Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a communication method and device, and relates to the technical field of communication. In the method, an AIoT device can determine a first PO and monitor a system message on the first PO; or the AIoT device can determine a first PO, monitor a paging message for indicating a first time domain resource on the first PO, and monitor a system message on the first time domain resource. Through the above method, the AIoT device can monitor a system message on a first PO, or can monitor a system message on a first time domain resource according to the indication of a paging message, so that the AIoT device can obtain the time domain resource of the system message without relying on the system frame number information carried in the SSB. Therefore, the above method can be applied to a communication scenario in which the SSB capacity is limited (for example, no system frame number information is carried) and / or a communication scenario in which the terminal complexity is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In a communication system, access network nodes periodically send synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), which terminals monitor upon initial network access. The SSB contains system frame number information, allowing the terminal to synchronize and determine its current system frame number (SFN). Based on the SFN, the terminal can then calculate the temporal location of certain resources. For example, the terminal can determine the temporal resource for system messages based on the current SFN and monitor system messages on that resource.

[0003] With the development of communication technology, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defined the ambient internet of things (AIoT or A-IoT) technology. In AIoT and related technologies, the complexity of terminals is relatively low, and they cannot accurately determine the current SFN (Signal Message Number), therefore, the temporal location of system messages cannot be determined using the methods described above. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that enable a terminal to determine the time domain location of a system message without relying on system frame number information, thereby adapting to communication scenarios with low terminal complexity.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a terminal side, such as a first communication device, a module in the first communication device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. The first communication device is a low-complexity terminal, a terminal with limited computing power, or a low-power terminal, etc.

[0007] Taking the application of this method to a first communication device as an example, the method includes: determining a first paging timing; and monitoring system messages at the first paging timing.

[0008] Based on the above method, the first communication device can monitor system messages during the first paging event. That is, the first communication device does not need to determine the current SFN and calculate the temporal location of the system message based on the system frame number information carried in the SSB; instead, it reuses the location of paging resources to monitor system messages. Therefore, the above method is applicable to communication scenarios with low terminal complexity. Furthermore, since the first communication device does not rely on the system frame number information carried in the SSB when determining the temporal resources of the system message, the above method is also applicable to communication scenarios with limited SSB capacity (such as those that do not carry system frame number information or carry only partial system frame number information).

[0009] Alternatively, taking the method applied to a first communication device as an example, the method includes: determining a first paging timing; monitoring a first paging message at the first paging timing; and monitoring system messages on a first time-domain resource. The first paging message indicates the first time-domain resource.

[0010] Based on the above method, the first communication device can obtain the time-domain resources (i.e., the first time-domain resources) of the system message according to the indication of the first paging message, and thus monitor the system message on the time-domain resources. In other words, when determining the first time-domain resources, the first communication device does not need to determine the current SFN and calculate the time-domain position of the system message based on the system frame number information carried in the SSB. Therefore, the above method is applicable to communication scenarios with low terminal complexity. In addition, the first communication device does not rely on the system frame number information carried in the SSB when determining the time-domain resources of the system message. Therefore, the above method is also applicable to communication scenarios with limited SSB capacity (such as not carrying system frame number information, or carrying partial information of the system frame number).

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first paging message indicates a first time-domain resource, including: the first paging message indicates that the first time-domain resource is located N first cycles after a first moment; wherein the first cycle is the cycle of the first paging message, or the cycle of a synchronization signal block, the synchronization signal block indicating the first paging timing, and N is a non-negative integer.

[0012] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can determine the location of the first time domain resource according to the first time and the value of N, thereby monitoring system messages on the first time domain resource.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first time-domain resource is [t1+N×T1+offset1]; where t1 is the first time, T1 is the first period, and offset1 is the first offset.

[0014] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can obtain the start time of the first time domain resource, thereby monitoring system messages on the first time domain resource. Furthermore, the first offset can be pre-set (as defined in the protocol), which can reduce air interface overhead; or it can be sent to the first communication device from the network side, offering greater flexibility.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first paging message indicates a first time-domain resource, including: the first paging message indicates that the first time-domain resource is located in the Mth first cycle after the first moment; wherein, the first cycle is the cycle of the first paging message, or the cycle of the synchronization signal block, the synchronization signal block indicates the first paging timing, and M is a positive integer.

[0016] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can determine the location of the first time domain resource according to the first time and the value of M, thereby monitoring system messages on the first time domain resource.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first time-domain resource is [t1+(M-1)×T1+offset1]; where t1 is the first time, T1 is the first period, and offset1 is the first offset.

[0018] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can obtain the start time of the first time domain resource, thereby monitoring system messages on the first time domain resource. Furthermore, the first offset can be pre-set (as defined in the protocol), which can reduce air interface overhead; or it can be sent to the first communication device from the network side, offering greater flexibility.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first time-domain resource is [t1 + offset2]; where t1 is the first time and offset2 is the second offset.

[0020] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can determine the start time of the first time domain resource according to the first time and the second offset, thereby monitoring system messages on the first time domain resource. Furthermore, the second offset can be pre-set (as defined in the protocol), which can reduce air interface overhead; or it can be sent to the first communication device from the network side, offering greater flexibility.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first moment is the moment when the first paging message is received; or, the first moment is the moment when the first paging message is parsed; or, the first moment is (t5 + offset7), where t5 is the moment when the first paging message is received or the moment when the first paging message is parsed, and offset7 is the time domain offset.

[0022] Based on the above implementation method, the first communication device can determine the time domain location at the first moment, and then determine the first time domain resource based on the first moment.

[0023] In one possible implementation, monitoring system messages at the first paging time includes: monitoring system messages at the first paging time and second paging messages.

[0024] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can monitor system messages and second paging messages during the first paging event. If the first communication device receives a system message, it obtains relevant cell configuration information or relevant resource configuration information based on the system message. If the first communication device receives a second paging message, it determines whether the network is paging it based on the second paging message.

[0025] In one possible implementation, if system messages are monitored at the first paging time, the method further includes: determining a second paging time; and monitoring a second paging message at the second paging time.

[0026] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can monitor system messages at some paging times (such as the first paging time) and monitor paging messages at some paging times (such as the second paging time), thereby enabling the first communication device to partially monitor system messages and partially monitor paging messages at paging times.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first information, the first information indicating one or more of the following: a paging timing period, a third offset, or a first time-domain relationship; the third offset being the offset of the first paging timing relative to the time-domain resource carrying the first information, the first time-domain relationship being the relationship between a first PO and a second period, and the second period being the period of the first information; determining the first paging timing. The first paging timing is determined based on the first information.

[0028] Based on the above implementation method, the first communication device can determine the first paging opportunity according to the first information.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the first time-domain relationship includes: the first paging opportunity is located P second cycles after the second time point, where P is a non-negative integer.

[0030] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can determine the location of the first paging opportunity according to the second time and the value of P, thereby monitoring system messages or the first paging message at the first paging opportunity.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first paging opportunity is [t2+P×T2+offset3]; where t2 is the second time, T2 is the second period, and offset3 is the fourth offset.

[0032] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can determine the start time of the first paging opportunity according to the above relationship, thereby monitoring system messages or the first paging message at the first paging opportunity. Furthermore, the fourth offset can be pre-set (as defined in the protocol), which can reduce air interface overhead; or it can be sent to the first communication device from the network side, offering greater flexibility.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the first time-domain relationship includes: the first paging opportunity is located in the Qth second cycle after the second time point, where Q is a positive integer.

[0034] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can determine the location of the first paging opportunity according to the second time and the value of Q, thereby monitoring system messages or the first paging message at the first paging opportunity.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first paging opportunity is [t2+(Q-1)×T2+offset3]; where t2 is the second time, T2 is the second period, and offset3 is the fourth offset.

[0036] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can determine the start time of the first paging opportunity according to the above relationship, thereby monitoring system messages or the first paging message at the first paging opportunity. Furthermore, the fourth offset can be pre-set (as defined in the protocol), which can reduce air interface overhead; or it can be sent to the first communication device from the network side, offering greater flexibility.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the second moment is the moment when the first information is received; or, the second moment is the moment when the first information is parsed; or, the second moment is a preset moment.

[0038] Based on the above implementation method, the first communication device can determine the time domain position at the second moment, and thus determine the first paging timing by combining the first time domain relationship.

[0039] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to the network side, such as a second communication device, a module in the second communication device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second communication device. The second communication device is an access network node or a reader / writer, etc.

[0040] Taking the application of this method to a second communication device as an example, the method includes: determining a first paging timing; and sending a system message at the first paging timing.

[0041] Based on the above method, the device monitoring system messages (such as the first communication device) can monitor system messages at the first paging time. Therefore, the first communication device does not need to determine the current SFN and calculate the temporal location of the system message based on the system frame number information carried in the SSB, but instead reuses the location of the paging resources to monitor the system message. Thus, the above method is applicable to communication scenarios with low terminal complexity. Furthermore, since the first communication device does not rely on the system frame number information carried in the SSB when determining the temporal resources of the system message, the above method is also applicable to communication scenarios with limited SSB capacity (such as those that do not carry system frame number information or carry only partial system frame number information).

[0042] Alternatively, taking the method applied to a second communication device as an example, the method includes: determining a first paging timing; sending a first paging message at the first paging timing; and sending a system message on a first time-domain resource. The first paging message indicates the first time-domain resource.

[0043] Based on the above method, a device monitoring system messages (such as a first communication device) can obtain the time-domain resources (i.e., the first time-domain resources) of the system messages according to the indication of the first paging message, and thus monitor the system messages on those time-domain resources. In other words, when determining the first time-domain resources, the first communication device does not need to determine the current SFN and calculate the time-domain position of the system messages based on the system frame number information carried in the SSB. Therefore, the above method is applicable to communication scenarios with low terminal complexity. In addition, the first communication device does not rely on the system frame number information carried in the SSB when determining the time-domain resources of the system messages. Therefore, the above method is also applicable to communication scenarios with limited SSB capacity (such as not carrying system frame number information, or carrying partial information of the system frame number).

