Communication method, apparatus and system, and storage medium

Abstract

A communication method, apparatus and system, and a storage medium. According to the present application, system information and a synchronization sequence are sent in a same information block, so that the time delay of a terminal device initiating a random access can be reduced, improving the efficiency of the random access; or a network device sends at least one information block at a position spaced N time units apart from a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block, the at least one information block carrying information necessary for the terminal device to initiate the random access and position information of a network side, so that the terminal device can access a cell in time, reducing the access time delay.

Description

Communication methods, devices, systems and storage media

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202311452402.0, filed on November 2, 2023, entitled "Communication Method, Apparatus, System and Storage Medium", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, system and storage medium. Background Technology

[0003] Extremely wide-coverage communication systems can support broader service coverage. For example, in non-terrestrial networks (NTN) communication systems, satellite / high-altitude platforms, as access network devices for NTN systems, can cover a large area to provide communication services to regions such as oceans and forests.

[0004] During the initial access phase, the access network equipment in the NTN system needs to scan all beams sequentially and configure random access resources for the terminal equipment. This access network equipment can broadcast different synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel blocks (SS / PBCH blocks or SSBs) for different communication areas, distinguishing them by their SSB index. After receiving the SSB, the terminal equipment completes timing synchronization and confirms the time-frequency position of system information block 1 (SIB1) according to the information in the SSB, and completes SIB1 parsing to obtain cell information. Based on the search space configured in system information block 19 (SIB19) in SIB1, it detects SIB19 and completes data parsing to obtain satellite ephemeris information. After obtaining cell information and / or ephemeris information, the terminal equipment initiates random access on the corresponding uplink resources according to the configuration information in SIB1 and / or SIB19 and the SSB index.

[0005] The initial access process described above requires obtaining the SSB first, and then obtaining cell information from SIB1. This two-step information acquisition process introduces a certain delay, which affects the access latency.

[0006] In view of this, in ultra-wide coverage communication scenarios, networks change rapidly, and how to reduce the access latency of terminal devices is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, system, and storage medium to reduce access latency of terminal devices.

[0009] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, the method being implemented by a terminal device or a chip or circuit for a terminal device.

[0010] The method includes: receiving an information block in a time slot, wherein the information block includes a synchronization sequence and system information, the system information including network device location information and random access configuration information; and initiating random access to a cell synchronized based on the synchronization sequence based on the system information. By sending system information including network device location information and the synchronization sequence in the same information block, this method reduces the latency of the terminal device initiating random access and improves the efficiency of random access.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a random access response transmitted by the network device with a beamwidth of a first beamwidth; transmitting message 3 during the random access process; receiving message 4 transmitted by the network device with a beamwidth of the first beamwidth; and transmitting message 5 during the random access process.

[0012] In another possible implementation, the information block comprises multiple information blocks that are contiguous in the time domain. This implementation, with multiple information blocks configured to be contiguous in the time domain, allows the terminal device to collect all of these information blocks in a concentrated time domain when searching for information blocks, thus determining the information block to use. The centralized pattern design reduces the access latency of the terminal device, enabling it to access the network earlier. The centralized information blocks provide system information across multiple consecutive time slots, allowing the terminal device to perform joint demodulation and reception of system information from adjacent time slots, thereby improving performance.

[0013] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which is implemented by a network device or a chip or circuit for a network device.

[0014] The method includes: transmitting an information block in a time slot, wherein the information block includes a synchronization sequence and system information, the system information including network device location information and random access configuration information; and receiving a random access request initiated to a cell synchronized based on the synchronization sequence, based on the system information. By transmitting system information including network device location information and the synchronization sequence in the same information block, this method reduces the latency of random access initiated by the terminal device and improves the efficiency of random access.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: transmitting a random access response over a beam of a first beamwidth; receiving message 3 during the random access process over the beam of the first beamwidth; transmitting message 4 over the beam of the first beamwidth; and receiving message 5 during the random access process over the first beamwidth.

[0016] In another possible implementation, the information block comprises multiple information blocks that are contiguous in the time domain and correspond to multiple network coverage areas. This implementation, with multiple information blocks configured to be contiguous in the time domain, allows the terminal device to collect all information blocks in a concentrated time domain when searching for them, thus determining the information block to use. The centralized pattern design reduces the access latency of the terminal device, enabling earlier access. The centralized information blocks provide system information across multiple consecutive time slots, allowing the terminal device to jointly demodulate and receive system information from adjacent time slots, thereby improving performance.

[0017] In another possible implementation, in conjunction with the first aspect or the second aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect or the second aspect, the information block is carried on a first beam, the beamwidth of which is greater than or equal to the beamwidth of the first beam. Using this implementation, the information block can be transmitted via a wide beam.

[0018] In another possible implementation, in combination with the first aspect or the second aspect or any of the first aspect or the second aspect, the network coverage area corresponding to the first beam is greater than or equal to the coverage area of ​​the beam transmitted with the first beam width.

[0019] In another possible implementation, combining the first aspect or the second aspect, the bandwidth corresponding to the information block is less than or equal to 20 resource blocks. This implementation occupies a small bandwidth in the system information frequency domain, allowing power pooling to improve the downlink transmission link budget, thereby increasing the number of transmittable information bits.

[0020] In another possible implementation, combining the first or second aspect, or any of the first or second aspects, the synchronization sequence and the system information are sequential in the time domain within the information block, and the time domain position of the synchronization sequence precedes the time domain position of the system information. Using this implementation, the synchronization sequence, used for timing and synchronization, is placed at the beginning of the time slot to ensure rapid sequence detection. Furthermore, the centralized placement of the synchronization sequences frees up more continuous time domain resources for the transmission of subsequent system information. Since system information occupies continuous time domain resources, more resources can be used to transmit the system information necessary for access, increasing the number of transmittable bits.

[0021] In another possible implementation, combining the first aspect or the second aspect, the information block further includes multiple demodulation reference signals used to demodulate the system information. This implementation addresses the potential for excessive time-frequency offset under extremely wide coverage conditions, necessitating joint demodulation of multiple demodulation reference signals to optimize performance and improve transmission efficiency.

[0022] In another possible implementation, combining the first aspect or the second aspect, the information block is carried on a physical downlink shared channel. Using this implementation, carrying the information block via the physical downlink shared channel allows for the carrying of more transmission bits compared to existing methods that transmit MIBs via the control channel.

[0023] In another possible implementation, in conjunction with the first aspect or the second aspect or any implementation of the first aspect or the second aspect, the system information further includes at least one of the following: a general configuration for uplink transmission, a general configuration for downlink transmission, the number of information blocks, the period of the information blocks, and the pattern of the information blocks.

[0024] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which is implemented by a terminal device or a chip or circuit for a terminal device.

[0025] The method includes: receiving at least one information block in a time slot, wherein each information block includes location information of a network device and random access configuration information, the information block being spaced N time units from a synchronization signal / broadcast signal block, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 0; and initiating random access to a cell synchronized based on the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block based on each information block. Using this method, the terminal device receives at least one information block sent by the network device at a position spaced N time units from the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block. This at least one information block carries the necessary information for the terminal device to initiate random access, thereby enabling the terminal device to access the cell in a timely manner and reducing access latency.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a random access response transmitted by the network device with a beamwidth of a first beamwidth; transmitting message 3 during the random access process; receiving message 4 transmitted by the network device with a beamwidth of the first beamwidth; and transmitting message 5 during the random access process.

[0027] In another possible implementation, the at least one information block is contiguous in the time domain. With this implementation, at least one information block is configured to be contiguous in the time domain, allowing the terminal device to centrally receive multiple information blocks in the time domain and determine the information block to use when searching for information blocks. This centralized pattern design reduces the access latency of the terminal device, enabling it to access the network earlier. The centralized information blocks provide system information for multiple consecutive time slots, allowing the terminal device to jointly demodulate and receive system information from adjacent time slots, thereby improving performance.

[0028] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which is implemented by a network device or a chip or circuit for a network device.

[0029] The method includes: transmitting at least one information block in a time slot, wherein each information block includes location information of the network device and random access configuration information, the information block is spaced N time units away from the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 0; and receiving a random access request initiated to a cell synchronized based on the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block based on each information block. Using this method, the network device transmits at least one information block at a position spaced N time units away from the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block, the at least one information block carrying the necessary information for the terminal device to initiate random access, thereby enabling the terminal device to access the cell in a timely manner and reducing access latency.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: transmitting a random access response over a beam of a first beamwidth; receiving message 3 during the random access process over the beam of the first beamwidth; transmitting message 4 over the beam of the first beamwidth; and receiving message 5 during the random access process over the first beamwidth.

[0031] In another possible implementation, the at least one information block is contiguous in the time domain, and each of the at least one information block corresponds to at least one network coverage area. With this implementation, multiple information blocks are configured to be contiguous in the time domain, allowing the terminal device to centrally receive all multiple information blocks in the time domain when searching for information blocks and determine the information block to use. This centralized pattern design reduces the access latency of the terminal device, enabling it to access the network earlier. The centralized information blocks provide system information for multiple consecutive time slots, allowing the terminal device to jointly demodulate and receive system information from adjacent time slots, thereby improving performance.

