Method for neighboring cell management and related apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a method for neighboring cell management and a related apparatus, helping to perform neighboring cell management more efficiently. The method comprises: a first communication apparatus determines a neighboring cell list of a first cell, the neighboring cell list comprising one or more second cells; the first communication apparatus determines an effective time period corresponding to each second cell in the neighboring cell list, each second cell being a neighboring cell of the first cell during a corresponding effective time period; the first communication apparatus sends neighboring cell information to a second communication apparatus, the neighboring cell information indicating each second cell in the neighboring cell list of the first cell and the effective time period corresponding thereto; and the second communication apparatus performs neighboring cell management on the basis of the effective time period corresponding to each second cell.

Description

Method and related device for neighboring cell management

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 29, 2023, with application number 202311867912.4 and application name “Methods and Related Devices for Neighborhood Management”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a method and related apparatus for neighbor cell management. Background Art

[0003] Neighbor cell management is a crucial technology in mobile networks, impacting terminal cell measurement and handover, which in turn impacts the user experience. When a network is initially established, the network management system configures an initial neighbor list for the base station. This list contains information about at least one neighboring cell for each base station cell. Currently, each cell maintains a fixed-length neighbor list containing information about up to 1024 neighboring cells.

[0004] Compared with cells in terrestrial networks (TN) (referred to as TN cells), cells in non-terrestrial networks (NTN) (referred to as NTN cells) have a larger coverage area and a larger number of neighboring cells (usually far more than 1024 neighboring cells). In addition, the neighboring cells of NTN cells change over time during satellite flight. Therefore, the current fixed neighboring cell list is no longer applicable to NTN cells.

[0005] Based on this, there is an urgent need to provide a method that can manage neighboring cells more efficiently. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a method and related apparatus for neighbor cell management, which is conducive to more efficient neighbor cell management.

[0007] In a first aspect, a method for neighborhood management is provided. The method can be performed by a first communication device. The first communication device can be a network management system (NMS) or an equipment management system (EMS), or a component configured in the NMS or EMS (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first communication device, which is not limited in this application. The equipment management system can also be called an element management system (EMS), which is not limited in this application.

[0008] The method includes: determining a neighboring cell list of a first cell, the neighboring cell list including one or more second cells; determining a valid time period corresponding to each second cell in the neighboring cell list, each second cell being a neighboring cell of the first cell within the corresponding valid time period; and sending neighboring cell information, the neighboring cell information being used to indicate each second cell in the neighboring cell list of the first cell and its corresponding valid time period.

[0009] In the present application, the first cell may be an NTN cell. To accommodate the numerous neighboring cells of an NTN cell and the fact that the NTN cell moves over time, the first communication device configures a corresponding valid period for each candidate neighboring cell that the NTN cell may pass through. The candidate neighboring cell includes one or more second cells, each of which is a neighboring cell of the first cell during the corresponding valid period. When the current time is not within a valid period, it means that the valid period is invalid, or has not been activated yet, and the second cell corresponding to the valid period is not a neighboring cell of the first cell. This method can dynamically adjust the neighboring cell list according to the valid period, which is conducive to more efficient neighboring cell management.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the neighboring cell information indicates a valid period, and the valid period corresponds to the one or more second cells.

[0011] In this application, the first cell has a neighboring cell list, and the valid period indicated by the neighboring cell information is the valid period of the neighboring cell list. That is, all the second cells in the neighboring cell list correspond to this valid period. This indication method is more flexible and convenient.

[0012] When the first cell has multiple neighbor cell lists, each neighbor cell list corresponds to a valid time period, and the number of valid time periods is the same as the number of neighbor cell lists.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the neighboring cell information indicates one or more valid time periods, and the one or more valid time periods correspond one-to-one to the one or more second cells.

[0014] In the present application, a first cell has a neighboring cell list, and the one or more valid time periods indicated by the neighboring cell information are the one or more valid time periods corresponding to one or more second cells in the neighboring cell list. That is, a valid time period is indicated for each second cell in the neighboring cell list, and the number of valid time periods indicated by the neighboring cell information is the same as the number of second cells in the neighboring cell list.

[0015] When the first cell has multiple neighbor cell lists, each second cell in the neighbor cell list corresponds to a valid period, and the number of valid periods indicated by the neighbor cell information is the same as the number of all second cells in the multiple neighbor cell lists.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, determining the effective time period corresponding to each second cell in the neighboring cell list includes: determining the effective time period corresponding to each second cell in the neighboring cell list based on one or more of the following information: ephemeris information, digital twin information, artificial intelligence, or a large model.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate whether to perform neighbor cell management based on the valid period. This makes the neighbor cell management method more flexible.

[0018] In a second aspect, a method for neighboring cell management is provided, which can be performed by a second communication device. The second communication device can be a radio access network (RAN) node, or a component configured in the RAN node (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second communication device. This application does not limit this.

[0019] The method includes: receiving neighboring cell information, which is used to indicate each second cell in the neighboring cell list of the first cell and its corresponding valid time period, and each second cell is a neighboring cell of the first cell within the corresponding valid time period; and performing neighboring cell management based on the valid time period corresponding to each second cell.

[0020] In this application, the first cell can be an NTN cell. To adapt to the characteristics of NTN cells, which have many neighboring cells and move over time, the second communication device can obtain the valid period corresponding to each second cell. Each second cell is a neighbor of the first cell during the corresponding valid period. After the current time has exceeded the end time point of a certain valid period, it means that the valid period has expired, and the second cell corresponding to the valid period is no longer a neighbor of the first cell. This method can dynamically adjust the neighbor list according to the valid period, which is conducive to more efficient neighbor management.

[0021] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the neighboring cell information indicates a valid period, and the valid period corresponds to the one or more second cells.

[0022] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the neighboring cell information indicates one or more valid time periods, and the one or more valid time periods correspond one-to-one to the one or more second cells.

[0023] In conjunction with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving indication information indicating whether to perform neighbor cell management based on an effective period. Performing neighbor cell management based on the effective period corresponding to each second cell includes: when the indication information indicates that neighbor cell management is to be performed based on an effective period, performing neighbor cell management based on the effective period corresponding to each second cell. This makes the neighbor cell management method more flexible.

[0024] On the third aspect, a method for neighboring cell management is provided, which can be executed by a second communication device. The second communication device can be an EMS or RAN node, or a component configured in the EMS or RAN node (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the second communication device. This application does not limit this.

[0025] The method includes: receiving neighboring cell information, which is used to indicate each second cell in the neighboring cell list of the first cell and its corresponding valid time period, and each second cell is a neighboring cell of the first cell within the corresponding valid time period; based on the neighboring cell information, determining the valid time period corresponding to each second cell.

