Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

To provide a communication method and a device for indicating the effective time of a BWP switch.SOLUTION: A method includes the steps of: determining, by a network device, first information, and sending the first information to a terminal device at a first moment, in which the first information indicates a bandwidth portion BWP switching and used to indicate a start moment at which the terminal device operates on the occupied BWP after switching, and the start moment is a start moment of an on-duration on duration in a discontinuous reception DRX cycle; performing, by the terminal device, a BWP switching on the basis of the first information; and operating on the occupied BWP after switching at the start moment, the first moment being before the on-duration. According to the method, when the first information does not include data scheduling information, the effective time of the BWP switching can be indicated. In this way, the start moment at which the terminal device operates on the occupied BWP after switching can be determined.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and more particularly, to communication methods and apparatuses.

Background Art

[0002] Cross-reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201910753227.6, titled "COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on August 15, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The 5th generation (5G) new radio (NR) supports bandwidth part (BWP) technology. Specifically, by occupying a bandwidth part, it supports transmission between a network device and a terminal device. On one carrier, a network device can configure multiple BWPs (including multiple uplink BWPs and multiple downlink BWPs) for a terminal device. As a result, the terminal device can support multiple services. In the existing standard, when a terminal device operates within one cell, there is only one active downlink BWP and one active uplink BWP. However, the active BWP can be changed, which is referred to as BWP switching.

[0004] Generally, a network device may indicate BWP switching by using downlink control information (DCI) that is used to schedule data. For example, a terminal device receives one DCI within slot n on downlink BWP1, and the DCI schedules the terminal device to receive downlink data (i.e., data on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)) within slot n+M on downlink BWP2. The terminal device starts to receive downlink data at the start position of slot n+M on downlink BWP2.

[0005] Currently, research on reducing the power consumption of terminal devices is being carried out more and more widely. However, the aforementioned BWP switching method cannot reduce the power consumption of terminal devices. In order to conduct research on reducing the power consumption of terminal devices, it has been proposed that a power consumption reduction signal can be used to indicate BWP switching before the active time of discontinuous reception (DRX) in the connected mode (C) of the terminal device. A DRX cycle is configured for the terminal device. The DRX cycle includes an "On Duration" and an "Opportunity for DRX". During the "On Duration", the terminal device listens for and receives data on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The On Duration is the active time of the C-DRX of the terminal device, and correspondingly, the DRX opportunity is the sleep time.

[0006] However, in the existing transmission mechanism, the terminal device receives data scheduling information during the active time and does not receive data scheduling information during the sleep time. Therefore, the terminal device can perform BWP switching only during the active time. Currently, it has been proposed that the network device sends indication information to indicate to the terminal device to perform BWP switching before the active time of C-DRX. However, since the terminal device cannot receive data scheduling information beyond the active time, it has been proposed that the currently introduced power consumption reduction signal be used to carry BWP switching information. However, since the power consumption reduction signal does not carry data scheduling information in this way, the effective time of BWP switching needs to be determined urgently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for indicating the effective time of BWP switching.

[0008] According to a first aspect, this application provides a communication method. This method may include the following. The network device determines first information and sends the first information to the terminal device at a first moment. The first information indicates a bandwidth part BWP switch and is used to indicate the moment of starting to operate on the BWP occupied after the switch. The moment of starting is the moment of starting the on duration in the discontinuous reception DRX cycle. The terminal device performs BWP switching based on the first information and operates on the BWP occupied after the switch at the moment of starting. The first moment is before the on duration.

[0009] According to the method described above, the effective time of BWP switching can be indicated within the first information. In this way, the moment of starting to operate on the BWP occupied after the switch by the terminal device can be determined.

[0010] In a possible design, the time interval between the first moment and the moment when the on-period starts is greater than a specified period, and the specified period is not less than the period for the terminal device to perform BWP switching. In this way, the moment when the network device sends the first information can be specified, and it can be ensured that the terminal device completes BWP switching before the on-period.

[0011] In a possible design, the first information is further used to indicate to the terminal device to complete BWP switching before the on-period. In this way, the terminal device can be explicitly indicated to complete BWP switching before the on-period. As a result, the terminal device can operate accurately on the BWP occupied after switching at the moment when the on-period starts.

[0012] According to a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The method may include the following.

[0013] The network device determines BWP switching indication information, sends the BWP switching indication information to the terminal device within slot n, and the BWP switching indication information includes a first value and a minimum value of a first slot difference. The first slot difference is the interval between the slot in which the first data is transmitted and slot n. The terminal device determines a first target slot based on the first value of the first slot difference and slot n, and starts to use the minimum value of the first slot difference at the start position of the first target slot. In this way, the valid time of the minimum value of K0 or K2 can be determined, while BWP switching and the minimum value of K0 or K2 are indicated. When the first data is downlink data, the first slot difference is K0, and when the first data is uplink data, the first slot difference is K2. Therefore, when the valid time of the minimum value of the first slot difference is determined, the valid time of the minimum value of K0 or K2 can be determined.

[0014] In a possible design, the BWP switching indication information further includes a minimum value of a second slot difference, where the second slot difference is the interval between the slot in which the second data is transmitted and slot n. The terminal device determines a second target slot based on a first value of a first slot difference, slot n, a first BWP, and a second BWP. The first BWP is the BWP occupied after the terminal device performs BWP switching based on the BWP switching indication information, and the second BWP is the BWP occupied after the terminal device performs BWP switching based on the BWP switching indication information, or the second BWP is the BWP occupied before the terminal device performs BWP switching based on the BWP switching indication information. The terminal device starts to use the minimum value of the second slot difference at the start position of the second target slot. In this way, the valid time of the minimum values of K0 and K2 can be determined, while the BWP switching and the minimum values of K0 and K2 are indicated. When the first data is downlink data, the second data is uplink data, the first slot difference is K0, and the second slot difference is K2. When the first data is uplink data, the second data is downlink data, the first slot difference is K2, and the second slot difference is K0. Therefore, when the valid time of the minimum value of the first slot difference and the valid time of the minimum value of the second slot difference are determined, the valid time of the minimum values of K0 and K2 can be determined.

