Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. The communication method comprises: a terminal device reports to a main network device a capability of supporting asynchronous non-coherent joint transmission, wherein the capability can be used for the main network device to determine for the terminal device a plurality of network devices for non-coherent joint transmission. In the communication method of the embodiments of the present application, since the different network devices providing a non-coherent joint transmission service for the terminal device are determined according to the capability of the terminal device, the terminal device can support processing of asynchronous signals from different network devices, thus improving the transmission efficiency of non-coherent joint transmission.

Description

Communication method and communication device Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Art

[0002] In terrestrial communication systems, coordinated multi-point (CoMP) technology, which enables collaboration among multiple base stations, can significantly improve the data rate performance of users at the cell edge. The delay differences between signals sent from different base stations reaching the terminal device are small, and these small delay differences can be protected by the cyclic prefix (CP). The Doppler shift differences between signals sent from different base stations reaching the terminal device are also small, and these small Doppler shift differences can be protected by the sub-carrier spacing (SCS).

[0003] To achieve truly seamless global network coverage, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) scenario is currently being proposed. In an NTN scenario, due to the long distance between satellites and ground-based terminal devices and the high-speed motion of different satellites, the time delay difference between signals sent from different satellites reaching the terminal device far exceeds the CP. The Doppler shift difference between signals sent from different satellites reaching the terminal device is on the same order of magnitude as the SCS. Therefore, when signals from different satellites reach the terminal device, they will generate severe inter-symbol interference (ISI) and inter-subcarrier interference (ICI), resulting in low CoMP transmission efficiency in satellite communication systems.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus that can improve the transmission efficiency of CoMP in a satellite communication system.

[0006] In the first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a main network device, or by a module (such as a chip or circuit) in the main network device, or by a logical node, logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the main network device. This application does not limit this.

[0007] The method includes: a main network device receives first information from a terminal device, the first information being used to indicate the terminal device's ability to support asynchronous non-coherent joint transmission (NCJT); the main network device determines multiple network devices based on the first information, the multiple network devices being used to provide NCJT services for the terminal device.

[0008] Specifically, the ability of the above-mentioned terminal device to support asynchronous NCJT can be understood as: the delay difference or Doppler frequency shift difference between the multiple network devices providing NCJT services to the terminal device reaching the terminal device is large, so it can be understood that the terminal device is asynchronously receiving data from the multiple network devices in time or frequency. And this large delay difference cannot be protected by CP, and the large Doppler frequency shift difference cannot be protected by SCS. Asynchronous NCJT will increase the complexity of the terminal device in processing data from the multiple network devices, so the terminal device needs to report the ability of asynchronous NCJT that it can support.

[0009] Specifically, the above-mentioned multiple network devices may include the above-mentioned master network device.

[0010] Optionally, the first information can also be used to determine the number of network devices corresponding to the signal received by the terminal device during NCJT. At this time, the first information reported by the terminal device can be understood as the maximum number of network devices corresponding to the signal received by the terminal device during NCJT.

[0011] Through the above method, different network devices that provide NCJT services to the terminal device are determined according to the capabilities of the terminal device. Therefore, the terminal device can support processing asynchronous signals from multiple network devices, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of NCJT.

[0012] Specifically, the first information includes at least one of the following information:

[0013] The number of asynchronous data stream layers supported by the terminal device, the number of asynchronous beams supported by the terminal device, and the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the above method also includes: the main network device receives second information from the terminal device, the second information is used to indicate M network devices, and the M network devices are candidate network devices for providing NCJT services to the terminal device, where M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1; the above main network device determines the above multiple network devices based on the above first information, including: the above main network device determines the above multiple network devices based on the above first information and the above second information.

[0015] Specifically, the above-mentioned M network devices can be understood as network devices recommended by the terminal device to the main network device for providing NCJT services to the terminal device.

[0016] Specifically, the above-mentioned M network devices can be the M network devices with the best signal quality with the terminal device selected by the terminal device after measurement, or the above-mentioned M network devices can be the M network devices with the closest distance to the terminal device after measurement, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0017] Through the above method, the terminal device informs the main network device of M network devices suitable for providing NCJT services to it, which can increase the accuracy of the main network device in determining the above multiple network devices that provide NCJT services to the terminal device.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the above method also includes: the above-mentioned main network device receives third information from the auxiliary network device, and the third information is used to indicate that the auxiliary network device requests to provide NCJT service for the above-mentioned terminal device; the main network device determines whether to allow the auxiliary network device to provide NCJT service for the above-mentioned terminal device based on the above-mentioned first information and the above-mentioned third information.

[0019] This application can be applicable to scenarios where the main network device determines multiple network devices for providing NCJT services to the terminal device based on the measurement report of the terminal device, and can also be applicable to scenarios where the main network device determines multiple network devices for providing NCJT services to the terminal device based on requests from other auxiliary network devices. This application does not limit this.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the main network device sends fourth information to the terminal device, where the fourth information is used to request the terminal device to report the first information.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the above method further includes: the master network device receives fifth information from the terminal device, where the fifth information is used to indicate the updated first information.

