TA acquisition methods and equipment, terminal equipment, network equipment

Abstract

This application discloses a method and apparatus for acquiring a TA, a terminal device, and a network device, the method comprising: the terminal device receiving a first signaling transmitted from a network device, the first signaling for instructing, configuring, or activating a first operation to be performed on a first cell, the first operation comprising receiving a first signaling which includes at least one of measurement, downlinking, and uplinking; and the terminal device performing the first operation on the first cell and acquiring the TA of the first cell based on the first operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications This application is filed based on a Chinese patent application with an application number of 202310773398.1 and an application date of June 27, 2023, claims the priority of the Chinese patent application, and all the contents of the Chinese patent application are incorporated herein by reference. This application relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and particularly relates to a TA acquisition method and apparatus, a terminal device, and a network device.

Background Art

[0002] A cell switch causes a data transmission interruption delay. To reduce the data transmission interruption delay, before the cell switch, the terminal device needs to perform downlink synchronization and uplink synchronization for the target cell to be switched. Among them, the realization of uplink synchronization depends on the acquisition of Timing Advance (TA), and it is necessary to clarify how to manage the TA acquisition by the terminal device.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of this application provide a TA acquisition method and apparatus, a terminal device, a network device, a chip, and a computer-readable storage medium.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The TA acquisition method according to the embodiments of this application is as follows: The terminal device receives a first signaling transmitted from a network device, where the first signaling is for instructing or configuring or activating a first operation on a first cell, and the first operation includes at least one of measurement, downlink synchronization, and uplink synchronization. The terminal device includes performing a first operation on the first cell and obtaining the TA of the first cell based on the first operation.

[0005] The method for obtaining TA according to the embodiment of this application is: Network equipment transmits a first signaling to terminal equipment, the first signaling being for instructing, configuring or activating a first operation to be performed on a first cell, the first operation including at least one of measurement, downlinking, and uplinking, the first operation including transmitting a first signaling being for obtaining the TA of the first cell.

[0006] The TA acquisition device according to the embodiment of this application is applied to terminal equipment, and the device is A receiving unit configured to receive a first signaling transmitted from a network device, the first signaling being for instructing, configuring, or activating a first operation to be performed on a first cell, the first operation including at least one of measurement, downlink synchronization, and uplink synchronization. Includes a determination unit configured to perform a first operation on the first cell and to obtain the TA of the first cell based on the first operation.

[0007] The TA acquisition device according to the embodiment of this application is applicable to network equipment, and the device is The terminal equipment includes a transmitting unit configured to transmit a first signaling, which is for instructing, configuring, or activating a first operation to be performed on a first cell, the first operation including at least one of measurement, downlinking, and uplinking, and the first operation is for obtaining the TA of the first cell.

[0008] The terminal device according to the embodiment of the present application includes a processor and memory, the memory being for storing computer programs, and the processor calling and operating the computer programs stored in the memory to execute any one of the above-described TA acquisition methods.

[0009] The network device according to the embodiment of the present application includes a processor and memory, the memory being for storing computer programs, and the processor calling and operating the computer programs stored in the memory to execute any one of the above-described TA acquisition methods.

[0010] The chip according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a processor that calls and runs a computer program from memory and causes the device on which the chip is mounted to perform any one of the above methods.

[0011] The computer-readable storage medium according to the embodiment of the present invention is for storing computer programs, and the computer program causes the computer to execute one of the above methods. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] In the technical embodiment of the present invention, network equipment instructs, configures, or activates a first operation to be performed on a first cell via a first signaling, and terminal equipment performs the first operation on the first cell and acquires a TA of the first cell based on the first operation. This ensures that the acquisition of the TA by terminal equipment is managed by network equipment via the first signaling, guarantees uplink synchronization performed before the cell switch, and reduces data transmission interruption delay caused by the cell switch.

[0013] The drawings herein are incorporated into the specification and constitute part of this specification, illustrating embodiments compliant with this disclosure and are used together with the specification to illustrate the principles of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one application scenario of an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2-1] FIG. 2-1 is a flow schematic diagram of TA acquisition method 1. [Figure 2-2] FIG. 2-2 is a flow schematic diagram of TA acquisition method 2. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a first flow schematic diagram of a TA acquisition method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a second flow schematic diagram of a TA acquisition method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a third flow schematic diagram of a TA acquisition method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7-1] FIG. 7-1 is a first schematic diagram of TA2 calculation according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7-2] FIG. 7-2 is a second schematic diagram of TA2 calculation according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7-3] FIG. 7-3 is a third schematic diagram of TA2 calculation according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a first structural configuration schematic diagram of a TA acquisition device according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a second structural configuration schematic diagram of a TA acquisition device according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present application.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, while referring to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application, the technical aspects in the embodiments of the present application will be described. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of the present application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one application scenario of an embodiment of the present application.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 100 may include a terminal device 110 and a network device 120. The network device 120 can communicate with the terminal device 110 via an air interface.

[0018] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application are merely exemplified using the communication system 100, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. That is, the technical aspects related to the embodiments of the present application are applicable to various communication systems such as, for example, a 5G communication system (also called a New Radio (NR) communication system) and future communication systems.

[0019] In the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1, the network device 120 may be an access network device that communicates with the terminal device 110. The access network device can provide communication coverage in a specific geographical area and can communicate with the terminal device 110 (e.g., UE) located within the coverage area.

[0020] The network device 120 may be a base station (gNB) in an NR system or a network device in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc.

[0021] The terminal device 110 may be any terminal device, including but not limited to terminal devices connected to the network device 120 or other terminal devices using wired or wireless means.

[0022] For example, the terminal equipment 110 may refer to an access terminal, user equipment (UE), user unit, user station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. The access terminal may be a cellular phone, cordless phone, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, IoT device, satellite handheld terminal, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device, or other processing equipment connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle equipment, wearable device, terminal equipment in a 5G network, or terminal equipment in a future advanced network, etc.