[0015] In a possible design, when the first data may be downlink data, the terminal device may determine a first target slot based on a first value of a first slot difference and slot n according to the following formula:

[0016]

Number

[0017] Here, A is the index value of the first target slot, X is the first value of the first slot difference, and μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP where the first data is located, and μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located.

[0018] According to the foregoing method, the first target slot can be accurately determined, and as a result, the valid time of the minimum value of K0 can be determined.

[0019] In a possible design, when the first data may be downlink data and the second data may be uplink data, the terminal device may determine a second target slot according to the following formula based on the first value of the first slot difference, slot n, the first BWP, and the second BWP,

[0020]

Number

[0021] Here, B is the index value of the second target slot, X is the first value of the first slot difference, and μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP where the first data is located, and μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located, and μ DL,BWP is the numerology of the first BWP, and the first BWP is a downlink BWP, and μ UL,BWP is the numerology of the second BWP, and the second BWP is an uplink BWP.

[0022] According to the foregoing method, the second target slot can be accurately determined, and as a result, the valid time of the minimum value of K2 can be determined.

[0023] In a possible design, when the first data is uplink data, the terminal device may determine a first target slot based on a first value of a first slot difference and slot n according to the following formula:

[0024]

Number

[0025] where A is the index value of the first target slot, X is the first value of the first slot difference, μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP where the first data is located, and μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located.

[0026] According to the foregoing method, the first target slot can be accurately determined, and as a result, the valid time of the minimum value of K2 can be determined.

[0027] In a possible design, when the first data is downlink data and the second data is uplink data, the terminal device may determine a second target slot based on the first value of the first slot difference, slot n, the first BWP, and the second BWP according to the following formula:

[0028]

Number

[0029] where B is the index value of the second target slot, X is the first value of the first slot difference, μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP where the first data is located, μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located, μ UL,BWP is the numerology of the first BWP, the first BWP is an uplink BWP, and μ DL,BWPis the numerology of the second BWP, and the second BWP is a downlink BWP.

[0030] According to the foregoing method, the second target slot can be accurately determined, and as a result, the valid time of the minimum value of K0 can be determined.

[0031] According to a third aspect, the present application further provides a network device. The network device has a function of implementing the network device in the method example of the first aspect or the second aspect. These functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware that executes corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to these functions.

[0032] In a possible design, the structure of the network device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit. These units can execute the corresponding functions in the method example. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the method example. The details are not described again in this specification.

[0033] In a possible design, the structure of the network device includes a transceiver and a processor, and optionally may further include a memory. The transceiver is configured to receive and send data and communicate and interact with another device in the system. The processor is configured to support the network device when implementing the corresponding functions of the network device in the method according to the first aspect or the second aspect. The memory is coupled to the processor, and the memory stores program instructions and data required for the network device.

[0034] According to a fourth aspect, the present application further provides a terminal device. The terminal device has functions for implementing the terminal device in the method examples of the first aspect or the second aspect. These functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware that executes corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to these functions.

[0035] In a possible design, the structure of the terminal device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit. These units can execute the corresponding functions in the method examples. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the method examples. The details are not described again in this specification.

[0036] In a possible design, the structure of the terminal device includes a transceiver and a processor, and optionally may further include a memory. The transceiver is configured to receive and transmit data and communicate and interact with another device in the system. The processor is configured to support the terminal device when implementing the corresponding functions of the terminal device in the method according to the first aspect or the second aspect. The memory is coupled to the processor, and the memory stores program instructions and data required for the terminal device.

[0037] According to a fifth aspect, the present application further provides a communication system. The communication system includes at least one terminal device and at least one network device described in the foregoing design. Further, the network device in the communication system can implement any method implemented by the network device in the foregoing method, and the terminal device in the communication system can implement any method implemented by the terminal device in the foregoing method.

[0038] According to a sixth aspect, the present application provides a computer storage medium. The computer storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and when the computer-executable instructions are called by a computer, the computer can implement any one of the foregoing methods.

[0039] According to a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product including instructions. When the computer program product is executed on a computer, the computer can implement any one of the foregoing methods.

[0040] According to an eighth aspect, the present application provides a chip. The chip is coupled to a memory and is configured to read and execute program instructions stored in the memory to implement any one of the foregoing methods.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0041]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0042] The following further describes the present application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus for indicating the effective time of BWP switching. The method and apparatus of the present application are based on the same technical concept. The method and apparatus have the same principle for solving problems. Therefore, for the implementation of the apparatus and method, please refer to each other. Details of the repeated parts are not described again.

[0044] In the description of the present application, terms such as "first" and "second" are only used for distinction and explanation, and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, or indicating or implying order.

[0045] To more clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following describes in detail the communication method and apparatus according to the embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] FIG. 1 shows the architecture of a possible communication system applicable to the communication method according to the embodiment of the present application. The architecture of the communication system includes a network device and a terminal device.

[0047] A network device is a device having a wireless transceiver function or a chip that can be disposed within the network device. The network device includes, but is not limited to, a gNB, a radio network controller (RNC), a NodeB (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home evolved NodeB or home NodeB (HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), an access point (AP) in a wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission and reception point (TRP or TP). Alternatively, the network device may be a network node that constitutes a gNB or a transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DU).

[0048] In some embodiments, the gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a DU. Further, the gNB may include a radio unit (RU). The CU implements some functions of the gNB, and the DU implements some functions of the gNB. For example, the CU implements the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and the DU implements the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer, and the physical (PHY) layer. Information in the RRC layer is ultimately converted to information in the PHY layer, or converted from information in the PHY layer. Thus, in this architecture, signaling of higher layers, such as RRC layer signaling or PHCP layer signaling, may also be considered to be sent by the DU, or sent by the DU and the RU. It should be understood that the network device may be a CU node, a DU node, or a device including the CU node and the DU node. Further, the CU may be classified as a network device in the radio access network RAN, or the CU may be classified as a network device in the core network CN. This is not limited in this specification.