[0032] In another possible implementation, in conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block is used to indicate the time-frequency resource location of each information block. Unlike existing synchronization signal / broadcast signal blocks, this implementation uses the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block to indicate the time-frequency resource location of the corresponding information block. After receiving the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block, the terminal device can determine the time-frequency resource location of the information block corresponding to that synchronization signal / broadcast signal block based on the information carried in the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block.

[0033] In another possible implementation, in conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block is used to indicate an index of a time-domain offset value and / or an index of a frequency-domain offset value, wherein the time-domain offset value is the time-domain offset between each information block and the corresponding synchronization signal / broadcast signal block, and the frequency-domain offset value is the offset value of the start or end position of the frequency domain between each information block and the corresponding synchronization signal / broadcast signal block. Exemplarily, the time-domain offset value may be a time slot offset value. Using this implementation, the time-domain position of the information block corresponding to the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block can be indicated by several bits in the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block, and the frequency-domain position of the information block corresponding to the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block can be indicated by several bits in the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block.

[0034] In another possible implementation, combining the third or fourth aspect, each information block is carried on a first beam whose beamwidth is greater than or equal to the first beamwidth. This implementation improves coverage performance by transmitting at least one information block via a wide beam.

[0035] In another possible implementation, in combination with the third or fourth aspect or any of the third or fourth aspects, the network coverage area corresponding to the first beam is greater than or equal to the coverage area of ​​the beam transmitted with the first beam width.

[0036] In another possible implementation, combining the third or fourth aspect, the bandwidth corresponding to each information block is less than or equal to 20 resource blocks. This implementation occupies a small bandwidth in the information block frequency domain, allowing power pooling to improve the downlink transmission link budget and thus increase the number of transmittable information bits.

[0037] In another possible implementation, in conjunction with the third or fourth aspect or any of the third or fourth aspects, each information block further includes a plurality of demodulation reference signals used to demodulate the system information.

[0038] In another possible implementation, in conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, the at least one information block is carried on a physical downlink shared channel. Using this implementation, carrying at least one information block via the physical downlink shared channel allows for the carrying of more transmission bits compared to existing methods of transmitting MIBs via the control channel.

[0039] In another possible implementation, in conjunction with the third or fourth aspect or any of the third or fourth aspects, each information block further includes at least one of the following: a general uplink transmission configuration, a general downlink transmission configuration, the number of information blocks, the period of the information blocks, and the pattern of the information blocks.

[0040] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device can implement the method described in the first aspect. For example, the communication device can be a chip or a terminal device. The above method can be implemented through software, hardware, or hardware executing corresponding software.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the apparatus includes: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; wherein: the transceiver unit is configured to receive an information block in a time slot, wherein the information block includes a synchronization sequence and system information, the system information including location information of network devices and configuration information for random access; and the transceiver unit is further configured to initiate random access to a cell synchronized based on the synchronization sequence based on the system information.

[0042] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a random access response transmitted by the network device with a beamwidth of the first beamwidth; the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit message 3 during the random access process; the transceiver unit is further configured to receive message 4 transmitted by the network device with a beamwidth of the first beamwidth; and the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit message 5 during the random access process.

[0043] Optionally, the multiple information blocks are sequential in the time domain.

[0044] Sixthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device can implement the method described in the second aspect above. For example, the communication device can be a chip or a terminal device. The above method can be implemented through software, hardware, or by executing corresponding software through hardware.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the apparatus includes: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; wherein: the transceiver unit is configured to transmit an information block in a time slot, wherein the information block includes a synchronization sequence and system information, the system information including location information of network devices and configuration information for random access; and the transceiver unit is further configured to receive, based on the system information, a random access request initiated to a cell synchronized based on the synchronization sequence.

[0046] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a random access response on a beam of the first beamwidth; the transceiver unit is further configured to receive message 3 during the random access process on a beam of the first beamwidth; the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit message 4 on a beam of the first beamwidth; and the transceiver unit is further configured to receive message 5 during the random access process on a beam of the first beamwidth.

[0047] Optionally, in combination with any of the fifth or sixth aspects, the information block is carried on a first beam, the beamwidth of which is greater than or equal to the beamwidth of the first beam.

[0048] Optionally, in combination with any of the fifth or sixth aspects, the network coverage area corresponding to the first beam is greater than or equal to the coverage area of ​​the beam transmitted with the first beam width.

[0049] Optionally, in combination with any of the fifth or sixth aspects, the information block may be a plurality of information blocks that are continuous in the time domain and that correspond to a plurality of network coverage areas.

[0050] Optionally, in combination with any of the fifth or sixth aspects, the bandwidth corresponding to the information block is less than or equal to 20 resource blocks.

[0051] Optionally, in combination with any of the fifth or sixth aspects, the synchronization sequence and the system information are sequential in the time domain in the information block, and the time domain position of the synchronization sequence is located before the time domain position of the system information.

[0052] Optionally, in conjunction with any of the fifth or sixth aspects, the information block may further include a plurality of demodulation reference signals used to demodulate the system information.

[0053] Optionally, in combination with any of the fifth or sixth aspects, the information block is carried on a physical downlink shared channel.

[0054] Optionally, in conjunction with any implementation of the fifth or sixth aspect, the system information may further include at least one of the following: a general configuration for uplink transmission, a general configuration for downlink transmission, the number of information blocks, the period of the information blocks, and the pattern of the information blocks.

[0055] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device can implement the method described in the third aspect above. For example, the communication device can be a chip or a terminal device. The above method can be implemented through software, hardware, or by executing corresponding software through hardware.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the apparatus includes: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; wherein: the transceiver unit is configured to receive at least one information block in a time slot, wherein each information block includes location information of a network device and random access configuration information, the information block is spaced N time units from a synchronization signal / broadcast signal block, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 0; and the transceiver unit is further configured to initiate random access to a cell synchronized based on the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block based on each information block.

[0057] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a random access response transmitted by the network device with a beamwidth of the first beamwidth; the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit message 3 during the random access process; the transceiver unit is further configured to receive message 4 transmitted by the network device with a beamwidth of the first beamwidth; and the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit message 5 during the random access process.

[0058] Optionally, the at least one information block is continuous in the time domain.

[0059] Eighthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device can implement the method described in the fourth aspect above. For example, the communication device can be a chip or a terminal device. The above method can be implemented through software, hardware, or by executing corresponding software through hardware.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the apparatus includes: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; wherein: the transceiver unit is configured to transmit at least one information block in a time slot, wherein each information block includes location information of a network device and configuration information for random access, the information block is spaced N time units from a synchronization signal / broadcast signal block, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 0; and the transceiver unit is further configured to receive, based on each information block, a random access request initiated to a cell synchronized based on the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block.

[0061] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a random access response on a beam of the first beamwidth; the transceiver unit is further configured to receive message 3 during the random access process on a beam of the first beamwidth; the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit message 4 on a beam of the first beamwidth; and the transceiver unit is further configured to receive message 5 during the random access process on a beam of the first beamwidth.

[0062] Optionally, the at least one information block is continuous in the time domain, and the at least one information block corresponds to at least one network coverage area.

[0063] Optionally, in conjunction with any of the seventh or eighth aspects, the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block is used to indicate the time-frequency resource location of each information block.

[0064] In conjunction with any implementation of the seventh or eighth aspect, optionally, the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block is used to indicate the index of the time-domain offset value and / or the index of the frequency-domain offset value, wherein the time-domain offset value is the time-domain offset value between each information block and the corresponding synchronization signal / broadcast signal block, and the frequency-domain offset value is the offset value of the frequency-domain start or end position between each information block and the corresponding synchronization signal / broadcast signal block. Exemplarily, the time-domain offset value may be a time slot offset value.

[0065] Optionally, in conjunction with any of the seventh or eighth aspects, each information block is carried on a first beam, the beamwidth of which is greater than or equal to the beamwidth of the first beam.

[0066] Optionally, in combination with any of the seventh or eighth aspects, the network coverage area corresponding to the first beam is greater than or equal to the coverage area of ​​the beam transmitted with the first beam width.

[0067] Optionally, in combination with any of the seventh or eighth aspects, the bandwidth corresponding to each information block is less than or equal to 20 resource blocks.

[0068] Optionally, in conjunction with any of the seventh or eighth aspects, each information block may further include a plurality of demodulation reference signals used to demodulate the system information.

[0069] Optionally, in conjunction with any of the seventh or eighth aspects, the at least one information block is carried on a physical downlink shared channel.

[0070] Optionally, in conjunction with any of the seventh or eighth aspects, each information block may further include at least one of the following: a general uplink transmission configuration, a general downlink transmission configuration, the number of information blocks, the period of the information blocks, and the pattern of the information blocks.

[0071] In another possible implementation, the communication device in the fifth to eighth aspects described above is used to perform the methods in the above aspects and their various possible implementations.

[0072] In another possible implementation, the communication device described in aspects five through eight above includes a processor coupled to a memory; the processor is configured to support the device in performing corresponding functions in the above-described communication method. The memory is coupled to the processor and stores necessary computer programs (or computer-executable instructions) and / or data for the device. Optionally, the communication device may further include a communication interface for supporting communication between the device and other network elements, such as the transmission or reception of data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface. Optionally, the memory may be located internally within the communication device and integrated with the processor; alternatively, it may be located externally to the communication device.

