Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and related apparatus are disclosed and applied in the field of communication technologies. In an embodiment of the present application, when switching a frequency number, a first node notifies a second node of an operating frequency number switch by using a physical layer control signaling indicating the frequency number switch, where the physical layer control signaling indicating the frequency number switch is scrambled by using a first identifier to distinguish the physical layer control signaling from physical layer signaling of another function. In the above implementation, an instruction for operating frequency number switch is completed by using the first identifier and the physical layer control signaling. Since this shortens the time duration of the frequency number switch, the first node and the second node can switch to the second frequency number as soon as possible to execute communication. This improves the transmission performance of the communication network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and specifically to communication in scenarios of short-range communication technologies, such as in smart cars, smart homes, smart terminals, and smart manufacturing, and in particular to communication methods and related devices.

Background Art

[0002] There are various types of interference in the wireless communication environment, and some spectrums are shared by multiple different wireless communication technologies. Thus, wireless communication technologies are required to have interference prevention capabilities. When it is detected that there is interference or the interference is large at the current operating frequency number, nodes in the wireless communication system can switch the operating frequency number to suppress the influence of the interference.

[0003] Communication is usually carried out between multiple nodes. After a node, such as the first node, decides to switch the operating frequency number, the first node needs to notify another node (e.g., at least one second node) that it is communicating with to switch the operating frequency number so that the first node and the nodes communicating with the first node can switch from the current communication operating frequency number to the new operating frequency number to continue the communication.

[0004] The frequency number switching process has high time requirements. If the length of the switching process (i.e., the interval between the time when it is determined to switch the frequency number and the time when communication starts with the new frequency number at the switching destination) is long, the efficiency of data and / or signaling transmission is low, which affects the transmission performance of the communication link between nodes.

[0005] For example, when the communication of the first node at the first frequency number is interfered with, if it is detected that the second frequency number is unused, the first node determines to switch the operating frequency number to the second frequency number. If the length of the switching process is long, another node (for example, the third node) may have preempted the second frequency number as the operating frequency number. Even after the first node switches the operating frequency number to the second frequency number, the communication of the first node at the second frequency number is interfered with by the third node, affecting the transmission performance of the communication link.

[0006] In another example, if the length of the switching process is long, the first node needs to continue communication at the frequency number that is being interfered with for a long time, deteriorating the transmission performance of the communication link.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and related apparatus for shortening the time length of frequency number switching and improving the transmission performance of the communication link between nodes.

[0008] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. The method includes the following.

[0009] The first node transmits higher-layer signaling, and the higher-layer signaling includes a first identifier. The first node transmits first physical layer control signaling at a certain operating frequency number, and some or all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier. The operating frequency number is the first frequency number, and the first physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to the second frequency number.

[0010] Optionally, the node that receives the higher layer signaling and the first physical layer control signaling can be a second node. By using an example where the receiving end is the second node, the following description is given. There may be one or more second nodes. The higher layer signaling includes, but is not limited to, X resource control (XRC) setup signaling, XRC reconfiguration signaling, or system messages.

[0011] In this embodiment of the present application, the first node pre - notifies the second node of the first identifier by using the higher layer signaling, so as to distinguish the physical layer control signaling indicating the frequency number switching from the signaling of other functions, or to distinguish the functional group where the physical layer control signaling indicating the frequency number switching is located from other functional groups. The first identifier is used to scramble the physical layer control signaling indicating the frequency number switching.

[0012] After determining the frequency number switching, the first node transmits the first physical layer control signaling scrambled by using the first identifier. The first physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operating frequency number to the second frequency number. If the second node can descramble the first physical layer control signaling by using the first identifier, the second node can obtain the function of the first physical layer control signaling and obtain the data content of the first physical layer control signaling based on the data format of the first physical layer control signaling, and thus may receive an instruction for the operating frequency number switching.

[0013] By indicating the operating frequency number switching by using physical layer signaling, the interval from the time when the switching is determined to the time when the signaling is performed can be substantially shortened, and the duration of the switching can be shortened. The main reasons are as follows. First, higher layer signaling needs to be scheduled and transmitted by using physical layer signaling, and is performed only after the signaling receiving node is scheduled by using physical layer signaling to send a signaling confirmation, which requires a complex process and a long time to become effective. In contrast, physical layer signaling can be directly transmitted and can become effective in a short time after being received by the receiver. Second, some of the higher layer signaling (such as system messages) has only one transmission opportunity per long period, and that period is generally from several tens of milliseconds to several hundreds of milliseconds. On the other hand, there are many transmission opportunities for physical layer signaling, generally more than once per millisecond. Therefore, by indicating the frequency number switching by using physical layer signaling, the interval from the time when the frequency number switching is determined to the time when the corresponding signaling can be transmitted is short.

[0014] In conclusion, in this embodiment of the present application, a first identifier is used to scramble the physical layer control signaling indicating the frequency number switching, and the first identifier and the physical layer control signaling are used to complete the instruction of the operating frequency number switching. Since this shortens the duration of the frequency number switching, the first node can switch to the second frequency number as soon as possible for communication, improve the efficiency of data and / or signaling transmission, and improve the transmission performance of the communication link between nodes.

[0015] In some scenarios, scrambling refers to obtaining a new signal based on the original signal and a scrambling code. The reverse operation of scrambling is descrambling.

[0016] Since the first identifier is used in the signaling scrambling process, the encoding (or decoding) method used for the first physical layer control signaling can be the same as that of other signaling. This setting can further shorten the time for frequency number switching without increasing the decoding time at the receiving end, and when the receiving end needs to blindly detect additional physical layer signaling for carrier switching, it does not greatly increase the complexity of blindly detecting the physical layer signaling by the receiving end.

[0017] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first identifier corresponds to the frequency number switching function. In this implementation, after descrambling the first physical layer control signaling by using the first identifier, the second node can distinguish the function of the first physical layer control signaling. This speeds up the acquisition of the operation frequency number switching instruction by the second node, so that the second node can switch to the new operation frequency number as soon as possible to communicate with the first node and improve the transmission performance of the link.

[0018] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a function indication field, and the function indication field indicates that the first identifier corresponds to the frequency number switching function. In this implementation, after descrambling the first physical layer control signaling by using the first identifier to obtain the function indication field, the second node can distinguish the function of the first physical layer control signaling. Specifically, the first identifier may correspond to a group of signaling function types (including one or more signaling function types), and the signaling functions in the group of signaling function types can be distinguished by using the function indication field in the signaling. This improves the flexibility and extensibility of the first identifier.

[0019] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, some information bits in the first physical layer control signaling include a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code of the first physical layer control signaling. In this implementation, the CRC code of the first physical layer control signaling is scrambled by using a first identifier to distinguish it from physical layer signaling of another function. This implementation can be used to further shorten the duration of frequency number switching without increasing the decoding time of the second node.

[0020] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the resources for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling belong to preconfigured physical layer control signaling common resources.

[0021] The physical layer control signaling common resources (hereinafter abbreviated as common resources) are resources that can be shared by a plurality of second nodes for detecting physical layer control signaling, and include, but are not limited to, time-frequency resources. Since the second nodes detect (or listen to) the signaling on the common resources, the nodes for which the common resources are configured can receive the first physical layer control signaling. Therefore, the first node does not need to notify other nodes of the frequency number switching one by one. This shortens the duration of frequency number switching.

[0022] Considering possible cases, there may be a plurality of second nodes. For example, in SparkLink Basic (SLB) technology, one communication area can include up to 4096 second nodes. In this case, it takes time for the first node to notify each of the second nodes of the operating frequency number switching one by one. Due to the time-consuming notification, the first node cannot switch to the new operating frequency number as soon as possible, and the second nodes cannot obtain the frequency number switching instruction in time. As a result, the transmission performance of the communication link between the nodes is poor.

[0023] In the above implementation, the first node transmits first physical layer control signaling on a common resource, and at least one second node blindly detects the physical layer control signaling in the common resource for transmitting the physical layer control signaling in order to obtain a frequency number switching instruction. This significantly shortens the time duration for notifying the frequency number switching, so that the second node can switch to the second frequency number as soon as possible for communicating at the first frequency number, improving the transmission performance.

[0024] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes the first node communicating with at least one second node at a second frequency number. Optionally, this operation is performed after the first physical layer control signaling is transmitted.

[0025] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the second superframe are consecutive. The first superframe is the last superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the first frequency number before the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number, and the second superframe is the first superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the second frequency number after the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number.

[0026] That is, before and after the switching of the operating frequency number, the superframe sequence numbers of the superframes are consecutive. The above implementation can ensure that the transmission is logically continuous. The scheduling before the switching of the operating frequency number can continue to be used after the switching without reconfiguration or rescheduling. This greatly reduces the impact of the switching of the operating frequency number on the communication process and improves the transmission performance.

[0027] The configuration includes the configuration of time-frequency resources, for example, the resources reserved for transmitting data / signaling. Scheduling includes resource allocation. For example, the first node transmits scheduling signaling in the Nth superframe, and the scheduling indicated by the scheduling signaling is performed in the (N+1)th superframe. When the superframe numbers are consecutive, the scheduling signaling transmitted in a superframe before the operating frequency number switch may continue to be valid in the superframe after the operating frequency number switch, and the scheduling signaling does not need to be transmitted again.

[0028] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe is N milliseconds, where N is an integer and N≥0.

[0029] Optionally, the length of the superframe is 1 ms and the period of the synchronization signal is 1 ms. Further, since the position of the synchronization signal is usually at a fixed time position in the superframe, the period of the synchronization signal is the same as the length of the superframe.

[0030] Since the interval between the instant at the end of the last superframe used by the first node for transmission at the operating frequency number and the instant at the start of the first superframe for transmission at the destination frequency is 0 or a positive integer millisecond, the superframe boundary and the position of the synchronization signal do not change in the operating frequency number switching process. This has a simpler implementation form of reducing the change of configuration parameters and synchronizing the timing between the first node and the second node.

[0031] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes one or more of the following information: an identifier of a second frequency number, a superframe sequence number continuity indication, an indication of the moment of frequency number switching, a re-access indication, a switching interval indication, or a preamble indication.

[0032] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes an identifier of a second frequency number. The identifier of the second frequency number indicates the destination frequency number for switching, and includes, but is not limited to, a frequency number sequence number, a frequency number index number, or a channel number.

[0033] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a superframe sequence number continuity indication, and the superframe sequence number continuity indication indicates whether the superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the second superframe are guaranteed to be continuous.

[0034] Since the superframe sequence number continuity indication can indicate to the second node the influence of the superframe sequence number and the operating frequency number switching on scheduling, the second node executes the corresponding configuration. This improves the transmission performance of the communication link.

[0035] In a possible design, when it is the sixth value, the superframe continuity indication indicates that the superframe sequence numbers of the last superframe before the operating frequency number switching and the first superframe after the operating frequency number switching are not guaranteed to be continuous. In this case, the scheduling executed before the operating frequency number switching is invalid at the second frequency number, and the first node needs to re-determine the scheduling.

[0036] In one possible design, when it is the seventh value, the superframe continuity indication indicates that the superframe sequence number of the last superframe before the operating frequency number switch and the superframe sequence number of the first superframe after the operating frequency number switch are continuous. In this case, the scheduling executed before the operating frequency number switch is valid at the second frequency number, and no rescheduling is required. This shortens the switching time duration.

[0037] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes an indication of the instant of the frequency number switch. The indication of the instant of the switch indicates an opportunity to switch the operating frequency number.

[0038] In one possible way, the indication of the instant of the frequency number switch indicates an opportunity for the first node to start switching the operating frequency number. For example, it indicates the superframe sequence number of the last subframe used by the first node for transmission at the current operating frequency number, or the relative offset of the last superframe used by the first node for transmission at the current operating frequency number with respect to the superframe for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling.

[0039] In another possible way, the indication of the instant of the frequency number switch indicates the instant of start at which transmission starts at the second frequency number. For example, it indicates the superframe sequence number of the first superframe used by the first node for transmission at the second frequency number, or the relative offset of the instant of start of the first superframe used by the first node for transmission at the second frequency number with respect to the instant of start of the superframe for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling.

[0040] Optionally, the offset in the above-described ways can be in units of superframes, milliseconds (ms), or microseconds (μs).

[0041] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the second node can determine an opportunity to switch the operating frequency number based on the moment of frequency number switching.

[0042] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a re-access instruction. The re-access instruction is instruction information indicating whether the second node needs to perform a re-access.

[0043] In the frequency number switching process, in some cases, the second node needs to perform a re-access operation, and in some cases, the second node does not need to perform a re-access operation. The re-access instruction is carried in the first physical layer control signaling to flexibly regulate and control the behavior of the second node. This can improve the flexibility and stability of the communication system.

[0044] In some possible cases, the re-access instruction instructs the second node not to perform a re-access operation. For example, during frequency number switching, the communication area system configuration is not changed, or changed as little as possible, or only the communication area system configuration that does not affect the current transmission scheduling (for example, the random access resource pool configuration or the channel sounding reference signal resource pool configuration) is changed. This avoids the re-access of the second node, reduces the excessive time consumption caused by the re-access, and avoids the invalidation of the current scheduling. This environment can reduce the interruption of services caused by frequency number switching and improve the transmission performance.

[0045] In some possible cases, the first node may adjust communication system parameters, such as the Cyclic Prefix (CP) length and the resource ratio, based on the channel state of the second frequency number and / or the current service requirements. When the second node re-accesses the first node, it is easier to enable the change of communication parameters, and the first node may instruct the second node to perform the re-access. This improves the stability of communication between the second node and the first node.

[0046] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, when it is the first value, the re-access instruction instructs the second node to perform an access operation at the second frequency number. For example, the access operation includes transmitting an access request.

[0047] The access method can be contention access, contention-free access, etc.

[0048] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, when it is the second value, the re-access instruction instructs the second node to maintain the current access state or not perform an access operation.

[0049] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a switching interval instruction, and the switching interval instruction indicates the time interval between the last superframe (i.e., the first superframe) for transmission at the first frequency number and the first superframe (i.e., the second superframe) for transmission at the second frequency number. The switching interval between superframes can be flexibly set by using the switching interval instruction. This meets the requirement that the device has different frequency number switching capabilities.

[0050] Optionally, the switching interval indication may include one or more of time intervals such as the time interval between the end instant of the first superframe and the start instant of the second superframe, the time interval between the start instant of the first superframe and the start instant of the second superframe, the time interval between the end instant of the first superframe and the end instant of the second superframe, and the time interval between the synchronization signal in the first superframe and the synchronization signal in the second superframe.

[0051] In a possible implementation, when the first node transmits preamble information with a second frequency number, the switching interval may include one or more of the time intervals such as the time interval between the end instant of the first superframe and the start instant of the preamble information, and the time interval between the start instant of the first superframe and the start instant of the preamble information.

[0052] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the second node can change the communication configuration based on the switching interval indication to improve communication stability. For example, the second node can determine the time to start transmission in the superframe after switching, the position of the synchronization signal, etc. based on the time interval.

[0053] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the switching interval indication further indicates whether the first node transmits preamble information with a second frequency number.

[0054] Furthermore, when the switching interval indicates that the first node transmits preamble information with a second frequency number, the second node correspondingly receives the preamble information with the second frequency number. Or, when the switching interval indicates that the first node does not transmit preamble information with a second frequency number, the second node does not need to receive the preamble information with the second frequency number. It can be seen that the switching interval indication can be used to flexibly regulate and control the behavior of the second node. This can improve the stability of the communication system.

[0055] The preamble information is a fragment of information that is first transmitted after the transmission frequency number is switched and before it is executed in the superframe at the second frequency number. Optionally, the preamble information may indicate a change in configuration information, for example, a change in information such as a random access resource pool configuration and a channel sounding reference signal (SRS) resource pool configuration.

[0056] Optionally, the preamble information may be used by the receiving node to synchronously acquire channel information used, for example, for channel estimation and channel quality evaluation. That is, the second node may perform synchronization based on the preamble information and / or acquire channel information based on the preamble information.

[0057] In some possible implementations, the content of the preamble information may be predefined or preconfigured.

[0058] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first node does not transmit the preamble information at the second frequency number. This shortens the interval between the last superframe before the switch and the first superframe after the switch, reducing the switching time consumed.

