Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: a primary base station can indicate, on the basis of ephemeris information of a satellite where a secondary base station is located and information such as the location and MRTD of a terminal device, a time for the primary base station and the secondary base station to send signals to the terminal device at the same time. By means of the method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the time for a plurality of network devices to send signals to a terminal device can be indicated for the terminal device, so that the time difference of the terminal device receiving different satellite signals meets MRTD requirements, thereby avoiding the problem of resource waste caused by the terminal device ignoring some or all of the signals.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on November 17, 2023, with application number 202311546750.4 and application name “Communication Method and Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method and apparatus. Background Art

[0003] In non-terrestrial network (NTN) scenarios, the time difference between different satellite signals received by a terminal device may exceed the terminal device's maximum receive timing difference (MRTD) requirement due to the large difference in the distance between different satellites reaching the terminal device. When the time difference between received signals exceeds the MRTD requirement, the terminal device typically reduces signal processing. For example, the terminal device may completely or partially ignore the received signal, resulting in wasted resources.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can ensure that the time difference between different satellite signals received by a terminal device meets the MRTD requirement and avoid resource waste.

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

[0007] The method includes: a first network device receives first information from a terminal device, the first information being used to indicate the position of the terminal device and the MRTD of the terminal device; the first network device receives second information from a second network device, the second information including ephemeris information of the satellite where the second network device is located; the first network device determines first indication information based on the first information, the second information, and the third information, the first indication information being used to indicate the time when the first network device and the second network device send signals to the terminal device, and the third information including the ephemeris information of the satellite where the first network device is located.

[0008] Alternatively, the first indication information may also be used to indicate the time when the terminal device receives signals from the first network device and the second network device.

[0009] Optionally, the second information may also include the system frame number (SFN), subcarrier spacing (SCS), carrier frequency, epoch time, MIB, NTN configuration information, SIB and other information of the second network device.

[0010] Optionally, the third information may also include SFN, SCS, carrier frequency, epochtime, MIB, NTN configuration information, SIB and other information of the first network device.

[0011] Through the above method, the terminal device can be instructed to send signals to multiple network devices at the time, so that the time difference between the terminal device receiving different satellite signals meets the MRTD requirements, avoiding the problem of resource waste caused by the terminal device ignoring some or all signals.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of A time periods, and the above-mentioned method also includes: the first network device sends a signal to the terminal device in the above-mentioned A time periods, where A is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0013] Exemplarily, the first indication information may include the start time and end time of each of the A time periods.

[0014] Optionally, the above-mentioned A time periods can be time periods when the first network device sends signals to the terminal device, and the time periods when the second network device sends signals to the terminal device are not limited; or, the above-mentioned A time periods can be time periods when the second network device sends signals to the terminal device, and the time periods when the first network device sends signals to the terminal device are not limited.

[0015] Through the above method, the first indication information can directly indicate the information of the time period, so that the first network device can send a signal to the terminal device together with other network devices when entering the relevant time period.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of an interval of B distance differences, and the above-mentioned method also includes: when the difference between the distance between the above-mentioned first network device and the terminal device and the distance between the second network device and the terminal device is in the interval of the above-mentioned B distance differences, the above-mentioned first network device sends a signal to the terminal device, where B is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0017] Exemplarily, the first indication information may include a start distance difference and an end distance difference of each distance difference interval in the B distance difference intervals.

[0018] By using the above method, when multiple network devices send signals to a terminal device, the distance differences between the multiple network devices and the terminal device can also be used to indicate the time when the multiple network devices can send signals to the terminal device.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of intervals of C first angles and / or information of intervals of D second angles, and the above-mentioned method also includes: when the angle between the first network device and the terminal device is in the interval of C first angles, the above-mentioned first network device sends a signal to the terminal device, wherein C and D are positive integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0020] The first angle is the angle between the first network device and the terminal device, and the second angle is the angle between the second network device and the terminal device.

[0021] Alternatively, if the first indication information includes information of an interval of C first angles, when the angle between the first network device and the terminal device is within the interval of the C first angles, the first network device and the second network device may simultaneously send signals to the terminal device.

[0022] Alternatively, if the first indication information includes information of an interval of D second angles, when the angle between the second network device and the terminal device is within the interval of the D second angles, the first network device and the second network device may simultaneously send signals to the terminal device.

[0023] Alternatively, if the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of intervals of C first angles and information of intervals of the above-mentioned D second angles, when the angle between the above-mentioned first network device and the terminal device is in the interval of the above-mentioned C first angles, the above-mentioned first network device sends a signal to the terminal device; when the angle between the above-mentioned second network device and the terminal device is in the interval of the above-mentioned D second angles, the above-mentioned second network device sends a signal to the terminal device.

[0024] Exemplarily, the above-mentioned first indication information may include the starting angle and ending angle of each first angle interval in the above-mentioned C first angle intervals, and / or, the above-mentioned first indication information may include the starting angle and ending angle of each second angle interval in the above-mentioned D second angle intervals.

[0025] By using the above method, when multiple network devices send signals to a terminal device, the angles between the multiple network devices and the terminal device can also be used to indicate the time when the multiple network devices can send signals to the terminal device.

[0026] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information includes a first bit sequence and / or a second bit sequence, and the method further includes: the first network device sends a signal to the terminal device at the time indicated by the first bit sequence.

[0027] Each bit in the first bit sequence corresponds to a first time unit, and each bit in the second bit sequence corresponds to a second time unit.

[0028] Exemplarily, the first time unit or the second time unit may be any one of a mini-slot, a time slot, a subframe, a frame, and a superframe, and the first time unit and the second time unit may be the same or different, which is not limited in this application.

[0029] Alternatively, if the first indication information includes a first bit sequence, the first network device and the second network device simultaneously send a signal to the terminal device at a time corresponding to the first bit sequence.

[0030] Alternatively, if the first indication information includes a second bit sequence, the first network device and the second network device simultaneously send a signal to the terminal device at a time corresponding to the second bit sequence.

[0031] Alternatively, if the first indication information includes a first bit sequence and a second bit sequence, the first network device sends a signal to the terminal device at a time corresponding to the first bit sequence; the second network device sends a signal to the terminal device at a time corresponding to the second bit sequence.

[0032] By using the above method, when multiple network devices send signals to a terminal device, a bit sequence can also be used to indicate the time when the multiple network devices can send signals to the terminal device.

[0033] On the second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by a module (such as a chip or circuit) in the terminal device, or by a logical node, logical module or software that can realize all or part of the terminal device functions. This application does not limit this.

[0034] The method includes: the terminal device sends first information to the first network device, the first information is used to indicate the location of the terminal device and the MRTD of the terminal device, the first information is used by the first network device to determine first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate the time when the first network device and the second network device send signals to the terminal device; the terminal device receives the above-mentioned first indication information.

[0035] Alternatively, the first indication information may also be used to indicate the time when the terminal device receives signals from the first network device and the second network device.

[0036] Through the above method, the terminal device can be instructed to send signals to multiple network devices at the time, so that the time difference between the terminal device receiving different satellite signals meets the MRTD requirements, avoiding the problem of resource waste caused by the terminal device ignoring some or all signals.

[0037] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of A time periods, and the above-mentioned method also includes: the terminal device receives signals from the first network device and the second network device in the above-mentioned A time periods, where A is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0038] Optionally, the above-mentioned A time periods can be time periods when the first network device sends signals to the terminal device, and the time periods when the second network device sends signals to the terminal device are not limited; or, the above-mentioned A time periods can be time periods when the second network device sends signals to the terminal device, and the time periods when the first network device sends signals to the terminal device are not limited.

[0039] Exemplarily, the first indication information may include the start time and end time of each of the A time periods.

[0040] Through the above method, the first indication information can directly indicate the information of the time period, so that the first network device can send a signal to the terminal device together with other network devices when entering the relevant time period.

[0041] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of an interval of B distance differences, and the above-mentioned method also includes: when the difference between the distance between the above-mentioned first network device and the terminal device and the distance between the second network device and the terminal device is in the interval of the above-mentioned B distance differences, the above-mentioned terminal device receives signals from the above-mentioned first network device and the second network device, where B is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0042] Exemplarily, the first indication information may include a start distance difference and an end distance difference of each distance difference interval in the B distance difference intervals.

[0043] By using the above method, when multiple network devices send signals to a terminal device, the distance differences between the multiple network devices and the terminal device can also be used to indicate the time when the multiple network devices can send signals to the terminal device.

[0044] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of intervals of C first angles and / or information of intervals of D second angles, and the above-mentioned method also includes: when the angle between the first network device and the terminal device is in the interval of C first angles, the above-mentioned terminal device receives a signal from the first network device, wherein C and D are positive integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0045] The first angle is the angle between the first network device and the terminal device, and the second angle is the angle between the second network device and the terminal device.

[0046] Alternatively, if the first indication information includes information of an interval of C first angles, when the angle between the first network device and the terminal device is within the interval of the C first angles, the terminal device can simultaneously receive signals from the first network device and the second network device.

[0047] Alternatively, if the first indication information includes information of an interval of D second angles, when the angle between the second network device and the terminal device is within the interval of the D second angles, the terminal device can simultaneously receive signals from the first network device and the second network device.

[0048] Alternatively, if the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of intervals of C first angles and information of intervals of D second angles, when the angle between the above-mentioned first network device and the terminal device is in the interval of the above-mentioned C first angles, the above-mentioned terminal device receives the signal from the first network device; when the angle between the above-mentioned second network device and the terminal device is in the interval of the above-mentioned D second angles, the above-mentioned terminal device receives the signal from the second network device.

[0049] Exemplarily, the above-mentioned first indication information may include the starting angle and ending angle of each first angle interval in the above-mentioned C first angle intervals, and / or, the above-mentioned first indication information may include the starting angle and ending angle of each second angle interval in the above-mentioned D second angle intervals.

[0050] By using the above method, when multiple network devices send signals to a terminal device, the angles between the multiple network devices and the terminal device can also be used to indicate the time when the multiple network devices can send signals to the terminal device.

[0051] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first indication information includes a first bit sequence and / or a second bit sequence, each bit in the first bit sequence corresponds to a first time unit, and each bit in the second bit sequence corresponds to a second time unit.

[0052] Exemplarily, the first time unit or the second time unit may be any one of a mini-slot, a time slot, a subframe, a frame, and a superframe, and the first time unit and the second time unit may be the same or different, which is not limited in this application.

[0053] If the first indication information includes a first bit sequence, the terminal device receives signals from the first network device and the second network device at the time indicated by the first bit sequence.

[0054] Alternatively, if the first indication information includes a second bit sequence, the terminal device receives signals from the first network device and the second network device in the second bit sequence.

[0055] Alternatively, if the above-mentioned first indication information includes a first bit sequence and a second bit sequence, the above-mentioned terminal device receives a signal from the first network device at the time indicated by the first bit sequence; and the above-mentioned terminal device receives a signal from the above-mentioned second network device at the time indicated by the second bit sequence.

[0056] By using the above method, when multiple network devices send signals to a terminal device, a bit sequence can also be used to indicate the time when the multiple network devices can send signals to the terminal device.

[0057] On the third aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second network device, or by a module (such as a chip or circuit) in the second network device, or by a logical node, logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the second network device. This application does not limit this.

[0058] The method includes: the second network device sends second information to the first network device, the second information including ephemeris information of the satellite where the second network device is located, the second information is used by the first network device to determine first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the time when the first network device and the second network device send signals to the terminal device; the second network device receives the above-mentioned first indication information.

[0059] Alternatively, the first indication information may also be used to indicate the time when the terminal device receives signals from the first network device and the second network device.