[0023] It should be noted that Figure 1 is merely an illustrative example of a system to which the present application applies, and of course, the methods shown in the embodiments of the present application are applicable to other systems as well. Furthermore, in this specification, the terms “system” and “network” are often used interchangeably. In this specification, the term “and / or” simply describes the correlation between related objects, indicating that there are three possible relationships. For example, A and / or B could represent three cases: A exists only, both A and B exist, or B exists only. Also, in this specification, the symbol “ / ” generally indicates that the related objects before and after it are in an “or” relationship. Furthermore, it should be understood that “indications” as referred to in the embodiments of the present application may be direct or indirect, and may also indicate a correlation. To illustrate with an example, when A instructs B, it may mean that A directly instructs B, for example, that B can obtain the information through A. It may also mean that A indirectly instructs B, for example, that A instructs C, and B can obtain the information through C. Furthermore, it may indicate a correlation between A and B. It should be understood that the "correspondence" referred to in the embodiments of this application may mean a direct or indirect correspondence between the two, or a correlation between the two, or it may mean a relationship such as instruction and instruction, configuration and configuration. It should also be understood that the "predefined" or "predefined rule" referred to in the embodiments of this application may be implemented by storing the relevant codes or tables in advance within the device (e.g., including terminal devices and network devices), or by other means available for instructing the relevant information, but this application does not limit the specific implementation method. For example, predefined may refer to something defined within a protocol. It should be further understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the term "protocol" may refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, and may include, for example, the NR protocol or related protocols applicable to future communications systems, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0024] To facilitate understanding of the technical embodiments of the present application, the related technologies of the present application are described below. The following related technologies can be optionally combined with the technical embodiments of the present application, but all of them fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0025] In the mobility enhancement project, mobility enhancements based on Layer 1 / Layer 2 measurements are introduced to reduce data transmission interruption delays caused when terminal equipment performs cell switching. By performing downlink and uplink synchronization with the target cell to be switched before cell switching, data transmission interruption delays can be effectively reduced. Of these, the realization of uplink synchronization depends on obtaining a Terminal Address (TA). Regarding TA acquisition, it has been agreed in the related project that TA acquisition should be performed before cell switching. TA acquisition may include two methods: one is the Random Access Channel (RACH) method, which acquires the TA of the target cell based on the transmission of a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH); the other is the RACH-less method, which acquires the TA of the target cell without relying on PRACH transmission. These two methods are explained below. TA acquisition method 1: The terminal device transmits PRACH to the target cell, which then measures the TA, and the measured TA is transmitted to the terminal device. TA acquisition method 2: The terminal device calculates the TA based on the time difference between two cells, or the time difference in signal transmission arrival from two cells.

[0026] In the TA acquisition method 1 described above, the terminal device sends a PRACH to the target cell, and when the target cell receives the PRACH and measures the TA, it either directly notifies the terminal device of the TA or the serving cell makes it possible to notify the terminal device of the TA, so that the terminal device can acquire the target cell's TA.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2-1, the specific flow includes the following steps 1) to 5). 1) The serving cell instructs the UE to send PRACH to the candidate cell. 2) The UE sends a PRACH to the candidate cell according to the instructions of the serving cell. 3-1) The candidate cell notifies the UE of the acquired TA. 3-2) The candidate cell notifies the serving cell of the acquired TA. 4) The serving cell notifies the UE of the candidate cell's TA. 5) The serving cell sends a switch command to the UE, informing the UE to switch to the target cell (i.e., the candidate cell). Here, before the UE performs the cell switch, the serving cell can know that the UE has already acquired the target cell's TA, and can therefore send a switch command to cause the UE to switch to the target cell.

[0028] In the TA acquisition method 2 described above, TA acquisition is performed by the terminal device, so the serving cell does not know whether the terminal device has acquired the target cell's TA. Consequently, the serving cell also does not know whether it is possible to send a switch command to the terminal device.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2-2, the specific flow includes the following steps 1) to 5). 1), 2), 3) The serving cell transmits a downlink signal, candidate cell #1 transmits a downlink signal, and candidate cell #2 transmits a downlink signal. The downlink signal may be a Synchronization Signal (PBCH Block, SSB) or another downlink signal. 4) The UE calculates the TA of candidate cell #1 based on the difference in downlink signal reception times between the serving cell and candidate cell #1, and the TA of the serving cell. The UE then calculates the TA of candidate cell #2 based on the difference in downlink signal reception times between the serving cell and candidate cell #2, and the TA of the serving cell. After 4), the serving cell does not know whether the UE has acquired the TA of the target cell (e.g., candidate cell #1 or candidate cell #2). 5) The serving cell sends a switch command to the UE, notifying the UE to switch to the target cell. Here, the UE can obtain the arrival time of the downlink signal for each cell by measuring the downlink signals of multiple cells, and further obtain the difference in reception time of the downlink signals of each candidate cell relative to the downlink signal of the serving cell. The UE can then calculate the TA from the UE to each candidate cell based on this time difference. However, the serving cell has no way of knowing when the UE will have finished obtaining the TA, so it cannot determine when to send a switch command to the UE. In addition, in some scenarios, factors such as downlink timing errors between cells and switching time between uplink and downlink in the cell implementation prevent the accurate determination of the candidate cell's TA based solely on the reception time difference of the downlink signals of multiple cells.

[0030] Therefore, the following technical embodiments of the present invention have been proposed.

[0031] To facilitate understanding of the technical embodiments of this application, the technical embodiments will be described in detail below through specific examples. The related technologies described above can be optionally combined with the technical embodiments of this application, but all of them fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application include at least some of the following.

[0032] It should be noted that the “network equipment” described in the embodiments of this application may be a base station or transmission node corresponding to a serving cell.

[0033] It should be explained that the "first cell" described in the embodiments of this application may be a "candidate cell" or a "target cell."

[0034] It should be explained that the "second cell" described in the embodiments of this application may be a "reference cell," a "serving cell," a "target cell," or a "candidate cell."

[0035] It should be noted that the "third cell" described in the embodiments of this application may be a "target cell" or a "switch target cell."

[0036] It should be explained that the first cell refers to the cell that requires measurement, and the quantity of cells requiring measurement may be one or more. The third cell refers to the target cell of the cell switch or the switch target cell, and is a designated cell, which may be one of the cells being measured.

[0037] It should be explained that the terms "instruction" and "configuration" as described in the embodiments of this application are interchangeable. For example, the phrase "the first signaling is for instructing the first operation to be performed on the first cell" as described in the embodiments of this application may also be "the first signaling is for configuring the first operation to be performed on the first cell."

[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of the TA acquisition method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in Figure 3, the TA acquisition method includes the following steps 301 to 302.

[0039] Step 301 is for a terminal device to receive a first signaling transmitted from a network device, the first signaling being for instructing, configuring or activating a first operation to be performed on a first cell, the first operation comprising at least one of measurement, downlink synchronization, and uplink synchronization.

[0040] In embodiments of the present invention, a terminal device receives a first signaling signal transmitted from a network device. In some embodiments, the first signaling signal is a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE). In some other embodiments, the first signaling signal is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling signal.

[0041] In embodiments of the present application, the first signaling is for instructing, configuring, or activating a first operation to be performed on a first cell, the first operation including at least one of measurement, down-syncing, and up-syncing, where up-syncing may be acquisition of up-timing or acquisition of TA.

[0042] It should be explained that measurement specifically refers to a terminal device measuring or receiving a cell's downlink signal. The downlink signal may be SSB or other types of downlink signals.

[0043] What needs to be explained is that downlink / uplink synchronization is achieved based on measurement, and downlink / uplink synchronization can be achieved by measuring the downlink signal of the cell. Specifically, downlink synchronization can be achieved by measuring the downlink signal of the cell (e.g., SSB), and uplink synchronization can be achieved by measuring the downlink signal of the cell (e.g., SSB), as this enables the acquisition of the uplink timing or TA.

[0044] It should be explained that the quantity of the first cell may be one or more. For example, the quantity of the first cell may be three, and the first signaling is to instruct, configure, or activate the first operation to be performed on cells 1, 2, and 3.

