Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications and provides a communication method and an apparatus. The method comprises: a terminal device determining a first parameter, wherein the first parameter is associated with angles, the angles comprising the beamwidth angle or the elevation angle; and, on the basis of the first parameter and a first mapping relationship, the terminal device determining a reference position of a first area, wherein the first mapping relationship indicates a conversion relationship between the first parameter and the reference position of the first area.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on January 26, 2024, with application number 202410120659.4 and invention name “Communication Method and Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. Background Art

[0003] In satellite communication systems, satellite beam coverage is based on geographic areas. For example, a satellite beam may cover one or more areas over a period of time. If a terminal device is within the area covered by the satellite beam, it can be served by the satellite beam and communicate. Conversely, if the terminal device is outside the coverage area, it cannot communicate.

[0004] However, the current method for determining the area has poor flexibility and high signaling overhead, which affects the effectiveness of communication. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a communication method and device, which can enable terminal equipment to more flexibly determine the area covered by satellite beams, with low signaling overhead, which helps to improve communication effectiveness.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a terminal device. Unless otherwise specified, the "terminal device" in this application can refer to the terminal device itself, or a component in the terminal device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device functions. The following description is based on the example of the execution subject being the terminal device. The method includes:

[0008] The terminal device determines a first parameter, where the first parameter is associated with an angle, where the angle includes a beam angle or an elevation angle. The terminal device determines a reference position of a first area based on the first parameter and a first mapping relationship, where the first mapping relationship indicates a conversion relationship between the first parameter and the reference position of the first area.

[0009] In this way, since the first mapping relationship can indicate the conversion relationship between the first parameter and the reference position of the first area, when the terminal device determines the first parameter, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the first area based on the first parameter and the first mapping relationship.

[0010] On the one hand, since the first parameter is associated with the angle, the first area can be the area covered by beams with different beam angles, or the first area can be the area of ​​the terminal device at different elevation angles, that is, the radius of the first area can have multiple values. Compared with the H3 geographic grid method that only supports 16 types of area radii, the present application can adapt to areas with different radii. That is to say, even for areas with different radii, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the first area based on the first parameter and the first mapping relationship, thereby improving the flexibility of the terminal device in determining the area.

[0011] On the other hand, since the reference position of the first area can be determined by the first parameter, the terminal device and the network device can interact based on the first parameter. Compared to methods such as exchanging beam coverage area outlines and wave position reference positions in an H3 geographic grid, since fewer bits are required to indicate the first parameter, signaling overhead is reduced.

[0012] In another aspect, the terminal device can communicate based on the reference location of the first area. For example, if the first area is an activation area of ​​a network device, the terminal device can communicate with the network device if the terminal device is in the first area, thereby helping to improve communication efficiency.

[0013] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device obtaining a location of the terminal device. The terminal device determines a reference location of the area where the terminal device is located based on the location of the terminal device and the reference location of the first area, so that the terminal device communicates based on the area where the terminal device is located.

[0014] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device obtaining an area identifier. The terminal device determining, based on the first parameter and the first mapping relationship, a reference position of the first area, including: determining, based on the area identifier, the first parameter, and the first mapping relationship, the reference position of the first area, the first area being the area corresponding to the area identifier, so that the terminal device communicates based on the area corresponding to the area identifier.

[0015] In one possible design, the first parameter indicates the number of first regions. For example, the number of first regions is N, and the first region is one of the N regions.

[0016] In one possible design, the first parameter indicates a first area radius.

[0017] In one possible design, the first parameter indicates a first region level, the first region level and the second parameter are used to determine the number of first regions, and the second parameter is the number of second regions. The second parameter can be understood as a reference parameter.

[0018] For example, when the first area level indicated by the first parameter is k, the number of the first areas satisfies: N spot_k =k×N spot_base Among them, N spot_k represents the number of the first regions, k represents the identifier of the first region level, N spot_base Indicates the number of the second area.

[0019] In one possible design, the first parameter indicates a first area level, the first area level and the second parameter are used to determine a first area radius, and the second parameter is a second area radius. The second parameter can be understood as a reference parameter.

[0020] For example, when the first area level indicated by the first parameter is k, the first area radius satisfies: R spot_k =k×R spot_base Among them, R spot_k represents the radius of the first area, k represents the identifier of the first area level, R spot_base Indicates the radius of the second area.

[0021] In one possible design, the larger the beam angle is, the smaller the number of regions indicated by the first parameter is.

[0022] For example, the beam angle of beam 1 is angle 1, and the beam angle of beam 2 is angle 2. The first parameter corresponding to beam 1 indicates the number of regions 1, and the first parameter corresponding to beam 2 indicates the number of regions 2. Angle 1 is greater than angle 2, and the number of regions 1 is smaller than the number of regions 2.

[0023] In one possible design, the larger the beam angle is, the larger the radius of the area indicated by the first parameter is.

[0024] For example, the beam angle of beam 1 is angle 1, and the beam angle of beam 2 is angle 2. The first parameter corresponding to beam 1 indicates area radius 1, and the first parameter corresponding to beam 2 indicates area radius 2. Angle 1 is greater than angle 2, and area radius 1 is greater than area radius 2.

[0025] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving a third parameter, the third parameter indicating at least one angle range, each angle range in the at least one angle range corresponding to a fourth parameter. The terminal device obtains a first angle, where the first angle is the elevation angle of the terminal device or the beam angle corresponding to the terminal device. The terminal device determines the first parameter, including: determining the first parameter from the fourth parameters corresponding to the at least one angle range based on the at least one angle range and the first angle.

[0026] That is to say, if the terminal device receives relevant parameters corresponding to multiple area levels, such as at least one fourth parameter, the terminal device can make a selection based on the first angle and perform calculations based on the selected first parameter, without having to calculate the parameters for each area level, thereby helping to reduce the computational complexity on the terminal device side.