[0060] Through the above method, the terminal device can be instructed to send signals to multiple network devices at the time, so that the time difference between the terminal device receiving different satellite signals meets the MRTD requirements, avoiding the problem of resource waste caused by the terminal device ignoring some or all signals.

[0061] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of A time periods, and the above-mentioned method also includes: the second network device sends a signal to the terminal device in the above-mentioned A time periods, where A is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0062] Optionally, the above-mentioned A time periods can be time periods when the first network device sends signals to the terminal device, and the time periods when the second network device sends signals to the terminal device are not limited; or, the above-mentioned A time periods can be time periods when the second network device sends signals to the terminal device, and the time periods when the first network device sends signals to the terminal device are not limited.

[0063] Exemplarily, the first indication information may include the start time and end time of each of the A time periods.

[0064] Through the above method, the first indication information can directly indicate the information of the time period, so that the first network device can send a signal to the terminal device together with other network devices when entering the relevant time period.

[0065] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of an interval of B distance differences, and the above-mentioned method also includes: when the difference between the distance between the above-mentioned first network device and the terminal device and the distance between the second network device and the terminal device is in the interval of the above-mentioned B distance differences, the above-mentioned second network device sends a signal to the terminal device, where B is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0066] Exemplarily, the first indication information may include a start distance difference and an end distance difference of each distance difference interval in the B distance difference intervals.

[0067] By using the above method, when multiple network devices send signals to a terminal device, the distance differences between the multiple network devices and the terminal device can also be used to indicate the time when the multiple network devices can send signals to the terminal device.

[0068] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of intervals of C first angles and / or information of intervals of D second angles, and the above-mentioned method also includes: when the angle between the first network device and the terminal device is in the interval of D second angles, the above-mentioned second network device sends a signal to the terminal device, wherein C and D are positive integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0069] The first angle is the angle between the first network device and the terminal device, and the second angle is the angle between the second network device and the terminal device.

[0070] Alternatively, if the first indication information includes information of an interval of C first angles, when the angle between the first network device and the terminal device is within the interval of the C first angles, the second network device and the first network device may simultaneously send signals to the terminal device.

[0071] Alternatively, if the first indication information includes information about an interval of D second angles, when the angle between the second network device and the terminal device is within the interval of the D second angles, the second network device and the first network device may simultaneously send signals to the terminal device.

[0072] Alternatively, if the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of intervals of C first angles and information of intervals of the above-mentioned D second angles, when the angle between the above-mentioned first network device and the terminal device is in the interval of the above-mentioned C first angles, the above-mentioned first network device sends a signal to the terminal device; when the angle between the above-mentioned second network device and the terminal device is in the interval of the above-mentioned D second angles, the above-mentioned second network device sends a signal to the terminal device.

[0073] Exemplarily, the above-mentioned first indication information may include the starting angle and ending angle of each first angle interval in the above-mentioned C first angle intervals, and / or, the above-mentioned first indication information may include the starting angle and ending angle of each second angle interval in the above-mentioned D second angle intervals.

[0074] By using the above method, when multiple network devices send signals to a terminal device, the angles between the multiple network devices and the terminal device can also be used to indicate the time when the multiple network devices can send signals to the terminal device.

[0075] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the first indication information includes a first bit sequence and / or a second bit sequence, each bit in the first bit sequence corresponds to a first time unit, and each bit in the second bit sequence corresponds to a second time unit.

[0076] Exemplarily, the first time unit or the second time unit may be any one of a mini-slot, a time slot, a subframe, a frame, and a superframe, and the first time unit and the second time unit may be the same or different, which is not limited in this application.

[0077] If the first indication information includes a first bit sequence, the second network device and the first network device send a signal to the terminal device at the time indicated by the first bit sequence.

[0078] Alternatively, if the first indication information includes a second bit sequence, the second network device and the first network device send a signal to the terminal device at the time indicated by the second bit sequence.

[0079] Alternatively, if the first indication information includes a first bit sequence and a second bit sequence, the second network device sends a signal to the terminal device at the time indicated by the second bit sequence, and the first network device sends a signal to the terminal device at the time indicated by the first bit sequence.

[0080] By using the above method, when multiple network devices send signals to a terminal device, a bit sequence can also be used to indicate the time when the multiple network devices send signals to the terminal device.

[0081] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by a module (such as a chip or circuit) in the terminal device, or by a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device functions. This application does not limit this.

[0082] The method includes: the terminal device determines a first time and a second time, the first time being the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device before adjustment, and the second time being the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device; the terminal device determines whether the time interval between the first time and the second time is greater than the MTTD of the terminal device; if the time interval between the first time and the second time is greater than the MTTD of the terminal device, the terminal device indicates the time interval to the first network device; the terminal device receives fifth information from the first network device, the fifth information is used to indicate a third time, the third time being the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device after adjustment, and the third time is determined based on the MTTD of the terminal device and the above-mentioned time interval.

[0083] Alternatively, the above method includes: the terminal device determines a first time and a second time, the first time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device before adjustment, and the second time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device; the terminal device determines whether the time interval between the first time and the second time is greater than the MTTD of the terminal device; if the time interval between the first time and the second time is greater than the MTTD of the terminal device, the terminal device indicates the time interval to the second network device; the terminal device receives sixth information from the second network device, and the sixth information is used to indicate the third time.

[0084] Exemplarily, the first time may be TA#1 when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device, and the second time may be TA#2 when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device.

[0085] Exemplarily, the terminal device may indicate the above time interval to the first network device or the second network device through any message.

[0086] Through the above method, when the time for the terminal device to send signals to multiple network devices does not meet the MTTD requirements, the network device adjusts the time for the terminal device to send signals, which can ensure that the time difference for the terminal device to send signals to different satellites meets the MTTD requirements and improve network performance.

[0087] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the terminal device determines the first time, including: the terminal device receives a first TAC, the first TAC indicates a first TA; the terminal device determines the first time based on the first TA.

[0088] Among them, the above-mentioned TA#1 can be an example of the first TA.

[0089] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the fifth information used to indicate the third time includes: the fifth information used to indicate a first adjustment value, which is a time increased or decreased relative to the first TA; the method also includes: the terminal device determines the third time based on the first TA and the first adjustment value.

[0090] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the fifth information is used to indicate the third time, including: the fifth information is used to indicate the second TA, and the method further includes: the terminal device determines the third time based on the second TA.

[0091] Exemplarily, the fifth information and / or the sixth information is TAC.

[0092] In the fifth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by a module (such as a chip or circuit) in the terminal device, or by a logical node, logical module or software that can realize all or part of the terminal device functions. This application does not limit this.

[0093] The method includes: a terminal device determining a first time, where the first time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to a first network device; the terminal device indicating the first time to the first network device; the terminal device receiving seventh information from the first network device, where the seventh information is used to indicate a second time, where the second time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device, and the second time is determined based on the first time and the MTTD of the terminal device;

[0094] Alternatively, the above method includes: the terminal device determines a first time, which is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device; the terminal device indicates the first time to the first network device; the terminal device indicates the first time to the second network device; the terminal device receives eighth information from the second network device, and the eighth information is used to indicate the second time.

[0095] Exemplarily, the terminal device may indicate the first time to the first network device or the second network device through an arbitrary message.

[0096] Through the above method, the terminal device can determine the time to send a signal to a certain network device and send the determined time to the network device. The network device determines the time when the terminal device that meets the MTTD requirements sends signals to other network devices, thereby improving network performance.

[0097] In the sixth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first network device, or by a module (such as a chip or circuit) in the first network device, or by a logical node, logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the first network device. This application does not limit this.

[0098] The method includes: a first network device obtains a time interval between a first time and a second time, the first time being the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device before adjustment, and the second time being the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device; the first network device adjusts the first time to a third time based on the MTTD of the terminal device and the time interval; the first network device sends fifth information to the terminal device, and the fifth information is used to indicate the third time.

[0099] Exemplarily, the first time may be TA#1 when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device, and the second time may be TA#2 when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device.

[0100] Through the above method, when the time for the terminal device to send signals to multiple network devices does not meet the MTTD requirements, the network device adjusts the time for the terminal device to send signals, which can ensure that the time difference for the terminal device to send signals to different satellites meets the MTTD requirements and improve network performance.

[0101] Optionally, the above method further includes: the first network device receives second indication information from the terminal device, where the second indication information is used to indicate the MTTD of the terminal device.

[0102] Exemplarily, the fifth information is TAC.

[0103] In the seventh aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first network device, or by a module (such as a chip or circuit) in the first network device, or by a logical node, logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the first network device. This application does not limit this.

[0104] The method includes: the first network device obtains a first time, which is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device; the first network device determines a second time based on the first time and the MTTD of the terminal device, and the second time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device; the first network device sends seventh information to the terminal device, and the seventh information is used to indicate the second time.

[0105] Through the above method, the terminal device can determine the time to send a signal to a certain network device and send the determined time to the network device. The network device determines the time when the terminal device that meets the MTTD requirements sends signals to other network devices, thereby improving network performance.

[0106] Optionally, the above method further includes: the first network device receives second indication information from the terminal device, where the second indication information is used to indicate the MTTD of the terminal device.

[0107] Exemplarily, the seventh information is TAC.

[0108] In the eighth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second network device, or by a module (such as a chip or circuit) in the second network device, or by a logical node, logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the second network device. This application does not limit this.

[0109] The method includes: the second network device obtains the time interval between the first time and the second time, the first time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device before adjustment, and the second time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device; the second network device adjusts the first time to a third time according to the MTTD of the terminal device and the time interval; the second network device sends sixth information to the terminal device, and the sixth information is used to indicate the third time.

[0110] Exemplarily, the first time may be TA#1 when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device, and the second time may be TA#2 when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device.

[0111] Through the above method, when the time for the terminal device to send signals to multiple network devices does not meet the MTTD requirements, the network device adjusts the time for the terminal device to send signals, which can ensure that the time difference for the terminal device to send signals to different satellites meets the MTTD requirements and improve network performance.

[0112] Optionally, the above method further includes: the second network device receives third indication information from the terminal device, where the third indication information is used to indicate the MTTD of the terminal device.

[0113] Exemplarily, the sixth information is TAC.

[0114] In the ninth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second network device, or by a module (such as a chip or circuit) in the second network device, or by a logical node, logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the second network device. This application does not limit this.

[0115] The method includes: the second network device obtains a first time, which is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device; the second network device determines a second time based on the first time and the MTTD of the terminal device, and the second time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device; the second network device sends an eighth information to the terminal device, and the eighth information is used to indicate the second time.

[0116] Through the above method, the terminal device can determine the time to send a signal to a certain network device and send the determined time to the network device. The network device determines the time when the terminal device that meets the MTTD requirements sends signals to other network devices, thereby improving network performance.

[0117] Optionally, the above method further includes: the second network device receives third indication information from the terminal device, where the third indication information is used to indicate the MTTD of the terminal device.

[0118] Exemplarily, the eighth information is TAC.

[0119] In the tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a transceiver unit for receiving first information from a terminal device, the first information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device and the MRTD of the terminal device; the transceiver unit is also used to receive second information from a second network device, the second information including the ephemeris information of the satellite where the second network device is located; the above-mentioned communication device also includes: a processing unit for determining first indication information based on the above-mentioned first information, second information and third information, the first indication information being used to indicate the time when the first network device and the second network device send signals to the terminal device, and the third information including the ephemeris information of the satellite where the first network device is located.