[0073] In another possible implementation, the communication device described in aspects five through eight above includes a processor and a transceiver device. The processor is coupled to the transceiver device and is used to execute computer programs or instructions to control the transceiver device to receive and send information. When the processor executes the computer programs or instructions, it is also used to implement the above method through logic circuits or executing code instructions. The transceiver device can be a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or an input / output interface, used to receive signals from other communication devices besides the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices besides the communication device. When the communication device is a chip, the transceiver device is a transceiver circuit or an input / output interface.

[0074] When the communication device described in aspects five through eight above is a chip, the transmitting unit can be an output unit, such as an output circuit or a communication interface; the receiving unit can be an input unit, such as an input circuit or a communication interface. When the communication device is a terminal device, the transmitting unit can be a transmitter or a receiver; the receiving unit can be a receiver or a receiver.

[0075] Ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising a communication device as described in the fifth aspect or any implementation of the fifth aspect, and at least one communication device as described in the sixth aspect or any implementation of the sixth aspect.

[0076] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising a communication device as described in the seventh aspect or any implementation of the seventh aspect, and at least one communication device as described in the eighth aspect or any implementation of the eighth aspect.

[0077] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in the first aspect or any implementation of the first aspect, or implement the method as described in the second aspect or any implementation of the second aspect, or implement the method as described in the third aspect or any implementation of the third aspect, or implement the method as described in the fourth aspect or any implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0078] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided that, when executed on a computing device, implements the method as described in the first aspect or any implementation of the first aspect, or implements the method as described in the second aspect or any implementation of the second aspect, or implements the method as described in the third aspect or any implementation of the third aspect, or implements the method as described in the fourth aspect or any implementation of the fourth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0079] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a wireless communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of an NTN scenario based on transparent loads;

[0081] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of an NTN scenario based on regenerative load;

[0082] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a scenario with extremely wide coverage;

[0083] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the initial access and service data transmission phases of NR.

[0084] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the SSB format for NR;

[0085] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the format of an information block provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an access and data transmission process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the beam according to an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the transmission of multiple information blocks according to an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the format of an information block in a single time slot provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the format of an information block and an SSB provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of another information block and SSB format provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0094] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of another information block and SSB format provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0095] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another information block and SSB format provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of another information block and SSB format provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0097] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of another information block and SSB format provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0098] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of another information block and SSB format provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0100] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0101] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0102] The technical solution provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be a fourth-generation (4G) communication system. th Generation 4G) communication systems (such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems), 5G (5G) th Generation 6 (5G) communication systems, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) or wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, or integrated systems of multiple systems, or future communication systems, such as 6G (5G) communication systems, WiMAX or WLAN ... such as 6G (5G) communication systems, WiMAX or WLAN systems, or integrated systems of multiple systems, or integrated systems of multiple systems, such as 6G (5G th5G communication systems, including 6G and 6G, can also be referred to as new radio (NR) systems.

[0103] In a communication system, a network element can send signals to or receive signals from another network element. These signals can include information, signaling, or data. The term "network element" can also be replaced by an entity, network entity, device, terminal device, communication module, node, communication node, etc. This application uses a network element as an example for description. For instance, a communication system may include at least one terminal device and at least one access network device. The access network device can send downlink signals to the terminal device, and / or the terminal device can send uplink signals to the access network device. Furthermore, it is understood that if the communication system includes multiple terminal devices, these terminal devices can also exchange signals; that is, both the signal-transmitting network element and the signal-receiving network element can be terminal devices.

[0104] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to wireless communication systems such as 5G, 6G, and satellite communication. Referring to Figure 1, Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a wireless communication system provided in this application embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the wireless communication system includes a wireless access network 100. The wireless access network 100 can be a next-generation (e.g., 6G or higher) wireless access network or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G) wireless access network. One or more terminal devices (120a-120g, collectively referred to as 120) can be interconnected or connected to one or more network devices (110a-110c, collectively referred to as 110) in the wireless access network 100, and the connection method can be wired or wireless. Optionally, Figure 1 is only a schematic diagram; the wireless communication system may also include other devices, such as core network devices, wireless relay devices, and / or wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0105] Optionally, in practical applications, the wireless communication system may include multiple network devices (also known as access network devices) and multiple terminal devices simultaneously. A network device can serve one or more terminal devices simultaneously. A terminal device can also access one or more network devices simultaneously. This application embodiment does not limit the number of terminal devices and network devices included in the wireless communication system.

[0106] In this context, a network device can be an entity on the network side used to transmit or receive signals. A network device can also be an access device that allows terminal devices to wirelessly connect to the wireless communication system; for example, a network device can be a base station. A base station can broadly encompass, or be replaced by, various names including: radio access network (RAN) node, NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), access network equipment in an open radio access network (O-RAN), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master-eNB (MeNB), secondary eNB (SeNB), multi-standard radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, radio node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, building baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), and centralized unit. Network equipment includes units (CU), distributed units (DU), radio units (RU), centralized unit-control plane (CU-CP) nodes, centralized unit-user plane (CU-UP) nodes, and positioning nodes. Base stations can be macro base stations, micro base stations, relay nodes, donor nodes, or similar entities, or combinations thereof. Network equipment can also refer to communication modules, modems, or chips installed within the aforementioned devices or apparatuses. Network equipment can also be mobile switching centers and equipment that performs base station functions in device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications; network-side equipment in 6G networks; and equipment performing base station functions in future communication systems. Network equipment can support networks using the same or different access technologies.The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network device.

[0107] Network devices can be fixed or mobile. For example, base stations 110b and 110c are stationary and are responsible for wireless transmission and reception in one or more cells from terminal device 120. The helicopter or drone 120c shown in Figure 1 can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move depending on the location of the mobile base station 120c. In other examples, the helicopter or drone (120c) can be configured as a terminal device communicating with satellite base station 110a.

[0108] In this application, the communication device used to implement the above-mentioned network access functions can be an access network device, a network device with some access network functions, or a device capable of supporting the implementation of access network functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module. This device can be installed in the access network device or used in conjunction with the access network device. In the method of this application, the example of an access network device being used as the communication device to implement the access network device functions is described.

[0109] A terminal device can be a user-side entity used to receive or transmit signals, such as a mobile phone. Terminal devices can be used to connect people, things, and machines. Terminal devices can communicate with one or more core networks via network devices. Terminal devices include handheld devices with wireless connectivity, other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, or vehicle-mounted devices. Terminal devices can be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-integrated, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices. Terminal devices 120 can be widely used in various scenarios, such as cellular communication, D2D, V2X, point-to-point (P2P), machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery and mobility, etc.Examples of terminal equipment 120 include: 3GPP standard user equipment (UE), fixed equipment, mobile equipment, handheld devices, wearable devices, cellular phones, smartphones, session initiated protocol (SIP) phones, laptops, personal computers, smart books, vehicles, satellites, global positioning system (GPS) devices, target tracking devices, drones, helicopters, aircraft, ships, remote control devices, smart home devices, industrial equipment, personal communication service (PCS) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless network cameras, tablets, handheld computers, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices such as smartwatches, VR devices, AR devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, wireless terminals in self-driving systems, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, and smart city applications. Wireless terminals in various scenarios include smart gas pumps, high-speed rail terminals, and smart home terminals such as smart speakers, smart coffee machines, and smart printers. Terminal device 120 can be a wireless device in these scenarios or a device for installing on a wireless device, such as a communication module, modem, or chip. Terminal device can also be called a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), or mobile terminal (MT). Terminal device can also be a terminal device in future wireless communication systems. Terminal device can be used in dedicated network equipment or general-purpose equipment. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0110] Optionally, the terminal device can be used to act as a base station. For example, the UE can act as a scheduling entity, providing sidelink signaling between UEs in V2X, D2D, or P2P, etc. As shown in Figure 1, cellular phone 120a and car 120b communicate with each other using sidelink signaling. Cellular phone 120a communicates with smart home device 120e without relaying communication signals through base station 110b.

[0111] In this application, the communication device used to implement the functions of the terminal device can be a terminal device, a terminal device having some of the functions of the aforementioned terminal device, or a device capable of supporting the implementation of the functions of the aforementioned terminal device, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or include chips and other discrete components. The technical solutions provided in this application are described using the example of a terminal device or UE as the communication device.

[0112] Optionally, wireless communication systems typically consist of cells. Base stations manage the cells and provide communication services to multiple mobile stations (MS) within them. A base station includes a baseband unit (BBU) and a remote radio unit (RRU). The BBU and RRU can be located in different places; for example, the RRU can be deployed remotely to a high-traffic area, while the BBU is located in a central equipment room. Alternatively, the BBU and RRU can be located in the same equipment room. The BBU and RRU can also be different components within the same rack. Optionally, a cell can correspond to one carrier or a member carrier.

[0113] In some deployments, the network devices mentioned in the embodiments of this application may be devices including CU, or DU, or devices including CU and DU, or control plane CU node (CU-CP), user plane CU node (CU-UP), and DU node. For example, the network devices may include gNB-CU-CP, gNB-CU-UP, and gNB-DU.