[0027] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving, by the terminal device, a third parameter, the third parameter indicating at least one geographic range, each of the at least one geographic range corresponding to a fourth parameter; obtaining, by the terminal device, a location of the terminal device; and determining, by the terminal device, the first parameter, including: determining, based on the at least one geographic range and the location of the terminal device, the first parameter from the fourth parameters corresponding to the at least one geographic range.

[0028] That is to say, if the terminal device receives relevant parameters corresponding to multiple area levels, such as at least one fourth parameter, the terminal device can make a selection based on its own location and perform calculations based on the selected first parameter, without having to calculate the parameters for each area level, thereby helping to reduce the computational complexity on the terminal device side.

[0029] In one possible design, the first mapping relationship satisfies:

[0030] Wherein, RL(k,i) represents the three-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first region level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is less than N spot_k A non-negative integer, R e N represents the parameter of the sphere where the first region is located. spot_kIndicates the number of the first area, and [] indicates the decimal part operator.

[0031] In one possible design, the first mapping relationship satisfies:

[0032] Wherein, RL(k,i) represents the three-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first region level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is less than N spot_k A non-negative integer, R e N represents the parameter of the sphere where the first region is located. spot_k Indicates the first region number.

[0033] In one possible design, the first mapping relationship satisfies: RL(k,i)=(lon(k,i),lat(k,i)) N spot_k =2N+1

[0034] Wherein, RL(k,i) represents the reference position of the first region, lon(k,i) represents the longitude corresponding to the reference position of the first region, lat(k,i) represents the latitude corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first region level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is less than N spot_k A non-negative integer, N spot_k Indicates the first region number.

[0035] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving indication information of a first offset. The terminal device determines, based on the first parameter and the first mapping relationship, a reference position of the first area, including: determining the reference position of the first area based on the first offset, the first parameter, and the first mapping relationship, so that the reference position of the first area determined by the terminal device is more accurate.

[0036] In one possible design, the first area includes at least one of the following types: a broadcast area, or a service area. The broadcast area belongs to a geographical area covered by a broadcast beam, and the service area belongs to a geographical area covered by a service beam.

[0037] In one possible design, the first area is the broadcast area, and the first area is the area where the terminal device is located. The method further includes: the terminal device receiving access information, where the access information indicates an access configuration corresponding to the first area. The terminal device initiates random access according to the access configuration corresponding to the first area.

[0038] In this way, the terminal device obtains the regional access configuration (such as the access configuration of the first region). If the region where the terminal device is located is the first region, the terminal device initiates random access based on the access configuration of the region where it is located, thereby reducing signaling overhead. Moreover, compared with the cell-based random access in the related art, the present application enables the terminal device to initiate random access more flexibly.

[0039] In one possible design, the first area is the service area, and the first area is the area where the terminal device is located. The method further includes: the terminal device receiving service resource information, the service resource information indicating a communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area. The terminal device performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area.

[0040] In this way, the terminal device obtains the regional-level communication resource configuration (such as the communication resource configuration of the first region). If the region where the terminal device is located is the first region, the terminal device performs service transmission based on the communication resource configuration of the region where it is located, thereby reducing signaling overhead. Moreover, compared with the cell-based service transmission in the related art, this application enables the terminal device to perform service transmission more flexibly.

[0041] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device triggers neighbor cell measurement or sends neighbor cell measurement results based on the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device, and the neighbor cell measurement results are used for cell switching or cell reselection.

[0042] In this way, in terms of neighboring cell measurement, if the reference position of the first area is a reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger neighboring cell measurement based on the reference position of the first area and its own position, thereby reducing signaling overhead. Furthermore, compared to the related art of triggering neighboring cell measurement based on a cell-level reference position, the present application enables the terminal device to trigger neighboring cell measurement more flexibly.

[0043] In terms of neighboring cell measurement results, if the reference location of the first area is a reference point, the terminal device determines whether to send the neighboring cell measurement results based on the reference location of the first area and its own location, resulting in low signaling overhead. Furthermore, compared to related technologies that trigger the sending of neighboring cell measurement results based on a cell-level reference location, this application enables the terminal device to more flexibly trigger the sending of neighboring cell measurement results.

[0044] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving indication information of a first threshold.

[0045] The terminal device triggers neighboring cell measurement based on the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device, including: triggering the neighboring cell measurement when the distance between the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, so that the terminal device triggers the neighboring cell measurement in a timely and accurate manner.

[0046] The terminal device sends the neighboring area measurement result based on the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device, including: sending the neighboring area measurement result when the distance between the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, so that the terminal device triggers the sending of the neighboring area measurement result in a timely and accurate manner.

[0047] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device triggering cell switching based on the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device, as well as the signal quality of the neighboring cell.

[0048] In this way, if the reference position of the first area is a reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger a cell handover based on the reference position of the first area and its own position, as well as the signal quality of the neighboring cell, thereby reducing signaling overhead. Furthermore, compared to related technologies that trigger cell handover based on a cell-level reference position, this application enables the terminal device to trigger a cell handover more flexibly.

[0049] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving indication information of the first threshold and indication information of the second threshold.

[0050] The terminal device triggers cell switching based on the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device, as well as the signal quality of the neighboring cell, including: triggering the cell switching when the distance between the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the signal quality of the neighboring cell is greater than or equal to the second threshold, so that the terminal device triggers cell switching in a timely and accurate manner.

[0051] In one possible design, the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, and the first area belongs to a first cell. The method also includes: the terminal device sends an interference measurement result, and the interference measurement result indicates the interference intensity of other cells to the first cell, so that the terminal device reports the interference measurement result with regional granularity, so that the network device performs interference coordination based on the interference measurement result.

[0052] In one possible design, the interference measurement result further indicates at least one of the following: the first area, or the first time period, the interference intensity is the interference intensity of the other cells to the first cell in the first time period.