[0022] The terminal device of the present application may periodically report the first information. Alternatively, the terminal device reports the first information once, and when at least one of the information included in the first information changes, the terminal device sends the fifth information to the master network device. Alternatively, the master network device requests the terminal device to report the first information. The present application does not limit the circumstances under which the terminal device reports the first information.

[0023] On the second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by a module (such as a chip or circuit) in the terminal device, or by a logical node, logical module or software that can realize all or part of the terminal device functions. This application does not limit this.

[0024] The method includes: the terminal device sends first information to the main network device, and the first information is used to indicate the terminal device's ability to support asynchronous non-coherent joint transmission NCJT; the terminal device is provided with NCJT service by multiple network devices, and the multiple network devices are determined based on the above first information.

[0025] Specifically, the ability of the above-mentioned terminal device to support asynchronous NCJT can be understood as: the delay difference or Doppler frequency shift difference between the multiple network devices providing NCJT services to the terminal device reaching the terminal device is large, so it can be understood that the terminal device is asynchronously receiving data from the multiple network devices in time or frequency. And this large delay difference cannot be protected by CP, and the large Doppler frequency shift difference cannot be protected by SCS. Asynchronous NCJT will increase the complexity of the terminal device in processing data from the multiple network devices, so the terminal device needs to report the ability of asynchronous NCJT that it can support.

[0026] Specifically, the above-mentioned multiple network devices may include the above-mentioned master network device.

[0027] Optionally, the first information can also be used to determine the number of network devices corresponding to the signal received by the terminal device during NCJT. At this time, the first information reported by the terminal device can be understood as the maximum number of network devices corresponding to the signal received by the terminal device during NCJT.

[0028] Through the above method, different network devices that provide NCJT services to the terminal device are determined according to the capabilities of the terminal device. Therefore, the terminal device can support processing asynchronous signals from multiple network devices, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of NCJT.

[0029] Specifically, the first information includes at least one of the following information:

[0030] The number of asynchronous data stream layers supported by the terminal device, the number of asynchronous beams supported by the terminal device, and the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device.

[0031] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the above method also includes: the terminal device sends second information to the main network device, and the second information is used to indicate M network devices, which are candidate network devices for providing NCJT services for the terminal device, where M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0032] Specifically, the above-mentioned M network devices can be understood as network devices recommended by the terminal device to the main network device for providing NCJT services to the terminal device.

[0033] Specifically, the above-mentioned M network devices can be the M network devices with the best signal quality with the terminal device selected by the terminal device after measurement, or the above-mentioned M network devices can be the M network devices with the closest distance to the terminal device after measurement, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0034] Through the above method, the terminal device informs the main network device of M network devices suitable for providing NCJT services to it, which can increase the accuracy of the main network device in determining the above multiple network devices that provide NCJT services to the terminal device.

[0035] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the terminal device receives fourth information from the main network device, and the fourth information is used to request the terminal device to report the first information.

[0036] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the above method also includes: the terminal device sends fifth information to the main network device, and the fifth information is used to indicate the updated first information.

[0037] The terminal device of the present application may periodically report the first information. Alternatively, the terminal device reports the first information once, and when at least one of the information included in the first information changes, the terminal device sends the fifth information to the master network device. Alternatively, the master network device requests the terminal device to report the first information. The present application does not limit the circumstances under which the terminal device reports the first information.

[0038] In a third aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a transceiver unit for receiving first information from a terminal device, wherein the first information is used to indicate the ability of the terminal device to support asynchronous non-coherent joint transmission (NCJT); and a processing unit for determining multiple network devices based on the first information, wherein the multiple network devices are used to provide NCJT services for the terminal device.

[0039] In conjunction with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the first information includes at least one of the following information:

[0040] The number of asynchronous data stream layers supported by the terminal device, the number of asynchronous beams supported by the terminal device, and the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device.

[0041] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to receive second information from the terminal device, and the second information is used to indicate M network devices, which are candidate network devices for providing NCJT services to the terminal device, where M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1; the above-mentioned processing unit is used to determine the above-mentioned multiple network devices based on the above-mentioned first information, including: the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to determine the above-mentioned multiple network devices based on the above-mentioned first information and the above-mentioned second information.

[0042] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to receive third information from the auxiliary network device, and the third information is used to indicate that the auxiliary network device requests to provide NCJT service for the above-mentioned terminal device; the above-mentioned processing unit is also used to determine whether to allow the auxiliary network device to provide NCJT service for the above-mentioned terminal device based on the above-mentioned first information and the above-mentioned third information.

[0043] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to send fourth information to the terminal device, where the fourth information is used to request the terminal device to report the first information.

[0044] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to receive fifth information from the terminal device, where the fifth information is used to indicate the updated first information.

[0045] The explanation and beneficial effects of the communication device provided in the third aspect can refer to the communication method shown in the first aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0046] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a transceiver unit for sending first information to a main network device, where the first information is used to indicate the ability of the terminal device to support asynchronous non-coherent joint transmission (NCJT); and a processing unit for being provided with NCJT services by multiple network devices, where the multiple network devices are determined based on the above-mentioned first information.