[0044] In one possible implementation, the first paging message indicates a first time-domain resource, including: the first paging message indicates that the first time-domain resource is located N first cycles after a first moment; wherein the first cycle is the cycle of the first paging message, or the cycle of a synchronization signal block, the synchronization signal block indicating the first paging timing, and N is a non-negative integer.

[0045] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can determine the location of the first time domain resource according to the first time and the value of N, thereby monitoring system messages on the first time domain resource.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first time-domain resource is [t1+N×T1+offset1]; where t1 is the first time, T1 is the first period, and offset1 is the first offset.

[0047] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can learn the start time of the first time domain resource, and thus send system messages on the first time domain resource. Furthermore, the first offset can be pre-set (as defined in the protocol), which can reduce air interface overhead; or it can be sent to the first communication device from the network side, offering greater flexibility.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the first paging message indicates a first time-domain resource, including: the first paging message indicates that the first time-domain resource is located in the Mth first cycle after the first moment; wherein, the first cycle is the cycle of the first paging message, or the cycle of the synchronization signal block, the synchronization signal block indicates the first paging timing, and M is a positive integer.

[0049] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can determine the location of the first time domain resource according to the first time and the value of M, thereby monitoring system messages on the first time domain resource.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first time-domain resource is [t1+(M-1)×T1+offset1]; where t1 is the first time, T1 is the first period, and offset1 is the first offset.

[0051] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can learn the start time of the first time domain resource, and thus send system messages on the first time domain resource. In addition, the first offset can be preset (as defined in the protocol), which can reduce air interface overhead; or it can be sent to the first communication device by the network side, which is more flexible.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first time-domain resource is [t1 + offset2]; where t1 is the first time and offset2 is the second offset.

[0053] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can learn the start time of the first time domain resource, and thus send system messages on the first time domain resource. Furthermore, the second offset can be pre-set (as defined in the protocol), which can reduce air interface overhead; or it can be sent to the first communication device from the network side, providing greater flexibility.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the first moment is the moment when the first paging message is received; or, the first moment is the moment when the first paging message is parsed; or, the first moment is (t5 + offset7), where t5 is the moment when the first paging message is received or the moment when the first paging message is parsed, and offset7 is the time domain offset.

[0055] Based on the above implementation method, the first communication device can determine the time domain location at the first moment, and then determine the first time domain resource based on the first moment.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending first information, the first information indicating one or more of the following: the period of paging timing, a third offset, or a first time domain relationship; the third offset is the offset of the first paging timing relative to the time domain resource carrying the first information, the first time domain relationship is the relationship between the first PO and the second period, and the second period is the period of the first information.

[0057] Based on the above implementation method, the first communication device can determine the first paging opportunity according to the first information.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the first time-domain relationship includes: the first paging opportunity is located P second cycles after the second time point, where P is a non-negative integer.

[0059] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can determine the location of the first paging opportunity according to the second time and the value of P, thereby monitoring system messages or the first paging message at the first paging opportunity.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first paging opportunity is [t2+P×T2+offset3]; where t2 is the second time, T2 is the second period, and offset3 is the fourth offset.

[0061] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can determine the start time of the first paging opportunity according to the aforementioned relationship, thereby monitoring system messages or the first paging message at the first paging opportunity. Furthermore, the fourth offset can be pre-set (as defined in the protocol), which can reduce air interface overhead; or it can be sent to the first communication device from the network side, offering greater flexibility.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the first time-domain relationship includes: the first paging opportunity is located in the Qth second cycle after the second time point, where Q is a positive integer.

[0063] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can determine the position of the first paging opportunity according to the second time and the value of Q, thereby monitoring system messages or the first paging message at the first paging opportunity.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first paging opportunity is [t2+(Q-1)×T2+offset3]; where t2 is the second time, T2 is the second period, and offset3 is the fourth offset.

[0065] Based on the above implementation, the first communication device can determine the start time of the first paging opportunity according to the aforementioned relationship, thereby monitoring system messages or the first paging message at the first paging opportunity. Furthermore, the fourth offset can be pre-set (as defined in the protocol), which can reduce air interface overhead; or it can be sent to the first communication device from the network side, offering greater flexibility.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the second moment is the moment when the first information is received; or, the second moment is the moment when the first information is parsed; or, the second moment is a preset moment.

[0067] Based on the above implementation method, the first communication device can determine the time domain position at the second moment, and thus determine the first paging opportunity by combining the first time domain relationship.

[0068] Thirdly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the first aspect. This communication device can be the first communication device described in the first aspect, a module within the first communication device, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0070] In one possible implementation, a processing module is used to determine a first paging timing; a communication module is used to monitor system messages at the first paging timing. Alternatively, the processing module is used to determine a first paging timing; the communication module is used to monitor a first paging message at the first paging timing and to monitor system messages on a first time-domain resource; wherein the first paging message indicates the first time-domain resource.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the first paging message indicates the first time-domain resource, including: the first paging message indicates that the first time-domain resource is located after N first cycles after a first moment; wherein the first cycle is the cycle of the first paging message, or the cycle of a synchronization signal block, the synchronization signal block indicating the first paging timing, and N is a non-negative integer.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first time-domain resource is [t1+N×T1+offset1]; where t1 is the first time, T1 is the first period, and offset1 is the first offset.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the first paging message indicates the first time-domain resource, including: the first paging message indicates that the first time-domain resource is located in the Mth first cycle after the first moment; wherein, the first cycle is the cycle of the first paging message, or the cycle of a synchronization signal block, the synchronization signal block indicating the first paging timing, and M is a positive integer.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first time-domain resource is [t1+(M-1)×T1+offset1]; where t1 is the first time, T1 is the first period, and offset1 is the first offset.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first time-domain resource is [t1+offset2]; where t1 is the first time and offset2 is the second offset.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the first moment is the moment when the first paging message is received; or, the first moment is the moment when the first paging message is parsed; or, the first moment is (t5+offset7), where t5 is the moment when the first paging message is received or the moment when the first paging message is parsed, and offset7 is the time domain offset.

[0077] In one possible implementation, the communication module is specifically used to monitor system messages and second paging messages at the first paging time.

[0078] In one possible implementation, while the communication module is used to monitor system messages at the first paging time, the processing module is also used to determine the second paging time; the communication module is also used to monitor the second paging message at the second paging time.

[0079] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive first information indicating one or more of the following: the period of the paging timing, a third offset, or a first time-domain relationship; the third offset is the offset of the first paging timing relative to the time-domain resource carrying the first information, the first time-domain relationship is the relationship between the first PO and a second period, and the second period is the period of the first information; the processing module is specifically configured to determine the first paging timing based on the first information.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the first time-domain relationship includes: the first paging opportunity is located P second cycles after the second time point, where P is a non-negative integer.

[0081] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first paging opportunity is [t2+P×T2+offset3]; where t2 is the second time, T2 is the second period, and offset3 is the fourth offset.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the first time-domain relationship includes: the first paging opportunity is located in the Qth second cycle after the second time point, where Q is a positive integer.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first paging opportunity is [t2+(Q-1)×T2+offset3]; where t2 is the second time, T2 is the second period, and offset3 is the fourth offset.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the second moment is the moment when the first information is received; or, the second moment is the moment when the first information is parsed; or, the second moment is a preset moment.

[0085] Fourthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the second aspect above. This communication device can be the second communication device described in the second aspect, a module within the second communication device, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device. The communication device includes modules, units, or means that implement the method described above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0086] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0087] In one possible implementation, a processing module is used to determine a first paging timing; a communication module is used to send a system message at the first paging timing. Alternatively, the processing module is used to determine a first paging timing; the communication module is used to send a first paging message at the first paging timing and send a system message on a first time domain resource; wherein the first paging message indicates the first time domain resource.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the first paging message indicates the first time-domain resource, including: the first paging message indicates that the first time-domain resource is located after N first cycles after a first moment; wherein the first cycle is the cycle of the first paging message, or the cycle of a synchronization signal block, the synchronization signal block indicating the first paging timing, and N is a non-negative integer.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first time-domain resource is [t1+N×T1+offset1]; where t1 is the first time, T1 is the first period, and offset1 is the first offset.

[0090] In one possible implementation, the first paging message indicates the first time-domain resource, including: the first paging message indicates that the first time-domain resource is located in the Mth first cycle after the first moment; wherein, the first cycle is the cycle of the first paging message, or the cycle of a synchronization signal block, the synchronization signal block indicating the first paging timing, and M is a positive integer.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first time-domain resource is [t1+(M-1)×T1+offset1]; where t1 is the first time, T1 is the first period, and offset1 is the first offset.

[0092] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first time-domain resource is [t1+offset2]; where t1 is the first time and offset2 is the second offset.

[0093] In one possible implementation, the first moment is the moment the first paging message is received; or, the first moment is the moment the first paging message is parsed; or, the first moment is a preset moment.

[0094] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to send first information indicating one or more of the following: the period of paging timing, a third offset, or a first time-domain relationship; the third offset being the offset of the first paging timing relative to the time-domain resource carrying the first information, the first time-domain relationship being the relationship between the first PO and a second period, and the second period being the period of the first information.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the first time-domain relationship includes: the first paging opportunity is located P second cycles after the second time point, where P is a non-negative integer.

[0096] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first paging opportunity is [t2+P×T2+offset3]; where t2 is the second time, T2 is the second period, and offset3 is the fourth offset.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the first time-domain relationship includes: the first paging opportunity is located in the Qth second cycle after the second time point, where Q is a positive integer.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the starting time of the first paging opportunity is [t2+(Q-1)×T2+offset3]; where t2 is the second time, T2 is the second period, and offset3 is the fourth offset.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the second moment is the moment when the first information is received; or, the second moment is the moment when the first information is parsed; or, the second moment is (t5+offset7), where t5 is the moment when the first paging message is received or the moment when the first paging message is parsed, and offset7 is the time domain offset.

