Communication method and apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method and apparatus, and a storage medium. The method comprises: receiving first information sent by a network device, the first information being used for instructing a plurality of termina to switch to a first frequency band. In the embodiment, the network device indicates by means of the information that the plurality of terminals all can switch to the first frequency band, ensuring that the terminals can switch to the corresponding frequency band, ensuring the accuracy of frequency band switching of the terminals, and then ensuring the reliability of communication of the terminals based on the frequency band.

Description

Communication method, device and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to a communication method, device, and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of mobile communication technology, available cell bandwidth is becoming increasingly wider. To reduce terminal power consumption and improve system frequency utilization efficiency, the frequencies within a cell are divided into different frequency bands, and each frequency band is referred to as a Bandwith Part (BWP). Data is transmitted using multiple BWPs obtained by dividing the frequency bands. Multiple BWPs can be activated simultaneously within a cell, but only one BWP, or one uplink BWP and one downlink BWP, can be activated simultaneously for a terminal.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments provided herein ensure that multiple terminals can be controlled to switch to the first frequency band, reducing signaling overhead. At the same time, network devices can reduce signal / channel transmission on frequency bands where no terminals are active, thereby achieving energy conservation for network devices.

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, an apparatus, and a storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0007] First information sent by a network device is received, where the first information is used to instruct multiple terminals to switch to a first frequency band.

[0008] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0009] First information is sent to the terminal, where the first information is used to instruct multiple terminals to switch to the first frequency band.

[0010] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, the method including:

[0011] The network device sends first information to the terminal, where the first information is used to instruct multiple terminals to switch to the first frequency band;

[0012] The terminal receives first information sent by a network device.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, including:

[0014] The transceiver module is used to receive first information sent by a network device, where the first information is used to instruct multiple terminals to switch to a first frequency band.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, including:

[0016] The transceiver module is used to send first information to the terminal, where the first information is used to instruct multiple terminals to switch to the first frequency band.

[0017] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, including:

[0018] one or more processors;

[0019] The communication device is used to execute any one of the methods described in the first aspect or the third aspect.

[0020] According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, including:

[0021] one or more processors;

[0022] The communication device is used to execute any one of the methods described in the second aspect or the third aspect.

[0023] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including:

[0024] A terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0025] According to a ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, wherein the storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the method as described in any one of the first aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and constitute a part of the present disclosure. The illustrative embodiments of the embodiments of the present disclosure and their descriptions are used to explain the embodiments of the present disclosure and do not constitute an improper limitation on the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0027] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG3A is a flow chart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG3B is a flow chart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG4A is a flow chart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG4B is a flow chart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG5 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG6 is a flow chart showing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG7A is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG7B is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG8A is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present disclosure provides a communication method, device, and storage medium.

[0040] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, where the method is executed by a terminal and includes:

[0041] First information sent by a network device is received, where the first information is used to instruct multiple terminals to switch to a first frequency band.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the network device uses information to indicate that multiple terminals can switch to the first frequency band. This not only reduces signaling overhead but also ensures that the terminals can switch to the corresponding frequency band, ensuring the accuracy of the terminal switching frequency band, and thus ensuring the reliability of the terminal's communication based on the frequency band. Furthermore, the network device can reduce signal / channel transmission on frequency bands where no terminals are active, thereby achieving energy conservation for the network device.

[0043] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first frequency band includes any one of an RB (Radio Bearer) set or a BWP.

[0044] In the above embodiment, it is stipulated that the frequency band is an RB set or a BWP, and the types of frequency bands are expanded, thereby expanding the types of frequency bands to which the terminal can switch.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0046] cell identification;

[0047] a frequency band identifier of the first frequency band;

[0048] Spare padding bits;

[0049] feedback time of second information, where the second information refers to feedback information of the terminal in response to the first information;

[0050] time-frequency resource information of the second information;

[0051] A handover indication is used to instruct multiple terminals to perform handover.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the types of information carried by the first information are expanded, thereby ensuring the accuracy of indicating the handover and ensuring the accuracy of the handover execution by the terminal.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0054] Switch to the first frequency band based on the first information.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the frequency band switching is performed based on the first information, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the switching instruction and the accuracy of the switching performed by the terminal.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0057] Stop at least one of the following actions on frequency bands other than the first frequency band:

[0058] PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) monitoring;

[0059] CSI-RS (Channel State Information-Reference Signal) measurement;

[0060] PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel) reception;

[0061] At least one of an SRS (Sounding Reference Signal), a PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel), or a PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel) is transmitted.

[0062] In the above embodiment, when the terminal switches to the first frequency band, the terminal should stop related actions for other frequency bands except the first frequency band to ensure the accuracy of terminal communication.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0064] Perform at least one of the following actions on the first frequency band:

[0065] PDCCH monitoring;

[0066] CSI-RS measurement;

[0067] PDSCH reception;

[0068] At least one of SRS, PUCCH, or PUSCH is transmitted.