[0120] In combination with the tenth aspect, in certain implementations of the tenth aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of A time periods, and the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to send signals to the terminal device in the above-mentioned A time periods, where A is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0121] In combination with the tenth aspect, in certain implementations of the tenth aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of an interval of B distance differences, and the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to send a signal to the terminal device when the difference between the distance between the above-mentioned first network device and the terminal device and the distance between the second network device and the terminal device is in the interval of the above-mentioned B distance differences, where B is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0122] In combination with the tenth aspect, in certain implementations of the tenth aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of intervals of C first angles and / or information of intervals of D second angles, and the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to send a signal to the terminal device when the angle between the first network device and the terminal device is in the interval of C first angles, wherein C and D are positive integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0123] In combination with the tenth aspect, in certain implementations of the tenth aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes a first bit sequence and / or a second bit sequence, and the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to send a signal to the terminal device at the time indicated by the first bit sequence.

[0124] In the eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a transceiver unit for sending first information to a first network device, the first information being used to indicate the location of the terminal device and the MRTD of the terminal device, the first information being used by the first network device to determine first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the time when the first network device and the second network device send signals to the terminal device; the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to receive the above-mentioned first indication information.

[0125] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of A time periods, and the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to receive signals from the first network device and the second network device in the above-mentioned A time periods, where A is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0126] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of an interval of B distance differences, and the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to receive signals from the above-mentioned first network device and the second network device when the difference between the distance between the above-mentioned first network device and the terminal device and the distance between the second network device and the terminal device is in the interval of the above-mentioned B distance differences, wherein B is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0127] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of intervals of C first angles and / or information of intervals of D second angles, and the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to send a signal to the terminal device when the angle between the first network device and the terminal device is in the interval of C first angles, wherein C and D are positive integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0128] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes a first bit sequence and / or a second bit sequence, and the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to, wherein the above-mentioned first bit sequence is used to indicate the time when the first network device sends a signal to the terminal device, and the above-mentioned second bit sequence is used to indicate the time when the first network device sends a signal to the terminal device, and the above-mentioned second bit sequence is used to indicate the reception of signals from the first network device and the second network device at the time indicated by the first bit sequence and / or the second bit sequence.

[0129] In the twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a transceiver unit for sending second information to a first network device, the second information including ephemeris information of the satellite where the second network device is located, the second information is used by the first network device to determine first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the time when the first network device and the second network device send signals to the terminal device; the transceiver unit is also used to receive the above-mentioned first indication information.

[0130] In combination with the twelfth aspect, in certain implementations of the twelfth aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of A time periods, and the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to send signals to the terminal device in the above-mentioned A time periods, where A is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0131] In combination with the twelfth aspect, in certain implementations of the twelfth aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of an interval of B distance differences, and the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to send a signal to the terminal device when the difference between the distance between the above-mentioned first network device and the terminal device and the distance between the second network device and the terminal device is in the interval of the above-mentioned B distance differences, where B is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0132] In combination with the twelfth aspect, in certain implementations of the twelfth aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of intervals of C first angles and / or information of intervals of D second angles, and the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to send a signal to the terminal device when the angle between the first network device and the terminal device is in the interval of D second angles, wherein C and D are positive integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0133] In combination with the twelfth aspect, in certain implementations of the twelfth aspect, the above-mentioned first indication information includes a first bit sequence and / or a second bit sequence, and the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to send a signal to the terminal device at the time indicated by the second bit sequence.

[0134] In the thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a processing unit, used to determine a first time and a second time, the first time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device before adjustment, and the second time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device; the processing unit is also used to determine whether the time interval between the first time and the second time is greater than the MTTD of the terminal device; the above-mentioned communication device also includes: a transceiver unit, if the time interval between the first time and the second time is greater than the MTTD of the terminal device, the transceiver unit is used to indicate the time interval to the first network device; the transceiver unit is also used to receive fifth information from the first network device, the fifth information is used to indicate a third time, the third time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device after adjustment, and the third time is determined based on the MTTD of the terminal device and the above-mentioned time interval.

[0135] Alternatively, if the time interval between the first time and the second time is greater than the MTTD of the terminal device, the transceiver unit is further used to indicate the time interval to the second network device; the transceiver unit is further used to receive sixth information from the second network device, and the sixth information is used to indicate the third time.

[0136] In combination with the thirteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the thirteenth aspect, the processing unit is used to determine the first time, including: the transceiver unit is used to receive a first TAC, the first TAC indicates a first TA; the processing unit is used to determine the first time based on the first TA.

[0137] In combination with the thirteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the thirteenth aspect, the fifth information used to indicate the third time includes: the fifth information used to indicate the first adjustment value, which is the time increased or decreased relative to the first TA; the processing unit is also used to determine the third time based on the first TA and the first adjustment value.

[0138] In combination with the thirteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the thirteenth aspect, the fifth information is used to indicate the third time, including: the fifth information is used to indicate the second TA, and the processing unit is further used to determine the third time based on the second TA.

[0139] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, the device including: a processing unit, configured to determine a first time, the first time being a time when a terminal device sends a signal to a first network device; the device also including a transceiver unit, configured to indicate the first time to the first network device; the transceiver unit is further configured to receive seventh information from the first network device, the seventh information being configured to indicate a second time, the second time being a time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device, the second time being determined based on the first time and an MTTD of the terminal device;

[0140] Alternatively, the transceiver unit is further configured to indicate the first time to the second network device; the transceiver unit is further configured to receive eighth information from the second network device, where the eighth information is configured to indicate the second time.

[0141] In the fifteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a transceiver unit for obtaining the time interval between a first time and a second time, the first time being the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device before adjustment, and the second time being the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device; the above-mentioned device also includes a processing unit for adjusting the first time to a third time according to the MTTD of the terminal device and the time interval; the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to send fifth information to the terminal device, and the fifth information is used to indicate the third time.

[0142] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive second indication information from the terminal device, where the second indication information is configured to indicate the MTTD of the terminal device.

[0143] In the sixteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a transceiver unit for obtaining a first time, which is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device; the device also includes: a processing unit for determining a second time based on the first time and the MTTD of the terminal device, which is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device; the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to send seventh information to the terminal device, and the seventh information is used to indicate the second time.

[0144] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive second indication information from the terminal device, where the second indication information is configured to indicate the MTTD of the terminal device.

[0145] In the seventeenth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a transceiver unit for obtaining the time interval between a first time and a second time, the first time being the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device before adjustment, and the second time being the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device; the above-mentioned device also includes a processing unit for adjusting the first time to a third time according to the MTTD of the terminal device and the time interval; the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to send sixth information to the terminal device, and the sixth information is used to indicate the third time.

[0146] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive third indication information from the terminal device, where the third indication information is configured to indicate the MTTD of the terminal device.

[0147] In the eighteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a transceiver unit for obtaining a first time, which is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device; the device also includes: a processing unit for determining a second time based on the first time and the MTTD of the terminal device, which is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device; the above-mentioned transceiver unit is also used to send eighth information to the terminal device, and the eighth information is used to indicate the second time.

[0148] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive third indication information from the terminal device, where the third indication information is configured to indicate the MTTD of the terminal device.

[0149] In the nineteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor, wherein the processor is used to, by executing a computer program or instruction or through a logic circuit, enable the communication device to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possibility of the first aspect, or enable the communication device to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possibility of the second aspect, or enable the communication device to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possibility of the third aspect, or enable the communication device to execute the method described in the fourth aspect and any possibility of the fourth aspect, or enable the communication device to execute the method described in the fifth aspect and any possibility of the fifth aspect, or enable the communication device to execute the method described in the sixth aspect and any possibility of the sixth aspect, or enable the communication device to execute the method described in the seventh aspect and any possibility of the seventh aspect, or enable the communication device to execute the method described in the eighth aspect and any possibility of the eighth aspect, or enable the communication device to execute the method described in the ninth aspect and any possibility of the ninth aspect.

[0150] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or instruction.

[0151] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface, which is used to input and / or output signals.

[0152] In the twentieth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a logic circuit and an input / output interface, the input / output interface being used to input and / or output signals, the logic circuit being used to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possibility of the first aspect, or to enable the communication device to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possibility of the second aspect, or to enable the communication device to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possibility of the third aspect, or to enable the communication device to execute the method described in the fourth aspect and any possibility of the fourth aspect, or to enable the communication device to execute the method described in the fifth aspect and any possibility of the fifth aspect, or to enable the communication device to execute the method described in the sixth aspect and any possibility of the sixth aspect, or to enable the communication device to execute the method described in the seventh aspect and any possibility of the seventh aspect, or to enable the communication device to execute the method described in the eighth aspect and any possibility of the eighth aspect, or to enable the communication device to execute the method described in the ninth aspect and any possibility of the ninth aspect.

[0153] In the twenty-first aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or the instruction is run on a computer, the method described in the first aspect and any possibility of the first aspect is executed, or the method described in the second aspect and any possibility of the second aspect is executed, or the method described in the third aspect and any possibility of the third aspect is executed, or the method described in the fourth aspect and any possibility of the fourth aspect is executed, or the method described in the fifth aspect and any possibility of the fifth aspect is executed, or the method described in the sixth aspect and any possibility of the sixth aspect is executed, or the method described in the seventh aspect and any possibility of the seventh aspect is executed, or the method described in the eighth aspect and any possibility of the eighth aspect is executed, or the method described in the ninth aspect and any possibility of the ninth aspect is executed.

[0154] In aspect 22, a computer program product is provided, comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in aspect 1 and any possibility of aspect 1 to be executed, or cause the method described in aspect 2 and any possibility of aspect 2 to be executed, or cause the method described in aspect 3 and any possibility of aspect 3 to be executed, or cause the method described in aspect 4 and any possibility of aspect 4 to be executed, or cause the method described in aspect 5 and any possibility of aspect 5 to be executed, or cause the method described in aspect 6 and any possibility of aspect 6 to be executed, or cause the method described in aspect 7 and any possibility of aspect 7 to be executed, or cause the method described in aspect 8 and any possibility of aspect 8 to be executed, or cause the method described in aspect 9 and any possibility of aspect 9 to be executed.

[0155] In the twenty-third aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes the above-mentioned first network device, the second network device and the above-mentioned terminal device, the first network device is used to execute the method described in the above-mentioned first aspect and any possibility of the first aspect, or the first network device is used to execute the method described in the above-mentioned fifth aspect and any possibility of the fifth aspect, or the first network device is used to execute the method described in the above-mentioned sixth aspect and any possibility of the sixth aspect, the terminal device is used to execute the method described in the above-mentioned second aspect and any possibility of the second aspect, or the terminal device is used to execute the method described in the above-mentioned third aspect and any possibility of the third aspect, or the terminal device is used to execute the method described in the above-mentioned fourth aspect and any possibility of the fourth aspect, the second network device is used to execute the method described in the above-mentioned third aspect and any possibility of the third aspect, or the second network device is used to execute the method described in the above-mentioned eighth aspect and any possibility of the eighth aspect, or the second network device is used to execute the method described in the above-mentioned ninth aspect and any possibility of the ninth aspect.

[0156] For the relevant explanations and descriptions of the beneficial effects of the tenth to twenty-third aspects, please refer to the descriptions of the first to ninth aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0157] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture 100 of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0158] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an architecture 200 of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0159] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of an architecture 300 of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0160] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of an architecture 400 of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0161] FIG5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0162] FIG6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 600 applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0163] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of an example of a TAC suitable for use in an embodiment of the present application.

[0164] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of another TAC applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0165] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of yet another example of a TAC suitable for use in an embodiment of the present application.