[0059] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes the following.

[0060] When the switching interval indication is greater than a third value, the first node transmits the preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0061] Optionally, when the switching interval indication is less than the third value, the first node does not transmit the preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0062] When the switching interval is equal to the third value, it should be understood that the first node may not need to transmit preamble information at the second frequency number, or may not need to transmit preamble information.

[0063] In a possible design, when the switching interval indication is greater than or equal to the third value, the first node transmits preamble information at the second frequency number. Or, when the switching interval indication is less than the third value, the first node does not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0064] In another possible design, when the switching interval indication is greater than the third value, the first node transmits preamble information at the second frequency number. Or, when the switching interval indication is less than or equal to the third value, the first node does not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0065] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, when the switching interval indication is 0, the first node does not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number. Or, when the switching interval indication is a value greater than 0, the first node transmits preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0066] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a preamble indication, and the preamble indication indicates that the first node transmits preamble information at the second frequency number, or indicates that the first node does not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number. The preamble indication can be used to flexibly regulate and control the behavior of the second node. This can improve the stability of the communication system.

[0067] Optionally, when the preamble indication is the fourth value, the first node transmits preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0068] Optionally, when the preamble indication is the fifth value, the first node does not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0069] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, when the switching interval indicates whether preamble information is to be transmitted, the first physical layer control signaling does not need to carry an additional preamble indication in order to reduce the fields in the physical layer control signaling.

[0070] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first identifier can be used in a plurality of frequency number switching processes. That is, after the first node transmits the first identifier to the second node, in subsequent multiple operating frequency number switching processes, the physical layer control signaling indicating the frequency number switching can be scrambled by using the same first identifier. After the first identifier is configured by using higher layer signaling, the frequency number switching can be indicated by using one physical layer control signaling. This further reduces the signaling interaction in the frequency number switching process and further shortens the duration of the frequency number switching, so that the first node can switch to the second frequency number for communication as soon as possible, improving the transmission performance of the communication network.

[0071] In yet another possible implementation of the first aspect, the method includes the following.

[0072] The first node transmits second physical layer control signaling at a certain operating frequency number, the second physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operating frequency number to a third frequency number, some or all of the information bits in the second physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, and the operating frequency number is the second frequency number.

[0073] In the above implementation form, when switching the operating frequency number to the third frequency number, the first node may indicate the frequency number switching by using physical layer control signaling once. This shortens the time duration of the frequency number switching and improves the transmission performance of the communication network.

[0074] In yet another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the method further includes the following.

[0075] The first node receives frequency number capability information of at least one second node, and the frequency number capability information includes one or more of the supported frequency numbers, the supported switching intervals, etc.

[0076] Optionally, the second frequency number belongs to the frequency numbers supported by the second frequency number.

[0077] In yet another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the method further includes the following.

[0078] The first node may determine the switching interval based on the frequency number capability information reported by at least one second node. In this way, the first node can configure the switching interval flexibly, so that the switching interval can match the switching capabilities of the first node and the second node, shorten the switching interval as much as possible, and reduce the excessive delay caused by the frequency number switching.

[0079] In yet another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first physical layer control signaling is transmitted in a broadcast and / or multicast manner.

[0080] In this implementation form, the first node may notify at least one second node of a frequency number switch through a single broadcast or multicast, and it is not necessary to notify each of the at least one second node one by one. This significantly shortens the time duration for notifying the frequency number switch, so that the second node switches to the second frequency number as soon as possible to communicate with the first frequency number, improving the transmission performance.

[0081] In yet another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second node does not send feedback indicating whether it has successfully detected the first physical layer control signaling. By reducing the signaling interaction, the time duration of the frequency and time switch can be further shortened.

[0082] In yet another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first node separately transmits the physical layer control signaling multiple times in a plurality of superframes to indicate the same frequency number switch. Since the first node repeatedly transmits the signaling indicating the same frequency number switch multiple times, the second node has an opportunity to detect the signaling multiple times. This reduces the probability of failure of the frequency number switch because the second node does not detect the signaling.

[0083] In yet another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first node transmitting the first physical layer control signaling at a certain operating frequency number includes the first node transmitting the first physical layer control signaling in the third superframe at a certain operating frequency number, and the operating frequency number is the first frequency number.

[0084] The method further includes the first node transmitting third physical layer control signaling in a fourth superframe at a certain operating frequency number, where some or all of the information bits in the third physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using a first identifier, the operating frequency number is a first frequency number, and the third physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to a second frequency number.

[0085] It can be seen that both the first physical layer control signaling and the third physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using a first identifier and indicate the switching of the operating frequency number to a second frequency number. Correspondingly, as long as the second node detects either the first physical layer control signaling or the third physical layer control signaling, it can obtain a frequency number switching instruction. Therefore, by using the above implementation form, since the second node does not detect the signaling, the probability of failure in frequency number switching can be reduced, and the transmission performance can be improved.

[0086] In yet another possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first physical layer control signaling belongs to one of a plurality of physical layer control signalings, the plurality of physical layer control signalings further includes a fourth physical layer control signaling, and the length of the first physical layer control signaling is the same as the bit length of the fourth physical layer control signaling. The function of the first physical layer control signaling is different from the function of the fourth physical layer control signaling.

[0087] In the above implementation form, the bit length of the first physical layer control signaling is the same as the length of another type of physical layer control signaling indicating another function. In other words, the bit length of the first physical layer control signaling belongs to the existing bit lengths. By not adding a new bit length, the time for decoding the signaling during the blind detection of the second node can be reduced, and the time duration of frequency number switching can be shortened.

[0088] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. This method includes the following.

[0089] A second node receives higher layer signaling from a first node, and the higher layer signaling includes a first identifier. The second node receives first physical layer control signaling at a certain operating frequency number, and some or all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier. The operating frequency number is a first frequency number. The first physical layer control signaling indicates a switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to a second frequency number.

[0090] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the first identifier corresponds to a frequency number switching function.

[0091] In still another possible implementation of the second aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a function indication field, and the function indication field indicates that the first identifier corresponds to a frequency number switching function.

[0092] In still another possible implementation of the second aspect, some of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling include a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code of the first physical layer control signaling.

[0093] In still another possible implementation of the second aspect, the resources for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling belong to preconfigured physical layer control signaling common resources.

[0094] In still another possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes the following.

[0095] The second node descrambles some or all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling by using the first identifier. The second node communicates with the first node at the second frequency number.

[0096] When all the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, it should be understood that the second node descrambles all the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling by using the first identifier.

[0097] When some of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, the second node descrambles some of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling by using the first identifier.

[0098] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the second superframe are consecutive, and the first superframe is the last superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the first frequency number before the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number, and the second superframe is the first superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the second frequency number after the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number.

[0099] That is, before and after the operating frequency number switch, the superframe sequence numbers of the superframes are consecutive.

[0100] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe is N milliseconds, where N is an integer and N≥0.

[0101] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes one or more of the following information: an identifier of a second frequency number, a superframe sequence number continuity indication, an indication of the moment of frequency number switching, a re-access indication, a switching interval indication, or a preamble indication.

[0102] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes an identifier of a second frequency number. The identifier of the second frequency number indicates the destination frequency number for switching and includes, but is not limited to, a frequency number sequence number, a frequency number index number, or a channel number.

[0103] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a superframe sequence number continuity indication, which indicates whether the superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the second superframe are guaranteed to be continuous.

[0104] In a possible design, when it is the sixth value, the superframe continuity indication indicates that the superframe sequence numbers of the last superframe before the operating frequency number switching and the first superframe after the operating frequency number switching are not guaranteed to be continuous. In this case, the scheduling executed before the operating frequency number switching is invalid at the second frequency number, and the first node needs to re-determine the scheduling.

[0105] In one possible design, when it is the seventh value, the superframe continuity indication indicates that the superframe sequence number of the last superframe before the operating frequency number switch and the superframe sequence number of the first superframe after the operating frequency number switch are consecutive. In this case, the scheduling executed before the operating frequency number switch is valid at the second frequency number and no rescheduling is required. This shortens the switching time duration.

[0106] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes an indication of the instant of the frequency number switch. The indication of the instant of the switch indicates an opportunity to switch the operating frequency number.

[0107] In one possible way, the indication of the instant of the frequency number switch indicates the instant when the first node starts to switch the operating frequency number. For example, it indicates the superframe sequence number of the last subframe used by the first node for transmission at the current operating frequency number, or the relative offset of the last superframe used by the first node for transmission at the current operating frequency number with respect to the superframe for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling.

[0108] In another possible way, the indication of the instant of the frequency number switch indicates the instant of start when transmission starts at the second frequency number. For example, it indicates the superframe sequence number of the first superframe used by the first node for transmission at the second frequency number, or the relative offset of the instant of start of the first superframe used by the first node for transmission at the second frequency number with respect to the instant of start of the superframe for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling.

[0109] Optionally, the offset in the above manner can be in units of superframes, milliseconds (ms), or microseconds (μs).

[0110] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a re-access instruction. The re-access instruction is instruction information indicating whether the second node needs to perform re-access.

[0111] In some possible cases, the re-access instruction instructs the second node not to perform the re-access operation. For example, during a frequency number switch, the communication area system configuration is not changed, or changed as little as possible, or only the communication area system configuration that does not affect the current transmission scheduling (for example, the random access resource pool configuration or the channel sounding reference signal resource pool configuration) is changed. This avoids the re-access of the second node and avoids the invalidation of the current scheduling.

[0112] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, when it is the first value, the re-access instruction instructs the second node to perform an access operation. The access operation may include one or more of transmitting an access request, determining a communication key, determining a security context, etc.

[0113] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, when it is the second value, the re-access instruction instructs the second node to maintain the current access state or not to perform the access operation.

[0114] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a switching interval instruction, and the switching interval indicates the time interval between the first superframe and the second superframe.

[0115] Optionally, the switching interval instruction is the following time interval, that is It may include one or more of the time intervals between the moment at the end of the first superframe and the moment at the start of the second superframe, the time interval between the moment at the start of the first superframe and the moment at the start of the second superframe, the time interval between the moment at the end of the first superframe and the moment at the end of the second superframe, the time interval between the synchronization signal in the first superframe and the synchronization signal in the second superframe, etc.

[0116] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the switching interval indication further indicates whether the first node transmits preamble information with the second frequency number. Correspondingly, the second node determines, based on the switching interval indication, whether the first node transmits preamble information with the second frequency number.

[0117] Furthermore, when the switching interval indicates that the first node transmits preamble information with the second frequency number, the second node correspondingly receives preamble information with the second frequency number, or when the switching interval indicates that the first node does not transmit preamble information with the second frequency number, the second node does not need to receive preamble information with the second frequency number.

[0118] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes the following.

[0119] When the switching interval indication is greater than a third value, the second node receives preamble information from the first node with the second frequency number.

[0120] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, when it is 0, the switching interval indication indicates that the first node does not transmit preamble information with the second frequency number, or when the switching interval indicator is a value greater than 0, the second node receives preamble information from the first node with the second frequency number.

[0121] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a preamble indication, and the preamble indication indicates that the first node transmits preamble information at a second frequency number, or indicates that the first node does not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0122] Optionally, when the preamble indication is a fourth value, the second node receives preamble information from the first node at the second frequency number.

[0123] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the switching interval indicates whether preamble information is transmitted, and the first physical layer control signaling does not need to carry an additional preamble indication.

[0124] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the first identifier can be used in a plurality of frequency number switching processes.

[0125] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes the following.

[0126] The second node receives the second physical layer control signaling from the first node at an operating frequency number, the second physical layer control signaling indicates a switching of the operating frequency number to a third frequency number, some information bits in the second physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, and the operating frequency number is a second operating frequency number.

[0127] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes the following.

[0128] The second node transmits the frequency number capability information of the second node to the first node, and the frequency number capability information of the second node indicates the frequency numbers supported by the second node.

[0129] Optionally, the second frequency number belongs to the frequency numbers supported by the second frequency number.

[0130] Optionally, the frequency number capability information is used to determine the switching interval.

[0131] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the first physical layer control signaling is transmitted in a broadcast and / or multicast manner.

[0132] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the second node does not send feedback indicating whether it has successfully detected the first physical layer control signaling. This can reduce the signaling interaction, shorten the time duration of the frequency number switching, and improve the transmission efficiency.

[0133] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the second node receiving the first physical layer control signaling at a certain operating frequency number includes the following.

[0134] The second node receives the first physical layer control signaling in the third superframe at a certain operating frequency number, and the operating frequency number is the first frequency number.

[0135] The method further includes the second node receiving the third physical layer control signaling in the fourth superframe at a certain operating frequency number, where some or all of the information bits in the third physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, the operating frequency number is the first frequency number, and the third physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to the second frequency number.

[0136] In yet another possible implementation of the second aspect, the first physical layer control signaling belongs to one of a plurality of physical layer control signalings, the plurality of physical layer control signalings further includes a fourth physical layer control signaling, and the length of the first physical layer control signaling is the same as the bit length of the fourth physical layer control signaling. The function of the first physical layer control signaling is different from the function of the fourth physical layer control signaling.

[0137] In the above implementation, the bit length of the first physical layer control signaling is the same as the length of another type of physical layer control signaling indicating another function. In other words, the bit length of the first physical layer control signaling belongs to the existing bit lengths.

[0138] According to a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device is configured to implement the method described in any one of the first aspect or the possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0139] In a possible implementation of the third aspect, the communication device includes a first communication unit and a second communication unit.

[0140] In another possible implementation of the third aspect, the first communication unit is configured to transmit higher layer signaling, the higher layer signaling includes a first identifier, the second communication unit is configured to transmit the first physical layer control signaling at a certain operating frequency number, some or all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, the operating frequency number is the first frequency number, and the first physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to the second frequency number.

[0141] Optionally, the communication device is the first node, or the communication device is a module (e.g., a chip, an integrated circuit, or a software module) within the first node.

[0142] In a possible implementation of the third aspect, the first identifier corresponds to a frequency number switching function.

[0143] In another possible implementation of the third aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a function indication field, and the function indication field indicates that the first identifier corresponds to a frequency number switching function.

[0144] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, some information bits in the first physical layer control signaling include a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code of the first physical layer control signaling.

[0145] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the resources for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling belong to a preconfigured physical layer control signaling common resource.

[0146] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the communication device further includes a third communication unit, and the third communication unit is configured to communicate with at least one second node at a second frequency number.

[0147] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the second superframe are consecutive. The first superframe is the last superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the first frequency number before the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number, and the second superframe is the first superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the second frequency number after the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number.

[0148] That is, before and after the operating frequency number switching, the superframe sequence numbers of the superframes are consecutive.

[0149] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe is N milliseconds, where N is an integer and N≥0.

[0150] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes one or more of the following information: an identifier of a second frequency number, a superframe sequence number continuity indication, an indication of the instant of frequency number switching, a re-access indication, a switching interval indication, or a preamble indication.

[0151] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes an identifier of a second frequency number. The identifier of the second frequency number indicates the destination frequency number for switching and includes, but is not limited to, a frequency number sequence number, a frequency number index number, or a channel number.

[0152] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a superframe sequence number continuity indication, and the superframe sequence number continuity indication indicates whether the superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the second superframe are guaranteed to be continuous.

[0153] In a possible design, when it is the sixth value, the superframe continuity indication indicates that the superframe sequence numbers of the last superframe before the operating frequency number switching and the first superframe after the operating frequency number switching are not guaranteed to be continuous.

[0154] In a possible design, when it is the seventh value, the superframe continuity indication indicates that the superframe sequence numbers of the last superframe before the operating frequency number switching and the first superframe after the operating frequency number switching are continuous.

[0155] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes an indication of the moment of frequency number switching. The indication of the moment of switching indicates an opportunity to switch the operating frequency number.

[0156] In one possible way, the indication of the moment of frequency number switching indicates the moment when the first node starts to switch the operating frequency number. For example, it indicates the superframe sequence number of the last superframe used by the first node for transmission at the current operating frequency number, or the relative offset of the last superframe used by the first node for transmission at the current operating frequency number with respect to the superframe for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling.