[0069] In the above embodiment, after the terminal switches to the first frequency band, the terminal can perform corresponding actions based on the first frequency band, thereby ensuring the reliability of the terminal's communication based on the first frequency band.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0071] The third information is sent to the network device, where the third information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals, which can also be understood as whether the terminal supports receiving group-common signaling for frequency band switching.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the terminal reports the capabilities it supports through information to ensure the accuracy of the capabilities reported by the terminal, so that the network can make reasonable configurations based on the capabilities of the terminal, such as configuring the RNTI (Radio Network Temporary Indentifier) ​​corresponding to the group-common signaling, search space, etc., thereby ensuring that the network performs frequency band switching for a group of terminals including the terminal.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0074] Receive the fourth information sent by the network device, where the fourth information is used to indicate whether the cell corresponding to the network device supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals, which can also be understood as: whether the cell supports frequency band switching using group-common signaling.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the network device indicates the capability of the cell through information so that the terminal can perform reasonable communication according to the capability of the cell, ensuring that the terminal performs frequency band switching in a cell that supports the capability.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0077] In a case where the terminal supports receiving UE group-common signaling to perform frequency band switching and the cell corresponding to the network device supports frequency band switching through UE group common signaling, the terminal monitors the PDCCH carrying the first information.

[0078] In the above embodiment, when the terminal determines that frequency band switching can be performed and the cell also supports frequency band switching, the terminal monitors the PDCCH to ensure the accuracy of the terminal monitoring the PDCCH, thereby ensuring the reliability of the terminal communication.

[0079] With reference to some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the PDCCH carrying the first information is a group-common PDCCH.

[0080] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is group-common DCI.

[0081] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the PDCCH carrying the first information is sent on a common search space, and the search space type is Type 3.

[0082] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0083] Sending second information to the network device, where the second information refers to feedback information from the terminal to the first information.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the terminal feeds back information on whether the first information is received to the network device, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the feedback of the terminal to the network device on whether the first information is received, thereby ensuring communication reliability.

[0085] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0086] First information is sent to the terminal, where the first information is used to instruct multiple terminals to switch to the first frequency band.

[0087] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first frequency band includes any one of an RB set or a BWP.

[0088] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0089] cell identification;

[0090] a frequency band identifier of the first frequency band;

[0091] Spare padding bits;

[0092] feedback time of second information, where the second information refers to feedback information of the terminal in response to the first information;

[0093] time-frequency resource information of the second information;

[0094] A handover indication is used to instruct multiple terminals to perform handover.

[0095] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0096] Receive third information sent by the terminal, where the third information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0098] Sending fourth information to the terminal, where the fourth information is used to indicate whether the cell corresponding to the network device supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals.

[0099] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the PDCCH carrying the first information is a group-common PDCCH.

[0100] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is group-common DCI.

[0101] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the PDCCH carrying the first information is sent on a common search space, and the search space type is Type 3.

[0102] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0103] Second information sent by the terminal is received, where the second information refers to feedback information of the terminal to the first information.

[0104] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0105] The network device sends first information to the terminal, where the first information is used to instruct multiple terminals to switch to the first frequency band;

[0106] The terminal receives first information sent by the network device.

[0107] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which includes at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the terminal is used to execute the optional implementation method of the first aspect or the third aspect.

[0108] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which includes at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the terminal is used to execute the optional implementation method of the second aspect or the third aspect.

[0109] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, including:

[0110] one or more processors;

[0111] The communication device is used to execute any one of the methods in the first aspect.

[0112] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, including:

[0113] one or more processors;

[0114] The communication device is used to execute any one of the methods in the second aspect.

[0115] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium storing first information. When the first information is run on a communication device, the communication device executes a method as described in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0116] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method as described in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0117] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a communication device, enables the communication device to execute the method described in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0118] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system, wherein the chip or chip system includes a processing circuit configured to execute any one of the methods described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0119] It is understandable that the above-mentioned terminals, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0120] The present disclosure provides a communication method, device, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method," "information communication method," and "communication method" are interchangeable; the terms "communication device," "information communication device," and "communication device" are interchangeable; and the terms "information processing system," "communication system," and "communication system" are interchangeable.

[0121] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0122] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0123] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0124] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0125] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0126] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0127] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0128] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0129] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0130] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0131] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time / frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or the frequency domain.

[0132] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0133] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0134] In some embodiments, devices and equipment can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", etc.

[0135] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.

[0136] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", and in some embodiments may also be understood as "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission and / or reception point (TRP)" "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)", etc.

[0137] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (terminal)", "user terminal" "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc.

[0138] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0139] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0140] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0141] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1 , the method provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to a communication system 100, which may include a terminal 101 and a network device 102. It should be noted that the communication system 100 may also include other devices, and the present disclosure does not limit the devices included in the communication system 100.

[0142] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0143] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0144] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a 5G communication system, a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0145] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0146] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0147] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a device including one or more network elements, or may be multiple devices or device groups, each including all or part of the one or more network elements. The network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0148] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0149] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1 , or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in FIG1 , or may include other entities outside of FIG1 . The number and form of the entities are arbitrary, and the entities may be physical or virtual. The connection relationships between the entities are illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0150] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, a combination of multiple systems (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G) may also be employed.

[0151] In some embodiments, the present disclosure proposes an NTN system that adds a relay device between network devices and terminals, through which the network devices and terminals communicate. Optionally, the relay device is a satellite, a ground relay, or other device with relay functionality. Optionally, the relay device expands coverage, ensuring that the network device can reach and communicate with more terminals.

[0152] In some embodiments, the network device supports multiple beams and communicates with the terminal through the multiple beams. Optionally, different beams cover different areas. For different areas, the number of services using the beams varies, so it is necessary to dynamically allocate beams based on the services.