[0166] FIG10( a ) is a schematic diagram of yet another example of a TAC applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0167] FIG10( b ) is a schematic diagram of yet another example of TAC applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0168] FIG11( a ) is a schematic diagram of yet another example of a TAC applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0169] FIG11( b ) is a schematic diagram of yet another example of TAC applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0170] FIG12( a ) is a schematic diagram of yet another example of a TAC applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0171] FIG12( b ) is a schematic diagram of yet another example of TAC applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0172] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of yet another example of a TAC suitable for use in an embodiment of the present application.

[0173] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of yet another example of a TAC suitable for use in an embodiment of the present application.

[0174] FIG15 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 700 applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0175] FIG16 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1600 applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0176] FIG17 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1700 applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0177] FIG18 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1800 applicable to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0178] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0179] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: fifth generation (5G) or new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, etc. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device to device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine to machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0180] In the embodiment of the present application, the network device is an access device that the terminal device accesses to the mobile communication system in a wireless manner, for example, including an access network (AN) device, such as a base station. The network device may also refer to a device that communicates with the terminal device at the air interface. The network device may include an evolved Node B (also referred to as eNB or e-NodeB) in an LTE system or an advanced long term evolution (LTE-A); the network device may also include a next generation node B (gNB) in a 5G NR system; or, the network device may also include an access node in a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system; or the network device may be a relay station, an on-board device, and a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN) device, a device in a D2D network, a device in a machine to machine (M2M) network, a device in an Internet of Things (IoT) network, or a network device in a PLMN network. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the network device.

[0181] In addition, the base station in the embodiment of the present application may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), and multiple DUs can be centrally controlled by one CU. CU and DU can be divided according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they possess, for example, the functions of the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer and above protocol layers are set in the CU, and the protocol layers below the PDCP, such as the radio link control (RLC) layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer, are set in the DU. It should be noted that this division of the protocol layer is only an example, and it can also be divided in other protocol layers. The radio frequency device can be remote and not placed in the DU, or it can be integrated in the DU, or partially remote and partially integrated in the DU. The embodiment of the present application does not impose any restrictions. In addition, in some embodiments, the control plane (CP) and user plane (UP) of the CU can be separated and divided into different entities for implementation, namely the control plane CU entity (CU-CP entity) and the user plane CU entity (CU-UP entity). In this network architecture, the signaling generated by the CU can be sent to the terminal device through the DU, or the signaling generated by the UE can be sent to the CU through the DU. The DU can directly encapsulate the signaling through the protocol layer and transparently transmit it to the UE or CU without parsing it. In this network architecture, the CU is divided into a network device on the radio access network (RAN) side. In addition, the CU can also be divided as a network device on the core network (CN) side. This application does not limit this.

[0182] The access network device may also be a server, etc. For example, the network device in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology may be a roadside unit (RSU). The following description uses a base station as an example of an access network device. A base station can communicate with a terminal device, or it can communicate with the terminal device through a relay station. A terminal device can communicate with multiple base stations using different access technologies.

[0183] In the embodiments of the present application, core network equipment is used to implement functions such as mobility management, data processing, session management, policy and billing. The names of the devices implementing core network functions in systems with different access technologies may be different, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this. Taking the 5G system as an example, the core network equipment includes: access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), policy control function (PCF) or user plane function (UPF), etc.

[0184] In an embodiment of the present application, a terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver functions, which can send signals to a network device or receive signals from a network device. The terminal device may include user equipment (UE), sometimes also referred to as a terminal, an access station, a UE station, a remote station, a wireless communication device, or a user device, etc. The terminal device is used to connect people, objects, machines, etc., and can be widely used in various scenarios, such as but not limited to the following scenarios: cellular communication, D2D, V2X, machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, self-driving, remote medical, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearable, smart transportation, smart city, drones, robots and other scenarios. For example, the terminal device can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a VR terminal, an AR terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in unmanned driving, a smart speaker in an IoT network, a wireless terminal device in telemedicine, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, or a wireless terminal device in a smart home, etc. As an example and not a limitation, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices can also be called wearable smart devices or smart wearable devices, etc., which are a general term for wearable devices that are intelligently designed and developed using wearable technology for daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing and shoes. The various terminal devices introduced above, if located on a vehicle (for example, placed in a vehicle or installed in a vehicle), can be considered as vehicle-mounted terminal devices, which are also called on-board units (OBUs). The terminal device of the present application can also be a vehicle-mounted module, vehicle-mounted module, vehicle-mounted component, vehicle-mounted chip or vehicle-mounted unit that is built into the vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the method of the present application through the built-in vehicle-mounted module, vehicle-mounted module, vehicle-mounted component, vehicle-mounted chip or vehicle-mounted unit.

[0185] In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device for implementing the network device function may be a network device, or may be a device capable of supporting the network device to implement the function, such as a chip system, which may be installed in the network device. In the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are described by taking the network device as an example of the device for implementing the network device function being a network device.

[0186] As a possible application scenario, the NTN system may include a satellite system. Based on the satellite altitude, that is, the satellite orbit height, the satellite system can be divided into high elliptical orbit (HEO) satellites, geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites, medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites, and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites. In addition, the NTN system may also include aerial network equipment such as high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication systems. The aerial network equipment involved in this application is not limited to the above examples.

[0187] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0188] First, a communication system applicable to this application is briefly introduced as follows.

[0189] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture 100 of an NTN communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0190] The NTN network includes network device #1, network device #2, ground access network equipment, a ground core network, and terminals. Network device #1 can be a satellite, such as a HEO satellite, GEO satellite, MEO satellite, LEO satellite, or HAPS, etc., without limitation. Network device #2 can be a gateway (also known as a ground station, earth station, gateway station, or gateway station), which can be used to connect network device #1 and a base station. One or more network devices #1 can be connected to one or more ground base stations through one or more network devices #2, without limitation. In Figure 1, the communication mode of network device #1 is transparent mode, that is, network device #1 acts as an analog RF repeater, performing wireless frequency conversion and amplification, and can transparently transmit or replicate signals between the base station and the terminal. For example, a signal sent by a terminal can be transparently transmitted through network device #1, forwarded by network device #2, and enter the ground base station.

[0191] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the communication mode of network device #1. For example, the communication mode of network device #1 may also be a regenerative mode.

[0192] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an NTN communication system architecture 200 applicable to an embodiment of the present application. In Figure 2, the communication mode of network device #1 is regeneration mode. This means that network device #1 can function as a wireless communication base station, regenerating signals received from the ground and understanding and processing these signals. For example, network device #1 can be a base station mounted on an artificial satellite or high-altitude aircraft, such as an evolved base station (eNB) or a 5G base station (gNB). Network device #2 can forward signaling between network device #1 (i.e., the base station) and the core network.

[0193] It should be noted that Figure 2 only shows one network device #1 and one network device #2. In actual use, multiple network devices #1 and / or multiple network device architectures #2 may be adopted as needed. Each network device #1 can provide services to one or more terminals, each network device #2 can correspond to one or more network devices #1, and each network device #1 can correspond to one or more network devices #2. This embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this.

[0194] As an example, Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of another NTN network architecture 300. Figure 3 uses two network devices #1 and two network devices #2 as an example. The communication mode of the two network devices #1 is regenerative mode, meaning that both network devices #1 can function as base stations for wireless communication. This differs from Figure 2 in that an inter-satellite link (ISL) exists between the two network devices #1. In this network architecture, different network devices #1 can communicate with each other and can also connect to the same terrestrial core network.

[0195] As an example, network device #1 can also serve as the DU of the base station, separated from the CU of the ground base station, forming a CU DU distributed architecture.

[0196] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of another NTN network architecture 400. Figure 4 differs from Figure 1 in that network device #1, acting as a base station DU, can understand, process, and regenerate signals from the ground, rather than simply transparently transmitting or replicating them, while the ground base station acts only as a CU. In this network architecture, the service link between the terminal device and network device #1 can transmit NR-Uu radio interface signals, and the feeder link between network device #1 and network device #2 transmits satellite radio interface (SRI) signals, over which the F1 interface signals between the DU and CU are transmitted.

[0197] In order to facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the present application, the terms involved in the embodiments of the present application are explained below.

[0198] 1. Dual connectivity (DC), carrier aggregation (CA), and multiple transmission reception point (M-TRP).

[0199] DC technology allows a terminal device to simultaneously use the radio resources of two different base stations (a primary base station and a secondary base station) while connected. This improves the radio resource utilization of the entire wireless network system, reduces handover latency, and improves user and system performance. The two different base stations can be using different radio access technologies.

[0200] Exemplarily, (evolved-UMTS terrestrial radio access, E-UTRA) NR dual connectivity, EN-DC) indicates access between a terminal device and an eNB and a gNB, and the eNB and the gNB are connected to the 4G core network, with the eNB as the anchor point; (NR E-UTRA dual connectivity, NE-DC) indicates access between a terminal device and a gNB and an eNB, and the gNB and the eNB are connected to the 5G core network, with the gNB as the anchor point; (NR dual connectivity, NR-DC) indicates that a terminal device accesses two gNBs, and the two gNBs are connected to the 5G core network, with the gNB as the anchor point.

[0201] CA technology involves the simultaneous use of two or more frequency carriers, combining different frequency bands to expand bandwidth and reduce transmission latency. Generally, these two or more frequency carriers can be carriers in different cells within the same base station. In CA technology, terminal devices and different cells utilize the same radio access technology.

[0202] M-TRP technology uses joint transmission across multiple TRPs to improve coverage, cell-edge user throughput, and transmission reliability. Terminal devices and these multiple TRPs can transmit the same or different data, and these multiple TRPs can be divided into ideal backhaul lines and non-ideal backhaul lines. The scenario in which the terminal device and multiple TRPs transmit the same data is called coherent joint transmission (CJT), which has high synchronization requirements between multiple TRPs. The scenario in which the terminal device and multiple TRPs transmit different data is called non-coherent joint transmission (NCJT), which has low synchronization requirements between multiple TRPs.

[0203] 2. Maximum receive timing difference (MRTD)

[0204] For example, MRTD may be a relative receive timing difference in any of the following scenarios:

[0205] Terminal devices under CA should be able to handle the relative receive timing differences between the nearest slot timing boundaries of different carriers to be aggregated in NR carrier aggregation.

[0206] Terminal devices under EN-DC should be able to handle the relative receive timing difference between the subframe timing boundary of the E-UTRA primary cell (PCell) and the time slot timing boundary of the closest NR primary secondary cell (PSCell).

[0207] Terminal devices in NE-DC should be able to handle the relative receive timing difference between the slot timing boundary of the NR PCell and the subframe timing boundary of the closest E-UTRA PSCell.

[0208] NR-DC terminals should be able to handle the relative receive timing difference between the slot timing boundary of the NR PCell and the slot timing boundary of the closest NR PSCell.

[0209] 3. Maximum transmit timing difference (MTTD)

[0210] For example, MTTD may be a relative transmission timing difference in any of the following scenarios:

[0211] Terminal devices under CA should be able to handle the relative transmission timing differences between the nearest slot timing boundaries of different carriers to be aggregated in NR carrier aggregation.

[0212] Terminal devices operating in EN-DC should be able to handle the relative transmission timing difference between the subframe timing boundary of the E-UTRA PCell and the slot timing boundary of the closest NR PSCell.

[0213] Terminal devices in NE-DC should be able to handle the relative transmission timing difference between the slot timing boundary of the NR PCell and the subframe timing boundary of the closest E-UTRA PSCell.

[0214] Terminal devices in NR-DC should be able to handle the relative transmission timing difference between the slot timing boundary of the NR PCell and the slot timing boundary of the nearest NR PSCell.