[0100] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects by executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, and / or by means of logic circuitry. The communication device may be a first communication device as described in the first aspect, a module of a first communication device, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device; or, the communication device may be a second communication device as described in the second aspect, a module of a second communication device, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device.

[0101] In one possible implementation, the number of the aforementioned processors can be one or more.

[0102] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory. The processor and memory are integrated together; alternatively, the memory is independent of the processor.

[0103] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0104] In one possible implementation, the processor and / or memory also include an artificial intelligence (AI) module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC) module. The AI ​​module could be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0106] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is configured to receive a computer program or instructions and transmit them to the processor; the processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects. The communication device may be a first communication device as described in the first aspect, a module of a first communication device, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device; or, the communication device may be a second communication device as described in the second aspect, a module of a second communication device, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device.

[0107] In one possible implementation, the number of the aforementioned processors can be one or more.

[0108] In one possible implementation, the processor also includes an AI module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. The AI ​​module could be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0109] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0110] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0111] Eighthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0112] Ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising one or more of the following: a first communication device for performing the method described in the first aspect, or a second communication device for performing the method described in the second aspect.

[0113] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspects three through nine can be found in the technical effects of any one of aspects one through two or different possible implementations of any one of aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0114] Understandably, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other, the solutions in the above aspects can be combined. Attached Figure Description

[0115] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the AIoT network architecture provided in this application;

[0116] Figure 1B A schematic diagram of the AIoT network architecture provided in this application Figure 2 ;

[0117] Figure 1C A schematic diagram of the AIoT network architecture provided in this application Figure 3 ;

[0118] Figure 1D A schematic diagram of the AIoT network architecture provided in this application Figure 4 ;

[0119] Figure 1E Five schematic diagrams illustrating the network architecture of AIoT provided in this application;

[0120] Figure 1F A schematic diagram of the paging cycle, paging frame (PF), and paging occasion (PO) provided in this application;

[0121] Figure 2A schematic diagram of the communication system architecture provided in this application;

[0122] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the network architecture of the open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN) provided in this application;

[0123] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application;

[0124] Figure 5A A schematic diagram of the time-domain resources provided for this application;

[0125] Figure 5B Illustration of the time-domain resources provided for this application Figure 2 ;

[0126] Figure 5C Illustration of the time-domain resources provided for this application Figure 3 ;

[0127] Figure 6 Flowchart of the communication method provided in this application Figure 2 ;

[0128] Figure 7A Schematic diagram of the time-domain resources provided for this application Figure 4 ;

[0129] Figure 7B Schematic diagram five of the time-domain resources provided for this application;

[0130] Figure 7C Illustration of the time-domain resources provided for this application Figure 6 ;

[0131] Figure 7D Schematic diagram seven of the time-domain resources provided for this application;

[0132] Figure 8 Block diagram of the communication device provided in this application;

[0133] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0134] Before introducing the technical solution of this application, the relevant technical terms involved in this application are explained. It is understood that these explanations are intended to make this application easier to understand and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0135] 1. Access network node

[0136] The access network node in this application can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, which helps terminals achieve wireless access. An access network node is, for example, a node in a RAN or an ORAN. An access network node can also be referred to as an access network device, RAN entity, RAN node, access node, or network device, etc. Access network nodes include, but are not limited to: evolved base stations (NodeBs, eNBs, or e-NodeBs) in Long Term Evolution (LTE), evolved base stations (ng-eNBs) in Next Generation LTE, base stations (gNodeBs or gNBs) in New Radio (NR), transmitting points (TPs) or transmission receiving / reception points (TRPs), base stations in subsequent 3GPP evolutions, base stations in future mobile communication systems, satellites, access points (APs) in Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) systems, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved NodeBs or home Node Bs, HNBs), and non-terrestrial mobile switching center networks. Network devices in a network (NTN) communication system can be deployed on low-altitude platforms, high-altitude platforms, or satellites. Base stations can be macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small stations, relay stations, or balloon stations, etc. Multiple base stations can support networks using the same technology mentioned above, or networks using different technologies. A base station can contain one or more co-located or non-co-located TRPs. Access network nodes can also be devices that function as base stations in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Access network nodes can also be radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios.Access network nodes can also be centralized units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), radio units (RUs), roadside units (RSUs) with base station functionality, wired access gateways, or core network elements. Access network nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, machine-to-everything (M2X) devices, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the access network node can be an RSU. The following explanation uses a base station as an example. Multiple access network nodes can be base stations of the same type or different types. A base station can communicate with a terminal or with a terminal via a relay station. A terminal can communicate with multiple base stations using different technologies; for example, a terminal can communicate with a base station supporting LTE networks, a base station supporting 5G networks, or even support dual connections with both LTE and 5G base stations.

[0137] In this application, the CU can implement the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer in the 3GPP standard. The CU can also implement the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer. The DU can implement the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer in the 3GPP standard. The DU can also implement some or all physical layer functions, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception functions. The CU and DU can be set up separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as in the baseband unit (BBU). It is understood that the CU can be classified as a network device in the access network or a network device in the core network; no limitation is made here. Furthermore, the CU can be further divided into CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP can implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer. CU-UP can implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0138] In this application, the RU can be included in a radio frequency (RF) device or RF unit, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). The RU can implement some physical layer functions and RF functions in the 3GPP standard. The physical layer functions implemented by the RU include one or more of the following: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH).

[0139] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0140] 2. Terminal

[0141] The terminal in this application can be an access network node and a device or module with corresponding communication functions. The terminal can be deployed on land, including indoors, outdoors, handheld, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as ships); and it can be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The terminal can also be called a terminal device, which can be user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), or a device used to provide voice or data connectivity to users. The UE includes handheld devices with wireless communication functions, vehicle-mounted devices (e.g., cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains), wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers), or computing devices. For example, the UE can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA, mobile internet device (MID), satellite terminal, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. UE can also be a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless modem, a point-of-sale (POS) machine, customer-premises equipment (CPE), a smart robot, a robotic arm, workshop equipment, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in autonomous driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in intelligent transportation, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, an in-vehicle terminal, an RSU with terminal functionality, or flying equipment (e.g., a smart robot, a hot air balloon, a drone, an airplane), etc. A terminal can also be other devices with terminal functionality; for example, a terminal can also be a device that performs terminal functionality in D2D communication.

[0142] In this application, the terminal can be a terminal in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. 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 of human-machine interconnection and machine-to-machine interconnection. The terminal in this application can be a terminal in machine-type communication (MTC).

[0143] Understandably, in some scenarios, the roles of access network nodes and terminals are relative. For example, a helicopter or drone, which is usually configured as a terminal, can also be configured as a mobile base station, and devices accessing the RAN via a helicopter or drone are configured as terminals.

[0144] 3. AIoT

[0145] With the development of communication technology, 3GPP has defined AIoT-related technologies. AIoT includes readers and AIoT devices. Readers and AIoT devices can communicate without contact, such as through passive radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, enabling readers to read information from AIoT devices and / or write information to be stored into AIoT devices.

[0146] A reader / writer is a handheld or fixed device that reads (and sometimes writes) information from AIoT devices. Readers / writers can also be called card readers, reading / writing devices, or network devices. They can take the form of a head unit, a positioning reference unit (pRU), a TRP, a relay node, or a smart repeater node—a node that transmits signals—or a device with read / write capabilities. An AIoT device is a terminal-side device, also known as a tag / label, electronic tag, device, RFID device, Class I terminal device, AIoT terminal, AIoT terminal device, AIoT device, IoT device, low-power IoT terminal, ultra-low-power IoT terminal, low-complexity IoT terminal, or extremely low-complexity IoT terminal, etc.

[0147] AIoT devices can be passive, active, or semi-passive. For example, AIoT devices can be categorized into three types: device A, device B, and device C. Device A, similar to a passive tag, has no energy storage and cannot independently generate or amplify signals; it uses backscattering to transmit signals. Device B, similar to a semi-passive tag, has energy storage but cannot independently generate signals; it uses backscattering to transmit signals, and the energy stored in device B can amplify the reflected signal. Device C, similar to an active tag, has energy storage, can independently generate signals, and has active radio frequency components for transmission.

[0148] AIoT applications can include one or more of the following: logistics, warehousing, industrial manufacturing, identity recognition, or environmental monitoring. AIoT services can include one or more of the following: inventory, location, sensing, or command.

[0149] The process involves several key elements: inventory management, which utilizes readers to connect AIoT devices within the coverage area. Successfully connected AIoT devices can send their identifiers to the reader. This identifier is recognizable by the network (e.g., the reader), such as an Electronic Product Code (EPC) in RFID. Positioning refers to using location signals to determine the location information of AIoT devices. Sensing refers to AIoT devices reporting sensor data, such as temperature data, to the reader. Commands are operational instructions, such as write, read, disable, or lock. "Write" means the reader issues a command and data, instructing the AIoT device to write data into its memory. "Lock" means the reader issues a command to the AIoT device to lock a specified address in the memory, making the contents of that memory area unchangeable and / or unreadable.

[0150] AIoT technology can be implemented based on cellular network infrastructure. In other words, both readers and AIoT devices can be devices within cellular networks. For example, the functionality of a reader can be implemented by an access network node within a cellular network, and an AIoT device can be implemented by a terminal (such as an IoT terminal) within a cellular network. Of course, the functionality of a reader can also be implemented by a terminal within a cellular network (such as a more complex terminal or a terminal with higher power consumption). Therefore, a reader can take the form of a terminal (such as a more complex terminal like a mobile phone or tablet) or an access network node, and an AIoT device can also take the form of a terminal (such as an extremely low-power IoT terminal or an extremely low-complexity IoT terminal).

[0151] Understandably, AIoT devices can be located within the coverage area provided by the reader. When the reader is a terminal, the communication between the reader and the AIoT device can be regarded as communication between terminals. When the reader is an access network node, the communication between the reader and the AIoT device is UU interface (i.e., air interface) communication.