[0114] In some deployments, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as RRUs, AAUs, or RRHs.

[0115] RAN nodes can support one or more types of fronthaul interfaces, each corresponding to a DU and RU with different functions. If the fronthaul interface between the DU and RU is a common public radio interface (CPRI), the DU is configured to implement one or more baseband functions, and the RU is configured to implement one or more radio frequency functions. If the fronthaul interface between the DU and RU is another type of interface, relative to CPRI, some downlink and / or uplink baseband functions, such as, for downlink, precoding, digital beamforming (BF), or one or more of inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) / cyclic prefix addition (CP), are moved from the DU to the RU; and for uplink, digital beamforming (BF), or one or more of fast Fourier transform (FFT) / cyclic prefix removal (CP), are moved from the DU to the RU. In one possible implementation, the interface can be an enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI). Under the eCPRI architecture, the segmentation between DU and RU differs, corresponding to different categories (Cat) of eCPRI, such as eCPRI Cat A, B, C, D, E, F.

[0116] Taking eCPRI Cat A as an example, for downlink transmission, the DU is configured to implement one or more functions before and after layer mapping (i.e., coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, and layer mapping), while other functions after layer mapping (e.g., RE mapping, digital beamforming (BF), or one or more functions of inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) / adding cyclic prefix (CP)) are moved to the RU. For uplink transmission, the DU is configured to implement one or more functions before and after de-RE mapping (i.e., decoding, de-rate matching, descrambling, demodulation, inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT), channel equalization, and de-RE mapping), while other functions after de-RE mapping (e.g., digital BF or FFT / removing CP) are moved to the RU. It is understandable that the functional descriptions of the DU and RU corresponding to various types of eCPRI can be found in the eCPRI protocol, and will not be elaborated here.

[0117] In one possible design, the processing unit in the BBU used to implement baseband functions is called the baseband high (BBH) unit, and the processing unit in the RRU / AAU / RRH used to implement baseband functions is called the baseband low (BBL) unit.

[0118] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open-centralized unit (O-CU), DU can also be called an open-distributed unit (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open-centralized unit-control plane (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open-centralized unit-user plane (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open-radio unit (O-RU). Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0119] In this embodiment, the apparatus for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or a hardware circuit plus a software module. This apparatus can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device. In this embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the functions of a network device is provided only and does not constitute a limitation on the solutions described in this embodiment.

[0120] It is understood that this application can be applied between network devices and terminal devices.

[0121] Communication between network devices and terminal devices follows a specific protocol layer structure. This protocol layer structure can include a control plane protocol layer structure and a user plane protocol layer structure. For example, the control plane protocol layer structure can include the functions of protocol layers such as the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, the radio link control (RLC) layer, the medium access control (MAC) layer, and the physical layer. Similarly, the user plane protocol layer structure can include the functions of protocol layers such as the PDCP layer, the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the physical layer. In one possible implementation, a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer can be included above the PDCP layer.

[0122] Optionally, the protocol layer structure between network devices and terminal devices may also include an artificial intelligence (AI) layer for transmitting AI-related data.

[0123] Taking data transmission between network devices and terminal devices as an example, data transmission needs to pass through user plane protocol layers, such as the SDAP layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and physical layer. The SDAP layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and physical layer can also be collectively referred to as the access layer. Based on the direction of data transmission, it is divided into sending and receiving; each of these layers is further divided into a sending part and a receiving part. Taking downlink data transmission as an example, after the PDCP layer obtains data from the upper layer, it transmits the data to the RLC layer and MAC layer. The MAC layer then generates a transport block, and finally, it is wirelessly transmitted through the physical layer. Data is encapsulated in corresponding ways at each layer. For example, data received by a layer from the upper layer is considered a Service Data Unit (SDU) of that layer. After encapsulation by that layer, it becomes a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) and is then passed to the next layer.

[0124] For example, the terminal device may also have an application layer and a non-access layer. The application layer can be used to provide services to applications installed on the terminal device. For instance, downlink data received by the terminal device can be sequentially transmitted from the physical layer to the application layer, and then provided to the application by the application layer. Alternatively, the application layer can acquire data generated by the application and sequentially transmit the data to the physical layer for transmission to other communication devices. The non-access layer can be used to forward user data, such as forwarding uplink data received from the application layer to the SDAP layer, or forwarding downlink data received from the SDAP layer to the application layer.

[0125] It should be understood that the number and type of each device in the communication system shown in Figure 1 are for illustrative purposes only, and this application is not limited thereto. In actual applications, the communication system may include more terminal devices, more access network devices, and other network elements, such as core network devices and / or network elements used to implement artificial intelligence functions.

[0126] It is understandable that all or part of the functions implemented by one or more of the terminal devices, access network devices, core network devices, or network elements used to implement artificial intelligence functions can be virtualized, that is, implemented through one or more of dedicated or general-purpose processors and corresponding software modules. Among these, the terminal devices and access network devices involve air interface transmission, and the transmit and receive functions of this interface can be implemented in hardware. Core network devices, such as operation administration and maintenance (OAM) network elements, can also be virtualized. Optionally, one or more of the functions of the virtualized terminal devices, access network devices, core network devices, or network elements used to implement artificial intelligence functions can be implemented by cloud devices, such as cloud devices in over-the-top (OTT) systems.

[0127] The following section first introduces several concepts involved in this application:

[0128] (a) NTN Network:

[0129] NTN networks refer to networks that utilize radio frequency resources on satellites (or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) platforms, high altitude platform stations (HAPS)). Compared to terrestrial cellular networks (such as 5G mobile communication systems), NTN networks offer wider coverage, lower latency, broadband speeds, and lower costs. As a supplement and extension to terrestrial networks, NTN networks can achieve wide-area seamless coverage that wired telephone networks and terrestrial mobile communication networks cannot, effectively solving internet access problems in areas lacking communication infrastructure. With a large number of satellites deployed in low Earth orbit, the round-trip transmission latency between satellites and ground terminal equipment is significantly reduced, reaching a low latency of tens of milliseconds. The use of technologies such as high-frequency bands, multi-beamforming, and frequency reuse significantly improves satellite communication capabilities, reduces unit broadband costs, and meets the demands of high-data-rate services. Compared to terrestrial 5G base stations and submarine fiber optic cables, NTN has a significant cost advantage. Modern small satellites have low R&D and manufacturing costs, and software-defined technologies can further extend the lifespan of satellites in orbit. NTN networks can be used for global coverage (such as remote areas and ocean-going vessels), emergency relief (such as disaster monitoring and emergency communications), the Internet of Things, and high-speed mobility (such as high-speed rail and airplanes).

[0130] Typical scenarios for NTN networks to provide terminal device access include transparent payloads and regenerative payloads. Figure 2A illustrates an NTN scenario based on a transparent payload. A transparent payload modifies the uplink radio frequency (RF) signal carrier, filtering and amplifying it before downlink transmission. This type of payload only has an RF processing unit and lacks baseband demodulation, decoding, and other processing. Therefore, the signal waveform remains unchanged and is repeated. Figure 2B illustrates an NTN scenario based on a regenerative payload. A regenerative payload transforms and amplifies the uplink RF signal before downlink transmission. Signal transformation refers to digital processing, which can include demodulation, decoding, recoding, remodulation, and / or filtering. This is essentially equivalent to having all or part of the base station functionality on a satellite (or UAS platform).

[0131] The aforementioned NTN networks typically have the following elements:

[0132] (1) There are one or more gateways connecting the NTN network and the common data network.

[0133] (2) Feeder link: The wireless link between the gateway station and the satellite (or UAS platform).

[0134] (3) Service link: The wireless link between the terminal device and the satellite (or UAS platform).

[0135] (4) Satellite (or UAS platform) can realize transparent payload and regenerative payload.

[0136] (5) Whether the satellite constellation has an inter-satellite link (ISL) is optional. An inter-satellite link requires the satellite to be a regenerative payload (i.e., if there is an inter-satellite link, the satellite must be a regenerative payload). ISLs can operate in RF frequencies or optical bands.

[0137] (6) The terminal equipment is provided by satellites (or UAS platforms) within the target service area.

[0138] (II) Extremely Wide Coverage:

[0139] 6G and future communication systems may consider ultra-wide coverage scenarios. Ultra-wide coverage scenarios have the following characteristics:

[0140] First, in scenarios with extremely wide coverage, the transmission distance is long, the path loss is large, and the power of access network equipment and terminal equipment is limited.

[0141] Second, the access network equipment is located at a high position, and the channel between the access network equipment and the terminal equipment is close to the line of sight (LOS).

[0142] Third, under the extreme wide coverage, it is necessary to not only meet the access requirements of terminal devices within the full coverage area, but also ensure the performance of terminal devices.

[0143] In this context of extremely wide coverage, there are various scenario requirements. For example, one scenario is a satellite scenario, where satellites cover a large area. Another scenario is ultra-wide coverage on the ground, reaching tens of kilometers, as shown in Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of an extremely wide coverage scenario.