[0049] A terminal device may be referred to as a user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile console, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The terminal device in the embodiments of this application may be a mobile phone, tablet computer (Pad), computer with a wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, etc. The applicable scenarios are not limited to the embodiments of this application. In this application, a terminal device having a wireless transceiver function and a chip that can be disposed within the terminal device are collectively referred to as a terminal device.

[0050] It should be noted that the communication system shown in FIG. 1 may be, but is not limited to, a 5th Generation (5G) system, for example, a new radio access technology (NR). Optionally, the method in the embodiments of this application is further applicable to various future communication systems, such as a 6G system or another communication network.

[0051] To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following first describes the concepts and basic knowledge related to the embodiments of this application.

[0052] (1) A DRX cycle that may include the "on period" and "DRX opportunity" shown in FIG. 2. The terminal device listens for and receives the PDCCH within the "on period", which may be considered the active time. Within the "DRX opportunity", the terminal device neither listens for nor receives the PDCCH, which reduces power consumption. The DRX opportunity may be considered the sleep time. Note that the terminal device receiving the PDCCH means that the terminal device receives the DCI carried on the PDCCH.

[0053] (2) Scheduling method of the network device in NR Release 15

[0054] When the network device schedules the terminal device to receive downlink data or when the network device schedules the terminal device to send uplink data, the network device first sends scheduling information (PDCCH). The scheduling information indicates the transmission parameters of the PDSCH (downlink data) or the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) (uplink data). These transmission parameters include the time-domain resource position of the PDSCH / PUSCH.

[0055] Specifically, the time-domain resource position includes the slot where the PDSCH / PUSCH is located, and the start position and length of the symbols occupied by the PDSCH / PUSCH within the slot.

[0056] In terms of processing, in the case of the downlink, the network device first constructs a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) table for the terminal device. This table can be divided into four columns. The first column is the index, which is used to index the other parameters within the row. The second column is K0 (or K2 in the uplink). The value indicates the slot difference between the slot where the PDCCH is located and the slot where the PDSCH is located. For example, K0 = 0 indicates that the PDCCH and the PDSCH are in the same slot, and K0 = 1 indicates that the PDSCH is in the next slot after the PDCCH. The third column is the starting and length indication value (SLIV). The value indicates the starting symbol and the symbol length of the symbols occupied by the PDSCH within the slot. The values are both encoded. If S represents the sequence number of the starting symbol and L represents the symbol length, the SLIV is obtained by using S and L according to the rules. The fourth column is the mapping type, including mapping type A and mapping type B.

[0057] For example, Table 1 is the downlink TDRA table, and Table 2 is the uplink TDRA table.

[0058]

Table 1

[0059]

Table 2

[0060] After the network device configures the TDRA table for the terminal device, when scheduling data transmission, the network device indicates an index on the PDCCH, and the terminal device can obtain the time-domain resource position through a table lookup based on the index and the configured table. Then, the terminal device receives / sends data at the determined position.

[0061] In the above scheduling method, when the PDCCH and the PDSCH (or PUSCH) are in the same slot, it is called in-slot scheduling (corresponding to the case where K0 = 0 or K2 = 0). When the PDCCH and the PDSCH (or PUSCH) are in different slots, it is called inter-slot scheduling (corresponding to the case where K0 > 0 or K2 > 0). It is obvious that inter-slot scheduling causes a larger transmission delay.

[0062] Before the terminal device successfully decodes the PDCCH, the terminal device does not know the index indicated in the PDCCH. In the example of downlink, when the TDRA table configured by the network device for the terminal device includes both the case where K0 = 0 and the case where K0 > 0, before decoding the PDCCH, the terminal device does not know whether the current scheduling is in-slot scheduling or inter-slot scheduling.

[0063] (3) BWP: 5G NR supports the concept of BWP. Specifically, by occupying a bandwidth part, it supports the transmission between a network device and a terminal device. The 5G system bandwidth (the system bandwidth in this specification is the bandwidth of a carrier and corresponds to the bandwidth of each carrier component (CC) in a carrier aggregation (CA) scenario or a dual connectivity (DC) scenario) can be very large, for example, 200 MHz or 400 MHz. Some terminal devices cannot support such a large bandwidth. Therefore, the network device can configure a BWP (a part of the system bandwidth) for the terminal device, for example, 20 MHz. The terminal device can communicate with the network device on the 20-MHz BWP.

[0064] Both a frequency division duplexing (FDD) system and a time division duplexing (TDD) system support a BWP. The BWP can be classified into a downlink BWP (DL BWP) and an uplink BWP (UL BWP). The network device can configure a plurality of DL BWPs and a plurality of UL BWPs for the terminal device and activate at least one DL BWP and at least one UL BWP. The terminal device receives a downlink signal sent by the network device on the active DL BWP (i.e., the active DL BWP). The downlink signal includes, but is not limited to, downlink control signaling and downlink data. The terminal device sends an uplink signal on the active UL BWP. The uplink signal includes, but is not limited to, uplink control signaling, uplink data, a scheduling request (SR), a sounding reference signal (SRS), and channel state information (CSI) / channel quality indicator (CQI) feedback.

[0065] The parameters of the BWP include numerology (translated as system parameter or parameter set), and parameters such as subcarrier spacing, symbol length corresponding to the subcarrier spacing, and cyclic prefix (CP) length.

[0066] In the existing standard, when operating within one cell of a terminal device, there is only one active DL BWP and one active UL BWP. However, the active BWP can be changed, which is referred to as BWP switching. For example, a network device configures two DL BWPs for a terminal device, namely DL BWP1 and DL BWP2. The DL BWP activated by the terminal device is DL BWP1. In this case, the network device can send a BWP switching indication (the switching indication is PDCCH) to switch from the terminal device's DL BWP to DL BWP2. Similarly, the network device can also indicate to switch the UL BWP activated by the terminal device by using PDCCH.

[0067] In a TDD system, the DL BWP and UL BWP of a terminal device are always switched in pairs. Specifically, after the DL BWP is switched, the UL BWP is also automatically switched to the pre-paired UL BWP. However, in an FDD system, the DL BWP switching of a terminal device is decoupled from the UL BWP switching of the UE.

