Communication method, communication apparatus, computer-readable storage medium, and program

Abstract

A communication method, an apparatus, and a system are provided, to improve efficiency of determining, by using different inter-frequency reselection indications (IFRIs) when a cell is barred, that a terminal device performs a cell reselection operation.SOLUTION: A communication method in a communication system includes receiving, by a terminal device, a master information block (MIB). The MIB includes first indication information indicating whether a cell is barred and second indication information indicating whether an intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed. Then, the terminal device determines, based on the second indication information, whether to perform the intra-frequency reselection operation if the first indication information indicates that the cell is barred.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202111193246.1 entitled "COMMUNICATION METHOD," filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on October 13, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods, devices, and systems. [Background technology]

[0003] The three scenarios for the 5th generation (5G) new radio (NR) include enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine type of communication (mMTC).

[0004] Reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE) is a further enhancement of 5G NR. The capabilities of such terminals are lower than eMBB and URLLC capabilities. For example, RedCap UE may have reduced feature complexity, such as a reduced maximum bandwidth capability, a reduced number of transceiver antennas / antenna branches capability, a reduced maximum number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers capability, and a reduced maximum modulation order capability.

[0005] In the prior art, there are still some problems in the access control procedure of RedCap UE, such as low access efficiency, excessive energy consumption, etc. Therefore, those skilled in the art are currently making efforts to optimize the access control procedure of RedCap UE.

[0006] Therefore, the embodiments of the present application are intended to solve problems such as how to improve the efficiency with which RedCap UEs decide to perform cell reselection operations by allowing such terminal devices to use different IFRIs when a cell is barred, and how to specify how a UE decides to perform intra-frequency reselection operations by designing UE behavior rules when a RedCap-specific IFRI is not transmitted. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method in which a terminal device (RedCap UE) uses a different IFRI when a cell is barred, thereby improving the efficiency with which the terminal device decides to perform a cell reselection operation, and a behavior rule is designed when a RedCap-specific IFRI is not transmitted, thereby specifying how the terminal device (RedCap UE) decides to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation.

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a communication method including: a terminal device receiving a Master Information Block (MIB), where the MIB includes first indication information and second indication information, where the first indication information indicates whether a cell is barred and the second indication information indicates whether an intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed. If the first indication information indicates that the cell is barred, the terminal device determines whether to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation based on the second indication information. The terminal device is a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE).

[0009] It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present application, the terminal device is not limited to RedCap UE. In other words, this embodiment of the present application is also applicable to a terminal having the same or similar access control mechanism as RedCap UE.

[0010] Based on this technical solution, the terminal device (RedCap UE) receives a master information block (MIB), and when the first indication information in the MIB indicates that the current cell is barred, determines whether to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation based on the second indication information in the MIB. In this way, the terminal device (RedCap UE) uses a different IFRI when the cell is barred, thereby improving the efficiency of the terminal device's decision to perform a cell reselection operation.

[0011] According to a second aspect, there is provided a communication method including a terminal device receiving first information. If the first information does not include third indication information, the terminal device determines that an intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted. The third indication information indicates whether the intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted.

[0012] It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present application, the terminal device is not limited to RedCap UE. In other words, this embodiment of the present application is also applicable to a terminal having the same or similar access control mechanism as RedCap UE.

[0013] Based on this technical solution, a terminal device (RedCap UE) receives the first information, and if the first information does not include third indication information indicating whether to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation, the terminal device determines that the intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted. Therefore, by designing a behavior rule for when a RedCap-specific IFRI is not transmitted, how the terminal device (RedCap UE) determines the intra-frequency reselection operation is specified.

[0014] Referring to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information further includes fourth indication information, and the method further includes the terminal device determining, based on the fourth indication information, that a current cell of the terminal device is barred. The fourth indication information indicates whether a current cell of the terminal device is barred.

[0015] Referring to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the terminal device is a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE).

[0016] According to a third aspect, there is provided a communication method including: a network device transmitting a Master Information Block (MIB), where the MIB includes first indication information and second indication information, where the first indication information indicates whether a cell is barred and the second indication information indicates whether an intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed. If the first indication information indicates that the cell is barred, the network device indicates whether a terminal device performs an intra-frequency reselection operation based on the second indication information. The terminal device is a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE).

[0017] According to this technical solution, the network device sends a master information block (MIB) to the terminal device (RedCap UE), and if the first indication information in the MIB indicates that the current cell is barred, the second indication information in the MIB indicates whether to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation. In this way, the terminal device (RedCap UE) uses a different IFRI when the cell is barred, thereby improving the efficiency of the terminal device's decision to perform a cell reselection operation.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a communication method including a network device transmitting first information, wherein if the first information does not include third indication information, the network device instructs the terminal device to determine that an intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted, and the third indication information indicates whether the intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted.

[0019] Based on this technical solution, the network device transmits first information to the terminal device (RedCap UE), and indicates that the terminal device is permitted to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation if the first information does not include third indication information indicating whether to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation. Therefore, by designing a behavior rule when a RedCap-specific IFRI is not transmitted, how the terminal device (RedCap UE) determines an intra-frequency reselection operation is specified.

[0020] Referring to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information further includes fourth indication information, and the method further includes the fourth indication information indicating that the current cell of the terminal device is barred.

[0021] Referring to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the terminal device is a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE).

[0022] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a communications apparatus including: a receiving unit configured to receive a Master Information Block (MIB), wherein the MIB includes first and second indication information, the first indication information indicating whether a cell is barred and the second indication information indicating whether an intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed; and a processing unit configured to determine whether to perform the intra-frequency reselection operation based on the second indication information if the first indication information indicates that the cell is barred. The terminal device is a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE).

[0023] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a communications device including: a receiving unit configured to receive first information; and a processing unit configured to determine that an intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted if the first information does not include third indication information, the third indication information indicating whether an intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted.

[0024] Referring to the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the first information further includes fourth indication information, and the processing unit is further configured to determine, based on the fourth indication information, that a current cell of the terminal device is barred. The fourth indication information indicates whether the current cell of the terminal device is barred.

[0025] Referring to the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the terminal device is a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE).