[0152] For example, the network architecture of AIoT can be as follows: Figures 1A to 1E As shown.

[0153] exist Figure 1AIn this context, AIoT devices can communicate bidirectionally with access network nodes. Communication between access network nodes and AIoT devices includes AIoT data and / or signaling. For example, access network nodes can send downlink data (or downlink signaling) to AIoT devices, and AIoT devices can send uplink data (or uplink signaling) to access network nodes.

[0154] exist Figure 1B In this context, AIoT devices can communicate bidirectionally with access network nodes through intermediate nodes. These intermediate nodes can be repeaters, IAB nodes, or terminals, etc. The intermediate nodes can transmit AIoT data and / or signaling between the access network nodes and the AIoT devices.

[0155] exist Figure 1C In this context, AIoT devices can send data (or signaling) to access network nodes, and access network nodes can send data (or signaling) to AIoT devices through auxiliary nodes. These auxiliary nodes are also called downlink auxiliary nodes. These auxiliary nodes can be repeaters, IAB nodes, or terminals, etc.

[0156] exist Figure 1D In this system, access network nodes can send data (or signaling) to AIoT devices, and AIoT devices can send data (or signaling) to access network nodes through auxiliary nodes. These auxiliary nodes are also called uplink auxiliary nodes. These auxiliary nodes can be repeaters, IAB nodes, or terminals, etc.

[0157] exist Figure 1E In this context, AIoT devices and terminals can communicate bidirectionally. Communication between terminals and AIoT devices includes AIoT data and / or signaling.

[0158] 4. Paging messages

[0159] Paging messages can be sent to AIoT devices via the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) resource. The PDSCH resource can be indicated to AIoT devices via the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), which is scrambled with a paging radio network temporary identifier (P-RNTI). In other words, AIoT devices can periodically monitor the PDCCH, parse the downlink control information (DCI) to obtain the time-frequency location of the PDSCH, and thus monitor paging messages at that location. The time-domain resource carrying the paging message can be called the PO, and the system frame (also called the radio frame) containing the PO can be called the PF.

[0160] The relationship between paging cycle, PF, and PO can be as follows: Figure 1F As shown, a paging cycle can include (k+1) PFs (such as PF0 to PFk), and a PF (such as PF0) can include at least one PO, where k is 0 or a positive integer. Figure 1F In this context, PF_offset is the offset between the paging cycle and PF0 (i.e., the offset of PF).

[0161] 5. SSB

[0162] In cellular networks, access network nodes periodically transmit SSBs to provide terminals with cell downlink synchronization and basic cell configuration information. The SSBs include primary synchronization signals (PSS), secondary synchronization signals (SSS), and the physical broadcast channel (PBCH). The PBCH can carry the master information block (MIB), which may contain system frame number information.

[0163] When a terminal initially joins the network, it monitors the SSB for downlink synchronization. For example, the terminal blindly checks the PSS to determine symbol timing, thereby locating the time-domain position of the SSS. Combining the PSS and SSS, it calculates the physical cell identifier (PCI) to complete half-frame synchronization. Then, based on the system frame number information in the MIB, it further completes frame synchronization and determines the current SFN. Afterward, the terminal can calculate the time-domain positions of some resources based on the current SFN. For example, if the MIB indicates the existence of a system message (such as System Information Block Type (SIB) 1), the terminal can determine the time-domain resource of the system message based on the current SFN, monitor the system message on that time-domain resource, and receive other system messages (such as SIB2 to SIB9).

[0164] However, in AIoT and related technologies, AIoT devices are relatively low in complexity and cannot accurately determine the current SFN. Therefore, AIoT devices cannot determine the temporal location of system messages using the methods described above.

[0165] To address the above problems, this application provides the following two methods:

[0166] Method 1: The first communication device (terminal-side device) determines the first PO and monitors system messages on the first PO.

[0167] In Method 1, the first communication device can monitor system messages on the first PO. Therefore, the first communication device does not need to determine the current SFN based on the system frame number information carried in the SSB to obtain the temporal resources of the system message. Thus, the above method is applicable to communication scenarios with low terminal complexity. For example, the above method is applicable to AIoT communication scenarios. Method 1 will be explained below. Figure 4 The method is explained in detail in the diagram.

[0168] Method 2: The first communication device (terminal-side device) determines the first PO, monitors the first paging message on the first PO, and monitors system messages on the first time domain resource. The first paging message can indicate the first time domain resource.

[0169] In method 2, the first communication device can obtain the time-domain resources of the system message (i.e., the first time-domain resources) according to the indication of the first paging message. In other words, when determining the first time-domain resources, the first communication device does not need to determine the current SFN based on the system frame number information carried in the SSB. Therefore, the above method can be applied to communication scenarios with low terminal complexity. For example, the above method can be applied to AIoT communication scenarios. Method 2 will be explained below. Figure 6 The method is explained in detail in the diagram.

[0170] Furthermore, for methods 1 and 2 above, the first communication device does not rely on the system frame number information carried in the SSB when determining the time domain resources of the system message. Therefore, the above methods are also applicable to communication scenarios where the SSB capacity is limited (such as not carrying system frame number information, or carrying partial information of the system frame number).

[0171] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0172] The method provided in this application can be used in various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), an LTE system, a 5th generation (5G) communication system, a WiFi system, a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, a 3GPP-related communication system, a communication system evolved after 5G, or a system integrating multiple systems, etc., without limitation. Among them, 5G can also be referred to as NR. The following uses... Figure 2 The method provided in this application will be described using the communication system 20 shown as an example. Figure 2 This is merely an illustrative diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solutions provided in this application.

[0173] like Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the architecture of the communication system 20 provided in this application. Figure 2 In the communication system 20, there are communication devices 201 and one or more communication devices 202 (only one is shown) that are communicatively connected to the communication devices 201.

[0174] Communication device 201 is a network-side device, and communication device 202 is a terminal-side device. For example, communication device 201 is an access network node or a reader / writer, while communication device 202 is a low-complexity terminal, a terminal with limited computing power, or a low-power terminal, such as an AIoT device. The descriptions of access network nodes, readers / writers, and AIoT devices can be found in the preceding text and will not be repeated here.

[0175] In one implementation, the communication system 20 can be applied to Figures 1A to 1E The network architecture is shown. For example, communication device 201 is... Figure 1A The access network node, communication device 202 is Figure 1A AIoT devices in; or, communication device 201 is Figure 1B The access network node, communication device 202 is Figure 1BAIoT devices in; or, communication device 201 is Figure 1C The access network node, communication device 202 is Figure 1C AIoT devices in; or, communication device 201 is Figure 1D The access network node, communication device 202 is Figure 1D AIoT devices in; or, communication device 201 is Figure 1E The access network node to which the terminal is connected ( Figure 1E (Not shown in the image), the communication device 202 is Figure 1E AIoT devices in the world.

[0176] In one implementation, communication system 20 can be applied to an ORAN network architecture. For example, communication system 20 can be applied to... Figure 3 The network architecture shown is illustrated. Figure 3 In this architecture, the CU (Core Unit) can connect to the core network via a backhaul link and to the DU (Distribution Unit) via a midhaul link. The DU can connect to the RU (Remote Utility Unit) via a fronthaul link. Besides connecting to the DU, the RU can also communicate with communication device 202, for example, via an air interface. Furthermore, the CU and DU can be deployed in the BBU (Base Unit). The BBU communicates with the core network via a backhaul link and with the RU via a fronthaul link. The BBU and RU can be co-located or separate. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the deployment of one CU and one DU on a BBU. In practical applications, the number of CUs and / or DUs deployed on a BBU can be greater than one, without limitation. Furthermore, CUs, DUs, and RUs can all be deployed on the RAN. The core network manages users, data transmission, and access network node configurations. The core network can include one or more network elements, such as access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, or user plane function (UPF) network elements. It is understood that communication device 201 can be... Figure 3 The CU, DU, RU, or BBU in the model name.

[0177] Understandable. Figure 2The communication system 20 shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in specific implementations, the communication system 20 may also include other devices, and the number of communication devices can be determined according to specific needs without limitation. Furthermore, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0178] Optionally, this application Figure 2 The communication device 201 or the communication device 202 can be a general-purpose device or a special-purpose device, and this application does not make any specific limitation in this regard.

[0179] Optionally, this application Figure 2 The relevant functions of the communication device 201 or communication device 202 can be implemented by one device, multiple devices working together, or one or more functional modules within a single device; this application does not impose specific limitations in this regard. It is understood that the aforementioned functions can be network elements within hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0180] The method provided in this application will be described below using the example of communication device 201 being an access network node and communication device 202 being an AIoT device.

[0181] It is understood that in this application, access network nodes and / or AIoT devices may perform some or all of the steps in this application. These steps are merely examples, and this application may also perform other steps or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in this application, and it is not necessary to perform all the steps in this application.

[0182] It is understood that the methods described below in this application are illustrated using access network nodes and AIoT devices as the execution subjects of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the access network node in this application can also be implemented by modules (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems) in the access network node, or by logic nodes, logic modules, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network node; similarly, the method executed by the AIoT device in this application can also be implemented by modules (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems) in the AIoT device, or by logic nodes, logic modules, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the AIoT device.

[0183] like Figure 4 The image shows a communication method provided in this application, which may include the following steps:

[0184] S401: Access network nodes and AIoT devices determine the first PO.

[0185] In this application, the first PO may include at least one time unit. A time unit may include a continuous temporal resource, such as one or more symbols, one or more slots, or one or more subframes.

[0186] One possible design is that the points of interest (POs) are arranged periodically in the time domain, with the first PO being any PO in the time domain. Figure 1F Taking the PO shown as an example, the first PO can be any PO in any PF within any paging cycle. The PO in this application (such as the first PO or the second PO in the following embodiments) can be a PO defined by the current protocol, or it can be a new paging resource introduced with the evolution of communication technology. The length of the PO in this application (such as the first PO or the second PO in the following embodiments) can be predefined or configured by the network side.