[0026] In the fourth aspect, a method for neighboring cell management is provided, which can be executed by a third communication device. The third communication device can be an EMS, or a component configured in the EMS (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the third communication device. This application does not limit this.

[0027] The method includes: receiving neighboring cell information, where the neighboring cell information is used to indicate each second cell in a neighboring cell list of a first cell and its corresponding valid time period, and each second cell is a neighboring cell of the first cell within the corresponding valid time period; and sending the neighboring cell information.

[0028] The third communication device may receive the neighboring cell information from the first communication device (when it is an NMS), and then the third communication device may send the neighboring cell information to the second communication device (when it is a RAN node).

[0029] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a module for executing the method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects. Specifically, the device includes a module for executing the method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0030] In one design, the device may include a module corresponding to each of the methods / operations / steps / actions described in any of the above aspects. The module may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0031] In another design, the device is a communication chip, which may include an input circuit or interface for sending information or data, and an output circuit or interface for receiving information or data.

[0032] In another design, the apparatus is an NMS, EMS, or RAN node, which may include a transmitter for sending information or data and a receiver for receiving information or data.

[0033] In another design, the apparatus is configured to execute the method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects, and the apparatus may be configured in an NMS, EMS, or RAN node.

[0034] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor configured to call and run a computer program from a memory, so that the device executes a method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0035] Optionally, the device further comprises a memory, which can be used to store instructions and data. The memory is coupled to the processor, and when the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the method described in the above aspects can be implemented.

[0036] Optionally, the device further includes: a transmitter (emitter) and a receiver (receiver), and the transmitter and the receiver can be separately provided or integrated together, and are referred to as a transceiver (transceiver).

[0037] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code, or instruction), which, when executed, enables a computer to execute a method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0038] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions) which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to execute a method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0039] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a chip system comprising at least one processor for supporting the functions involved in implementing any possible implementation of any of the above aspects, such as receiving or processing the data involved in the above method.

[0040] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory, which is used to store program instructions and data, and the memory is located inside or outside the processor.

[0041] Optionally, the chip system may consist of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG1 is a schematic flow chart of a neighborhood management method;

[0043] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the coverage of an NTN cell;

[0044] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of NTN cell mobility;

[0045] FIG4A is a schematic diagram of a cross-domain architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG4B is a schematic diagram of a single-domain architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] 6A to 6D are schematic diagrams of satellite communication architectures applicable to embodiments of the present application;

[0049] 7 to 10 are schematic flow charts of methods for neighboring cell management provided in embodiments of the present application;

[0050] 11 to 13 are schematic block diagrams of communication devices provided in embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Before introducing the method and related apparatus for neighbor cell management provided in the embodiments of the present application, the following points are explained.

[0053] First, in the embodiments described below, various terms and abbreviations, such as NTN and neighbor list, are provided for ease of description and should not limit this application in any way. This application does not exclude the possibility of defining other terms in existing or future protocols that can achieve the same or similar functions.

[0054] Second, the first, second and various numerical numbers in the embodiments shown below are only used for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0055] Third, "at least one" means one or more, and "more" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b and c can mean: a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or b and c, or a, b and c, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0056] Fourth, “sending” and “receiving” in this application indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, “sending a neighboring cell message to a second communication device” can be understood as the destination end of the neighboring cell message being the second communication device, which can include direct sending through the air interface, and indirect sending through the air interface by other units or modules. “Receiving a neighboring cell message from a first communication device” can be understood as the source end of the neighboring cell message being the first communication device, which can include direct receiving from the first communication device through the air interface, and indirect receiving from the first communication device through the air interface from other units or modules. “Sending” can also be understood as the “output” of the chip interface, and “receiving” can also be understood as the “input” of the chip interface.

[0057] In other words, sending and receiving can be performed between devices, for example, between a first communication device and a second communication device; it can also be performed within a device, for example, sending or receiving between components, modules, chips, software modules or hardware modules within the device through a bus, wiring or interface.

[0058] The following is an introduction to the relevant technologies and concepts involved in this application.

[0059] 1. Domain

[0060] A domain refers to a physical or logical entity consisting of network devices within the same management scope. For example, a domain can be a RAN management domain (MD), a core network (CN) MD, a transmission network (TN) MD, or an end-to-end (E2E) MD.

[0061] The RAN MD may include base stations, cells, network devices in a wireless device management system, and the like.

[0062] The CN MD may include core network elements, network devices in the core network device management system, etc. Core network elements include, for example, the session management function (SMF), the network data analysis function (NWDAF), and the access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0063] TN MD may include switches, routers, and network devices in the transmission network equipment management system.

[0064] E2E MD includes RAN MD, CN MD, TN MD, and network devices in the NMS.

[0065] The wireless device management system, core network device management system or transmission network device management system are EMSs in various domains.

[0066] 2. NTN communication

[0067] NTN communications boasts wide coverage and flexible networking, enabling seamless global network coverage. The NTN network complements existing terrestrial networks and can also be considered an independent communications system providing users with global high-speed network access. NTN communications utilizes unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), high altitude platforms (HAPs), satellites, and other equipment to form networks, providing data transmission, voice communication, and other services to terminals. UAS platforms (including HAPs) typically operate at altitudes of 8 to 50 km above the ground, with beam coverage ranging from 5 to 200 km.

[0068] Satellite communication systems can be divided into the following three types according to the orbital altitude of the satellite: geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite communication system (also known as synchronous orbit satellite system), medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite communication system and low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication system.

[0069] The GEO satellite orbit altitude is 35786km. Its main advantage is that it can remain stationary relative to the ground and provide a large coverage area. Its beam coverage range is 200 to 3500km.

[0070] MEO satellites orbit at altitudes between 7,000 and 25,000 km. Their advantage is that they can achieve global coverage with a relatively small number of satellites, with beam coverage ranging from 100 to 1,000 km. However, their orbital altitude is higher than that of LEO satellites, and transmission latency is still greater than that of LEO satellite communications. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of MEO satellite communications, MEO satellites are primarily used for positioning and navigation.

[0071] LEO satellites orbit at altitudes between 300 and 1500 km, with beam coverage ranging from 100 to 1000 km. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) primarily discusses two classic scenarios: 600 km and 1200 km. LEO satellites orbit at lower altitudes than MEO and GEO satellites, offering advantages such as reduced data propagation latency, minimal transmission loss, and low launch costs. Consequently, LEO satellite communications have garnered increasing attention in recent years.