[0026] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a communications apparatus including: a transmitting unit configured to transmit a Master Information Block (MIB), the MIB including first and second indication information, the first indication information indicating whether a cell is barred and the second indication information indicating whether an intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed; and a processing unit configured to, if the first indication information indicates that the cell is barred, indicate whether a terminal device is to perform the intra-frequency reselection operation based on the second indication information. The terminal device is a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE).

[0027] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a communications apparatus including: a transmitting unit configured to transmit first information; and a processing unit configured to instruct a terminal device to determine that an intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted if the first information does not include third indication information, wherein the third indication information indicates whether the intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted.

[0028] Referring to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the first information further includes fourth indication information, and the processing unit is further configured to indicate, based on the fourth indication information, that the current cell of the terminal device is barred.

[0029] Referring to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the terminal device is a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE).

[0030] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a computer program product, which includes a computer program (which may also be referred to as code or instructions), which, when executed, causes a computer to perform a method according to any one of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects.

[0031] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing a computer program (which may also be referred to as code or instructions), which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform a method according to any one of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects.

[0032] According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided a chip system, the chip system including a memory and a processor, the memory configured to store a computer program, the processor configured to call the computer program from the memory and execute the computer program, so that a communication device in which the chip system is installed performs a method according to any one of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects.

[0033] The chip system may include an interface or input circuit configured to transmit information or data, and an interface or output circuit configured to receive information or data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of the system architecture applied in this application;

[0035] [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0037] [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0038] [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0039] [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0040] [Figure 7] 7 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 700 according to the present application;

[0041] [Figure 8] 8 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 800 according to the present application; and

[0042] [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The technical solutions of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] The technical solutions provided in this application may be applied to various communication systems, such as a long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX®) communication system, a fifth generation (5G) system, or a new radio (NR) system.

[0045] The terminal device may be a user equipment (UE), an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile console, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user equipment. The terminal device in the embodiment of the present application may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (pad), a computer with a wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, or the like.

[0046] The access network device may be an evolved NodeB (eNB), a radio network controller (RNC), a NodeB (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home evolved NodeB (HNB), a baseBand unit (BBU), an access point (AP) in a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (TP), a transmission and reception point (TRP), or the like. Alternatively, the access network device may be a gNB or transmission point (TRP or TP) in a 5G system such as an NR system; an antenna panel or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system; or a network node such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DU) that constitutes a gNB or transmission point.

[0047] In some deployments, a gNB may include a central unit (CU) and a DU. The gNB may further include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU performs some functions of the gNB, and the DU performs some functions of the gNB. For example, the CU is responsible for processing non-real-time protocols and services and implements radio resource control (RRC) layer and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer functions. The DU is responsible for processing physical layer protocols and real-time services and implements radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and physical (PHY) layer functions. The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, radio frequency processing, and active antenna-related functions. Information at the RRC layer is ultimately converted to or from information at the PHY layer. Therefore, in this architecture, higher layer signaling, such as RRC layer signaling, may be considered to be transmitted by the DU or by the DU and AAU. It may be understood that a network device may be a device including one or more of a CU node, a DU node, and an AAU node. In addition, a CU may be classified as a network device in an access network (radio access network, RAN), or a CU may be classified as a network device in a core network (CN). This application is not limited thereto.

[0048] Different network systems may have different names for network elements, and the following describes the present application by using the naming of network elements in a 5G network as an example.

[0049] First, referring to the schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture shown in Figure 1, we will briefly describe the main network elements in the 5G network system.

[0050] 1. User equipment (UE) 101 corresponds to a terminal device.

[0051] 2. A (radio) access network ((R)AN) network element 102, hereafter referred to as RAN, corresponds to an access network device, for example, a RAN may be a NB, eNB, gNB, ng-eNB, or any other access network device.

[0052] 3. User plane function (UPF) 103 is used to perform packet routing and forwarding, quality of service (QoS) processing of user plane data, and the like.

[0053] 4. Data network (DN) 104 is used to provide a network for data transmission.

[0054] 5. The AMF 105 corresponds to a mobility management network element.

[0055] 6. The session management function (SMF) 106 is primarily used to perform session management, UE internet protocol (IP) address allocation and management, user plane function selection and management, interface termination towards policy control and charging functions, downlink data notification, and the like.

[0056] 7. Policy control function (PCF) 107 is a unified policy framework to guide network behavior and provides policy rule information and the like to control plane function network elements (e.g., AMF and SMF).

[0057] 8. Application Function (AF) 108 is used to perform application-influenced data routing, network exposure functions, access network elements, or interact with a policy framework to enforce policy control, or the like.

[0058] 9. Unified data management (UDM) 109 is used for UE identity handling, access authentication, registration, mobility management, and the like.

[0059] 10. Unified data repository (UDR) 110 mainly includes the following functions: access to subscription data, policy data, and application data, and the like.

[0060] It may be understood that these network elements or functions may be network elements within a hardware device, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0061] It should be understood that the interfaces between network elements shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the present application in any way.

[0062] It should be further understood that the network architecture applied to the present embodiment of the present application is merely an example, and the network architecture applicable to the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and any network architecture capable of implementing the functionality of a network element is applicable to the present embodiment.

[0063] It should be further understood that the 5G system architecture shown in Figure 1 is an application scenario / network architecture of the embodiments of the present application. The embodiments of the present application may also be applied to other application scenarios / network architectures, for example, a communication architecture between a terminal device and a gNB (5G base station) or a next generation evolved Node B (i.e., a 4G base station connected to a core network) (next generation eNodeB, ng-eNB). The embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0064] The foregoing briefly describes the system architecture and possible application scenarios in the embodiments of the present application. In order to better understand the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, before describing the embodiments of the present application, we will first briefly explain the nouns or terms in the present application.

[0065] 1. Reduced capability UE (RedCap UE)

[0066] A RedCap UE is a terminal with reduced capabilities compared to enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC). For example, a RedCap UE may have reduced feature complexity, such as a reduced maximum bandwidth capability, a reduced number of transceiver antennas / antenna branches capability, a reduced maximum number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers capability, a reduced maximum modulation order capability, and support for half-frequency division duplex (FDD).

[0067] 2. System Information (SI)

[0068] System information is a message sent by a base station, which includes information required for UE initialization and information related to some other functions / features. System information is classified into minimum system information (Minimum SI) and other system information (Other SI).