[0157] In another possible way, the indication of the moment of frequency number switching indicates the start moment when transmission starts at the second frequency number. For example, it indicates the superframe sequence number of the first superframe used by the first node for transmission at the second frequency number, or the relative offset of the start moment of the first superframe used by the first node for transmission at the second frequency number with respect to the start moment of the superframe for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling.

[0158] Optionally, the offset in the above - mentioned way can be in units of superframes, milliseconds (ms), or microseconds (μs).

[0159] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a re - access indication. The re - access indication is indication information indicating whether the second node needs to perform re - access.

[0160] In some possible cases, the re-access instruction instructs the second node not to perform the re-access operation. For example, during the frequency number switching, the communication area system configuration is not changed, or changed as little as possible, or only the communication area system configuration that does not affect the current transmission scheduling (for example, the random access resource pool configuration or the channel sounding reference signal resource pool configuration) is changed. This avoids re-access of the second node and avoids invalidation of the current scheduling.

[0161] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, when it is the first value, the re-access instruction instructs the second node to perform the access operation with the second frequency number.

[0162] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, when it is the second value, the re-access instruction instructs the second node to maintain the current access state or not to perform the access operation.

[0163] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a switching interval instruction, and the switching interval indicates the time interval between the first superframe and the second superframe.

[0164] Optionally, the switching interval instruction may include one or more of the following time intervals, namely the time interval between the end moment of the first superframe and the start moment of the second superframe, the time interval between the start moment of the first superframe and the start moment of the second superframe, the time interval between the end moment of the first superframe and the end moment of the second superframe, the time interval between the synchronization signal in the first superframe and the synchronization signal in the second superframe, etc.

[0165] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the switching interval instruction further indicates whether the communication device transmits preamble information with the second frequency number.

[0166] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the communication device does not transmit preamble information with the second frequency number. This shortens the interval between the last superframe before the switch and the first superframe after the switch, reducing the switching time consumed.

[0167] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the communication device further includes a third communication unit, and the third communication unit is configured to transmit preamble information with the second frequency number when the switching interval indication is greater than a third value.

[0168] Optionally, when the switching interval indication is less than the third value, the communication device does not transmit preamble information with the second frequency number.

[0169] When the switching interval is equal to the third value, the communication device may or may not transmit preamble information with the second frequency number, which should be understood to depend on the specific implementation.

[0170] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, when the switching interval indication is 0, the communication device does not transmit preamble information with the second frequency number, or when the switching interval indication is a value greater than 0, the communication device transmits preamble information with the second frequency number.

[0171] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a preamble indication, and the preamble indication indicates that the first node transmits preamble information with the second frequency number, or indicates that the first node does not transmit preamble information with the second frequency number.

[0172] Optionally, the communication device includes a third communication unit, and the third communication unit is configured to transmit preamble information at a second frequency number when the preamble indication is a fourth value.

[0173] Optionally, when the preamble indication is a fifth value, the communication device does not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0174] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, when the switching interval indicates whether preamble information is to be transmitted, the first physical layer control signaling does not need to carry an additional preamble indication.

[0175] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the first identifier can be used in a plurality of frequency number switching processes. That is, after the communication device transmits the first identifier to the second node, in subsequent multiple operating frequency number switching processes, the signaling indicating the frequency number switching can be scrambled by using the same first identifier.

[0176] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the second communication unit is further configured to transmit second physical layer control signaling at a certain operating frequency number, the second physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operating frequency number to a third frequency number, and some or all of the information bits in the second physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, and the operating frequency number is the second frequency number.

[0177] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the communication device further includes a fourth communication unit, and the fourth communication unit is configured to receive frequency number capability information of at least one second node, and the frequency number capability information includes one or more of the supported frequency numbers, the supported switching intervals, etc.

[0178] Optionally, the second frequency number belongs to the frequency numbers supported by the second frequency number.

[0179] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the communication device further includes a processing unit, and the processing unit is configured to determine a switching interval based on the frequency number capability information reported by at least one second node.

[0180] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the first physical layer control signaling is transmitted in a broadcast and / or multicast manner.

[0181] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the communication device separately transmits the physical layer control signaling multiple times in a plurality of superframes to indicate the same frequency number switching.

[0182] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the second communication unit further transmits the first physical layer control signaling in a third superframe with an operating frequency number, the operating frequency number being the first frequency number, is configured to transmit the third physical layer control signaling in a fourth superframe with an operating frequency number, some or all of the information bits in the third physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, the operating frequency number is the first frequency number, and the third physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to the second frequency number.

[0183] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the first physical layer control signaling belongs to one of the plurality of physical layer control signalings, the plurality of physical layer control signalings further includes a fourth physical layer control signaling, and the length of the first physical layer control signaling is the same as the bit length of the fourth physical layer control signaling. The function of the first physical layer control signaling is different from the function of the fourth physical layer control signaling.

[0184] According to a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device is configured to implement the method described in any one of the first aspect or possible implementation forms of the first aspect.

[0185] In a possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the communication device includes a first communication unit and a second communication unit.

[0186] The first communication unit is configured to receive higher layer signaling from a first node, and the higher layer signaling includes a first identifier. The second communication unit is configured to receive first physical layer control signaling at a certain operating frequency number, and some or all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier. The operating frequency number is the first frequency number. The first physical layer control signaling indicates a switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to a second frequency number.

[0187] Optionally, the communication device is the second node, or the communication device is a module (for example, a chip, an integrated circuit, or a software module) in the second node.

[0188] In another possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the first identifier corresponds to a frequency number switching function.

[0189] In yet another possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a function indication field, and the function indication field indicates that the first identifier corresponds to a frequency number switching function.

[0190] In yet another possible implementation form of the fourth aspect, some of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling include a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code of the first physical layer control signaling.

[0191] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the resources for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling belong to preconfigured physical layer control signaling common resources.

[0192] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the communication device further includes a processing unit and a third communication unit. The processing unit is further configured to descramble some or all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling by using the first identifier. The third communication unit is further configured to communicate with the first node at the second frequency number.

[0193] When all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, it should be understood that the processing unit descrambles all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling by using the first identifier.

[0194] When some of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, the processing unit descrambles some of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling by using the first identifier.

[0195] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the second superframe are consecutive. The first superframe is the last superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the first frequency number before the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number. The second superframe is the first superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the second frequency number after the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number.

[0196] That is, before and after the operating frequency number is switched, the superframe sequence numbers of the superframes are continuous.

[0197] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe is N milliseconds, where N is an integer and N ≥ 0.

[0198] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes one or more of the following information: an identifier of the second frequency number, a superframe sequence number continuity indication, an indication of the instant of frequency number switching, a re-access indication, a switching interval indication, or a preamble indication.

[0199] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes an identifier of the second frequency number. The identifier of the second frequency number indicates the destination frequency number for switching and includes, but is not limited to, a frequency number sequence number, a frequency number index number, or a channel number.

[0200] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a superframe sequence number continuity indication, and the superframe sequence number continuity indication indicates whether the superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the second superframe are guaranteed to be continuous.

[0201] In a possible design, when it is the sixth value, the superframe continuity indication indicates that the superframe sequence numbers of the last superframe before the operating frequency number switching and the first superframe after the operating frequency number switching are not guaranteed to be continuous.

[0202] In one possible design, when it is the seventh value, the superframe continuity indication indicates that the superframe sequence number of the last superframe before the operating frequency number switch and the superframe sequence number of the first superframe after the operating frequency number switch are consecutive.

[0203] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes an indication of the moment of the frequency number switch. The indication of the moment of the switch indicates an opportunity to switch the operating frequency number.

[0204] In one possible way, the indication of the moment of the frequency number switch indicates the moment when the first node starts to switch the operating frequency number. For example, it indicates the superframe sequence number of the last subframe used by the first node for transmission at the current operating frequency number, or the relative offset of the last superframe used by the first node for transmission at the current operating frequency number with respect to the superframe for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling.

[0205] In another possible way, the indication of the moment of the frequency number switch indicates the start moment when transmission starts at the second frequency number. For example, it indicates the superframe sequence number of the first superframe used by the first node for transmission at the second frequency number, or the relative offset of the start moment of the first superframe used by the first node for transmission at the second frequency number with respect to the start moment of the superframe for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling.

[0206] Optionally, the offset in the above-described way can be in units of superframes, milliseconds (ms), or microseconds (μs).

[0207] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a re-access instruction. The re-access instruction is instruction information indicating whether the second node needs to perform re-access.

[0208] In some possible cases, the re-access instruction instructs the second node not to perform a re-access operation. For example, during a frequency number switch, the communication area system configuration is not changed, or changed as little as possible, or only the communication area system configuration that does not affect the current transmission scheduling (for example, the random access resource pool configuration or the channel sounding reference signal resource pool configuration) is changed. This avoids re-access of the second node and avoids invalidation of the current scheduling.

[0209] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the communication device further includes a third communication unit, and the third communication unit is configured to perform a re-access operation when the re-access instruction is a first value.

[0210] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, when it is a second value, the re-access instruction instructs the second node to maintain the current access state or not to perform an access operation.

[0211] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a switching interval instruction, and the switching interval indicates the time interval between the first superframe and the second superframe.

[0212] Optionally, the switching interval instruction is the following time interval, that is It may include one or more of the time intervals between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe, the time interval between the instant at the start of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe, the time interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the end of the second superframe, the time interval between the synchronization signal in the first superframe and the synchronization signal in the second superframe, etc.

[0213] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the switching interval indication further indicates whether the first node transmits preamble information with the second frequency number.

[0214] The communication device may determine whether to receive preamble information from the first node with the second frequency number based on the switching interval indication.

[0215] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the communication device further includes a third communication unit, and the third communication unit is configured to receive preamble information from the first node with the second frequency number when the switching interval indication is greater than a third value.

[0216] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, when it is 0, the switching interval indication indicates that the first node does not transmit preamble information with the second frequency number, or when it is a value greater than 0, the switching interval indication indicates that the first node transmits preamble information with the second frequency number.

[0217] The communication device further includes a third communication unit, and the third communication unit is configured to receive preamble information from the first node with the second frequency number when the switching interval indication is a value greater than 0.

[0218] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first physical layer control signaling includes a preamble indication, and the preamble indication indicates that the first node transmits preamble information at a second frequency number, or indicates that the first node does not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0219] Optionally, the third communication unit is configured to receive preamble information from the first node at the second frequency number when the preamble indication is a fourth value.

[0220] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, when the switching interval indicates whether preamble information is to be transmitted, the first physical layer control signaling does not need to carry an additional preamble indication.

[0221] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first identifier can be used in a plurality of frequency number switching processes.

[0222] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the second communication unit is further configured to receive second physical layer control signaling from the first node at a certain operating frequency number, the second physical layer control signaling indicates a switching of the operating frequency number to a third frequency number, some information bits in the second physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, and the operating frequency number is the second frequency number.

[0223] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the communication device further includes a fourth communication unit, and the fourth communication unit is configured to transmit the frequency number capability information of the second node to the first node, and the frequency number capability information of the second node indicates the frequency numbers supported by the second node.

[0224] Optionally, the second frequency number belongs to the frequency numbers supported by the second frequency number.

[0225] Optionally, the frequency number capability information is used to determine the switching interval.

[0226] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first physical layer control signaling is transmitted in a broadcast and / or multicast manner.

[0227] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the communication device does not transmit feedback indicating whether it has successfully detected the first physical layer control signaling.

[0228] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the second communication unit further receives the first physical layer control signaling in the third superframe with the operating frequency number, the operating frequency number being the first frequency number, is configured to receive the third physical layer control signaling in the fourth superframe with the operating frequency number, some or all of the information bits in the third physical layer control signaling being scrambled by using the first identifier, the operating frequency number being the first frequency number, and the third physical layer control signaling indicating the switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to the second frequency number.

[0229] In yet another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first physical layer control signaling belongs to one of a plurality of physical layer control signalings, the plurality of physical layer control signalings further includes a fourth physical layer control signaling, and the length of the first physical layer control signaling is the same as the bit length of the fourth physical layer control signaling. The function of the first physical layer control signaling is different from the function of the fourth physical layer control signaling.

[0230] In the above implementation, the bit length of the first physical layer control signaling is the same as the length of another type of physical layer control signaling indicating another function. In other words, the bit length of the first physical layer control signaling belongs to the existing bit length.

[0231] According to a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application discloses a communication device including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to receive and / or transmit signals, and / or the communication interface is configured to provide an input and / or an output for the processor.

[0232] When the processor calls a computer program or instruction in the memory, the communication device implements the method described in any one of the first aspect or the implementation forms of the first aspect.

[0233] According to a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application discloses a communication device including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to receive and / or transmit signals, and / or the communication interface is configured to provide an input and / or an output for the processor.

[0234] When the processor calls a computer program or instruction in the memory, the communication device implements the method described in any one of the second aspect or the implementation forms of the second aspect.

[0235] Note that the processor included in the communication device described in the fifth aspect and / or the sixth aspect may be a processor specifically configured to implement these methods (referred to as a dedicated processor for the sake of simplicity of distinction), or a processor that implements these methods by calling a computer program, such as a general-purpose processor. Optionally, at least one processor may further include both a dedicated processor and a general-purpose processor.

[0236] Optionally, the above computer program or instructions may be stored in a memory. For example, the memory may be a non-transitory memory, such as a Read Only Memory (ROM). The memory and the processor may be integrated on the same component, or may be separately disposed on different components. The type of the memory and the manner of disposing the memory and the processor are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0237] In one possible implementation, at least one memory is located outside the communication device.

[0238] In another possible implementation, at least one memory is located inside the communication device.

[0239] In yet another possible implementation, some of the at least one memory are located inside the communication device and other memories are located outside the communication device.

[0240] In the present application, the processor and the memory may alternatively be integrated into one component. In other words, the processor and the memory may alternatively be integrated together.

[0241] According to a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device. The communication device includes a logic circuit and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to receive or transmit a signal, and the logic circuit is configured to receive or transmit a signal through the communication interface in order to implement a method according to any one of the first aspect or the implementations of the first aspect.

[0242] According to an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device. The communication device includes a logic circuit and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to receive or transmit a signal, and the logic circuit is configured to receive or transmit a signal through the communication interface in order to implement a method according to any one of the implementation forms of the second aspect or the first aspect.

[0243] According to a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system. The communication system includes a first node and / or a second node.

[0244] The first node includes a communication device described in any one of the third aspect or possible implementation forms of the third aspect.

[0245] The second node includes a communication device described in any one of the fourth aspect or possible implementation forms of the fourth aspect.

[0246] According to a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system. The communication system includes a first node and / or a second node.

[0247] The first node includes the communication device described in the fifth aspect, and the second node includes the communication device described in the sixth aspect.

[0248] According to an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system. The communication system includes a first node and / or a second node.

[0249] The first node includes the communication device described in the seventh aspect, and the second node includes the communication device described in the seventh aspect.

[0250] According to the 12th aspect, an embodiment of the present application discloses a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed on a communication device, the communication device can implement the method described in any one of the 1st aspect or possible implementation forms of the 1st aspect, or implement the method described in any one of the 2nd aspect or possible implementation forms of the 2nd aspect.

[0251] According to the 13th aspect, an embodiment of the present application discloses a computer program product. When the computer program product is executed on one or more processors, the method described in any one of the 1st aspect or possible implementation forms of the 1st aspect is implemented, or the method described in any one of the 2nd aspect or possible implementation forms of the 2nd aspect is implemented.

[0252] According to the 14th aspect, an embodiment of the present application discloses a terminal. The terminal includes a first node and / or a second node. The terminal includes, but is not limited to, a handheld terminal device, a transportation means, an in-vehicle device, a detection device, or an entertainment and leisure device. For example, the terminal may be a smart terminal, or a transportation vehicle such as an automobile, a drone, or a robot.

[0253] In a possible implementation form, the second node includes the device described in any one of the 3rd aspect or possible implementation forms of the 3rd aspect. The first node includes the communication device described in any one of the 4th aspect or possible implementation forms of the 4th aspect.

[0254] In another possible implementation form, the second node includes the device described in any one of the 5th aspect or possible implementation forms of the 5th aspect. The first node includes the communication device described in any one of the 6th aspect or possible implementation forms of the 6th aspect.

