be a network device or a terminal device in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the network device or terminal device in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 1403 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 1401 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 1401 executes instructions stored in the memory, the processor 1401 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments. The transceiver 1402 may include a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter may be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the transceiver for performing a transmitting action, and the receiver may be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the transceiver for performing a receiving action.

[0271] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), or it may 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 may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0272] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware processor, or as a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor executes the instructions in the memory, combining them with its hardware to complete the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0273] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program for implementing the methods shown in the above-described method embodiments.

[0274] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code or computer program instructions. When the computer program code or computer program instructions are run on a computer, the computer can perform the methods shown in the above-described method embodiments.

[0275] This application also provides a chip system including at least one processor and a communication interface, the communication interface and at least one processor being interconnected via a line, the at least one processor being used to run computer programs or instructions, such that the computer can perform the methods shown in the above-described method embodiments.

[0276] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the modules and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0277] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and modules described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0278] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or modules may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0279] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. Similarly, the components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment, depending on actual needs.

[0280] In addition, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module.

[0281] If a function is implemented as a software module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0282] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A resource allocation method, characterized in that, include: First information is determined, which is used to indicate a first physical random access channel (PRACH) resource. There is a first mapping relationship between the first PRACH resource and the synchronization signal block (SSB). The first PRACH resource is a resource available to a first type of terminal device. Determine second information, which is used to indicate a second PRACH resource. There is a second mapping relationship between the second PRACH resource and the SSB. The second PRACH resource is a resource that can be used by both the first type of terminal device and the second type of terminal device. The capabilities of the first type of terminal device and the second type of terminal device are different. Send the first information and the second information.

2. A resource allocation method, characterized in that, include: The system receives first information and second information. The first information indicates a first physical random access channel (PRACH) resource, and there is a first mapping relationship between the first PRACH resource and a synchronization signal block (SSB). The second information indicates a second PRACH resource, and there is a second mapping relationship between the second PRACH resource and the SSB. The first PRACH resource is a resource available to a first type of terminal device, and the second PRACH resource is a resource available to both the first and second types of terminal devices. The capabilities of the first and second types of terminal devices are different. Data is sent based on the first PRACH resource and / or the second PRACH resource.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first PRACH resource includes the second PRACH resource and the third PRACH resource, wherein the third PRACH resource is located at a different time domain than the second PRACH resource.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the first mapping relationship, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the first mapping relationship, the preset SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or the preset SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number, and the preset SSB is a part of the SSB.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The configuration period of the second PRACH resource is less than the association period of the second PRACH resource. The number of configuration periods is N, the number of SSBs is M, and the index numbers of the SSBs are integers from 0 to M-1. In the first configuration period of the second PRACH resource, the SSBs with index numbers from 0 to K are mapped to the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first configuration period in ascending order of index number. N and M are both integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than 0 and less than M-1. In the first mapping relationship, the SSB is mapped sequentially from the SSB with index number K to the SSB with index number M-1, and then sequentially from the SSB with index number 0 to the third PRACH resource.

7. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of associated periods for the second PRACH resource is multiple. In the first mapping relationship, in the associated period with an odd index number, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number. In the associated period with an even index number, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number. or, In the association period where the index number is odd, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in ascending order of index number; in the association period where the index number is even, the SSB is mapped to the third PRACH resource in descending order of index number.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first PRACH resource does not include the second PRACH resource.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the first mapping relationship, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the first mapping relationship, the preset SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number, or the preset SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number, and the preset SSB is a part of the SSB.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The configuration period of the second PRACH resource is less than the association period of the second PRACH resource. The number of configuration periods is N, the number of SSBs is M, and the index numbers of the SSBs are integers from 0 to M-1. In the first configuration period of the second PRACH resource, the SSBs with index numbers from 0 to K are mapped to the second PRACH resource corresponding to the first configuration period in ascending order of index number. N and M are both integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than 0 and less than M-1. In the first mapping relationship, the SSB is mapped sequentially from the SSB with index number K to the SSB with index number M-1, and then sequentially from the SSB with index number 0 to the SSB with index number M-1 to the first PRACH resource.

12. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The number of associated periods for the second PRACH resource is multiple. In the first mapping relationship, in the associated period with an odd index number, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number. In the associated period with an even index number, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number. or, In the association period where the index number is odd, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in ascending order of index number; in the association period where the index number is even, the SSB is mapped to the first PRACH resource in descending order of index number.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The first information is carried in one or more of the following ways: System information; Radio Resource Control Protocol (RRC); Media access control element MAC CE; or, Downlink Control Information (DCI).

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The first PRACH resource is dynamically changing in the time domain.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The time-domain location of the first PRACH resource after dynamic changes is indicated in one or more of the following messages: System information; Radio Resource Control Protocol (RRC); Media access control element MAC CE; or, Downlink Control Information (DCI).

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, The SSB is mapped to the second PRACH resource in ascending order of index number.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program, which, when invoked by the processor, causes the apparatus to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

19. A chip system, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor and a communication interface, the communication interface and the at least one processor being interconnected via a line, the at least one processor being configured to run a computer program or instructions to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program, the computer program including instructions for implementing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

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