[0047] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information includes at least one of the following information:

[0048] The number of asynchronous data stream layers supported by the terminal device, the number of asynchronous beams supported by the terminal device, and the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device.

[0049] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to send second information to the main network device, and the second information is used to indicate M network devices, which are candidate network devices for providing NCJT services for the above-mentioned terminal device, where M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0050] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to receive fourth information from the primary network device, where the fourth information is used to request the terminal device to report the first information.

[0051] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to send fifth information to the primary network device, where the fifth information is used to indicate the updated first information.

[0052] The explanation and beneficial effects of the communication device provided in the fourth aspect can refer to the communication method shown in the second aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0053] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to enable the communication device to execute the first aspect and any possible method described in the first aspect by executing a computer program or instruction or through a logic circuit; or to enable the communication device to execute the second aspect and any possible method described in the second aspect.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or instruction.

[0055] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface, which is used to input and / or output signals.

[0056] In the sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a logic circuit and an input / output interface, the input / output interface being used to input and / or output signals, the logic circuit being used to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible embodiment of the first aspect; or, the logic circuit being used to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible embodiment of the second aspect.

[0057] In the seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or the instruction is run on a computer, the method described in the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect is executed; or, the method described in the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect is executed.

[0058] In an eighth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect to be executed; or cause the method described in the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect to be executed.

[0059] In the ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes the above-mentioned main network device and the above-mentioned terminal device, the main network device is used to execute the method described in the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect, and the terminal device is used to execute the above-mentioned second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect.

[0060] For the description of the beneficial effects of the third to ninth aspects, reference can be made to the description of the first and second aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0062] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0063] FIG3 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0064] FIG4 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0065] FIG5 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 500 applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0066] FIG6 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 600 applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0067] FIG7 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 700 applicable to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following points are first explained.

[0069] 1. In this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0070] 2. In this 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 based on their internal logical relationships.

[0071] 3. The various numerical numbers involved in this application are only used for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of protection of this application. The size of the serial numbers involved in this application does not mean the order of execution. The order of execution of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. For example, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth" and other various terminology labels (if any) in the specification and claims and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. Among them, the data used in this way can be interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments described here can be implemented in an order other than what is illustrated or described here.

[0072] At the same time, any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner to facilitate understanding.

[0073] 4. The terms "comprise" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, product or apparatus.

[0074] 5. In this application, "pre-defined" may include pre-defined, such as protocol definition. "Pre-defined" may be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device. This application does not limit the specific implementation method.

[0075] 6. "Storage" or "saving" as used in this application may refer to storage in one or more memories. The one or more memories may be provided separately or integrated into an encoder or decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The one or more memories may also be partially provided separately and partially integrated into a decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory may be any form of storage medium and is not limited thereto.

[0076] 7. In this application, unless otherwise specified, “ / ” indicates that the objects associated with each other are in an “or” relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. “And / or” in this application is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0077] First, a communication system to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable is described.

[0078] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: fifth generation (5G) or new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS), etc. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as sixth generation (6G) mobile communication systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device to device (D2D) communication, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication, machine to machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems, non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0079] As an example, Figure 1 shows a schematic architecture diagram of a communication system. For example, the architecture may include terminal devices, access network (AN) devices, core network (CN), external networks, etc. The external network may be a data network (DN), and the access network devices refer to the radio access network (RAN) devices provided in this application.

[0080] Terminal device: can be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The terminal device of this application can also be a handheld device with wireless connection function, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. At present, some examples of terminal devices are: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or future evolved public land mobile communication networks (PLMNs). The terminal equipment in the network (PLMN), etc., is not limited to this in the embodiments of the present application.

[0081] As an example and not a limitation, in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may also be a wearable device. Wearable devices may also be called wearable smart devices, which are a general term for wearable devices that are intelligently designed and developed using wearable technology for daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. A wearable device is a portable device that is worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. Wearable devices are not only hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are fully functional, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on smartphones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, as well as those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0082] It should be noted that the terminal device and the access network device can communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as but not limited to NR or LTE technology). The terminal devices can also communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as but not limited to NR or LTE technology).

[0083] In the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the function of the terminal device can be the terminal device, or it can be a device that can support the terminal device to implement the function, such as a chip system or chip, which can be installed in the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0084] Access network equipment: Also known as RAN nodes or RAN equipment. RANs provide access to communications networks for authorized users in a specific area. Access network equipment can include wireless network equipment in 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) networks, as well as access points in non-3GPP networks. For ease of description, the term "access network (AN) equipment" will be used below.

[0085] Access network equipment can adopt different wireless access technologies. There are two types of wireless access technologies at present: 3GPP access technology (for example, the wireless access technology adopted in the third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G) or 5G systems) and non-3GPP access technology. 3GPP access technology refers to access technology that complies with 3GPP standards and specifications. For example, the access network equipment in the 5G system is called the next generation Node Base station (gNB) node or RAN equipment. Non-3GPP access technologies may include air interface technologies represented by access points (APs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), code division multiple access (CDMA), etc. Access network equipment can allow terminal devices and the 3GPP core network to interconnect and communicate using non-3GPP technologies.