[0072] 3. Neighborhood management

[0073] Neighborhood management is a very important technology in mobile networks. It is related to the measurement and switching of terminals, and thus affects the terminal experience. When the network is initially established, the network manager can configure the initial neighbor list for the base station. In order to manage base stations more efficiently, the automatic neighbor relation (ANR) is introduced. The base station can automatically manage neighboring cells based on ANR. Specifically, the base station identifies neighboring cells and records information related to neighboring cells to make measurement and switching decisions more efficiently. When the ANR function is turned on, the base station will maintain a neighbor list for each of its cells. The initial value of the neighbor list is configured by the operation administration and maintenance (OAM).

[0074] The ANR function includes the ANR function within the system and the ANR function between systems. The network management controls whether the base station can enable the ANR function within the system by sending the "intrasystemANRManagementSwitch" (ANR management switch within the system) in the configuration information element. The network management controls whether the base station can enable the ANR function between systems by sending the "intersystemANRManagementSwitch" (ANR management switch between systems). When the ANR management switch is "TRUE", it means that the base station can add or delete neighboring cells in the neighboring cell list. When the ANR management switch is "FALSE", it means that the base station cannot add or delete neighboring cells in the neighboring cell relationship list. The following describes the process of neighboring cell management based on ANR by the base station in conjunction with Figure 1.

[0075] Figure 1 is a schematic flow chart of a neighboring cell management method 100. Method 100 is described as follows, assuming that the cells of base station 1 include cell A, and a neighboring cell of cell A is cell B (the cell of base station 2). Method 100 includes steps S101 to S104, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0076] S101: A terminal sends a measurement report to base station 1. Correspondingly, base station 1 receives the measurement report.

[0077] In this step, the measurement report carries the physical cell identifier (Phy-CID, or PCI) of cell B and the signal quality of cell B. After receiving the measurement report, base station 1 finds that the physical cell identifier of cell B is an unfamiliar physical cell identifier, that is, cell B is an unknown neighboring cell. Then, the base station can execute S102 to obtain information related to cell B.

[0078] S102 , base station 1 sends instruction information to the terminal, where the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal to read the system information of cell B. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the instruction information.

[0079] S103 , the terminal receives a broadcast control channel (BCCH) message from base station 2 .

[0080] In this step, the information carried by the BCCH message includes but is not limited to: the global cell identifier (Global-CID) of cell B, tracking area code, access network area code, public land network code, and frequency band.

[0081] S104: The terminal sends the global cell identifier of cell B to base station 1. Correspondingly, base station 1 receives the global cell identifier of cell B.

[0082] S105 , base station 1 determines the transport layer address of the base station to which cell B belongs (ie, base station 2 ) based on the global cell identifier of cell B.

[0083] S106, base station 1 updates the neighboring cell list of cell A based on the transport layer address of the base station to which cell B belongs.

[0084] Optionally, base station 1 may establish an Xn interface with base station 2. Meanwhile, when base station 1 establishes a connection with base station 2, base station 1 may exchange respective serving cell information and neighboring cell information on the interface, wherein the neighboring cell information includes a maximum of 1024 neighboring cells.

[0085] For TN cells, the number of neighboring cells is essentially fixed because the base station is located in a fixed position. However, for NTN cells, their beam coverage range is 100 to 3500 km, while the beam coverage range of a typical TN cell is 100 to 3000 meters. It is foreseeable that the number of neighboring cells of NTN cells will increase exponentially compared to TN cells. For example, the number of neighboring cells of NTN cells may be 1000 times that of TN cells.

[0086] Referring to the schematic diagram of NTN cell coverage shown in Figure 2, NTN cell 1 and NTN cell 2 have very large coverage areas and will have a large number of TN and NTN neighboring cells. As shown in Figure 2, the neighboring cells of NTN cell 1 include NTN cell 2, TN cell 1, TN cell 2, TN cell 3, TN cell 4, and TN cell 5, while the neighboring cells of NTN cell 2 include NTN cell 1, TN cell 1, TN cell 2, TN cell 3, TN cell 4, and TN cell 5.

[0087] Furthermore, referring to the schematic diagram of NTN cell movement shown in FIG3 , when the satellite is in a mobile state, the coverage of the NTN cell will change as the satellite flies. Therefore, the same NTN cell will pass through many neighboring cells, which will also cause the number of neighboring cells of the NTN cell to increase rapidly.

[0088] Since the number of neighboring cells of an NTN cell is large (usually far more than 1024 neighboring cells), and the current neighboring cell list includes a maximum of 1024 neighboring cells, when the number of neighboring cells of an NTN cell exceeds 1024, the base station may discard some neighboring cell information, or some neighboring cells in the neighboring cell list may have become invalid neighboring cells, that is, they are no longer neighboring cells of the NTN cell, which will lead to a decrease in switching performance.

[0089] As can be seen from the above description, NTN cells have numerous neighboring cells that move over time. Therefore, the current fixed neighbor list is no longer applicable to NTN cells. Based on this, the present application provides a method for neighbor management that can dynamically update the neighboring cells of an NTN cell in a neighbor list of limited length, which is conducive to more efficient neighbor management by the base station.

[0090] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of a cross-domain architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application. The architecture shown in Figure 4A includes E2E MD, RAN MD, TN MD, and CN MD. Among them, E2E MD can correspond to NMS or operator support system (OSS), and RAN MD, TN MD, and CN MD can correspond to different EMSs. NMS can manage EMSs corresponding to multiple different domains, that is, to achieve cross-domain management. The multiple network functions (NFs) in Figure 4A can be RAN nodes (for example, base stations), transmission network equipment (for example, switches, routers), and core network elements (for example, SMF, AMF, NWDAF).

[0091] The management service consumer (MnS consumer) is a management service consumption logical entity or physical entity deployed in the NMS. It is the caller of the management service and is responsible for issuing measurement tasks and obtaining measurement reports in this solution.

[0092] The management service producer (MnS producer) is a management service provision logical entity or physical entity deployed in the EMS. It is the provider of management services and is responsible for establishing measurement tasks and generating measurement data in this solution.

[0093] Business applications are the main body of data application, monitoring network status or generating network configuration commands by processing and analyzing data. For example, business applications can be network twin construction (also known as digital twin construction), performance prediction, fault prediction, etc. Network configuration commands can be adjusting the antenna tilt angle of a base station or disconnecting a certain algorithm switch of a base station.

[0094] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of a single-domain architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application. The architecture shown in Figure 4B includes MDs and NFs, where the MD can be an EMS and the NF can be (for example, a base station), a transport network device (for example, a switch, a router), or a core network device (for example, an SMF, an AMF, or an NWDAF).