[0215] Terminal equipment under M-TRP should be able to handle the relative transmission timing difference between the time slot timing boundary of one TRP and the time slot timing boundary of the nearest other TRP.

[0216] 4. Timing Advance (TA)

[0217] TA means that the system frame of uplink data sent by the terminal device is a certain amount ahead of the system frame of downlink data sent by the network device. The specific advance amount is notified to the terminal device by the network device through the timing advance command (TAC). TA is used for uplink transmission by the terminal device.

[0218] For example, the TAC may consist of a single byte, with six bits in the byte used to indicate an index value for the TA adjustment amount. The index value ranges from 0, 1, 2, ..., 63, and the unit of the index value is the maximum number of sampling points Tc in a single symbol. It can be seen that the maximum TA adjustment amount that the TAC can indicate is 63Tc, corresponding to a distance of 9.6 meters (m).

[0219] Alternatively, the TAC can consist of two bytes, with 12 bits in each byte used to indicate the TA adjustment index. The index range is 0, 1, 2, ..., 4095, and the unit of the index is the maximum number of sampling points in a single symbol, Tc. As can be seen, the maximum TA adjustment value that can be indicated by the TAC is 4096Tc, corresponding to a distance of 630m.

[0220] In an NTN scenario, due to the significant difference in the distances between different satellites and a terminal device, the time difference between different satellite signals received by the terminal device may exceed the terminal device's MRTD requirement. When the time difference between signals received by a terminal device exceeds the MRTD requirement, the terminal device typically reduces signal processing. For example, the terminal device may completely or partially ignore the received signal, resulting in wasted resources. Based on this, the present application provides a communication method 500 that ensures that the time difference between different satellite signals received by a terminal device meets the MRTD requirement, thus avoiding wasted resources.

[0221] The communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of the present application is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a schematic flow chart of the communication method 500 of an embodiment of the present application. It should be noted that in Figure 5, the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device are used as the execution subjects of the interactive schematic to illustrate the method, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive schematic. Exemplarily, the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device in Figure 5 can be chips, chip systems, or processors that support the implementation of the method, and can also be logical nodes, logical modules, or software that implement all or part of its functions. Specifically, the communication method 500 includes:

[0222] In step S510, the terminal device sends first information to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the first information from the terminal device.

[0223] The first information is used to indicate the location of the terminal device and the MRTD of the terminal device.

[0224] Optionally, the above-mentioned first information can also be used to indicate the motion status of the terminal device.

[0225] In step S512, the second network device sends second information to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the second information from the second network device.

[0226] Specifically, the second network device may send the second information to the first network device via the ISL, or the second network device may send the second information via the Xn interface. Information transmission between the first network device and the second network device in the embodiments of the present application may be understood as being transmitted via the ISL or the Xn interface, and this application does not limit this.

[0227] Specifically, the second information includes ephemeris information of the satellite where the second network device is located.

[0228] Optionally, the above-mentioned second information may also include the system frame number (SFN), subcarrier space (SCS), carrier frequency, epoch time, master indication block (MIB), NTN configuration information (NTN-configuration), system information block (SIB) and other information of the second network device.

[0229] It should be noted that the first network device may be the primary base station of the terminal device in the DC scenario, and the second network device may be the secondary base station of the terminal device in the DC scenario. Alternatively, the first network device and the second network device may be two TRPs used for joint transmission by the terminal device in the M-TRP scenario, or the first network device may be the PCell of the terminal device in the CA scenario, and the second network device may be the secondary cell (SCell) of the terminal device in the CA scenario. This application does not limit this.

[0230] In addition, this application uses the example of a terminal device communicating with two network devices, a first network device and a second network device, but this application does not limit the number of network devices connected to the terminal device. The number of network devices connected to the terminal device can be greater than two.

[0231] In addition, the communication method 500 can be applied to any of the communication systems shown in Figures 1 to 4 above. For example, in the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1, the first network device and the second network device may be a ground base station; in the communication system 200 shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first network device and the second network device may be network device #1; and in the communication system shown in Figure 4, the first network device and the second network device may be network device #1 or a ground base station. The embodiments of the present application only use the communication systems shown in Figures 1 to 4 as examples and are not limited to such scenarios.

[0232] Step S514: The first network device determines first indication information according to the first information, the second information and the third information.

[0233] Specifically, the third information includes ephemeris information of the satellite where the first network device is located.

[0234] Optionally, the third information may also include SFN, SCS, carrier frequency, epochtime, MIB, NTN configuration information, SIB and other information of the first network device.

[0235] Specifically, the first indication information is used to indicate the time when the first network device and the second network device send signals to the terminal device.

[0236] Optionally, the above step S514 can be performed by the network side (for example, the core network), in which case the terminal device is required to report the first information to the network side, the first network device is required to report the third information to the network side, and the second network device is required to report the second information to the network side.

[0237] Through the above communication method 500, it can be ensured that the time difference between the terminal device receiving different satellite signals meets the MRTD requirement, thereby avoiding resource waste.

[0238] Specifically, the first indication information can be indicated in the following four ways:

[0239] Indication method 1: The first indication information includes information of A time periods, where A is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. In this case, the communication method 500 may further include the following steps:

[0240] In step S516, the first network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information.

[0241] In step S518, the first network device sends the first indication information to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the first indication information.

[0242] The first network device and the second network device may send signals to the terminal device during the A time periods. Alternatively, the terminal device may receive signals from the first network device and the second network device during the A time periods. The first network device and the second network device sending signals to the terminal device during the A time periods may meet the MRTD requirements of the terminal device.

[0243] For example, the above A time periods may be [T 1,on , T 1,off ]、[T 2,on , T 2,off ],……,[T A,on , T A,off Since the first network device and the second network device may not be synchronized or the first network device and the second network device may not send downlink signals to the terminal device at the same time, a time error ε may be added to the A time periods. t , so the above A time periods can be [T 1,on +ε t11 , T 1,off +ε t12 ]、[T 2,on +ε t21 , T 2,off +ε t22 ],……,[T A,on +ε tA1 , T A,off +ε tA2 ]. Among them, ε t11 , ε t12 , ε t21 , ε t22 , …, ε tA1 , ε tA2 It can be any value, the same or different, and this application does not limit it.

[0244] Another implementation method of the above-mentioned indication method 1 is: the above-mentioned first network device does not send a downlink signal to the terminal device in the above-mentioned A time period, and the first network device instructs the second network device to send a downlink signal to the terminal device in the above-mentioned A time period through the first indication information; or, the above-mentioned first network device sends a downlink signal to the terminal device in the above-mentioned A time period, and instructs the second network device not to send a downlink signal to the terminal device in the above-mentioned A time period through the first indication information; or, the above-mentioned first network device instructs the second network device to send a downlink signal to the terminal device in the above-mentioned A time period through the first indication information, and the time for the first network device to send a downlink signal to the terminal device is not restricted.

[0245] Optionally, the first network device may send a downlink signal to the terminal device during the A time periods, and the time during which the second network device sends the downlink signal to the terminal device is not restricted.

[0246] Indication method 2: The first indication information includes information about B distance difference intervals, where B is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. In this case, the communication method 500 may further include the following steps:

[0247] In step S520, the first network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information.

[0248] In step S522, the first network device sends the first indication information to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the first indication information.

[0249] When the difference between the distance between the first network device and the terminal device and the distance between the second network device and the terminal device is within the B distance difference intervals, the first network device and the second network device can send signals to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device can receive signals from the first network device and the second network device.

[0250] Exemplarily, the distance between the first network device and the terminal device is calculated by the position of the first network device and the position of the terminal device. The position of the terminal device may be the terminal device's own position, a reference point of the cell where the terminal device is located, a center point of the cell where the terminal device is located, or a sub-satellite point of a satellite where the first network device is located, and this application is not limited thereto.

[0251] For example, the interval of the B distance differences can be [Δd 1,on , Δd 1,off ]、[Δd 2,on , Δd 2,off ], ..., [Δd B,on , Δd B,off Since the first network device and the second network device may not be synchronized or the first network device and the second network device may not send downlink signals to the terminal device at the same time, an angle error ε may be added to the interval of the B distance differences. Δd , so the interval of the above B distance differences can be [Δd 1,on +ε Δd11 , Δd 1,off +ε Δd12 ]、[Δd 2,on +ε Δd21 , Δd 2,off +ε Δd22 ], ..., [Δd B,on +ε ΔdB1, Δd B,off +ε ΔdB2 ]. Among them, ε Δd11 , ε Δd12 , ε Δd21 , ε Δd22 ,…,ε ΔdB1 , ε ΔdB2 It can be any value, the same or different, and this application does not limit it.

[0252] Indication method three: The above-mentioned first indication information includes information of C first angle intervals and / or information of D second angle intervals, and C and D are positive integers greater than or equal to 1. Exemplarily, the above-mentioned first angle can be the depression angle of the first network device relative to the terminal device or the above-mentioned first angle is the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the first network device, and this application does not limit this. Exemplarily, the above-mentioned second angle is the depression angle of the second network device relative to the terminal device or the above-mentioned second angle is the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second network device, and this application does not limit this. At this time, the above-mentioned communication method 500 may also include the following steps:

[0253] In step S524, the first network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information.

[0254] In step S526, the first network device sends the first indication information to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the first indication information.

[0255] If the first indication information includes information about C first angle intervals, when the angle between the first network device and the terminal device is within the C first angle interval, the first network device sends a signal to the terminal device. Simultaneously, when the second network device determines that the angle between the first network device and the terminal device is within the C first angle interval, the second network device may also send a signal to the terminal device. Accordingly, the terminal device may receive signals from both the first network device and the second network device.

[0256] If the first indication information includes information about the intervals of D second angles, the second network device sends a signal to the terminal device when the angle between the second network device and the terminal device is within the interval of the D second angles. Simultaneously, if the first network device determines that the angle between the second network device and the terminal device is within the interval of the D second angles, the first network device may also send a signal to the terminal device. Accordingly, the terminal device may receive signals from both the first and second network devices.

[0257] If the above-mentioned first indication information includes information of intervals of C first angles and information of intervals of D second angles, when the angle between the first network device and the terminal device is within the interval of the above-mentioned C first angles, the first network device sends a signal to the terminal device; when the angle between the second network device and the terminal device is within the interval of the above-mentioned D second angles, the second network device sends a signal to the terminal device.

[0258] For example, the interval of the C first angles may be [θ 1,on ,θ 1,off ]、[θ 2,on ,θ 2,off ], ..., [θ C,on ,θ C,off Since the first network device and the second network device may not be synchronized or the first network device and the second network device may not send downlink signals to the terminal device at the same time, an angle error ε may be added to the interval of the C first angles. θ , so the interval of the above C first angles can be [θ 1,on +ε θ11 ,θ 1,off +ε θ12 ]、[θ 2,on +ε θ21 ,θ 2,off +ε θ22 ], ..., [θ C,on +ε θC1 ,θ C,off +ε θC2 ]. Among them, ε θ11 , ε θ12 , ε θ21 , ε θ22 ,…,ε θC1 , ε θC2 It can be any value, the same or different, and this application does not limit it.

[0259] Indication method four: The above-mentioned first indication information includes a first bit sequence and / or a second bit sequence. Each bit in the first bit sequence corresponds to a first time unit, and each bit in the second bit sequence corresponds to a second time unit. Exemplarily, the first time unit or the second time unit is any one of a mini-slot, a slot, a subframe, a frame, a hyperframe, etc., and this application does not limit this. At this time, the above-mentioned communication method 500 may further include the following steps:

[0260] In step S528, the first network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information.