[0069] The minimum system information includes a master information block (MIB) and system information block 1 (SIB1). SIB1 is also called the remaining minimum system information (RMSI). MIB is periodically broadcast on the broadcast channel (BCH). SIB1 is periodically broadcast on the downlink shared channel (DL-SCH) or sent to UEs in RRC_CONNECTED mode via dedicated signaling.

[0070] Other system information includes other SIBs such as SIB2 to SIB9, which are either broadcast periodically on the DL-SCH, broadcast on demand on the DL-SCH (i.e., the network broadcasts the SIB only if a UE in RRC_IDLE mode or a UE in RRC_INACTIVE mode requests it; otherwise, the network does not send it), or sent to UEs in RRC connected mode through dedicated signaling.

[0071] The basic procedure for a UE in RRC idle mode and a UE in RRC inactive mode to acquire system information is as follows: The UE first acquires an MIB, acquires SIB1 based on the scheduling information in the MIB, and then acquires another SIB based on the scheduling information in SIB1.

[0072] 3. Cell bar mechanism

[0073] This is an access control mechanism. In NR, the network transmits a cellBarred indication field in the Master Information Block (MIB). The field indicates whether the current cell is barred or not barred. If a cell is barred, UEs in RRC idle mode and UEs in RRC inactive mode cannot camp on the cell. In addition, the cell is not considered as a candidate cell for cell reselection within a certain period of time.

[0074] 4. Intra-frequency reselection mechanism

[0075] In NR, the network transmits an intra-frequency reselection indication (IFRI) field (intraFreqReselection) in the master information block (MIB). The field indicates whether the UE can consider neighboring cells that have the same frequency as the current cell (i.e., intra-frequency neighboring cells) as candidate cells for reselection when the current cell is barred. If this field indicates allowed, the UE can consider intra-frequency neighboring cells when performing cell reselection. If this field indicates not allowed, the UE cannot consider intra-frequency neighboring cells as candidate cells for cell reselection within a certain period of time.

[0076] A RedCap UE is a UE with reduced capabilities. When a RedCap UE accesses a network, the network may need to provide more resources to the RedCap UE or perform special scheduling for the RedCap UE compared to a non-RedCap UE. Therefore, it is agreed in the standard that the network must use a specific mechanism to perform access control dedicated to RedCap.

[0077] In view of this, the present application provides a communication method in which a terminal device (RedCap UE) uses a different IFRI when a cell is barred, thereby improving the efficiency with which the terminal device decides to perform a cell reselection operation, and a behavior rule is designed in the case where a RedCap-specific IFRI is not transmitted, thereby specifying how the terminal device (RedCap UE) decides to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation.

[0078] The methods provided in the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in the following process of describing the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, the drawings are only for ease of understanding and do not limit the present application. The names of the network elements are defined only to distinguish between different functions and do not limit the present application. The present application does not exclude the possibility of defining another network element to implement the same or similar functions.

[0079] 2 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method includes at least the following steps:

[0080] S210: The network device sends a master information block MIB to the terminal device, and in response, the terminal device receives the master information block MIB sent by the network device, where the master information block MIB includes first indication information and second indication information, where the first indication information indicates whether a cell is barred, and the second indication information indicates whether an intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed.

[0081] S220: If the first indication information indicates that the cell is barred, the terminal device determines, based on the second indication information, whether to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation.

[0082] Specifically, the terminal device may be a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE). The first indication information may be a cellBarred field in the MIB, and the second indication information may be an intraFreqReselection field in the MIB.

[0083] In a possible implementation, the cellBarred field in the MIB received by the terminal device indicates that the cell is barred. For example, the cellBarred field is set to "barred." In this case, the terminal device determines that the terminal device cannot camp on the current cell. In this case, the terminal device determines whether to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation based on the second indication information (the intraFreqReselection field in the MIB).

[0084] Specifically, if the intraFreqReselection field in the MIB indicates that intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed, for example, if the intraFreqReselection field is set to "allowed", then the terminal device may consider intra-frequency neighboring cells of the current cell as candidate cells for cell reselection.

[0085] If the intraFreqReselection field in the MIB indicates that intra-frequency reselection operation is not allowed, e.g., if the intraFreqReselection field is set to "not allowed", the terminal device will not consider intra-frequency neighboring cells of the current cell (within a certain period of time) as candidate cells for cell reselection.

[0086] It should be understood that the cell / current cell is the cell that transmits the MIB / SIB1 information.

[0087] It should be understood that an intra-frequency neighboring cell of a current cell may be understood as a neighboring cell that has the same frequency as the current cell, for example, a neighboring cell that has the same synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SSB) frequency as the current cell.

[0088] Based on this technical solution, the terminal device (RedCap UE) can use a different IFRI when a cell is barred, thereby improving the efficiency with which the terminal device decides to perform a cell reselection operation.

[0089] 3 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method includes at least the following steps:

[0090] S310: The network device transmits first information to the terminal device, and in response, the terminal device receives the first information.

[0091] S320: If the first information does not include third indication information, the terminal device determines that an intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed, where the third indication information indicates whether the intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed.

[0092] Specifically, the terminal device may be a reduced capability user equipment RedCap UE, the first information may be system information block 1 SIB1, and the third indication information may be a RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field in SIB1.

[0093] In a possible implementation, the terminal device receives first information SIB1. If the first information SIB1 does not include a RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field, the terminal device determines that intra-frequency reselection is permitted, i.e., the terminal device may consider intra-frequency reselection as permitted. In this case, the terminal device may consider intra-frequency neighboring cells of the current cell as candidate cells for cell reselection.

[0094] In a possible implementation, the terminal device receives the first information SIB1. If the first information SIB1 does not include a RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field, the terminal device obtains the intraFreqReselection field in the MIB and determines whether to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation based on the intraFreqReselection field in the MIB.

[0095] Specifically, if the intraFreqReselection field in the MIB indicates that intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed, for example, if the intraFreqReselection field is set to "allowed", then the terminal device may consider intra-frequency neighboring cells of the current cell as candidate cells for cell reselection.

[0096] If the intraFreqReselection field in the MIB indicates that intra-frequency reselection operation is not allowed, e.g., if the intraFreqReselection field is set to "not allowed", the terminal device will not consider intra-frequency neighboring cells of the current cell (within a certain period of time) as candidate cells for cell reselection.