[0053] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device. Unless otherwise specified, the "terminal device" in this application can refer to the terminal device itself, or a component in the terminal device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device functions. The following description takes the execution subject as the terminal device as an example. The method includes:

[0054] The terminal device determines a first parameter and a second parameter, where the first parameter indicates a first beam level, each beam included in the first beam level covers L areas out of X areas, the first parameter is associated with an angle, and the angle includes an angle of the beam opening angle or an elevation angle, and the second parameter indicates the number of areas X, where X and L are positive integers.

[0055] The terminal device determines a reference position of the first area based on the first beam level and the number of areas, and a first mapping relationship, where the first mapping relationship indicates a conversion relationship between the reference position of the first area and the first beam level and the number of areas, and the first area is one of the X areas.

[0056] In this way, since the first mapping relationship can indicate the conversion relationship between the reference position of the first area and the first beam level and the number of areas, and the first parameter indicates the first beam level and the second parameter indicates the number of areas, when the terminal device determines the first parameter and the second parameter, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the first area based on the first parameter, the second parameter and the first mapping relationship.

[0057] On the one hand, since the first parameter is associated with the angle, the first area can be the area covered by beams with different beam angles, or the first area can be the area of ​​the terminal device at different elevation angles, that is, the radius of the first area can have multiple values. Compared with the H3 geographic grid method that only supports 16 types of area radii, the present application can adapt to areas with different radii. That is to say, even for areas with different radii, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the first area based on the first parameter, the second parameter and the first mapping relationship, thereby improving the flexibility of the terminal device in determining the area.

[0058] On the other hand, since the reference position of the first area can be determined by the first parameter and the second parameter, the terminal device and the network device can interact based on the first parameter and the second parameter. Compared to methods such as exchanging beam coverage area outlines and wave position reference positions in an H3 geographic grid, since fewer bits are required to indicate the first parameter and the second parameter, signaling overhead is reduced.

[0059] In another aspect, the terminal device can communicate based on the reference location of the first area. For example, if the first area is an activation area of ​​a network device, the terminal device can communicate with the network device if the terminal device is in the first area, thereby helping to improve communication efficiency.

[0060] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device obtaining a location of the terminal device. The terminal device determines a reference location of the area where the terminal device is located based on the location of the terminal device and the reference location of the first area, so that the terminal device communicates based on the area where the terminal device is located.

[0061] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device obtaining an area identifier. The terminal device determines a reference position of a first area based on the first beam level, the number of areas, and the first mapping relationship, including: determining a reference position of the first area based on the area identifier, the first beam level, the number of areas, and the first mapping relationship, the first area being the area corresponding to the area identifier, so that the terminal device communicates based on the area corresponding to the area identifier.

[0062] In a possible design, the second parameter indicates the number of regions, including: the second parameter includes the number of regions. Alternatively, the second parameter includes a region radius, and the region radius is used to determine the number of regions.

[0063] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving a third parameter, the third parameter indicating at least one angle range, each angle range in the at least one angle range corresponding to a fourth parameter. The terminal device obtains a first angle, where the first angle is an elevation angle of the terminal device or a beam angle corresponding to the terminal device.

[0064] The terminal device determines the first parameter, including: determining the first parameter from a fourth parameter corresponding to the at least one angle range based on the at least one angle range and the first angle.

[0065] That is to say, if the terminal device receives relevant parameters corresponding to multiple beam levels, such as at least one fourth parameter, the terminal device can make a selection based on the first angle and perform calculations based on the selected first parameter, without having to calculate the parameters for each beam level, thereby helping to reduce the computational complexity on the terminal device side.

[0066] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving a third parameter, the third parameter indicating at least one geographical range, each of the at least one geographical range corresponding to a fourth parameter. The terminal device obtains the location of the terminal device.

[0067] The terminal device determines the first parameter, including: determining the first parameter from a fourth parameter corresponding to the at least one geographical range according to the at least one geographical range and the location of the terminal device.

[0068] That is to say, if the terminal device receives relevant parameters corresponding to multiple beam levels, such as at least one fourth parameter, the terminal device can make a selection based on its own position and perform calculations based on the selected first parameter, without the need to calculate the parameters for each beam level, thereby helping to reduce the computational complexity on the terminal device side.

[0069] In one possible design, the first mapping relationship satisfies:

[0070] Wherein, RL(k,i) represents the three-dimensional coordinate corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first beam level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is less than N spot A non-negative integer, R e N represents the parameter of the sphere where the first region is located. spot Indicates the number of areas, and [] indicates the decimal operator.

[0071] In one possible design, the first mapping relationship satisfies:

[0072] Wherein, RL(k,i) represents the three-dimensional coordinate corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first beam level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is less than N spot A non-negative integer, R e N represents the parameter of the sphere where the first region is located. spot Indicates the number of regions.

[0073] In one possible design, the first mapping relationship satisfies: RL(k,i)=(lon(k,i),lat(k,i)) N spot =2N+1

[0074] Wherein, RL(k,i) represents the reference position of the first region, lon(k,i) represents the longitude corresponding to the reference position of the first region, lat(k,i) represents the latitude corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first beam level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is less than N spot A non-negative integer, N spot Indicates the number of regions.

[0075] In one possible design, the first area includes at least one of the following types: a broadcast area, where the broadcast area belongs to a geographical area covered by a broadcast beam; or a service area, where the service area belongs to a geographical area covered by a service beam.

[0076] In one possible design, the first area is the broadcast area, the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, and the first area is the area covered by the first beam. The method further includes: the terminal device receiving access information, where the access information indicates an access configuration corresponding to the first beam. The terminal device initiates random access according to the access configuration corresponding to the first beam.