[0095] MD includes management service consumption entities and business applications, and NF includes management service provision entities. For a detailed introduction to management service consumption entities, business applications, and management service provision entities, please refer to the above description of FIG4B and will not be repeated here.

[0096] The NMS can be considered a logical entity (or software module) deployed by the operator on the network side. The NMS can be deployed in the core network or independently of the core network. The NMS can manage EMSs in multiple regions on the network side.

[0097] For example, an NMS manages at least one EMS corresponding to a RAN DM, with each EMS managing at least one RAN node. The EMS can be independent of the RAN or part of the RAN. An EMS can manage multiple RAN nodes within the RAN. RAN nodes, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entities, or access nodes, form part of a communications system and facilitate wireless access for terminals.

[0098] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 500 applicable to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5, the communication system 500 may include at least one RAN node (such as 110a, 110b, and 110c in Figure 5) and may also include at least one terminal (such as 120a-120g in Figure 5). RAN nodes may be connected to each other via wired or wireless means. Figure 5 is merely a schematic diagram, and the communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices.

[0099] In some scenarios, the roles of RAN nodes and terminals are relative. For example, network element 120c in Figure 5 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal 120d accessing the RAN through network element 120c, network element 120c is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120c is a terminal. RAN nodes and terminals are sometimes referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a, 110b, and 110c in Figure 5 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120g can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0100] In one possible scenario, a RAN node may be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in the fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G), a next-generation base station in the sixth-generation mobile communication technology (6G), a base station in a future mobile communication system, etc. A RAN node may be a macro base station (such as 110a in Figure 1 ), a micro base station, or an indoor station (such as 110b in Figure 1 ), a relay node or a donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Alternatively, a RAN node may be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle, or an onboard device. For example, the access network device in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology may be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0101] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node can be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP) or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be set separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU) or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0102] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0103] In conjunction with the satellite as a RAN node shown in Figure 5 (e.g., 110a in Figure 5), Figures 6A to 6D are schematic diagrams of the architecture of satellite communications applicable to embodiments of the present application. Figures 6A to 6D take the next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) as an example to introduce the communication architecture between the terminal, NG-RAN, 5G core network (CN), and data network in satellite communications. Satellites in NG-RAN can be divided into transparent mode and regenerative mode according to their working mode. Among them, the 5G core network can also be called the new radio (NR) core network.

[0104] Referring to Figure 6A , the satellite operates in transparent transmission mode, performing relay forwarding functions, forwarding signals between terminals and base stations (such as the gNB in ​​Figure 6A ). The NTN gateway performs base station functions or some base station functions. The satellite repeats the NR Uu radio interface from the feeder link (the link between the NTN gateway and the satellite) to the service link (the link between the satellite and the terminal).

[0105] Referring to Figure 6B , the satellite operates in regenerative mode. It has data processing capabilities and has base station functions or partial base station functions. In this case, the satellite can be considered a base station (e.g., the gNB in ​​Figure 6B ). The service link between the terminal and the satellite uses the NR Uu radio interface, and the feeder link between the NTN gateway and the satellite is implemented through the satellite radio interface (SRI).

[0106] Referring to Figure 6C , in the regenerative mode where the satellite acts as a base station, inter-satellite links (ISLs) can be established between satellites for communication. Satellite-served terminals can access the 5G core network via the ISLs. Different satellites can connect to the same or different 5G core networks on the ground.

[0107] Referring to Figure 6D , the satellite can be used as part of a distributed base station, for example, as a DU (e.g., the gNB-DU in Figure 6D ). The service link between the satellite and the terminal uses the NR Uu radio interface, and the feeder link between the NTN gateway and the satellite is implemented using the SRI, which transmits the F1 protocol.

[0108] In the above description of FIG6A to FIG6D , in the satellite regeneration mode, the satellite can be described as acting as a base station, or as carrying a base station on the satellite. The satellite can also act as part of a distributed base station, or as carrying a part of a distributed base station on the satellite.

[0109] In addition, the satellite can also be used as an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or as a backhaul part between a base station and a core network, which is not limited in this application.

[0110] As can be seen from the above description, an NMS manages at least one EMS, an EMS manages at least one base station, and a base station can have at least one cell. In this application, the NMS can determine candidate neighboring cells for each of at least one first cell under at least one EMS managed by the NMS, and the candidate neighboring cells of each first cell include one or more second cells.

[0111] For ease of description, the embodiments described below are described by taking an example in which one NMS manages one EMS, one EMS manages one base station, and one base station includes one first cell.

[0112] Figure 7 is a schematic flow chart of a method 700 for neighbor management provided by an embodiment of the present application. Method 700 is interactively executed by a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device may be an NMS or EMS, and the second communication device may be an EMS or a RAN node. When the first communication device is an NMS, the second communication device is an EMS; when the first communication device is an EMS, the second communication device is a RAN node, which may be, for example, a ground base station or a satellite base station, although this application does not limit this.

[0113] S701: A first communication device determines a neighboring cell list of a first cell, where the neighboring cell list includes one or more second cells.

[0114] In this step, the first communication device first determines a first cell that is applicable to the method of dynamically updating the neighbor list of the present application. The first cell is a cell that meets a preset condition.

[0115] Optionally, the first cell is a cell that meets a preset network standard. For example, the network standard of the first cell is NTN, or the network standard of the first cell is NR, or the network standard of the first cell is long term evolution (LTE).

[0116] Optionally, the first cell is a cell that meets a preset geographical location. For example, there are many neighboring cells around the geographical location of the first cell, and the number of the neighboring cells meets a first threshold.

[0117] After determining the first cell, the first communications device obtains neighboring cell information of the first cell, such as the physical cell identifier, frequency, and scrambling code of each neighboring cell. Furthermore, the first communications device determines a neighboring cell list of the first cell based on the neighboring cell information of the first cell. The neighboring cell list includes one or more second cells, which are candidate neighboring cells of the first cell.

[0118] S702: The first communication device determines a valid period corresponding to each second cell in the neighbor cell list, and each second cell is a neighbor cell of the first cell within the corresponding valid period.

[0119] Taking the first cell as an NTN cell as an example, the coverage of the NTN cell changes over time, and the neighboring cells of the same NTN cell at different times may also change accordingly. Therefore, if the length of the neighbor cell list is fixed, the corresponding second cell in the neighbor cell list can be activated according to different effective time periods.

[0120] The one or more second cells can be considered candidate neighboring cells of the first cell. At a first moment, if the first moment is within a first valid period, the second cell corresponding to the first valid period can be considered a neighboring cell of the first cell. Accordingly, as time passes, at a second moment, if the second moment exceeds the first valid period, that is, the first valid period expires, the second cell corresponding to the first valid period is no longer a neighboring cell of the first cell and becomes a candidate neighboring cell of the first cell again. After the first valid period expires, the first communications device can delete the configuration information related to the second cell corresponding to the first valid period from the neighboring cell list.