[0086] Access network equipment is responsible for radio resource management, quality of service (QoS) management, data compression and encryption, and other functions on the air interface side. It provides access services to terminal devices and forwards control signals and user data between terminal devices and the core network.

[0087] Access network equipment may include, but is not limited to: a macro base station, a micro base station (also known as a small station), a radio network controller (RNC), a node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (e.g., a home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), an AP in a WiFi system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (TP) or a transmission and reception point (TRP), etc. It can also be a gNB or transmission point (TRP or TP) in a 5G (e.g., NR) system, one or a group of (including multiple antenna panels) antenna panels of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a distributed unit (DU), or a base station in a next-generation communication 6G system. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the AN device.

[0088] Core Network: Responsible for user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, billing, and other services. It consists of multiple functional units, which can be divided into control plane and data plane functional entities. The access and mobility management function (AMF) network element is responsible for user access management and control, user security authentication, and mobility management. The user plane function (UPF) network element is responsible for managing user plane data transmission, traffic statistics, and other functions. The session management function (SMF) network element is primarily responsible for control plane functions such as user session management.

[0089] To achieve truly seamless global network coverage, the concept of building an NTN (Network Network) scenario is currently being proposed. For example, this NTN scenario includes satellite communications. A satellite communications system includes satellite base stations and terminal devices. Satellite base stations provide communication services to terminal devices. Satellite base stations can also communicate with ground base stations. Satellites can function as both base stations and terminal devices. Satellites can include drones, hot air balloons, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, high Earth orbit (GEO) satellites, and other non-ground base stations or devices. Due to their advantages of low communication latency, low path loss, and low manufacturing cost between LEO satellites and ground-based terminal devices, LEO satellites are considered a key infrastructure for achieving global network coverage.

[0090] For example, FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0091] Satellite communication systems have two typical operating modes: the first is transparent mode, and the second is regenerative mode.

[0092] In transparent transmission mode, the satellite forwards information from ground access network equipment. The satellite can be considered transparent to the signal. The signal only undergoes frequency conversion and signal amplification on the satellite. In transparent transmission mode, the downlink data transmission between the DN and the UE passes through the DN, 5G core network equipment (for example, UPF), gateway (GW), satellite, and UE respectively; the uplink data transmission between the DN and the UE passes through the UE, satellite, GW, 5G core network equipment (for example, UPF), and DN respectively. The GW has some or all of the functions of an access network device.

[0093] In regenerative mode, the satellite has the ability to process digital signals and thus performs some or all of the functions of an access network device. In regenerative mode, downlink data transmission between the DN and the UE passes through the DN, 5G core network equipment (e.g., UPF), GW, satellite, and UE, respectively. Uplink data transmission between the DN and the UE passes through the UE, satellite, GW, 5G core network equipment (e.g., UPF), and DN, respectively.

[0094] For example, Figure 2 shows a satellite communication system in regeneration mode. Taking the 5G network as an example, the terminal equipment on the ground accesses the network through the 5G new air interface, and the 5G access network equipment is deployed on the satellite and connected to the core network on the ground through a wireless link. At the same time, there is an inter-satellite link (ISL) between the satellites to complete the signaling interaction and user data transmission between the 5G access network equipment and the 5G access network equipment. The various network elements in Figure 2 and the interfaces between the network elements are described as follows:

[0095] 5G New Air Interface: The wireless link between terminal devices and 5G access network equipment.

[0096] Terminal device: A mobile device that supports the 5G new air interface, typically a mobile phone, tablet, or other mobile device. It can access the satellite network through the air interface and initiate calls, access the Internet, and other services. For details, refer to the description of terminal devices above.

[0097] 5G access network equipment: mainly provides wireless access services, dispatches wireless resources to access terminals, and provides reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols, such as base stations.

[0098] The 5G core network provides services such as user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and billing. It consists of multiple functional units, divided into control plane and data plane functional entities. The AMF network element is responsible for user access management and control, user security authentication, and mobility management. The UPF network element manages user plane data transmission and traffic statistics. The SMF network element primarily handles control plane functions for terminal device session management.

[0099] GW: Responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between 5G access network equipment and 5G core network.

[0100] Xn interface: The interface between 5G access network devices, mainly used for signaling interaction such as switching.

[0101] NG interface: The interface between 5G access network equipment and 5G core network, mainly interacting with the core network's non-access stratum (NAS) signaling and user service data.

[0102] In terrestrial network systems, coordinated multi-point (CoMP) technology, which collaborates across multiple base stations, can significantly improve the rate performance of cell-edge users. CoMP technology has multiple implementation methods, including dynamic point selection (DPS), coordinated scheduling (CS), coordinated beamforming (CBF), and joint transmission (JT). JT has two transmission modes: coherent joint transmission (CJT) and non-coherent joint transmission (NCJT). CJT requires multiple base stations to transmit the same useful signal to the UE using the same time-frequency resources, achieving optimal system performance. However, this method requires multiple base stations to have ideal backhaul, making system implementation more difficult. NCJT requires multiple base stations to transmit different useful signals to the UE using the same time-frequency resources, allowing for non-ideal backhaul, which reduces system implementation complexity but suffers from a certain performance loss compared to CJT.