[0097] Optionally, before S320, the method may further include S311. The first information received by the terminal device further includes fourth indication information, and the terminal device determines, based on the fourth indication information, that a current cell of the terminal device is barred, where the fourth indication information indicates that the current cell is barred.

[0098] Specifically, the fourth indication information may be a RedCap-specific cellBarred field in SIB1. The terminal device indicates that the cell is barred based on the RedCap-specific cellBarred field in SIB1. For example, the RedCap-specific cellBarred field is set to "barred", which determines that the current cell is barred, that is, the terminal device determines that the terminal device cannot camp on the current cell.

[0099] Note that S311 may be an optional step, i.e., S311 may be a condition for executing S320. In other words, the terminal device determines whether SIB1 includes a RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field only if it determines that the current cell is barred based on the RedCap-specific cellBarred field in SIB1.

[0100] Based on this technical solution, by designing behavior rules when a RedCap-specific IFRI is not transmitted, it is possible to specify how a terminal device (RedCap UE) determines intra-frequency reselection behavior.

[0101] 4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method includes at least the following steps:

[0102] S410: The RedCap UE acquires an MIB, where the MIB includes a cellBarred field, and the cellBarred field indicates whether a current cell of the RedCap UE is barred.

[0103] S420: The RedCap UE determines whether the cellBarred field included in the MIB indicates that the current cell is barred.

[0104] In a possible implementation, if the cellBarred field included in the MIB indicates that the current cell is barred, for example, the cellBarred field is set to "barred." In this case, the terminal device determines that the terminal device cannot camp on the current cell. In this case, step S430 is executed.

[0105] S430: The RedCap UE determines whether to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation based on the intraFreqReselection field in the MIB.

[0106] Specifically, if the intraFreqReselection field in the MIB indicates that intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed, e.g., the intraFreqReselection field is set to "allowed", the RedCap UE may consider intra-frequency neighbor cells of the current cell as candidate cells for cell reselection.

[0107] If the intraFreqReselection field in the MIB indicates that intra-frequency reselection operation is not allowed, e.g., if the intraFreqReselection field is set to "not allowed", the RedCap UE will not consider intra-frequency neighbor cells of the current cell (within a certain period of time) as candidate cells for cell reselection.

[0108] In another possible implementation, if the cellBarred field in the MIB indicates that the cell is not barred, for example, the cellBarred field is set to "not barred", steps S440 to S460 are performed.

[0109] S440: The RedCap UE obtains an SIB1, where the SIB1 includes a RedCap-specific cellBarred field, and the RedCap-specific cellBarred field indicates whether the current cell of the RedCap UE is barred.

[0110] S450: The RedCap UE determines that the RedCap-specific cellBarred field included in SIB1 indicates that the current cell is barred, i.e., the RedCap UE determines that the RedCap UE cannot camp on the current cell. In this case, S460 is executed.

[0111] It may be understood that the condition for the RedCap UE to determine whether an intra-frequency reselection operation can be performed based on the indication of the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field in SIB1 may be that the RedCap UE determines that the cell is barred based on the RedCap-specific cellBarred field in SIB1, i.e., that the RedCap UE cannot camp on the current cell.

[0112] An example is as follows:

[0113] Assume that the RedCap specific cellBarred field indicates that the RedCap UEs of the 1Rx branch and the 2Rx branch are not allowed to camp on the current cell. The RedCap UEs of the 1Rx branch and the 2Rx branch determine that the RedCap UEs of the 1Rx branch and the 2Rx branch cannot camp on the current cell, and then determine whether an intra-frequency reselection operation can be performed based on the indication of the RedCap specific intraFreqReselection field in SIB1.

[0114] Assume that the RedCap-specific cellBarred field indicates that the 1Rx branch RedCap UE is not allowed to camp on the current cell. The 1Rx branch RedCap UE determines that the 1Rx branch RedCap UE cannot camp on the current cell and subsequently determines whether an intra-frequency reselection operation can be performed based on the indication of the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field in SIB1. However, the 2Rx branch RedCap UE can camp on the current cell.

[0115] Assume that the RedCap-specific cellBarred field indicates that the 2Rx branch RedCap UE is not allowed to camp on the current cell. The 2Rx branch RedCap UE determines that the 2Rx branch RedCap UE cannot camp on the current cell and then determines whether an intra-frequency reselection operation can be performed based on the indication of the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field in SIB1. However, the 1Rx branch RedCap UE can camp on the current cell.

[0116] S460: The RedCap UE determines whether to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation based on the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field in SIB1.

[0117] Specifically, if the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field in SIB1 indicates that intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed, the RedCap UE may consider intra-frequency neighboring cells of the current cell as candidate cells for cell reselection. If the RedCap specific intraFreqReselection field in SIB1 indicates that intra-frequency reselection operation is not allowed, the RedCap UE shall not consider intra-frequency neighboring cells of the current cell (within a specific period of time) as candidate cells for cell reselection.

[0118] It should be noted that after S430 is executed, the Redcap UE no longer needs to acquire SIB1. It can be understood that when S430 is executed, S440 to S460 are not executed.

[0119] 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method includes at least the following steps:

[0120] S510: The RedCap UE obtains an SIB1, where the SIB1 includes a RedCap-specific cellBarred field, and the RedCap-specific cellBarred field indicates whether a current cell of the RedCap UE is barred.

[0121] S520: The RedCap UE determines that the RedCap-specific cellBarred field included in SIB1 indicates that the current cell is barred, for example, the RedCap-specific cellBarred field is set to “barred”, that is, the RedCap UE determines that the RedCap UE cannot camp on the current cell, and executes step S530.

[0122] It should be understood that step S520 is an optional step. In other words, S520 may be understood as a condition for performing S520. In other words, the terminal device determines whether SIB1 includes a RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field only when it determines that the current cell is barred based on the RedCap-specific cellBarred field in SIB1.

[0123] An example is as follows:

[0124] Assume that the RedCap-specific cellBarred field indicates that the RedCap UEs of the 1Rx branch and the 2Rx branch are not allowed to camp on the current cell. The RedCap UEs of the 1Rx branch and the 2Rx branch determine that the RedCap UEs cannot camp on the current cell, and then determine whether SIB1 includes the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field.