[0153] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to energy and link bandwidth limitations. Optionally, taking capability as an example, each beam and each frequency coverage segment is related to power. Optionally, each beam consumes a certain amount of power. For example, taking a beam corresponding to 5 MHz (megahertz) as an example, the relay device can send beams of 10 different wavelengths, each of which occupies 5 MHz, and the occupied frequency bands can be the same or different. For another example, the relay device can send beams of 8 different wavelengths, 7 of which are 5 MHz and one is 15 MHz.

[0154] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a BWP, which is a subset of the entire bandwidth, and the size of each BWP, as well as the SCS and CP used, can be flexibly configured. Up to four dedicated BWPs can be configured for uplink and downlink respectively. However, it should be noted that the bandwidth of the BWP must be greater than or equal to the SSB, but the BWP does not necessarily contain the SSB. For the same terminal, only one BWP can be active at the same time in the DL (Downlink) or UL (Up Link), and the terminal transmits and receives data and retrieves the PDCCH on this BWP.

[0155] Optionally, BWP includes four types.

[0156] The first type: Initial BWP: This is used for receiving information before the UE accesses the network. It primarily receives SIBs (System Information Blocks) and RA-related information. It is typically used in the Idle state. The BWP in the Connected state is generally larger than the Initial BWP. It is also called BWP#0.

[0157] The second type: First Active BWP: The first UE-specific BWP, on which the UE can send and receive data and retrieve PDCCH.

[0158] The third type: default BWP: UE-specific BWP, which is configured for the UE during RRCReconfiguration. If not configured, the Initial BWP is considered the default BWP, and if the UE is still not scheduled after the bwp-inactivityTimer expires, the UE is switched to the default BWP.

[0159] The fourth type: regular BWP, UE-specific BWP, generally BWP#1, BWP#2, etc.

[0160] FIG2 is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2 , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the method includes:

[0161] Step S2101: The terminal sends third information to the network device.

[0162] In some embodiments, the third information indicates whether the terminal supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals. In some embodiments, the third information indicates the capabilities of the terminal. Optionally, the capabilities of the terminal refer to whether the terminal supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals. In some embodiments, the third information indicates whether the terminal has the capability to support frequency band switching for multiple terminals. In some embodiments, frequency band switching for multiple terminals means that multiple terminals support simultaneous frequency band switching.

[0163] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, multiple terminals support switching to one frequency band at the same time.

[0164] In some embodiments, the third information is further used to indicate whether the terminal supports receiving group-common signaling to perform frequency band switching. Optionally, the group-common signaling is signaling used to indicate the capability of the terminal.

[0165] In some embodiments, the name of the third information is not limited, and can be, for example, capability information, reporting information, report information, uplink information, etc.

[0166] Step S2102: The network device receives the third information sent by the terminal.

[0167] In some embodiments, the terminal sends the third information. In some embodiments, the network device receives the third information.

[0168] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, after receiving the third information sent by the terminal, the network device can determine that the terminal supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals.

[0169] In some embodiments, if the terminal does not send the third information, the network device determines that the terminal does not support frequency band switching for multiple terminals.

[0170] In some embodiments, the third information may further indicate that the terminal does not support frequency band switching for multiple terminals. Optionally, the third information includes a first number of bits. Optionally, the first number of bits is a first value, used to indicate that the terminal supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals. Optionally, the first number of bits is a second value, used to indicate that the terminal does not support frequency band switching for multiple terminals. Optionally, the first number is 1, 2, 3, or other values.

[0171] It should be noted that steps S2101 and S2102 in the embodiment of the present disclosure are optional steps. In another embodiment, steps S2101 and S2102 may not be performed.

[0172] Step S2103: The network device sends fourth information to the terminal.

[0173] In some embodiments, the fourth information indicates whether the cell corresponding to the network device supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals. In some embodiments, the fourth information indicates the capabilities of the cell corresponding to the network device. Optionally, the capabilities of the cell refer to whether the cell supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals. In some embodiments, the fourth information indicates whether the cell corresponding to the network device has the capability to support frequency band switching for multiple terminals. In some embodiments, frequency band switching for multiple terminals means that multiple terminals support simultaneous frequency band switching.

[0174] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used to indicate whether the cell supports frequency band switching using group-common signaling.

[0175] In some embodiments, the name of the fourth information is not limited, and can be, for example, capability information, downlink information, indication information, control information, etc.

[0176] Step S2104: The terminal receives the fourth information sent by the network device.

[0177] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, after receiving the fourth information sent by the terminal, the network device can determine that the cell corresponding to the network device supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals.

[0178] In some embodiments, if the network device does not send the fourth information, the terminal determines that the cell corresponding to the network device does not support frequency band switching by multiple terminals.

[0179] In some embodiments, the fourth information may further indicate that the cell corresponding to the network device does not support frequency band switching for multiple terminals. Optionally, the fourth information includes a first number of bits. Optionally, the first number of bits is a first value, used to indicate that the cell corresponding to the network device supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals. Optionally, the first number of bits is a second value, used to indicate that the terminal does not support frequency band switching for multiple terminals. Optionally, the first number is 1, 2, 3, or other values.

[0180] In some embodiments, the fourth information is carried in RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling. Alternatively, it can also be understood that the fourth information is RRC information.

[0181] It should be noted that steps S2103 and S2104 in the embodiment of the present disclosure are optional steps. In another embodiment, steps S2103 and S2104 may not be performed.