[0121] Optionally, the first communication device deletes the configuration information related to the second cell corresponding to the first valid period from the neighboring cell list; however, the first communication device still stores the configuration information related to the second cell corresponding to the first valid period.

[0122] In the embodiments of the present application, different methods may be used to indicate the valid period.

[0123] In one possible manner, a timer is used to indicate the valid period, for example, the period from the start of the timer to the end of the timer is the valid period.

[0124] In another possible manner, a fixed period is used to indicate the valid period, for example, the valid period is from 7:00 to 8:00.

[0125] It should be noted that this application does not limit the execution order of S701 and S702.

[0126] In one possible implementation, the first communications device first determines a range of neighboring cells within which a valid period of time can be used, where the range of neighboring cells within the valid period of time includes the one or more second cells. Furthermore, the first communications device determines a neighboring cell list that includes the one or more second cells. Thereafter, the first communications device determines a valid period of time corresponding to each second cell.

[0127] In another possible implementation, the first communication device first determines a range of neighboring cells that can use a valid period, and then determines a valid period corresponding to each second cell. Thereafter, the first communication device determines a neighboring cell list that includes the one or more second cells.

[0128] In this implementation, optionally, after determining the valid period corresponding to each second cell, the first communication device may determine a neighboring cell list based on the valid period of each second cell.

[0129] For example, the first communication device groups the one or more second cells according to the effective period, and the second cells with the same effective period can be configured in the same neighboring cell list. In this way, the first cell can have one or more neighboring cell lists, and the effective period corresponding to one or more second cells in the same neighboring cell list is the same.

[0130] S703: The first communication device sends neighboring cell information to the second communication device, where the neighboring cell information indicates each second cell in the neighboring cell list of the first cell and its corresponding valid period. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the neighboring cell information.

[0131] Taking the number of neighbor cell lists of the first cell as one as an example, the indication method of the valid period in the neighbor cell information may include the following situations:

[0132] In scenario 1, the neighboring cell information indicates a valid period corresponding to the one or more second cells. Specifically, the valid period indicated by the neighboring cell information is the valid period of the neighboring cell list of the first cell, and the valid period of the neighboring cell list applies to the one or more second cells in the neighboring cell list. In this manner, the valid period indicates a single neighboring cell list, and this indication method can be referred to as a single-list indication method.

[0133] For example, the neighboring cell list of the first cell includes cell 1, cell 2, cell 3 and cell 4. The valid time period corresponding to the neighboring cell list of the first cell is from 8 o'clock to 9 o'clock. Then the valid time period of cells 1, cell 2, cell 3 and cell 4 included in the neighboring cell list of the first cell is all from 8 o'clock to 9 o'clock.

[0134] Scenario 2: The neighboring area information indicates one or more valid time periods, and the one or more valid time periods correspond one-to-one to the one or more second cells. Specifically, the one or more valid time periods indicated by the neighboring area information are the valid time periods corresponding to the one or more second cells, and each of the one or more second cells corresponds to one valid time period. The valid time periods of the one or more second cells in the neighboring area list of the first cell may be the same or different. In this way, the valid time period indicates a single neighboring area, and this indication method may be referred to as a single neighboring area indication method. The number of valid time periods indicated by the neighboring area information is the same as the number of one or more second cells in the neighboring area list.

[0135] For example, the neighboring cell list of the first cell includes cell 1, cell 2, cell 3 and cell 4, among which the valid time period corresponding to cell 1 is from 7 o'clock to 8 o'clock, the valid time period corresponding to cell 2 is from 7 o'clock to 8 o'clock, the valid time period corresponding to cell 3 is from 8 o'clock to 9 o'clock, and the valid time period corresponding to cell 4 is from 8 o'clock to 9 o'clock.

[0136] Referring to the single list method described in situation one, when the number of neighbor lists of the first cell is multiple, the multiple neighbor lists contain different second cells, each neighbor list corresponds to a valid time period, and the number of valid time periods indicated by the neighbor information is the same as the number of neighbor lists.

[0137] For example, the neighbor list of the first cell includes neighbor list A and neighbor list B, where neighbor list A includes cells 1 and 2, and the valid period corresponding to neighbor list A is from 7:00 to 8:00. Neighbor list B includes cells 3 and 4, and the valid period corresponding to neighbor list B is from 8:00 to 9:00.

[0138] Based on the description of the NMS and EMS above, we can see that the NMS and EMS are network-side devices. An NMS can manage at least one EMS, and an EMS can manage at least one base station. The NMS has global network information for its management area and knows at least one base station under each EMS it manages, as well as the cell of each base station.

[0139] When the first communication device is an NMS and the second communication device is an EMS, the NMS can send the neighbor list of the first cell to the EMS that manages the first cell. Then, the EMS that manages the first cell sends the neighbor list of the first cell to the base station to which the first cell belongs, and the base station performs neighbor management based on the neighbor list of the first cell.

[0140] When the first communication device is an EMS and the second communication device is a RAN node, the EMS may send the neighbor list of the first cell to the RAN node to which the first cell belongs, and the RAN node performs neighbor management based on the neighbor list of the first cell.

[0141] S704: The second communication device determines a valid time period corresponding to each second cell based on the neighboring cell information.

[0142] In this step, after receiving the neighboring cell information, the second communication device obtains the valid time period corresponding to each second cell from the neighboring cell information.

[0143] In an embodiment of the present application, in order to adapt to the characteristics of the NTN cell having numerous and dynamically changing neighboring cells, the first communication device configures a corresponding valid period for each of the one or more second cells when configuring neighboring cell information for the first cell. The neighboring cell list can be dynamically adjusted according to the valid period, which is conducive to more efficient neighboring cell management.

[0144] In another embodiment, after S703, the second communication device performs neighboring cell management based on the valid period corresponding to each second cell. In this embodiment, the second communication device is a RAN node, which can activate an appropriate second cell as a neighboring cell of the first cell based on the valid period corresponding to each second cell. Furthermore, the RAN node can perform operations such as measurement decisions and handover decisions based on the neighboring cells of the first cell.

[0145] As an optional embodiment, the first communication device determines the effective time period corresponding to each second cell in the neighboring cell list, including: determining the effective time period corresponding to each second cell in the neighboring cell list based on one or more of the following: ephemeris information, digital twin information, artificial intelligence or big data.