[0068] (4) Inter-slot Scheduling in the Topic of Power Consumption Reduction in NR Rel-16

[0069] The standby time of the terminal device is an important part that affects the user experience. The 5G NR system needs to support a larger bandwidth, a higher transmission rate, and a wider coverage area than the 4G long term evolution (LTE) system. Therefore, the power consumption of the NR terminal device is higher than that of the LTE terminal device. To ensure a good user experience, the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) has initiated the topic of reducing the power consumption of terminal devices in Rel-16 and is investigating the optimal solutions for reducing the power consumption of terminal devices.

[0070] Regarding the topic of reducing power consumption in NR, companies have stated that the scheduling method in (2) does not contribute to the energy saving of the terminal device. As shown on the left side of Figure 3, when the terminal device does not know whether in-slot scheduling exists in the current slot (in-slot scheduling may exist as long as the TDRA table configured by the network device includes K0 = 0), in order to avoid signal loss, when the terminal device decodes the PDCCH after receiving the PDCCH, it is necessary for the downlink signal to be buffered. As shown on the right side of Figure 3, when the terminal device can know in advance that scheduling does not exist in the current slot, in the process of the terminal device decoding the PDCCH after receiving the PDCCH, the terminal device can safely disable the radio frequency module and does not buffer the signal. In this way, the energy saving effect can be achieved (the shaded part in the lower right corner of Figure 3 is the saved energy).

[0071] To reduce power consumption, in the existing standard's considered processes, it has been agreed that network devices indicate the "minimum available value of K0" and / or the "minimum available value of K2" to terminal devices by using a power consumption reduction signal. After receiving this indication, the terminal device believes that when the network device schedules the terminal device's data, K0 / K2 values less than the "minimum value" are not indicated. In the example of the downlink, when the TDRA table configured for the terminal device by the network device is shown in Table 3, if the network device further indicates that the "minimum value of K0" is 1, the network device shows only two rows with index = 1 and index = 2 in the scheduling information when scheduling the terminal device, and does not show the row with index = 0.

[0072]

Table 3

[0073] Currently, to reduce the power consumption of terminal devices, some studies indicate that the currently introduced power consumption reduction signal can be used to carry BWP switching information. However, in this way, the power consumption reduction signal does not carry data scheduling information, and the effective time of BWP switching is not clear. Based on this, this application provides a communication method for indicating the effective time of BWP switching. The following describes in detail the communication method provided in this application with reference to specific embodiments.

[0074] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable to the communication system shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 4, the specific procedures of the method may include the following steps.

[0075] Step 401: The network device determines first information, where the first information indicates BWP switching and is used to indicate the instant of start for the terminal device to operate on the BWP occupied after the switching. The instant of start is the instant of start of the on-period in the DRX cycle.

[0076] Step 402: The network device sends the first information to the terminal device at a first instant, where the first instant is before the on-period.

[0077] Step 403: The terminal device performs BWP switching based on the first information and operates on the BWP occupied after the switching at the instant of start.

[0078] In one implementation, when sending the first information to the terminal device, it may be predefined (or considered by default) that the network device reserves sufficient time for the terminal device to perform BWP switching. Specifically, the time interval between the first instant and the instant of start of the on-period is greater than a specified period, and the specified period is predefined to be greater than or equal to the period required for the terminal device to perform BWP switching. In this implementation, the network device ensures that the time interval between the first instant and the instant of start of the on-period is large enough to ensure that the time required by the terminal device to perform BWP switching is guaranteed.

[0079] In another implementation, the network device may explicitly indicate that the time interval between the first instant and the instant of start of the on-period is greater than a specified period, and the specified period is greater than or equal to the period required for the terminal device to perform BWP switching. In this way, the terminal device can switch to the new BWP at the instant of start of the on-period. In this case, the terminal device naturally operates on the new BWP (specifically, the BWP occupied after the switching) during the on-period.

[0080] In an optional implementation, when a network device explicitly indicates, by using first information, that a time interval between a first moment and a moment of the start of an on-period is greater than a specified period, where the specified period is at least as long as a period for a terminal device to perform BWP switching. For example, the first information is further used to indicate to the terminal device to complete BWP switching before the on-period. In this way, the first information is used to explicitly indicate to the terminal device to complete BWP switching before the on-period. The time interval between the first moment and the moment of the start of the on-period indicates that it is at least as long as a period for the terminal device to perform BWP switching.

[0081] Specifically, the terminal device performing BWP switching based on the first information can be the terminal device completing BWP switching based on the first information before the on-period.

[0082] For example, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a terminal device receiving first information. The terminal device can start operating on the BWP occupied after switching at the moment of the start of the on-period, specifically, can receive or transmit data on the BWP occupied after switching.

[0083] According to the communication method provided in the present embodiment of the present application, the network device determines first information, sends the first information to the terminal device at a first moment, the first information indicates a bandwidth part (BWP) switching, and is used to indicate the starting moment when the terminal device operates on the BWP occupied after the switching. The starting moment is the starting moment of the on duration in the discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle. The terminal device performs BWP switching based on the first information, and operates on the BWP occupied after the switching at the starting moment. The first moment is before the on duration. According to the above method, when the first information does not include data scheduling information, it can indicate the effective time of the BWP switching. In this way, the starting moment when the terminal device operates on the BWP occupied after the switching can be determined.

[0084] Currently, the time required for the operations that need to be completed when the terminal device performs BWP switching includes the time for the terminal device to decode the downlink control information (DCI) (specifically, the indication information for BWP switching), the time for the terminal device to adjust the radio frequency circuit and the baseband circuit, the time required to map the new BWP, and the time required for the terminal device to apply parameters on the new BWP. Specifically, finally, the effective time of the BWP switching cannot be earlier than the starting time of any one of the above four time periods. When only DCI decoding is considered, it is clearly not reasonable to consider that the new minimum value of K0 / K2 can become effective after the DCI is decoded. The terminal device has not switched to the new BWP at this time and cannot apply parameters on the new BWP.