[0255] In yet another possible implementation, the second node includes the device described in any one of the seventh aspect or the possible implementations of the seventh aspect. The first node includes the communication device described in any one of the eighth aspect or the possible implementations of the eighth aspect.

[0256] Optionally, the first node includes one or more of modules such as a gateway, a base station, and an in-vehicle cockpit domain controller (CDC).

[0257] Optionally, the second node includes one or more of modules such as a camera, a screen, a microphone, a speaker, a radar, an electronic key, keyless entry, a starting system controller, a battery management system, and a battery pack.

[0258] For the beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in the second aspect to the fourteenth aspect of this application, please refer to the beneficial effects of the technical solutions in the first aspect. Details will not be described again here.

[0259] The following briefly describes the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0260]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0261] To facilitate the understanding of the detailed implementation forms of the measures in the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms used in the embodiments of the present application will first be described below.

[0262] 1. Node A node (also called a communication node) is a device with communication capabilities, including, but not limited to, one or more of a terminal device, a network device, an industrial device, or an entertainment device.

[0263] The terminal device includes a handheld terminal, a wearable terminal, a means of transportation, an in-vehicle device, a detection device, a smart home device, etc. The handheld terminal includes, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, or a notebook computer. The wearable device includes, but is not limited to, a headset, a smart band, a smart watch, or smart glasses. The means of transportation includes, but is not limited to, an automobile, a ship, an aircraft, a railway (such as a subway and a high-speed railway), or a logistics robot (such as an automated guided vehicle (AGV)). The in-vehicle device includes, but is not limited to, a domain controller (DC), a screen, a microphone, a speaker, an electronic key, a keyless entry, a start system controller, and a battery management system (BMS). The detection device includes, but is not limited to, a camera, a radar, a lidar, an illuminance sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor. The smart home device includes, but is not limited to, a projector, a smart television, a smart refrigerator, a smart entrance and exit, or a security protection device.

[0264] The network device includes, but is not limited to, a router, a switch, or a base station. The industrial device is, for example, an industrial robot and a robotic arm. The leisure and entertainment device is, for example, a virtual reality (VR) device, a mixed reality (MR) device, a massage chair, a home theater, a game control device, or a 4D cinema cockpit.

[0265] The nodes in the embodiments of this application can be used in various scenarios such as smart cars, smart homes, smart terminals, smart manufacturing, or smart exhibition halls. In some application scenarios or some network types, the names of devices with similar communication capabilities may not be called nodes. However, for the sake of simplicity in description, devices with communication capabilities are collectively called nodes in the embodiments of this application.

[0266] 2. Communication Area In a communication system, a node includes a management node (or called a G node) and a managed node (or called a T node). The G node manages a specific number of T nodes, and the G node is connected to these T nodes to jointly complete a specific communication function.

[0267] The G node and the T nodes connected to the G node belong to a certain communication area. Optionally, there may be one or more G nodes in the communication area. For example, a single G node and the T nodes connected to the G node jointly form a communication area.

[0268] FIG. 1A is a diagram of a communication area according to an embodiment of this application. The scenario of a smart car is used as an example. The cockpit domain controller (CDC) may be used as the G node, and various in-vehicle devices (such as microphones and loudspeakers) are used as T nodes to jointly complete the cockpit entertainment function. In this case, the CDC and the in-vehicle devices form a communication area, which is called the first communication area for simplicity of distinction. Optionally, when a mobile phone is connected to the CDC, the mobile phone can also be used as a T node in the first communication area. Similarly, when Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) is connected to the CDC, PEPS can also be used as a T node in the first communication area.

[0269] In some scenarios, there may be multiple communication areas. As shown in FIG. 1A, for connecting to a wearable device (e.g., a headset or a smartwatch), a mobile phone can also be used as a G node. In this case, the mobile phone and the wearable device form another communication area, e.g., the second communication area shown in FIG. 1A. In another example, for connecting to a body control module (BCM), a mobile phone key, and a vehicle key, a PEPS can also be used as a G node. In this case, the PEPS, BCM, mobile phone key, and vehicle key form another communication area, e.g., the third communication area shown in FIG. 1A.

[0270] In scenarios with multiple communication areas, the multiple communication areas may have different levels. For example, communication areas can be classified as high-level communication areas, general communication areas, etc. In this case, the high-level communication area can perform resource coordination to achieve cooperation and coexistence among multiple areas.

[0271] FIG. 1B is another diagram of a communication area according to an embodiment of the present application. A smart home scenario is used as an example. A television, a speaker connected to the television, and a microphone belong to a certain communication area, and that communication area is a general communication area. A mobile phone and a headset connected to the mobile phone belong to another communication area, and that communication area is a high-level communication area. The mobile phone can perform management of resources among multiple areas.

[0272] 3. G Link The communication link from a G node to a T node can be called a G link. The communication link from a T node to a G node can be called a T link.

[0273] 4. Common Resources Common resources are resources that can be shared by multiple nodes and include, but are not limited to, time-frequency resources. Nodes sharing common resources can detect signaling on the common resources.

[0274] For example, in a communication area including a G node and a T node, the common resource is a preconfigured resource shared by the T node in that communication area.

[0275] In one possible implementation, a common resource may be used to transmit multiple types of signaling. For example, the common resource may include a common resource for transmitting physical layer control signaling. A node may blindly detect physical layer control signaling in the common resource for transmitting physical layer control signaling.

[0276] 5. Detection and Blind Detection Signal detection is a process of attempting to receive a signal. A second node is used as an example. The second node attempts to receive a signal on a time-frequency resource. If the decoding and CRC check performed on the signal are successful, the signal is considered to have been received successfully.

[0277] Blind detection is a signal detection method. On the premise that a node in a specified time-frequency resource does not know whether it should transmit information and does not know the content of the information to be transmitted, the node attempts to receive a signal and identify the content of the information corresponding to the signal.

[0278] 6. Scrambling Scrambling refers to obtaining a new signal based on an original signal and a scrambling code. The reverse operation of scrambling is descrambling.

[0279] 7. Superframe A superframe, that is, a time unit, includes a plurality of radio frames. Each radio frame includes one or more symbols, and the symbols can be, for example, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols.

[0280] The SparkLink Basic (SLB) technology is used as an example. The superframe period is 1 millisecond (ms), that is, the length of the superframe is 1 ms. One superframe contains 48 wireless frames, and the length of each wireless frame is 1 / 48 = 20.833 microseconds (μs).

[0281] The superframe has a superframe sequence number (or called number or superframe number) to distinguish different superframes in a period. Generally, one or more bits are used for representation, that is, the superframe sequence number contains S bits, S is a positive integer, and S > 0.

[0282] Since the amount of bits of the superframe sequence number is usually limited, a rollover occurs when the superframe sequence number reaches the maximum count value. For example, the superframe sequence number is indicated by 8-bit data (from 0x00 to 0xFF). When a signal is continuously transmitted / received in multiple superframes, the superframe sequence number is continuously tallied. When the superframe sequence number reaches 0xFF, a rollover of the frame number occurs and the count starts again from 0x00.

[0283] 8. Frequency Number The frequency number, also called a carrier, is a number of a frequency range and indicates a transmission / reception frequency. For example, FIG. 2 is a diagram of possible frequency numbers. The available bandwidth ranges from X megahertz (MHz) to (X + 160) MHz. The available bandwidth is divided into eight frequency bands based on a frequency interval of 20 MHz. All the frequency bands are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, …, and 8, respectively. These fixed frequency numbers are the frequency numbers. It should be understood that the available bandwidth, the width of the frequency band, and the amount of the frequency numbers shown in FIG. 2 are merely examples and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present application.

[0284] The frequency numbers shown in FIG. 2 are used as an example. When the operating frequency number of the first node is the frequency number 1, the signal transmitted by the first node is transmitted within the frequency range corresponding to the frequency number 1, and / or the signal received by the first node is received within the frequency range corresponding to the frequency number 1.

[0285] When the operating frequency number is the frequency number 1, signaling, data, etc. transmitted and / or received by the first node are transmitted at the frequency number 1. After the operating frequency number is switched to the frequency number 2, signaling, data, etc. transmitted and / or received by the first node are transmitted at the frequency number 2.

[0286] 9. Preamble information (or called a preamble) The preamble information is a fragment of information transmitted by the first node with the frequency number acquired after the frequency number switching. For example, after the frequency number switching and before the first node enters the superframe structure, a fragment of the preamble information is first transmitted.

[0287] Optionally, the preamble information may indicate a change in the configuration information, for example, a change in information such as a random access resource pool configuration and a channel sounding reference signal (SRS) resource pool configuration.

[0288] In some possible designs, the preamble information can be used for synchronization with the receiving node.

[0289] In some other possible designs, the preamble information may be used to obtain communication channel information, for example, for channel estimation and channel quality evaluation. For example, the first node transmits the preamble information at a second frequency number, and correspondingly, the second node receives the preamble information. The second node can measure the channel between the first node and the second node based on the preamble information to obtain the channel quality, etc.

[0290] In some possible implementations, the content of the preamble information may be predefined (for example, specified in the protocol), preconfigured, or configured by using signaling from a higher layer.

[0291] 10. Access The "access" referred to in the embodiments of this application refers to the process by which a node establishes a connection to another node. In some specific technical scenarios, the process of a node "accessing" another node can also be described as a node "associating" with another node.

[0292] In the following embodiments, the above descriptions of technical terms are optionally used.

[0293] The following describes the system architecture in an embodiment of the present application. It should be noted that the system architecture described in the present application is intended to more clearly describe the technical measures in the present application, but is not a limitation on the technical measures provided in the present application. Those skilled in the art may know that due to the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical measures provided in the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0294] Figure 3 is a diagram of a possible communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication system includes a first node 301 and a second node 302. The first node 301 has communication capabilities and is capable of transmitting signals.

[0295] The first node 301 transmits a signal at a certain frequency number. The frequency number at which the signal is transmitted and received is called the operating frequency number. The operating frequency number may be changed, and the change of the operating frequency number is called frequency number switching.

[0296] The second node 302 has communication capabilities and is capable of receiving signals. The second node 302 can receive the signal transmitted by the first node 301 at its operating frequency number, that is, the first node 301 communicates with the second node 302 at its operating frequency number.

[0297] Optionally, the link for communication between the second node 302 and the first node 301 may include various types of connection media, including a wired link (e.g., optical fiber), a wireless link, a combination of a wired link and a wireless link, etc. For example, short-distance connection technologies may be used, which may include SparkLink, 802.11b / g, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, etc. In another example, long-distance connection technologies may be used as an alternative, which may include, but are not limited to, communication technologies based on Long Term Evolution, 5th generation mobile networks or 5th generation wireless system (5th-Generation, abbreviated as 5G or 5G technology), global System for mobile communications (GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS), and universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS).

[0298] In some specific implementation scenarios, the first node may be referred to as a G node, a control node, or an access point. The second node may be referred to as a T node or a terminal node.

[0299] It should be understood that the quantity, position, and connection relationship of the nodes shown in the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application are possible examples for simplicity of description and are not intended to limit a specific communication system and a specific communication scenario.

[0300] There are various types of interference existing in a wireless communication environment. Therefore, a communication system needs to have an interference prevention ability. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the current operating frequency numbers of the first node 301 and the second node 302 are frequency number 1, when interference exists or the interference is severe at frequency number 1, the operating frequency number can be switched to suppress the influence of the interference. For example, the first node 301 can switch the operating frequency number to frequency number 2.

[0301] When the first node 301 switches the frequency number, in order for the second node 302 to perform related operations to maintain the communication state, the first node 301 needs to notify another node (for example, the second node 302) that is communicating with the first node 301 of the operating frequency number switch. The frequency number switching process has high time requirements. If the interval from the time when it is determined to switch the frequency number to the time when the frequency number is actually switched is long, another communication system may preempt the frequency number. This affects the transmission performance.

[0302] In view of this, by using the communication method and related devices provided in the embodiments of the present application, the time length of frequency number switching can be shortened, and the transmission performance of the inter-node communication network can be improved.

[0303] In one possible implementation, when switching the frequency number, the first node notifies the second node of the operating frequency number switch by using physical layer control signaling indicating the frequency number switch, and the physical layer control signaling indicating the frequency number switch is scrambled by using a first identifier to distinguish the physical layer control signaling from the physical layer signaling of another function. In the above implementation, the instruction for the operating frequency number switch is completed by using the first identifier and the physical layer control signaling. This shortens the duration of the frequency number switch, so that the first node and the second node can switch to the second frequency number as soon as possible to execute communication. This improves the transmission performance of the communication network.

[0304] It should be understood that the first identifier can be configured on the second node by using signaling (for example, higher layer signaling). Alternatively, the first identifier can be pre-acquired by the first node and the second node. For example, the first identifier is specified in the protocol or is pre-configured in the second node.

[0305] The following details the method in the embodiments of the present application.

[0306] FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the method can be implemented based on the communication system shown in FIG. 3.

[0307] The communication method shown in FIG. 4 may include one or more of steps S401 to S403. For the sake of simplicity in the description of the present application, the order of S401 to S403 is used for the description, but it should be understood that this does not limit the execution to be necessarily performed in the above order. The execution order, execution time, execution frequency, etc. of the above one or more steps are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. Steps S401 to S403 are specifically as follows.

[0308] Step S401: The first node transmits higher-layer signaling, and the higher-layer signaling includes a first identifier.

[0309] Optionally, the node receiving the higher-layer signaling may include a second node. In this application, the description is made by using an example in which the receiving end is the second node. There may be one or more second nodes. That is, the second node receives the higher-layer signaling from the first node.

[0310] The higher-layer signaling includes, but is not limited to, X resource control (XRC) signaling or a system message. The X resource includes, but is not limited to, radio resources. Optionally, the XRC signaling includes XRC setup signaling, XRC reconfiguration signaling, etc. X resource control may also be called radio resource control.

[0311] For example, the first identifier includes information about a plurality of bits. The amount and position of the bits in the higher-layer signaling are not strictly limited in the embodiments of this application. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a possible first identifier according to an embodiment of this application. The first identifier includes a 6-bit signal (this is just an example) and is located at the nth bit to the (n + 6)th bit in the higher-layer signaling. For example, the first identifier is "111000", and the value of each bit is just an example.

[0312] In some scenarios, the first identifier may also be called a frequency number switching identifier.

[0313] In a possible implementation, the first identifier corresponds to the frequency number switching function. FIG. 6 shows the association between the first identifier and the function according to an embodiment of the present application. In a possible implementation, as shown in FIG. 6, the first identifier can be used to distinguish physical layer control signaling indicating frequency number switching. For example, some or all of the information bits in the physical layer control signaling indicating frequency number switching can be scrambled by using the first identifier. After the second node receives the control signaling, if the control signaling can be descrambled by using the first identifier, the signaling is physical layer control signaling indicating frequency number switching.

[0314] In another possible implementation, the first identifier corresponds to a group of signaling function types, the group of signaling function types is called a function group, and the function group includes physical layer control signaling of one or more function types. The physical layer control signaling indicating frequency number switching belongs to the signaling in the function group. For example, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the function group corresponding to the first identifier includes physical layer control signaling indicating frequency number switching, physical layer control signaling for implementing function F1, and physical layer control signaling for implementing function F2. In this case, the physical layer control signaling further includes a function indication field, and the function of the signaling is jointly indicated by using the first identifier and the function indication field.

[0315] Here, it should be noted that when the operating frequency number is the first frequency number, signaling of a higher layer can be transmitted. Of course, when the operating frequency number is not the first frequency number, signaling of a higher layer may also be transmitted. For example, after the signaling of a higher layer is transmitted, frequency number switching may be executed. In this case, the operating frequency number for transmitting the signaling of a higher layer can be another frequency number. [[ID=*10]]

[0316] [[ID=*11]] It should be noted that the asterisks in front of IDs 10 and 11 in the original text seem to be formatting errors. I have translated them as they are while keeping the tags intact. If this is not what you expect, please provide more context or clarify the issue.Optionally, the first node may send higher layer signaling in a broadcast, multicast, or unicast manner. In the broadcast manner, the higher layer signaling may be sent to all nodes (or all nodes within a specific range) in the broadcast manner. In the multicast manner, the higher layer signaling may be sent to a group of nodes in the multicast manner. In the unicast manner, the higher layer signaling is sent to one node in the unicast manner.

