Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to a communication method and apparatus. On the basis of at least two candidate frequency positions among M candidate frequency positions, a terminal device can receive at least two SSBs from a synchronization burst set of a network device. That is to say, different SSBs in the synchronization burst set are sent in a frequency division mode, so that the time of performing SSB search by the terminal device can be shortened, and thus, the terminal device can more rapidly perform synchronization on the basis of a found SSB and initiate random access, thereby reducing the access delay. In addition, because the network device sends different SSBs in the synchronization burst set in the frequency division mode, the network device can send the SSBs in the synchronization burst set within a shorter time period, so that the network device can be shut down within a shorter time period on the basis of requirements, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the network device, and facilitating the energy saving of the network device.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application number 202311010367.7 filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on August 10, 2023, and priority to the Chinese patent application with the invention name “A Communication Method and Device”, all contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. Background Art

[0003] In order to improve the coverage performance of the synchronization signal block (SSB), New Radio (NR) introduced a beam sweeping mechanism to transmit SSB. That is, the network device can use different beams to repeatedly transmit SSB in different directions. For a certain beam direction, since the energy is more concentrated, the SSB receiving power can be higher for the terminal device, thereby improving the coverage performance of SSB. For the above beam-based SSB transmission process, different SSB beams are time-division multiplexed, that is, the network device uses different beams to send SSB at different times. This means that the terminal device also needs to use different beams to search for SSB at different times to detect the appropriate SSB. In this way, the terminal device can synchronize based on the SSB to initiate random access. However, the process of using different beams to search for SSB at different times to detect the appropriate SSB takes a long time. Therefore, the access delay of the terminal device is large.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce the time it takes for a terminal device to perform an SSB search, so that the terminal device can synchronize and initiate random access based on the searched SSB more quickly, thereby reducing the access delay of the terminal device.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a terminal device, or by a module (such as a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the terminal device, or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device functions. In the communication method, M candidate frequency positions are determined, and one of the M candidate frequency positions is used to transmit a synchronization signal block SSB in a synchronization burst set, where the synchronization burst set includes N SSBs, where M and N are both integers greater than or equal to 2; thereby, at least two of the N SSBs can be received from a network device based on at least two of the M candidate frequency positions, and the index values ​​associated with the at least two SSBs are different.

[0007] It can be seen that in the above implementation, the terminal device can receive at least two SSBs in the synchronization burst set from the network device based on at least two candidate frequency positions among the M candidate frequency positions. That is to say, different SSBs in the synchronization burst set (the index values ​​associated with multiple SSBs are different, indicating that these are different SSBs) are sent through frequency division. This can reduce the time for the terminal device to search for SSBs, so that the terminal device can synchronize and initiate random access based on the searched SSBs more quickly, thereby reducing the access delay. At the same time, since the network device sends different SSBs in the synchronization burst set through frequency division, the network device can send all the SSBs in the synchronization burst set in a shorter time, so that the network device can shut down the device in a shorter time as needed, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the network device and benefiting the energy saving of the network device.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, optionally, receiving at least two SSBs out of N SSBs from a network device based on at least two candidate frequency positions out of M candidate frequency positions includes: receiving at least two SSBs from a network device based on at least two candidate frequency positions and at least two candidate time domain positions.

[0009] It can be seen that in the above implementation mode, the terminal device can receive at least two SSBs from the network device based on at least two candidate frequency positions and at least two candidate time domain positions, that is, different SSBs in the synchronization burst set are sent through frequency division and time division. In this way, in a scenario with limited carrier bandwidth (the number of frequency-divided SSBs is limited in this scenario), the cell can be enabled to support more SSBs and improve the coverage performance of SSB.

[0010] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a network device, or by a module (such as a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the network device, or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the network device functions. In this communication method, M candidate frequency positions are determined, and one of the M candidate frequency positions is used to transmit a synchronization signal block SSB in a synchronization burst set, where the synchronization burst set includes N SSBs, where M and N are both integers greater than or equal to 2; thereby, at least two of the N SSBs can be sent to a terminal device at at least two of the M candidate frequency positions, and the index values ​​associated with the at least two SSBs are different.

[0011] It can be seen that in the above implementation, the network device can send at least two SSBs in the synchronization burst set to the terminal device at at least two candidate frequency positions among the M candidate frequency positions. That is, different SSBs in the synchronization burst set are sent through frequency division, which can reduce the time it takes for the terminal device to search for SSBs, allowing the terminal device to synchronize and initiate random access based on the searched SSBs more quickly, thereby reducing access latency. At the same time, since the network device sends different SSBs in the synchronization burst set through frequency division, the network device can send all the SSBs in the synchronization burst set in a shorter time, allowing the network device to shut down the device in a shorter time as needed, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the network device and benefiting energy saving of the network device.

[0012] In combination with the second aspect, optionally, at least two SSBs out of N SSBs are sent to the terminal device at at least two candidate frequency positions out of M candidate frequency positions, including: sending at least two SSBs to the terminal device at at least two candidate frequency positions and at least two candidate time domain positions.