[0077] In this way, the terminal device obtains the beam-level access configuration (such as the access configuration of the first beam). If the area where the terminal device is located is within the coverage of the first beam, the terminal device initiates random access according to the access configuration of the first beam, thereby reducing signaling overhead. Moreover, compared with the cell-based random access in the related art, the present application enables the terminal device to initiate random access more flexibly.

[0078] In one possible design, the first area is the service area, the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, and the first area is the area covered by the first beam. The method further includes: the terminal device receiving service resource information, the service resource information indicating the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first beam. The terminal device performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first beam.

[0079] In this way, the terminal device obtains the beam-level communication resource configuration (such as the communication resource configuration of the first beam). If the area where the terminal device is located is within the coverage of the first beam, the terminal device performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration of the first beam, thereby reducing signaling overhead. Moreover, compared with the cell-based service transmission in the related art, the present application enables the terminal device to perform service transmission more flexibly.

[0080] In one possible design, the first area is the area covered by the first beam, and the method also includes: the terminal device triggers neighboring cell measurement or sends neighboring cell measurement results based on the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device, and the neighboring cell measurement results are used for cell switching or cell reselection.

[0081] In this way, in terms of neighboring cell measurement, if the reference position of the first beam is a reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger neighboring cell measurement based on the reference position of the first beam and its own position, resulting in low signaling overhead. Furthermore, compared to related technologies that trigger neighboring cell measurement based on a cell-level reference position, this application enables the terminal device to trigger neighboring cell measurement more flexibly.

[0082] In terms of neighboring cell measurement results, if the reference position of the first beam is a reference point, the terminal device determines whether to send the neighboring cell measurement results based on the reference position of the first beam and its own position, resulting in low signaling overhead. Furthermore, compared to related technologies that trigger the sending of neighboring cell measurement results based on a cell-level reference position, this application enables the terminal device to more flexibly trigger the sending of neighboring cell measurement results.

[0083] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving indication information of a first threshold.

[0084] The terminal device triggers neighboring cell measurement based on the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device, including: triggering the neighboring cell measurement when the distance between the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, so that the terminal device triggers the neighboring cell measurement in a timely and accurate manner.

[0085] The terminal device sends the neighboring area measurement result based on the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device, including: sending the neighboring area measurement result when the distance between the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, so that the terminal device triggers the sending of the neighboring area measurement result in a timely and accurate manner.

[0086] In one possible design, the first area is an area covered by a first beam, and the method further includes: the terminal device triggers cell switching based on a reference position of the first beam, the position of the terminal device, and the signal quality of a neighboring cell.

[0087] In this way, if the reference position of the first beam is a reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger a cell handover based on the reference position of the first beam, its own position, and the signal quality of the neighboring cell, thereby reducing signaling overhead. Furthermore, compared to related technologies that trigger cell handover based on a cell-level reference position, this application enables the terminal device to trigger a cell handover more flexibly.

[0088] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving indication information of the first threshold and indication information of the second threshold.

[0089] The terminal device triggers cell switching based on the reference position of the first beam, the position of the terminal device, and the signal quality of the neighboring cell, including: triggering the cell switching when the distance between the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the signal quality of the neighboring cell is greater than or equal to the second threshold, so that the terminal device triggers cell switching in a timely and accurate manner.

[0090] In one possible design, the reference position of the first beam is the reference position of the first area. Alternatively, the reference position of the first beam is determined based on the reference position of each area covered by the first beam.

[0091] In one possible design, the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, and the first area belongs to a first cell. The method also includes: the terminal device sends an interference measurement result, and the interference measurement result is used to characterize the interference intensity of other cells to the first cell, so that the network device performs interference coordination based on the interference measurement result.

[0092] In one possible design, the interference measurement result also indicates at least one of the following: a first beam, or a first time period, the first area is the area covered by the first beam, and the interference emphasis is the interference intensity of the other cells to the first cell in the first time period.

[0093] In one possible design, the method also includes: the terminal device obtains a first mapping relationship, the first mapping relationship indicates an area covered by the first beam, and the area covered by the first beam includes the first area.

[0094] In one possible design, the first area is the broadcast area, the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, and the first area is the area covered by a first cell. The method further includes: the terminal device receiving access information, the access information indicating an access configuration corresponding to the first cell. The terminal device initiates random access according to the access configuration corresponding to the first cell.

[0095] In this way, the terminal device obtains the cell-level access configuration (such as the access configuration of the first cell). If the area where the terminal device is located belongs to the first cell, the terminal device initiates random access according to the access configuration of the cell where it is located, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0096] In one possible design, the first area is the service area, the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, and the first area is the area covered by a first cell. The method further includes: the terminal device receiving service resource information, the service resource information indicating a communication resource configuration corresponding to the first cell. The terminal device performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first cell.

[0097] In this way, the terminal device obtains the cell-level communication resource configuration (such as the communication resource configuration of the first cell). If the area where the terminal device is located belongs to the first cell, the terminal device performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration of the cell where it is located, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0098] In one possible design, the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, and the first area is the area covered by the first cell. The method also includes: the terminal device triggers neighboring area measurement or sends neighboring area measurement results based on the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device, and the neighboring area measurement results are used for cell switching or cell reselection.

[0099] In this way, in terms of neighboring cell measurement, if the reference position of the first cell is a reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger neighboring cell measurement based on the reference position of the first cell and its own position, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0100] In terms of neighboring cell measurement results, if the reference position of the first cell is a reference point, the terminal device determines whether to send the neighboring cell measurement results based on the reference position of the first cell and its own position, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0101] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving indication information of a first threshold.

[0102] The terminal device triggers neighboring cell measurement based on the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device, including: triggering the neighboring cell measurement when the distance between the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, so that the terminal device triggers the neighboring cell measurement in a timely and accurate manner.