[0261] In step S530, the first network device sends the first indication information to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the first indication information.

[0262] If the first indication information includes a first bit sequence, the first network device and the second network device send a signal to the terminal device at the time indicated by the first bit sequence.

[0263] Optionally, if the above-mentioned first indication information includes a first bit sequence, the above-mentioned first network device sends a signal to the terminal device at the time indicated by the first bit sequence, and the time when the second network device sends a signal to the terminal device is not limited; or, the above-mentioned first network device sends a signal to the terminal device at the time indicated by the first bit sequence, and the second network device does not send a signal to the terminal device at the time indicated by the first bit sequence.

[0264] If the first indication information includes a second bit sequence, the first network device and the second network device send a signal to the terminal device at the time indicated by the second bit sequence.

[0265] Optionally, if the above-mentioned first indication information includes a second bit sequence, the above-mentioned second network device sends a signal to the terminal device at the time indicated by the second bit sequence, and the time when the first network device sends the signal to the terminal device is not limited; or, the above-mentioned second network device sends a signal to the terminal device at the time indicated by the second bit sequence, and the first network device does not send a signal to the terminal device at the time indicated by the second bit sequence.

[0266] If the first indication information includes a first bit sequence and a second bit sequence, the first network device sends a signal to the terminal device at the time indicated by the first bit sequence; and the second network device sends a signal to the terminal device at the time indicated by the second bit sequence.

[0267] Exemplarily, each bit in the first bit sequence and the second bit sequence corresponds to a time slot, the first bit sequence is 11001010, and the second bit sequence is 10111101. It can be seen that the first network device and the second network device can simultaneously send downlink signals to the terminal device in the first time slot and the fifth time slot, only the first network device can send downlink signals to the terminal device in the second time slot and the seventh time slot, and only the second network device can send downlink signals to the terminal device in the third time slot, the fourth time slot, the sixth time slot, and the eighth time slot.

[0268] It should be noted that the above is a scenario in which the first network device and the second network device jointly serve the terminal device. When the first network device, the second network device and the third network device jointly serve the terminal device, the third network device can send fourth information to the first network device, and the fourth information includes the ephemeris information of the satellite where the third network device is located. The first network device can determine P time periods based on the above first information, the above second information, the above third information and the fourth information, and the P time periods are used for the first network device, the second network device and the third network device to send downlink signals to the terminal device. Wherein, P is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. Optionally, the above fourth information may also include SFN, SCS, carrier frequency, epochtime, MIB, NTN configuration information, SIB and other information of the third network device. This application is not limited to the number of network devices that simultaneously send downlink signals to the terminal device.

[0269] For example, the value of P can be 4. In this case, the P time periods determined by the first network device can be [T 1,on , T 1,off ]、[T 2,on , T 2,off ]、[T 3,on , T 3,off ]、[T 4,on , T 4,off ], the network devices that can send downlink signals to the terminal device in each time period are shown in Table 1 or Table 2 below:

[0270] Table 1

[0271] It can be seen from Table 1 above that when the number of network devices serving the terminal device is greater than 2, the network devices that can send signals to the terminal device in each of the P time periods determined by the first network device can be the same.

[0272] Table 2

[0273] It can be seen from Table 2 above that when the number of network devices serving the terminal device is greater than 2, the network device that can send signals to the terminal device in each of the P time periods determined by the first network device may be different.

[0274] Alternatively, it may be specified that a fixed number of network devices send signals to the terminal device in each of the P time periods. For example, two network devices send signals to the terminal device in each of the P time periods.

[0275] It should be noted that the above-mentioned P time periods can also be replaced by multiple distance difference intervals, multiple first angle intervals / or multiple second angle intervals and / or multiple third angle intervals, first bit sequences and / or second bit sequences and / or third bit sequences, etc. The specific implementation method can refer to the above description of A time periods, B distance difference intervals, C first angle intervals and / or D second angle intervals, first bit sequences and / or second bit sequences, and will not be repeated here.

[0276] The above describes how to ensure that the time difference between terminal devices receiving signals from different satellites meets MRTD requirements in NTN scenarios. Furthermore, in NTN scenarios, terminal devices typically use different TAs to transmit signals to different satellites. Due to the large distance differences between different satellites and terminal devices, the time difference between terminal devices transmitting signals to different satellites may exceed the MTTD requirement. When the time difference between terminal devices transmitting signals exceeds the MTTD requirement, the terminal device typically downgrades signal processing. For example, the terminal device may not transmit all or part of the signal, resulting in reduced network performance. Therefore, the present application may also provide a communication method 600 that can ensure that the time difference between terminal devices transmitting signals to different satellites meets the MTTD requirement, thereby ensuring network performance.

[0277] The communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of the present application is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 is a schematic flow chart of the communication method 600 of an embodiment of the present application. It should be noted that in Figure 6, the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device are used as the execution subjects of the interactive schematic to illustrate the method, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive schematic. Exemplarily, the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device in Figure 6 can be chips, chip systems, or processors that support the implementation of the method, or can be logical nodes, logical modules, or software that implement all or part of its functions. Specifically, the communication method 600 includes:

[0278] Step S610: The terminal device determines a first time and a second time.

[0279] Exemplarily, the first time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device before the adjustment, and the second time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device. It should be noted that the communication method 600 is described by taking the adjustment of the first time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device as an example, but the present application is not limited to this. The embodiment of the present application can also be to adjust the second time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device. Exemplarily, the first time can also be TA#1 (an example of the first TA) when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device, and the second time can also be TA#2 when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device.

[0280] Exemplarily, the terminal device can determine the above-mentioned first time in the following manner: the terminal device receives TAC#1 (an example of the first TAC) from the first network device, and the TAC#1 indicates TA#1 (an example of the first TA) that the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device; the terminal device can determine the first time to send a signal to the first network device based on the TA#1.

[0281] Similarly, the terminal device can determine the above-mentioned second time in the following manner: the terminal device receives TAC#2 from the second network device, and the TAC#2 indicates TA#2 at which the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device; the terminal device can determine the second time to send a signal to the second network device based on the TA#2.

[0282] Step S612: The terminal device determines whether the time interval between the first time and the second time is greater than the MTTD of the terminal device.

[0283] If the terminal device determines that the time interval between the first time and the second time is greater than the MTTD of the terminal device, the above-mentioned communication method 600 also includes step S614, the terminal device sends the time interval between the first time and the second time to the first network device, and accordingly, the first network device receives the time interval between the first time and the second time from the terminal device; step S616, the first network device adjusts the first time to a third time according to the MTTD of the terminal device and the time interval between the first time and the second time; step S618, the first network device sends fifth information to the terminal device, and the fifth information is used to indicate the third time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device.

[0284] Exemplarily, the fifth information may indicate the third time in the following two ways:

[0285] In one embodiment, the fifth information may be TAC#3, which indicates TA#3 (an example of the second TA) at which the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device, thereby indicating a third time at which the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device.

[0286] The TAC currently used generally consists of one or two bytes, and the amount of TA that can be adjusted is limited, which is far from enough to adjust the TA of the terminal device to meet the MTTD requirements. Therefore, the TAC provided in the embodiment of the present application can expand the adjustment range of the TA, as shown in Figure 7. The size of the TAC shown in Figure 7 can be flexibly changed according to the TA notified by the network device to the terminal device, and may not be a fixed size. That is to say, the TAC shown in Figure 7 can be composed of multiple bytes (Bype), each byte including eight bits. Among them, the timing advance group identifier (TA group identifier, TAG ID) field in Figure 7 occupies two bits, which is used to indicate the network device for which the timing advance of the terminal device is targeted.

[0287] Alternatively, a bit may be used to indicate the network device for which the timing advance of the terminal device is targeted, such as the "Index" shown in Figure 8. For example, the "Index" may be CORESETPoolIndex, which is not limited in this application.

[0288] The embodiment of the present application can also expand the adjustment range of TA by changing the granularity represented by each bit in TAC. The embodiment of the present application can provide the following forms of TAC:

[0289] TAC form 1:

[0290] As shown in Figure 9, illustratively, when a TAC consists of one byte, six bits are used to indicate the TA. These six bits can indicate integers ranging from 0 to 63. For example, the time unit indicated by the TAC is changed from the original Tc to 64Tc. Therefore, the adjustable range of the TA indicated by this form is: integer * 64Tc. Of course, the TAC can also consist of more bytes. More bytes can indicate a larger integer range, and thus a wider adjustable range of the TA.

[0291] TAC Form 2:

[0292] As shown in (a) of Figure 10, for example, when the TAC consists of one byte, there are 6 bits for indicating the TA, and the adjustment range of the TA that can be indicated by the 6 bits is 0 to 63Tc. The first network device or the network side (for example, the core network) can assign a granularity factor k to the TAC, and the time unit that the TAC of the second form can indicate is changed from the original Tc to 2k Tc. At this time, the adjustment range of TA indicated by the second form of TAC is: 0~63*2 k Of course, the TAC may also be composed of more bytes, and more bytes can indicate a larger adjustment range of the TA.

[0293] Another example, as shown in FIG10 (b), when TAC consists of three bytes, the first byte has 6 bits for indicating TA, the second byte has 8 bits for indicating TA, and the third byte has 3 bits for indicating TA. In this case, the adjustment range of TA that TAC can indicate is: 0 to (2 (6+8+3) -1)*2 k Tc, that is, 0 to 131071*2 k Tc.

[0294] TAC form three:

[0295] As shown in (a) of Figure 11, exemplarily, when TAC consists of three bytes, the remaining 6 bits of the first byte can be used to indicate TA, the 8 bits of the second byte can be used to indicate TA, and the 8 bits of the third byte can be used to indicate TA. The first network device or the network side (for example, the core network) can assign different granularity factors to these bits. For example, a granularity factor k1 is assigned to the 6 bits of the first byte, the 8 bits of the second byte, and the first four bits of the third byte, and a granularity factor k2 is assigned to the last four bits of the third byte. At this time, the adjustment range of TA that can be indicated by this form three is: 0 to (2 (6+8+4) -1)*2 k1 Tc+(2 4 -1)*2 k2 Tc, that is, 0 to 262143*2 k1 Tc+15*2 k2 Of course, the TAC can also be composed of more bytes. More bytes can indicate a larger adjustment range of the TA. Also, the number of bits corresponding to the same granularity factor can be unlimited.

[0296] For example, the value of k1 can satisfy 2 k1 Tc=1ms, the value of k2 can satisfy 2 k2 Tc=8Tc, that is, k2=3.

[0297] For example, as shown in FIG11(b), the TAC in form 3 can also be to allocate a time unit of 8Tc to the 6 bits of the first byte, the 8 bits of the second byte, and the first four bits of the third byte, and allocate a time unit of 1ms to the last four bits of the third byte. In this case, the adjustment range of TA indicated by form 3 is: 0 to (2 (6+8+4) -1)*8Tc+(2 4 -1)*1ms, that is, 0~262143*8Tc+15*1ms.

[0298] TAC Form Four:

[0299] As shown in (a) of Figure 12, exemplarily, when TAC consists of three bytes, the remaining 6 bits of the first byte can be used to indicate TA, the 8 bits of the second byte can be used to indicate TA, and the 8 bits of the third byte can be used to indicate TA. The first network device or the network side (for example, the core network) can assign different granularity factors to these bits. For example, a granularity factor k1 is assigned to the 6 bits of the first byte and the 8 bits of the second byte; a granularity factor k2 is assigned to the first three bits of the third byte; a granularity factor k3 is assigned to the fourth to seventh bits of the third byte, and a granularity factor k4 is assigned to the last bit of the third byte. At this time, the adjustment range of TA that can be indicated by this form four is: 0 to (2 (6+8) -1)*2 k1 Tc+(2 3 -1)*2 k2 Tc+(2 4 -1)*2 k3 Tc+(2-1)*2 k4 Tc, that is, 0 to 16383*2 k1 Tc+7*2 k2 Tc+15*2 k3 Tc+2 k4 Of course, the TAC can also be composed of more bytes. More bytes can indicate a larger adjustment range of the TA. Also, the number of bits corresponding to the same granularity factor can be unlimited.