[0045] For example, a base station constitutes one or more primary cells, and for example, one or more candidate cells. The base station instructs, configures, or activates terminal equipment to perform a primary operation on the primary cell via a primary signaling, the primary signaling including the ID of one or more primary cells (e.g., candidate cells) or the configuration ID of the primary cell (e.g., the configuration of the candidate cell), the cell indicated by the ID is the cell that requires measurement and / or downlinking and / or uplinking.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first signaling includes uplink scheduling information or uplink grant (UL grant) information. Uplink resource transmissions indicated by the uplink scheduling information or uplink grant information can be used by terminal equipment to transmit information to network equipment, for example, the first information described below.

[0047] Step 302 is for the terminal device to perform the first operation on the first cell and obtain the TA of the first cell based on the first operation.

[0048] In the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device performing a first operation on a first cell and obtaining the TA of the first cell based on the first operation may be realized in any one of the following ways.

[0049] Pattern 1 In some embodiments, the terminal device determines the first time difference between the first cell and the second cell based on a first operation. Furthermore, the terminal device determines the TA of the first cell based on the TA of the second cell and the first time difference. Here, the first time difference between the first cell and the second cell may be the downlink timing time difference between the first cell and the second cell, or it may be the downlink reception timing time difference (RX timing difference) between the first cell and the second cell.

[0050] For example, if the time interval (TA) of the second cell is TA1, the first time difference is offset, and the time interval (TA) of the first cell is TA2, then TA2 = TA1 + 2 * offset.

[0051] Type 2 In some embodiments, the first signaling includes a second time offset corresponding to the first cell. Then, the terminal device determines the TA of the first cell based on the TA of the second cell, the first time difference, and the second time offset.

[0052] In some embodiments, the second time offset corresponding to the first cell is: Time offset corresponding to upward TA adjustment, A time offset to compensate for the timing error of the downlink, It includes at least one of the following: a time offset corresponding to the switching between up and down directions. Here, the downlink timing error refers to the downlink timing error between the first cell and the second cell. Here, the second time offset may include the adjustment value of the uphill TA (i.e., the time offset corresponding to the uphill TA adjustment), and / or the time offset due to the downhill timing error (i.e., the time offset corresponding to the downhill timing error), and / or the time offset due to the uphill / downhill switching (i.e., the time offset corresponding to the uphill / downhill switching). Here, the second time offset can be used to correct or calculate the time attribution (TA) when the TA calculation is performed by the terminal equipment.

[0053] For example, if the TA of the second cell is TA1, the first time difference is offset, the second time offset includes a time offset (Delta) corresponding to the down-link timing error, and the TA of the first cell is TA2, then TA2 = TA1 + 2 * (offset + Delta).

[0054] For example, if the time axis of the second cell is TA1, the first time difference is offset, the second time offset includes a time offset (X) corresponding to the up / down switching, and the time axis of the first cell is TA2, then TA2 = TA1 + 2 * offset - X.

[0055] For example, if the TA of the second cell is TA1, the first time difference is offset, and the second time offset includes a time offset (Delta) corresponding to the down-link timing error and a time offset (X) corresponding to the up-link / down-link switching, and the TA of the first cell is TA2, then TA2 = TA1 + 2 * (offset + Delta) - X.

[0056] In some embodiments, the certification / confirmation / determination that "the terminal device can acquire the TA of the first cell" may be implemented in the following manner.

[0057] Mode A Method 1) After receiving the first signaling, the terminal device can acquire the TA of the first cell. Here, the first signaling may be an RRC signaling. Network equipment and / or terminal equipment recognize / confirm / consider that, after the terminal equipment receives the first signaling, the terminal equipment can acquire the TA of the first cell. Method 2) After a certain amount of time has elapsed since receiving the first signaling, the terminal device can acquire the TA of the first cell. Here, the first signaling may be an RRC signaling. Network equipment and / or terminal equipment shall determine / confirm / confirm / consider that the terminal equipment can acquire the TA of the first cell after one hour has elapsed since the terminal equipment received the first signaling. Method 3) After two hours have elapsed since sending the confirmation message corresponding to the first signaling, the terminal device can acquire the TA of the first cell. Here, the first signaling may be a MAC CE, and the acknowledgment message corresponding to the first signaling may be HARQ-ACK information. Network equipment and / or terminal equipment certify / confirm / consider that the terminal equipment can acquire the TA of the first cell two hours after the terminal equipment has sent the acknowledgment message corresponding to the first signaling.

[0058] Mode B In some embodiments, after a terminal device acquires a TA of the first cell, the terminal device transmits first information or a second signaling to a network device. The first information or second signaling indicates that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell. Here, the first information or the second signaling may indicate that the terminal device has acquired some or all of the TA of the first cell.

[0059] For example, network equipment instructs, configures, or activates a first operation to perform a first operation on cells 1, 2, and 3 via first signaling. Terminal equipment performs the first operation on cells 1, 2, and 3, acquires TAs for cells 1 and 2, and instructs network equipment via first information or second signaling that terminal equipment has acquired TAs for cells 1 and 2.

[0060] For example, network equipment instructs, configures, or activates a first operation to perform a first operation on cells 1, 2, and 3 via first signaling. Terminal equipment performs the first operation on cells 1, 2, and 3, acquires TAs for cells 1, 2, and 3, and instructs network equipment via first information or second signaling that terminal equipment has acquired TAs for cells 1, 2, and 3.

[0061] The following describes the specific implementation methods of the first information or second signaling mentioned above.

[0062] Implementation Embodiment 1) In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: a first time difference between a first cell and a second cell, the TA of the first cell, an identifier of the first cell, and first instruction information indicating that a terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell. Here, the first cell may be one or more candidate cells or target cells. Here, the first signaling may include information such as the ID of a cell from which the terminal equipment has already acquired a TA by the time of the uplink transmission scheduled by the first signaling. Here, the first signaling may include only the ID of a cell for indicating a cell from which TA acquisition has already been completed. Alternatively, the first signaling may include the ID of a cell, as well as information such as the corresponding TA and / or downlink timing difference and / or downlink reception timing difference. The first signaling may include instruction information to indicate that the terminal has acquired the TA of all cells indicated by the first signaling. The first signaling may include instruction information to indicate that the terminal has acquired the TA of one or more cells indicated by the first signaling.

[0063] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first information is transmitted via a first uplink resource, which is indicated via uplink scheduling information included in the first signaling, or which is obtained via a scheduling request (SR) from a terminal device. Here, the upstream scheduling information may be replaced with upstream grant (UL grant) information. Here, the terminal device either performs a first operation and then transmits the first information using the first uplink resource scheduled by the first signaling, or, after performing a first operation, the terminal device requests scheduling for uplink transmission and then transmits the first information using the acquired first uplink resource.

[0064] Implementation Mode 2) In some embodiments, the second signaling is a specific SR, which indicates that a terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell. Here, the SR may be configured based on RRC signaling.