[0013] It can be seen that in the above implementation mode, the network device can send at least two SSBs to the terminal device at at least two candidate frequency positions and at least two candidate time domain positions, that is, different SSBs in the synchronization burst set are sent through frequency division and time division. In this way, in a scenario with limited carrier bandwidth (the number of frequency-divided SSBs is limited in this scenario), the cell can be enabled to support more SSBs and improve the coverage performance of SSB.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, optionally, the M candidate frequency positions are associated with M synchronization raster positions; or, the M candidate frequency positions are associated with one synchronization raster position.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, optionally, M candidate frequency positions are associated with one synchronization grid position, including: the first candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions is associated with one synchronization grid position; M-1 candidate frequency positions other than the first candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions are determined based on the first candidate frequency position and / or the frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions among the M candidate frequency positions; wherein the frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions among the M candidate frequency positions is predefined, or the frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions among the M candidate frequency positions is indicated to the terminal device by the network device.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, optionally, when M is an odd number, the first candidate frequency position is the (M+1) / 2th candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions; and / or, when M is an even number, the first candidate frequency position is the M / 2th candidate frequency position or the M / 2+1th candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions. Such a design can enable the middle SSB of multiple SSBs in frequency division multiplexing to be located at a predefined frequency position, which is beneficial for the terminal device to adjust the operating frequency range of its radio frequency link when searching for and detecting SSBs, thereby reducing the complexity of the terminal device.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, optionally, the resource element (RE) of the SSB in the synchronization burst set is located at one of the M candidate frequency positions; wherein the RE is the center RE of the SSB in the synchronization burst set, the first RE of the SSB in the synchronization burst set, or the last RE of the SSB in the synchronization burst set.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, optionally, the maximum number of frequency-divided SSBs in the synchronization burst set is determined according to the frequency range to which the M candidate frequency positions belong.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, optionally, the M candidate frequency positions belong to a first set, and the candidate frequency positions in the first set satisfy the following formula: F1+L1*first frequency interval+K1*second frequency interval; wherein, F1 is the reference frequency position of the frequency range to which the candidate frequency position in the first set belongs, L1 is an integer greater than or equal to 0, K1 is an integer greater than or equal to 0, and the first frequency interval and the second frequency interval are different.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, optionally, the size of the first frequency interval is greater than the bandwidth of the SSB in the synchronization burst set, and / or the size of the second frequency interval is greater than or equal to the bandwidth of the SSB in the synchronization burst set.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, optionally, the M candidate frequency positions belong to a second set, and the candidate frequency positions in the second set satisfy the following formula: F2+L2*third frequency interval; wherein F2 is the reference frequency position of the frequency range to which the candidate frequency position in the second set belongs, and L2 is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0022] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, optionally, the size of the third frequency interval is greater than or equal to the bandwidth of the SSB in the synchronization burst set.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, optionally, the SSBs in the synchronization burst set are first continuously mapped on the pattern of the candidate time-frequency positions of the SSBs in the synchronization burst set in order of the index of the frequency domain units from low to high, and then in order of the index of the time units from low to high; or, the SSBs in the synchronization burst set are first continuously mapped on the pattern of the candidate time-frequency positions of the SSBs in the synchronization burst set in order of the index of the time units from low to high, and then in order of the index of the frequency domain units from low to high; wherein, the pattern of the candidate time-frequency positions of the SSBs in the synchronization burst set is predefined or preconfigured, or, the pattern of the candidate time-frequency positions of the SSBs in the synchronization burst set is indicated to the terminal device by the network device.

[0024] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, optionally, the period of the SSB in the synchronization burst set is the same as or different from the period of the synchronization burst set.

[0025] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, optionally, the period of SSB in the synchronous burst set is the same as the period of the synchronous burst set, and the period of SSB in the synchronous burst set and the period of the synchronous burst set are both less than 5 milliseconds.

[0026] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, optionally, the period of SSB in the synchronous burst set is different from the period of the synchronous burst set, the period of the synchronous burst set is greater than or equal to 5 milliseconds, and the period of SSB in the synchronous burst set is less than 5 milliseconds.

[0027] According to a third aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a unit or module for implementing the method as described in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0028] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions; and at least one processor is used to execute the computer programs or instructions in the memory, so that the method described in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect is executed.

[0029] In a fifth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system including a terminal device and a network device; the terminal device is used to execute the method as described in any one of the first aspects; the network device is used to execute the method as described in any one of the second aspects.

[0030] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the computer instructions are executed, the computer executes the method as described in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0031] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program code, and when the computer program code is executed by a computer, the computer executes the method as described in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0032] In an eighth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising at least one processor and an interface, wherein the processor is configured to read and execute instructions stored in a memory, and when the instructions are executed, the chip executes a method as described in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for describing the embodiments.

[0034] FIG1 is a basic architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the time-frequency resources occupied by SSB;

[0036] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of determining a candidate frequency position according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of another method for determining candidate frequency positions according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a pattern of candidate frequency positions for SSB according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of selecting a candidate frequency position for SSB according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. In the embodiments of the present application, the terms "system" and "network" can be used interchangeably. Unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in this application is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, in the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" refers to two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be one or more. In addition, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between network elements and identical or similar items with substantially the same functions. Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and terms such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit differences.

[0044] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in the embodiments of the present application mean that one or more embodiments of the present application include specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in some other embodiments", "in some other embodiments", etc. that appear in different places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "including", "comprising", "having" and their variations all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0045] The following specific implementation methods further describe in detail the objectives, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present application. It should be understood that the following are only specific implementation methods of the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made on the basis of the technical solutions of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

[0046] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0047] It should be understood that the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to long term evolution (LTE) architecture, fifth generation mobile communication technology (5G), wireless local area networks (WLAN) systems, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication systems, LTE-vehicle (LTE-V), vehicle to vehicle (V2V), vehicle networking, machine type communications (MTC), etc. The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other future communication systems, such as 6G communication systems, etc. In future communication systems, the functions may remain the same, but the names may change. In addition, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or scenarios where NTN and terrestrial networks (TN) are integrated.

[0048] The following describes the infrastructure of the communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application. The communication system provided by the present application may include one or more network devices and one or more terminal devices.

[0049] The following is an exemplary explanation using the system architecture shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes a network device 10 and one or more terminal devices (such as the terminal device 20 in Figure 1) that communicate with the network device 10.

[0050] It should be noted that the number of network devices and terminal devices in Figure 1 is only for illustration and should not be considered as a specific limitation of the present application. The terminal devices and network devices involved in the system architecture are described in detail below.

[0051] 1. Terminal Equipment

[0052] A terminal device is an entity on the user side that is used to receive signals, or send signals, or both receive and send signals. The terminal device is used to provide one or more of voice services and data connectivity services to the user. The terminal device may be a device that includes wireless transceiver functions and can cooperate with network equipment to provide communication services to the user. Specifically, the terminal device may refer to user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, user device or road side unit (RSU). The terminal device may also be a drone, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a station (ST) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a cellular phone, a smart phone, a cordless phone, a wireless data card, a tablet computer, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a laptop computer, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device (also referred to as a wearable smart device), a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a transportation security system, or a similar device. The terminal device may also be a terminal in a 5G system or a terminal in a next-generation communication system, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0053] The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form factor of the terminal device. The device used to implement the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device; it can also be a device that supports the terminal device to implement the functions, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of a chip or include a chip and other discrete components.

[0054] 2. Network Equipment

[0055] A network device is an entity on the network side that is used to send signals, receive signals, or both send and receive signals. A network device can be a device deployed in a radio access network (RAN) to provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices.