[0300] For example, the value of k1 can be arbitrary, and the value of k2 can satisfy 2 k2 Tc = one or more time slots, the value of k3 can satisfy 2 k3 Tc = one or more subframes, the value of k4 can satisfy 2 k4 Tc = one or more frames.

[0301] For example, as shown in (b) of FIG12 , the TAC in form 4 can also be to allocate a time unit 128Tc to the 6 bits of the first byte and the 8 bits of the second byte, allocate a time unit slot to the first three bits of the third byte, allocate a time unit subframe to the fourth to seventh bits of the third byte, and allocate a time unit frame to the last bit of the third byte. At this time, the adjustment range of TA that can be indicated by form 4 is: 0 to (2 (6+8) -1)*128Tc+(2 3 -1)*slot+(2 4 -1)*subframe+(2-1)*frame, that is, 0~16383*128Tc+7*slot+15*subframe+frame. For example, the time unit allocated to the 6 bits of the first byte and the 8 bits of the second byte can also be other, which is not limited in this application.

[0302] Method 2: The fifth information may be TAC#3, which indicates the time increased or decreased relative to the above-mentioned TA#1, thereby indicating TA#3 at which the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device, thereby indicating the third time at which the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device.

[0303] For example, in the TAC shown in FIG13 , the "±" shown in FIG13 occupies one bit to indicate the first adjustment value. For example, when the TAC shown in FIG13 includes a "+", it indicates that the time of terminal device TA#3 increases relative to TA#1; when the TAC shown in FIG13 includes a "-", it indicates that the time of terminal device TA#3 decreases relative to TA#1.

[0304] Alternatively, a bit may be used in the TAC shown in Figure 13 to indicate the network device for which the timing advance of the terminal device is targeted, such as the "Index" shown in Figure 14. For example, the "Index" may be CORESETPoolIndex, which is not limited in this application.

[0305] Alternatively, if the terminal device determines that the time interval between the first time and the second time is less than the MTTD of the terminal device, the terminal device sends an uplink signal to the first network device at the first time, and the terminal device sends an uplink signal to the second network device at the second time. In other words, the time at which the terminal device sends signals to the first network device and the second network device is not adjusted.

[0306] Optionally, if the terminal device determines that the time interval between the first time and the second time is greater than the MTTD of the terminal device, the terminal device may send the time interval between the first time and the second time to the second network device, and the second network device adjusts the first time to a third time based on the MTTD of the terminal device and the time interval between the first time and the second time, and notifies the terminal device. Specifically, the steps include:

[0307] In step S620, the terminal device sends the time interval between the first time and the second time to the second network device, and accordingly, the second network device receives the time interval between the first time and the second time from the terminal device; in step S622, the second network device adjusts the first time to a third time according to the MTTD of the terminal device and the time interval between the first time and the second time; in step S624, the first network device sends sixth information to the terminal device, and the sixth information is used to indicate the third time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device.

[0308] Specifically, the manner in which the sixth information is used to indicate the third time can refer to the two manners in which the fifth information is used to indicate the third time, which will not be repeated here.

[0309] Optionally, if the terminal device determines that the time interval between the first time and the second time is greater than the MTTD of the terminal device, the terminal device may further send the time interval between the first time and the second time to the first network device, and the first network device may adjust the second time to a fourth time based on the MTTD of the terminal device and the time interval between the first time and the second time, and notify the terminal device. The terminal device then sends an uplink signal to the first network device at the first time, and the terminal device sends an uplink signal to the second network device at the fourth time.

[0310] Optionally, if the terminal device determines that the time interval between the first time and the second time is greater than the MTTD of the terminal device, the terminal device may further send the time interval between the first time and the second time to the second network device, and the second network device may adjust the second time to a fourth time based on the MTTD of the terminal device and the time interval between the first time and the second time, and notify the terminal device. The terminal device then sends an uplink signal to the first network device at the first time, and the terminal device sends an uplink signal to the second network device at the fourth time.

[0311] Optionally, if the terminal device determines that the time interval between the first time and the second time is greater than the MTTD of the terminal device, the terminal device may further send the time interval between the first time and the second time to the first network device or the second network device, and the first network device or the second network device may adjust the first time to the third time and the second time to the fourth time based on the MTTD of the terminal device and the time interval between the first time and the second time, and notify the terminal device. The terminal device then sends an uplink signal to the first network device at the third time, and the terminal device sends an uplink signal to the second network device at the fourth time.

[0312] Through the above communication method 600, it can be ensured that the time difference between the terminal device sending signals to different satellites meets the MTTD requirement, thereby improving network performance.

[0313] The present application may also provide a communication method 700, which can ensure that the time difference between the terminal device sending signals to different satellites meets the MTTD requirements, as shown in Figure 15, a schematic flow chart of the communication method 700 of an embodiment of the present application. It should be noted that in Figure 15, the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device are used as the execution subjects of the interactive schematic to illustrate the method, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive schematic. Exemplarily, the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device in Figure 15 can be chips, chip systems, or processors that support the implementation of the method, or can be logical nodes, logic modules, or software that implement all or part of its functions. Specifically, the communication method 700 includes:

[0314] Step S710: The terminal device determines a first time to send a signal to the first network device.

[0315] It should be noted that the communication method 700 is described by taking the example of a terminal device determining a first time to send a signal to a first network device, and the network device determining a time for the terminal device to send a signal to a second network device based on the first time, but the present application is not limited to this. An embodiment of the present application may also be that the terminal device determines a second time to send a signal to the second network device, and the network device determines the first time for the terminal device to send a signal to the first network device based on the second time.

[0316] Exemplarily, the terminal device can determine the above-mentioned first time in the following manner: the terminal device receives TAC#1 (an example of the first TAC) from the first network device, and the TAC#1 indicates TA#1 (an example of the first TA) that the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device; the terminal device can determine the first time to send a signal to the first network device based on the TA#1.

[0317] In step S712, the terminal device sends the first time to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the first time from the terminal device.

[0318] Step S714: The first network device determines a second time according to the MTTD of the terminal device and the first time. The second time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device.

[0319] Specifically, the time interval between the second time determined by the first network device and the first time is smaller than the MTTD of the terminal device.

[0320] Exemplarily, the first time may be TA#1 (an example of the first TA) when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device, and the second time may be TA#2 when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device.

[0321] Step S716: The first network device sends seventh information to the terminal device, where the seventh information is used to indicate the second time.

[0322] Specifically, the manner in which the seventh information is used to indicate the second time can refer to the two manners in which the fifth information is used to indicate the third time. That is, the manner in which the seventh information is used to indicate the second time can be to directly indicate the TA of the signal sent by the terminal device to the second network device through TAC, or to indicate the second time by indicating an adjustment amount relative to the first time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device, or to indicate the second time by indicating an adjustment amount relative to the TA amount when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device. This application does not limit this.

[0323] The terminal device sends an uplink signal to the first network device at a first time, and the terminal device sends an uplink signal to the second network device at a second time.

[0324] Optionally, the terminal device may also send the first time to a second network device, which determines a second time based on the MTTD of the terminal device and the first time, and notifies the terminal device of the second time. Specifically, the steps include:

[0325] In step S718, the terminal device sends the first time to the second network device, and accordingly, the second network device receives the first time from the terminal device; in step S720, the second network device determines the second time based on the MTTD of the terminal device and the first time; in step S722, the second network device sends the eighth information to the terminal device, and the eighth information is used to indicate the second time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device.

[0326] Specifically, the manner in which the eighth information is used to indicate the second time can refer to the two manners in which the seventh information is used to indicate the second time, which will not be repeated here.

[0327] Optionally, step S710 may also be that the terminal device determines a second time to send a signal to the second network device, and then the terminal device sends the second time to the first network device. The first network device determines a first time to send a signal to the first network device based on the terminal device's MTTD and the second time, and notifies the terminal device. The terminal device then sends an uplink signal to the first network device at the first time, and the terminal device sends an uplink signal to the second network device at the second time.

[0328] Optionally, when the terminal device determines the second time to send a signal to the second network device in step S710, the terminal device may also send the second time to the second network device. The second network device then determines the first time to send a signal to the first network device based on the terminal device's MTTD and the second time, and notifies the terminal device. The terminal device then sends an uplink signal to the first network device at the first time, and the terminal device sends an uplink signal to the second network device at the second time.

[0329] Through the above communication method 700, the TA of each network device that meets the requirements can be directly determined according to the MTTD of the terminal device, without the need to readjust the TA of each network device that does not meet the requirements, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0330] In addition, the present application may also provide a method for determining the TA of a terminal device: since the TA of the terminal device sending the signal needs to be greatly adjusted in the DC or M-TRP scenario of the NTN, a randomly added TA may be introduced when calculating the TA of the terminal device. In the embodiment of the present application, the randomly added TA is recorded as N TA,a For example, the calculation formula of the TA of the terminal device may be as follows:

[0331] Among them, N in the above formula TA,offset Indicates the offset of timing advance. N in the above formula is TA The positive or negative adjustment indicates that the uplink transmission of the terminal equipment is relative to N TA,offset The time of advance or delay. If the high-level parameters TACommon, TACommonDrift and TACommonDriftVariation are configured, It is determined by TACommon, TACommonDrift and TACommonDriftVariation. If the high-level parameters TACommon, TACommonDrift and TACommonDriftVariation are not configured, If the higher-level parameters related to the serving satellite ephemeris are configured, It is determined by the terminal equipment (UE) position and the high-level parameters related to the serving satellite ephemeris. If the high-level parameters related to the serving satellite ephemeris are not configured,

[0332] Finally, the device embodiment of the embodiment of the present application is introduced.

[0333] To implement the various functions of the methods provided herein, both terminal devices and network devices may include hardware structures and / or software modules, with the aforementioned functions implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0334] Figure 16 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1600 according to an embodiment of the present application. Communication device 1600 includes a processor 1610 and a communication interface 1620. Optionally, processor 1610 and communication interface 1620 may be interconnected via a bus 1630. Communication device 1600 may be a terminal device, a first network device, or a second network device.

[0335] Optionally, the communication device 1600 may further include a memory 1640. The memory 1640 includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and is used to store relevant instructions and data.

[0336] The processor 1610 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs). In the case where the processor 1610 is a CPU, the CPU may be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU.

[0337] When the communication device 1600 is a terminal device, illustratively, the communication device 1600 is used to perform the following operations: sending first information to a first network device, etc.

[0338] When the communication device 1600 is a first network device, illustratively, the communication device 1600 is configured to perform the following operations: determining first indication information, etc. according to the first information, the second information, and the third information.

[0339] When the communication device 1600 is the second network device, illustratively, the communication device 1600 is configured to perform the following operations: sending the second information to the first network device, etc.

[0340] The above contents are merely exemplary descriptions. When the communication device 1600 is the first network device / terminal device / second network device, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the first network device / terminal device / second network device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0341] The above description is merely exemplary. For details, please refer to the contents of the above method embodiments. The implementation of each operation in FIG16 may also correspond to the corresponding description of the method embodiments shown in FIG5 to FIG15.