[0146] For example, the first communication device can determine which cells the NTN cell will pass through and the duration of passing through these cells based on the ephemeris information. Furthermore, the first communication device can determine one or more neighboring cells of the NTN cell and the effective time period corresponding to each neighboring cell.

[0147] For another example, the first communication device simulates one or more neighboring areas experienced by the NTN cell and the effective period corresponding to each neighboring area based on digital twin information, or based on digital twin construction technology.

[0148] For another example, the first communication device predicts the movement trajectory of the NTN cell based on artificial intelligence or big data to determine one or more neighboring cells experienced by the NTN cell and the effective time period corresponding to each neighboring cell.

[0149] Optionally, method 700 further includes S705: the first communication device sends indication information to the second communication device, where the indication information is used to indicate whether neighbor management is performed based on the valid period. The indication information is used to indicate whether neighbor management is performed based on the valid period, and can also be described as indicating whether a function (or switch) of neighbor management based on the valid period is turned on.

[0150] Furthermore, the second communication device performs neighbor cell management based on the valid time period corresponding to each second cell, specifically including: when the indication information indicates that neighbor cell management is performed based on the valid time period (which can also be described as turning on the function of neighbor cell management based on the valid time period), the second communication device performs neighbor cell management based on the valid time period corresponding to each second cell.

[0151] When the indication information indicates that neighbor management based on the effective period is not to be performed (which can also be described as the indication information indicating that the function of neighbor management based on the effective period is turned off), the timer of the effective period is paused or reset, and one or more second cells in the neighbor list of the first cell are permanently valid. That is, one or more second cells in the neighbor list of the first cell are fixed as neighbor cells of the first cell during the period when this function is turned off. When the indication information indicates that the function of neighbor management based on the effective period is turned on, the effective period timer is resumed or starts from 0.

[0152] Specifically, the indication information may indicate whether to enable the function of intra-system or inter-system neighbor management based on the valid period. The system may include NR, LTE, or NTN, and the inter-system neighbor management may be the neighbor management between the NR cell and the LTE cell, or the neighbor management between the NTN cell and the TN cell, which is not limited in this application.

[0153] In a possible implementation, the first communication device may determine whether to enable the effective period-based neighbor management function according to network deployment conditions.

[0154] For example, when the number of cells near the first cell is higher than the second threshold, the function of neighbor cell management based on the effective period may be instructed to be turned on. Conversely, when the number of cells near the first cell is lower than the second threshold, the function of neighbor cell management based on the effective period may be instructed to be turned off.

[0155] In another possible implementation, the first communication device may determine whether the first cell has enabled the neighboring cell management function based on the effective period based on the digital twin information or the ephemeris information. In this manner, the first communication device may predict the number of neighboring cells experienced by the first cell based on the digital twin information or the ephemeris information, and determine whether to enable the neighboring cell management function based on the effective period based on the number of neighboring cells experienced by the first cell.

[0156] 8 to 10, the neighbor management process in which the first communication device is an NMS and the second communication device is an EMS is described, or the neighbor management process in which the first communication device is an EMS and the second communication device is a RAN node (hereinafter, the RAN node is taken as a base station as an example) is described.

[0157] 8 is a schematic flow chart of another method 800 for neighbor management provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 800 is described by taking the first communication device as an NMS and the second communication device as an EMS as an example.

[0158] The method 800 includes steps S801 to S807, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0159] S801: The NMS determines one or more neighbor cell lists of a first cell.

[0160] Each of the one or more neighbor cell lists includes one or more second cells, and the first or multiple second cells can be regarded as candidate neighbor cells of the first cell.

[0161] S802: The NMS determines a valid period corresponding to each second cell, where each second cell is a neighboring cell of the first cell within the corresponding valid period.

[0162] For the introduction of S801 and S802, please refer to the description of S701 and S702 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0163] S803: The NMS sends one or more neighbor cell lists and valid period information to the EMS. Correspondingly, the EMS receives the one or more neighbor cell lists and valid period information.

[0164] The valid period information in this step indicates one or more valid periods. Since the number of neighbor list of the first cell is one or more, and the number of second cells included in each neighbor list is one or more, combined with the single list indication method or single neighbor indication method described in S703 above, it can be seen that the number of valid periods is one or more, that is, the one or more valid periods indicated by the valid period information include one or more valid periods corresponding to one or more second cells.

[0165] S804: The EMS sends one or more neighbor cell lists and valid period information to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives the one or more neighbor cell lists and valid period information.

[0166] When the EMS manages multiple base stations, the EMS can first determine the base station to which the first cell belongs. When the base station has multiple first cells, the EMS further determines one or more neighboring cell lists of each first cell and sends one or more neighboring cell lists and one or more valid time periods of each first cell to the base station to which the first cell belongs.

[0167] S805: The NMS sends indication information to the EMS, where the indication information is used to indicate whether to perform neighbor management based on the valid period.

[0168] S806: The EMS sends instruction information to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives the instruction information.

[0169] If the indication information indicates to perform neighbor cell management based on the valid period, the base station executes S807.

[0170] S807: The base station performs neighboring cell management based on the valid period corresponding to each second cell.

[0171] In the embodiment of the present application, since the NMS has data from the entire network, it can act as a master control node to determine the neighbor management strategy and the specific configuration information used for neighbor management, making neighbor management decisions more comprehensive and intelligent. The neighbor management strategy includes determining the range of neighboring cells that use the effective time period and indicating whether to perform neighbor management based on the effective time period. The configuration information used for neighbor management includes the effective time period corresponding to each secondary cell.

[0172] In the embodiment of the present application, the NMS controls whether to enable the neighbor management function based on the effective period for the entire network, and forwards the instruction to the base station via the EMS. Based on this instruction information, the base station can perform neighbor management more flexibly.

[0173] Figure 9 is a schematic flow chart of another method 900 for neighbor management provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 900 is described by taking the above-mentioned first communication device as an EMS and the second communication device as a base station as an example.

[0174] The method 900 includes steps S901 to S908, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0175] S901: The NMS determines a neighboring cell range for a valid usage period.

[0176] In this step, the NMS first determines the first cell and then determines a range of neighboring cells for a valid usage period from among multiple neighboring cells of the first cell. The range of neighboring cells for a valid usage period includes one or more second cells, which can be understood as candidate neighboring cells of the first cell. The specific process of determining the first cell can be found in the description of S701 above and will not be repeated here.

[0177] S902: The NMS sends the neighboring cell range of the valid usage period to the EMS. Correspondingly, the EMS receives the neighboring cell range of the valid usage period.

[0178] S903: The EMS determines one or more neighbor cell lists of the first cell based on the neighbor cell range of the valid usage period, where each neighbor cell list includes one or more second cells.