[0144] Because satellites are less susceptible to natural disasters or external damage, they can be used as access network devices (such as base stations) in mobile communication systems to provide communication services to areas such as oceans and forests. Unlike terrestrial base stations, satellites move at higher speeds relative to the ground and travel longer distances, resulting in greater signal path loss when used as base stations. Current communication mechanisms designed for communication between terminal devices and terrestrial base stations cannot be directly applied to communication between terminal devices and satellite base stations. Therefore, to enable satellites to provide communication services to terminal devices, overcoming signal path loss to improve coverage and ensuring stable initial access for terminal devices while reducing access latency are pressing issues that need to be addressed.

[0145] To support broader service coverage, access network equipment may need to provide network services for larger communication areas. Taking non-terrestrial networks as an example, in NTN communication systems, each satellite / high-altitude platform / base station typically covers a large area. Given a link budget and system resources, the satellite network side improves overall satellite coverage by increasing the coverage area of ​​a single beam through beam design. However, due to the limited coverage of a single beam, a single satellite still requires a large number of beams to achieve full coverage.

[0146] (III) Initial Access of Terminal Equipment:

[0147] During the initial access phase, the satellite, acting as a network device, needs to scan all beams sequentially and configure random access resources for the terminal device. The random access process generally refers to the period from when the terminal device sends a random access preamble (or simply preamble) to attempt to access the network device until a basic signaling connection is established between the terminal device and the network device. Currently, network devices can broadcast different SSBs for different communication areas, distinguished by their index numbers. Generally, different SSB index numbers represent downlink synchronization signals from different beam directions, covering and serving different areas. After receiving the SSB, the terminal device completes timing synchronization and confirms the time-frequency position of SIB1 according to the information in the SSB, and completes SIB1 parsing to obtain cell information. It then detects SIB19 based on the search space configured in SIB1 and completes data parsing to obtain the satellite's ephemeris information. After obtaining cell information and / or ephemeris information, the terminal device sends a random access preamble on the corresponding uplink resources according to the configuration information and the SSB index number. For network devices, the area where the terminal device is located can be determined by the received random access preamble and the corresponding uplink resources, and a connection can be established with the terminal device.

[0148] In current NR technology, the initial access and service data transmission phases are clearly defined:

[0149] Figure 4 illustrates the process flow for the initial access and service data transmission phases of NR. The figure uses a four-step random access process as an example, but in actual use, it can also be applied to a two-step random access process. Specifically, the flow is as follows:

[0150] I. Initial Access Phase: Network devices (e.g., gNB) use a wide beam to transmit the SSB synchronization channel, and other channels are associated with the SSB beam;

[0151] Step 1: The terminal device receives SIB1 from the SSB and obtains cell information, random occasion (RO) resource configuration information, etc. from SIB1. Further, the terminal device determines the RO resource it will use based on the SSB index and RO resource configuration information, and initiates a random access request by sending a physical random access channel (PRACH) on the RO resource associated with the SSB.

[0152] Step 2: The network device receives the above PRACH and sends a random access response (RAR) to the terminal device. The RAR schedules the terminal device to send message 3 (Msg3) in the random access process on the corresponding time and frequency resources to initiate a radio resource control (RRC) setup request.

[0153] Step 3: After receiving Msg3, the network device sends message 4 (Msg4) during the random access process to the terminal device to establish RRC (RRCSetup);

[0154] Step 4: After receiving message 4 (Msg4), the terminal device sends message 5 (Msg5) during the random access process, thereby completing the initial access process;

[0155] 2. Service data transmission stage: Network devices acquire channel state information (CSI) or user location, and use narrow beams for service data transmission to improve link budget and communication rate.

[0156] However, if we refer to the initial access process of NR, in the extreme wide coverage scenario, the same wide beam is used for the transmission of channels such as SIB1 / RAR / Msg4 and SSB during the initial access process, which will lead to link budget issues. Using a wide beam during the access process can ensure comprehensive coverage, but the gain of the wide beam is lower. Furthermore, the necessary signaling data channels such as SIB1 / RAR / Msg4 in the initial access process have higher demodulation thresholds compared to SSB. In summary, using a wide beam to transmit SSB can guarantee demodulation performance, but transmitting PDSCH results in insufficient demodulation performance.

[0157] Furthermore, obtaining the SSB message first and then the cell information from SIB1 requires two steps of information retrieval, which introduces a certain delay and affects access efficiency.

[0158] The format of the SSB for NR is as follows:

[0159] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the SSB format in NR. The SSB in NR includes the primary synchronization signal (PSS), the secondary synchronization signal (SSS), the physical broadcast channel (PBCH), and the main information block (MIB).

[0160] Among them, PSS is a sequence, which occupies the first symbol of SSB and contains 127 resource elements (REs).

[0161] SSS is a sequence, occupying the 3rd symbol of SSB, with 127 RE resources.

[0162] PBCH is the control channel, using short code transmission with Polar coding. It occupies symbols 2-4 of the SSB, occupying 240*2 + 48*2 = 576 RE resources, of which 25% is the demodulation reference signal (DMRS), with effective resources of 576*0.75 = 432 REs. It is modulated using quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) to 432*2 = 864 bits (after encoding). The effective bits are 24 (MIB) + 8 (PBCH payload) + 24 (CRC) = 56 bits, with a code rate of 32 / 864 = 0.037.

[0163] The specific bit information in the PBCH is divided into the major information block (MIB) information generated by the higher layers and the physical broadcast channel payload (PBCH payload) information generated at the physical layer. Specifically: the MIB information includes the high 6 bits of the system frame number, the time-frequency position of SIB1, DMRS configuration, etc. The 8 bits of information in the PBCH payload include the low 4 bits of the system frame number, the SSB index, and the half-frame indicator.

[0164] The format of the LTE SSB is as follows:

[0165] In LTE, the SSB also includes the PSS, SSS and PBCH.

[0166] The PSS is a ZC sequence of length 63, occupying 6 resource blocks (RBs); under frequency division duplexing (FDD), it is transmitted on the last orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol of the first time slot of subframes 0 and 5; under time division duplexing (TDD), it is transmitted on the third OFDM symbol of subframes 1 and 6.

[0167] SSS is an M sequence, which is 1 symbol earlier than PSS under FDD and 3 symbols earlier than PSS under TDD.

[0168] PBCH uses a broadcast channel (BCH) for transmission. The cell name is BCCH-BCH-Message. The specific information in the MIB includes downlink system bandwidth (dl-Bandwidth), physical hybrid ARQ indicator channel (PHICH) configuration (phich-Config), system frame number (systemFrameNumber), and 24 reserved bits.

[0169] However, whether it is the NR SSB design or the LTE SSB design mentioned above, the MIB uses the control channel for transmission, and the number of bits it carries is limited, which is insufficient for the access process.

[0170] In view of this, this application provides a communication scheme that reduces the latency of random access initiated by terminal devices and improves the efficiency of random access by sending system information including the location information of network devices and the synchronization sequence in the same information block.

[0171] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the method may include the following steps:

[0172] S601. The network device sends an information block to the terminal device in a time slot. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the information block.

[0173] Figure 7 illustrates the format of an information block according to an embodiment of this application. This information block includes a synchronization sequence and system information. The synchronization sequence includes the PSS and SSS. The system information carries information used by the terminal device to initiate random access. For example, the number of bits in this system information can be around 200 bits. This system information differs from the MIB in the existing PBCH and can be called an extended-major information block (MIB-E). For example, this system information includes the location information of the network device and the random access configuration information (rach-ConfigCommon).

[0174] Furthermore, the system information may also include at least one of the following: uplink transmission common configuration (uplinkConfigCommonSIB / BWP-UplinkCommon), downlink transmission common configuration (DownlinkConfigCommonSIB / BWP-DownlinkCommon), number of information blocks, period of information blocks, and pattern of information blocks.

[0175] Furthermore, the aforementioned information block can also include multiple DMRSs, which are used to demodulate system information, channel estimation, and time-frequency offset estimation within the information block. Considering extremely wide coverage, the time-frequency offset may be too large, requiring multiple DMRSs for joint demodulation to optimize performance and improve transmission performance. Figure 7 illustrates an example of an information block including two DMRSs. This figure is merely an example; the positions of the two DMRSs can be any two symbols. In one example, the multiple DMRSs can be located between system information. In another example, the DMRSs can also be located between the synchronization sequence and system information. Moreover, the number of DMRSs can be expanded to one, two, three, or more, specifically selected and configured based on network performance, or pre-configured or agreed upon according to protocol specifications.

[0176] In one implementation, within the aforementioned information block, the synchronization sequence and system information are sequential in the time domain, with the synchronization sequence preceding the system information in the time domain. Referring again to Figure 7, this information block is carried on a single time slot. The PSS occupies the first symbol within the time slot, and the SSS occupies the second symbol, using sequence transmission. The sequences of the PSS and SSS are used for timing and synchronization; placing them at the beginning of the time slot ensures rapid sequence detection. Furthermore, the centralized configuration of the PSS and SSS frees up more continuous time domain resources for the subsequent transmission of system information. The system information occupies symbols 3-14 within the time slot, occupying 12 consecutive symbols in the time domain, allowing more resources to be used for transmitting the system information necessary for access, thus increasing the number of transmittable bits.