[0187] In one implementation, the first PO is indicated to the AIoT device by the access network node. For example, the access network node sends first information to the AIoT device, and after receiving the first information, the AIoT device determines the first PO based on the first information. The first information may indicate one or more of the following: the period of the PO, a third offset, or a first time-domain relationship. Furthermore, the way the access network node determines the first PO depends on the implementation of the access network node; for example, the access network node may allocate resources for the PO according to the protocol's provisions on POs (such as the period or offset of the PO specified in the protocol). Afterwards, the access network node may send the first information to the AIoT device.

[0188] Understandably, given the period of the first information indicating the PO, the AIoT device can determine the period of the PO and identify the first PO accordingly. The period of the PO can be as follows: Figure 5A As shown. Furthermore, AIoT devices can acquire a second moment (such as...). Figure 5A (at time t2) and the fifth offset (e.g.) Figure 5A The starting time of the PO (e.g., t2 + offset4) is determined based on the second and fifth offsets. From this starting time, the first PO is determined according to the period of the PO. For example, the first PO is... Figure 5A The first PO, second PO, third PO, or fourth PO, etc.

[0189] In this application, the second time point is earlier than the start time of the PO. For example, the second time point may be the time when the first information is received (e.g., the time when the AIoT device receives the first information), or the time when the first information is parsed (e.g., the time when the AIoT device completes parsing the first information), or a preset time point (e.g., a time point defined in the protocol). Taking a preset time point as an example, the second time point is (t3 + offset5), where t3 is the time when the first information is received, or the time when the first information is parsed, etc., and offset5 is a time-domain offset. offset4 or offset5 is preset (e.g., defined in the protocol), or determined by the access network node and sent to the AIoT device.

[0190] In this application, the third offset is the offset of the first PO relative to the second time-domain resource. The second time-domain resource is the time-domain resource carrying the first information, and it may include at least one time unit. For example, the third offset is the offset between the start time of the first PO and the end time of the second time-domain resource, or the third offset is the offset between the start time of the first PO and the start time of the second time-domain resource. The start time of the second time-domain resource can be understood as the time when the first information is received. The end time of the second time-domain resource can be understood as the time when the first information is parsed, etc. The third offset and the fifth offset can be the same or different, without limitation.

[0191] Understandably, given the first information indicating the third offset, the AIoT device can determine the start time of the first PO based on the temporal location of the second temporal resource and the third offset. For example, as... Figure 5B As shown, the start time of the first PO is (t4 + offset6), t4 is the end time of the second time domain resource, and offset6 is the third offset.

[0192] Understandably, given the period of the first information indicating the PO and the third offset, the AIoT device can determine the start time of the PO based on the time-domain location of the second time-domain resource and the third offset, and determine the first PO according to the PO's period starting from the start time of the PO. For example, as... Figure 5A As shown, the starting time of PO is (t2 + offset4), where t2 is the time when the first information is parsed and offset4 is the third offset. The first PO is... Figure 5A The first PO, second PO, third PO, or fourth PO, etc.

[0193] In this application, the first time-domain relationship is the relationship between the first PO and the second period, where the second period is the period of the first information (i.e., the transmission period of the first information, or the period of the second time-domain resource). For example, the first time-domain relationship can indicate which second period the first PO is located in. This application illustrates this with the following two design examples.

[0194] Design A: The first time-domain relationship includes the first PO occurring P times after the second time point, where P is a non-negative integer. The starting time of the first PO can be [t2 + P × T2 + offset3]. Here, t2 is the second time point, T2 is the second period, and offset3 is the fourth offset.

[0195] For example, such as Figure 5C As shown, if the AIoT device receives the first first message, indicating that the first PO is located two second cycles after the second time (i.e., P=2), the second time is t2a. Therefore, the AIoT device can determine that the start time of the first PO is [t2a+2×T2+offset3]. If the AIoT device receives the second first message, indicating that the first PO is located one second cycle after the second time (i.e., P=1), the second time is t2b. Therefore, the AIoT device can determine that the start time of the first PO is [t2b+T2+offset3]. If the AIoT device receives the third first message, indicating that the first PO is located zero second cycles after the second time (i.e., P=0), the second time is t2c. Therefore, the AIoT device can determine that the start time of the first PO is [t2c+offset3].

[0196] Design B: The first time-domain relationship includes the first PO being located in the Qth second period after the second time point, where Q is a positive integer, Q = P + 1. The starting time of the first PO can be [t2 + (Q - 1) × T2 + offset3]. Here, t2 is the second time point, T2 is the second period, and offset3 is the fourth offset.

[0197] For example, such as Figure 5CAs shown, if the AIoT device receives the first first message, which indicates that the first PO is located in the third second cycle after the second time (i.e., Q = 3), the second time is t2a. Therefore, the AIoT device can determine that the start time of the first PO is [t2a + (3-1) × T2 + offset3]. If the AIoT device receives the second first message, which indicates that the first PO is located in the second second cycle after the second time (i.e., Q = 2), the second time is t2b. Therefore, the AIoT device can determine that the start time of the first PO is [t2b + (2-1) × T2 + offset3]. If the AIoT device receives the third first message, which indicates that the first PO is located in the first second cycle after the second time (i.e., Q = 1), the second time is t2c. Therefore, the AIoT device can determine that the start time of the first PO is [t2c + (1-1) × T2 + offset3].

[0198] For designs A and B above, if the AIoT device receives... Figure 5C If the AIoT device receives the first piece of information in the first cycle, it only needs to count the second cycle and does not need to monitor / receive / parse the second or third piece of information. Similarly, if the AIoT device receives... Figure 5C If the second piece of information is obtained, then the AIoT device only needs to count the second cycle and no longer needs to monitor / receive / parse the third piece of information.

[0199] Understandably, to indicate the first time-domain relationship, the first information can carry the value of P or the value of Q. Furthermore, the period of PO, the third offset, and the value of P (or the value of Q) can be carried in different fields of the first information, or in the same field, without restriction.

[0200] For example, taking the first information carrying the value of P as an example, if the period of PO is 4 times the second period, that is, the maximum value of P is 3 (such as the value of P being 0, 1, 2 or 3), then the first information may include 2 bits to indicate the corresponding P value in different second periods. If the period of PO is 8 times the second period, that is, the maximum value of P is 7 (such as the value range of P being 0 to 7), then the first information may include 3 bits to indicate the corresponding P value in different second periods.

[0201] For example, taking the first information carrying the value of Q as an example, if the period of PO is 4 times the second period, that is, the maximum value of Q is 4 (such as Q taking the value 1, 2, 3, or 4), then the first information may include 2 bits to indicate the corresponding Q value in different second periods. If the period of PO is 8 times the second period, that is, the maximum value of Q is 8 (such as Q taking the value range 1 to 8), then the first information may include 3 bits to indicate the corresponding Q value in different second periods.

[0202] In this application, the fourth offset is pre-set (as defined in the protocol) or determined by the access network node and sent to the AIoT device. For example, the fourth offset may be carried in the first information. The fourth offset and the third offset may be the same or different, without limitation.

[0203] Any offset or value in this application, such as the third, fifth, and fourth offsets mentioned above, as well as the first and second offsets mentioned below, may be greater than or equal to 0. This is a unified explanation here and will not be repeated later.

[0204] In summary, when the first information includes the period of the PO, the AIoT device can determine the location of the first PO by combining the fifth offset and the period. When the first information includes the third offset, the AIoT device can determine the location of the first PO based on the time-domain location of the second time-domain resource and the third offset. When the first information includes the period of the PO and the third offset, the AIoT device can determine the location of the first PO based on the time-domain location of the second time-domain resource, the third offset, and the period. When the first information includes the value of P or the value of Q, the AIoT device can count the second period to determine the location of the first PO. Therefore, it is evident that the AIoT device does not rely on system frame number information when determining the first PO, making the above method applicable to communication scenarios with limited SSB capacity. Furthermore, compared to the cellular network approach where the terminal first performs downlink synchronization to obtain the current SFN and then calculates the time-domain resource location based on the current SFN, the above method simplifies terminal-side operations and reduces terminal-side complexity. Therefore, the above method for determining the first PO is applicable to terminals with low complexity, limited computing power, or low-power consumption.

[0205] Understandably, the first information can also be sent periodically, provided that the first information indicates the period of PO and / or the third offset. The content of the first information can be the same in different second periods. However, if the first information indicates a first time-domain relationship, the content of the first information differs in different second periods, meaning the value of P (or the value of Q) differs.

[0206] Optionally, the period of the PO is an integer multiple of the second period to avoid collisions between the PO and the second time domain resources.

[0207] Optionally, the initial information is carried in the SSB. The SSB here can also be replaced with an Ambient IoT SSB (A-SSB).

[0208] For example, an access network node sends a synchronization signal to an AIoT device, and the AIoT device receives the synchronization signal from the access network node. The synchronization signal carries first information, which can be a PSS or SSS. Alternatively, the access network node sends a MIB to the AIoT device, and the AIoT device receives the MIB from the access network node, with the MIB carrying the first information.

[0209] Understandably, when the first information is carried in the SSB, the second period is the SSB period, and the second time domain resource is the SSB resource.

[0210] Understandably, when the first information is carried in the SSB, for designs A and B above, if the AIoT device receives... Figure 5C If the first piece of information (i.e., the first SSB) is received, the AIoT device can continue monitoring for the second piece of information (i.e., the second SSB) and the third piece of information (i.e., the third SSB) as needed. Similarly, if the AIoT device receives... Figure 5C If the AIoT device receives the second first piece of information (i.e., the second SSB), it can continue monitoring a third piece of first information (i.e., the third SSB) as needed. For example, if an AIoT device cannot complete network access based on one SSB, it can continue monitoring subsequent SSBs. Optionally, the AIoT device may not parse the first piece of information for subsequent SSBs. That is, the AIoT device can complete network access based on subsequent SSBs, but will no longer determine the first PO.