[0125] Assume that the RedCap-specific cellBarred field indicates that a 1Rx branch RedCap UE is not allowed to camp on the current cell. The 1Rx branch RedCap UE determines that the 1Rx branch RedCap UE cannot camp on the current cell and then determines whether SIB1 includes the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field. However, a 2Rx branch RedCap UE can camp on the current cell.

[0126] Assume that the RedCap-specific cellBarred field indicates that a 2Rx branch RedCap UE is not allowed to camp on the current cell. The 2Rx branch RedCap UE determines that the 2Rx branch RedCap UE cannot camp on the current cell and then determines whether SIB1 includes the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field. However, the 1Rx branch RedCap UE can camp on the current cell.

[0127] S530: The RedCap UE determines whether SIB1 includes a RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field.

[0128] In a possible implementation, if SIB1 includes the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field, step S540 is executed.

[0129] S540: The RedCap UE determines whether to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation based on the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field.

[0130] Specifically, if the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field in SIB1 indicates that intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed, the RedCap UE may consider intra-frequency neighboring cells of the current cell as candidate cells for cell reselection. If the RedCap specific intraFreqReselection field in SIB1 indicates that intra-frequency reselection operation is not allowed, the RedCap UE shall not consider intra-frequency neighboring cells of the current cell (within a specific period of time) as candidate cells for cell reselection.

[0131] In another possible implementation, if SIB1 does not include the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field, step S550 is performed.

[0132] Specifically, if the RedCap UE determines that SIB1 does not include the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field, there may be two possible implementations of the intra-frequency reselection rule for the RedCap UE.

[0133] In a possible implementation, the RedCap UE considers intra-frequency reselection operation to be permitted, in which case the RedCap UE may consider intra-frequency neighbor cells of the current cell as candidate cells for cell reselection.

[0134] In another possible implementation, the RedCap UE determines whether intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed based on the intraFreqReselection field in the MIB.

[0135] Specifically, if the intraFreqReselection field in the MIB indicates that intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed, e.g., the intraFreqReselection field is set to "allowed", the RedCap UE may consider intra-frequency neighbor cells of the current cell as candidate cells for cell reselection.

[0136] If the intraFreqReselection field in the MIB indicates that intra-frequency reselection operation is not allowed, e.g., if the intraFreqReselection field is set to "not allowed", the RedCap UE will not consider intra-frequency neighbor cells of the current cell (within a certain period of time) as candidate cells for cell reselection.

[0137] It should be noted that the above methods may be combined. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present application. The method specifically includes the following steps:

[0138] S610: The RedCap UE acquires an MIB, where the MIB includes a cellBarred field, and the cellBarred field indicates whether a current cell of the RedCap UE is barred.

[0139] S620: The RedCap UE determines whether the cellBarred field included in the MIB indicates that the current cell is barred.

[0140] In a possible implementation, if the cellBarred field included in the MIB indicates that the current cell is barred, for example, if the cellBarred field is set to "barred", then the terminal device determines that the terminal device cannot camp on the current cell. In this case, step S630 is executed.

[0141] S630: The RedCap UE determines whether to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation based on the intraFreqReselection field in the MIB. S630 is similar to S430. For the sake of brevity, the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0142] In another possible implementation, if the cellBarred field in the MIB indicates that the cell is not barred, for example, the cellBarred field is set to "not barred", step S640 is performed.

[0143] S640: The RedCap UE obtains an SIB1, where the SIB1 includes a RedCap-specific cellBarred field, and the RedCap-specific cellBarred field indicates whether the current cell of the RedCap UE is barred.

[0144] Optionally, the method may further include S650. The RedCap UE determines that the RedCap-specific cellBarred field included in SIB1 indicates that the current cell is barred, for example, the RedCap-specific cellBarred field is set to “barred”, that is, the RedCap UE determines that the RedCap UE cannot camp on the current cell, and performs step S660.

[0145] It should be understood that step S650 is an optional step. In other words, S650 may be understood as a condition for executing S660. In other words, the terminal device determines whether SIB1 includes a RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field only if it determines that the current cell is barred based on the RedCap-specific cellBarred field in SIB1.

[0146] An example is as follows:

[0147] Assume that the RedCap-specific cellBarred field indicates that the RedCap UEs of the 1Rx branch and the 2Rx branch are not allowed to camp on the current cell. The RedCap UEs of the 1Rx branch and the 2Rx branch determine that the RedCap UEs cannot camp on the current cell, and then determine whether SIB1 includes the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field.

[0148] Assume that the RedCap-specific cellBarred field indicates that a 1Rx branch RedCap UE is not allowed to camp on the current cell. The 1Rx branch RedCap UE determines that the 1Rx branch RedCap UE cannot camp on the current cell and then determines whether SIB1 includes the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field. However, a 2Rx branch RedCap UE can camp on the current cell.

[0149] Assume that the RedCap-specific cellBarred field indicates that a 2Rx branch RedCap UE is not allowed to camp on the current cell. The 2Rx branch RedCap UE determines that the 2Rx branch RedCap UE cannot camp on the current cell and then determines whether SIB1 includes the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field. However, the 1Rx branch RedCap UE can camp on the current cell.

[0150] S660: RedCap UE determines whether SIB1 includes a RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field.

[0151] In a possible implementation, if SIB1 includes the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field, step S670 is performed.

[0152] S670: The RedCap UE determines whether to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation based on the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field. S670 is similar to S540. For the sake of brevity, the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0153] In another possible implementation, if SIB1 does not include the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field, step S680 is performed.

[0154] Specifically, if the RedCap UE determines that SIB1 does not include the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field, there may be two possible implementations of the intra-frequency reselection rule for the RedCap UE.

[0155] In a possible implementation, the RedCap UE considers intra-frequency reselection operation to be permitted, in which case the RedCap UE may consider intra-frequency neighbor cells of the current cell as candidate cells for cell reselection.

[0156] In another possible implementation, the RedCap UE determines whether intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed based on the intraFreqReselection field in the MIB.

[0157] Specifically, if the intraFreqReselection field in the MIB indicates that intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed, e.g., the intraFreqReselection field is set to "allowed", the RedCap UE may consider intra-frequency neighbor cells of the current cell as candidate cells for cell reselection.