[0065] Implementation Embodiment 3) In some embodiments, the first information is the report information of the first cell, and the report information of the first cell is for indicating that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell. Here, the reporting method for the reported information is either periodic reporting, semi-persistent reporting, or aperiodic reporting.

[0066] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the reporting information is transmitted via a second uplink resource, which is indicated via uplink grant (UL grant) information included in the first signaling. Here, the reported information may be Channel State Information (CSI) reported information. The CSI reported information may include at least one of the following: Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP), Channel Quality Indication (CQI), CSI-RS Resource Indication (CRI), SSB index, Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), etc. More specifically, it may include at least one of the following: cri-RI-PMI-CQI, cri-RI-i1, cri-RI-i1-CQI, cri-RI-CQI, cri-RSRP, cri-SINR, ssb-Index-RSRP, ssb-Index-SINR, cri-RI-LI-PMI-CQI, cri-RSRP-Index, ssb-Index-RSRP-Index, cri-SINR-Index, ssb-Index-SINR-Index.

[0067] In some embodiments, after the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell, the method further includes the terminal device receiving a switch command sent from a network device, the switch command instructing the terminal device to switch to the third cell, the switch command including at least one of the identifier of the third cell and the TA of the third cell.

[0068] In some embodiments, the third cell may be a cell other than the first cell.

[0069] In some other embodiments, the third cell may be a cell within the range of the first cell, that is, the third cell may be one of the cells in the first cell (the first cell may be multiple cells). Here, the third cell refers to the target cell or switch target cell of the cell switch, and is a specified cell. The third cell may also be one of the cells in which the first operation is performed. Here, the switch command may be a switch instruction for the third cell or a cell switch instruction.

[0070] In some embodiments, if the switch command includes the TA of the third cell, the terminal device uses the TA of the third cell included in the switch command to perform uplink transmission to the third cell, and / or, if the switch command does not include the TA of the third cell, the terminal device uses the calculated TA of the third cell to perform uplink transmission to the third cell. Here, the calculated TA of the third cell may be a TA obtained based on measurements by the terminal device.

[0071] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of the TA acquisition method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in Figure 4, the TA acquisition method includes the following step 401.

[0072] Step 401 is for a network device to transmit a first signaling to a terminal device, the first signaling being for instructing, configuring or activating a first operation to be performed on a first cell, the first operation including at least one of measurement, downlinking, and uplinking, and the first operation being for obtaining a TA of the first cell.

[0073] In embodiments of the present application, a network device transmits a first signaling to a terminal device. In some embodiments, the first signaling is a MAC CE. In some other embodiments, the first signaling is an RRC signaling.

[0074] In embodiments of the present application, the first signaling is for instructing, configuring, or activating a first operation to be performed on a first cell, the first operation including at least one of measurement, down-syncing, and up-syncing, where up-syncing may be acquisition of up-timing or acquisition of TA.

[0075] It should be explained that measurement specifically refers to a terminal device measuring or receiving a cell's downlink signal. The downlink signal may be SSB or other types of downlink signals.

[0076] What needs to be explained is that downlink / uplink synchronization is achieved based on measurement, and downlink / uplink synchronization can be achieved by measuring the downlink signal of the cell. Specifically, downlink synchronization can be achieved by measuring the downlink signal of the cell (e.g., SSB), and uplink synchronization can be achieved by measuring the downlink signal of the cell (e.g., SSB), as this enables the acquisition of the uplink timing or TA.

[0077] It should be explained that the quantity of the first cell may be one or more. For example, the quantity of the first cell may be three, and the first signaling is to instruct, configure, or activate the first operation to be performed on cells 1, 2, and 3.

[0078] In some embodiments, the first signaling includes a second time offset corresponding to the first cell. The second time offset is for the terminal equipment to acquire the TA of the first cell, and for specific acquisition methods, refer to the relevant embodiments in Figure 3 described above.

[0079] In some embodiments, the second time offset corresponding to the first cell is: Time offset corresponding to upward TA adjustment, A time offset to compensate for the timing error of the downlink, It includes at least one of the following: a time offset corresponding to the switching between up and down directions. Here, the second time offset may include the adjustment value of the uphill TA (i.e., the time offset corresponding to the uphill TA adjustment), and / or the time offset due to the downhill timing error (i.e., the time offset corresponding to the downhill timing error), and / or the time offset due to the uphill / downhill switching (i.e., the time offset corresponding to the uphill / downhill switching). Here, the downlink timing error refers to the downlink timing error between the first cell and the second cell.

[0080] In some embodiments, the certification / confirmation / determination that "the terminal device can acquire the TA of the first cell" may be implemented in the following manner.

[0081] Mode A Method 1) After transmitting the first signal, the terminal equipment can acquire the TA of the first cell. Here, the first signaling may be an RRC signaling. Network equipment certifies / confirms / confirms / considers that terminal equipment can acquire the TA of the first cell after the network equipment transmits the first signaling. Method 2) After one hour has elapsed since the transmission of the first signaling signal, the terminal equipment can acquire the TA of the first cell. Here, the first signaling may be an RRC signaling. The network device certifies / confirms / determines / considers that the terminal device can acquire the TA of the first cell after one hour has elapsed since the network device transmitted the first signaling. Method 3) After two hours have elapsed since receiving the confirmation message corresponding to the first signaling, the terminal device can acquire the TA of the first cell. Here, the first signaling may be MAC CE, and the acknowledgment message corresponding to the first signaling may be HARQ-ACK information. Network equipment certifies / confirms / confirms / considers that terminal equipment can acquire the TA of the first cell two hours after the network equipment receives the acknowledgment message corresponding to the first signaling. In the above embodiment A, the terminal device does not need to provide feedback to the network device, and the network device assumes that the terminal device can calculate or obtain the TA of the first cell via the first operation. Alternatively, the network device assumes that the terminal device can adjust for the error in the TA of the first cell in subsequent uplink transmissions, or that the uplink transmission quality is not affected by such error. Once the network device confirms that the terminal device can obtain the TA of the first cell, it can send a switch command to the terminal device.

[0082] Mode B In some embodiments, the network device receives first information or second signaling transmitted from the terminal device. The first information or second signaling indicates that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell. Here, the first information or the second signaling may indicate that the terminal device has acquired some or all of the TA of the first cell.

[0083] For example, network equipment instructs, configures, or activates a first operation to perform a first operation on cells 1, 2, and 3 via first signaling. Terminal equipment performs the first operation on cells 1, 2, and 4, acquires TAs for cells 1 and 2, and instructs network equipment via first information or second signaling that terminal equipment has acquired TAs for cells 1 and 2.

[0084] For example, network equipment instructs, configures, or activates a first operation to perform a first operation on cells 1, 2, and 3 via first signaling. Terminal equipment performs the first operation on cells 1, 2, and 4, acquires TAs for cells 1, 2, and 3, and instructs network equipment via first information or second signaling that terminal equipment has acquired TAs for cells 1, 2, and 3.