[0103] In satellite communication systems, CJT is extremely difficult to implement due to the long distances between satellites, making it difficult to ensure ideal backhaul between them. In contrast, NCJT relaxes the requirements for ideal backhaul between satellites, making it easier to implement in practical systems.

[0104] In terrestrial networks, because ground base stations are relatively close together, the delay differences between signals sent from different base stations reaching the UE are small, and these small delay differences can be protected by the cyclic prefix (CP). Furthermore, because ground base stations are stationary and only the UE moves at a relatively low speed, the Doppler shift differences between signals sent from different base stations reaching the UE are small, and these small Doppler shift differences can be protected by the sub-carrier spacing (SCS). Therefore, in terrestrial networks, signals sent from different base stations do not generate inter-symbol interference (ISI) or inter-subcarrier interference (ICI) when they reach the UE.

[0105] In satellite communication systems, since the distance between satellites and ground terminal equipment is large and different satellites are in high-speed motion, the time delay difference between signals sent by different satellites reaching the UE side far exceeds the CP, and the Doppler frequency shift difference and SCS of signals sent by different satellites reaching the UE side are at the same order of magnitude. As a result, when signals sent by different satellites reach the UE side, serious inter-symbol interference and inter-subcarrier interference will occur, resulting in low NCJT transmission efficiency in satellite communication systems.

[0106] Based on this, the present application provides a communication method 300 that can improve the transmission efficiency of NCJT in a satellite communication system. FIG3 shows an exemplary flow chart of the communication method 300.

[0107] It should be noted that FIG3 illustrates the method using the terminal device and the master network device as the execution subjects of the interactive schematic, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive schematic. For example, the terminal device and the master network device in FIG3 may also be chips, chip systems, or processors that support the implementation of the method, or may be logical nodes, logical modules, or software that implement all or part of its functions. Specifically, the communication method 300 includes:

[0108] In step S310, the terminal device sends first information to the master network device, where the first information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports asynchronous NCJT. Correspondingly, the master network device receives the first information from the terminal device.

[0109] Specifically, the first information includes at least one of the following information:

[0110] The number of asynchronous data stream layers supported by the terminal device, the number of asynchronous beams supported by the terminal device, the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device, etc. Generally speaking, when a satellite communication system performs NCJT, one satellite uses one beam to serve one user terminal, and one satellite sends one data stream to one user terminal.

[0111] When the antenna type of the terminal device is different, the above-mentioned first information sent is also different. For example, if the antenna type of the terminal device is a fully digital antenna, the above-mentioned first information carries the number of asynchronous data stream layers (maxAsynchronousRx-Layers) supported by the terminal device, or the above-mentioned first information carries the number of asynchronous data stream layers (maxAsynchronousRx-Layers) supported by the terminal device and the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device; if the antenna type of the terminal device is an analog multi-beam antenna, the above-mentioned first information carries the number of asynchronous beams (MultibeamAsynchronousRx-Numbers) supported by the terminal device, or the above-mentioned first information carries the number of asynchronous beams (MultibeamAsynchronousRx-Numbers) supported by the terminal device and the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device. The number of antennas on a terminal device determines the spatial resolution that the terminal device can support. For example, the more antennas a terminal device has, the smaller the half-power beamwidth of the antenna on the terminal device side is, and the higher the spatial resolution that the terminal device can support; the fewer antennas a terminal device has, the larger the half-power beamwidth of the antenna on the terminal device side is, and the lower the spatial resolution that the terminal device can support.

[0112] Specifically, the terminal device may periodically report the first information. Alternatively, the terminal device reports the first information once, and when at least one of the information included in the first information changes, the terminal device sends fifth information to the master network device, where the fifth information indicates the updated first information. Alternatively, the master network device requests the terminal device to report the first information:

[0113] Optionally, before step S310, the communication method 300 may further include: the master network device sending fourth information to the terminal device, the fourth information being used to request the terminal device to report the first information. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the fourth information from the master network device.

[0114] Step S312: The main network device determines multiple network devices based on the first information, and the multiple network devices are used to provide NCJT services for the terminal device.

[0115] Exemplarily, the master network device belongs to the multiple network devices.

[0116] Exemplarily, if the number of asynchronous data stream layers supported by the terminal device carried by the above-mentioned first information is 5, then the number of the above-mentioned at least one network device is less than or equal to 5; or, if the number of asynchronous beams supported by the terminal device carried by the above-mentioned first information is 5, then the number of the above-mentioned at least one network device is less than or equal to 5.

[0117] Exemplarily, the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device carried by the first information has a mapping relationship with the number of the at least one network device. If the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device carried by the first information is greater than a first threshold, then the number of the at least one network device corresponds to the first threshold.