[0317] In one possible implementation, broadcast, multicast, and unicast may be performed based on the destination address of the signaling. In the broadcast manner, the destination address of the signaling is the broadcast address. In the multicast manner, the destination address of the signaling is the multicast address. In the unicast manner, the destination address of the signaling is the address of the receiving end, for example, the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the receiving end and / or the Media Access Control (MAC) address of the second node.

[0318] In another possible implementation, broadcast, multicast, and unicast may be performed through a channel for sending the signaling. For example, in the broadcast manner, the channel for sending the signaling is the broadcast channel. In the multicast manner, the channel for sending the signaling is the channel for communication between a group of nodes. Optionally, the signaling is distinguished by using an identifier (or key or encoding / decoding method). In the unicast manner, the channel for sending the signaling is the channel between two nodes in point-to-point communication. Optionally, the signaling is distinguished by using an identifier (or key or encoding / decoding method).

[0319] The above two implementation forms are examples for implementation. The ways to implement broadcast, multicast, and unicast are not strictly limited in this application, and other implementation forms may be included in a specific implementation process.

[0320] Step S402: The first node transmits first physical layer control signaling with an operating frequency number.

[0321] Optionally, the node receiving the first physical layer control information may include a second node. By using an example where the receiving end is the second node, the following description is given. That is, the second node receives the first physical layer control signaling.

[0322] For simplicity of explanation, when the first physical layer control signaling is transmitted, the operating frequency number of the first node is called the first frequency number.

[0323] In some scenarios, the physical layer control signaling is also called physical layer control information or frequency number switching physical layer control signaling. It should be understood that the names of signaling, information, and fields are not limited in the embodiments of this application and are only examples for explanation and expression. The names of signaling, information, and fields in this application may be randomly replaced.

[0324] The first physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operating frequency number to the second frequency number. For example, the first physical layer control signaling includes a destination frequency number field, and the value of the destination frequency number field is an identifier of the second frequency number or includes an identifier of the second frequency number. In another example, the first physical layer control signaling includes an identifier of the second frequency number and an indication of the moment of frequency number switching. In another example, the first physical layer control signaling corresponds to a frequency number switching function, and the first physical layer control signaling includes an identifier of the second frequency number.

[0325] Optionally, the first physical layer control signaling indicates a switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to a second frequency number. In one possible approach, the first physical layer control signaling is used to notify the second node of the operating frequency number switching of the first node. In this case, the second node may switch the operating frequency number to the second frequency number to communicate with the first node. Alternatively, the second node may not need to switch the operating frequency number. For example, if the task of the second node for the first node is completed, the second node does not need to maintain the communication connection state with the first node.

[0326] Alternatively, optionally, the first physical layer control signaling instructs the second node (i.e., the node that receives the first physical layer control signaling) to switch the operating frequency number to the second frequency number. Correspondingly, the second node receives the first physical layer control signaling and switches the operating frequency number to the second frequency number.

[0327] It should be understood that the above examples may be combined. The instruction to switch the operating frequency number of the first node to the second frequency number may also be regarded as an instruction to switch the operating frequency number of the second node. That is, the first physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to the second frequency number and also indicates the switching of the operating frequency number of the second node to the second frequency number.

[0328] Some or all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using a first identifier. If the second node can descramble the first physical layer control signaling by using the first identifier, the second node can obtain the function of the first physical layer control signaling, obtain the data content of the first physical layer control signaling based on the data format of the first physical layer control signaling, and thus may receive an instruction for operating frequency number switching.

[0329] In one possible implementation, after detecting the physical layer control signaling, the second node may descramble some or all of the information bits in the physical layer control signaling. If the scrambling and descrambling are successfully executed by using the first identifier, since the physical layer control signaling is determined to be the physical layer control signaling indicating the frequency number switching, the corresponding information can be extracted based on the format of the frequency number switching physical layer control signaling.

[0330] Optionally, the above descrambling process may be executed after the first physical layer control signaling is decoded. Since the first identifier is used in the scrambling process of the signaling, the decoding method used for the first physical layer control signaling may be the same as the encoding / decoding method of other signaling. This environment can further shorten the frequency number switching time without prolonging the decoding time of the second node.

[0331] In one possible implementation, the Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) code in the first physical layer control signaling is scrambled by using the identifier corresponding to the frequency number switching. In the above implementation, after decoding the physical layer control signaling, the second node separately executes the CRC check on the decoded physical layer control signaling by using one or more configured scrambling codes. If the CRC check executed by using the identifier corresponding to the frequency number switching as the scrambling code is successful, it is determined that the physical layer control signaling is the frequency number switching physical layer control signaling.

[0332] The following describes the information included in the first physical layer control signaling. In a possible implementation form, the first physical layer control signaling includes one or more of the following information: identifier of the second frequency number, indication of the moment of frequency number switching, re-access indication, switching interval indication, preamble indication, function indication field, superframe sequence number continuity indication, etc. The following describes the above information by using examples.

[0333] (1) Identifier of the second frequency number: The identifier of the second frequency number indicates the destination frequency number for switching, and includes, but is not limited to, the frequency number sequence number, the index number of the frequency number, the channel number, the center frequency of the frequency band corresponding to the frequency number, the start frequency of the frequency band corresponding to the frequency number, or the end frequency of the frequency band corresponding to the frequency number.

[0334] The frequency number shown in FIG. 2 is used as an example. When the second frequency number is frequency number 2, the identifier of the second frequency number includes the channel number of frequency number 2, the index number of frequency number 2, the center frequency of frequency number 2, etc.

[0335] (2) Indication of the moment of switching, or what is called switching moment information: The indication of the moment of switching indicates the opportunity (moment) for switching the operating frequency number.

[0336] For the sake of simplicity of description, in various embodiments of the present application, the last superframe for transmission at the first frequency number before the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number is called the first superframe, and the first superframe for transmission at the second frequency number after the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number is called the second superframe, and "transmission" may specifically be the transmission of data and / or signaling.

[0337] In one possible implementation, the indication of the moment of frequency number switching indicates the moment when the operating frequency number switching starts. For example, it indicates the superframe sequence number of the first superframe, or indicates the relative offset of the first superframe with respect to the superframe for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling.

[0338] In another possible implementation, the indication of the moment of frequency number switching indicates the start moment when transmission starts with the second frequency number. For example, it indicates the superframe sequence number of the second superframe, or indicates the relative offset of the second superframe with respect to the start moment of the superframe for transmitting the first frequency number switching physical layer control signaling.

[0339] Optionally, the offset in the above-described manner can be in units of superframes, milliseconds (ms), or microseconds (μs).

[0340] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a plurality of superframes according to an embodiment of the present application. The superframe sequence number of the superframe for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling is 1 (this is just an example), and the opportunity to switch the operating frequency number is after the superframe whose superframe sequence number is 3. The indication of the moment of switching may be "3" (i.e., the superframe sequence number of the first superframe). Alternatively, the indication of the moment of switching may be "2" (i.e., the relative offset of the first superframe with respect to the superframe for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling). Alternatively, the indication of the moment of switching may be "4" (i.e., the superframe sequence number of the second superframe). Alternatively, the indication of the moment of switching may be "3" (i.e., the relative offset of the start moment of the second superframe with respect to the start moment of the superframe for transmitting the first frequency number switching physical layer control signaling).

[0341] (3) Re - access instruction: The re - access instruction is instruction information indicating whether the second node needs to execute re - access.

[0342] In the frequency number switching process, the second node needs to execute the re - access operation in some cases, or the second node does not need to execute the re - access operation in some cases. In the above - mentioned implementation form, in order to flexibly regulate and control the behavior of the second node, the re - access instruction is carried in the first physical layer control signaling. This can improve the flexibility and stability of the communication system.

[0343] In some possible cases, the re - access instruction instructs the second node not to execute the re - access operation. For example, during the frequency number switching, the communication area system configuration is not changed, or changed as little as possible, or only the communication area system configuration (for example, the random access resource pool configuration or the channel sounding reference signal resource pool configuration) that does not affect the current transmission scheduling is changed. This avoids the re - access of the second node and the invalidation of the current scheduling. This environment can reduce the interruption of services caused by the frequency number switching and improve the transmission performance.

[0344] In some possible cases, the first node can adjust communication system parameters, such as the Cyclic Prefix (CP) length and the resource ratio, based on the second frequency number and / or the channel state of the current service requirements. When the second node re - accesses the first node, it is easier to enable the change of communication parameters, and the first node can instruct the second node to execute the re - access.

[0345] In one possible implementation, when it is the first value, the re-access instruction instructs the second node to execute an access operation with the second frequency number. Optionally, when it is the second value, the re-access instruction instructs the second node to maintain the current access state or not to execute the access operation. The first value and / or the second value may be predefined by a user, a vendor, or a management device (e.g., specified in a protocol), or may be preconfigured on the node. The management device may be the first node, the second node, or a third-party device.

[0346] The access method may include contention access, contention-free access, etc. Optionally, the access operation includes sending an access request.

[0347] For example, the re-access instruction includes one or more bits, and the value of the one or more bits indicates whether the second node executes re-access. For example, the re-access instruction includes 1 bit. When it is 0, the re-access instruction instructs the second node to maintain the current access state or not to execute the re-access operation, or when it is 1, the re-access instruction instructs the second node to re-access the first node.

[0348] Optionally, when executing the access operation, the second node may access the first node or another node. For example, when executing the access operation, the second node re-accesses the first node, and after the second node accesses the first node, the first node and the second node belong to the first communication area. In another example, after the second node executes the access operation, the second node may access the fourth node, and after the second node accesses the fourth node, the second node and the fourth node belong to the second communication area.

[0349] (4) Switching Interval Indication: Due to the limitations of the device's capabilities, a specific time interval is required between the last transmission at the current operating frequency number (e.g., the first frequency number) and the first transmission at the next operating frequency number (e.g., the second frequency number). Devices with different capabilities have different costs, power consumptions, and complexities. Therefore, different devices have different switching capabilities, and the shortest time for switching can also be different.

[0350] Since it takes time to switch the operating frequency number, there is a specific time interval between the superframes for transmitting data and / or signaling before and after the frequency number switch. The switching indication may indicate the interval between the last transmission at the current operating frequency number (e.g., the first frequency number) and the first transmission at the next operating frequency number (e.g., the second frequency number).

[0351] In one possible implementation, the switching interval indicates the time interval between the last superframe (i.e., the first superframe) for transmission at the first frequency number and the first superframe (i.e., the second superframe) for transmission at the second frequency number. For example, the first node determines the switching interval indication based on the device capabilities (the device capabilities of the first node and / or the device capabilities of the second node) and transmits the switching interval indication to the second node by using the first physical layer control signaling. Correspondingly, the second node can change the communication configuration based on the switching interval indication to improve the stability of the communication. For example, the second node can determine the time to start transmission in the superframe after switching, the position of the synchronization signal, etc. based on the time interval.

[0352] Optionally, the switching interval indication may include one or more of the following time intervals, namely, the time interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe, the time interval between the instant at the start of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe, the time interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the end of the second superframe, the time interval between the synchronization signal in the first superframe and the synchronization signal in the second superframe, etc.

[0353] In a possible implementation, when the first node transmits preamble information with a second frequency number, the switching interval may include one or more of the following time intervals, namely, the time interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the preamble information, the time interval between the instant at the start of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the preamble information, etc.

[0354] In a possible implementation, the switching interval indication further indicates whether the first node transmits preamble information with a second frequency number. Correspondingly, the second node determines whether the first node transmits preamble information with a second frequency number based on the switching interval indication.

[0355] Furthermore, when the switching interval indicates that the first node transmits preamble information with a second frequency number, the second node correspondingly receives the preamble information with the second frequency number, or when the switching interval indicates that the first node does not transmit preamble information with a second frequency number, the second node does not need to receive the preamble information with the second frequency number. It can be seen that the switching interval indication can be used to flexibly regulate and control the behavior of the second node. This can improve the stability of the communication system.

[0356] In one possible design, when the switching interval indication is greater than a third value, the first node transmits preamble information to at least one second node at an operating frequency number (i.e., the second frequency number) after the switching. The third value may be predefined by a user, a vendor, or a management device (e.g., specified in a protocol), or may be preconfigured on the node. The management device may be the first node, the second node, or a third-party device. Alternatively, optionally, when the switching interval indication is less than the third value, the first node does not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number. It should be understood that when the switching interval is equal to the third value, the first node may or may not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0357] For example, the switching interval indication indicates the amount of milliseconds in the interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe. When the switching interval indication is greater than 1 (i.e., the interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe is 1 ms), the first node transmits preamble information at the second frequency number. Correspondingly, when the interval indicated by the switching interval is less than or equal to 1, the first node does not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0358] In another possible design, when the switching interval indication is 0, the preamble information is not transmitted. Or, when the switching interval indication is greater than 0, the preamble information is transmitted.

[0359] [[ID=ll]] When the first node does not transmit preamble information, the first node and the second node may perform communication in the superframe as soon as possible. This shortens the interval between the last superframe before the switching and the first superframe after the switching, reducing the duration of the switching time.

[0360] In one possible implementation, the switching interval indicates the time interval between the instant at the start of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe, the switching interval indicates N milliseconds, N is an integer, and N ≥ 0.

[0361] Optionally, the first node determines the duration for frequency number switching based on the frequency number switching ability of the first node and / or the frequency number switching ability of the second node. The time interval indicated by the switching interval indication is longer than the duration for frequency number switching.

[0362] In one possible design, the first node rounds the duration for frequency number switching to obtain the switching interval indication. Optionally, the rounding method can be rounding up or another rounding method.

[0363] It should be understood that the switching interval indication field may not be included in the first physical layer control signaling. For example, the switching interval can be specified in the protocol, pre-configured in the first node and / or the second node, or indicated by using signaling of other higher layers.

[0364] (5)Preamble indication: The preamble indication indicates that the first node transmits preamble information with the second frequency number, or indicates that the first node does not transmit preamble information with the second frequency number.

[0365] Optionally, when the preamble indication is a fourth value, the first node transmits the preamble information at the second frequency number. Alternatively, when the preamble indication is a fifth value, the first node does not transmit the preamble information at the second frequency number. The fourth value and / or the fifth value may be predefined by a user, a vendor, or a management device (e.g., specified in a protocol), or may be preconfigured on the node. The management device may be the first node, the second node, or a third-party device.

[0366] For example, the preamble indication includes information of one or more bits, and the value of one or more bits indicates whether the first node transmits the preamble information at the second frequency number. For example, the preamble indication includes one bit. When it is 0, the preamble indication indicates that the first node does not transmit the preamble information at the second frequency number, or when it is 1, the preamble indication indicates that the first node transmits the preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0367] In a possible implementation, when the switching interval indication indicates whether the preamble information is transmitted, the first physical layer control signaling may not carry the preamble indication. This environment can reduce the fields of the physical layer control signaling and improve the scalability.

[0368] (6) Function indication field: The function indication field indicates the function of the signaling or jointly indicates the function of the signaling using the first identifier.

[0369] In one possible implementation, the first identifier corresponds to one or more functions, and the function indication field indicates that the first identifier corresponds to the frequency number switching function. To facilitate understanding, Table 1 lists examples of the values and descriptions of some function indication fields. Regarding (b) of FIG. 6, the first identifier indicates a plurality of functions including the frequency number switching function, function F1, and function F2. When the function indication field in the signaling is 00, the first identifier indicates the frequency number switching function. Similarly, when the function indication field in the signaling is 01, the first identifier indicates function F1 (an example of the name of a function), and when the function indication field in the signaling is 10, the first identifier indicates function F2 (an example of the name of a function).

[0370]

Table 1

[0371] It should be understood that the above is intended to facilitate the understanding of the values of some possible function indication fields provided, and is not intended to limit the function indication field. In a specific implementation process, the function indication field may include more or fewer bits, and there may be another design for the association between the values of the function indication field and the functions.

[0372] (7) Superframe sequence number continuity indication: The superframe sequence number continuity indication indicates whether the superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the second superframe are guaranteed to be continuous.