[0179] S904, the EMS determines a valid period corresponding to each second cell in the neighbor cell list, and each second cell is a neighbor cell of the first cell within the corresponding valid period.

[0180] The valid period and the method for determining the valid period corresponding to each second cell have been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0181] S905: The EMS sends one or more neighbor cell lists and valid period information to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives the one or more neighbor cell lists and valid period information.

[0182] The one or more neighbor cell lists are one or more neighbor cell lists of the first cell. The validity period information indicates one or more validity periods, and each of the one or more validity periods may indicate a single neighbor cell list or a single neighbor cell. For details, see the description of S703 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0183] S906: The NMS sends an indication message to the EMS, where the indication message is used to indicate whether to perform neighbor management based on the valid period. Correspondingly, the EMS receives the indication message.

[0184] The instructions have been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0185] S907: The EMS sends instruction information to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives the instruction information.

[0186] If the indication information indicates to perform neighbor cell management based on the valid period, the base station executes S908.

[0187] S908. The base station performs neighboring cell management based on the valid time period corresponding to each second cell.

[0188] If the indication information indicates to enable the function of neighbor management based on the effective period, the base station performs neighbor management based on the effective period corresponding to each second cell. If the indication information indicates to disable the function of neighbor management based on the effective period, the one or more second cells in each neighbor list received by the base station are permanently valid, that is, the one or more second cells in each multi-neighbor list can always serve as neighbor cells of the first cell during the period when the function is disabled, until the NMS or EMS instructs to enable the function of neighbor management based on the effective period.

[0189] In the embodiment of the present application, since the NMS has data from the entire network, it can determine the neighbor management strategy, including determining the range of neighbor cells using the effective period and indicating whether to perform neighbor management based on the effective period. Since the EMS has a more real-time and detailed understanding of the base stations within the domain it manages, the EMS can determine specific configuration information for neighbor management, including the effective period corresponding to each secondary cell, so that the determined configuration information is more accurate.

[0190] In some scenarios, some neighboring cells of the first cell are cells of base stations outside the management scope of the EMS. Since the EMS cannot obtain information about the neighboring cells, the EMS cannot determine the valid time period corresponding to the neighboring cells. In this scenario, the NMS can generate the valid time period of the neighboring cells and send the valid time period of the neighboring cells to the EMS.

[0191] Figure 10 is a schematic flow chart of another method 1000 for neighbor management provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 1000 is described by taking the above-mentioned first communication device as an EMS and the second communication device as a base station as an example.

[0192] Method 1000 includes S1001 to S1006, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0193] S1001: The NMS sends an indication message to the EMS, where the indication message is used to indicate whether to perform neighbor management based on a valid period. Correspondingly, the EMS receives the indication message.

[0194] S1002: The EMS determines one or more neighbor cell lists of the first cell.

[0195] Each of the one or more neighbor cell lists includes one or more second cells, and the first or multiple second cells can be regarded as candidate neighbor cells of the first cell.

[0196] Before determining one or more neighboring cell lists of the first cell, the EMS may first determine a neighboring cell range for a valid usage period, where the neighboring cell range for the valid usage period includes one or more second cells. The EMS determines one or more neighboring cell lists based on the neighboring cell range for the valid usage period.

[0197] S1003, EMS determines the valid period corresponding to each second cell in the neighboring cell list. Each second cell is a neighboring cell of the first cell during the corresponding valid period.

[0198] S1004: The EMS sends one or more neighbor cell lists and valid period information to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives the one or more neighbor cell lists and valid period information.

[0199] S1005: The EMS sends instruction information to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives the instruction information.

[0200] If the indication information indicates to perform neighbor cell management based on the valid period, the base station executes S1006.

[0201] S1006: The base station performs neighboring cell management based on the valid time period corresponding to each second cell.

[0202] In the embodiment of the present application, since the EMS has a more real-time and detailed understanding of the base stations within the domain it manages, the EMS can determine the neighboring cell management strategy and specific configuration information for neighboring cell management, which is conducive to reducing the delay in transmitting the configuration information for neighboring cell management and improving the accuracy of neighboring cell management decisions. The neighboring cell management strategy includes determining the range of neighboring cells using the effective period, and the specific configuration information for neighboring cell management includes the effective period corresponding to each second cell.

[0203] It should be noted that in the above method 1000, sending indication information from the NMS to the EMS is an optional step, that is, the NMS may not send the indication information to the EMS, but the EMS determines whether the base station needs to enable neighboring cell management based on the effective period, and sends the indication information to the base station.

[0204] It should be understood that the size of the serial numbers of the above processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0205] The above is described in detail with reference to Figures 7 to 10 , and the method for neighbor management according to an embodiment of the present application is described in detail below with reference to Figures 11 to 13 , and the communication device according to an embodiment of the present application is described in detail.

[0206] FIG11 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 1100 includes a processing module 1110 and a transceiver module 1120 .

[0207] The processing module 1110 is configured to: determine a neighbor list of a first cell, the neighbor list including one or more second cells; and determine a valid period corresponding to each second cell in the neighbor list, each second cell being a neighbor of the first cell during the corresponding valid period. The transceiver module 1120 is configured to: send neighbor information indicating each second cell in the neighbor list of the first cell and its corresponding valid period.

[0208] Optionally, the neighboring cell information indicates a valid time period, which corresponds to the one or more second cells.

[0209] Optionally, the neighboring cell information indicates one or more valid time periods, and the one or more valid time periods correspond one-to-one to the one or more second cells.

[0210] Optionally, the processing module 1110 is used to determine the valid time period corresponding to each second cell in the neighboring cell list based on one or more of the following information: ephemeris information, digital twin information, artificial intelligence or a large model.

[0211] Optionally, the transceiver module 1120 is used to: send indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate whether neighbor cell management is performed based on a valid period.

[0212] In an optional example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the device 1100 may be specifically the first communication device (e.g., NMS or EMS) in the above-mentioned embodiment, or the functions of the first communication device (e.g., NMS or EMS) in the above-mentioned embodiment may be integrated into the device 1100. The above-mentioned functions may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions. For example, the above-mentioned transceiver module 1120 may be a communication interface, such as a transceiver interface. The device 1100 may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the first communication device (e.g., NMS or EMS) in the above-mentioned method embodiment.

[0213] FIG12 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1200 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 1200 includes a transceiver module 1210 and a processing module 1220 .

[0214] Among them, the transceiver module 1210 is used to: receive neighboring cell information, which indicates each second cell in the neighboring cell list of the first cell and its corresponding valid time period, and each second cell is a neighboring cell of the first cell within the corresponding valid time period; the processing module 1220 is used to: perform neighboring cell management based on the valid time period corresponding to each second cell.