[0182] Step S2105: The network device sends first information to the terminal.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first information is used to instruct multiple terminals to switch to a first frequency band. In some embodiments, the first information is used to instruct multiple terminals to switch from a current frequency band to the first frequency band. In some embodiments, the first frequency band is carried in the first information, and the first frequency band is indicated by the first information. In some embodiments, the first frequency band is determined by a network device.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first information is used to instruct a terminal in a terminal group to switch to a first frequency band. Optionally, the terminal group includes multiple terminals.

[0185] It should be noted that the embodiment of the present disclosure is described by taking the example of the first information instructing multiple terminals to switch to the first frequency band. In another embodiment, the first information may also instruct one terminal to switch to the first frequency band.

[0186] In some embodiments, the first frequency band includes any one of an RB set or a BWP. Optionally, the first frequency band is an RB set. Optionally, the first frequency band is a BWP.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0188] (1)Cell identification.

[0189] The cell identifier is used to indicate a cell. In some embodiments, the cell identifier is used to indicate the cell where the first frequency band indicated by the first information is located during the switching. Optionally, the cell identifier is represented by a cell ID.

[0190] (2) The frequency band identifier of the first frequency band.

[0191] The frequency band identifier is used to indicate the frequency band. In some embodiments, the frequency band identifier is represented by a BWP ID.

[0192] (3) Spare padding bits.

[0193] In some embodiments, the spare padding bits are bits that have no practical meaning. In some embodiments, spare padding bits may be defined when the first information needs to be expanded. In some embodiments, to reduce the complexity of blind detection of the PDCCH by the terminal, padding bits, such as 0 bits, are used to ensure that the payload sizes of multiple different DCI formats are the same.

[0194] (4) Feedback time of the second information.

[0195] In some embodiments, the second information refers to feedback information of the terminal to the first information. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, after receiving the first information, the terminal will also send second information to the network device, indicating whether the terminal has received the first information through the second information.

[0196] In some embodiments, the second information is HARQ information. Optionally, if the second information is HARQ-ACK, it indicates that the terminal has received the first information. Optionally, if the second information is HARQ-NACK, it indicates that the terminal has not received the first information.

[0197] (5) Time-frequency resource information of the second information.

[0198] In some embodiments, the time-frequency resource information is used to indicate the time-frequency resources required for sending the second information. Optionally, the time-frequency resource information includes time domain resource information and frequency domain resource information. The time domain resource information is used to indicate the time domain resources required for sending the second information. The frequency domain resource information is used to indicate the frequency domain resources required for sending the second information.

[0199] (6) Switching instructions.

[0200] In some embodiments, the handover indication is used to instruct multiple terminals to perform handover. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the handover indication is used to indicate that the terminal needs to switch to the first frequency band or the predefined frequency band.

[0201] In some embodiments, the PDCCH carrying the first information is a group-common PDCCH. In the disclosed embodiments, the network device sends the first information to the terminal via the group-common PDCCH. Correspondingly, the terminal monitors the PDCCH to receive the first information.

[0202] In some embodiments, the first information is a DCI. In some embodiments, the first information is a group-common DCI. Optionally, the DCI format is 2-x. Optionally, x is an arbitrary value and is not limited by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Alternatively, it can be understood that 2-x is a defined value. In some embodiments, the first information is scrambled using a specific RNTI. Optionally, the specific RNTI is a group BWP-RNTI.

[0203] In some embodiments, the PDCCH carrying the first information is sent on a common search space. Optionally, the search space type is Type 3.

[0204] The following describes the content of the first information by taking an example.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first information includes a cell identifier and a frequency band identifier. The network device first switches the active BWPs of multiple UEs (UE#1, UE#2) to the first frequency band (BWP#1) of the cell identifier (cell#1) using group-common DCI. After a period of time, the network device switches the multiple UEs (UE#1, UE#2) to BWP#2 of cell#1 using group-common DCI. The bandwidth of BWP#1 is smaller than that of BWP#2.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first information includes a cell identifier and a frequency band identifier. The network device first switches the active BWPs of multiple UEs (UE#1, UE#2) to BWP#1 of cell#1 using group-common DCI. After a period of time, the network device uses UE-dedicated DCI, such as DCI format 1-1, to switch UE#1 to BWP#2 of cell#1, where the bandwidth of BWP#1 is smaller than that of BWP#2.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first information includes a frequency band identifier. The network device first switches the active BWPs of multiple UEs (UE#1, UE#2) to BWP#1 using group-common DCI. After a period of time, the network device switches the multiple UEs (UE#1, UE#2) to BWP#2 using group-common DCI. BWP#1 has a smaller bandwidth than BWP#2.

[0208] In some embodiments, the first information includes a frequency band identifier. The network device first switches the active BWPs of multiple UEs (UE#1, UE#2) to BWP#1 using group-common DCI. After a period of time, the network device uses UE-dedicated DCI, such as format 1-1, to switch UE#1 to BWP#2, where the bandwidth of BWP#1 is smaller than that of BWP#2.

[0209] In some embodiments, the first information includes a handover indication. The first frequency band to which the terminal switches is a specific BWP. The specific BWP is determined by predefined rules and / or configuration signaling prior to receiving the group-common DCI. That is, the group-common DCI only carries the handover indication and does not provide information about the BWP to be switched to.

[0210] Optionally, the specific BWP is any one of the initial BWP, default BWP, firstActiveBWP or normal BWP.