[0373] Optionally, when it is the sixth value, the superframe continuity indication indicates that the superframe sequence numbers of the last superframe before the operating frequency number switch and the first superframe after the operating frequency number switch are not guaranteed to be continuous, or when it is the seventh value, the superframe continuity indication indicates that the superframe sequence numbers of the last superframe before the operating frequency number switch and the first superframe after the operating frequency number switch are continuous.

[0374] In a possible design, when the superframe sequence numbers are not guaranteed to be continuous, the scheduling executed before the operating frequency number switch is invalid at the second frequency number, and the first node needs to re-determine the scheduling. Alternatively, when the superframe sequence numbers are continuous, the scheduling executed before the operating frequency number switch is valid at the second frequency number, and in this case, the first node does not need to execute the scheduling again. This shortens the switching time duration.

[0375] For example, the superframe sequence number continuity indication includes 1-bit information. When it is 1, the superframe sequence number continuity indication indicates that the superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the second superframe are continuous, or when it is 0, the superframe sequence number continuity indication indicates that the superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the second superframe are not guaranteed to be continuous.

[0376] The sixth value and / or the seventh value may be predefined by a user, a vendor, or a management device (e.g., specified in a protocol), or may be pre-configured on the node. The management device may be the first node, the second node, or a third-party device.

[0377] The above describes the functions and information included in the first physical layer control signaling. The following describes an example of a method for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling.

[0378] In a possible implementation, the resources for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling belong to a preconfigured physical layer control signaling common resource. The physical layer control signaling common resource (abbreviated as the common resource) is a resource that can be shared by a plurality of second nodes for detecting the physical layer control signaling, and includes, but is not limited to, time-frequency resources. Since the second nodes detect (or listen to) the signaling on the common resource, the nodes for which the common resource is configured can receive the first physical layer control signaling. Therefore, the first node does not need to notify other nodes one by one of the frequency number switching. This shortens the time duration of the frequency number switching.

[0379] Considering possible cases, there may be a plurality of second nodes. For example, in the SparkLink Basic (SLB) technology, one communication area may include 4096 second nodes. In this case, it takes time for the first node to notify each of the second nodes of the operating frequency number switching one by one. Due to the time-consuming notification, the interval from the time when the second node decides to switch the frequency number to the moment of switching is long. As a result, the first node cannot switch to the new operating frequency number as soon as possible, which affects the transmission performance. In the above implementation, the first physical layer control signaling is transmitted on the common resource. Since the second nodes can detect the first physical layer control signaling on the common resource and obtain the operating frequency number switching instruction within the time, the first node and the second nodes can communicate with the new operating frequency number as soon as possible. This improves the interference prevention ability of the communication system and improves the transmission performance.

[0380] In one possible implementation, the first node may transmit physical layer control signaling multiple times to indicate the same frequency number switch. Since the first node repeatedly transmits signaling indicating the same frequency number switch multiple times, the second node has an opportunity to detect the signaling multiple times. This reduces the probability of failure of the frequency number switch because the second node does not detect the signaling.

[0381] Optionally, the physical layer control signaling indicating the same frequency number switch may be transmitted separately in a plurality of superframes. For example, the first physical layer control signaling is transmitted in the third superframe. In this case, the first node further transmits third physical layer control signaling in the fourth superframe at the operating frequency number (the current operating frequency number is the first frequency number), and some or all of the information bits in the third physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, and the third physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to the second frequency number.

[0382] It should be understood that some or all of the information in the physical layer control signaling indicating the same frequency number switch is the same. For example, when the indication of the switching moment is the relative offset of the switching moment with respect to the moment (or superframe) when the physical layer control signaling is transmitted, the values of the indication of the switching moment in a plurality of physical layer control signaling indicating the same frequency number switch may be different.

[0383] FIG. 8 is another view of a plurality of superframes according to an embodiment of the present application. The superframe with a superframe sequence number of "1" carries physical layer control signaling 801. The physical layer control signaling 801 indicates the switching of the operating frequency number to the second frequency number, and the physical layer control signaling 801 includes an indication of the moment of switching. The indication of the moment of switching indicates the offset between the moment of the start of the first superframe used by the first node for transmission at the second frequency number and the moment of the start of the superframe for transmitting the first frequency number switching physical layer control signaling, that is, the indication of the moment of switching is "2". The superframe with a superframe sequence number of "2" carries physical layer control signaling 802. The content indicated by the physical layer control signaling 802 (regarding the frequency number switching) is the same as the content indicated by the physical layer control signaling 801. Similarly, the superframe with a superframe sequence number of "3" carries physical layer control signaling 803. The content indicated by the physical layer control signaling 803 is the same as the content indicated by the physical layer control signaling 801 and the content indicated by the physical layer control signaling 802.

[0384] When the first node transmits the physical layer control signaling for performing the same frequency number switching multiple times in superframe 1, superframe 2, and superframe 3, the second node can obtain the frequency number switching instruction by detecting any one of the physical layer control signaling. Therefore, the probability of successful frequency number switching can be increased using the above-described implementation so that the second node can continue to communicate with the first node. This can improve the transmission performance.

[0385] Alternatively, optionally, the first node may transmit a plurality of physical layer control signaling in one superframe, and the plurality of physical layer control signaling indicates the same frequency number switching.

[0386] In one possible implementation, the bit length of the physical layer control signaling indicating the frequency number switching is the same as the length of another type of physical layer control signaling indicating another function. In other words, the bit length of the physical layer control signaling indicating the frequency number switching belongs to the existing bit length.

[0387] When the information bit lengths of the control signaling are the same, the encoding / decoding methods of the control signaling are also the same. This environment can further shorten the time for frequency number switching without lengthening the decoding time at the receiving end, and when the receiving end needs to blindly detect additional physical layer signaling for carrier switching, it does not greatly increase the complexity of blindly detecting the physical layer signaling by the receiving end.

[0388] For example, the first physical layer control signaling is used as an example, and the length of the first physical layer control signaling is the same as the bit length of the fourth physical layer control signaling. The function of the first physical layer control signaling is different from the function of the fourth physical layer control signaling. In this environment, the first physical layer control signaling and the fourth physical layer control signaling may use the same encoding / decoding method.

[0389] In one possible implementation, the second node does not send feedback indicating whether it succeeds in detecting the first physical layer control signaling. By reducing the signaling interaction, the time length of the frequency time switching can be further shortened. Optionally, when the second node fails to receive the frequency number switching instruction, the second node may re-execute the operation of accessing the first node to communicate with the first node at the second frequency number.

[0390] Similarly, when the first node sends the second physical layer control signaling, the second node does not send feedback indicating whether it succeeds in detecting the second physical layer control signaling. This reduces the signaling interaction.

[0391] In a possible implementation, the first node may receive frequency number capability information transmitted by the second node, and the frequency number capability information includes one or more of the supported frequency numbers, the supported switching intervals, etc.

[0392] For example, the second frequency number belongs to the frequency numbers supported by the second node.

[0393] For example, the first node can flexibly configure the switching interval based on the frequency number capability information so that the switching interval can match the switching capabilities of the first node and the second node, shorten the switching interval as much as possible, and reduce the excessive delay caused by the frequency number switching.

[0394] Optionally, at the moment when the first physical layer control signaling is transmitted, the second node can switch the operating frequency number to the second frequency number and receive or transmit signals at the second frequency number. That is, the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 further includes step S403, which is specifically as follows.

[0395] Step S403 (optional): The first node executes communication at the second frequency number.

[0396] Specifically, the first node can communicate with at least one second node at the second frequency number. For example, the first node transmits data and / or signaling at the second frequency number. In another example, the first node receives data and / or signaling at the second frequency number.

[0397] In a possible implementation, the first node can switch the operating frequency number at the moment of frequency number switching. After the moment of frequency number switching, the first node communicates with at least one second node at the second frequency number. The moment of frequency number switching is the moment indicated by the indication of the moment of frequency number switching in the first physical layer control signaling.

[0398] Correspondingly, based on the indication of the moment of frequency number switching, the second node switches the operating frequency number to the second frequency number at the moment of frequency number switching. After the moment of frequency number switching, the second node communicates with the first node using the second frequency number.

[0399] In a possible implementation, the first node transmits preamble information to the second node using the second frequency number. Correspondingly, the second node receives the preamble information from the first node.

[0400] In a possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling instructs the second node to perform a re-access operation, and the second node transmits an access request to the first node to re-access the first node.

[0401] In a possible implementation, before and after the switching of the operating frequency number, the superframe sequence numbers of the superframes used by the first node for transmission are continuous. That is, the superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the second superframe are continuous. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the superframe sequence number of the last superframe used by the first node for transmission at the first frequency number is 3, and the superframe sequence number of the last superframe for transmission at the second frequency number is 4, and the frame numbers of these two superframes are continuous. Note that since the amount of bits of the superframe sequence number is usually limited, when the count value of the superframe sequence number reaches the maximum value, a new round of the count period may start. This phenomenon is called frame number rollover. When frame number rollover occurs, the superframe sequence numbers before and after the frame number rollover are also considered to be continuous superframe sequence numbers.

[0402] The superframe sequence numbers corresponding to the operating frequency number switching are continuous, which guarantees that the transmissions are logically continuous. Therefore, without rescheduling, the scheduling before the operating frequency number switching can continue to be used after the operating frequency number switching. This greatly reduces the impact of the operating frequency number switching on the communication process and improves the transmission performance.

[0403] Scheduling includes resource allocation in the frequency domain, resource allocation in the time domain, etc. For example, the first node transmits scheduling signaling in the Nth superframe, and the scheduling indicated by the scheduling signaling becomes effective in the (N + 1)th superframe. When the superframe numbers are continuous, the scheduling signaling transmitted in the last superframe before the operating frequency number switching can continue to be effective in the first superframe after the frequency number switching, and there is no need to transmit the scheduling signaling again.

[0404] In a possible implementation, the interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe is N milliseconds, where N is an integer and N ≥ 0.

[0405] Optionally, the length of the superframe is 1 ms. Since the position of the synchronization signal is usually a fixed time position within the superframe, the period of the synchronization signal is the same as the length of the superframe. That is, the period of the synchronization signal is 1 ms.

[0406] In the above implementation form, the interval between the start moment of the first superframe and the start moment of the second superframe is 0 milliseconds or a positive integer millisecond. This environment guarantees that the boundary of the superframe and the position of the synchronization signal do not change in the operating frequency number switching process, reduces the change of the device configuration parameters, and can make the execution of timing synchronization between the first node and the second node easier.

[0407] In some scenarios, step S403 is optional. Specifically, the first node may or may not send data and / or signaling at the second frequency number. For example, the first node may cause a failure (such as power off) after sending the first physical layer control signaling, and in this case, data transmission is not performed at the second frequency number. In another example, when the first node does not switch to the second frequency number after sending the first physical layer control signaling, since the second frequency number is preempted, in this case, the first node needs to re-determine the destination frequency number for the switch. In another example, before switching to the second frequency number, the first node detects a frequency number more suitable for communication as the destination frequency number for the switch.

[0408] In a possible implementation, the first identifier can be used in a plurality of frequency number switching processes. That is, after the first node sends the first identifier to the second node, in subsequent multiple operating frequency number switching processes, the signaling indicating the frequency number switching can be scrambled by using the same first identifier. Therefore, after the first identifier is configured by using higher-layer signaling, the frequency number switching can be indicated by using physical layer control signaling once. This further reduces the signaling interaction in the frequency number switching process and further shortens the time duration of the frequency number switching, so that the first node can switch to the second frequency number as early as possible for communication. This improves the transmission performance of the communication network.

[0409] For example, after switching the operating frequency number to the second frequency number, the first node can further switch the frequency number to the third frequency number. Specifically, the first node sends the second physical layer control signaling with the operating frequency number (i.e., the second frequency number), and the second physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operating frequency number to the third frequency number, and some or all of the information bits in the second physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier. In the above implementation, when switching the operating frequency number to the third frequency number, the first node can indicate the frequency number switching by using the physical layer control signaling once. This shortens the time duration of the frequency number switching and improves the transmission performance of the communication network.

[0410] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the first node constructs a first identifier for the second node by using higher layer signaling. When switching the frequency number, the first node scrambles the physical layer control signaling indicating the frequency number switching by using the first identifier, and completes the instruction of the operating frequency number switching by using the first identifier and the physical layer control signaling. This shortens the time length of the frequency number switching, so that the first node can switch to the second frequency number as soon as possible for communication, improving the transmission performance of the communication network.

[0411] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, there are a plurality of possible designs for the information in the first physical layer control signaling. For the sake of simplicity of understanding, Table 2 shows an exemplary format of the information in the possible first physical layer control signaling according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0412]

Table 2A

Table 2B

[0413] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the method of constructing the first identifier by using higher layer signaling is described. In a certain specific implementation process, the first identifier may alternatively be predefined (for example, specified in the protocol), or may be preconfigured in the first node and the second node. The following describes an implementation method in which the first node and the second node obtain the first identifier in advance. For related concepts, operations, or logical relationships not described below, refer to the corresponding descriptions in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

[0414] FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, this method can be implemented based on the communication system shown in FIG. 3. The communication method shown in FIG. 9 may include one or more of steps S901 to S904. Steps S901 to S904 are specifically as follows.

[0415] Step S901: The first node transmits first physical layer control signaling at a certain operating frequency number.

[0416] The operating frequency number is the first frequency number. Correspondingly, the second node receives the first physical layer control signaling at the operating frequency number.

[0417] The first node obtains a first identifier in advance, and some or all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier. If the second node also obtains the first identifier in advance, the second node descrambles the first physical layer control signaling by using the first identifier, that is, obtains the function of the first physical layer control signaling, obtains the data content of the first physical layer control signaling based on the data format of the first physical layer control signaling, and thus can receive an instruction for switching the operating frequency number.

[0418] For a detailed description, please refer to the description of step S402.

[0419] Step S902 (optional): The first node communicates with the second node at a second frequency number.

[0420] Correspondingly, the second node communicates with the first node at the second frequency number.

[0421] For example, the first node transmits data and / or signaling to the second node at a second frequency number. In another example, the first node receives data and / or signaling from the second node at a second frequency number.

[0422] For detailed description, refer to the description of step S403.

[0423] It should be understood that the first identifier can be used in a plurality of frequency number switching processes. That is, the communication method shown in FIG. 9 further includes step S903.

[0424] Step S903 (optional): The first node transmits second physical layer control signaling at a certain operating frequency number.

[0425] That operating frequency number is the second frequency number. Correspondingly, the second node receives the second physical layer control signaling at that operating frequency number.

[0426] The second physical layer control signaling indicates a switch of the operating frequency number to a third frequency number, and some or all of the information bits in the second physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier.

[0427] For information included in the third physical layer control signaling, transmission method, actual transmission, etc., refer to the related description of the second physical layer control signaling in step S402.

[0428] In some scenarios, step S903 is included in step S902.

[0429] Step S904 (optional): The first node communicates with the second node at a third frequency number.

[0430] Correspondingly, the second node communicates with the first node at a third frequency number.

[0431] For example, the first node transmits data and / or signaling to the second node at a third frequency number. In another example, the first node receives data and / or signaling from the second node at a third frequency number.

[0432] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the first node and the second node acquire a first identifier in advance. When switching the frequency number, the first node scrambles the physical layer control signaling indicating the frequency number switching by using the first identifier, and completes the instruction of the operating frequency number switching by using the first identifier and the physical layer control signaling. Since this shortens the duration of the frequency number switching, the first node can switch to the second frequency number as soon as possible for communication. This improves the transmission performance of the communication network.

[0433] The embodiment of the method shown in FIG. 4 includes many possible implementation measures. The following explains some of the implementation measures by using the examples related to FIGS. 10 and 11. It should be noted that for related concepts, operations, or logical relationships not described in FIGS. 10 and / or 11, reference may be made to the corresponding description of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

[0434] FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the method may be implemented based on the communication system shown in FIG. 3. The communication method shown in FIG. 10 may include steps S1001 to S1003, which are specifically as follows.

[0435] Step S1001: The first node transmits higher layer signaling. Correspondingly, the second node receives higher layer signaling.

[0436] For a detailed description, please refer to step S401.

[0437] Step S1002: The first node transmits first physical layer control signaling at a certain operating frequency number. Correspondingly, the second node receives the first physical layer control signaling. The operating frequency number is the first frequency number.