[0118] Optionally, the communication method 300 further includes step S314: the terminal device sends second information to the master network device, where the second information is used to indicate M network devices, the M network devices being candidate network devices indicated by the terminal device for providing the NCJT service to the terminal device, where M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0119] Optionally, when the communication method 300 executes the step S314, the communication method 300 further includes a step S316: the master network device determines the multiple network devices based on the first information and the second information.

[0120] Exemplarily, the main network device determines some or all of the above-mentioned multiple network devices from the M network devices based on at least one capability information carried by the above-mentioned first information, such as the number of asynchronous data stream layers supported by the terminal device, the number of asynchronous beams supported by the terminal device, and the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device.

[0121] After determining the plurality of network devices, the master network device notifies the plurality of network devices to perform NCJT with the terminal device. The plurality of network devices sends synchronization signals to the terminal device, and the terminal device synchronizes with the plurality of network devices and receives signals from the plurality of network devices.

[0122] In a satellite communication system, a primary satellite (hosting primary network equipment) is in high-speed motion relative to the ground. As the primary satellite moves, it can no longer provide service to a terminal device, causing the terminal device to switch its primary satellite. The primary satellite before the switch can transmit the first information reported by the terminal device to the primary satellite after the switch.

[0123] Through the above-mentioned communication method 300, different network devices providing NCJT services to the terminal device are determined according to the capabilities of the terminal device. Therefore, the terminal device can support processing asynchronous signals from different network devices, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of NCJT in the satellite communication system.

[0124] The present application may also provide another communication method 400, which can improve the transmission efficiency of NCJT in a satellite communication system. FIG4 shows an exemplary flow chart of the communication method 400.

[0125] It should be noted that FIG4 illustrates the method using a terminal device, a primary network device, and a secondary network device as the execution subjects of the interactive schematic, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive schematic. For example, the terminal device, the primary network device, and the secondary network device in FIG4 may also be chips, chip systems, or processors that support the implementation of the method, or may be logical nodes, logical modules, or software that implement all or part of its functions. Specifically, the communication method 400 includes:

[0126] In step S410, the secondary network device sends third information to the primary network device, where the third information is used to indicate that the secondary network device requests to provide NCJT service to the terminal device. Accordingly, the primary network device receives the third information from the secondary network device.

[0127] Illustratively, when the secondary network device has spare capacity to serve the terminal device, the secondary network device will send the third information to the primary network device.

[0128] Optionally, in step S412, the master network device sends the fourth information to the terminal device, where the fourth information is used to request the terminal device to report the first information. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the fourth information from the master network device.

[0129] In step S414, the terminal device sends first information to the master network device, where the first information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports asynchronous NCJT. Accordingly, the master network device receives the first information from the terminal device.

[0130] Specifically, the first information includes at least one of the following information:

[0131] The number of asynchronous data stream layers supported by the terminal device, the number of asynchronous beams supported by the terminal device, the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device, etc. Generally speaking, when a satellite communication system performs NCJT, one satellite corresponds to one data stream layer and one satellite corresponds to one beam.

[0132] When the antenna type of the terminal device is different, the above-mentioned first information sent is also different. For example, if the antenna type of the terminal device is a fully digital antenna, the above-mentioned first information carries the number of asynchronous data stream layers (maxAsynchronousRx-Layers) supported by the terminal device, or the above-mentioned first information carries the number of asynchronous data stream layers (maxAsynchronousRx-Layers) supported by the terminal device and the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device; if the antenna type of the terminal device is an analog multi-beam antenna, the above-mentioned first information carries the number of asynchronous beams (MultibeamAsynchronousRx-Numbers) supported by the terminal device, or the above-mentioned first information carries the number of asynchronous beams (MultibeamAsynchronousRx-Numbers) supported by the terminal device and the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device. The number of antennas on a terminal device determines the spatial resolution that the terminal device can support. For example, the more antennas a terminal device has, the smaller the half-power beamwidth of the antenna on the terminal device side is, and the higher the spatial resolution that the terminal device can support; the fewer antennas a terminal device has, the larger the half-power beamwidth of the antenna on the terminal device side is, and the lower the spatial resolution that the terminal device can support.

[0133] Optionally, the terminal device may further indicate M network devices to the master network device, where the M network devices are candidate network devices indicated by the terminal device for providing NCJT services to the terminal device, where M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0134] Step S416: The primary network device determines whether to allow the secondary network device to provide NCJT service for the terminal device based on the first information and the third information.

[0135] Exemplarily, if the number of asynchronous data stream layers supported by the terminal device carried by the above-mentioned first information is 5, and the main network device learns that the number of network devices currently providing NCJT services to the terminal device is less than 5, then the main network device determines to allow the auxiliary network device to provide NCJT services to the terminal device; or, the number of asynchronous beams supported by the terminal device carried by the above-mentioned first information is 5, and the main network device learns that the number of network devices currently providing NCJT services to the terminal device is less than 5, then the main network device determines to allow the auxiliary network device to provide NCJT services to the terminal device.