[0211] Step S2106: The terminal receives the first information sent by the network device.

[0212] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, upon receiving the first information sent by the network device, the terminal can determine that the first information indicates that a frequency band switching action needs to be performed.

[0213] In some embodiments, when the terminal supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals and the cell corresponding to the network device supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals, the PDCCH carrying the first information is monitored. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, when all of the above steps S2101 to S2104 are performed, the PDCCH carrying the first information is monitored.

[0214] Step S2107: The terminal sends second information to the network device.

[0215] In some embodiments, the second information refers to feedback information of the terminal to the first information.

[0216] Step S2108: The network device receives the second information sent by the terminal.

[0217] The second information is similar to the description of the second information in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0218] It should be noted that steps S2107 and S2108 in the embodiment of the present disclosure are optional steps. In another embodiment, steps S2107 and S2108 may not be performed.

[0219] Step S2109: The terminal switches to the first frequency band based on the first information.

[0220] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the terminal determines that the first information is used to indicate that multiple terminals need to switch to the first frequency band, so after receiving the first information, the terminal switches to the first frequency band.

[0221] In some embodiments, the network device sends the first information. In some embodiments, the terminal receives the first information.

[0222] In some embodiments, after the terminal switches to the first frequency band, it stops performing some actions. The following describes the actions that the terminal may stop.

[0223] Optionally, at least one of the following actions is stopped on frequency bands other than the first frequency band:

[0224] (1) PDCCH monitoring;

[0225] (2) CSI-RS measurement;

[0226] (3) PDSCH reception;

[0227] (4) Send at least one of SRS, PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0228] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the terminal switches to the first frequency band, it means that the first frequency band is in an activated state at this time, and other frequency bands except the first frequency band are in an inactivated state. Therefore, the terminal will not perform operations on other frequency bands. Therefore, the terminal needs to stop the behavior on other frequency bands except the first frequency band.

[0229] In some embodiments, after the terminal switches to the first frequency band, it starts to perform some actions on the first frequency band. The following describes the actions that the terminal may perform.

[0230] Optionally, at least one of the following actions is performed on the first frequency band:

[0231] (1)PDCCH monitoring.

[0232] (2) CSI-RS measurement.

[0233] (3)PDSCH reception.

[0234] (4) Send at least one of SRS, PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0235] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0236] In some embodiments, terms such as "uplink", "uplink", "physical uplink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "downlink", "downlink", "physical downlink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "side", "sidelink", "side communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", "direct link communication" can be interchangeable with each other.

[0237] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0238] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0239] In some embodiments, terms such as "moment", "time point", "time", and "time position" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "duration", "period", "time window", "window", and "time" can be replaced with each other.

[0240] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "some", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "some A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, some A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0241] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2109. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2109 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2101 and step S2102 can be implemented as independent embodiments, step S2101 and step S2103 can be implemented as independent embodiments, step S2102 and step S2103 can be implemented as independent embodiments, step S2102 and step S2104 can be implemented as independent embodiments, step S2103 and step S2104 can be implemented as independent embodiments, step S2105 and step S2106 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but is not limited thereto.

[0242] In some embodiments, step S2101 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0243] In some embodiments, step S2102 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0244] In some embodiments, step S2103 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0245] In some embodiments, step S2104 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0246] In some embodiments, step S2105 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0247] In some embodiments, step S2106 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0248] In some embodiments, step S2107 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0249] In some embodiments, step S2108 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0250] In some embodiments, step S2109 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0251] In some embodiments, step S2101 and step S2102 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0252] In some embodiments, step S2102 and step S2103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0253] In some embodiments, step S2103 and step S2104 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0254] In some embodiments, step S2105 and step S2106 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0255] In some embodiments, step S2107 and step S2108 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0256] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 2 .

[0257] FIG3A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is applied to a terminal. As shown in FIG3A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0258] Step S3101: The terminal sends third information to the network device.

[0259] The optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0260] Step S3102: The terminal receives fourth information sent by the network device.

[0261] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0262] Step S3103: The terminal receives the first information sent by the network device.

[0263] The optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0264] Step S3104: The terminal sends second information to the network device.

[0265] The optional implementation of step S3104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0266] Step S3105: The terminal switches to the first frequency band based on the first information.

[0267] The optional implementation of step S3105 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0268] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3105. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0269] In some embodiments, step S3101 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0270] In some embodiments, step S3102 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0271] In some embodiments, step S3103 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0272] In some embodiments, step S3104 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0273] In some embodiments, step S3105 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0274] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 2 .

[0275] FIG3B is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is applied to a terminal. As shown in FIG3B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0276] Step S3201: The terminal receives first information sent by the network device.

[0277] The optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step S3102 in Figure 3, and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0278] FIG4A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is applied to a network device. As shown in FIG4A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0279] Step S4101: The network device receives third information sent by the terminal.

[0280] The optional implementation of step S4101 can be found in step S2102 of FIG. 2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0281] Step S4102: The network device sends fourth information to the terminal.

[0282] The optional implementation of step S4102 can be found in step S2103 of FIG. 2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0283] Step S4103: The network device sends first information to the terminal.

[0284] The optional implementation of step S4103 can be found in step S2105 of FIG. 2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0285] Step S4104: The network device receives the second information sent by the terminal.

[0286] The optional implementation of step S4104 can be found in step S2108 of FIG. 2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0287] FIG4B is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is applied to a network device. As shown in FIG4B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0288] Step S4201: The network device sends first information to the terminal.