[0056] In one possible scenario, a network device may be a device with base station functionality, such as an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a 6G mobile communication system, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or non-terrestrial network equipment in an NTN, i.e., equipment that can be deployed on a high-altitude platform or satellite. A network device may be a transmission reception point (TRP), a base station, or various forms of control nodes, such as a network controller or a wireless controller. Specifically, network devices can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small cells) in heterogeneous network (HetNet) scenarios, relay stations, access points (APs), radio network controllers (RNCs), node Bs (NBs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved node Bs, or home node Bs, HNBs), baseband units (BBUs) and remote radio units (RRUs) in distributed base station scenarios, transmission points (TRPs), transmitting points (TPs), mobile switching centers, and the like. They can also be base station antenna panels. A control node can connect to multiple base stations and configure resources for multiple terminals covered by multiple base stations. In systems using different wireless access technologies, the names of devices with base station functionality may vary. For example, it can be a gNB in ​​5G, or a network-side device in a network after 5G, or a network device in a future evolved public land mobile (communication) network (public land mobile network, PLMN) network, or a device that performs base station functions in device-to-device (D2D) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, and vehicle network communication, etc. This application does not limit the specific name of the network device.The network equipment may also be an open access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a baseband pool (BBU pool) and RRU under a cloud radio access network (CRAN), etc.

[0057] All or part of the functions of the network device in this application may also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The network device in this application may also be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the network device functions.

[0058] In another possible scenario, multiple network devices collaborate to assist the terminal device in achieving wireless access, and different network devices respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the network device may include a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU may be set separately, or may be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU may be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). It is understandable that the network device may be a CU node, a DU node, or a device including a CU node and a DU node. In addition, the CU may be divided into a network device in the access network RAN, or the CU may be divided into a network device in the core network CN, without limitation here.

[0059] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0060] In the embodiments of the present application, the form of the network device is not limited. The device used to implement the function of the network device can be a network device; it can also be a device that can support the network device to implement the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device.

[0061] In order to facilitate understanding of the contents of this solution, some of the terms involved in the embodiments of this application are explained below to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. This part is only for ease of understanding and cannot be regarded as a specific limitation of this application.

[0062] 1. SSB

[0063] SSB can be used for time and frequency synchronization between terminal devices and network devices, and to obtain broadcast information. Broadcast information includes the master information block (MIB) from the upper layer and timing-related information from the physical layer. SSB can also be used for at least one of channel quality measurement, radio resource management (RRM) measurement / radio link monitor (RLM), etc. SSB can also be called a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block, which includes a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and PBCH. The terminal device performs time and frequency synchronization with the network device through the PSS and SSS, and obtains the physical layer cell ID (PCI), etc. PBCH mainly carries broadcast information.

[0064] In the time domain, one SSB occupies four symbols, from symbol 0 to symbol 3. In the frequency domain, one SSB occupies 20 resource blocks (RBs) (one RB includes 12 subcarriers), which is 240 subcarriers, numbered 0 to 239. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the PSS is located on the 127 subcarriers in the middle of symbol 0, and the SSS is located on the 127 subcarriers in the middle of symbol 2. In order to protect the PSS and SSS, different protection subcarriers are used. The protection subcarriers are not used to carry signals, and subcarriers are reserved on both sides of the SSS as protection subcarriers. For example, the blank areas on both sides of the SSS in Figure 2 are protection subcarriers. The PBCH occupies all subcarriers in symbols 1 and 3, as well as a portion of the remaining subcarriers in symbol 2 except for the subcarriers occupied by the SSS (i.e., the subcarriers in the remaining subcarriers except for the protection subcarriers).

[0065] It should be noted that the symbols involved in the present application may be orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. For ease of description, OFDM symbols are referred to as symbols below.

[0066] SSB can be divided into cell-defining SSB (CD-SSB) and non-cell-defining SSB (non-CD-SSB). CD-SSB can be used for cell search and access. CD-SSB can be associated with system information block 1 (SIB1), that is, after receiving CD-SSB, the terminal device can also receive its associated SIB1 for cell residence and access. Non-CD-SSB can be used for measurement.

[0067] 2. RE

[0068] In this application, RE may refer to a subcarrier on a symbol. RE is the smallest physical unit in the NR standard.

[0069] 3. Time unit

[0070] In this application, a time unit may be, for example, a symbol. In this application, a time unit index may be used to uniquely identify the time unit. The time unit index may also have other names, such as a time unit identifier, a time unit number, etc., which are not limited in this application.

[0071] 4. Frequency Domain Unit

[0072] In this application, a frequency domain unit may be, for example, a subcarrier. In this application, the frequency domain unit index may be used to uniquely identify the frequency domain unit. The frequency domain unit index may also have other names, such as a frequency domain unit identifier, a frequency domain unit number, etc., which are not limited in this application.

[0073] 5. Synchronous burst set (SS burst set)

[0074] The set of SSBs sent by a network device during a beam scanning process can be called a synchronization burst set. A synchronization burst set may include one or more SSBs. Different SSBs in a synchronization burst set are associated with different index values. The bandwidth of all SSBs in a synchronization burst set is the same. Optionally, the bandwidth of an SSB in a synchronization burst set is related to the number of RBs occupied by the SSB, the number of subcarriers contained in the RB, and the subcarrier spacing. In other words, the bandwidth of an SSB in a synchronization burst set is determined based on the number of RBs occupied by the SSB, the number of subcarriers contained in the RB, and the subcarrier spacing. For example, if the number of RBs occupied by the SSB is 20, the number of subcarriers contained in the RB is 12, and the subcarrier spacing is 15 kilohertz (KHz), the bandwidth of the SSB is 15KHz*12*20=3.6MHz, and the "*" involved in this application represents multiplication.

[0075] Generally speaking, network devices can use a time-division method to send SSBs in a synchronization burst set. This causes the terminal device to spend a long time searching for and detecting the appropriate SSB. As a result, this may result in a long access delay for the terminal device. In addition, for network devices, using time-division multiplexing to send SSBs in different beam directions requires the device to remain in operation for a longer period of time, resulting in increased energy consumption and hindering energy conservation. Based on this, the present application provides a communication method to address these issues.

[0076] The following describes the embodiments of the present application in detail. Specifically, the terminal device mentioned below may be the terminal device involved in Figure 1, and the network device mentioned below may be the network device involved in Figure 1. It should be noted that the message names between network elements or the names of the parameters in the messages in the following embodiments are merely examples. Other names may also be used in specific implementations, and the embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this.

[0077] As shown in FIG3 , a communication method is provided in an embodiment of the present application, which includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0078] 301. A network device determines M candidate frequency positions, where one of the M candidate frequency positions is used to transmit an SSB in a synchronization burst set. The synchronization burst set includes N SSBs, where M and N are both integers greater than or equal to 2.