[0085] The following describes the specific implementation methods of the first information or second signaling mentioned above.

[0086] Implementation Embodiment 1) In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: a first time difference between a first cell and a second cell, the TA of the first cell, an identifier of the first cell, and first instruction information indicating that a terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell. Here, the first cell may be one or more candidate cells or target cells. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first information is transmitted via a first uplink resource, which is indicated via uplink scheduling information included in the first signaling, or the first uplink resource is acquired via the SR of a terminal device. Here, the upstream scheduling information may be replaced with upstream grant (UL grant) information.

[0087] Implementation Mode 2) In some embodiments, the second signaling is a specific SR, which indicates that a terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell.

[0088] Implementation Embodiment 3) In some embodiments, the first information is the report information of the first cell, and the report information of the first cell is for indicating that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell. Here, the reporting method for the reported information is either periodic reporting, semi-persistent reporting, or aperiodic reporting.

[0089] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the reporting information is transmitted via a second uplink resource, which is indicated via uplink grant (UL grant) information included in the first signaling. Here, the reporting information may be CSI reporting information. The CSI reporting information may include at least one of the following: RSRP, CQI, CRI, SSB index, SINR, etc. More specifically, it may include at least one of the following: cri-RI-PMI-CQI, cri-RI-i1, cri-RI-i1-CQI, cri-RI-CQI, cri-RSRP, cri-SINR, ssb-Index-RSRP, ssb-Index-SINR, cri-RI-LI-PMI-CQI, cri-RSRP-Index, ssb-Index-RSRP-Index, cri-SINR-Index, ssb-Index-SINR-Index.

[0090] In some embodiments, after the network device has determined / confirmed / confirmed / considered that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell through Embodiment A or Embodiment B, the method further includes the network device sending a switch command to the terminal device, the switch command being for instructing the terminal device to switch to the third cell, the switch command comprising at least one of the identifier of the third cell and the TA of the third cell. Here, the third cell refers to the target cell or switch target cell of the cell switch, and is a specified cell. The third cell may also be one of the cells in which the first operation is performed. Here, the switch command may be a switch instruction for the third cell or a cell switch instruction.

[0091] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of the TA acquisition method according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the base station refers to the base station corresponding to the serving cell, the terminal equipment is the UE, the first cell includes candidate cell #1 and candidate cell #2 (i.e., the quantity of the first cell is 2), the second cell is the serving cell, and the third cell is candidate cell #1. As shown in Figure 5, the TA acquisition method includes the following steps 501 to 506.

[0092] Step 501: The base station transmits a first signaling to the UE, which is intended to instruct, configure, or activate candidate cell #1 and candidate cell #2 to perform measurement and / or downlink and / or uplink synchronization.

[0093] Step 502: Candidate cell #1 transmits a downlink signal, and candidate cell #2 transmits a downlink signal. The downlink signal may be SSB or another type of signal.

[0094] Step 503: The UE measures the downlink signal of candidate cell #1 and the downlink signal of candidate cell #2.

[0095] Step 504: The UE calculates the TA of candidate cell #1 according to the difference in downlink signal reception time between candidate cell #1 and the serving cell (i.e., downlink reception timing time difference) and the TA of the serving cell, and the second time offset (optional). The UE then calculates the TA of candidate cell #2 according to the difference in downlink signal reception time between candidate cell #2 and the serving cell (i.e., downlink reception timing time difference) and the TA of the serving cell, and the second time offset (optional).

[0096] Step 505: The UE transmits either a first or second signaling to the base station, which indicates that the terminal equipment has acquired the TAs of candidate cell #1 and candidate cell #2. Here, for specific implementations of the first information or second signaling, refer to the relevant embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4 mentioned above.

[0097] Step 506: The base station sends a switch command to the UE. Here, the switch instruction may be a switch instruction to candidate cell #1 (i.e., the target cell) or a cell switch instruction. Here, the switch instruction may include the ID and TA of candidate cell #1. In this case, the UE uses the TA included in the switch instruction to perform an uplink transmission to candidate cell #1. Here, the switch instruction may contain only the ID of candidate cell #1. In this case, the UE uses the calculated TA of candidate cell #1 (or the measured TA of candidate cell #1) to perform an uplink transmission to candidate cell #1.

[0098] The following explains, with specific application examples, how to calculate the TA of a cell. The following application examples describe a case where the UE calculates the cell's TA based on the downlink reception timing difference, but the UE is not limited to this and may calculate the cell's TA based on the downlink timing difference. As shown in Figure 6, cell 1 and cell 2 may be transmission node 1 (or base station 1) and transmission node 2 (or base station 2), cell 1 transmits a downlink signal (e.g., SSB#1) to the UE, and cell 2 transmits a downlink signal (e.g., SSB#2) to the UE.

[0099] Application Example 1 Referring to Figure 7-1, which shows a schematic diagram of the TA2 calculation, it is as follows:

[0100] 1) Confirmation of TA For a single cell, the time delay (TA) is twice the propagation delay, so the TAs of cell 1 and cell 2 satisfy the following equation. TA1 = 2 * TP1 TA2 = 2 * TP2 Of these, TA1 is the TA of cell 1, and TA2 is the TA of cell 2. 2) Determination of the timing difference in downstream reception Offset is the time difference in downlink reception timing, i.e., the time difference in receiving downlink signals from downlink node 1 and node 2 by the UE, and Offset satisfies the following equation. Offset=TP2-TP1 3) UE can calculate TA2 of cell 2 according to TA1 and offset, and TA2 satisfies the following formula. TA2 = TA1 + 2 * offset

[0101] Application Example 2 Referring to Figure 7-2, which shows a schematic diagram of the TA2 calculation, it is as follows: 1) Confirmation of TA For a single cell, the time delay (TA) is twice the propagation delay, so the TAs of cell 1 and cell 2 satisfy the following equation. TA1 = 2 * TP1 TA2 = 2 * TP2 Of these, TA1 is the TA of cell 1, and TA2 is the TA of cell 2. 2) Determination of the timing difference in downstream reception There is an error in the inter-cell downlink timing, and this error is delta (i.e., downlink timing error). In this case, the downlink reception timing difference, Offset, satisfies the following equation. offset = TP2 - TP1 + Delta Delta can be obtained through inter-cell communication or through information reported from other terminals. 3) UE can calculate TA2 of cell 2 according to TA1 and offset, and TA2 satisfies the following formula. TA2 = TA1 + 2 * (offset + Delta)

[0102] Application Example 3 Referring to Figure 7-3, which shows a schematic diagram of the TA2 calculation, it is as follows: 1) Confirmation of TA For a single cell, the time delay (TA) is twice the propagation delay, so the TAs of cell 1 and cell 2 satisfy the following equation. TA1 = 2 * TP1 TA2 = 2 * TP2 Of these, TA1 is the TA of cell 1, and TA2 is the TA of cell 2. 2) Determination of the timing difference in downstream reception There is an error in the inter-cell downlink timing, and this error is delta (i.e., downlink timing error). In this case, the downlink reception timing difference, Offset, satisfies the following equation. offset = TP2 - TP1 + Delta Here, Delta can be obtained through inter-cell communication or through information reported from other terminals. 3) Confirmation of TA2 in cell 2 There is a switching time (gap) X between the downlink and uplink transmissions of cell 2. In this case, the UE can calculate the TA2 of cell 2 according to TA1, offset, and X, and TA2 satisfies the following equation. TA2 = TA1 + 2 * (offset + Delta) - X Here, the uplink / downlink switching time is an implementation parameter of the base station and can be communicated to the UE via further instructions from the base station.