[0438] Optionally, the first physical layer control signaling includes a preamble indication, and the preamble indication indicates that the first node transmits preamble information at a second frequency number.

[0439] Alternatively, optionally, the first physical layer control signaling includes a switching interval indication, and the switching interval indication is greater than a third value. When the third value is also greater, the switching interval indication indicates that the first node transmits preamble information at a second frequency number.

[0440] For detailed description, please refer to the description of step S402.

[0441] Step S1003: The first node transmits preamble information at its operating frequency number. Correspondingly, the second node receives the preamble information from the first node at its operating frequency number. The operating frequency number is the second frequency number.

[0442] The second node obtains the channel state based on the preamble information and performs synchronization with the first node. In addition, the second node may obtain changes in communication area configuration information, such as information changes in a random access resource pool configuration or an SRS resource pool configuration, from the preamble. In this environment, the second node does not need to re-access the first node. This avoids interruption of service transmission between the first node and the second node and improves transmission performance.

[0443] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the switching interval indication and / or the preamble indication can be used to flexibly regulate and control the operation of the second node. This improves the stability of the communication system and improves transmission performance.

[0444] Figure 11 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the method may be implemented based on the communication system shown in FIG. 3. The communication method shown in FIG. 11 may include steps S1101 to S1103, which are specifically as follows.

[0445] Step S1101: The first node transmits higher layer signaling. Correspondingly, the second node receives the higher layer signaling.

[0446] For a detailed description, please refer to step S401.

[0447] Step S1102: The first node transmits first physical layer control signaling. Correspondingly, the second node receives the first physical layer control signaling.

[0448] Optionally, the first physical layer control signaling includes a re-access instruction, and the re-access instruction indicates that the first node performs an access operation.

[0449] For a detailed description, please refer to the description of step S402.

[0450] Step S1103: The second node transmits an access request to the first node. Correspondingly, the first node receives the access request from the second node.

[0451] Specifically, the second node performs an operation of re-accessing the first node based on the re-access instruction. Transmitting the access request is a step when the second node performs an access operation.

[0452] In addition, the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 may be compatible with nodes having different performances. This improves the stability of communication. For example, for a node with low frequency number switching ability, a re-access procedure may be executed to continue communication with the first node.

[0453] The above details the method in the embodiments of the present application. The following provides the apparatus in the embodiments of the present application.

[0454] In order to implement the functions in the above-described embodiments of the method, a plurality of apparatuses provided in the embodiments of the present application, such as communication apparatuses, may be understood to include corresponding hardware structures, software units, or combinations of hardware structures and software structures for executing the functions. It should be easily recognized by those skilled in the art that, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, units, algorithms, and steps may be implemented by the hardware in the embodiments of the present application or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether the function is executed by hardware or by hardware driven by computer software depends on the specific application and the specific design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may implement the above-described method embodiments by using different implementation forms of apparatuses in different usage scenarios. The various implementation forms of the apparatus should not be regarded as exceeding the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0455] In the embodiments of the present application, the apparatus may be divided into functional units. For example, the functional units may be obtained through division based on corresponding functions, or two or more functions may be integrated into one functional unit. The integrated module may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit. It should be noted that the division into units in this embodiment of the present application is only an example and is only a logical function division. In the actual implementation form, another division method may be used.

[0456] The following lists some possible devices.

[0457] FIG. 12 is a diagram of the structure of a communication device 120 according to an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the communication device 120 can be an independent device, such as a node. Alternatively, the communication device 120 can be a component within an independent device (e.g., a node), such as a chip or an integrated circuit. The communication device 120 is configured to implement the communication methods described above, for example, the communication methods shown in FIGS. 4, 9, 10, or 11.

[0458] In one possible design, the communication device 120 is configured to implement the method on the side of the first node in the communication method described above.

[0459] In another possible implementation, the first communication unit 1201 is configured to transmit higher layer signaling, and the higher layer signaling includes a first identifier. The second communication unit 1202 is configured to transmit first physical layer control signaling at a certain operating frequency number. Some or all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier. The operating frequency number is the first frequency number. The first physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to the second frequency number.

[0460] In one possible implementation, the first identifier corresponds to a frequency number switching function.

[0461] In another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling includes a function indication field, and the function indication field indicates that the first identifier corresponds to a frequency number switching function.

[0462] In yet another possible implementation, some of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling include a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code of the first physical layer control signaling.

[0463] In yet another possible implementation, the resources for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling belong to preconfigured physical layer control signaling common resources.

[0464] In yet another possible implementation, communication device 120 further includes a third communication unit 1204, and the third communication unit 1204 is configured to communicate with at least one second node using a second frequency number.

[0465] In yet another possible implementation, the superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the second superframe are consecutive. The first superframe is the last superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling using the first frequency number before the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number, and the second superframe is the first superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling using the second frequency number after the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number.

[0466] That is, before and after the operating frequency number switch, the superframe sequence numbers of the superframes are consecutive.

[0467] In yet another possible implementation, the interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe is N milliseconds, where N is an integer and N≥0.

[0468] In yet another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling includes one or more of the following information: an identifier of the second frequency number, an indication of the instant of the frequency number switch, a re-access indication, a switch interval indication, or a preamble indication.

[0469] In yet another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling includes an identifier of a second frequency number. The identifier of the second frequency number indicates the destination frequency number for the switching, and includes, but is not limited to, a frequency number sequence number, a frequency number index number, or a channel number.

[0470] In yet another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling includes an indication of the instant of the frequency number switching. The indication of the instant of the switching indicates an opportunity to switch the operating frequency number.

[0471] In one possible way, the indication of the instant of the frequency number switching indicates the instant when the first node starts to switch the operating frequency number. For example, it indicates the superframe sequence number of the last superframe used by the first node for transmission at the current operating frequency number, or indicates the relative offset of the last superframe used by the first node for transmission at the current operating frequency number with respect to the superframe for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling.

[0472] In another possible way, the indication of the instant of the frequency number switching indicates the starting instant when transmission starts at the second frequency number. For example, it indicates the superframe sequence number of the first superframe used by the first node for transmission at the second frequency number, or indicates the relative offset of the starting instant of the first superframe used by the first node for transmission at the second frequency number with respect to the starting instant of the superframe for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling.

[0473] Optionally, the offset in the above-described way can be in units of superframes, milliseconds (ms), or microseconds (μs).

[0474] In yet another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling includes a re-access instruction. The re-access instruction is instruction information indicating whether the second node needs to perform re-access.

[0475] In some possible cases, the re-access instruction instructs the second node not to perform the re-access operation. For example, during frequency number switching, the communication area system configuration is not changed, or is changed as little as possible, or only the communication area system configuration that does not affect the current transmission scheduling (for example, the random access resource pool configuration or the channel sounding reference signal resource pool configuration) is changed. This avoids the re-access of the second node and avoids invalidation of the current scheduling.

[0476] In yet another possible implementation, when it is the first value, the re-access instruction instructs the second node to perform the access operation with the second frequency number.

[0477] In yet another possible implementation, when it is the second value, the re-access instruction instructs the second node to maintain the current access state or not to perform the access operation.

[0478] In yet another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling includes a switching interval instruction, and the switching interval indicates the time interval between the first superframe and the second superframe.

[0479] Optionally, the switching interval instruction may include one or more of the following time intervals, that is, the time interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe, the time interval between the instant at the start of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe, the time interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the end of the second superframe, the time interval between the synchronization signal in the first superframe and the synchronization signal in the second superframe, and the like.

[0480] In yet another possible implementation, the switching interval indication further indicates whether the communication device transmits preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0481] In yet another possible implementation, the communication device 120 does not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number. This shortens the interval between the last superframe before the switch and the first superframe after the switch, reducing the switching time consumed.

[0482] In yet another possible implementation, the communication device 120 further includes a third communication unit 1204, and the third communication unit 1204 is configured to transmit preamble information at the second frequency number when the switching interval indication is greater than a third value.

[0483] Optionally, when the switching interval indication is less than the third value, the communication device 120 does not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0484] When the switching interval is equal to the third value, the communication device 120 may or may not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number, which should be understood to depend on the specific implementation.

[0485] In yet another possible implementation, when the switching interval indication is 0, the communication device 120 does not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number, or when the switching interval indication is a value greater than 0, the communication device 120 transmits preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0486] In yet another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling includes a preamble indication, and the preamble indication indicates that the communication device 120 transmits preamble information at the second frequency number, or indicates that the communication device 120 does not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0487] Optionally, the communication device 120 includes a third communication unit 1204, and the third communication unit 1204 is configured to transmit preamble information at a second frequency number when the preamble indication is a fourth value.

[0488] Optionally, when the preamble indication is a fifth value, the communication device 120 does not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0489] In yet another possible implementation, when the switching interval indicates whether preamble information is to be transmitted, the first physical layer control signaling does not need to carry an additional preamble indication.

[0490] In yet another possible implementation, the first identifier can be used in a plurality of frequency number switching processes. That is, after the communication device 120 transmits the first identifier to the second node, in subsequent multiple operating frequency number switching processes, the signaling indicating the frequency number switching can be scrambled by using the same first identifier.

[0491] In yet another possible implementation, the second communication unit 1202 is further configured to transmit second physical layer control signaling at a certain operating frequency number, the second physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operating frequency number to a third frequency number, some or all of the information bits in the second physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, and the operating frequency number is the second frequency number.

[0492] In yet another possible implementation, the communication device 120 further includes a fourth communication unit 1205, and the fourth communication unit 1205 is configured to receive frequency number capability information of at least one second node, and the frequency number capability information includes one or more of the supported frequency numbers, the supported switching intervals, and the like.

[0493] Optionally, the second frequency number belongs to the frequency numbers supported by the second frequency number.

[0494] In yet another possible implementation, the communication device 120 further includes a processing unit 1203, and the processing unit 1203 is configured to determine a switching interval based on the frequency number capability information reported by at least one second node.

[0495] In yet another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling is transmitted in a broadcast and / or multicast manner.

[0496] In yet another possible implementation, the communication device 120 separately transmits the physical layer control signaling multiple times in a plurality of superframes to indicate the same frequency number switching.

[0497] In yet another possible implementation, the second communication unit 1202 further transmits the first physical layer control signaling in a third superframe with an operating frequency number, the operating frequency number being the first frequency number, and is configured to transmit the third physical layer control signaling in a fourth superframe with an operating frequency number, where some or all of the information bits in the third physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using a first identifier, the operating frequency number being the first frequency number, and the third physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to the second frequency number.

[0498] In yet another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling belongs to one of a plurality of physical layer control signalings, the plurality of physical layer control signalings further includes a fourth physical layer control signaling, and the length of the first physical layer control signaling is the same as the bit length of the fourth physical layer control signaling. The function of the first physical layer control signaling is different from the function of the fourth physical layer control signaling.

[0499] In a possible design, the communication device 120 is configured to implement the method on the side of the second node in the above-described communication method.

[0500] In a possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first communication unit 1201 is configured to receive higher layer signaling from the first node, and the higher layer signaling includes a first identifier. The second communication unit 1202 is configured to receive first physical layer control signaling at a certain operating frequency number, and some or all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier. The operating frequency number is the first frequency number. The first physical layer control signaling indicates a switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to a second frequency number.

[0501] In another possible implementation, the first identifier corresponds to a frequency number switching function.

[0502] In yet another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling includes a function indication field, and the function indication field indicates that the first identifier corresponds to a frequency number switching function.

[0503] In yet another possible implementation, some of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling include a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code of the first physical layer control signaling.

[0504] In yet another possible implementation, the resources for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling belong to a pre-configured common resource for physical layer control signaling.

[0505] In yet another possible implementation, the communication device 120 further includes a processing unit 1203 and a third communication unit 1204. The processing unit 1203 is further configured to descramble some or all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling by using the first identifier. The third communication unit 1204 is further configured to communicate with the first node using the second frequency number.

[0506] When all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, it should be understood that the processing unit descrambles all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling by using the first identifier.

[0507] When some of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, the processing unit descrambles some of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling by using the first identifier.

[0508] In yet another possible implementation, the superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the second superframe are consecutive, and the first superframe is the last superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the first frequency number before the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number, and the second superframe is the first superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the second frequency number after the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number.

[0509] That is, before and after the operating frequency number switch, the superframe sequence numbers of the superframes are consecutive.

[0510] In yet another possible implementation, the interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe is N milliseconds, where N is an integer and N≥0.

[0511] In yet another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling includes one or more of the following information: an identifier of a second frequency number, an indication of the instant of frequency number switching, a re-access indication, a switching interval indication, or a preamble indication.

[0512] In yet another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling includes an identifier of a second frequency number. The identifier of the second frequency number indicates the destination frequency number for switching and includes, but is not limited to, a frequency number sequence number, a frequency number index number, or a channel number.

[0513] In yet another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling includes an indication of the instant of frequency number switching. The indication of the instant of switching indicates an opportunity to switch the operating frequency number.

[0514] In one possible way, the indication of the instant of frequency number switching indicates the instant when the first node starts to switch the operating frequency number. For example, it indicates the superframe sequence number of the last superframe used by the first node for transmission at the current operating frequency number, or the relative offset of the last superframe used by the first node for transmission at the current operating frequency number with respect to the superframe for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling.

[0515] In another possible manner, the indication at the moment of frequency number switching indicates the moment of start when transmission starts with the second frequency number. For example, it indicates the superframe sequence number of the first superframe used by the first node for transmission at the second frequency number, or the relative offset of the moment of start of the first superframe used by the first node for transmission at the second frequency number with respect to the moment of start of the superframe for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling.

[0516] Optionally, the offset in the above-described manner can be in units of superframes, milliseconds (ms), or microseconds (μs).

[0517] In yet another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling includes a re-access indication. The re-access indication is indication information indicating whether the second node needs to perform re-access.

[0518] In some possible cases, the re-access indication instructs the second node not to perform a re-access operation. For example, during frequency number switching, the communication area system configuration is not changed, or changed as little as possible, or only the communication area system configuration that does not affect the current transmission scheduling (for example, the random access resource pool configuration or the channel sounding reference signal resource pool configuration) is changed. This avoids the re-access of the second node and avoids invalidation of the current scheduling.

[0519] In yet another possible implementation, the communication device 120 further includes a third communication unit 1204, and the third communication unit 1204 is configured to perform a re-access operation when the re-access indication is a first value.

[0520] In yet another possible implementation, when it is a second value, the re-access indication instructs the second node to maintain the current access state or not to perform an access operation.

[0521] In yet another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling includes a switching interval indication, and the switching interval indicates a time interval between the first superframe and the second superframe.

[0522] Optionally, the switching interval indication may include one or more of the following time intervals, namely the time interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe, the time interval between the instant at the start of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe, the time interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the end of the second superframe, the time interval between the synchronization signal in the first superframe and the synchronization signal in the second superframe, etc.

[0523] In yet another possible implementation, the switching interval indication further indicates whether the first node transmits preamble information with the second frequency number.

[0524] The communication device 120 may determine whether to receive preamble information from the first node with the second frequency number based on the switching interval indication.

[0525] In yet another possible implementation, the communication device 120 further includes a third communication unit 1204, and the third communication unit 1204 is configured to receive preamble information from the first node with the second frequency number when the switching interval indication is greater than a third value.

[0526] In yet another possible implementation, when it is 0, the switching interval indication indicates that the first node does not transmit preamble information with the second frequency number, or when it is a value greater than 0, the switching interval indication indicates that the first node transmits preamble information with the second frequency number.

[0527] The communication device 120 further includes a third communication unit 1204, and the third communication unit 1204 is configured to receive preamble information from the first node at a second frequency number when the switching interval indication is a value greater than 0.

[0528] In yet another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling includes a preamble indication, and the preamble indication indicates that the first node transmits preamble information at the second frequency number, or indicates that the first node does not transmit preamble information at the second frequency number.

[0529] Optionally, the third communication unit 1204 is configured to receive preamble information from the first node at the second frequency number when the preamble indication is a fourth value.

[0530] In yet another possible implementation, when the switching interval indicates whether preamble information is to be transmitted, the first physical layer control signaling does not need to carry an additional preamble indication.