[0211] Optionally, if the first information is carried in a synchronization signal, the second time point can also be the time when the synchronization signal is received, or the time when the synchronization signal is parsed. If the first information is carried in a MIB, the second time point can also be the time when the MIB is received, or the time when the MIB is parsed.

[0212] exist Figure 4In the method shown, the value of any offset (such as any one of offset3 to offset6) can be set as needed. For example, the value of the offset can be set according to the SSB period. Taking an SSB period of 320 milliseconds (ms) as an example, when the first information indicates the first time domain relationship, the first PO and the SSB resource can be spaced (P×320) ms apart, and the fourth offset can be 10 ms or 20 ms, etc.

[0213] Understandably, in the ORAN architecture, the CU can send an SSB carrying initial information to the DU, which then periodically broadcasts the SSB. Alternatively, the CU can send an SSB without initial information to the DU, which, upon receiving the SSB, adds the initial information to the SSB and periodically broadcasts it to AIoT devices.

[0214] Understandably, the content indicated by the first information can also be pre-set, such as as defined in the protocol. In this case, the SSB may not carry the first information. After receiving the SSB, the AIoT device determines the first PO based on one or more of the period of the PO, the third offset, or the first time-domain relationship specified in the protocol.

[0215] S402: The access network node sends a system message on the first PO. Correspondingly, the AIoT device monitors the system message on the first PO.

[0216] In this application, "monitoring" can be replaced with "detection" or "reception," etc. System messages can be SIB messages, such as SIB1. After receiving a system message, the AIoT device can obtain relevant configuration information or resource configuration information of the cell based on the system message. For example, the AIoT device can obtain cell list information based on the system message.

[0217] Understandably, using the above method, AIoT devices can monitor system messages on the first point of sale (PO). Therefore, AIoT devices do not need to determine the current SFN based on the system frame number information carried in the SSB to obtain the temporal resources of the system message. Compared with the scheme in cellular networks where the terminal first performs downlink synchronization to obtain the current SFN and then calculates the temporal resource location based on the current SFN, this method simplifies the terminal-side operation and reduces the complexity of the terminal side. Therefore, the above method can be applied to terminals with low complexity, terminals with limited computing power, or low-power terminals. Furthermore, since AIoT devices do not rely on the system frame number information carried in the SSB when determining the temporal resources of the system message, the above method can be applied to communication scenarios where the SSB capacity is limited. For example, the above method can be applied to scenarios where the SSB does not carry system frame number information, or scenarios where the SSB carries partial system frame number information.

[0218] Optionally, the AIoT device can determine a second PO (different from the first PO) and monitor the second paging message on the second PO to determine whether the access network node is paging itself. If the access network node is paging itself, the AIoT device can establish a connection with the access network node, such as by initiating a random access procedure to access the access network node. In other words, the access network node can use some POs (such as the first PO) to send system messages and use some POs (such as the second PO) to send the second paging message. The way the AIoT device determines the second PO is similar to the way it determines the first PO, and can be referred to the corresponding description in S401. Furthermore, in the time domain, the second PO can be earlier or later than the first PO, without restriction.

[0219] Understandably, the access network node is the sender of system messages, so it knows exactly which PO (Point of Purchase) to send paging messages and which PO to send system messages. To inform AIoT devices of this information, the access network node can send a second message to the AIoT device to indicate the PO carrying the system message. The second and first messages can be carried in the same message (such as an SSB) or in different messages; there are no restrictions.

[0220] For example, the second information includes the index of the PO carrying the system message (such as the first PO); or the second information includes the index of the PO carrying the paging message (such as the second PO); or the second information includes the period of the paging message and / or the period of the system message; or the second information includes the value of Y. Y indicates that there is one paging message every Y system messages, or indicates that there is one system message every Y paging messages. Thus, after receiving the second information, the AIoT device can determine on which PO to receive the paging message and on which PO to receive the system message. For example, Y=1 indicates that every PO, the access network node sends a system message at the location corresponding to the PO. Figure 5A As shown in the diagram, the AIoT device can monitor paging messages on the first and third POs, and system messages on the second and fourth POs, or the AIoT device can monitor system messages on the first and third POs, and paging messages on the second and fourth POs.

[0221] Understandably, the content indicated by the second information can also be pre-set, such as as defined in the protocol. In this case, the access network node does not send the second information. The AIoT device determines on which PO to receive paging messages and on which PO to receive system messages according to the protocol.

[0222] Understandably, in practical applications, AIoT devices may not know whether the message sent on the first PO is a paging message or a system message. For example, the access network node may not send a second message, and the protocol does not specify this. In this case, the AIoT device monitors the system message and the second paging message on the first PO. If the AIoT device receives a system message, it can obtain relevant cell configuration information or resource configuration information based on the system message; if it receives a second paging message, it can determine whether the access network node has paged it based on the second paging message. Similarly, the AIoT device can also monitor the system message and the second paging message on the second PO.

[0223] Optionally, when the SSB period is 320ms, the period of the second paging message (that is, the period of the access network node sending the second paging message) can be 1280ms, and the period of the system message (the period of the access network node sending the system message) can be 2560ms.

[0224] exist Figure 4 In the method shown, access network nodes can send system messages on some POs and paging messages on others, depending on the implementation. AIoT devices receive system messages and paging messages by monitoring the POs. In specific applications, access network nodes can also indicate the time-domain resources of system messages through paging messages (such as the first paging message described below), so that AIoT devices can determine the time-domain resources of system messages based on the paging messages and monitor system messages on those time-domain resources. This will be explained in detail below.

[0225] like Figure 6 As shown, another communication method provided in this application may include the following steps:

[0226] S601: Access network nodes and AIoT devices determine the first PO.

[0227] The specific process of S601 is similar to that of S401. Please refer to the corresponding description in S401 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0228] S602: The access network node sends a first paging message on the first PO. Correspondingly, the AIoT device monitors the first paging message on the first PO.

[0229] In this application, the first paging message indicates a first time-domain resource. The first time-domain resource is used to carry system messages. The system message may be an SIB message, such as SIB1. The first time-domain resource may include at least one time unit. The period of the first paging message may be greater than, less than, or equal to the period of the system message.

[0230] S603: The access network node sends system messages on the first time domain resource. Correspondingly, the AIoT device monitors the system messages on the first time domain resource.

[0231] Understandably, after receiving system messages, AIoT devices can obtain relevant configuration information or resource configuration information of the cell based on these messages. For example, AIoT devices can obtain cell list information based on system messages.

[0232] Understandable, the first paging message and Figure 4 The second paging message in the illustrated method differs. The second paging message can indicate whether the access network node is paging the AIoT device, but it does not indicate the first time domain resource, whereas the first paging message indicates the first time domain resource. Optionally, the first paging message may also indicate whether the access network node is paging the AIoT device.

[0233] This application uses the following three designs as examples to illustrate how a first paging message indicates a first time domain resource.

[0234] Design C: The first paging message indicates that the first time-domain resource is located N first cycles after the first time point, where N is a non-negative integer. The first cycle is the cycle of the first paging message (also called the cycle of the PO), or the first cycle is the cycle of the first message (i.e., the transmission cycle of the first message). The first message can indicate the first PO; for a detailed description of the first message, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 4 According to the corresponding description, when the first information is carried in the SSB, the first cycle is the SSB cycle.

[0235] The first moment is earlier than the start time of the first time domain resource. For example, the first moment may be the time when the first paging message is received (such as the time when the AIoT device receives the first paging message, or the start time of the first PO); or, the first moment may be the time when the first paging message is parsed (such as the time when the AIoT device finishes parsing the first paging message, or the end time of the first PO); or, the first moment may be a preset moment. Taking a preset moment as an example, the first moment is (t5 + offset7), where t5 is the time when the first paging message is received, or the time when the first paging message is parsed, etc., and offset7 is the time domain offset. offset7 is preset (such as defined in the protocol), or determined by the access network node and sent to the AIoT device.

[0236] For example, the start time of the first time-domain resource is [t1 + N × T1 + offset1]. Here, t1 is the first time, T1 is the first period, and offset1 is the first offset. offset1 is greater than or equal to 0. When offset1 = 0, the start time of the first time-domain resource is [t1 + N × T1]. offset1 is preset (as defined in the protocol) or indicated to the AIoT device by the access network node.

[0237] Taking the first cycle as the cycle of the first paging message as an example, the start time of the first time domain resource can be as follows: Figure 7A As shown. If the first PO is PO 701 (i.e., the first paging message is carried on PO 701), the first paging message indicates that the first time domain resource is located two first cycles after the first time (i.e., N=2), and the first time is t1a (the end time of PO 701). Therefore, the AIoT device can determine that the start time of the first time domain resource is [t1a+2×T1+offset1]. If the first PO is PO 702 (i.e., the first paging message is carried on PO 702), the first paging message indicates that the first time domain resource is located one first cycle after the first time (i.e., N=1), and the first time is t1b (the end time of PO 702). Therefore, the AIoT device can determine that the start time of the first time domain resource is [t1b+T1+offset1]. If the first PO is PO703 (that is, the first paging message is carried on PO 703), the first paging message indicates that the first time domain resource is located 0 first cycles after the first time (that is, N=0). At this time, the first time is t1c (the end time of PO 703). Therefore, the AIoT device can determine that the start time of the first time domain resource is [t1c+offset1].