[0103] The technical aspects of the embodiment of the present application include: 1) By estimating the uplink TA based on the UE's downlink measurements, delays caused by scheduling and TA instruction introduced by RACH in the PDCCH order can be avoided. The UE can calculate the target cell's TA based on its own measurements and information on the TA of the currently serving cell it already possesses, thereby reducing delays and improving the UE's flexibility. 2) By multiplexing the downlink measurement instructions, the cell range for downlink synchronization and TA calculation by the UE can be reduced. Furthermore, by multiplexing these instructions to indicate the characteristics of the downlink measurement or synchronization, it is more preferable in this embodiment to reduce the amount of instruction and UE computation based on the reception time difference of multiple candidate cells. 3) By introducing TA-based instructions or candidate cell instruction information in the cell switch to indicate the uplink TA that the UE needs to use, it is possible to ensure that the UE obtains more accurate TA or timing information, while also notifying the UE which calculated TA value to use for uplink transmission in a low-overhead manner.

[0104] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a TA acquisition device according to an embodiment of the present application, and the TA acquisition device is applied to terminal equipment, as shown in Figure 8, A receiving unit 801 is configured to receive a first signaling transmitted from a network device, the first signaling for instructing, configuring, or activating a first operation to be performed on a first cell, the first operation including at least one of measurement, downlink synchronization, and uplink synchronization. The system includes a determination unit 802 configured to perform a first operation on the first cell and to obtain the TA of the first cell based on the first operation.

[0105] In some embodiments, the determination unit 802 is configured to determine the first time difference between the first cell and the second cell based on the first operation. Based on the TA of the second cell and the first time difference, the TA of the first cell is determined.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first signaling includes a second time offset corresponding to the first cell.

[0107] In some embodiments, the determination unit 802 is configured to determine the TA of the first cell based on the TA of the second cell, the first time difference, and the second time offset.

[0108] In some embodiments, the second time offset includes: Time offset corresponding to upward TA adjustment, A time offset to compensate for the timing error of the downlink, It includes at least one of the following: a time offset corresponding to the switching between up and down directions.

[0109] In some embodiments, the terminal device is able to acquire the TA of the first cell after receiving the first signaling, and / or after a first time has elapsed since receiving the first signaling, and / or after a second time has elapsed since sending a confirmation message corresponding to the first signaling.

[0110] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a transmitting unit 803 configured to transmit first information or second signaling to the network equipment.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first information or second signaling is for indicating that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: a first time difference between the first cell and the second cell; the time interval (TA) of the first cell; an identifier of the first cell; and first instruction information for indicating that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first information is transmitted via a first uplink resource. The first uplink resource is indicated via the uplink scheduling information included in the first signaling, or The aforementioned first uplink resource is acquired via the SR of the terminal device.

[0114] In some embodiments, the second signaling is a specific SR, which indicates that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first information is the report information of the first cell, and the report information of the first cell is for indicating that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell.

[0116] In some embodiments, the reporting method for the reporting information is periodic reporting, semi-persistent reporting, or non-periodic reporting.

[0117] In some embodiments, the reporting information is transmitted via a second uplink resource. The second uplink resource is indicated via the uplink grant information included in the first signaling.

[0118] In some embodiments, the receiving unit 801 is configured to receive a switch command transmitted from the network equipment, the switch command being for instructing the terminal equipment to switch to the third cell, the switch command including at least one of the identifier of the third cell and the TA of the third cell.

[0119] In some embodiments, if the switch command includes the TA of the third cell, the transmitting unit 803 uses the TA of the third cell included in the switch command to perform an uplink transmission to the third cell, and / or, if the switch command does not include the TA of the third cell, the transmitting unit 803 uses the calculated TA of the third cell to perform an uplink transmission to the third cell.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first signaling is MAC CE or RRC signaling.

[0121] Those skilled in the art should understand that the functions of each unit in the TA acquisition device shown in Figure 8 can be understood by referring to the relevant descriptions of the method described above. The functions of each unit in the TA acquisition device shown in Figure 8 may be implemented by a program running on a processor, or by a specific logic circuit.

[0122] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a TA acquisition device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the TA acquisition device is applied to network equipment, as shown in Figure 9, The terminal equipment includes a transmitting unit 901 configured to transmit a first signaling, which is for instructing, configuring, or activating a first operation to be performed on a first cell, the first operation comprising at least one of measurement, downlinking, and uplinking, and the first operation is for obtaining the TA of the first cell.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first signaling includes a second time offset corresponding to the first cell.

[0124] In some embodiments, the second time offset includes: Time offset corresponding to upward TA adjustment, A time offset to compensate for the timing error of the downlink, It includes at least one of the following: a time offset corresponding to the switching between up and down directions.

[0125] In some embodiments, after transmitting the first signaling, the terminal device is able to acquire the TA of the first cell, and / or After a first time has elapsed since transmitting the first signaling, the terminal device is able to acquire the TA of the first cell, and / or After a second time has elapsed since receiving the confirmation message corresponding to the first signaling, the terminal device can acquire the TA of the first cell.

[0126] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a receiving unit 902 configured to receive first information or second signaling transmitted from the terminal device.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first information or second signaling is for indicating that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: a first time difference between the first cell and the second cell; the time interval (TA) of the first cell; an identifier of the first cell; and first instruction information for indicating that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell.

[0129] In some embodiments, the first information is transmitted via a first uplink resource. The first uplink resource is indicated via the uplink scheduling information included in the first signaling, or The aforementioned first uplink resource is acquired via the SR of the terminal device.

[0130] In some embodiments, the second signaling is a specific SR, which indicates that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell.

[0131] In some embodiments, the first information is the report information of the first cell, and the report information of the first cell is for indicating that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell.

[0132] In some embodiments, the reporting method for the reporting information is periodic reporting, semi-persistent reporting, or non-periodic reporting.

[0133] In some embodiments, the reporting information is transmitted via a second uplink resource. The second uplink resource is indicated via the uplink grant information included in the first signaling.

[0134] In some embodiments, the transmitting unit 901 is configured to transmit a switch command to the terminal device, the switch command being for instructing the terminal device to switch to a third cell, the switch command comprising at least one of the identifier of the third cell and the TA of the third cell.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first signaling is MAC CE or RRC signaling.