[0079] 302. The terminal device determines M candidate frequency positions.

[0080] Regarding the M candidate frequency positions in step 302, reference may be made to the relevant description of step 301, which will not be repeated here.

[0081] 303. At at least two candidate frequency positions among the M candidate frequency positions, the network device sends at least two SSBs among the N SSBs to the terminal device, and the index values ​​associated with the at least two SSBs are different.

[0082] Accordingly, the terminal device receives the at least two SSBs from the network device based on the at least two candidate frequency positions.

[0083] The specific implementation of steps 301 to 303 is described below.

[0084] In this application, there is an association relationship between the M candidate frequency positions and the synchronization grid positions, specifically:

[0085] 1. M candidate frequency positions are associated with M synchronization grid positions.

[0086] Optionally, the M candidate frequency positions correspond one-to-one to the M synchronization grid positions. This one-to-one correspondence (i.e., the one-to-one correspondence between the M candidate frequency positions and the M synchronization grid positions) can be predefined or preconfigured. The synchronization grid can define the candidate frequency positions of the SSB. It should be noted that the predefined mentioned in this application refers to the predefined protocol, and the preconfigured mentioned in this application refers to the information recorded in the hardware and / or software in the terminal device or network device.

[0087] 2. M candidate frequency positions are associated with one synchronization grid position.

[0088] Optionally, the network device or the terminal device may determine the M candidate frequency positions in any of the following ways, specifically:

[0089] 1. The M candidate frequency positions may belong to the first set or the second set. For example, when the M candidate frequency positions are associated with M synchronization grid positions, the M candidate frequency positions may belong to the first set or the second set. That is to say, when the M candidate frequency positions are associated with M synchronization grid positions, the M candidate frequency positions may be determined by the first set or the second set. The number of candidate frequency positions included in the first set or the second set may be greater than or equal to M. When the number of candidate frequency positions included in the first set or the second set is greater than M, the M candidate frequency positions may be the first M candidate frequency positions, the last M candidate frequency positions, or any M candidate frequency positions in the first set or the second set, and are not limited here.

[0090] Optionally, the candidate frequency positions in the first set satisfy the following formula: F1+L1*first frequency interval+K1*second frequency interval, where F1 is the reference frequency position of the frequency range to which the candidate frequency positions in the first set belong, L1 is an integer greater than or equal to 0, and K1 is an integer greater than or equal to 0. It should be noted that the frequency range mentioned in the present application may include an interval determined by the maximum frequency position and the minimum frequency position, and the frequency range may also include boundary points or not include boundary points, such as the maximum frequency position and / or the minimum frequency position. The reference frequency position mentioned in the present application may be any frequency position within the frequency range, such as the starting frequency position. Optionally, the first frequency interval and the second frequency interval are different, such as the size of the first frequency interval is greater than the bandwidth of the SSB in the synchronization burst set, and the size of the second frequency interval is greater than or equal to the bandwidth of the SSB in the synchronization burst set. The following example takes M as 4. For example, the frequency range to which the candidate frequency positions in the first set belong is [3000 MHz, 24250 MHz], the reference frequency position is 3000 MHz (3000 MHz is the starting frequency position in the frequency range), the first frequency interval is 14.4 MHz, and the second frequency interval is 3.6 MHz. The candidate frequency positions in the first set satisfy the following formula: 3000 MHz + L1 * 14.4 MHz + K1 * 3.6 MHz, where L1 = 0, 1, 2 ... 1475, and K1 = 0, 1 ... 3. In this case, the four candidate frequency positions, as shown in 4-1 of FIG. 4 , are 3000 MHz, 3003.6 MHz, 3007.2 MHz, and 30010.8 MHz, respectively. For another example, the frequency range to which the candidate frequency positions in the first set belong is [24250 MHz, 100 GHz], the reference frequency position is 24250.08 MHz (24250.08 MHz is greater than the starting frequency position of 24250 MHz in the frequency range), the first frequency interval is 115.2 MHz, and the second frequency interval is 28.8 MHz. The candidate frequency positions in the first set satisfy the following formula: 24250.08 MHz + L1*115.2 MHz + K1*28.8 MHz, where L1=0, 1, 2…2630, and K1=0, 1…3. In this case, the four candidate frequency positions can be seen in 4-2 of FIG. 4 , namely, 24250.08 MHz, 24278.88 MHz, 24307.68 MHz, and 24336.48 MHz.

[0091] Optionally, the candidate frequency positions in the second set satisfy the following formula: F2+L2*third frequency interval, where F2 is the reference frequency position of the frequency range to which the candidate frequency positions in the second set belong, and L2 is an integer greater than or equal to 0. Optionally, the size of the third frequency interval is greater than or equal to the bandwidth of the SSB in the synchronization burst set. The following example takes M as 4. For example, the frequency range to which the candidate frequency positions in the second set belong is [3000MHz, 24250MHz], the reference frequency position is 3000MHz (3000MHz is the starting frequency position in this frequency range), the third frequency interval is 3.6MHz, and the candidate frequency positions in the second set satisfy the following formula: 3000MHz+L2*3.6MHz, L2=0, 1, 2…5902. In this case, the four candidate frequency positions can be referred to 5-1 of Figure 5, which are 3000MHz, 3003.6MHz, 3007.2MHz and 30010.8MHz respectively. For another example, the frequency range to which the candidate frequency positions in the second set belong is [24250 MHz, 100 GHz], the reference frequency position is 24250.08 MHz (24250.08 MHz is greater than the starting frequency position of 24250 MHz in the frequency range), the third frequency interval is 28.8 MHz, and the candidate frequency positions in the second set satisfy the following formula: 24250.08 MHz + L2 * 28.8 MHz, where L2 = 0, 1, 2, ..., 2630. In this case, the four candidate frequency positions can be seen in 5-2 of Figure 5 , namely, 24250.08 MHz, 24278.88 MHz, 24307.68 MHz, and 24336.48 MHz.

[0092] 2. The first candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions is associated with one synchronization grid position. That is, the first candidate frequency position corresponds to one synchronization grid position. The corresponding relationship (i.e., the corresponding relationship between the first candidate frequency position and one synchronization grid position) is predefined or preconfigured. The M-1 candidate frequency positions other than the first candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions can be determined based on the first candidate frequency position and / or the frequency intervals between adjacent candidate frequency positions among the M candidate frequency positions. That is, when the M candidate frequency positions are associated with one synchronization grid position, the first candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions is associated with one synchronization grid position, and the M-1 candidate frequency positions other than the first candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions can be determined based on the frequency intervals between the first candidate frequency position and / or the adjacent candidate frequency positions among the M candidate frequency positions.