[0289] The optional implementation of step S4201 can be found in step S2103 of FIG. 2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0290] In some embodiments, the first frequency segment includes any one of an RB set or a BWP.

[0291] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0292] cell identification;

[0293] a frequency band identifier of the first frequency band;

[0294] Spare padding bits;

[0295] feedback time of second information, where the second information refers to feedback information of the terminal in response to the first information;

[0296] A handover indication is used to instruct multiple terminals to perform handover.

[0297] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0298] Receive third information sent by the terminal, where the third information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals.

[0299] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0300] Sending fourth information to the terminal, where the fourth information is used to indicate whether the cell corresponding to the network device supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals.

[0301] In some embodiments, the PDCCH carrying the first information is a group-common PDCCH.

[0302] In some embodiments, the first information is group-common DCI.

[0303] In some embodiments, the PDCCH carrying the first information is sent on a common search space, and the search space type is Type 3.

[0304] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0305] Second information sent by the terminal is received, where the second information refers to feedback information of the terminal to the first information.

[0306] FIG5 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5 , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the method includes:

[0307] Step S5101: The network device sends first information to the terminal.

[0308] In some embodiments, the first information is used to instruct multiple terminals to switch to the first frequency band.

[0309] Step S5102: The terminal receives the first information sent by the network device.

[0310] Optional implementations of step S5101 may refer to step S2105 in FIG. 2 , step S4103 in FIG. 4A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0311] Optional implementations of step S5102 may refer to step S2106 of FIG. 2 , step S3103 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts of the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0312] In some embodiments, the above method may include the methods of the above embodiments of the communication system side, terminal side, network device side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0313] FIG6 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6 , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the method includes:

[0314] Step S6101: The base station instructs one or more terminals to switch to a specific frequency domain through group-common signaling.

[0315] In some embodiments, the frequency domain can be an RB set or a BWP, which is indicated by different frequency domain IDs. The frequency domain range corresponding to the specific frequency domain ID is configured through RRC signaling. For convenience, the following is written in terms of BWP ID.

[0316] In some embodiments, the current active BWP of UE#1 is BWP#1, and the current active BWP of UE#2 is BWP#2. UE#1 and UE#2 receive group-common signaling, and both UE#1 and UE#2 switch to BWP#0.

[0317] In some embodiments, the bearer signaling may be a group common DCI

[0318] In some embodiments, a specific BWP is indicated to the UE via a group-common DCI, which includes at least one of the following:

[0319] (1) Cell ID (corresponding to the cell ID in the above embodiment)

[0320] (2) BWP#ID (corresponding to the frequency band identifier of the first frequency band in the above embodiment)

[0321] (3) Spare / reserved padding bits to match the size configured for DCI 2_X (corresponding to the spare padding bits in the above embodiment)

[0322] In some embodiments, in order to reduce the complexity of blind detection of the PDCCH by the terminal, spare / reserved padding bits, such as 0 bits, are used to make the payload sizes of multiple different DCI formats the same.

[0323] (4) HARQ-feedback timing (corresponding to the feedback time of the second information in the above embodiment)

[0324] (5) Switching enable (corresponding to the switching indication in the above embodiment)

[0325] (6) Time-frequency resource information of HARQ-feedback (corresponding to the time-frequency resource information of the second information in the above embodiment).

[0326] In one embodiment, the DCI contains the cell ID and the target BWP ID.

[0327] In one embodiment, the base station first switches the active BWP of the group UE (UE#1, UE#2) to BWP#1 of cell#1 using group-common DCI. After a period of time, the base station switches the group UE (UE#1, UE#2) to BWP#2 of cell#1 using group-common DCI. The bandwidth of BWP#1 is smaller than that of BWP#2.

[0328] In one embodiment, the base station first switches the active BWP of the group UEs (UE#1, UE#2) to BWP#1 of cell#1 using group-common DCI. After a while, the base station uses UE-dedicated DCI, such as format 1-1, to switch UE#1 to BWP#2 of cell#1. BWP#1 has a smaller bandwidth than BWP#2.

[0329] In one embodiment, the DCI contains the BWP ID

[0330] In one embodiment, the base station switches the active BWP of the group UE (UE#1, UE#2) to BWP#1 using group-common DCI. After a period of time, the base station switches the group UE (UE#1, UE#2) to BWP#2 using group-common DCI. The bandwidth of BWP#1 is smaller than that of BWP#2.

[0331] In one embodiment, the base station first switches the active BWP of the group UEs (UE#1, UE#2) to BWP#1 using group-common DCI. After a period of time, the base station uses UE-dedicated DCI, such as format 1-1, to switch UE#1 to BWP#2. BWP#1 has a smaller bandwidth than BWP#2.

[0332] In one embodiment, the cell where the BWP is located is obtained through PDCCH configuration information carrying group common DCI.

[0333] In one embodiment, the DCI includes BWP handover enablement information. The specific BWP ID is determined by predefined rules and / or configuration signaling prior to receiving the group-common DCI. That is, the group-common DCI only carries handover instructions and does not provide information about the BWP to be handed over to. Upon receiving the group-common DCI, the UE hands over to the predefined or pre-configured BWP.

[0334] Optionally, the specific BWP is the initial BWP

[0335] Optionally, the specific BWP is the default BWP

[0336] Optionally, the specific BWP is firstActiveBWP

[0337] Optionally, the specific BWP is one of the regular BWPs, such as BWP#1.