[0136] Those skilled in the art should understand that the functions of each unit in the TA acquisition device shown in Figure 9 can be understood by referring to the relevant descriptions of the method described above. The functions of each unit in the TA acquisition device shown in Figure 9 may be implemented by a program running on a processor, or by a specific logic circuit.

[0137] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device may be a terminal device or a network device, and the communication device 1000 shown in Figure 10 includes a processor 1010, which calls and operates a computer program from memory, thereby enabling the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0138] Selectively, as shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 may further include a memory 1020. Of these, the processor 1010 can call and operate a computer program from the memory 1020, thereby realizing the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0139] Of these, the memory 1020 may be a separate device independent of the processor 1010, or it may be integrated into the processor 1010.

[0140] Selectively, as shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 may further include a transceiver 1030, the processor 1010 can control the transceiver 1030 to communicate with other devices, specifically, to transmit information or data to other devices or to receive information or data transmitted from other devices.

[0141] The transceiver 1030 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 1030 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0142] Selectively, the communication device 1000 may specifically be a network device according to the embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 1000 is capable of realizing the corresponding flow realized by the network device in each method of the embodiment of the present application, but for the sake of brevity, no further explanation is given here.

[0143] Selectively, the communication device 1000 may specifically be a mobile terminal / terminal device according to the embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 1000 can realize the corresponding flow realized by the mobile terminal / terminal device in each method of the embodiment of the present application, but for the sake of brevity, no further explanation is given here.

[0144] Figure 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present application. The chip 1100 shown in Figure 11 includes a processor 1110, which calls and operates a computer program from memory, thereby enabling the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0145] Selectively, as shown in Figure 11, the chip 1100 may further include a memory 1120. Of these, the processor 1110 can call and run a computer program from the memory 1120, thereby realizing the method in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] Of these, the memory 1120 may be a separate device independent of the processor 1110, or it may be integrated into the processor 1110.

[0147] Selectively, the chip 1100 may further include an input interface 1130, the processor 1110 of which can control the input interface 1130 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, can acquire information or data transmitted from other devices or chips.

[0148] Selectively, the chip 1100 may further include an output interface 1140. Of these, the processor 1110 can control the output interface 1140 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, can output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0149] Selectively, the chip is applicable to the network equipment in the embodiments of the present application, and the chip is capable of realizing the corresponding flow realized by the network equipment in each method of the embodiments of the present application, but for the sake of brevity, no further explanation is given here.

[0150] Selectively, the chip is applicable to the mobile terminal / terminal device in the embodiments of the present application, and the chip is capable of realizing the corresponding flow realized by the mobile terminal / terminal device in each method of the embodiments of the present application, but for the sake of brevity, no further explanation is given here.

[0151] It should be understood that the chips referred to in the embodiments of this application may also be called system-level chips, system chips, chip systems, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0152] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be an integrated circuit chip having signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed by integrated logic circuits or software-form instructions, which are hardware within the processor. The above 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, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, etc. Each method, step and logic block diagram disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any commonly used processor, etc. The coordination of the steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application may be completed as a direct implementation by execution by a hardware decoder processor, or by execution by a combination of hardware and software modules within the decoder processor. The software module may reside in a mature storage medium of the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, or electrically erasable programmable memory, or registers. The storage medium is memory, and the processor reads the information in memory and works with its hardware to complete the steps of the method described above.

[0153] Understandably, the memory in the embodiments of this application may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Of these, the non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (Erasable PROM, EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (Electrically EPROM, EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM) and may be used as an external high-speed cache. For example, various types of RAM are available, such as, but are not limited to, static random access memory (Static RAM, SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (Synchronous DRAM, SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (Double Data Rate SDRAM, DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (Enhanced SDRAM, ESDRAM), synchronous-connected dynamic random access memory (Synchlink DRAM, SLDRAM), and direct memory bus random access memory (Direct Rambus RAM, DR RAM). The memory in the systems and methods described herein includes, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0154] It should be understood that the above-described memories are illustrative and not limiting. For example, the memories in the embodiments of this application may include 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 linked dynamic random access memory (synch link DRAM, SLDRAM), and direct memory bus random access memory (Direct Rambus RAM, DR RAM), etc. In other words, the memories in the embodiments of this application are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0155] Embodiments of the present invention further provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer programs.

[0156] Selectively, the computer-readable storage medium is applicable to the network equipment in the embodiments of the present invention, and the computer program causes the computer to execute the corresponding flow realized by the network equipment in each method of the embodiments of the present invention, but for the sake of brevity, no further explanation is given here.

[0157] Selectively, the computer-readable storage medium is applicable to the mobile terminal / terminal device in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program causes the computer to execute the corresponding flow realized by the mobile terminal / terminal device in each method of the embodiments of the present application, but for the sake of brevity, no further explanation is given here.

[0158] Embodiments of the present invention further provide computer program products that include computer program instructions.

[0159] Selectively, the computer program product is applicable to the network equipment in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program instructions cause the computer to execute the corresponding flow realized by the network equipment in each method of the embodiments of the present application, but for the sake of brevity, no further explanation is given here.

[0160] Selectively, the computer program product is applicable to the mobile terminal / terminal device in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program instructions cause the computer to execute the corresponding flow realized by the mobile terminal / terminal device in each method of the embodiments of the present application, but for the sake of brevity, no further explanation is given here.

[0161] The embodiments of this application further provide computer programs.

[0162] Selectively, the computer program is applicable to the network equipment in the embodiments of the present application, and when the computer program is run on the computer, it causes the computer to execute the corresponding flow realized by the network equipment in each method of the embodiments of the present application, but for the sake of brevity, no further explanation is given here.

[0163] Selectively, the computer program is applicable to the mobile terminal / terminal device in the embodiments of the present application, and when the computer program is run on the computer, it causes the computer to execute the corresponding flow realized by the mobile terminal / terminal device in each method of the embodiments of the present application, but for the sake of brevity, no further explanation is given here.

[0164] Those skilled in the art will notice that the units and algorithmic steps in each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware, or by a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented by hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical embodiment. 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 outside the scope of this application.

[0165] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand, for the sake of convenience and brevity of explanation, that the specific operating procedures for the systems, apparatus, and units described above can be found by referring to the corresponding procedures in the previously described method embodiments, and will not elaborate further here.

[0166] It should be understood that in some embodiments of this application, the disclosed systems, apparatus and methods may be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units is merely a division by logical function, and other division methods may be possible in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, and some features may be ignored or not implemented. Furthermore, the mutual coupling, direct coupling or communication connection shown or described may be implemented using some interfaces. Indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatus or units may be in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0167] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, may be located in the same place, or may be distributed across multiple network units. In order to achieve the objectives of the technical aspects according to this embodiment, some or all of the units may be selected according to the actual needs.

[0168] Furthermore, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into a single processing unit, each unit may exist physically independently, and two or more units may be integrated into a single unit.