[0093] Optionally, when M is an odd number, the first candidate frequency position is the (M+1) / 2th candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions (counting from 1); when M is an even number, the first candidate frequency position is the M / 2th candidate frequency position or the M / 2+1th candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions (counting from 1). Such a design can enable the middle SSB of multiple SSBs in frequency division multiplexing to be located at a predefined frequency position, which is beneficial for the terminal device to adjust the operating frequency range of its radio frequency link when searching for and detecting SSBs, thereby reducing the complexity of the terminal device.

[0094] Optionally, the frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions in the M candidate frequency positions is predefined or preconfigured, or the frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions in the M candidate frequency positions is indicated to the terminal device by the network device. Exemplarily, the frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions in the M candidate frequency positions may be the bandwidth of an SSB in a synchronization burst set. Furthermore, exemplarily, the frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions in the M candidate frequency positions is related to the frequency band, and the frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions in the M candidate frequency positions may be different in different frequency bands. For example, the SSB occupies 240 REs in the frequency domain. For frequency band 1, the frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions in the M candidate frequency positions can be the bandwidth of the SSB in the synchronization burst set when the subcarrier interval is 15KHz (i.e., 3.6MHz); for frequency band 2, the frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions in the M candidate frequency positions can be the bandwidth of the SSB in the synchronization burst set when the subcarrier interval is 30KHz (i.e., 7.2MHz). It can be seen that the frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions in the M candidate frequency positions under frequency band 1 is different from the frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions in the M candidate frequency positions under frequency band 2.

[0095] Optionally, the RE of the SSB in the synchronization burst set can be located at one of the M candidate frequency positions. For example, one of the M candidate frequency positions is used to transmit an SSB in the synchronization burst set, which can be understood as: the RE of the SSB in the synchronization burst set can be located at one of the M candidate frequency positions. The RE can be the center RE of the SSB in the synchronization burst set, the first RE of the SSB, the last RE of the SSB, or any RE of the SSB, etc., which is not limited here. Exemplarily, the SSB in the synchronization burst set occupies 240 REs in the frequency domain, the center RE is the 120th RE (counting from 0), the first RE is the 0th RE, and the last RE can be the 239th RE, that is, the 120th RE, the 0th RE, or the 239th RE can be located at one of the M candidate frequency positions. As another example, when M is an even number, the RE can be the last RE of the M / 2th SSB or the first RE of the M / 2+1th SSB (counting from 1). As another example, when M is an odd number, the RE may be the center RE of the (M+1)th SSB (counting starts from 1). The above design enables the frequency centers of multiple SSBs using frequency division multiplexing to be located at predefined frequency positions, which helps the terminal device adjust the operating frequency range of its radio frequency link when searching for and detecting SSBs, thereby reducing the complexity of the terminal device.

[0096] Optionally, the maximum number of frequency-divided SSBs in the synchronization burst set is a predefined or preconfigured value, such as 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64. In one possible implementation, the maximum number of frequency-divided SSBs in the synchronization burst set can be determined based on the frequency range to which the M candidate frequency positions belong. In other words, the maximum number of frequency-divided SSBs in the synchronization burst set can be determined based on the frequency range of the cell to which the SSBs belong. For example, if the frequency range to which the M candidate frequency positions belong is less than or equal to 3 gigahertz (GHz), the maximum number of frequency-divided SSBs in the synchronization burst set is 4; if the frequency range to which the M candidate frequency positions belong is greater than 3 GHz and less than or equal to 6 GHz, the maximum number of frequency-divided SSBs in the synchronization burst set is 8; if the frequency range to which the M candidate frequency positions belong is greater than 6 GHz, the maximum number of frequency-divided SSBs in the synchronization burst set is 8, 16, 32, or 64.

[0097] Optionally, step 303 can be understood as: the network device sends the at least two SSBs to the terminal device at at least two candidate frequency positions and at least two candidate time domain positions. That is to say, multiple SSBs in the synchronization burst set can be transmitted simultaneously using frequency division multiplexing and time division multiplexing. Exemplarily, the synchronization burst set includes 4 SSBs, and supports a maximum of 2 frequency-division SSBs in the frequency domain, and a maximum of 2 time-division SSBs in the time domain. In a possible implementation, the SSBs in the synchronization burst set are first mapped continuously on the pattern of the candidate time-frequency positions of the SSBs in the synchronization burst set in the order of the index of the frequency domain unit from low to high, and then in the order of the index of the time unit from low to high. Exemplarily, the synchronization burst set includes 4 SSBs, and supports a maximum of 2 frequency-division SSBs in the frequency domain, and supports a maximum of 2 time-division SSBs in the time domain. The candidate time-frequency positions of the 4 SSBs are shown in 6-1 of Figure 6. In another possible implementation, the SSBs in the synchronization burst set are first mapped continuously to the pattern of candidate time-frequency positions of the SSBs in the synchronization burst set in order of the index of the time unit from low to high, and then in order of the index of the frequency domain unit from low to high. Exemplarily, the synchronization burst set includes 4 SSBs, supports a maximum of 2 frequency-division SSBs in the frequency domain, and supports a maximum of 2 time-division SSBs in the time domain. The candidate time-frequency positions of the 4 SSBs are shown in 6-2 of Figure 6.

[0098] Among them, the candidate time-frequency positions involved in this application include candidate frequency positions and candidate time domain positions. The candidate frequency positions here can refer to M candidate frequency positions. The candidate time domain positions here can be in the half frame of the system frame, that is, the candidate time domain position is determined by the system frame, half frame and the position within the half frame. Among them, the absolute time length of a system frame is 10ms, and according to 5ms as a half frame time, it can be divided into two half frames, namely the first half frame and the second half frame. Optionally, at least one of the system frame, half frame, and the position within the half frame can be predefined or preconfigured. In a possible implementation, the system frame and half frame can be indicated to the terminal device by the network device, such as by indicating to the terminal device through PBCH; the position within the half frame is predefined, preconfigured or indicated to the terminal device by the network device, such as by indicating to the terminal device through PBCH. Exemplarily, when the subcarrier spacing of the SSB in the synchronization burst set is 120 kHz, the position within the half frame can be one of the following positions: {4, 8, 16, 20}+28.n, n=0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18.