[0531] In yet another possible implementation, the first identifier can be used in a plurality of frequency number switching processes.

[0532] In yet another possible implementation, the second communication unit 1202 is further configured to receive second physical layer control signaling from the first node at the operating frequency number, the second physical layer control signaling indicates a switch of the operating frequency number to a third frequency number, some information bits in the second physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, and the operating frequency number is the second frequency number.

[0533] In yet another possible implementation, the communication device 120 further includes a fourth communication unit 1205, and the fourth communication unit is configured to transmit the frequency number capability information of the second node to the first node, and the frequency number capability information of the second node indicates the frequency numbers supported by the second node.

[0534] Optionally, the second frequency number belongs to the frequency numbers supported by the second frequency number.

[0535] Optionally, the frequency number capability information is used to determine the switching interval.

[0536] In yet another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling is transmitted in a broadcast and / or multicast manner.

[0537] In yet another possible implementation, the communication device 120 does not transmit feedback indicating whether it has successfully detected the first physical layer control signaling.

[0538] In yet another possible implementation, the second communication unit 1202 further receives the first physical layer control signaling in the third superframe with the operating frequency number, the operating frequency number is the first frequency number, is configured to receive the third physical layer control signaling in the fourth superframe with the operating frequency number, and some or all of the information bits in the third physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, the operating frequency number is the first frequency number, and the third physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to the second frequency number.

[0539] In yet another possible implementation, the first physical layer control signaling belongs to one of a plurality of physical layer control signalings, the plurality of physical layer control signalings further includes a fourth physical layer control signaling, and the length of the first physical layer control signaling is the same as the bit length of the fourth physical layer control signaling. The function of the first physical layer control signaling is different from the function of the fourth physical layer control signaling.

[0540] In the above implementation, the bit length of the first physical layer control signaling is the same as the length of another type of physical layer control signaling indicating a different function. In other words, the bit length of the first physical layer control signaling belongs to the existing bit lengths.

[0541] FIG. 13 is a diagram of the structure of a possible communication device 130 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0542] The communication device 130 may be an independent device, such as a node, or a component included in an independent device, such as a chip, a software module, or an integrated circuit. The communication device 130 may include at least one processor 1301 and a communication interface 1302. Optionally, at least one memory 1303 may be included. Further, optionally, a connection line 1304 may be included. To transmit control signals and / or data signals, the processor 1301, the communication interface 1302, and / or the memory 1303 are connected through the connection line 1304 and / or communicate with each other through the connection line 1304.

[0543] (1) The processor 1301 is a module for performing arithmetic operations and / or logical operations. Specifically, it may include one or more of modules such as a filter, a modem, a power amplifier, a low noise amplifier (LNA), a baseband processor, a radio frequency processor, a radio frequency circuit, a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), an electronic control unit (ECU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an image signal processor (ISP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a coprocessor, etc.

[0544] (2) The communication interface 1302 is configured to provide information input or output for at least one processor, or may be configured to receive signals transmitted from the outside and / or transmit signals to the outside.

[0545] For example, the communication interface 1302 may include an interface circuit.

[0546] For example, the communication interface 1302 may be a wired link interface including an Ethernet cable or the like, or may be a wireless link (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), general-purpose wireless transmission, on-board short-range communication technology, another short-range wireless communication technology, etc.) interface.

[0547] Optionally, the communication interface 1302 may further include a radio frequency transmitter, an antenna, etc. When the communication interface 1302 includes an antenna, there may be one or more antennas.

[0548] In one possible design, when the communication device 130 is an independent device, the communication interface 1302 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver and the transmitter may be the same component or different components. When the receiver and the transmitter are the same component, that component may be called a transceiver.

[0549] In another possible design, when the communication device 130 is a chip or a circuit, the communication interface 1302 may include an input interface and an output interface, and the input interface and the output interface may be the same interface or different interfaces.

[0550] Optionally, the function of the communication interface 1302 may be implemented through a transceiver circuit or a dedicated transceiver chip.

[0551] (3) The memory 1303 is configured to provide a storage space, which can store data such as an operating system and computer programs. The memory 1303 can be one or a combination of a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc.

[0552] The functions and actions of the modules or units in the communication device 130 listed above are merely examples for illustration.

[0553] The functional units in the communication device 130 can be configured to implement the communication methods described above, for example, the communication methods shown in FIGS. 4, 9, 10, or 11. Here, for the sake of avoiding repetition, the detailed description is omitted.

[0554] Optionally, the processor 1301 may be a processor specifically configured to implement the above method (referred to as a dedicated processor for the sake of easy distinction), or a processor that calls a computer program for implementing the above method (referred to as a dedicated processor for the sake of easy distinction). Optionally, at least one processor may further include both a dedicated processor and a general-purpose processor.

[0555] Optionally, when the communication device 130 includes at least one memory 1303, if the processor 1301 calls a computer program for implementing the above communication method, the computer program can be stored in the memory 1303.

[0556] Certain embodiments of the present application further provide a chip. The chip includes a logic circuit and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to receive or transmit signals, and the logic circuit is configured to receive or transmit signals through the communication interface. The chip is configured to implement the communication methods described above, for example, the methods shown in FIGS. 4, 9, 10, or 11.

[0557] Certain embodiments of the present application further provide a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on at least one processor (or communication device), the communication methods described above, for example, the methods shown in FIGS. 4, 9, 10, or 11, are implemented.

[0558] Certain embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product. The computer program product includes computer instructions, and computing instructions are used to implement the communication methods described above, for example, the methods shown in FIGS. 4, 9, 10, or 11.

[0559] Certain embodiments of the present application further provide a terminal. The terminal includes the communication device 120 or the communication device 130 described above.

[0560] In a possible implementation, the terminal includes a first node and / or a second node. The first node includes the communication device 120 or the communication device 130 described above, and the second terminal includes the communication device 120 or the communication device 130 described above.

[0561] The terminal can be a smart terminal or a transportation vehicle such as an automobile, a drone, or a robot.

[0562] In the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "example" or "for example" are used to give examples, illustrations, or explanations. In this application, any embodiment or design method described as an "example" or "for example" should not be described as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design methods. Exactly, the use of words such as "example" or "for example" is intended to present relative concepts in a specific manner.

[0563] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "a plurality of" means two or more. "At least one of the following items (fragments)" or a similar expression refers to any combination of these items, including a single item (fragment) or any combination of multiple items (fragments).

[0564] For example, at least one of a, b, or c may represent a, b, c, (a and b), (a and c), (b and c), or (a, b, and c), and a, b, and c can be singular or plural. The term "and / or" describes the association between related objects and indicates that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B may represent three cases: only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists, and A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between related objects.

[0565] In addition, unless otherwise stated, the sequence numbers such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this application are for distinguishing a plurality of objects and are not intended to limit the order, time series, priority, or importance of the plurality of objects.

[0566] For example, the first physical layer control signaling and the second physical layer control signaling are only intended to facilitate the description of different signaling, and do not indicate differences in structure, transmission method, importance, etc. between the first physical layer control signaling and the second physical layer control signaling. In some embodiments, the first physical layer control signaling and the second physical layer control signaling may alternatively be physical layer control signaling with the same data content.

[0567] In another example, the first superframe, the second superframe, the third superframe, and the fourth superframe are only intended to facilitate the description of the superframe in different implementation forms, and do not indicate differences in structure, transmission method, importance, etc. In some possible scenarios, the fourth superframe and the second superframe may be the same superframe.

[0568] In this context, the term "when" used in the above embodiments may be interpreted to mean "case", "after", "in response to a determination", or "in response to a detection". The above description is only an optional embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the scope of the concept and principle of the present application shall be within the protection scope of the present application.

[0569] Those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the steps of the embodiment can be implemented by hardware or by a program that instructs related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a read-only memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0570] 120 Communication device 130 Communication device 301 First node 302 First node 801 Physical layer control signaling 802 Physical layer control signaling 803 Physical layer control signaling 1201 First communication unit 1202 Second communication unit 1203 Processing unit 1204 Third communication unit 1205 Fourth communication unit 1301 Processor 1302 Communication interface 1303 Memory 1304 Connection line

Claims

Claim 1 A communication method, comprising: a step of transmitting, by a first node, higher layer signaling, wherein the higher layer signaling includes a first identifier; a step of transmitting, by the first node, first physical layer control signaling at a certain operating frequency number, wherein some or all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, the operating frequency number is a first frequency number, and the first physical layer control signaling indicates a switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to a second frequency number; The method comprising the above steps. Claim 2 The method according to claim 1, wherein the first physical layer control signaling includes a function indication field, and the function indication field indicates that the first identifier corresponds to a frequency number switching function. Claim 3 The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first identifier corresponds to the frequency number switching function. Claim 4 The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the some information bits include a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code of the first physical layer control signaling. Claim 5 The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a resource for carrying the first physical layer control signaling belongs to a preconfigured common resource for physical layer control signaling. Claim 6 After the step of transmitting the first physical layer control signaling, the method further comprises: a step of communicating, by the first node, with at least one second node at the second frequency number; the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Claim 7 The superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the second superframe are consecutive. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first superframe is the last superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the first frequency number before the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number, and the second superframe is the first superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the second frequency number after the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number.

8. The first physical layer control signaling includes a superframe sequence number continuity indication, and the superframe sequence number continuity indication indicates whether the superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the first superframe are guaranteed to be continuous. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first superframe is the last superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the first frequency number before the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number, and the second superframe is the first superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the second frequency number after the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe is N milliseconds, N is an integer, and N≥0.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first physical layer control signaling includes a switching interval indication, and the switching interval indication indicates the time interval between the first superframe and the second superframe.

11. The method The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of transmitting preamble information to the at least one second node at the second frequency number by the first node when the switching interval indication is greater than a third value.

12. The first physical layer control signaling is the following information, that is, The identifier of the second frequency number, an instruction at the moment of frequency number switching, a re-access instruction, or a preamble instruction The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising one or more of the above.

13. The first physical layer control signaling includes the re-access instruction, When it is a first value, the re-access instruction instructs the at least one second node to execute an access operation at the second frequency number, or When it is a second value, the re-access instruction instructs the at least one second node to maintain the current access state or not to execute an access operation. The method according to claim 12.

14. The first physical layer control signaling includes the preamble instruction, and the preamble instruction indicates that the first node transmits the preamble information at the second frequency number, or indicates that the first node does not transmit the preamble information at the second frequency number. The method according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The method is A step of transmitting, by the first node, second physical layer control signaling at a certain operating frequency number, where the second physical layer control signaling indicates a switch of the operating frequency number to a third frequency number, and some or all of the information bits in the second physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, and the operating frequency number is the second frequency number. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising this step.

16. The method is A step of receiving, by the first node, frequency number capability information of the at least one second node, where the frequency number capability information of the at least one second node indicates the frequency numbers supported by the at least one second node. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising this step.

17. The first physical layer control signaling is transmitted in a broadcast mode and / or a multicast mode. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The step of transmitting, by the first node, the first physical layer control signaling at a certain operating frequency number is The step of transmitting, by the first node, the first physical layer control signaling in a third superframe with the operation frequency number, wherein the operation frequency number is the first frequency number, The method is The step of transmitting, by the first node, third physical layer control signaling in a fourth superframe with a certain operation frequency number, wherein some or all of the information bits in the third physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, the operation frequency number is the first frequency number, and the third physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operation frequency number of the first node to the second frequency number, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising the step of

19. A communication method, The step of receiving, by a second node, signaling from a higher layer from a first node, wherein the signaling from the higher layer includes a first identifier, The step of receiving, by the second node, first physical layer control signaling with a certain operation frequency number, wherein some or all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, the operation frequency number is the first frequency number, and the first physical layer control signaling indicates the switching of the operation frequency number of the first node to the second frequency number, and A method including

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the first physical layer control signaling includes a function indication field, and the function indication field indicates that the first identifier corresponds to a frequency number switching function.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the first identifier corresponds to the frequency number switching function.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the some information bits include a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code of the first physical layer control signaling.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the resources for transmitting the first physical layer control signaling belong to preconfigured physical layer control signaling common resources.

24. The method is The step of descrambling, by the second node, some or all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling by using the first identifier; The step of communicating, by the second node, with the first node using the second frequency number The method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, further comprising. **Claim 25** The superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the second superframe are consecutive, The first superframe is the last superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the first frequency number before the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number, and the second superframe is the first superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the second frequency number after the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 24. **Claim 26** The first physical layer control signaling includes a superframe sequence number continuity indication, and the superframe sequence number continuity indication indicates whether it is guaranteed that the superframe sequence numbers of the first superframe and the first superframe are consecutive, The first superframe is the last superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the first frequency number before the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number, and the second superframe is the first superframe for transmitting data and / or signaling at the second frequency number after the operating frequency number of the first node is switched from the first frequency number to the second frequency number. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 24. **Claim 27** The interval between the instant at the end of the first superframe and the instant at the start of the second superframe is N milliseconds, where N is an integer and N ≥ 0. The method according to claim 25 or 26. **Claim 28** The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the first physical layer control signaling includes a switching interval indication, and the switching interval indication indicates a time interval between the first superframe and the second superframe.

29. The method further includes when the switching interval indication is greater than a third value, the step of the second node receiving preamble information from the first node at the second frequency number. The method according to claim 28.

30. The first physical layer control signaling includes the following information, namely, an identifier of the second frequency number, an indication of the instant of frequency number switching, a re-access indication, the switching interval indication, or a preamble indication The method according to any one of claims 19 to 28, which includes one or more of them.

31. The first physical layer control signaling includes the re-access indication. When it is a first value, the re-access indication instructs the second node to perform an access operation at the second frequency number, or When it is a second value, the re-access indication instructs the second node to maintain the current access state or not to perform an access operation. The method according to claim 30.

32. The first physical layer control signaling includes the preamble indication, and the preamble indication indicates that the first node transmits the preamble information at the second frequency number, or indicates that the first node does not transmit the preamble information at the second frequency number. The method according to claim 30 or 31.

33. The method further includes a step of the second node receiving second physical layer control signaling from the first node at a certain operating frequency number, wherein the second physical layer control signaling indicates a switching of the operating frequency number to a third frequency number, and some information bits in the second physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, and the operating frequency number is the second frequency number. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 32.

34. The method further includes A step of transmitting, by the second node, frequency number capability information of the second node to the first node, wherein the frequency number capability information of the second node indicates a frequency number supported by the second node, the method according to any one of claims 19 to 33, further comprising the step.

35. A communication device, comprising a first communication unit and a second communication unit, wherein the first communication unit is configured to transmit higher layer signaling, and the higher layer signaling includes a first identifier, wherein the second communication unit is configured to transmit first physical layer control signaling at an operating frequency number, and some or all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, and the operating frequency number is a first frequency number, wherein the first physical layer control signaling indicates a switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to a second frequency number, a communication device.

36. A communication device, comprising a first communication unit and a second communication unit, wherein the first communication unit is configured to receive higher layer signaling from a first node, and the higher layer signaling includes a first identifier, wherein the second communication unit is configured to receive first physical layer control signaling at an operating frequency number, and some or all of the information bits in the first physical layer control signaling are scrambled by using the first identifier, and the operating frequency number is a first frequency number, wherein the first physical layer control signaling indicates a switching of the operating frequency number of the first node to a second frequency number, a communication device.

37. A communication device, comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive and / or transmit signals, and / or the communication interface is configured to provide an input / output for the processor, when the processor calls a computer program or instructions in a memory, the communication device implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, or the communication device implements the method according to any one of claims 19 to 34, a communication device.

38. A communication device, comprising a logic circuit and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive or transmit a signal, and wherein the logic circuit is configured to receive or transmit a signal through the communication interface such that the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18 is implemented or the method according to any one of claims 19 to 34 is implemented. A communication device.

39. A terminal device comprising the communication device according to any one of claims 35 to 38.

40. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium is configured to store instructions or a computer program, and when the instructions or the computer program are executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18 is implemented or the method according to any one of claims 19 to 34 is implemented. A computer-readable storage medium.

41. A computer program product comprising instructions or a computer program, wherein when the instructions or the computer program are executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18 is implemented or the method according to any one of claims 19 to 34 is implemented. A computer program product.

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