[0085] Furthermore, the existing standard specifies that the effective time of BWP switching is at the start of the slot where the data scheduled by switching the DCI is located. In the switching process, the terminal device does not receive or transmit signals. Therefore, even if the effective time for the new minimum value of K0 / K2 is defined earlier than the effective time of BWP switching, the terminal device does not actually use these values. For example, the time required by the terminal device to complete the four aforementioned actions is 2 slots. However, the terminal device receives downlink data scheduled by the network device in slot n+4 within slot n. In this case, the terminal device uses the moment of the start of slot n+4 as the effective time of the new BWP, and the terminal device only receives scheduling after this effective time. It is meaningless for the terminal device to start using the new minimum value of K0 / K2 in slot n+2.

[0086] Therefore, in the active time of the DRX cycle, when the network device indicates BWP switching and the minimum value of K0 / K2 within the same DCI, the effective time of the new minimum value of K0 / K2 may need to be later. Therefore, the effective time of the new minimum value of K0 / K2 needs to be redefined.

[0087] Based on this, the present application provides another communication method for indicating the effective time of the minimum value of K0 / K2. The following describes in detail the communication method provided in the present application with reference to specific embodiments.

[0088] Another communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application is applicable to the communication system shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 6, the specific procedure of the method may include the following steps.

[0089] Step 601: The network device determines BWP switching indication information, which includes a first value and a minimum value of a first slot difference. The first slot difference is the interval between the slot in which the first data is transmitted and slot n.

[0090] Step 602: The terminal device receives the BWP switching indication information from the network device within slot n.

[0091] Step 603: The terminal device determines a first target slot based on the first value of the first slot difference and slot n.

[0092] Step 604: The terminal device starts to use the minimum value of the first slot difference at the start position of the first target slot.

[0093] The BWP switching indication information may be DCI.

[0094] In an optional implementation, the BWP switching indication further includes a minimum value of a second slot difference. The second slot difference is the interval between the slot in which the second data is transmitted and slot n. The terminal device needs to perform the following operations. That is, the terminal device determines a second target slot based on the first value of the first slot difference, slot n, the first BWP, and the second BWP. The first BWP is the BWP occupied after the terminal device performs BWP switching based on the BWP switching indication information, and the second BWP is the BWP occupied after the terminal device performs BWP switching based on the BWP switching indication information, or the second BWP is the BWP occupied before the terminal device performs BWP switching based on the BWP switching indication information. The terminal device starts to use the minimum value of the second slot difference at the start position of the second target slot.

[0095] In a specific implementation, the first data may be downlink data (PDSCH data) or uplink data (PUSCH data). Correspondingly, when the first data is downlink data, the first slot difference is K0, and when the first data is uplink data, the first slot difference is K2. Further, when the first data is downlink data and the second data is uplink data, the second slot difference is K2, and when the first data is uplink data and the second data is downlink data, the second slot difference is K0.

[0096] In an example, when the first data is downlink data, the terminal device may determine the first target slot based on the first value of the first slot difference and slot n according to Equation 1 below.

[0097]

Number

[0098] A is the index value of the first target slot, X is the first value of the first slot difference, μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP where the first data is located, μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located.

[0099] Furthermore, when the first data is downlink data and the second data is uplink data, the terminal device may determine the second target slot based on the first value of the first slot difference, slot n, the first BWP, and the second BWP according to Equation 2 below.

[0100]

Number

[0101] B is the index value of the second target slot, X is the first value of the first slot difference, and μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP in which the first data is located, and μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located, and μ DL,BWP is the numerology of the first BWP, the first BWP is the downlink BWP, and μ UL,BWP is the numerology of the second BWP, and the second BWP is an uplink BWP. In this specification, specifically, the first BWP is a downlink BWP occupied after switching, the second BWP is an uplink BWP occupied after switching, or the second BWP is a current uplink BWP (an uplink BWP occupied before switching).

[0102] Please note that if the current system is a TDD system, the DL BWP and the UL BWP are switched at the same time. In this case, the second BWP is the uplink BWP occupied after switching. If the current system is an FDD system, the UL BWP is not switched when the DL BWP is switched. In this case, the second BWP is the current uplink BWP.

[0103] For example, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the effective time of the minimum value of the first slot difference. In FIG. 7, the terminal device operates in an FDD system, and specifically, the DL BWP and the UL BWP are switched separately. The first slot difference is K0, and the second slot difference is K2. The terminal device receives a BWP switching indication in slot n to indicate that the DL BWP is switched to the DL BWP2, and the value X of K0 indicated in the BWP switching indication is equal to 3. In addition, the indication further indicates a new minimum value of K0. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, according to Equation 1, the new minimum value K0 is set to the effective time of the minimum value of the first slot difference on the DL BWP2 for the terminal device.

[0104]

number

[0105] Start to become valid from the start position. If the indication further indicates a new minimum value of K2, according to Equation 2, the new minimum value of K2 is in the slot on UL BWP1 for the terminal device

[0106]

Number

[0107] Start to become valid from the start position.

[0108] In another example, when the first data is uplink data, the terminal device may determine a first target slot based on a first value of a first slot difference and slot n according to the following Equation 3.

[0109]

Number

[0110] A is the index value of the first target slot, X is the first value of the first slot difference, μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP where the first data is located, μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located.

[0111] Furthermore, when the first data is downlink data and the second data is uplink data, the terminal device may determine a second target slot based on a first value of a first slot difference, slot n, a first BWP, and a second BWP according to the following Equation 4.

[0112]

Number

[0113] B is the index value of the second target slot, X is the first value of the first slot difference, and μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP where the first data is located, and μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located, and μ UL,BWP is the numerology of the first BWP, and the first BWP is an uplink BWP, and μ DL,BWP is the numerology of the second BWP, and the second BWP is a downlink BWP. In this specification, specifically, the first BWP is the uplink BWP occupied after switching, the second BWP is the downlink BWP occupied after switching, or the second BWP is the current downlink BWP (the downlink BWP occupied before switching).

[0114] Note that when the current system is a TDD system, the DL BWP and UL BWP are switched simultaneously. In this case, the second BWP is the downlink BWP occupied after switching. When the current system is an FDD system, when the DL BWP is switched, the UL BWP is not switched. In this case, the second BWP is the current downlink BWP.