[0099] Among them, the index mentioned in this application is from low to high, which can also be understood as the index from small to large. Exemplarily, a time slot includes 14 symbols, and these 14 symbols are arranged in order of index from low to high or from small to large. Optionally, the index of the time unit is from low to high, which can also be understood as the index of the time unit is from front to back. Exemplarily, a time slot includes 14 symbols, the symbol with index 0 is located before the symbol with index 1, and the symbol with index 1 is located before the symbol with index 2, and the rest are similar. Optionally, the index of the frequency domain unit is from low to high or from small to large, which can be understood as the arrangement of the candidate frequency domain positions from low to high.

[0100] Optionally, the pattern of the candidate time-frequency positions of the SSB in the synchronization burst set is predefined or preconfigured, or the pattern of the candidate time-frequency positions of the SSB in the synchronization burst set is indicated to the terminal device by the network device. Optionally, the pattern of the candidate time-frequency positions of the SSB in the synchronization burst set may belong to a first pattern, and the first pattern is a predefined or preconfigured candidate time-frequency position of the SSB. The number of SSBs supported by the first pattern may be greater than or equal to the number of SSBs in the synchronization burst set, or in other words, the number of SSBs supported by the first pattern may be greater than or equal to the maximum number of SSBs supported by the cell covered by the network device. When the number of SSBs supported by the first pattern is greater than the maximum number of SSBs supported by the cell covered by the network device, the following implementation methods may be used, specifically:

[0101] 1. In the first pattern, the network device can first select one or more candidate time-frequency positions in the order of the frequency domain unit index from low to high, and then in the order of the time unit index from low to high, as the candidate time-frequency positions of the SSB in the synchronization burst set. Exemplarily, the first pattern includes 16 candidate time-frequency positions, the maximum number of SSBs supported by the cell covered by the network device is 8, and the network device can select 8 of the 16 candidate time-frequency positions to send the SSB in the synchronization burst set. As shown in 7-1 of Figure 7, the 8 candidate time-frequency positions are the first column to the second column from left to right, that is, the part filled with black in 7-1 of Figure 7.

[0102] 2. The network device can arbitrarily select one or more candidate time-frequency positions in the first pattern as candidate time-frequency positions for the SSB in the synchronization burst set. For example, the first pattern includes 16 candidate time-frequency positions, and the maximum number of SSBs supported by the cell covered by the network device is 8. The network device can select 8 of the 16 candidate time-frequency positions to send the SSB in the synchronization burst set. As shown in 7-2 of Figure 7, the 8 candidate time-frequency positions are the second to third rows from the top, that is, the black portion in 7-2 of Figure 7.

[0103] Optionally, the period of the SSB in the synchronization burst set may be the same as or different from the period of the synchronization burst set. For example, when the period of the SSB in the synchronization burst set is the same as the period of the synchronization burst set, the period of the SSB in the synchronization burst set and the period of the synchronization burst set are less than 5 milliseconds. For another example, when the period of the SSB in the synchronization burst set is different from the period of the synchronization burst set, the period of the synchronization burst set is greater than or equal to 5 milliseconds, and the period of the SSB in the synchronization burst set is less than 5 milliseconds.

[0104] It should be noted that the period of a synchronous burst set refers to the period during which all SSBs in the synchronous burst set are repeatedly sent.

[0105] It can be seen that in the above implementation, since some or all of the SSBs in the synchronization burst set are transmitted via frequency division multiplexing, on the one hand, the time it takes for the terminal device to search for SSBs can be reduced, allowing the terminal device to synchronize and initiate random access based on the searched SSBs more quickly, thereby reducing the access latency of the terminal device. On the other hand, the network device can send all the SSBs in the synchronization burst set in a shorter time, allowing the network device to shut down the device in a shorter time as needed, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the network device and facilitating energy saving of the network device.

[0106] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the present application from the perspective of the interaction between various devices. It is understandable that, in order to realize the above functions, the above-mentioned implementation devices include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0107] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device or network device can be divided into functional modules according to the above-mentioned method examples. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above-mentioned integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is schematic and is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used.

[0108] Refer to Figure 8, which is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 800 can be applied to the method shown in the embodiment of Figure 3 above. As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 800 includes: a processing module 801 and a transceiver module 802. The processing module 801 can be one or more processors, and the transceiver module 802 can be a transceiver or a communication interface. The communication device can be used to implement the terminal device or network device involved in any of the above method embodiments, or to implement the functions of the network element involved in any of the above method embodiments. The network element or network function can be a network element in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualization function instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform). Optionally, the communication device 800 can also include a storage module 803 for storing the program code and data of the communication device 800.

[0109] In one embodiment, when the communication device serves as a terminal device or a chip used in a terminal device, it executes the steps performed by the terminal device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The transceiver module 802 is used to specifically execute the sending and / or receiving actions performed by the terminal device in the embodiment of Figure 3, for example, to support the terminal device in executing other processes of the technology described herein. The processing module 801 can be used to support the communication device 800 in executing the processing actions in the above-mentioned method embodiment, for example, to support the terminal device in executing other processes of the technology described herein.

[0110] Exemplarily, the processing module 801 is used to determine M candidate frequency positions, where one of the M candidate frequency positions is used to transmit a synchronization signal block SSB in a synchronization burst set, where the synchronization burst set includes N SSBs, and M and N are both integers greater than or equal to 2; the transceiver module 802 is used to receive at least two of the N SSBs from a network device based on at least two of the M candidate frequency positions, where the index values ​​associated with at least two of the SSBs are different.

[0111] Optionally, when at least two SSBs out of N SSBs are received from a network device based on at least two candidate frequency positions out of M candidate frequency positions, the processing module 801 is used to receive at least two SSBs from the network device based on at least two candidate frequency positions and at least two candidate time domain positions.

[0112] In another example, when the communication device functions as a network device or a chip used in a network device, and executes the steps performed by the network device in the above-described method embodiments, the transceiver module 802 is configured to specifically execute the sending and / or receiving actions performed by the network device in the embodiment of FIG. 3 , for example, to support the network device in executing other processes of the technology described herein. The processing module 801 can be configured to support the communication device 800 in executing the processing actions in the above-described method embodiments, for example, to support the network device in executing other processes of the technology described herein.