[0342] Figure 17 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1700 according to an embodiment of the present application. Communication device 1700 may be a terminal device, a first network device, or a second network device, or may be a chip or module within the terminal device, the first network device, or the second network device, configured to implement the methods described in the above embodiments. Communication device 1700 includes a transceiver unit 1710. The following provides an exemplary description of transceiver unit 1710 and processing unit 1720.

[0343] Transceiver unit 1710 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit is used to perform the transmitting operation of communication device 1700, and the receiving unit is used to perform the receiving operation of communication device 1700. For ease of description, this embodiment of the application combines the transmitting unit and the receiving unit into a single transceiver unit. This is described here as a unified description and will not be repeated later.

[0344] When the communication apparatus 1700 is a terminal device, illustratively, the transceiver unit 1710 is configured to send first information to a first network device.

[0345] When the communication device 1700 is a first network device, illustratively, the transceiver unit 1710 is used to receive first information from a terminal device, and the processing unit 1720 is used to determine first indication information according to the first information, the second information, and the third information.

[0346] When the communication apparatus 1700 is a second network device, illustratively, the transceiver unit 1710 is configured to send the second information to the first network device.

[0347] When the communication device 1700 is a terminal device, a first network device, or a second network device, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the terminal device, the first network device, or the second network device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0348] Optionally, the communication device 1700 further includes a storage unit 1730, which is used to store a program or code for executing the aforementioned method.

[0349] The device embodiments shown in Figures 16 and 17 are used to implement the contents described in Figures 5 to 15. The specific execution steps and methods of the devices shown in Figures 16 and 17 can refer to the contents described in the above method embodiments.

[0350] Figure 18 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1800 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1800 is used to implement the functions of the first network device / terminal device / second network device. The communication device 1800 may be a chip in the first network device / terminal device / second network device.

[0351] Communication device 1800 includes an input / output interface 1820 and a processor 1810. Input / output interface 1820 may be an input / output circuit. Processor 1810 may be a signal processor, a chip, or other integrated circuit capable of implementing the method of the present application. Input / output interface 1820 is used for inputting or outputting signals or data.

[0352] For example, when the communication device 1800 is a terminal device, the input / output interface 1820 is used to send the first information to the first network device.

[0353] For example, when the communication device 1800 is a first network device, the input / output interface 1820 is configured to receive first information from a terminal device, and the processor 1810 is configured to determine first indication information according to the first information, the second information, and the third information.

[0354] For example, when the communication device 1800 is the second network device, the input / output interface 1820 is used to send the second information to the first network device.

[0355] In one possible implementation, the processor 1810 implements the functions implemented by the first network device or the terminal device or the second network device by executing instructions stored in the memory.

[0356] Optionally, the communication device 1800 further includes a memory.

[0357] Optionally, the processor and memory are integrated together.

[0358] Optionally, the memory is outside the communication device 1800 .

[0359] In one possible implementation, the processor 1810 may be a logic circuit that inputs / outputs messages or signals through the input / output interface 1820. The logic circuit may be a signal processor, a chip, or other integrated circuit that can implement the method of the embodiment of the present application.

[0360] The above description of the communication device 1800 is only an exemplary description. The communication device 1800 can be used to execute the method described in the above embodiment. For specific content, please refer to the description of the above method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0361] The present application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling and executing instructions stored in a memory from the memory, so that a communication device equipped with the chip executes the methods in the above examples.

[0362] The present application also provides a chip, comprising: an input interface, an output interface, and a processor, wherein the input interface, the output interface, and the processor are connected via an internal connection path, and the processor is configured to execute code in a memory. When the code is executed, the processor is configured to execute the methods in the above examples. Optionally, the chip also includes a memory, which is configured to store computer programs or code.

[0363] The present application also provides a processor for coupling with a memory, and for executing the methods and functions involving a network device or a terminal device in any of the above embodiments.

[0364] The present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the method of the aforementioned embodiment is implemented.

[0365] The present application also provides a computer program. When the computer program is executed in a computer, the method of the aforementioned embodiment is implemented.

[0366] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the method described in the above embodiment is implemented.

[0367] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0368] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0369] In the several embodiments provided in this application, the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0370] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

[0371] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0372] If the function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of each method embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0373] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Receiving first information from a terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate a location of the terminal device and a maximum receiving time difference MRTD of the terminal device; receiving second information from a second network device, wherein the second information includes ephemeris information of a satellite where the second network device is located; The first indication information is determined according to the first information, the second information and the third information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the time when the first network device and the second network device send signals to the terminal device, and the third information includes the ephemeris information of the satellite where the first network device is located.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first indication information includes information of A time periods, and the method further includes: Sending a signal to the terminal device in the A time periods, Wherein, A is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first indication information includes information of B distance difference intervals, and the method further includes: When the difference between the distance between the first network device and the terminal device and the distance between the second network device and the terminal device is within the interval of the B distance differences, sending a signal to the terminal device, Wherein, B is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first indication information includes information of intervals of C first angles and / or information of intervals of D second angles, the first angle is an angle between the first network device and the terminal device, and the second angle is an angle between the second network device and the terminal device, and the method further includes: When the angle between the first network device and the terminal device is within the interval of the C first angles, sending a signal to the terminal device, Wherein, C and D are positive integers greater than or equal to 1.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first indication information includes a first bit sequence and / or a second bit sequence, the first bit sequence is used to indicate the time when the first network device sends a signal to the terminal device, each bit in the first bit sequence corresponds to a first time unit, the second bit sequence is used to indicate the time when the second network device sends a signal to the terminal device, each bit in the second bit sequence corresponds to a second time unit, and the method further includes: A signal is sent to the terminal device at a time indicated by the first bit sequence.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The first time unit or the second time unit is any one of the following: Minislot, timeslot, subframe, frame, superframe.

7. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Sending first information to a first network device, where the first information is used to indicate a location of a terminal device and a maximum receiving time difference MRTD of the terminal device, where the first information is used by the first network device to determine first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a time when the first network device and the second network device send a signal to the terminal device; Receive the first indication information.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The first indication information includes information of A time periods, and the method further includes: receiving signals from the first network device and the second network device in the A time periods, Wherein, A is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first indication information includes information of B distance difference intervals, and the method further includes: When the difference between the distance between the first network device and the terminal device and the distance between the second network device and the terminal device is within the interval of the B distance differences, receiving signals from the first network device and the second network device, Wherein, B is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The first indication information includes information of C first angle intervals and / or information of D second angle intervals, and the method further includes: If the first indication information includes information of the intervals of the C first angles and information of the intervals of the D second angles, when the angle between the first network device and the terminal device is within the interval of the C first angles, receiving a signal from the first network device; when the angle between the second network device and the terminal device is within the interval of the D second angles, receiving a signal from the second network device; or, If the first indication information includes information of the interval of the C first angles, when the angle between the first network device and the terminal device is within the interval of the C first angles, receiving signals from the first network device and the second network device; or, If the first indication information includes information of the interval of the D second angles, when the angle between the second network device and the terminal device is within the interval of the D second angles, receiving signals from the first network device and the second network device; Wherein, C and D are positive integers greater than or equal to 1.

11. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The first indication information includes a first bit sequence and / or a second bit sequence, each bit in the first bit sequence corresponds to a first time unit, and each bit in the second bit sequence corresponds to a second time unit, and the method further includes: If the first indication information includes the first bit sequence and the second bit sequence, receiving a signal from the first network device at a time indicated by the first bit sequence; and receiving a signal from the second network device at a time indicated by the second bit sequence; or, If the first indication information includes the first bit sequence or the second bit sequence, signals from the first network device and the second network device are received at a time indicated by the first bit sequence or a time indicated by the second bit sequence.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The first time unit or the second time unit is any one of the following: Minislot, timeslot, subframe, frame, superframe.

13. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Determine a first time and a second time, wherein the first time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device before adjustment, and the second time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device; Determine whether the time interval between the first time and the second time is greater than the maximum transmission time difference MTTD of the terminal device; If the time interval between the first time and the second time is greater than the MTTD, indicating the time interval to the first network device; receiving fifth information from the first network device, the fifth information is used to indicate a third time, the third time is the adjusted time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device, and the third time is determined according to the MTTD and the time interval; or, If the time interval between the first time and the second time is greater than the MTTD, indicating the time interval to the second network device; and receiving sixth information from the second network device, where the sixth information is used to indicate the third time.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The terminal device determines the first time, including: receiving a first timing advance command TAC, wherein the first TAC indicates a first timing advance amount TA; The first time is determined according to the first TA.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The fifth information is used to indicate a third time, including: the fifth information is used to indicate a first adjustment value, the first adjustment value is a time increased or decreased relative to the first TA, The method further comprises: The third time is determined according to the first TA and the first adjustment value.

16. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The fifth information is used to indicate the third time, including: the fifth information is used to indicate the second timing advance TA, The method further comprises: The third time is determined according to the second TA.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that The fifth information and / or the sixth information is a timing advance command TAC.

18. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Determine a first time, where the first time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device; indicating the first time to the first network device; receiving seventh information from the first network device, the seventh information being used to indicate a second time, the second time being the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device, the second time being determined according to the first time and a maximum transmission time difference MTTD of the terminal device; or, indicating the first time to the second network device; and receiving eighth information from the second network device, wherein the eighth information is used to indicate the second time.

19. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Acquire a time interval between a first time and a second time, wherein the first time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device before adjustment, and the second time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device; Adjusting the first time to a third time according to the maximum transmission time difference MTTD of the terminal device and the time interval; Send fifth information to the terminal device, where the fifth information is used to indicate the third time.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The method further comprises: Second indication information is received from the terminal device, where the second indication information is used to indicate the MTTD of the terminal device.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that The fifth information is a timing advance command TAC.

22. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Acquire a first time, where the first time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the first network device; Determine a second time according to a maximum transmission time difference MTTD of the terminal device and the first time, where the second time is the time when the terminal device sends a signal to the second network device; Send seventh information to the terminal device, where the seventh information is used to indicate the second time.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The method further comprises: Second indication information is received from the terminal device, where the second indication information is used to indicate the MTTD of the terminal device.

24. A communication device, characterized in that: comprising a processor configured to, by executing a computer program or instructions, The communication device is caused to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or the communication device is caused to perform the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 12, or the communication device is caused to perform the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 17, or the communication device is caused to perform the method as described in claim 18, or the communication device is caused to perform the method as described in any one of claims 19 to 21, or the communication device is caused to perform the method as described in claim 22 or 23.

25. The communication device according to claim 24, characterized in that The communication device further comprises a memory for storing the computer program or instructions.

26. The communication device according to claim 24, characterized in that The communication device further comprises a communication interface, and the communication interface is used for inputting and / or outputting signals.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed on a computer, The method of any one of claims 1 to 6 is performed, or the method of any one of claims 7 to 12 is performed, or the method of any one of claims 13 to 17 is performed, or the method of claim 18 is performed, or the method of any one of claims 19 to 21 is performed, or the method of claim 22 or 23 is performed.

28. A computer program product, characterized in that Contains instructions that, when executed on a computer, The method of any one of claims 1 to 6 is performed, or the method of any one of claims 7 to 12 is performed, or the method of any one of claims 13 to 17 is performed, or the method of claim 18 is performed, or the method of any one of claims 19 to 21 is performed, or the method of claim 22 or 23 is performed.

29. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system includes at least one of a first network device, a second network device and a terminal device, The first network device is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or the first network device is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 19 to 21, or the first network device is used to execute the method described in claim 22 or 23; the terminal device is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 7 to 12, or the terminal device is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 13 to 17, or the terminal device is used to execute the method described in claim 18.

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