[0158] If the intraFreqReselection field in the MIB indicates that intra-frequency reselection operation is not allowed, e.g., if the intraFreqReselection field is set to "not allowed", the RedCap UE will not consider intra-frequency neighbor cells of the current cell (within a certain period of time) as candidate cells for cell reselection.

[0159] According to these technical solutions, the terminal device (RedCap UE) can improve the efficiency of determining whether to perform a cell reselection operation by using a different IFRI when a cell is barred, and a behavior rule is designed when a RedCap-specific IFRI is not transmitted, thereby specifying how the terminal device (RedCap UE) determines an intra-frequency reselection operation.

[0160] The embodiments described herein may be independent solutions or may be combined based on internal logic, and all of these solutions fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0161] It may be understood that in the method embodiments described above, the methods and operations implemented by a device may alternatively be implemented by a component (eg, a chip or circuit) of the corresponding device.

[0162] The above description of the solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application has been mainly focused on interactions between devices. It can be understood that, to implement the aforementioned functions, each network element, such as a transmitting device or a receiving device, includes a corresponding hardware structure and / or software module for performing each function. Those skilled in the art can recognize, with reference to the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, that the units and algorithm steps in the present application can be implemented by hardware or a combination of computer software and hardware. Whether a function is implemented by hardware or hardware driven by computer software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered to go beyond the scope of the present application.

[0163] In the embodiments of the present application, the functional modules of the transmitting device or the receiving device may be divided based on the above-mentioned exemplary method. For example, the functional modules may be divided based on their functions, or two or more functions may be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. Note that in the embodiments of the present application, the module division is an example and is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. The following provides an explanation using an example in which each functional module is obtained through division corresponding to each function.

[0164] It should be understood that the specific examples in the embodiments of the present application are intended merely to help those skilled in the art better understand the embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0165] It should be understood that the sequence numbers of the above processes do not mean the execution order in various embodiments of the present application, and the execution order of the processes should be determined according to the functions and internal logic of the processes, and should not be construed as any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0166] The method provided in the embodiment of the present application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 2 to 6. The device provided in the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 7 to 9. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment. Therefore, for the contents that are not described in detail, please refer to the above-mentioned method embodiment. For the sake of brevity, the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0167] 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device is configured to implement steps corresponding to those of the terminal device in the above-described embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the communication device 700 includes a receiving unit 710 and a processing unit 720.

[0168] In a first embodiment, the communication device is configured to implement steps corresponding to the terminal device in the previous embodiments.

[0169] The receiving unit 710 is configured to receive a master information block (MIB), where the MIB includes first indication information and second indication information, where the first indication information indicates whether a cell is barred and the second indication information indicates whether an intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed. The processing unit 720 is configured to determine whether to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation based on the second indication information if the first indication information indicates that the cell is barred. The terminal device is a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE).

[0170] In the second embodiment, the communication device is configured to implement steps corresponding to the terminal device in the previous embodiment.

[0171] The receiving unit 710 is configured to receive first information. The processing unit 720 is configured to determine that an intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted if the first information does not include third indication information. The third indication information indicates whether an intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted.

[0172] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first information further includes fourth indication information, and the processing unit 720 is further configured to determine, based on the fourth indication information, that a current cell of the terminal device is barred. The fourth indication information indicates whether a current cell of the terminal device is barred.

[0173] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal device is a reduced capability user equipment, RedCap UE.

[0174] 8 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device is configured to implement steps corresponding to the network device in the previous embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the communication device 800 includes a sending unit 810 and a processing unit 820.

[0175] In a first embodiment, the communication device is configured to implement steps corresponding to the network device in the previous embodiments.

[0176] The transmitting unit 810 is configured to transmit a master information block (MIB), where the MIB includes first indication information and second indication information, where the first indication information indicates whether a cell is barred and the second indication information indicates whether an intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed. The processing unit 820 is configured to indicate whether a terminal device performs an intra-frequency reselection operation based on the second indication information if the first indication information indicates that the cell is barred. The terminal device is a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE).

[0177] In the second embodiment, the communication device is configured to implement steps corresponding to the network device in the previous embodiment.

[0178] The transmitting unit 810 is configured to transmit the first information. The processing unit 820 is configured to instruct the terminal device to determine that an intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted if the first information does not include third indication information. The third indication information indicates whether the intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted.

[0179] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first information further includes fourth indication information, and the processing unit 820 is further configured to indicate, based on the fourth indication information, that the current cell of the terminal device is barred.

[0180] Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal device is a reduced capability user equipment, RedCap UE.

[0181] It should be understood that the division into these units within the communication device is merely a logical division of functions. In actual implementation, all or some of these units may be integrated into one physical entity or physically separated. In addition, all units within the communication device may be implemented in the form of software called by a processing element or in the form of hardware; or, some units may be implemented in the form of software called by a processing element or in the form of hardware. For example, each unit may be a separately located processing element or may be integrated into a chip of the communication device for implementation. In addition, each unit may alternatively be stored in memory in the form of a program called by a processing element of the communication device to perform the unit's function. In addition, all or some of these units may be integrated or implemented individually. The processing element herein may also be referred to as a processor and may be an integrated circuit having signal processing capabilities. In one implementation process, the steps of the above-mentioned method or the above-mentioned modules may be implemented by using hardware integrated logic circuits within the processor element or in the form of software called by the processing element.

[0182] In one example, the units in any one of the aforementioned communication devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the aforementioned methods, such as one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. As another example, if the units in the communication device may be implemented in a form that schedules a program on a processing element, the processing element may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), or another processor that can call the program. As yet another example, the units may be integrated and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0183] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device is configured to implement the operations of the terminal device and the network device in the aforementioned embodiments. As shown in FIG. 9, the communication device includes a processor 910 and an interface 930. The processor 910 is coupled to the interface 930. The interface 930 is configured to communicate with another device. The interface 930 may be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The interface 930 may be, for example, an interface circuit. Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory 920 configured to store instructions to be executed by the processor 910, to store input data for the processor 910 to execute the instructions, or to store data generated after the processor 910 executes the instructions.