[0103] The terminal device sends the neighboring area measurement result based on the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device, including: sending the neighboring area measurement result when the distance between the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, so that the terminal device triggers the sending of the neighboring area measurement result in a timely and accurate manner.

[0104] In one possible design, the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, and the first area is the area covered by the first cell. The method also includes: the terminal device triggers cell switching based on the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device, as well as the signal quality of the neighboring cell.

[0105] In this way, if the reference position of the first cell is a reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger cell switching based on the reference position of the first cell and its own position, as well as the signal quality of the neighboring cell, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0106] In one possible design, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving indication information of the first threshold and indication information of the second threshold.

[0107] The terminal device triggers cell switching based on the reference position of the first cell, the position of the terminal device, and the signal quality of the neighboring cell, including: triggering the cell switching when the distance between the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the signal quality of the neighboring cell is greater than or equal to the second threshold, so that the terminal device triggers cell switching in a timely and accurate manner.

[0108] In one possible design, the reference position of the first cell is the reference position of the first area. Alternatively, the reference position of the first cell is determined based on the reference position of each area covered by the first cell.

[0109] In one possible design, the method also includes: the terminal device obtains a second mapping relationship, the second mapping relationship indicates the area covered by the first cell, and the area covered by the first cell includes the first area.

[0110] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first network device" in this application can refer to the first network device itself, or a component in the first network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network device. The following description is based on the example of the execution subject being the first network device. The method includes:

[0111] The first network device determines a first parameter, where the first parameter is associated with an angle, including a beam angle or an elevation angle. The first network device sends the first parameter, where the first parameter is used to determine a reference position of a first area.

[0112] In one possible design, the first parameter indicates the first region number.

[0113] In one possible design, the first parameter indicates a first area radius.

[0114] In one possible design, the first parameter indicates a first area level, the first area level and the second parameter are used to determine a first area number, and the second parameter is a second area number.

[0115] In one possible design, the first parameter indicates a first area level, the first area level and the second parameter are used to determine a first area radius, and the second parameter is a second area radius.

[0116] In one possible design, the larger the beam angle is, the smaller the number of regions indicated by the first parameter is.

[0117] In one possible design, the larger the beam angle is, the larger the radius of the area indicated by the first parameter is.

[0118] In one possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sending a third parameter, wherein the third parameter indicates at least one angle range, and the at least one angle range is used to determine the first parameter.

[0119] In one possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sending a third parameter, the third parameter indicating at least one geographical range, and the at least one geographical range is used to determine the first parameter.

[0120] In one possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sending indication information of a first offset, where the first offset is used to determine a reference position of the first area.

[0121] In one possible design, the first area includes at least one of the following types: a broadcast area, or a service area. The broadcast area belongs to a geographical area covered by a broadcast beam, and the service area belongs to a geographical area covered by a service beam.

[0122] In one possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sending access information, where the access information indicates an access configuration corresponding to the first area.

[0123] In one possible design, the method also includes: the first network device sends business resource information, and the business resource information indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area.

[0124] In one possible design, the method also includes: the first network device sends indication information of a first threshold, where the first threshold is used to trigger neighboring cell measurement, trigger the sending of neighboring cell measurement results, or trigger cell switching.

[0125] In one possible design, the first area belongs to a first cell, and the method further includes: the first network device receives an interference measurement result, where the interference measurement result indicates the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell.

[0126] In one possible design, the interference measurement result further indicates at least one of the following: the first area, or the first time period, the interference intensity is the interference intensity of the other cells to the first cell in the first time period.

[0127] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first network device" in this application can refer to the first network device itself, or a component in the first network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network device. The following description is based on the example of the execution subject being the first network device. The method includes:

[0128] The first network device determines a first parameter and a second parameter, where the first parameter indicates a first beam level, each beam included in the first beam level covers L areas out of X areas, the first parameter is associated with an angle, and the angle includes an angle of a beam opening angle or an elevation angle, and the second parameter indicates the number of areas X, where X and L are positive integers.

[0129] The first network device sends the first parameter and the second parameter, where the first parameter and the second parameter are used to determine a reference position of a first area, where the first area is one of the X areas.

[0130] In a possible design, the second parameter indicates the number of regions, including: the second parameter includes the number of regions. Alternatively, the second parameter includes a region radius, and the region radius is used to determine the number of regions.

[0131] In one possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sending a third parameter, the third parameter indicating at least one angle range, and the at least one angle range is used to determine the first parameter.

[0132] In one possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sending a third parameter, the third parameter indicating at least one geographical range, and the at least one geographical range is used to determine the first parameter.

[0133] In one possible design, the first area includes at least one of the following types: a broadcast area, or a service area. The broadcast area belongs to a geographical area covered by a broadcast beam, and the service area belongs to a geographical area covered by a service beam.

[0134] In one possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sending access information, where the access information indicates an access configuration corresponding to the first beam.

[0135] In one possible design, the method also includes: the first network device sends service resource information, and the service resource information indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first beam.

[0136] In one possible design, the method further includes: the first network device sends indication information of a first threshold, where the first threshold is used to trigger neighboring cell measurement, sending of neighboring cell measurement results, or cell switching.

[0137] In one possible design, the first area belongs to a first cell, and the method also includes: the first network device receives an interference measurement result, and the interference measurement result is used to characterize the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell, so that the first network device performs interference coordination based on the interference measurement result.

[0138] In one possible design, the interference measurement result also indicates at least one of the following: a first beam, or a first time period, the first area is the area covered by the first beam, and the interference emphasis is the interference intensity of the other cells to the first cell in the first time period.

[0139] In one possible design, the method also includes: the first network device sends a first mapping relationship, the first mapping relationship indicates an area covered by the first beam, and the area covered by the first beam includes the first area.

[0140] In one possible design, the first area is an area covered by a first cell, and the method further includes: the first network device sends access information, and the access information indicates an access configuration corresponding to the first cell.