[0238] Taking the first period as the period of the first information, and offset1 = 0 as an example, the start time of the first time domain resource (i.e., the start time of time domain resource 731) can be as follows: Figure 7B As shown. In Figure 7BIn this context, the period of the first information is the same as the period of the PO, both being T1. The first information is carried on time domain resources 711, 712, and 713, the first paging message is carried on time domain resources 721 and 722, and the system message is carried on time domain resource 731. If the AIoT device receives the first information on time domain resource 711, and this first information indicates that the first PO is time domain resource 721, then the AIoT device monitors the first paging message on time domain resource 721. This first paging message indicates that the first time domain resource is located two first periods after the first moment (i.e., N=2). At this time, the first moment is t1d (the start time of time domain resource 721). Therefore, the AIoT device can determine that the start time of the first time domain resource is [t1d+2×T1], that is, the first time domain resource is time domain resource 731. If the AIoT device receives the first information on time domain resource 712, indicating that the first PO is time domain resource 722, then the AIoT device monitors the first paging message on time domain resource 722. This first paging message indicates that the first time domain resource is located one first cycle after the first moment (i.e., N=1), at which point the first moment is t1e (the start moment of time domain resource 722). Therefore, the AIoT device can determine that the start moment of the first time domain resource is [t1e+T1], that is, the first time domain resource is time domain resource 731. In the above example, the first PO and the first time domain resource are located in different first cycles, and the cycle of the first paging message is less than the cycle of the system message.

[0239] Optional, Figure 7B Time-domain resources 721, 722, and 731 are all point-of-use (POs). This means the first time-domain resource can occupy a PO location. Furthermore, the offset between the start time of time-domain resource 721 and the end time of time-domain resource 711 is the same as the offset between the start time of time-domain resource 722 and the end time of time-domain resource 712. The offset between the start time of time-domain resource 721 and the end time of time-domain resource 711 is the same as the offset between the start time of time-domain resource 731 and the end time of time-domain resource 713.

[0240] In design C, to indicate a first time-domain resource, the first paging message may include the value of N. Optionally, the first paging message may also include offset1.

[0241] exist Figure 7B In this context, different first paging messages include different values ​​of N. For example, the first paging message carried by time domain resource 721 includes N equal to 2, while the first paging message carried by time domain resource 722 includes N equal to 1. In practical applications, different first paging messages can also include the same value of N.

[0242] For example, such as Figure 7C As shown, the first period is the period of the first message, offset1 = 0. The period of the first message is the same as the period of PO, both being T1. The first message is carried on time domain resources 741, 742, 743, and 744; the first paging message is carried on time domain resources 751 and 752; and the system message is carried on time domain resources 761 and 762. The first paging message carried by time domain resource 751 includes N equal to 1, and the first paging message carried by time domain resource 752 also includes N equal to 1. In this example, the period of the first paging message is the same as the period of the system message, both being [2 × T1].

[0243] Optional, Figure 7C Time-domain resources 751, 761, 752, and 762 are all point-of-use (PO) resources. This means the first time-domain resource can occupy a PO location. Furthermore, the offset between the start time of time-domain resource 751 and the end time of time-domain resource 741 is the same as the offset between the start time of time-domain resource 761 and the end time of time-domain resource 742. The offset between the start time of time-domain resource 751 and the end time of time-domain resource 741 is also the same as the offset between the start time of time-domain resource 752 and the end time of time-domain resource 743. The offset between the start time of time-domain resource 751 and the end time of time-domain resource 741 is also the same as the offset between the start time of time-domain resource 762 and the end time of time-domain resource 744.

[0244] Design D: The first paging message indicates that the first time-domain resource is located in the Mth first cycle after the first moment, where M is a positive integer. For an explanation of the first cycle and the first moment, please refer to the description in Design C.

[0245] For example, the start time of the first time-domain resource is [t1 + (M-1) × T1 + offset1]. Here, t1 is the first time, T1 is the first period, and offset1 is the first offset. offset1 is greater than or equal to 0. When offset1 = 0, the start time of the first time-domain resource is [t1 + (M-1) × T1]. offset1 is preset (as defined in the protocol) or indicated to the AIoT device by the access network node.

[0246] Taking the first cycle as the cycle of the first paging message as an example, the start time of the first time domain resource can be as follows: Figure 7AAs shown. If the first PO is PO 701 (that is, the first paging message is carried on PO 701), the first paging message indicates that the first time domain resource is located in the third first cycle after the first time (that is, M=3), and the first time is t1a (the end time of PO 701). Therefore, the AIoT device can determine that the start time of the first time domain resource is [t1a+(3-1)×T1+offset1]. If the first PO is PO 702 (that is, the first paging message is carried on PO 702), the first paging message indicates that the first time domain resource is located in the second first cycle after the first time (that is, M=2), and the first time is t1b (the end time of PO 702). Therefore, the AIoT device can determine that the start time of the first time domain resource is [t1b+(2-1)T1+offset1]. If the first PO is PO 703 (that is, the first paging message is carried on PO 703), the first paging message indicates that the first time domain resource is located in the first first cycle after the first moment (that is, M=1). At this time, the first moment is t1c (the end moment of PO 703). Therefore, the AIoT device can determine that the start moment of the first time domain resource is [t1c+(1-1)T1+offset1].

[0247] Taking the first period as the period of the first information, and offset1 = 0 as an example, the start time of the first time domain resource (i.e., the start time of time domain resource 731) can be as follows: Figure 7B As shown. In Figure 7BIn this context, the period of the first information is the same as the period of the PO, which is T1. The first information is carried on time domain resources 711, 712, and 713, the first paging message is carried on time domain resources 721 and 722, and the system message is carried on time domain resource 731. If the AIoT device receives the first information on time domain resource 711, and this first information indicates that the first PO is time domain resource 721, then the AIoT device monitors the first paging message on time domain resource 721. This first paging message indicates that the first time domain resource is located in the third first period after the first moment (i.e., M=3). At this time, the first moment is t1d (the start time of time domain resource 721). Therefore, the AIoT device can determine that the start time of the first time domain resource is [t1d+(3-1)×T1], that is, the first time domain resource is time domain resource 731. If the AIoT device receives the first information on time domain resource 712, indicating that the first PO is time domain resource 722, then the AIoT device monitors the first paging message on time domain resource 722. This first paging message indicates that the first time domain resource is located in the second first cycle after the first time (i.e., M=2). At this time, the first time is t1e (the start time of time domain resource 722). Therefore, the AIoT device can determine that the start time of the first time domain resource is [t1e+(2-1)×T1], that is, the first time domain resource is time domain resource 731. In the above example, the first PO and the first time domain resource are located in different first cycles, and the cycle of the first paging message is less than the cycle of the system message.

[0248] Optional, Figure 7B Time-domain resources 721, 722, and 731 are all POs. In other words, the first time-domain resource can occupy the position of a PO.

[0249] In design D, to indicate a first time-domain resource, the first paging message may include the value of M. Optionally, the first paging message may also include offset1.

[0250] exist Figure 7B In this context, different first paging messages include different values ​​of M. For example, the first paging message carried by time domain resource 721 includes an M value of 3, while the first paging message carried by time domain resource 722 includes an M value of 2. In practical applications, different first paging messages can also include the same M value. Specifically, it can be as follows: Figure 7C As shown, the first paging message carried by time domain resource 751 includes an M equal to 2, and the first paging message carried by time domain resource 752 also includes an M equal to 2. In this example, the period of the first paging message is the same as the period of the system message, which is [2×T1].

[0251] Design E: The first paging message indicates that the start time of the first time-domain resource is [t1 + offset2]. Here, t1 is the first time, and offset2 is the second offset. The second offset can be pre-set (as defined in the protocol) or sent by the access network node to the AIoT device. For example, the first paging message may include offset2. The description of the first time can be found in Design C above.

[0252] For example, the start time of the first time-domain resource can be as follows: Figure 7D As shown.

[0253] Optionally, for design E, the first PO and the first time-domain resource are located in the same SSB cycle.

[0254] In design E, to indicate a first time-domain resource, the first paging message may include first indication information, which indicates that the first paging message is used to indicate a time-domain resource of a system message. For example, the first indication information may include 1 bit, where the value of the 1 bit is either "0" or "1", indicating that the first paging message is used to indicate a time-domain resource of a system message. Alternatively, to indicate a first time-domain resource, the first paging message may include offset2. Or, to indicate a first time-domain resource, the first paging message may include both the first indication information and offset2.

[0255] In summary, AIoT devices determine the first time-domain resource either through offset or by counting the first cycle. Compared to the cellular network approach where the terminal first performs downlink synchronization to obtain the current SFN and then calculates the time-domain resource location based on the current SFN, this method simplifies terminal-side operations and reduces terminal complexity. Therefore, this method is suitable for terminals with low complexity, limited computing power, or low-power consumption. Furthermore, AIoT devices do not rely on system frame number information when determining the first time-domain resource, making this method applicable to communication scenarios with limited SSB capacity, such as AIoT communication scenarios.

[0256] exist Figure 6In the method shown, the value of any offset (such as any one of offset1 to offset2 or offset7) can be set as needed. For example, the value of the offset can be set according to the SSB period. Taking an SSB period of 320 milliseconds (ms) as an example, if the first message indicates that the first PO is located P times after the second time, and the first paging message indicates that the first time domain resource is located N times after the first time, and both the first and second periods are SSB periods, then the interval between the first PO and the SSB resource can be (P×320) ms, the fourth offset can be 10 ms or 20 ms, etc., and the interval between the first time domain resource and the SSB resource can be ((P+N)×320) ms, the first offset can be 10 ms or 20 ms, etc.

[0257] Optionally, when the SSB period is 320ms, the period of the first paging message (that is, the period of the access network node sending the first paging message) can be 1280ms, and the period of the system message (the period of the access network node sending the system message) can be (N×1280)ms, such as 2560ms.

[0258] Understandably, in the ORAN architecture, the CU can send a paging message carrying third information (such as a first paging message) to the DU, which then broadcasts it. Alternatively, the CU can send a paging message without third information to the DU. Upon receiving the paging message, the DU adds the third information to the paging message to obtain a first paging message, which is then broadcast to the AIoT devices. The third information is used to indicate a first time-domain resource. For example, the third information may include the value of N, the value of M, first indication information, or offset2, etc.