[0184] The methods performed by the terminal device and network device in the aforementioned embodiments may be implemented by the processor 910 by calling a program stored in memory (which may be the memory 920 within the terminal device and network device or an external memory). In other words, the terminal device and network device may include the processor 910. The processor 910 calls the program in the memory to execute the methods performed by the terminal device and network device in the aforementioned method embodiments. The processor herein may be an integrated circuit having signal processing capabilities, such as a CPU. The terminal device and network device may be implemented by using one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the aforementioned methods, such as one or more ASICs, one or more microprocessors (DSPs), one or more FPGAs, or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. Alternatively, the aforementioned implementations may be combined.

[0185] Specifically, the functions / implementation processes of the units in Figures 7 and 8 may be implemented by the processor 910 in the communication device 900 shown in Figure 9 by invoking computer-executable instructions stored in memory 920. Alternatively, the functions / implementation processes of the processing units in Figures 7 and 8 may be implemented by the processor 910 in the communication device 900 shown in Figure 9 by invoking computer-executable instructions stored in memory 920, and the functions / implementation processes of the receiving unit or transmitting unit in Figures 7 and 8 may be implemented by the interface 930 in the communication device 900 shown in Figure 9.

[0186] It should be understood that the processing unit in the apparatus includes a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory. The memory is configured to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor is configured to execute the computer programs or instructions and / or data stored in the memory, thereby performing the method in the method embodiments described above.

[0187] It should be further understood that the division of units within the device is merely a logical division of functions. In actual implementation, all or some of these units may be integrated into one physical entity or physically separated. In addition, all units within the device may be implemented in the form of software called by a processing element, or in the form of hardware; or some units may be implemented in the form of software called by a processing element, or some units may be implemented in the form of hardware. For example, each unit may be a separately located processing element, or may be integrated into a chip of the device for implementation. In addition, each unit may alternatively be stored in memory in the form of a program called by a processing element of the device to perform the function of the unit. The processing element herein may also be referred to as a processor and may be an integrated circuit having signal processing capabilities. In some implementation processes, the steps of the above-mentioned method or the above-mentioned units may be implemented by using hardware integrated logic circuits within the processor element, or may be implemented in the form of software called by the processing element.

[0188] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program used to implement the method in the above-described method embodiment, and when the computer program is executed on a computer, causes the computer to implement the method in the above-described method embodiment.

[0189] An embodiment of the present application further provides a system chip. The system chip includes a processing unit and a communication unit. The processing unit may be, for example, a processor, and the communication unit may be, for example, an input / output interface, a pin, a circuit, or the like. The processing unit may execute computer instructions such that a chip in a communication device performs any of the communication methods provided in the above-mentioned embodiments of the present application.

[0190] The processor may be an integrated circuit chip and have signal processing capabilities. In some implementation processes, steps in the above-described method embodiments may be implemented by using hardware integrated logic circuitry in the processor or by using instructions in the form of software. The processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component. It may implement or perform the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any conventional processor or similar. The steps in the methods disclosed with reference to the embodiments of the present application may be performed and completed directly by a hardware decoding processor, or may be performed and completed using a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module may be located in a storage medium that is mature in the art, such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, or an electrically erasable programmable memory. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the message in the memory and completes the steps in the aforementioned method in combination with the hardware of the processor.

[0191] It will be understood that the memory elements in the embodiments of the present application may be volatile or nonvolatile memory, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. Nonvolatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM) used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM may be used, such as static random access memory (static RAM, SRAM), dynamic random access memory (dynamic RAM, DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (synchronous DRAM, SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (double data rate SDRAM, DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (enhanced SDRAM, ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (synchlink DRAM, SLDRAM), and direct Rambus dynamic random access memory (direct Rambus RAM, DR RAM). It should be noted that memory in the methods and systems described herein includes, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0192] It should be understood that references throughout the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Thus, the appearances of "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. In addition, these particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It should be understood that the sequence numbers of the above processes do not mean the execution order in various embodiments of the present application, and the execution order of the processes should be determined according to the functions and internal logic of the processes, and should not be construed as any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0193] Additionally, the terms "system" and "network" may be used interchangeably herein.

[0194] In combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, those skilled in the art may recognize that the units and algorithm steps may be implemented by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed by hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered as going beyond the scope of the present application.

[0195] For the sake of convenience and simplicity, the detailed working processes of the aforementioned systems, devices and units may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art by referring to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments, and the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0196] In some embodiments provided herein, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods may be implemented in other manners. For example, the described device embodiments are merely examples. For example, the division into these units is merely a logical division of function, and other divisions may be used in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be omitted or not implemented. In addition, the shown or described mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented by using some interfaces. Indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0197] Units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and components shown as units may or may not be physical units, located in one location or distributed over multiple network units, some or all of which may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the solutions of the embodiments.