[0177] In one implementation, the bandwidth corresponding to the aforementioned information block is less than or equal to 20 resource blocks. Taking an SCS of 30kHz as an example, the bandwidth corresponding to the aforementioned information block is 12 RBs, corresponding to a small bandwidth of 4.32MHz. In this implementation, the system information occupies a small bandwidth in the frequency domain, and power pooling can be used to improve the downlink transmission link budget, thereby increasing the number of transmittable information bits. In contrast, the MIB in NR typically occupies 20 RBs, requiring a 7.2MHz bandwidth when SCS = 30kHz.

[0178] In one implementation, the aforementioned information block is carried on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). In this implementation, carrying the information block of this embodiment via the PDSCH allows for a significantly higher number of transmission bits compared to the existing method of transmitting the MIB via the PBCH control channel. For example, the PDSCH can carry thousands of bits, while the PBCH can carry tens of bits.

[0179] In this embodiment, the synchronization sequence and system information are sent to the terminal device simultaneously in one information block. The terminal device can receive the synchronization sequence and system information at the same time, without the need for two-step information acquisition as in the prior art, thereby reducing the access latency of the terminal device.

[0180] S602. Based on this system information, the terminal device initiates random access to the cell synchronized according to the synchronization sequence. Accordingly, the network device receives the random access request.

[0181] After receiving the aforementioned information block, the terminal device parses it to obtain the synchronization sequence and system information. The terminal device can then synchronize with a specific cell in the network device based on the synchronization sequence. Then, based on this system information, the terminal device initiates random access to the cell synchronized with the synchronization sequence. Initiating random access specifically refers to the terminal device sending a random access request to the network device. This random access request is carried on the physical random access channel (PRACH). The random access request includes a random access preamble. This random access request can also be referred to as message 1 (Msg1).

[0182] Furthermore, after receiving the random access request from the terminal device, the network device sends a reserved system information block (SIB-R) and a random access response to the terminal device using a beam with the first beamwidth. Upon receiving the random access response, the terminal device sends message 3 during the random access process to the network device. After receiving message 3 during the random access process on the beam with the first beamwidth, the network device sends message 4 to the terminal device using the same beamwidth. And after receiving message 4, the terminal device sends message 5 during the random access process to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives message 5 during the random access process on the beam with the first beamwidth.

[0183] In this embodiment, SIB-R refers to the remaining system information in the existing SIB1, excluding the system information in the aforementioned information block. That is, the system information in this embodiment carries the information necessary for the terminal device to initiate random access, reducing the amount of information carried compared to SIB1 and thus improving transmission performance. For example, with the same time-frequency resources, reducing the number of transmitted bits is equivalent to reducing the transmission code rate, thereby improving transmission performance. For example, reducing the number of transmitted bits can also reduce the occupied time-frequency resources, thereby reducing resource overhead and improving performance. Furthermore, by reducing frequency domain resource usage, transmission performance can be further improved using methods such as power aggregation.

[0184] In one implementation, the aforementioned information block is carried on a first beam, and the beamwidth of the first beam is greater than or equal to the aforementioned first beamwidth. That is, transmitting information blocks via a wide beam can improve coverage performance.

[0185] Figure 8 illustrates an access and data transmission process according to an embodiment of this application. The network device sends a synchronization sequence and system information via a wide beam, which is included in an information block. Figure 9 illustrates a beam diagram according to an embodiment of this application. The wide beam is equivalent to multiple regional narrow beams. In Figure 9, one wide beam is equivalent to three regional narrow beams. After receiving the information block, the terminal device initiates random access to the network device. After receiving the random access request from the terminal device, the network device sends SIB-R and a random access response to the terminal device on multiple regional narrow beams. Therefore, the system information in the information block can be called cell-level system information, and the SIB-R can be called regional-level system information. After receiving the random access response, the terminal device sends message 3 in the random access process to the network device. After receiving the random access request, the network device can determine the location of the terminal device, thereby identifying a regional narrow beam among the multiple regional narrow beams. For example, the location of the terminal device can be a coarse-grained location, sufficient to determine the regional narrow beam to which the terminal device belongs. Alternatively, the terminal device can report specific location information. After receiving message 3 in the random access procedure on a defined regional narrow beam, the network device sends message 4 to the terminal device on the same regional narrow beam. Upon receiving message 4, the terminal device sends message 5 in the random access procedure to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives message 5 in the random access procedure on the same regional narrow beam. By sending message 4 and receiving messages 3 and 5 in the random access procedure on the defined regional narrow beam, the network device can improve transmission performance.

[0186] After the terminal device completes the random access process, the network device transmits data with the terminal device on a narrow beam at the granularity of the terminal device (referred to as "data transmission").

[0187] In scenarios with extremely wide coverage, network devices require a large number of beams to achieve full coverage, meaning the network devices need to transmit the aforementioned multiple information blocks in multiple beam directions. Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the transmission of multiple information blocks according to an embodiment of this application. These multiple information blocks are continuous in the time domain. Taking a subcarrier spacing SCS = 30kHz as an example, a system frame (each system frame corresponds to a system frame number (SFN)) includes 20 time slots, and each information block occupies one time slot. For example, assume that a maximum of L information blocks can be transmitted within one information block period. Here, L represents the maximum number of information blocks, which can take different values. In Figure 10, a maximum of 32 (L = 32) information blocks (information block #0 to information block #L-1, i.e., information block #0 to information block #31) can be transmitted within one information block period. The multiple information blocks are configured to be continuous in the time domain, allowing the terminal device to receive all these multiple information blocks in the time domain and determine the information block to use when searching for information blocks. The centralized pattern design reduces the access latency of terminal devices, allowing them to connect earlier. The centralized information block provides system information across multiple consecutive time slots, enabling terminal devices to jointly demodulate and receive system information from adjacent time slots, thereby improving performance.

[0188] For a network device that transmits multiple information blocks, these multiple information blocks correspond to multiple network coverage areas. Each information block is carried on a first beam, and the network coverage area corresponding to the first beam is greater than or equal to the coverage area of ​​the beam transmitted with the first beam width. That is, information blocks are transmitted using a wide beam.

[0189] In addition, each information block can be identified by an index. For example, the index of an information block in time slot 0 is 0, the index of an information block in time slot 1 is 1, and so on. This index can be carried within the information block. In one example, the index can be carried in the system information. It can be indicated by specific bits, or it can be indicated by combining at least one of the time-domain resource and frequency-domain resource locations. In another example, the index can also be carried in one or more of the PSS, SSS, and system information.

[0190] According to an embodiment of this application, a communication method can reduce the latency of random access initiated by a terminal device and improve the efficiency of random access by sending system information including the location information of network devices and the synchronization sequence in the same information block.

[0191] The above embodiments redefine the SSB format. The following embodiments will describe sending additional system information without changing the existing SSB format.

[0192] Figure 11 shows a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the method may include the following steps:

[0193] S1101. The network device sends at least one information block to the terminal device in a time slot. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the at least one information block in the time slot.

[0194] In this embodiment, the existing time-frequency location of the SSB (Service Segment Bus) remains unchanged. The SSB includes the PSS (Power Segment Bus), SSS (Service Segment Bus), and MIB (Multi-Input Block). An additional information block is defined. This information block carries the information necessary for the terminal device to initiate random access. This information block includes the network device's location information and random access configuration information (rach-ConfigCommon). The network device's location information and random access configuration information can be referred to as MIB-E. The MIB-E carries the information necessary for the terminal device to initiate random access. For example, the number of bits in the MIB-E can be on the order of approximately 200 bits.

[0195] Furthermore, the MIB-E may also include at least one of the following: uplink transmission common configuration (uplinkConfigCommonSIB / BWP-UplinkCommon), downlink transmission common configuration (DownlinkConfigCommonSIB / BWP-DownlinkCommon), number of information blocks, period of information blocks, and pattern of information blocks.

[0196] Furthermore, each information block may also include one or more DMRSs. These one or more DMRSs are used to demodulate the MIB-E in that information block.

[0197] In this embodiment, the network device can transmit at least one information block in one time slot. Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the format of an information block in a single time slot according to an embodiment of this application. The MIB-E in one information block occupies 6 symbols, and a DMRS with 1 symbol is configured. A total of 2 information blocks can be placed in the entire time slot. Information block #0 occupies the time domain resources of the first half of the time slot, and information block #1 occupies the time domain resources of the second half of the time slot. When the number of information bits in an information block is limited and / or the link budget (i.e., transmission performance, related to power and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)) is sufficient, one information block can occupy up to 7 symbols, allowing 2 information blocks to be placed in one time slot. Furthermore, since the number of time domain symbols occupied by MIB-E is small, one DMRS can be used for channel estimation and / or time-frequency offset estimation, etc.

[0198] In scenarios requiring extremely wide coverage, network devices need a large number of beams to achieve full coverage. This means the network device needs to transmit multiple SSBs and multiple information blocks in multiple beam directions. In one example, as shown in Figure 13, which illustrates the format of an information block and SSB according to an embodiment of this application, multiple SSBs and multiple information blocks can be transmitted within a single system frame. In this embodiment, the information blocks and SSBs are spaced N time units apart, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 0. In Figure 13, information blocks #0-1 and SSBs #6-7 are spaced 4 time slots apart. Different SSBs and information blocks correspond to different network coverage areas. For example, in Figure 13, SSB#0 and information #0 correspond to network coverage area 0; SSB#1 and information #1 correspond to network coverage area 1; and so on.