[0259] exist Figure 4 The method illustrated primarily describes how AIoT devices can monitor system messages on POs (Program Points). In practical applications, AIoT devices can also first determine the resources for system messages and then monitor paging messages on those resources. For example, an AIoT device can determine system message resources in a manner similar to determining the first PO and then monitor paging messages on those resources, or it can monitor both paging messages and system messages. As another example, an AIoT device can determine multiple system message resources in a manner similar to determining the first PO, monitoring system messages on some resources and paging messages on others.

[0260] exist Figure 6The method illustrated primarily describes how the access network node can indicate system message resources (such as first time-domain resources) to the AIoT device via a first paging message, enabling the AIoT device to monitor system messages on those resources. In practical applications, the access network node can also indicate paging message resources (such as PO) to the AIoT device via system messages, allowing the AIoT device to monitor paging messages on those resources. The method by which the access network node indicates paging message resources is similar to the method of indicating first time-domain resources, and will not be elaborated further.

[0261] The various embodiments mentioned above in this application can be combined without contradiction, and no limitation is imposed.

[0262] The above mainly describes the solution provided in this application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. Accordingly, this application also provides a communication device, which can be the AIoT device in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the above AIoT device, or a component usable in an AIoT device; or, the communication device can be the access network node in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the above access network node, or a component usable in an access network node. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the above-mentioned AIoT device or access network node includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function.

[0263] Figure 8 A possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in an embodiment of this application is shown. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 80 may include modules or units for implementing the methods described in the embodiments above. In one possible design, the communication device 80 includes a processing module 801 and a communication module 802. The processing module 801, also referred to as a processing unit, is used to perform operations other than transmission and reception operations, and may be, for example, a processing circuit or a processor. The communication module 802, also referred to as an interface unit, is used to perform transmission and reception operations, and may be, for example, an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0264] In some embodiments, the communication device 80 may further include a storage module. Figure 8 (not shown in the image), used to store one or more of the program instructions, program code, or data.

[0265] In some embodiments, the communication device 80 may further include an AI module ( Figure 8 (Not shown in the image) This module is used to implement AI-related functions. AI functions can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module includes a RIC module. Optionally, the AI ​​module and the storage module can be integrated into one module, or the AI ​​module and the processing module 801 can be integrated into one module.

[0266] For example, the communication device 80 can be a terminal-side device in the above embodiments, such as an AIoT device or a module (e.g., circuit, chip, or chip system) in an AIoT device.

[0267] For example, in one embodiment, processing module 801 is used to determine a first PO. For example, processing module 801 may be used to perform S401 or S601.

[0268] The communication module 802 is used to monitor system messages on the first PO, or to monitor the first paging message on the first PO, or to monitor system messages on the first time domain resource. For example, the communication module 802 can be used to execute S402, or the communication module 802 can be used to execute S602 and S603.

[0269] Alternatively, for example, the communication device 80 can be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as an access network node or a module (e.g., a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) in the access network node.

[0270] For example, in one embodiment, processing module 801 is used to determine a first PO. For example, processing module 801 may be used to execute S401 or S601.

[0271] The communication module 802 is used to send system messages on the first PO, or to send a first paging message on the first PO, or to send system messages on the first time domain resource. For example, the communication module 802 can be used to execute S402, or the communication module 802 can be used to execute S602 and S603.

[0272] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is merely a logical functional division. One function can correspond to one functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated onto a single physical entity, or distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed 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 specific applications, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0273] It is understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or it can be a stand-alone semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0274] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0275] In practical implementation, the AIoT devices or access network nodes in the above embodiments can all adopt... Figure 9 The shown composition structure, or including Figure 9 The components shown. Figure 9 The diagram shows a hardware structure schematic of a communication device applicable to this application. It will be understood that the communication device 90 includes means of the necessary forms, such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, appropriately configured together to execute the solution provided in this application. For example, the communication device 90 includes one or more processors 901 for implementing the method provided in this application.

[0276] Processor 901 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, processor 901 can be a baseband processor or a CPU. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device 90 (such as an access network node, AIoT device, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. Optionally, in one design, processor 901 may include program 905 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on processor 901 to cause the communication device 90 to perform the methods described in the above embodiments. In yet another possible design, the communication device 90 includes circuitry (…). Figure 9 (Not shown), the circuit is used to implement the functions of the AIoT device or access network node in the above embodiments.

[0277] Optionally, the communication device 90 may include one or more memories 903. The memory 903 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM), cache, or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions. It may also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory provided in this application may generally be non-volatile. Optionally, the memory 903 stores a program 907 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 901 to cause the communication device 90 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0278] Optionally, the processor 901 may include an AI module 906, and / or the memory 903 may include an AI module 908. The aforementioned AI modules are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. For example, the AI ​​module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0279] Optionally, data may also be stored in the processor 901 and / or the memory 903. The processor 901 and the memory 903 may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0280] Optionally, the communication device 90 may also include a transceiver 902 and / or an antenna 904. The processor 901, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device 90. The transceiver 902, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to implement the transmission and reception functions of the communication device 90 via the antenna 904.

[0281] Understandable. Figure 9 The structural composition shown does not constitute a limitation on the communication device, except... Figure 9 In addition to the components shown, the communication device may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0282] In one example, the functional units in the communication device 80 may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the methods described above, such as: one or more ASICs, or one or more CPUs, one or more MCUs, one or more DSPs, or one or more FPGAs, or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. For example, the processing module 801 is configured as a processor 901, the communication module 802 is configured as a transceiver 902, and the storage module of the communication device 80 is configured as a memory 903.

[0283] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0284] Optionally, this application also provides a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0285] Optionally, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program can include the processes described in the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device in any of the foregoing embodiments, such as the hard disk or memory of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the communication device, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the communication device. Further, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can include both internal storage units and external storage devices of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium is used to store the aforementioned computer program and other programs and data required by the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0286] Optionally, this application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the above computer program product, and when executed, it can include the processes described in the above method embodiments.

[0287] Optionally, this application also provides computer instructions. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions instructing related hardware (such as a computer, processor, AIoT device, or access network node). The program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium or the aforementioned computer program product.

[0288] Optionally, this application also provides a communication system, including: Figure 4 The method shown includes the access network node and AIoT device; or, includes... Figure 6 The method shown includes access network nodes and AIoT devices.

[0289] It is understood that the term "connection" in this application can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection; furthermore, it can refer to an electrical connection or a communication connection. For example, the connection of two electrical components A and B can refer to a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through other electrical components or connection media, enabling the transmission of electrical signals between A and B; similarly, the connection of two devices A and B can refer to a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through other communication devices or communication media, enabling communication between A and B.

[0290] It is understood that the message names or parameter names between network elements in the above embodiments of this application are merely examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations. This application does not impose any specific limitations on these names. Furthermore, the terms "system" and "network" in this application can be used interchangeably.

[0291] It is understood that in this application, " / " can indicate that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" can be used to describe three relationships between the related objects. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Here, A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, expressions like "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" are generally used to indicate any of the following: A exists alone; B exists alone; C exists alone; A and B exist simultaneously; A and C exist simultaneously; B and C exist simultaneously; A, B, and C exist simultaneously. The above examples using three elements (A, B, and C) illustrate the optional entries for this item. When the expression contains more elements, its meaning can be obtained according to the aforementioned rules.

[0292] To facilitate the description of the technical solutions of this application, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish technical features with the same or similar functions. The terms "first" and "second" do not limit the number or execution order, nor do they imply that they are necessarily different. In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. The use of "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0293] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply a sequential order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of this application.

[0294] It is understood that in this application, "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require that there must be a judgment action when implemented, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0295] It is understood that some optional features in this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution upon which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus provided in this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0296] It is understood that the same step or step with the same function or technical feature in this application can be referenced and learned from each other in different embodiments.

[0297] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0298] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0299] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0300] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Determine the timing for the first paging; Monitor system messages at the first paging time, or monitor the first paging message at the first paging time, and monitor system messages on the first time domain resource, wherein the first paging message indicates the first time domain resource.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first paging message indicates the first time-domain resource, including: The first paging message indicates that the first time-domain resource is located N first cycles after the first moment; Wherein, the first period is the period of the first paging message, or the period of the synchronization signal block, the synchronization signal block indicating the first paging timing, and N is a non-negative integer.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The starting time of the first time domain resource is [t1+N×T1+offset1]; where t1 is the first time, T1 is the first period, and offset1 is the first offset.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The starting time of the first time domain resource is [t1+offset2]; where t1 is the first time and offset2 is the second offset.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first moment is the moment the first paging message is received; or, The first moment is the moment when the parsing of the first paging message is completed; or, The first time is (t5 + offset7), where t5 is the time when the first paging message is received or the time when the first paging message is parsed, and offset7 is the time domain offset.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The monitoring of system messages during the first paging event includes: Monitor system messages and second paging messages during the first paging event.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When monitoring system messages during the first paging event, the method further includes: Determine the timing for the second paging; Monitor the second paging message at the second paging time.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Determine the timing for the first paging; A system message is sent at the first paging time, or a first paging message is sent at the first paging time, and a system message is sent on the first time domain resource, wherein the first paging message indicates the first time domain resource.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first paging message indicates the first time-domain resource, including: The first paging message indicates that the first time-domain resource is located N first cycles after the first moment; Wherein, the first period is the period of the first paging message, or the period of the synchronization signal block, the synchronization signal block indicating the first paging timing, and N is a non-negative integer.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The starting time of the first time domain resource is [t1+N×T1+offset1]; where t1 is the first time, T1 is the first period, and offset1 is the first offset.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The starting time of the first time domain resource is [t1+offset2]; where t1 is the first time and offset2 is the second offset.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, The first moment is the moment the first paging message is received; or, The first moment is the moment when the parsing of the first paging message is completed; or, The first time is (t5 + offset7), where t5 is the time when the first paging message is received or the time when the first paging message is parsed, and offset7 is the time domain offset.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or includes a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 12.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 12.

16. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 7, or the method of any one of claims 8 to 12.

17. A communication system, characterized in that, include: A means for performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, and / or a means for performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12.

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