[0338] In one embodiment, after receiving the group-common DCI, the UE behaves as follows:

[0339] ● At least stop PDCCH monitoring, CSI-RS measurement, PDSCH reception, and SRS / PUCCH / PUSCH transmission on all BWPs except the one indicated by the group-common DCI.

[0340] In one embodiment, the UE reports whether it supports group-common BWP Switching through its capabilities.

[0341] In one embodiment, the base station configures the UE through RRC signaling: whether a certain cell supports group-common BWP Switching.

[0342] In one embodiment, the RRC signaling includes a cell ID and whether group-common BWP Switching is enabled.

[0343] In one embodiment, when the UE supports group-common BWP Switching and the base station indicates that the cell can perform group-common BWP Switching, the UE monitors the group-common PDCCH on the Common Search Space (CSS), where the group-common PDCCH is used to carry the group-common DCI.

[0344] In one embodiment, the group-common DCI, e.g., DCI format 2_12, is scrambled by a special RNTI, such as group BWP-RNTI.

[0345] In one embodiment, the UE performs HARQ feedback for the group-common DCI.

[0346] In one embodiment, the UE feeds back the HARQ-ACK information after receiving the group-common DCI for a first time interval. The first time interval is a predefined value, and the first time interval has different predefined values ​​according to different UE capabilities and / or different subcarrier spacings. (Note: The standard may state: A UE is expected to provide HARQ-ACK information in response to a group-common BWP Switching after N symbols from the last symbol of a PDCCH providing the group-common BWP Switching)

[0347] In one embodiment, the UE feeds back the HARQ-ACK information after receiving the group-common DCI at a second time interval. The second time interval is the feedback time for the second information indicated in the group-common DCI. In one embodiment, if the UE receives the group-common DCI in slot #n, where the timing indicated in the group-common DCI is 4, the UE performs HARQ-ACK feedback in slot #n+4. That is, if the group-common DCI is correctly demodulated, an ACK is reported; if it is not demodulated, no feedback is given or a NACK is fed back.

[0348] In one embodiment, if the base station enables the UE to perform HARQ feedback for the group-common DCI through RRC, the UE performs HARQ feedback for the group-common DCI.

[0349] In one embodiment, if the group-common DCI includes the feedback time of the second information and / or the time-frequency resource information of the second information, the UE performs HARQ-ACK feedback for the group-common DCI.

[0350] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0351] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0352] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0353] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0354] Figure 7A is a structural diagram of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7A, the communication device 7100 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 7101, a processing module 7102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7101 is used to receive a first message sent by a network device, and the first information is used to instruct multiple terminals to switch to a first frequency band. Optionally, the above-mentioned transceiver module 7101 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving executed by the terminal in any of the above methods (for example, step S2101 but not limited to this), which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the above-mentioned processing module is used to execute at least one of the other steps executed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0355] Optionally, the processing module 7102 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as processing performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0356] In some embodiments, the first frequency segment includes any one of an RB set or a BWP.

[0357] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0358] cell identification;

[0359] a frequency band identifier of the first frequency band;

[0360] Spare padding bits;

[0361] feedback time of second information, where the second information refers to feedback information of the terminal in response to the first information;

[0362] time-frequency resource information of the second information;

[0363] A handover indication is used to instruct multiple terminals to perform handover.

[0364] In some embodiments, the processing module 7102 is further configured to switch to the first frequency band based on the first information.

[0365] In some embodiments, the processing module 7102 is further configured to:

[0366] Stop at least one of the following actions on frequency bands other than the first frequency band:

[0367] PDCCH monitoring;

[0368] CSI-RS measurement;

[0369] PDSCH reception;

[0370] At least one of SRS, PUCCH, or PUSCH is transmitted.

[0371] In some embodiments, the processing module 7102 is further configured to:

[0372] Perform at least one of the following actions on the first frequency band:

[0373] PDCCH monitoring;

[0374] CSI-RS measurement;

[0375] PDSCH reception;

[0376] At least one of SRS, PUCCH, or PUSCH is transmitted.

[0377] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7101 is further configured to send third information to the network device, where the third information is configured to indicate whether the terminal supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals.

[0378] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7101 is further used to receive fourth information sent by the network device, where the fourth information is used to indicate whether the cell corresponding to the network device supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals.

[0379] In some embodiments, the processing module 7101 is further configured to monitor a PDCCH carrying the first information when the terminal supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals and the cell corresponding to the network device supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals.

[0380] In some embodiments, the PDCCH carrying the first information is a group-common PDCCH.

[0381] In some embodiments, the first information is group-common DCI.

[0382] In some embodiments, the PDCCH carrying the first information is sent on a common search space, and the search space type is Type 3.

[0383] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7101 is further configured to send second information to the network device, where the second information refers to feedback information from the terminal to the first information.

[0384] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7B, the communication device 7200 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 7201, a processing module 7202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7201 is used to send first information to the terminal, and the first information is used to instruct multiple terminals to switch to the first frequency band. Optionally, the above-mentioned transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the network device in any of the above methods (such as step S2102 but not limited thereto), which will not be repeated here.

[0385] Optionally, the processing module 7202 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as processing performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0386] In some embodiments, the first frequency segment includes any one of an RB set or a BWP.