[0199] In this context, the location of the SSB follows the existing definition; the information block is defined at a specific time-domain location. For example, in Figure 13, SSB#0 to SSB#7 occupy time slots 0-3, and information blocks #0 to #7 occupy time slots 8-11. These multiple information blocks are contiguous in the time domain, thus providing continuous time-domain resources for the transmission of other data. In Figure 13, information blocks #0 to #7 are contiguous in the time domain. The time-domain resource locations in the figure are only examples; in reality, information blocks corresponding to different SSB indices can also be in other time slots. Considering that the amount of data to be transmitted in an information block is on the order of 100-200 bits, and the link budget is limited, the information block needs to occupy independent time-domain resources and not share the same time-domain resources with the SSB. Optionally, when the link budget is sufficient and / or the number of information bits is small, the information block can also occupy the same time-domain resources as the SSB.

[0200] In another example, an information block corresponding to an SSB can also occupy one time slot for transmission. Figure 14 shows another format diagram of an information block and SSB provided in this embodiment of the application. One information block occupies one time slot, and information blocks #0 to #7 occupy a total of eight time slots in one system frame. The specific number of symbols occupied by the MIB-E can be flexibly defined according to the amount of data to be transmitted.

[0201] In another example, the information block corresponding to each SSB can also occupy discrete time slots. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, which are schematic diagrams of another information block and SSB format provided in this application embodiment, one information block occupies one time slot, and the time slots occupied by information blocks #0 to #7 are discrete. In this way, the spare time slots in the system frame can be used to transmit other data corresponding to the same SSB, and can also provide opportunities for repeated transmission of information blocks, thereby improving transmission performance and increasing the reliability of information block reception and demodulation.

[0202] In another example, multiple information blocks and multiple SSBs can be spaced apart by a certain amount of time resources. As shown in Figure 17, which is a schematic diagram of another format of information blocks and SSBs provided in this application embodiment, considering that the terminal device needs to leave a certain processing time between receiving the SSB for demodulation processing and receiving the information block, different time domain resources can be configured between the SSB and the information block.

[0203] For a network device that transmits multiple information blocks, these multiple information blocks correspond to multiple network coverage areas. At least one information block can be carried on a first beam, and the network coverage area corresponding to the first beam is greater than or equal to the coverage area of ​​the beam transmitted with the first beamwidth. That is, at least one information block is transmitted through a wide beam.

[0204] In addition, each information block can be identified by an index. For example, the index of an information block in time slot 0 is 0, the index of an information block in time slot 1 is 1, and so on. This index can be carried in the information block. It can be indicated by specific bits, or it can be indicated by combining at least one of the time-domain resource and frequency-domain resource locations.

[0205] In one implementation, the bandwidth corresponding to each information block is less than or equal to 20 resource blocks. Taking an SCS of 30kHz as an example, the bandwidth corresponding to the information block in Figure 12 is 12 RBs, corresponding to a small bandwidth of 4.32MHz. In this implementation, the information block occupies a small bandwidth in the frequency domain, and power pooling can be used to improve the downlink transmission link budget, thereby increasing the number of transmittable information bits. In contrast, the MIB in NR typically occupies 20 RBs, requiring a 7.2MHz bandwidth when SCS = 30kHz.

[0206] In one implementation, at least one information block is carried on a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). In this implementation, carrying the information block of this embodiment via the PDSCH allows for the carrying of a greater number of transmission bits. For example, the PDSCH can carry thousands of bits.

[0207] Unlike existing SSBs, the SSB in this embodiment can be used to indicate the time-frequency resource location of the corresponding information block. After receiving the SSB, the terminal device can determine the time-frequency resource location of the information block corresponding to the SSB based on the information carried in the SSB.

[0208] For example, the time-domain position of the information block corresponding to the SSB can be indicated by several bits in the SSB, and the frequency-domain position of the information block corresponding to the SSB can also be indicated by several bits in the SSB. For example, the SSB is used to indicate the index of the time-domain offset value and / or the index of the frequency-domain offset value. The time-domain offset value is the time-domain offset value between each information block and its corresponding SSB, and the frequency-domain offset value is the offset value of the frequency-domain start or end position between each information block and its corresponding SSB. For example, the time-domain offset value can be a time slot offset value. The predefined table index and / or formula parameter value of the time-frequency resource configuration can be used, and the predefined table index and / or formula parameter value of the time-frequency resource configuration can be indicated by several bits in the SSB. The specific parameters and values ​​in the predefined time-frequency resource configuration table are used to indicate the time-frequency resource position of the information block.

[0209] For example, in terms of time-domain resources, the time-domain search space of an information block is offset by X relative to the time slot where the SSB is located. Where n is the time slot, n MIB-E For the information block or MIB-E slot location, n SSB X represents the slot position of the SSB. The value of X is determined according to the index of bit indication table 1 in the SSB. N is the number of SSBs in each slot. Taking the schematic diagram of another information block and SSB format provided in the embodiment of this application shown in Figure 18 as an example, each slot includes 2 SSBs, so N = 2. i is the index of the SSB; L is the number of SSBs per unit time. The unit time here can be at the system frame level, such as 10ms or 20ms.

[0210] Assuming SSB 0 is located in time slot 0 and the index of Table 1 it indicates is 4, then X = 8. Therefore, the information block or MIB-E corresponding to SSB 0 is located in time slot 0. The time domain location of the information block or MIB-E corresponding to SSB 1 is the time slot.

[0211] Table 1. PDCCH monitoring timing parameters for information blocks.

[0212] In terms of frequency domain resources, the frequency domain resources of an information block or MIB-E are offset by Y compared to the frequency domain resources of the SSB. For example... f MIB-E_i This indicates the start / end position of the frequency domain for MIB-E. This represents the start / end position of SSB i in the frequency domain. The value of Y is determined according to the index in bit indication table 2 in the SSB. For example, when Y = 0RB, it means that the start or end position of the frequency domain resource of MIB-E is the same as the start or end position of the frequency domain resource of SSB.

[0213] Table 2. COREST resource blocks for PDCCH monitoring timing of information blocks.

[0214] The information block is located in a subsequent empty time slot within the system frame. Figure 19 shows another format diagram of information blocks and SSBs provided in this embodiment. When the number of SSBs exceeds 8, Figure 19 illustrates 16 SSBs: SSB#0 to SSB15. Eight information blocks corresponding to every eight SSBs are arranged, allowing the terminal device to quickly receive subsequent information blocks after demodulating the SSBs and obtain the cell information necessary to initiate random access, reducing access latency. The time slot interval between SSBs and information blocks shown in Figure 19 is only an example; different configurations are possible in practice. In one possible scenario, as shown in Figure 19, SSB#7 and information block #0 are placed adjacent to each other. With this arrangement, the terminal device can receive MIB-E faster.

[0215] S1102. The terminal device initiates random access to the cell that is synchronized based on the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block, based on each information block.

[0216] After receiving at least one of the aforementioned information blocks, the terminal device can determine the preferred information block and then synchronize with a cell in the network device based on the SSB corresponding to that information block. Next, the terminal device initiates random access to the cell synchronized based on the SSB. Initiating random access specifically refers to the terminal device sending a random access request to the network device. This random access request is carried on the Physical Random Access Channel (PRAN). The random access request includes a random access preamble. This random access request can also be referred to as message 1.

[0217] Furthermore, after receiving the random access request from the terminal device, the network device sends a reserved system information block and a random access response to the terminal device using a beam with a first beamwidth. Upon receiving the random access response, the terminal device sends message 3 during the random access process to the network device. After receiving message 3 during the random access process on the first beamwidth, the network device sends message 4 to the terminal device using the first beamwidth. And after receiving message 4, the terminal device sends message 5 during the random access process to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives message 5 during the random access process on the first beamwidth.

[0218] Here, SIB-R refers to the remaining system information in the existing SIB1, excluding MIB-E in the aforementioned information block. That is, in this embodiment, MIB-E carries the information necessary for the terminal device to initiate random access, reducing the amount of information carried compared to SIB1 and thus improving the link budget.

[0219] In one implementation, at least one information block is carried on a first beam, and the beamwidth of the first beam is greater than or equal to the aforementioned first beamwidth. That is, transmitting at least one information block via a wide beam can improve coverage performance.

[0220] Network devices can transmit SSBs and information blocks via a wide beam, which is equivalent to multiple regional narrow beams. After receiving the information block, the terminal device initiates random access to the network device. Upon receiving the random access request from the terminal device, the network device sends SIB-Rs and random access responses to the terminal device on multiple regional narrow beams. Therefore, the MIB-E in the aforementioned information block can be called cell-level system information, and the SIB-R can be called regional-level system information. After receiving the random access response, the terminal device sends message 3 in the random access process to the network device. Upon receiving the random access request, the network device can determine the location of the terminal device, thereby identifying one of the multiple regional narrow beams. For example, the location of the terminal device can be a coarse-grained location, sufficient to determine the regional narrow beam to which the terminal device belongs. Alternatively, the terminal device can report specific location information. After receiving message 3 in the random access process on the identified regional narrow beam, the network device sends message 4 to the terminal device on that regional narrow beam. And after receiving message 4, the terminal device sends message 5 in the random access process to the network device. Accordingly, the network device receives message 5 during the random access procedure on the designated area-level narrow beam. By sending message 4 and receiving messages 3 and 5 during the random access procedure on a defined area-level narrow beam, the network device can improve transmission performance.