[0113] Exemplarily, the processing module 801 is used to determine M candidate frequency positions, where one of the M candidate frequency positions is used to transmit a synchronization signal block SSB in a synchronization burst set, where the synchronization burst set includes N SSBs, and M and N are both integers greater than or equal to 2; the transceiver module 802 is used to send at least two of the N SSBs to the terminal device at at least two of the M candidate frequency positions, where the index values ​​associated with at least two of the SSBs are different.

[0114] Optionally, when at least two SSBs among N SSBs are sent to the terminal device at at least two candidate frequency positions among M candidate frequency positions, the transceiver module 802 is used to send at least two SSBs to the terminal device at at least two candidate frequency positions and at least two candidate time domain positions.

[0115] In one possible embodiment, when the terminal device or network device is a chip, the transceiver module 802 can be a communication interface, a pin, or a circuit. The communication interface can be used to input data to be processed into the processor and output the processing results of the processor. In a specific implementation, the communication interface can be a general purpose input and output (GPIO) interface that can be connected to multiple peripheral devices (such as a display (LCD), a camera (camara), a radio frequency (RF) module, an antenna, etc.). The communication interface is connected to the processor via a bus.

[0116] The processing module 801 may be a processor that can execute computer-executable instructions stored in the storage module to cause the chip to perform the method described in the embodiment shown in FIG3 . Furthermore, the processor may include a controller, an arithmetic unit, and registers. For example, the controller is primarily responsible for decoding instructions and issuing control signals for operations corresponding to the instructions. The arithmetic unit is primarily responsible for performing fixed-point or floating-point arithmetic operations, shift operations, and logical operations, and may also perform address operations and conversions. The registers are primarily responsible for storing register operands and intermediate operation results temporarily stored during instruction execution. In a specific implementation, the processor's hardware architecture may be an ASIC architecture, a microprocessor without interlocked piped stages architecture (MIPS) architecture, an advanced RISC machine (ARM) architecture, or a network processor (NP) architecture, among others. The processor may be single-core or multi-core. The storage module may be a memory module within the chip, such as a register or cache. The storage module may also be a memory module located external to the chip, such as a ROM or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, or RAM.

[0117] It should be noted that the functions corresponding to the processor and the interface can be implemented through hardware design, software design, or a combination of hardware and software, and there is no limitation here.

[0118] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. It is understandable that the communication device 910 includes necessary means such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to implement this solution. The communication device 910 can be the above-mentioned terminal device or network device, or it can be a component (such as a chip) in these devices to implement the method described in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The communication device 910 includes one or more processors 911. The processor 911 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, etc. For example, it can be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a terminal device, network device, or chip, etc.), execute software programs, and process data of software programs.

[0119] Optionally, in one design, the processor 911 may include a program 913 (sometimes also referred to as code or instruction), which may be run on the processor 911 so that the communication device 910 performs the method described in the above embodiment. In another possible design, the communication device 910 includes a circuit (not shown in FIG9 ), which is used to implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the above embodiment. Optionally, the communication device 910 may include one or more memories 912 on which a program 914 (sometimes also referred to as code or instruction) is stored, which may be run on the processor 911 so that the communication device 910 performs the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0120] Optionally, the processor 911 and / or the memory 912 may include an AI module 917 and an AI module 918, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​module may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the AI ​​module may include a real-time information processing (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near-real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC. Optionally, the processor 911 and / or the memory 912 may also store data. The processor and memory may be provided separately or integrated.

[0121] Optionally, the communication device 910 may further include a transceiver 915 and / or an antenna 916. The processor 911 may also be referred to as a processing unit, and controls the communication device (e.g., a terminal device or a network device). The transceiver 915 may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, and is configured to implement the transceiver function of the communication device via the antenna 916.

[0122] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device, which includes at least one processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions; and at least one processor is used to execute the computer programs or instructions in the memory, so that any method described in any one of the embodiments of Figure 3 is executed.

[0123] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed, the computer executes any of the methods described in the embodiment of FIG3 .

[0124] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program code, and when the computer program code is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to execute any of the methods described in any one of the embodiments of FIG3 .

[0125] An embodiment of the present application further provides a chip, which includes at least one processor and an interface. The processor is used to read and execute instructions stored in a memory. When the instructions are executed, the chip executes any method as described in any one of the embodiments of Figure 3.

[0126] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the objectives of the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the network element units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software network element units.

[0127] If the above-mentioned integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software network element unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the part that essentially contributes to the technical solution of the present application, or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, terminal device, cloud server, or network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the above-mentioned methods in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program code, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk. The above is only a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of various equivalent modifications or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, and these modifications or replacements should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Determine M candidate frequency positions, one of the M candidate frequency positions is used to transmit a synchronization signal block SSB in a synchronization burst set, the synchronization burst set includes N SSBs, and both M and N are integers greater than or equal to 2; Based on at least two candidate frequency positions among the M candidate frequency positions, at least two SSBs among the N SSBs are received from a network device, and index values ​​associated with the at least two SSBs are different.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The M candidate frequency positions are associated with M synchronization grid positions; or, The M candidate frequency positions are associated with one synchronization grid position.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The M candidate frequency positions are associated with one synchronization grid position, including: a first candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions is associated with one synchronization grid position; The M-1 candidate frequency positions other than the first candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions are determined according to the first candidate frequency position and / or a frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions among the M candidate frequency positions; The frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions among the M candidate frequency positions is predefined, or the frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions among the M candidate frequency positions is indicated to the terminal device by the network device.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that When M is an odd number, the first candidate frequency position is the (M+1) / 2th candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions; and / or, When M is an even number, the first candidate frequency position is the M / 2th candidate frequency position or the M / 2+1th candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The resource unit RE of the SSB in the synchronization burst set is located at one of the M candidate frequency positions; The RE is the center RE of the SSB in the synchronization burst set, the first RE of the SSB in the synchronization burst set, or the last RE of the SSB in the synchronization burst set.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The maximum number of frequency-divided SSBs in the synchronization burst set is determined according to the frequency range to which the M candidate frequency positions belong.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The M candidate frequency positions belong to a first set, and the candidate frequency positions in the first set satisfy the following formula: F1+L1*first frequency interval+K1*second frequency interval; Among them, F1 is the reference frequency position of the frequency range to which the candidate frequency positions in the first set belong, L1 is an integer greater than or equal to 0, K1 is an integer greater than or equal to 0, and the first frequency interval and the second frequency interval are different.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The size of the first frequency interval is greater than the bandwidth of the SSB in the synchronization burst set, and / or the size of the second frequency interval is greater than or equal to the bandwidth of the SSB in the synchronization burst set.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The M candidate frequency positions belong to a second set, and the candidate frequency positions in the second set satisfy the following formula: F2+L2*third frequency interval; Among them, the F2 is the reference frequency position of the frequency range to which the candidate frequency positions in the second set belong, and the L2 is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The size of the third frequency interval is greater than or equal to the bandwidth of the SSB in the synchronization burst set.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The receiving, based on at least two candidate frequency positions among the M candidate frequency positions, at least two SSBs among the N SSBs from the network device comprises: Based on the at least two candidate frequency positions and the at least two candidate time domain positions, the at least two SSBs are received from the network device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The SSBs in the synchronization burst set are first mapped continuously on the pattern of candidate time-frequency positions of the SSBs in the synchronization burst set in the order of the indexes of the frequency domain units from low to high, and then in the order of the indexes of the time units from low to high; or, The SSBs in the synchronization burst set are first mapped continuously on the pattern of candidate time-frequency positions of the SSBs in the synchronization burst set in the order of the index of the time unit from low to high, and then in the order of the index of the frequency domain unit from low to high; The pattern of candidate time-frequency positions of SSB in the synchronization burst set is predefined or preconfigured, or the pattern of candidate time-frequency positions of SSB in the synchronization burst set is indicated to the terminal device by the network device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The period of SSB in the synchronization burst set is the same as or different from the period of the synchronization burst set.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The period of SSB in the synchronization burst set is the same as the period of the synchronization burst set, and the period of SSB in the synchronization burst set and the period of the synchronization burst set are both less than 5 milliseconds.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The period of SSB in the synchronous burst set is different from the period of the synchronous burst set. The period of the synchronous burst set is greater than or equal to 5 milliseconds, and the period of SSB in the synchronous burst set is less than 5 milliseconds.

16. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Determine M candidate frequency positions, one of the M candidate frequency positions is used to transmit a synchronization signal block SSB in a synchronization burst set, the synchronization burst set includes N SSBs, and both M and N are integers greater than or equal to 2; At least two of the N SSBs are sent to the terminal device at at least two of the M candidate frequency positions, and the index values ​​associated with the at least two SSBs are different.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The M candidate frequency positions are associated with M synchronization grid positions; or, The M candidate frequency positions are associated with one synchronization grid position.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The M candidate frequency positions are associated with one synchronization grid position, including: a first candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions is associated with one synchronization grid position; The M-1 candidate frequency positions other than the first candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions are determined according to the first candidate frequency position and / or a frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions among the M candidate frequency positions; The frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions among the M candidate frequency positions is predefined, or the frequency interval between adjacent candidate frequency positions among the M candidate frequency positions is indicated to the terminal device by a network device.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that When M is an odd number, the first candidate frequency position is the (M+1) / 2th candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions; and / or, When M is an even number, the first candidate frequency position is the M / 2th candidate frequency position or the M / 2+1th candidate frequency position among the M candidate frequency positions.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that: The resource unit RE of the SSB in the synchronization burst set is located at one of the M candidate frequency positions; The RE is the center RE of the SSB in the synchronization burst set, the first RE of the SSB in the synchronization burst set, or the last RE of the SSB in the synchronization burst set.

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that: The maximum number of frequency-divided SSBs in the synchronization burst set is determined according to the frequency range to which the M candidate frequency positions belong.

22. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that: The M candidate frequency positions belong to a first set, and the candidate frequency positions in the first set satisfy the following formula: F1+L1*first frequency interval+K1*second frequency interval; Among them, F1 is the reference frequency position of the frequency range to which the candidate frequency positions in the first set belong, L1 is an integer greater than or equal to 0, K1 is an integer greater than or equal to 0, and the first frequency interval and the second frequency interval are different.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The size of the first frequency interval is greater than the bandwidth of the SSB in the synchronization burst set, and / or the size of the second frequency interval is greater than or equal to the bandwidth of the SSB in the synchronization burst set.

24. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that: The M candidate frequency positions belong to a second set, and the candidate frequency positions in the second set satisfy the following formula: F2+L2*third frequency interval; Among them, the F2 is the reference frequency position of the frequency range to which the candidate frequency positions in the second set belong, and the L2 is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The size of the third frequency interval is greater than or equal to the bandwidth of the SSB in the synchronization burst set.

26. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 25, characterized in that: The sending at least two SSBs of the N SSBs to the terminal device at at least two candidate frequency positions of the M candidate frequency positions includes: The at least two SSBs are sent to the terminal device at the at least two candidate frequency positions and the at least two candidate time domain positions.

27. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 26, characterized in that: The SSBs in the synchronization burst set are first mapped continuously on the pattern of candidate time-frequency positions of the SSBs in the synchronization burst set in the order of the indexes of the frequency domain units from low to high, and then in the order of the indexes of the time units from low to high; or, The SSBs in the synchronization burst set are first mapped continuously on the pattern of candidate time-frequency positions of the SSBs in the synchronization burst set in the order of the index of the time unit from low to high, and then in the order of the index of the frequency domain unit from low to high; The pattern of candidate time-frequency positions of SSB in the synchronization burst set is predefined or preconfigured, or the pattern of candidate time-frequency positions of SSB in the synchronization burst set is indicated to the terminal device by the network device.

28. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 27, characterized in that: The period of SSB in the synchronization burst set is the same as or different from the period of the synchronization burst set.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that The period of SSB in the synchronization burst set is the same as the period of the synchronization burst set, and the period of SSB in the synchronization burst set and the period of the synchronization burst set are both less than 5 milliseconds.

30. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that The period of SSB in the synchronous burst set is different from the period of the synchronous burst set. The period of the synchronous burst set is greater than or equal to 5 milliseconds, and the period of SSB in the synchronous burst set is less than 5 milliseconds.

31. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a unit or a module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 30.

32. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device includes at least one processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions; and the at least one processor is used to execute the computer program or instructions in the memory, so that the method described in any one of claims 1 to 30 is executed.

33. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system includes terminal equipment and network equipment; The terminal device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15; The network device is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 16 to 30.

34. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, which, when executed, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 30.

35. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises: a computer program code, and when the computer program code is executed by a computer, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 30.

36. A chip, characterized in that: The chip includes at least one processor and an interface, wherein the processor is used to read and execute instructions stored in a memory, and when the instructions are executed, the chip executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 30.

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