[0115] For example, FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the valid time of the minimum values of the first slot difference and the second slot difference. In FIG. 8, the terminal device operates in an FDD system. Specifically, the DL BWP and UL BWP are switched separately. The first slot difference is K2, and the second slot difference is K0. The terminal device receives a BWP switching indication within slot n to indicate switching the received UL BWP to UL BWP2, and the value X of K2 indicated in the BWP switching indication is equal to 3. Further, the indication further indicates the new minimum value of K0 and the new minimum value of K2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, according to Equation 3, the new minimum value of K0 is on UL BWP2 for the terminal device in slot

[0116]

Number

[0117]

Number

[0118] According to the communication method provided in the present embodiment of the present application, the network device determines the BWP switching indication information and sends the BWP switching indication information to the terminal device within slot n. The BWP switching indication information includes the first value and the minimum value of the first slot difference, and the first slot difference is the interval between the slot in which the first data is transmitted and slot n. The terminal device determines the first target slot based on the first value of the first slot difference and slot n, and starts to use the minimum value of the first slot difference at the start position of the first target slot. In this way, the valid time of the minimum value of K0 or K2 can be determined, while the BWP switching and the minimum value of K0 or K2 are indicated.

[0119] Based on the foregoing embodiments, the embodiments of the present application further provide a terminal device. The terminal device is applied to the communication system shown in FIG. 1. The terminal device can be configured to implement the functions of the terminal device in the communication method shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 9, the terminal device may include a processing unit 901 and a transceiver unit 902.

[0120] In the embodiment, for the terminal device to implement the functions of the terminal device in the communication method shown in FIG. 4, it may specifically be as follows.

[0121] The transceiver unit 902 is configured to receive first information from a network device at a first moment, where the first information indicates BWP switching and is used to indicate the starting moment when the terminal device operates on the BWP occupied after the switching. The starting moment is the starting moment of the on duration in the DRX cycle, and the first moment is before the on duration. The processing unit 901 performs BWP switching based on the first information and is configured to operate on the BWP occupied after the switching at the starting moment.

[0122] For example, the time interval between the first moment and the starting moment of the on duration is greater than a specified period, and the specified period is at least as long as the period for the terminal device to perform BWP switching.

[0123] In a specific implementation, the first information is further used to indicate to the terminal device to complete BWP switching before the on duration. When performing BWP switching based on the first information, the processing unit 901 is specifically configured to complete BWP switching based on the first information before the on duration.

[0124] In another embodiment, for the terminal device to implement the functions of the terminal device in the communication method shown in FIG. 6, it may specifically be as follows.

[0125] The transceiver unit 902 is configured to receive BWP switching indication information from a network device within slot n. The BWP switching indication information includes a first value and a minimum value of a first slot difference. The first slot difference is the interval between the slot in which the first data is transmitted and slot n. The processing unit 901 is configured to determine a first target slot based on the first value of the first slot difference and slot n, and start using the minimum value of the first slot difference at the starting position of the first target slot.

[0126] In a specific implementation, the BWP switching indication further includes a minimum value of a second slot difference, where the second slot difference is the interval between the slot in which the second data is transmitted and slot n. The processing unit 901 is further configured to determine a second target slot based on a first value of the first slot difference, slot n, a first BWP, and a second BWP, where the first BWP is the BWP occupied after the terminal device performs BWP switching based on the BWP switching indication information, the second BWP is the BWP occupied after the terminal device performs BWP switching based on the BWP switching indication information, or the second BWP is the BWP occupied before the terminal device performs BWP switching based on the BWP switching indication information, and the processing unit 901 is further configured to start using the minimum value of the second slot difference at the start position of the second target slot.

[0127] In an example, when the first data is downlink data, the processing unit 901 may determine a first target slot based on a first value of the first slot difference and slot n according to the following formula:

[0128]

Number

[0129] Here, A is the index value of the first target slot, X is the first value of the first slot difference, μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP where the first data is located, and μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located.

[0130] Specifically, when the first data is downlink data and the second data is uplink data, the processing unit 901 may determine a second target slot based on a first value of the first slot difference, slot n, a first BWP, and a second BWP according to the following formula:

[0131]

Number

[0132] Here, B is the index value of the second target slot, X is the first value of the first slot difference, μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP where the first data is located, μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located, μ DL,BWP is the numerology of the first BWP, and the first BWP is a downlink BWP, μ UL,BWP is the numerology of the second BWP, and the second BWP is an uplink BWP.

[0133] In another example, when the first data is uplink data, the processing unit 901 may determine the first target slot according to the following formula based on the first value of the first slot difference and slot n,

[0134]

Number

[0135] Here, A is the index value of the first target slot, X is the first value of the first slot difference, μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP where the first data is located, μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located.

[0136] Specifically, when the first data is downlink data and the second data is uplink data, the processing unit 901 may determine the second target slot according to the following formula based on the first value of the first slot difference, slot n, the first BWP, and the second BWP,

[0137] [Number]

[0138] Here, B is the index value of the second target slot, X is the first value of the first slot difference, and μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP where the first data is located, and μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located, and μ UL,BWP is the numerology of the first BWP, and the first BWP is an uplink BWP, and μ DL,BWP is the numerology of the second BWP, and the second BWP is a downlink BWP.

[0139] Based on the foregoing embodiments, embodiments of the present application further provide a network device. The network device is applied to the communication system shown in FIG. 1. The network device may be configured to implement the communication method shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 10, the network device may include a processing unit 1001 and a transceiver unit 1002.

[0140] In an embodiment, for the network device to implement the function of the network device in the communication method shown in FIG. 4, it may specifically be as follows.

[0141] The processing unit 1001 is configured to determine first information. The first information indicates bandwidth part BWP switching and is used to indicate the moment when the terminal device starts to operate on the BWP occupied after switching. The moment is the start moment of the on duration in the discontinuous reception DRX cycle. The transceiver unit 1002 is configured to send the first information to the terminal device at the first moment, and the first moment is before the on duration.