[0221] After the terminal device completes the random access process, the network device transmits data with the terminal device on a narrow beam at the granularity of the terminal device.

[0222] According to an embodiment of this application, a communication method is provided in which a network device sends at least one information block at a position N time units apart from the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block. The at least one information block carries the necessary information for the terminal device to initiate random access, thereby enabling the terminal device to access the cell in a timely manner and reducing access latency.

[0223] In this application, the phrase "sending information to... (e.g., a terminal device)" or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the terminal device. Similarly, "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal device)" or "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal device)" or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal device. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the terminal device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0224] It is understood that this application uses terminal devices and network devices as examples to illustrate the interaction, but this application does not limit the entities that can be used to illustrate the interaction. For example, the terminal device in the method provided by this application can also be a chip, chip system, or processor applied to the terminal device, or it can be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device's functions; the network device in the method provided by this application can also be a chip, chip system, or processor applied to the network device, or it can be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the network device's functions.

[0225] It is understood that, in the above embodiments, the methods and / or steps implemented by the terminal device can also be implemented by components (e.g., chips or circuits) that can be used in the terminal device; and the methods and / or steps implemented by the network device can also be implemented by components (e.g., chips or circuits) that can be used in the network device.

[0226] The above mainly describes the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of interaction between various devices. Accordingly, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication device for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device can be a terminal device in the above method embodiments, or a component that can be used in a terminal device; or, this communication device can be a network device in the above method embodiments, or a component that can be used in a network device. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art 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.

[0227] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing unit. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0228] Figures 20 and 21 are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of terminal devices or network devices in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be one of the terminal devices 120a-120g shown in Figure 1, or it can be a module (such as a chip) applied to a terminal device or network device.

[0229] As shown in Figure 20, the communication device 2000 includes a processing unit 2010 and a transceiver unit 2020. The communication device 2000 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the method embodiments shown in Figure 6 or Figure 11 above.

[0230] When the communication device 2000 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG6 or FIG11: the transceiver unit 2020 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in steps S601 and S602 in the embodiment shown in FIG6; or the transceiver unit 2020 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in steps S1101 and S1102 in the embodiment shown in FIG11.

[0231] When the communication device 2000 is used to implement the function of the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG6 or FIG11: the transceiver unit 2020 is used to implement the function of the network device in steps S601 and S602 in the embodiment shown in FIG6; or the transceiver unit 2020 is used to implement the function of the network device in steps S1101 and S1102 in the embodiment shown in FIG11.

[0232] A more detailed description of the processing unit 2010 and the transceiver unit 2020 can be obtained directly from the relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown in Figure 6 or Figure 11, and will not be repeated here.

[0233] As shown in Figure 21, the communication device 2100 includes a processor 2110 and an interface circuit 2120. The processor 2110 and the interface circuit 2120 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 2120 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 2100 may also include a memory 2130 for storing instructions executed by the processor 2110, or storing input data required by the processor 2110 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 2110 executes instructions.

[0234] When the communication device 2100 is used to implement the method shown in FIG6 or FIG11, the processor 2110 is used to implement the function of the processing unit 2010, and the interface circuit 2120 is used to implement the function of the transceiver unit 2020.

[0235] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal device, the terminal device chip implements the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The terminal device chip receives information from other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal device, the information being sent to the terminal device by the network device; or, the terminal device chip sends information to other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal device, the information being sent to the network device by the terminal device.

[0236] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a network device, the network device chip implements the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments. The network device chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, which is information sent from the terminal device to the network device; or, the network device chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, which is information sent from the network device to the terminal device.

[0237] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0238] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC can reside in a network device or terminal device. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can exist as discrete components in the network device or terminal device.

[0239] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive.

[0240] The term "at least one" in this application refers to one or more items. "More than one item" means two or more items. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. Furthermore, it should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used in this application to describe various objects, these objects should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the objects from each other.

[0241] The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in this application as described below, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus. It should be noted that in this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate illustrative, explanatory, or descriptive purposes. Any method or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other methods or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0242] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0243] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: A block of information is received in a time slot, wherein the block of information includes a synchronization sequence and system information, the system information including the location information of the network device and the configuration information of random access; Based on the system information, a random access is initiated to the cell synchronized based on the synchronization sequence.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a random access response sent by the network device with a beamwidth of the first beamwidth; Send message 3 during the random access process; Receive message 4 sent by the network device with the first beamwidth; Send message 5 during the random access process.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The information block is a plurality of information blocks, which are continuous in the time domain.

4. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: A block of information is transmitted in a time slot, wherein the block of information includes a synchronization sequence and system information, the system information including the location information of the network device and the configuration information of random access; Based on the system information, a random access request initiated to a cell synchronized based on the synchronization sequence is received.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Transmit random access responses using a beamwidth of the first beamwidth; Message 3 during the random access process is received on the beam with the first beamwidth; Message 4 is transmitted on the beam with the first beamwidth; Message 5 during the random access process is received on the beam of the first beamwidth.

6. The method as described in claim 2 or 5, characterized in that, The information block is carried on a first beam, and the beamwidth of the first beam is greater than or equal to the beamwidth of the first beam.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The network coverage area corresponding to the first beam is greater than or equal to the coverage area of ​​the beam transmitted with the first beam width.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4-7, characterized in that, The information block is a plurality of information blocks, which are continuous in the time domain and correspond to multiple network coverage areas.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The bandwidth corresponding to the information block is less than or equal to 20 resource blocks.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, In the information block, the synchronization sequence and the system information are continuous in the time domain, and the time domain position of the synchronization sequence is located before the time domain position of the system information.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The information block also includes multiple demodulation reference signals, which are used to demodulate the system information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The information block is carried on the physical downlink shared channel.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The system information also includes at least one of the following: general uplink transmission configuration, general downlink transmission configuration, number of information blocks, period of information blocks, and pattern of information blocks.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: At least one information block is received in a time slot, wherein each information block includes the location information of the network device and the configuration information of random access, and the information block is spaced N time units away from the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 0; Based on each information block, a random access is initiated to the cell synchronized based on the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a random access response sent by the network device with a beamwidth of the first beamwidth; Send message 3 during the random access process; Receive message 4 sent by the network device with the first beamwidth; Send message 5 during the random access process.

16. The method as described in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The at least one information block is continuous in the time domain.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: At least one information block is transmitted in a time slot, wherein each information block includes the location information of the network device and the configuration information of random access, and the information block is spaced N time units away from the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 0; Based on each information block, random access is received to the cell synchronized based on the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block.

18. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Transmit random access responses using a beamwidth of the first beamwidth; Message 3 during the random access process is received on the beam with the first beamwidth; Message 4 is transmitted on the beam with the first beamwidth; Message 5 during the random access process is received over the first beamwidth.

19. The method as described in claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The at least one information block is continuous in the time domain, and the at least one information block corresponds to at least one network coverage area.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14-19, characterized in that, The synchronization signal / broadcast signal block is used to indicate the time-frequency resource location of each information block.

21. The method as described in claim 20, characterized in that, The synchronization signal / broadcast signal block is used to indicate the index of the time-domain offset value and / or the index of the frequency-domain offset value. The time-domain offset value is the time-domain offset value between each information block and the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block corresponding to each information block. The frequency-domain offset value is the offset value of the frequency-domain start or end position between each information block and the synchronization signal / broadcast signal block corresponding to each information block.

22. The method as described in claim 15 or 18, characterized in that, Each information block is carried on a first beam, the beamwidth of which is greater than or equal to the first beamwidth.

23. The method as described in claim 22, characterized in that, The network coverage area corresponding to the first beam is greater than or equal to the coverage area of ​​the beam transmitted with the first beam width.

24. The method according to any one of claims 14-23, characterized in that, The bandwidth corresponding to each information block is less than or equal to 20 resource blocks.

25. The method according to any one of claims 14-24, characterized in that, Each information block also includes multiple demodulation reference signals, which are used to demodulate the system information.

26. The method according to any one of claims 14-25, characterized in that, The at least one information block is carried on the physical downlink shared channel.

27. The method according to any one of claims 14-26, characterized in that, Each information block further includes at least one of the following: a general configuration for uplink transmission, a general configuration for downlink transmission, the number of information blocks, the period of the information blocks, and the pattern of the information blocks.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-27.

29. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-3 and 6-13, and the second communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 4-13.

30. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a first communication device and a second communication device, the first communication device being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 14-16, 20-27, and the second communication device being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 17-27.

31. A communication device, characterized in that, The invention includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that the processor, when executing the computer program, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-27.

32. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-27.

33. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes relevant program instructions, which, when executed, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-27.

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