[0215] Optionally, the neighboring cell information indicates a valid time period, which corresponds to the one or more second cells.

[0216] Optionally, the neighboring cell information indicates one or more valid time periods, and the one or more valid time periods correspond one-to-one to the one or more second cells.

[0217] Optionally, the transceiver module 1210 is configured to: receive indication information indicating whether to perform neighbor management based on the valid period. The processing module 1220 is configured to: perform neighbor management based on the valid period corresponding to each second cell when the indication information indicates to perform neighbor management based on the valid period.

[0218] In an optional example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the device 1200 may be specifically the second communication device (e.g., a base station) in the above-mentioned embodiment, or the functions of the first communication device (e.g., a base station) in the above-mentioned embodiment may be integrated into the device 1200. The above-mentioned functions may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions. For example, the above-mentioned transceiver module 1210 may be a communication interface, such as a transceiver interface. The device 1200 may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the second communication device (e.g., a base station) in the above-mentioned method embodiment.

[0219] It should be understood that the apparatus 1100 and the apparatus 1200 herein are embodied in the form of functional modules. The term "module" herein may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a dedicated processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, combined logic circuits, and / or other suitable components that support the described functionality.

[0220] In the embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 1100 and the apparatus 1200 may also be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on chip (SoC). Correspondingly, the transceiver module may be a transceiver circuit of the chip, which is not limited here.

[0221] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 1300 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 1300 includes a processor 1310, a transceiver 1320, and a memory 1330. The processor 1310, the transceiver 1320, and the memory 1330 communicate with each other via an internal connection path. The memory 1330 is used to store instructions, and the processor 1310 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 1330 to control the transceiver 1320 to send and / or receive signals.

[0222] It should be understood that the apparatus 1300 can be specifically the NMS, EMS, or base station in the above-mentioned embodiments, or the functions of the NMS, EMS, or base station in the above-mentioned embodiments can be integrated into the apparatus 1300, and the apparatus 1300 can be used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the NMS, EMS, or base station in the above-mentioned method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 1330 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 1310 can be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor executes the instructions, the processor 1310 can execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the NMS, EMS, or base station in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0223] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0224] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions). When the computer-readable storage medium is run on a computer, the computer executes the method performed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the above method embodiment.

[0225] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a computer, enables the computer to implement the method performed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the above method embodiment.

[0226] The present application also provides a communication system including a first communication device and a second communication device in the above embodiment. The first communication device is configured to perform some or all of the operations performed by the first communication device in the above method embodiment, and the second communication device is configured to perform some or all of the operations performed by the second communication device in the above method embodiment.

[0227] An embodiment of the present application further provides a chip device, comprising a processor, configured to call a computer program or instruction stored in the memory so that the processor executes the method provided in the above embodiment.

[0228] In a possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the receiving operation in any one of the foregoing embodiments, and the output of the chip device corresponds to the sending operation in any one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0229] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0230] Optionally, the chip device further comprises a memory, in which computer programs or instructions are stored.

[0231] During implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of hardware in a processor or by instructions in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art, such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in a memory, and the processor executes the instructions in the memory, and completes the steps of the above method in conjunction with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0232] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the modules 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.

[0233] 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 modules described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0234] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the modules is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple modules 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 modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0235] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules may be selected to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment according to actual needs.

[0236] In addition, each functional module in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing module, or each module may exist physically separately, or two or more modules may be integrated into one module.

[0237] If the functions are implemented in the form of software function modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution 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, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each 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 read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0238] 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 method for neighbor cell management, characterized in that, Comprising: Determine a neighbor cell list of a first cell, where the neighbor cell list includes one or more second cells; Determine a valid period corresponding to each second cell in the neighbor cell list, where each second cell is a neighbor cell of the first cell during the corresponding valid period; Send neighbor cell information, where the neighbor cell information is used to indicate each second cell in the neighbor cell list of the first cell and its corresponding valid period.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first cell is a non-terrestrial network (NTN) cell.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The neighbor cell information indicates a valid period, and the valid period corresponds to the one or more second cells.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The neighbor cell information indicates one or more valid periods, and the one or more valid periods are the valid periods corresponding to the one or more second cells.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The determining the valid period corresponding to each second cell in the neighbor cell list includes: Determining the valid period corresponding to each second cell in the neighbor cell list based on one or more of the following information: Ephemeris information, digital twin information, artificial intelligence, or large model.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate whether to perform neighbor cell management based on the valid period.

7. A method for neighbor cell management, characterized in that, Comprising: Receiving neighbor cell information, where the neighbor cell information is used to indicate each second cell in the neighbor cell list of a first cell and its corresponding valid period, and each second cell is a neighbor cell of the first cell during the corresponding valid period; Performing neighbor cell management based on the valid period corresponding to each second cell.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The first cell is a non-terrestrial network (NTN) cell.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The neighbor cell information indicates a valid period, and the valid period corresponds to the one or more second cells.

10. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The neighbor cell information indicates one or more valid periods, and the one or more valid periods are the valid periods corresponding to the one or more second cells.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, Before performing neighbor cell management based on the valid period corresponding to each second cell, the method further includes: Receiving indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate whether to perform neighbor cell management based on the valid period; The performing neighbor cell management based on the valid period corresponding to each second cell includes: When the indication information indicates to perform neighbor cell management based on the valid period, performing neighbor cell management based on the valid period corresponding to each second cell.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising a module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or a module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising a processor, where the processor is coupled to a memory, and the memory is used to store programs or instructions. When the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is executed, or the method according to any one of claims 7 to 11 is executed.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, For storing a computer program, when the computer program runs on a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is executed, or the method according to any one of claims 7 to 11 is executed.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that, Comprising: A computer program or instruction, when the computer program or instruction is run, causes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 to be executed, or causes the method according to any one of claims 7 to 11 to be executed.

16. A communication system, characterized in that, Comprising: A first communication device and a second communication device; The first communication device is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6; The second communication device is configured to receive neighbor cell information.

17. A method for neighbor cell management, characterized in that Comprising: The first communication device determines a neighbor cell list of a first cell, the neighbor cell list including one or more second cells; The first communication device determines an effective period corresponding to each second cell in the neighbor cell list, and each second cell is a neighbor cell of the first cell during the corresponding effective period; The first communication device sends neighbor cell information, the neighbor cell information being used to indicate each second cell in the neighbor cell list of the first cell and its corresponding effective period; The second communication device receives the neighbor cell information.

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