[0141] In one possible design, the first area is an area covered by a first cell, and the method further includes: the first network device sends service resource information, and the service resource information indicates a communication resource configuration corresponding to the first cell.

[0142] In one possible design, the method also includes: the first network device sends a second mapping relationship, where the second mapping relationship indicates an area covered by the first cell, and the area covered by the first cell includes the first area.

[0143] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first network device" in this application can refer to the first network device itself, or a component in the first network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network device. The following description is based on the example of the execution subject being the first network device. The method includes:

[0144] The first network device determines first information. The first information indicates releasing communication resources of a first area or a first beam. Alternatively, the first information indicates activating communication resources of a second area or a second beam. The first network device sends the first information.

[0145] Among them, since the satellite has the characteristic of progressive switching, for example, the coverage area of ​​the first network device moves into the first area, and the coverage area of ​​the second network device moves out of the first area, which means that the second network device needs to release the communication resources of the first area. Therefore, the first information can instruct the second network device to release the communication resources of the first area, so as to realize information interaction between network devices through incremental updates, thereby realizing mobility management or interference coordination.

[0146] The first area may be an area covered by the first beam. The first information may also indicate releasing the communication resources of the first beam, thereby instructing the second network device to release the communication resources of the first beam.

[0147] Similarly, since satellites have the characteristic of progressive switching, for example, the coverage area of ​​the first network device moves out of the second area, and the coverage area of ​​the second network device moves into the second area, which means that the second network device needs to activate the communication resources of the second area. Therefore, the first information can instruct the second network device to activate the communication resources of the second area, so as to realize information interaction between network devices through incremental updates, thereby realizing mobility management or interference coordination.

[0148] The second area may be an area covered by the second beam. The first information may also indicate activation of the communication resources of the second beam, thereby instructing the second network device to release the communication resources of the second beam.

[0149] In a sixth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "second network device" in this application can refer to the second network device itself, or a component in the second network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second network device. The following description is based on the example of the execution subject being the second network device. The method includes:

[0150] The second network device receives first information, wherein the first information indicates releasing communication resources of the first area or the first beam, or the first information indicates activating communication resources of the second area or the second beam.

[0151] In a case where the first information indicates to release the communication resources of the first area or the first beam, the second network device releases the communication resources indicated by the first information.

[0152] In a case where the first information indicates activation of communication resources in the second area or the second beam, the second network device activates the communication resources indicated by the first information.

[0153] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the various methods described above. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation methods. The modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions.

[0154] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module may be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The transceiver module, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The transceiver module may be composed of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0155] In some possible designs, the transceiver module includes a sending module and / or a receiving module, which are used to implement the sending or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation methods.

[0156] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory, wherein the processor and the memory are coupled, and the memory stores program instructions, and when the program instructions stored in the memory are executed by the processor, the communication device executes a method as in any one of the above aspects or any possible design of any one of the aspects.

[0157] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor configured to execute a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any aspect or any possible design of any aspect. Optionally, the communication device further comprises a memory, which may be coupled to the processor or may exist independently of the processor, for example, the memory and the processor being two independent modules. The memory may be located externally or internally of the communication device.

[0158] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instruction, which, when executed, causes the method described in any one of the above aspects or any possible design of any one of the above aspects to be executed.

[0159] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed, enables the method described in any one of the above aspects or any possible design of the method to be executed.

[0160] The communication device provided in any of aspects 7 to 11 may be the terminal device of aspect 1 or aspect 2, or a component included in the terminal device, such as a chip or chip system; or the communication device may be the first network device of aspect 3, aspect 4, or aspect 5, or a component included in the first network device, such as a chip or chip system; or the communication device may be the second network device of aspect 6, or a component included in the second network device, such as a chip or chip system. When the device is a chip system, it may be composed of a chip or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0161] It can be understood that when the communication device provided in any one of aspects 7 to 11 is a chip, the sending action / function of the communication device can be understood as output information, and the receiving action / function of the communication device can be understood as input information.

[0162] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the method described in any one of the above aspects or any possible design of any one of the above aspects. Optionally, the communication device includes a terminal device, a first network device, a second network device, a chip system, or a chip.

[0163] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any design method in the seventh to twelfth aspects can refer to the technical effects brought about by different design methods in the first, second and fifth aspects, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0164] FIG1 is a satellite network architecture diagram in a transparent transmission mode provided by this application.

[0165] FIG2 is a satellite network architecture diagram in a regeneration mode provided by this application.

[0166] FIG3 is a diagram of a satellite network architecture in another regeneration mode provided by this application.

[0167] FIG4 is a diagram of a satellite network architecture in another regeneration mode provided by this application.

[0168] FIG5 is a network architecture diagram of the NTN and terrestrial network integration provided by the present application.

[0169] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of beam coverage in a non-staring mode and a staring mode in an NTN provided by the present application.

[0170] FIG7 a is a schematic diagram of a mapping relationship between beam angle and beam size provided in this application.

[0171] FIG7 b is a schematic diagram of a beam angle and elevation angle provided in this application.

[0172] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a mapping relationship between beams and regions provided in this application.

[0173] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a projection of a beam on the ground provided in this application.

[0174] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of an H3 geographic grid provided by this application.

[0175] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of a group switching scenario provided by this application.

[0176] FIG12 is a flow chart of a beam management process provided in this application.

[0177] FIG13 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in this application.

[0178] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of another mapping relationship between beams and regions provided in this application.

[0179] FIG15 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in this application.

[0180] FIG16 a is a flow chart of another communication method provided in the present application.

[0181] FIG16b is a schematic diagram of another mapping relationship between beams and regions provided in this application.

[0182] FIG17 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in this application.

[0183] FIG18 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in this application.

[0184] FIG19 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in this application.