[0142] Specifically, the time interval between the first moment and the moment when the on-period starts is greater than the specified period, and the specified period is equal to or greater than the period for the terminal device to perform BWP switching.

[0143] In the example, the first information is further used to indicate to the terminal device to complete BWP switching before the on-period.

[0144] In another embodiment, the network device implementing the function of the network device in the communication method shown in FIG. 6 may specifically be as follows.

[0145] The processing unit 1001 is configured to determine BWP switching indication information, where the BWP switching indication information includes a first value and a minimum value of a first slot difference, and the first slot difference is the interval between the slot in which the first data is transmitted and slot n. The transceiver unit 1002 is configured to send the BWP switching indication information to the terminal device within slot n.

[0146] For example, the BWP switching indication further includes a minimum value of a second slot difference, and the second slot difference is the interval between the slot in which the second data is transmitted and slot n.

[0147] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the division into units is only an example and is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, another division method may be used. The functional units in the embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each of the units may physically exist independently, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0148] When the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, the integrated unit may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, may be implemented in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device) or a processor to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in the embodiments of this application. The storage medium includes any medium that can store 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.

[0149] Based on the foregoing embodiments, embodiments of this application further provide a terminal device. The terminal device is configured to implement the functions of the terminal device in the communication method shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 11, the terminal device includes a transceiver 1101 and a processor 1102.

[0150] Processor 1102 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and an NP. Processor 1102 may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The PLD may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof. Processor 1102 may implement the aforementioned functions by hardware or by executing software corresponding to the hardware.

[0151] Transceiver 1101 and processor 1102 are connected to each other. Optionally, transceiver 1101 and processor 1102 are connected to each other through bus 1104. Bus 1104 may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, or the like. The bus may be classified into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used to represent bus 1104 in FIG. 11, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0152] Optionally, the terminal device may further include a memory 1103, which is configured to store programs and the like. Specifically, the program may include program code, and the program code may include computer operation instructions. The memory 1103 may include a RAM and may further include a non-volatile memory, for example, at least one magnetic disk storage. The processor 1102 implements the foregoing functions and executes the application program stored in the memory 1103 to implement the communication method shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 6.

[0153] In an embodiment, for the terminal device to implement these functions of the terminal device in the communication method shown in FIG. 4, it may specifically be as follows.

[0154] The transceiver 1101 is configured to receive first information from a network device at a first moment, where the first information indicates a BWP switch and is used to indicate the start moment when the terminal device operates on the BWP occupied after the switch. The start moment is the start moment of the on duration in the DRX cycle, and the first moment is before the on duration. The processor 1102 performs a BWP switch based on the first information and is configured to operate on the BWP occupied after the switch at the start moment.

[0155] For example, the time interval between the first moment and the start moment of the on duration is greater than a specified period, and the specified period is equal to or greater than the period for the terminal device to perform a BWP switch.

[0156] In a specific implementation, the first information is further used to indicate to the terminal device to complete the BWP switch before the on duration. When performing a BWP switch based on the first information, the processor 1102 is specifically configured to complete the BWP switch based on the first information before the on duration.

[0157] In another embodiment, implementing these functions of the terminal device in the communication method shown in FIG. 6 may specifically be as follows.

[0158] The transceiver 1101 is configured to receive BWP switching indication information from a network device within slot n, and the BWP switching indication information includes a first value and a minimum value of a first slot difference, where the first slot difference is the interval between the slot in which the first data is transmitted and slot n. The processor 1102 is configured to determine a first target slot based on the first value of the first slot difference and slot n, and start using the minimum value of the first slot difference at the start position of the first target slot.

[0159] In a specific implementation, the BWP switching indication further includes a minimum value of a second slot difference, where the second slot difference is the interval between the slot in which the second data is transmitted and slot n. The processor 1102 is further configured to determine a second target slot based on the first value of the first slot difference, slot n, a first BWP, and a second BWP, where the first BWP is the BWP occupied after the terminal device performs BWP switching based on the BWP switching indication information, and the second BWP is the BWP occupied after the terminal device performs BWP switching based on the BWP switching indication information, or the second BWP is the BWP occupied before the terminal device performs BWP switching based on the BWP switching indication information. The processor 1102 is further configured to start using the minimum value of the second slot difference at the start position of the second target slot.

[0160] In an example, when the first data is downlink data, the processor 1102 may determine the first target slot based on the first value of the first slot difference and slot n according to the following formula:

[0161]

Number

[0162] Here, A is the index value of the first target slot, X is the first value of the first slot difference, μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP where the first data is located, and μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located.

[0163] Specifically, when the first data is downlink data and the second data is uplink data, the processor 1102 may determine the second target slot according to the following formula based on the first value of the first slot difference, slot n, the first BWP, and the second BWP.

[0164]

Number

[0165] Here, B is the index value of the second target slot, X is the first value of the first slot difference, μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP where the first data is located, and μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located, and μ DL,BWP is the numerology of the first BWP, and the first BWP is a downlink BWP, and μ UL,BWP is the numerology of the second BWP, and the second BWP is an uplink BWP.

[0166] In another example, when the first data is uplink data, the processor 1102 may determine the first target slot according to the following formula based on the first value of the first slot difference and slot n.

[0167]

Number

[0168] Here, A is the index value of the first target slot, X is the first value of the first slot difference, and μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP where the first data is located, and μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located.

[0169] Specifically, when the first data is downlink data and the second data is uplink data, the processor 1102 can determine the second target slot according to the following formula based on the first value of the first slot difference, slot n, the first BWP, and the second BWP.

[0170]

Equation

[0171] Here, B is the index value of the second target slot, X is the first value of the first slot difference, and μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP where the first data is located, and μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located, and μ UL,BWP is the numerology of the first BWP, and the first BWP is an uplink BWP, and μ DL,BWP is the numerology of the second BWP, and the second BWP is a downlink BWP.

[0172] Based on the foregoing embodiments, the embodiments of the present application further provide a network device. The network device is configured to implement the functions of the network device in the communication method shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 12, the network device includes a transceiver 1201 and a processor 1202.