[0169] The aforementioned functions may be implemented in the form of a software function unit and, if sold or used as an independent product, may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, essential parts of the technical embodiments of the present application, or parts that contribute to related technologies, can be embodied in the form of a software product. Such computer software product is stored on a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device) to perform all or part of the steps in the methods described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes any medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0170] The above describes only specific embodiments of the present application, and the scope of protection is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will readily conceive of modifications and substitutions within the technical scope disclosed herein, and all such modifications and substitutions should be considered within the scope of protection. Therefore, the scope of protection should be in accordance with the attached claims.

Claims

1. A method for obtaining a timing advance (TA), wherein the method is: A terminal device receives a first signaling transmitted from a network device, the first signaling being for instructing, configuring, or activating a first operation to be performed on a first cell, the first operation being for receiving a first signaling that includes at least one of measurement, downlink synchronization, and uplink synchronization. A method for acquiring a terminal device, comprising: performing a first operation on the first cell; and acquiring the terminal action of the first cell based on the first operation.

2. The aforementioned method, The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining the first time difference between the first cell and the second cell based on the first operation.

3. Obtaining the TA of the first cell based on the above-described first operation is: The method according to claim 2, comprising determining the TA of the first cell based on the TA of the second cell and the first time difference.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first signaling includes a second time offset corresponding to the first cell.

5. Determining the TA of the first cell based on the above-mentioned first operation is: The method according to claim 2, comprising determining the TA of the first cell based on the TA of the second cell, the first time difference, and the second time offset.

6. The second time offset includes, Time offset corresponding to upward TA adjustment, A time offset to compensate for the timing error of the downlink, The method according to claim 4, further comprising at least one of the following: a time offset corresponding to the switching between up and down directions.

7. After receiving the first signaling, the terminal device is able to acquire the TA of the first cell, and / or After a first time has elapsed since receiving the first signaling, the terminal device is able to acquire the TA of the first cell, and / or The method according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device can acquire the TA of the first cell after a second time has elapsed since sending a confirmation message corresponding to the first signaling.

8. The aforementioned method, The method according to claim 1, further comprising the terminal device transmitting first information or second signaling to the network device.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the first information or second signaling is for indicating that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: a first time difference between the first cell and the second cell; the time arrival (TA) of the first cell; an identifier of the first cell; and first instruction information for indicating that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell.

11. The aforementioned first information is transmitted via the first uplink resource, The first uplink resource is indicated via the uplink scheduling information included in the first signaling, or The method according to claim 10, wherein the first uplink resource is obtained via a scheduling request (SR) of the terminal device.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein the second signaling is a specific SR, and the specific SR is for indicating that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein the first information is the report information of the first cell, and the report information of the first cell is for indicating that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the reporting method for the aforementioned reporting information is periodic reporting, semi-persistent reporting, or non-periodic reporting.

15. The aforementioned report information is transmitted via the second uplink resource. The method according to claim 13, wherein the second upstream resource is indicated via upstream grant information included in the first signaling.

16. The aforementioned method, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising the terminal device receiving a switch command transmitted from the network device, the switch command being for instructing the terminal device to switch to a third cell, the switch command comprising at least one of the identifier of the third cell and the TA of the third cell.

17. The aforementioned method, If the switch command includes the TA of the third cell, the terminal device uses the TA of the third cell included in the switch command to perform an uplink transmission to the third cell, and / or The method according to claim 16, further comprising the terminal device using the calculated TA of the third cell to perform an uplink transmission to the third cell if the switch command does not include the TA of the third cell.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first signaling is MAC CE or RRC signaling.

19. A method for obtaining TA, wherein the method is A method for acquiring a terminal array (TA), comprising: a network device transmitting a first signaling to a terminal device, the first signaling being for instructing, configuring, or activating a first operation to be performed on a first cell, the first operation comprising at least one of measurement, downlinking, and uplinking, the first operation being for acquiring the TA of the first cell.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the first signaling includes a second time offset corresponding to the first cell.

21. The second time offset includes, Time offset corresponding to upward TA adjustment, A time offset to compensate for the timing error of the downlink, The method according to claim 20, comprising at least one of the following: a time offset corresponding to the switching between up and down directions.

22. The aforementioned method, After transmitting the first signaling, the terminal device is able to acquire the TA of the first cell, and / or After a first time has elapsed since the transmission of the first signaling, the terminal device is able to acquire the TA of the first cell, and / or The method according to claim 19, further comprising the fact that the terminal device can acquire the TA of the first cell after a second time has elapsed since receiving the confirmation message corresponding to the first signaling.

23. The aforementioned method, The method according to claim 19, further comprising the network device receiving first information or second signaling transmitted from the terminal device.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the first information or second signaling is for indicating that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell.

25. The method according to claim 23, wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: a first time difference between the first cell and the second cell; the time arrival (TA) of the first cell; an identifier of the first cell; and first instruction information for indicating that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell.

26. The aforementioned first information is transmitted via the first uplink resource, The first uplink resource is indicated via the uplink scheduling information included in the first signaling, or The method according to claim 25, wherein the first uplink resource is obtained via the SR of the terminal device.

27. The method according to claim 23, wherein the second signaling is a specific SR, and the specific SR is for indicating that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell.

28. The method according to claim 23, wherein the first information is the report information of the first cell, and the report information of the first cell is for indicating that the terminal device has acquired the TA of the first cell.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the reporting method for the aforementioned reporting information is periodic reporting, semi-persistent reporting, or non-periodic reporting.

30. The aforementioned report information is transmitted via the second uplink resource. The method according to claim 28, wherein the second upstream resource is indicated via upstream grant information included in the first signaling.

31. The aforementioned method, The method according to any one of claims 19 to 30, further comprising the network device transmitting a switch command to the terminal device, the switch command being for instructing the terminal device to switch to a third cell, the switch command comprising at least one of the identifier of the third cell and the TA of the third cell.

32. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 30, wherein the first signaling is MAC CE or RRC signaling.

33. A TA acquisition device applied to terminal equipment, wherein the device is A receiving unit configured to receive a first signaling transmitted from a network device, the first signaling being for instructing, configuring, or activating a first operation to be performed on a first cell, the first operation including at least one of measurement, downlink synchronization, and uplink synchronization. A TA acquisition device comprising a confirmation unit configured to perform a first operation on the first cell and to acquire the TA of the first cell based on the first operation.

34. A TA acquisition device applicable to network equipment, wherein the device is A TA acquisition device comprising a transmitting unit configured to transmit a first signaling to terminal equipment, the first signaling being for instructing, configuring, or activating a first operation to be performed on a first cell, the first operation being for obtaining the TA of the first cell, and the first operation being for obtaining the TA of the first cell.

35. A terminal device comprising a processor and memory, wherein the memory is for storing computer programs, and the processor is for calling and operating the computer programs stored in the memory and for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

36. A network device comprising a processor and memory, the memory for storing computer programs, the processor for calling and operating computer programs stored in the memory, and for performing the method according to any one of claims 19 to 32.

37. A computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, wherein the computer program causes a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or the method according to any one of claims 19 to 32.

Images