[0185] FIG20 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in this application.

[0186] Figure 21a is a flow chart of another communication method provided by this application.

[0187] FIG21 b is a schematic diagram of another mapping relationship between beams and regions provided in this application.

[0188] FIG22 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in this application.

[0189] FIG23 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in this application.

[0190] Figure 24a is a flow chart of another communication method provided by this application.

[0191] Figure 24b is a schematic diagram of a reference position of a beam provided in this application.

[0192] FIG25 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in this application.

[0193] FIG26 is a schematic diagram of another mapping relationship between beams and regions provided in this application.

[0194] FIG27 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in this application.

[0195] FIG28 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in this application.

[0196] FIG29 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0197] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0198] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship, for example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in this application is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist, for example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural.

[0199] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc.

[0200] In addition, to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, the words "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art will understand that the words "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the words "first" and "second" do not necessarily mean different.

[0201] In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner to facilitate understanding.

[0202] It will be understood that the “embodiment” mentioned throughout the specification means that the specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. It will be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of each process does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiment of the present application.

[0203] It can be understood that in this application, "when" and "if" both mean that corresponding processing will be taken under certain objective circumstances, and do not limit the time, nor do they require any judgment action when implementing, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0204] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of the present application may, in certain scenarios, be implemented independently of other features, such as the solution on which they are currently based, to solve corresponding technical problems and achieve corresponding effects. They may also be combined with other features in certain scenarios as needed. Accordingly, the devices provided in the embodiments of the present application may also implement these features or functions accordingly, which will not be described in detail here.

[0205] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can refer to each other. In the various embodiments in this application, and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in each embodiment, if there is no special explanation and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in each embodiment are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, implementation methods, implementation methods, or implementation methods according to their inherent logical relationships. The implementation methods of this application described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0206] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field will know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0207] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be used in non-terrestrial networks (NTN) systems such as satellite communication systems, high altitude platform station (HAPS) communications, and drones. For example, integrated communication and navigation (IcaN) systems, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), etc. These NTN systems can be independently networked or integrated with traditional terrestrial mobile communication systems, such as: fourth-generation (4G) communication systems (e.g., long-term evolution (LTE) systems), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, fifth-generation (5G) communication systems (e.g., new radio (NR) systems), device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems, Internet of Vehicles (IoV) communication systems, and future mobile communication systems.

[0208] Among them, the above-mentioned communication system applicable to this application is only an example, and the communication system and communication scenarios applicable to this application are not limited to this. The communication system and communication scenarios provided in this application do not impose any limitations on the solution of this application. They are uniformly explained here and will not be repeated below.

[0209] As a possible implementation, a communication system applicable to the solution of the present application may include at least one terminal device and at least one network device. For example, terminal devices may communicate with each other, with each other, and with each other via wired or wireless means.

[0210] Optionally, the terminal device may be a user-side device with wireless transceiver functions, or may be a chip or chip system provided in the device. The terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile terminal (MT), user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device, etc. The terminal device may be, for example, a terminal device in the Internet of Things (IoT), vehicle to everything (V2X), D2D, M2M, 5G network, or a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN). The terminal device may be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it may also be deployed on water (such as ships); it may also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons and satellites, etc.).

[0211] Exemplarily, the terminal device may be a drone, an IoT device (e.g., a sensor, an electricity meter, a water meter, etc.), a V2X device, a station (ST) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device (also referred to as a wearable smart device), a tablet computer or a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a smart home, or a similar device. The terminal device can be a mobile or fixed device, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0212] Optionally, the network device may be a network-side device with wireless transceiver functions, or may be a chip or chip system or module provided in the device. The network device is located in the radio access network (RAN) of the mobile communication system and is used to provide access services for terminal devices.

[0213] As a possible implementation, the network device can be a wireless relay node or a wireless backhaul node. For example, the network device can function as a layer 1 relay device to regenerate physical layer signals (i.e., wireless frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification) without any higher protocol layers.

[0214] As another possible implementation, the network device may implement some or all of the functions of a base station. For example, the network device may be an evolutionary Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE or evolved LTE system (LTE-Advanced, LTE-A), such as a traditional macro eNB and a micro eNB in ​​a heterogeneous network scenario; or a next-generation node B (gNodeB or gNB) in a 5G system; or a transmission reception point (TRP); or a base station in a future evolved PLMN; or a device that implements base station functions in IoT, V2X, D2D, or M2M.

[0215] Alternatively, the network device may be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU and a DU, a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU may be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU may be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0216] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, the network device may be a network device or a module of a network device in an open radio access network (open RAN, ORAN) system. In the ORAN system, CU may also be referred to as open (open, O)-CU, DU may also be referred to as O-DU, CU-CP may also be referred to as O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be referred to as O-CU-UP, and RU may also be referred to as O-RU. Any of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0217] Exemplarily, the base stations in the embodiments of the present application may include various forms of base stations, such as: macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small stations), relay stations, access points, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this.

[0218] Optionally, the network devices in the embodiments of the present application can be deployed on non-ground platforms, such as low-altitude platforms (such as drones), high-altitude platforms (such as airplanes), or satellites. Therefore, the network devices in the embodiments of the present application can also be referred to as non-ground network devices.

[0219] For example, in the case where the network device is deployed on a satellite, or the network device is a satellite, the communication system may further include an NTN gateway (also known as a gateway station). Typically, the NTN gateway is deployed on the ground. The NTN gateway can communicate with the satellite, and the link between the satellite and the NTN gateway can be called a feeder link.

[0220] As shown in Figure 1, when a satellite serves as a wireless relay node, or in other words, a satellite has relay and forwarding capabilities, the NTN gateway has base station functions or partial base station functions. In this case, the NTN gateway can function as a base station. Alternatively, the NTN gateway can be deployed separately from the base station. In other words, in addition to the NTN gateway, the communication system also includes a satellite base station deployed on the ground. Figure 1 illustrates the example of separate deployment of the NTN gateway and base station.