[0136] Exemplarily, the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device carried by the above-mentioned first information has a mapping relationship with the number of the above-mentioned at least one network device. If the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device carried by the above-mentioned first information is greater than a first threshold, and the primary network device learns that the number of network devices currently providing NCJT services to the terminal device is less than the number of network devices that the terminal device corresponding to the first threshold supports providing NCJT services to the terminal device, then the primary network device determines to allow the secondary network device to provide NCJT services to the terminal device.

[0137] Optionally, if the terminal device indicates the above-mentioned M network devices to the main network device, the main network device determines whether to allow the auxiliary network device to provide NCJT services for the terminal device based on at least one capability information carried by the above-mentioned first information, such as the number of asynchronous data stream layers supported by the terminal device, the number of asynchronous beams supported by the terminal device, and the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device. If the auxiliary network device does not belong to the above-mentioned M network devices, the main network device can determine that the auxiliary network device is not allowed to provide NCJT services for the terminal device.

[0138] Step S418: The primary network device sends feedback information of the third information to the secondary network device.

[0139] The feedback information of the third information is used to indicate whether the auxiliary network device is allowed to provide NCJT service for the terminal device.

[0140] If the network device allows the auxiliary network device to provide NCJT service for the terminal device, the auxiliary network device sends a synchronization signal to the terminal device, and the terminal device synchronizes with the auxiliary network device and receives the signal from the auxiliary network device.

[0141] In a satellite communication system, a primary satellite (hosting primary network equipment) is in high-speed motion relative to the ground. As the primary satellite moves, it can no longer provide service to a terminal device, causing the terminal device to switch its primary satellite. The primary satellite before the switch can transmit the first information reported by the terminal device to the primary satellite after the switch.

[0142] Through the above-mentioned communication method 400, different network devices providing NCJT services to the terminal device are determined according to the capabilities of the terminal device. Therefore, the terminal device can support processing asynchronous signals from different network devices, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of NCJT in the satellite communication system.

[0143] Finally, the device embodiment of the embodiment of the present application is introduced.

[0144] To implement the various functions of the method provided herein, the terminal device, primary network device, and secondary network device may include hardware structures and / or software modules, and implement the aforementioned functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0145] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 500 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 500 includes a processor 510 and a communication interface 520. Optionally, the processor 510 and the communication interface 520 may be interconnected via a bus 530. The communication device 500 may be a terminal device, a primary network device, or a secondary network device.

[0146] Optionally, the communication device 500 may further include a memory 540. The memory 540 includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and is used to store relevant instructions and data.

[0147] The processor 510 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs). In the case where the processor 510 is a CPU, the CPU may be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU.

[0148] When the communication device 500 is a terminal device, illustratively, the communication device 500 is used to perform the following operations: sending the above-mentioned first information, etc.

[0149] When the communication apparatus 500 is a master network device, illustratively, the communication apparatus 500 is configured to perform the following operations: determining at least one network device based on the first information, etc.

[0150] When the communication apparatus 500 is a secondary network device, illustratively, the communication apparatus 500 is configured to perform the following operations: sending third information, etc.

[0151] When the communication device 500 is a terminal device / primary network device / secondary network device, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the terminal device / primary network device / secondary network device in the above method embodiments.

[0152] The above description is merely exemplary. For details, please refer to the contents of the above method embodiments. The implementation of each operation in FIG5 may also correspond to the corresponding description of the method embodiments shown in FIG3 to FIG4.

[0153] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 600 according to an embodiment of the present application. Communication device 600 may be a terminal device, a primary network device, or a secondary network device, or may be a chip or module within a terminal device, a primary network device, or a secondary network device, configured to implement the methods described in the above embodiments. Communication device 600 includes a transceiver unit 610 and a processing unit 620. The following provides an exemplary description of transceiver unit 610 and processing unit 620.

[0154] The transceiver unit 610 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit is used to perform the transmitting operation of the communication device 600, and the receiving unit is used to perform the receiving operation of the communication device 600. For ease of description, this embodiment of the application combines the transmitting unit and the receiving unit into a single transceiver unit. This is described here as a unified description and will not be repeated later.

[0155] When the communication apparatus 600 is a terminal device, illustratively, the transceiver unit 610 sends the first information.

[0156] When the communication apparatus 600 is a master network device, illustratively, the transceiver unit 610 is configured to receive first information from a terminal device, and the processing unit 620 is configured to determine at least one network device based on the first information.

[0157] When the communication apparatus 600 is a secondary network device, illustratively, the transceiver unit 610 is configured to send the third information.

[0158] When the communication device 600 is a terminal device, a primary network device, or a secondary network device, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the terminal device, the primary network device, or the secondary network device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0159] Optionally, the communication device 600 further includes a storage unit 630, which is used to store a program or code for executing the aforementioned method.

[0160] The device embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6 are used to implement the contents described in Figures 3 and 4. The specific execution steps and methods of the devices shown in Figures 5 and 6 can refer to the contents described in the above method embodiments.