[0173] Processor 1202 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and an NP. Processor 1202 may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The PLD may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof. Processor 1202 may implement the aforementioned functions by hardware or by executing software corresponding to the hardware.

[0174] Transceiver 1201 and processor 1202 are connected to each other. Optionally, transceiver 1201 and processor 1202 are connected to each other through bus 1204. Bus 1204 may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, or the like. The bus may be classified into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used to represent the bus in FIG. 12, which does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0175] Optionally, the network device may further include a memory 1203, which is configured to store programs and the like. Specifically, the program may include program code, and the program code may include computer operation instructions. The memory 1203 may include a RAM and may further include a non-volatile memory, for example, at least one magnetic disk storage. The processor 1202 implements the foregoing functions and executes the application program stored in the memory 1203 to implement the communication method shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 6.

[0176] In an embodiment, the implementation of these functions of the network device in the communication method shown in FIG. 4 by the network device may specifically be as follows.

[0177] The processor 1202 is configured to determine first information, where the first information indicates a bandwidth part (BWP) switch and is used to indicate the instant at which the terminal device starts operating on the BWP occupied after the switch. The instant is the instant at which the on duration in a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle starts. The transceiver 1201 is configured to send the first information to the terminal device at a first instant, where the first instant is before the on duration.

[0178] Specifically, the time interval between the first instant and the instant at which the on duration starts is greater than a specified period, where the specified period is equal to or greater than the period for the terminal device to perform the BWP switch.

[0179] In an example, the first information is further used to indicate to the terminal device to complete the BWP switch before the on duration.

[0180] In another embodiment, the implementation of these functions of the network device in the communication method shown in FIG. 6 by the network device may specifically be as follows.

[0181] Processor 1202 is configured to determine BWP switching indication information, where the BWP switching indication information includes a first value and a minimum value of a first slot difference, and the first slot difference is an interval between a slot in which first data is transmitted and slot n. Transceiver 1201 is configured to send the BWP switching indication information to the terminal device within slot n.

[0182] For example, the BWP switching indication information further includes a minimum value of a second slot difference, and the second slot difference is an interval between a slot in which second data is transmitted and slot n.

[0183] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the present application can be implemented in the form of an embodiment using only hardware, only software, or a combination of software and hardware. Furthermore, the present application can be implemented in the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk memory, CDROM, optical memory, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0184] This application is described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that computer program instructions may be used to implement each process and / or each block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as combinations of processes and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or another programmable data processing device to cause the processor to generate a machine, such that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or another programmable data processing device implement a device for implementing a specific function in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more blocks in the block diagram.

[0185] These computer program instructions may be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or any other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including an instruction device. The instruction device implements a specific function in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more blocks in the block diagram.

[0186] These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or another programmable data processing device, such that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer or another programmable data processing device to generate a computer-implemented process. Accordingly, the instructions executed on the computer or another programmable data processing device provide steps for implementing a specific function in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more blocks in the block diagram.

[0187] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the embodiments of this application without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this application. This application is intended to cover these modifications and variations provided that they fall within the scope of protection defined by the following claims and their equivalent technologies.

Claims

1. A communication method executed by a terminal device or a chip within the terminal device, the method comprising: receiving bandwidth part (BWP) switching indication information within slot n, wherein the BWP switching indication information includes a first value and a minimum value of a first slot difference, the first value being an interval between a first target slot in which first data is transmitted and the slot n, and the first data being scheduled by the BWP switching indication information; determining the first target slot based on the first value and the slot n; starting to use the minimum value of the first slot difference at a start position of the first target slot, and after the minimum value is used, receiving new scheduling information and transmitting new scheduling data scheduled by the new scheduling information, wherein a new interval between receiving the new scheduling information and transmitting the new scheduling data is equal to or greater than the minimum value; A communication method comprising the above steps.

2. The first data is downlink data, and the terminal device determines the first target slot based on the first value and the slot n according to the following formula: 【Number 1】 Here, A is the index value of the first target slot, X is the first value, and μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP where the first data is located, and μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located. The method according to claim 1.

3. When the first data is uplink data, the terminal device determines the first target slot based on the first value and the slot n according to the following formula: [Number 3] Here, A is the index value of the first target slot, X is the first value, and μ PDSCH is the numerology of the BWP where the first data is located, and μ PDCCH is the numerology of the BWP where the switching indication information is located. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the BWP switching indication information indicates to the terminal device to perform BWP switching.

5. The method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the first target slot is a slot in which the terminal device performs BWP switching.

6. The method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein when the first data is downlink data, the first slot difference is K0, and when the first data is uplink data, the first slot difference is K2.

7. The method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the BWP switching indication information is downlink control information, DCI. **Claim 8**: A communication method executed by a network device or a chip within the network device, comprising: determining BWP switching indication information, wherein the BWP switching indication information includes a first value and a minimum value of a first slot difference, the first value being an interval between a first target slot in which first data is transmitted and slot n, and the first data being scheduled by the BWP switching indication information; sending the BWP switching indication information within the slot n; and at a start position of the first target slot, the minimum value of the first slot difference is used by a terminal device, and after the minimum value is used, a new interval between receiving new scheduling information by the terminal device and transmitting new scheduling data scheduled by the new scheduling information is equal to or greater than the minimum value. **Claim 9**: The method according to claim 8, wherein the BWP switching indication information indicates to a terminal device to perform BWP switching. **Claim 10**: The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first target slot is a slot in which a terminal device performs BWP switching. **Claim 11**: The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein when the first data is downlink data, the first slot difference is K0, and when the first data is uplink data, the first slot difference is K2. **Claim 12**: The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the BWP switching indication information is downlink control information, DCI. **Claim 13**: **Claim 14**: A communication device configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. **Claim 15**: **Claim 16**: A communication device configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 8 to 11. **Claim 17**: **Claim 18**: A computer storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, wherein when the computer-executable instructions are called by a computer, the computer is capable of implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the method according to any one of claims 8 to 11. ​ ​ ​ ​ **Claim 16** A computer program comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the method according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

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