[0387] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0388] cell identification;

[0389] a frequency band identifier of the first frequency band;

[0390] Spare padding bits;

[0391] feedback time of second information, where the second information refers to feedback information of the terminal in response to the first information;

[0392] time-frequency resource information of the second information;

[0393] A handover indication is used to instruct multiple terminals to perform handover.

[0394] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7201 is used to receive third information sent by the terminal, where the third information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals.

[0395] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7201 is used to send fourth information to the terminal, where the fourth information is used to indicate whether the cell corresponding to the network device supports frequency band switching for multiple terminals.

[0396] In some embodiments, the PDCCH carrying the first information is a group-common PDCCH.

[0397] In some embodiments, the first information is group-common DCI.

[0398] In some embodiments, the PDCCH carrying the first information is sent on a common search space, and the search space type is Type 3.

[0399] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7201 is configured to receive second information sent by the terminal, where the second information refers to feedback information from the terminal to the first information.

[0400] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, and the transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0401] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or can include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules respectively execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be interchangeable with the processor.

[0402] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 8100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 8100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal, a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal in implementing any of the above methods. Communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0403] As shown in Figure 8A, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, baseband chip, terminal, terminal chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 8100 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0404] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8102 may be located outside the communication device 8100.

[0405] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8103. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8103, the transceiver 8103 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, step S2101, step S2102, step S2103, step S2104, but not limited thereto).

[0406] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0407] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuit 8104 is connected to the memory 8102. The interface circuit 8104 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 8102 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 8102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8104 may read instructions stored in the memory 8102 and send the instructions to the processor 8101.

[0408] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG. 8A. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal, an intelligent terminal, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0409] FIG8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 8200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 8200 shown in FIG8B , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0410] The chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201 , and the chip 8200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0411] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, the interface circuit 8202 is connected to the memory 8203. The interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive signals from the memory 8203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 8203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8202 can read instructions stored in the memory 8203 and send the instructions to the processor 8201.

[0412] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 8201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0413] In some embodiments, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver may be used interchangeably.

[0414] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 8203 may be located outside the chip 8200.

[0415] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0416] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 8100, enables the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0417] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal, and the method includes: Receiving first information sent by a network device, where the first information is used to instruct multiple terminals to switch to a first frequency band.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first frequency band includes any one of a radio bearer (RB) set or a bandwidth part (BWP).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: Cell identifier; Frequency band identifier of the first frequency band; Spare padding bit; Feedback time of second information, where the second information refers to the feedback information of the terminal on the first information; Time-frequency resource information of the second information; Handover indication, where the handover indication is used to instruct multiple terminals to perform a handover.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Switching to the first frequency band based on the first information.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The method further includes: Stopping at least one of the following behaviors on frequency bands other than the first frequency band: Physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring; Channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) measurement; Physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) reception; Transmitting at least one of a sounding reference signal (SRS), a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Performing at least one of the following behaviors on the first frequency band: PDCCH monitoring; CSI-RS measurement; PDSCH reception; Transmitting at least one of an SRS, a PUCCH, or a PUSCH.

7. According to the method described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending third information to the network device, where the third information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports multiple terminals for frequency band switching.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving fourth information sent by the network device, where the fourth information is used to indicate whether the cell corresponding to the network device supports multiple terminals for frequency band switching.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The method further includes: When the terminal supports multiple terminals for frequency band switching and the cell corresponding to the network device supports multiple terminals for frequency band switching, monitoring the PDCCH carrying the first information.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The PDCCH carrying the first information is a group-common physical downlink control channel.

11. According to the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first information is a group-common downlink control information (DCI).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The PDCCH carrying the first information is transmitted in a common search space, and the search space type is Type3.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending second information to the network device, where the second information refers to the feedback information of the terminal on the first information.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal, and the method includes: Sending first information to a terminal, where the first information is used to instruct multiple terminals to switch to a first frequency band.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The first frequency band includes any one of an RB set or a BWP.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: Cell identifier; Frequency band identifier of the first frequency band; Spare padding bit; Feedback time of second information, where the second information refers to the feedback information of the terminal on the first information; Time-frequency resource information of the second information; Handover indication, where the handover indication is used to instruct multiple terminals to perform a handover.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The method further includes: Receive the third information sent by the terminal, where the third information is used to indicate whether the terminal supports multiple terminals to perform frequency band switching.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the fourth information to the terminal, where the fourth information is used to indicate whether the cell corresponding to the network device supports multiple terminals to perform frequency band switching.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that The PDCCH carrying the first information is a group-common PDCCH.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that The first information is group-common DCI.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that, The PDCCH carrying the first information is sent in the common search space, and the search space type is Type3.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the second information sent by the terminal, where the second information is the feedback information of the terminal on the first information.

23. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The network device sends the first information to the terminal, where the first information is used to indicate that multiple terminals switch to the first frequency band; The terminal receives the first information sent by the network device.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: A transceiver module, configured to receive the first information sent by the network device, where the first information is used to indicate that multiple terminals switch to the first frequency band.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: A transceiver module, configured to send the first information to the terminal, where the first information is used to indicate that multiple terminals switch to the first frequency band.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: One or more processors; Wherein, the processor is configured to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: One or more processors; Wherein, the processor is configured to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 14 to 22.

28. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 14 to 22.

29. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction runs on the communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or execute the communication method according to any one of claims 14 to 22.

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