[0161] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 700 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 700 is used to implement the functions of a terminal device, a primary network device, or a secondary network device. The communication device 700 may be a chip in the terminal device, the primary network device, or the secondary network device.

[0162] Communication device 700 includes an input / output interface 720 and a processor 710. The input / output interface 720 may be an input / output circuit. The processor 710 may be a signal processor, a chip, or other integrated circuit capable of implementing the method of the present application. The input / output interface 720 is used for inputting or outputting signals or data.

[0163] For example, when the communication device 700 is a terminal device, the input / output interface 720 is used to send the first information.

[0164] For example, when the communication apparatus 700 is a master network device, the input / output interface 720 is configured to receive first information from a terminal device, and the processor 710 is configured to determine at least one network device based on the first information.

[0165] For example, when the communication device 700 is a secondary network device, the input / output interface 720 is used to send the third information.

[0166] In one possible implementation, the processor 710 implements the functions implemented by the terminal device or the primary network device or the secondary network device by executing instructions stored in the memory.

[0167] Optionally, the communication device 700 further includes a memory.

[0168] Optionally, the processor and memory are integrated together.

[0169] Optionally, the memory is outside the communication device 700 .

[0170] In one possible implementation, the processor 710 may be a logic circuit that inputs / outputs messages or signals through the input / output interface 720. The logic circuit may be a signal processor, a chip, or other integrated circuit that can implement the method of the embodiment of the present application.

[0171] The above description of the communication device 700 is only an exemplary description. The communication device 700 can be used to execute the method described in the above embodiments. For specific content, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0172] The present application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling and executing instructions stored in a memory from the memory, so that a communication device equipped with the chip executes the methods in the above examples.

[0173] The present application also provides a chip, comprising: an input interface, an output interface, and a processor, wherein the input interface, the output interface, and the processor are connected via an internal connection path, and the processor is configured to execute code in a memory. When the code is executed, the processor is configured to execute the methods in the above examples. Optionally, the chip also includes a memory, which is configured to store computer programs or code.

[0174] The present application also provides a processor for coupling with a memory, and for executing the methods and functions involving a network device or a terminal device in any of the above embodiments.

[0175] The present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the method of the aforementioned embodiment is implemented.

[0176] The present application also provides a computer program. When the computer program is executed in a computer, the method of the aforementioned embodiment is implemented.

[0177] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the method described in the above embodiment is implemented.

[0178] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software 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 beyond the scope of this application.

[0179] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0180] In the several embodiments provided in this application, the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0181] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

[0182] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment 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.

[0183] If the function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of each method embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0184] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The master network device receives first information from the terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate the ability of the terminal device to support asynchronous non-coherent joint transmission (NCJT); The main network device determines multiple network devices based on the first information, and the multiple network devices are used to provide NCJT services for the terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first information includes at least one of the following information: The number of asynchronous data stream layers supported by the terminal device, the number of asynchronous beams supported by the terminal device, and the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The master network device receives second information from the terminal device, where the second information is used to indicate M network devices, where the M network devices are candidate network devices for providing NCJT services for the terminal device; The master network device determines the plurality of network devices based on the first information, including: The master network device determines the plurality of network devices based on the first information and the second information, Wherein, M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: The primary network device receives third information from the secondary network device, where the third information is used to indicate that the secondary network device requests to provide NCJT service for the terminal device; The primary network device determines whether to allow the secondary network device to provide NCJT service for the terminal device based on the first information and the third information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: The main network device sends fourth information to the terminal device, where the fourth information is used to request the terminal device to report the first information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: The master network device receives fifth information from the terminal device, where the fifth information is used to indicate the updated first information.

7. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The terminal device sends first information to the main network device, where the first information is used to determine the ability of the terminal device to support asynchronous non-coherent joint transmission NCJT; The terminal device is provided with NCJT service by multiple network devices, and the multiple network devices are determined based on the first information.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The first information includes at least one of the following information: The number of asynchronous data stream layers supported by the terminal device, the number of asynchronous beams supported by the terminal device, and the spatial resolution supported by the terminal device.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The terminal device sends second information to the main network device, where the second information is used to indicate M network devices, where the M network devices are candidate network devices for providing NCJT services for the terminal device. Wherein, M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

10. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The terminal device receives fourth information from the main network device, where the fourth information is used to request the terminal device to report the first information.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: The terminal device sends fifth information to the main network device, where the fifth information is used to indicate the updated first information.

12. A communication device, characterized in that: comprising a processor configured to, by executing a computer program or instructions, The communication device is enabled to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

13. A communication device, characterized in that: comprising a processor configured to, by executing a computer program or instructions, The communication device is enabled to execute the method according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

14. The communication device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The communication device further comprises a memory for storing the computer program or instructions.

15. The communication device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The communication device further comprises a communication interface, and the communication interface is used for inputting and / or outputting signals.

16. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed on a computer, so that the method of any one of claims 1 to 6 is performed; or, The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11 is performed.

17. A computer program product, characterized in that Contains instructions that, when executed on a computer, so that the method of any one of claims 1 to 6 is performed; or, The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11 is performed.

Images