[0198] Additionally, the functional units in the embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, each of these units may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0199] When these functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, these functions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present application may be essentially implemented in the form of a software product, or a portion contributing to the prior art may be implemented in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device) to perform all or some of the steps of the methods described in the embodiments of the present application. The storage medium includes any medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0200] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any modifications or substitutions that can be easily thought of by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims. (Other possible items) (Item 1) receiving a master information block (MIB) by a terminal device, where the MIB includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information indicating whether a cell is barred and the second indication information indicating whether an intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed; and and when the first indication information indicates that the cell is barred, the terminal device determines whether to perform the intra-frequency reselection operation based on the second indication information. wherein: The terminal device is a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE); Communication method. (Item 2) receiving a system information block 1 SIB1 by a terminal device; and If the SIB1 does not include third indication information, the terminal device determines that an intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted. wherein: The terminal device is a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE), and the third indication information indicates whether the RedCap UE is authorized to perform the intra-frequency reselection operation. Communication method. (Item 3) The SIB1 further includes fourth instruction information, and the communication method further includes: the terminal device determining that a current cell of the terminal device is barred based on the fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information indicates whether the current cell of the terminal device is barred; 3. The communication method according to item 2, comprising: (Item 4) The SIB1 includes an intraFreqReselection field, and the communication method further includes: determining whether to perform the intra-frequency reselection operation based on the intraFreqReselection field; 4. The communication method according to item 2 or 3, comprising: (Item 5) a network device transmitting a master information block (MIB), wherein the MIB includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information indicating whether a cell is barred and the second indication information indicating whether an intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed; and and when the first indication information indicates that the cell is barred, the network device indicates whether the terminal device should perform the intra-frequency reselection operation based on the second indication information. wherein: The terminal device is a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE); Communication method. (Item 6) a network device transmitting a system information block SIB1; and If the SIB1 does not include third indication information, the network device indicates that a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE) is allowed to perform an intra-frequency reselection operation. wherein: the third indication information indicates whether the intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted; Communication method. (Item 7) The SIB1 further includes fourth instruction information, and the communication method further includes: the fourth indication information indicating that a current cell of the terminal device is barred; 7. The communication method according to item 6, comprising: (Item 8) 8. The communication method according to item 6 or 7, wherein the SIB1 includes an intraFreqReselection field, and the intraFreqReselection field indicates whether the intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed. (Item 9) a receiving unit configured to receive a master information block (MIB), where the MIB includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information indicating whether a cell is barred, and the second indication information indicating whether an intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed; and a processing unit configured to determine whether to perform the intra-frequency reselection operation based on the second indication information when the first indication information indicates that the cell is barred. wherein: The terminal device is a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE); Communication equipment. (Item 10) A communication device, a receiving unit configured to receive a system information block 1 SIB1; and a processing unit configured to determine that an intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted if the SIB1 does not include third indication information. wherein: The communication device is a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE) or a chip in the RedCap UE, and the third indication information indicates whether the RedCap UE is authorized to perform the intra-frequency reselection operation. Communication equipment. (Item 11) The SIB1 further includes fourth indication information, and the processing unit further: Determine that the current cell of the terminal device is barred based on the fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information indicates whether the current cell of the terminal device is barred; Item 11. The communication device according to item 10, configured as follows: (Item 12) The SIB1 includes an intraFreqReselection field, and the processing unit further Determine whether to perform the intra-frequency reselection operation based on the intraFreqReselection field. 12. The communication device according to item 10 or 11, configured as follows: (Item 13) a transmitting unit configured to transmit a master information block (MIB), where the MIB includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information indicating whether a cell is barred, and the second indication information indicating whether an intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed; and a processing unit configured to indicate, when the first indication information indicates that the cell is barred, whether the terminal device should perform the intra-frequency reselection operation based on the second indication information; wherein: The terminal device is a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE); Communication equipment. (Item 14) a transmitting unit configured to transmit a system information block SIB1; and a processing unit configured to instruct a reduced capability user equipment (RedCap UE) to determine that an intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted if the SIB1 does not include third indication information; wherein: the third indication information indicates whether the intra-frequency reselection operation is permitted; Communication equipment. (Item 15) The SIB1 further includes fourth indication information, and the processing unit further: According to the fourth indication information, indicating that the current cell of the terminal device is barred Item 15. The communication device according to item 14, configured as follows: (Item 16) 16. The communications device of item 14 or 15, wherein the SIB1 includes an intraFreqReselection field, the intraFreqReselection field indicating whether the intra-frequency reselection operation is allowed. (Item 17) A computer program that, when executed, causes a computer to carry out the communication method according to any one of items 1 to 8. (Item 18) A chip system comprising a processor, the processor being configured to call a computer program from a memory and execute the computer program, such that a device in which the chip system is installed executes the communication method described in any one of items 1 to 8.

Claims

1. 1. A communication method performed by a reduced capability user equipment, RedCap UE, or a chip within a RedCap UE, comprising: receiving a Master Information Block (MIB), wherein a cellBarred field in the MIB indicates whether a cell is barred; determining that the RedCap UE is allowed to perform intra-frequency reselection operation if the cellBarred field in the MIB indicates that the cell is not barred and if System Information Block 1, SIB1, does not include a RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field, the SIB1 being received after the MIB. wherein: The RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field indicates whether the RedCap UE is allowed to perform the intra-frequency reselection operation. method.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the RedCap UE is a RedCap UE with 1Rx branch or with 2Rx branches.

3. The method further comprises: if the cellBarred field in the MIB indicates that the cell is not barred, and if the SIB1 has the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field, determining whether the RedCap UE is allowed to perform the intra-frequency reselection operation based on the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field; 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the RedCap UE is a RedCap UE with a 1Rx branch, and a RedCap-specific cellBarred field in the SIB1 indicates that the RedCap UE with a 1Rx branch is not allowed to camp on the cell.

4. The method further comprises: if the cellBarred field in the MIB indicates that the cell is not barred, and if the SIB1 has the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field, determining whether the RedCap UE is allowed to perform the intra-frequency reselection operation based on the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field; 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the RedCap UE is a RedCap UE with a 2Rx branch, and a RedCap-specific cellBarred field in the SIB1 indicates that the RedCap UE with a 2Rx branch is not allowed to camp on the cell.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the RedCap UE is in a radio resource control, RRC, idle mode or an RRC inactive mode.

6. The method comprises: The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining that the cell is barred if the cellBarred field in the MIB indicates that the cell is barred.

7. 1. A communication method performed by a network device or a chip within a network device, comprising: transmitting a Master Information Block (MIB), wherein a cellBarred field in the MIB indicates whether the cell is barred; indicating that a reduced capability user equipment, RedCap UE, is allowed to perform intra-frequency reselection operation if the cellBarred field in the MIB indicates that the cell is not barred and if System Information Block 1, SIB1, does not include a RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field, the SIB1 being transmitted after the MIB. Equipped with wherein the RedCap-specific intraFreqReselection field indicates whether the RedCap UE is allowed to perform the intra-frequency reselection operation; method.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the RedCap UE is a RedCap UE with 1Rx branch or with 2Rx branches.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the RedCap UE is in a radio resource control, RRC, idle mode or in an RRC inactive mode.

10. a processor; and an interface coupled to the processor, the interface being used to communicate with another device; Equipped with A communications device, the processor of which, when executed, implements a program or instructions that implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. a processor; and an interface coupled to the processor, the interface being used to communicate with another device; Equipped with A communications device, wherein the processor, when executing a program or instructions, implements the method of any one of claims 7 to 9.

12. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program implementing the method of any one of claims 1 to 6 when executed.

13. 10. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program which, when executed, implements the method of any one of claims 7 to 9.

14. A program, which when executed implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 6.

15. A program, which when executed implements the method of any one of claims 7 to 9.

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