[0221] As shown in Figure 2, when a satellite can perform some or all of the functions of a base station, the satellite has data processing capabilities and can be used as a base station. In this case, the NTN gateway and the satellite can transmit user-plane data of the terminal device through the satellite radio interface (SRI).

[0222] In addition, satellites can perform some or all of the functions of a base station. As shown in Figure 3, inter-satellite links (ISLs) exist between different satellites, allowing satellites to communicate via ISLs. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4, a satellite can have the DU processing capabilities of a base station, or in other words, the satellite can act as a DU. In this scenario, the base station's CU processing capabilities can be deployed on the ground, and the CU and DU communicate using the F1 interface through the NTN gateway.

[0223] In the architectures shown in Figures 1 to 4, NG refers to the interface between the base station and the core network. Uu refers to the interface between the base station and the terminal device. Xn refers to the interface between base stations. It is understood that as communication systems evolve, the names of the interfaces between the base station and the core network, between the base station and the terminal device, and between base stations may also change, and this application does not specifically limit this.

[0224] Optionally, when a satellite functions as a wireless relay node and has relay forwarding capabilities, it can be considered to be operating in transparent mode. When a satellite has data processing capabilities and can perform some or all of the functions of a base station, it can be considered to be operating in regenerative mode. A satellite may support only transparent mode, only regenerative mode, or both, and be able to switch between these two modes.

[0225] In some implementation scenarios, the NTN and terrestrial networks can be integrated. For example, Figure 5 illustrates a converged network architecture for the NTN and terrestrial networks, as provided in an embodiment of the present application. In the architecture shown in Figure 5, satellites 1 and 2 operate in regenerative mode. The satellites can serve as NTN base stations, or NTN base stations can be deployed on the satellites. Satellite 3 operates in transparent transmission mode, requiring the deployment of an additional NTN base station. The term "NTN base station" refers to a base station in the NTN.

[0226] In addition, the architecture may also include ground base stations, which refer to base stations in the ground network. NTN base stations and ground base stations can be interconnected through a common core network. As a bearer network, the core network provides an interface to the data network, providing terminal equipment with communication connection, authentication, management, policy control, and data service carrying. Exemplarily, the core network may include access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, authentication server function (AUSF) network elements, policy control function (PCF) network elements, user plane function (UPF) network elements, and other network elements.

[0227] Alternatively, NTN base stations and terrestrial base stations can also achieve more timely assistance and interconnection through interfaces defined between base stations. For example, the interface between base stations can be an Xn interface, and the interface between a base station and the core network can be an NG interface. Of course, other implementations of the interface between base stations and the interface between a base station and the core network are also possible, and this application does not specifically limit this.

[0228] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the satellite can provide services to the terminal device through a beam. For example, different beams can provide services to the terminal device through one or more of time division, frequency division, and space division. On the one hand, the satellite can operate in a regeneration mode or a transparent transmission mode. On the other hand, the satellite can operate in a non-staring (earth-moving) mode or a staring (earth-fixed or quasi-earth fixed) mode. The satellite can be a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite, etc., without limitation.

[0229] It is understandable that the satellites in the architectures described in Figures 1 to 5 can be replaced by non-ground payloads on other flying platforms such as drones and airplanes.

[0230] It should be pointed out that in this application, the message names, parameter names, or information names between devices are only examples. In other embodiments, they may also be other names, and the method provided in this application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0231] It should be noted that, in this application, the execution subject may perform some or all of the steps in this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and this application may also perform other operations or variations of various operations. In addition, the various steps may be performed in a different order than those presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is possible that not all operations in the embodiments of this application need to be performed.

[0232] If the executor of a certain step is a terminal device, then the step can be executed by the terminal device. Unless otherwise specified, the "terminal device" in this application can refer to the terminal device itself, or a component in the terminal device (for example, a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or it can also be a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the terminal device.

[0233] If the execution entity of a certain step is a network device, then the step can be executed by the network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "network device" in this application can refer to the network device itself, or a component in the network device (for example, a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0234] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly describes the terms used in the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that these descriptions are only for facilitating understanding of the embodiments of the present application and should not constitute any limitation on the present application.

[0235] 1. NTN:

[0236] 5G NR has now entered the commercial deployment phase, moving from standardization. The NR standard is primarily designed to address the unique characteristics of terrestrial communications, which provide high-speed, high-reliability, and low-latency communications for user terminals.

[0237] Compared to terrestrial communications, NTN communications offer significant advantages, including global coverage, long-distance transmission, flexible networking, easy deployment, and freedom from geographical constraints. They have been widely used in a variety of fields, including maritime communications, positioning and navigation, disaster relief, scientific experiments, video broadcasting, and Earth observation. NTN networks can be integrated with terrestrial networks, leveraging their strengths and complementing their weaknesses to form a seamless, integrated global communications network covering land, sea, air, space, and ground, meeting the diverse service needs of users everywhere.

[0238] According to the altitude of the flight platform above the ground, the NTN may include a low altitude platform (LAP) subnetwork, a high altitude platform (HAP) subnetwork, and a satellite communication subnetwork (SATCOM subnetwork).

[0239] For example, in the LAP subnetwork, base stations or base station functions are deployed on low-altitude flying platforms (such as drones) at an altitude of 0.1 km to 1 km from the ground to provide coverage for terminals; in the HAP subnetwork, base stations or base station functions are deployed on high-altitude flying platforms (such as airplanes) at an altitude of 8 km to 50 km from the ground to provide coverage for terminals; in the SATCOM subnetwork, base stations or base station functions are deployed on satellites at an altitude of more than 50 km from the ground to provide coverage for terminals.

[0240] Furthermore, according to the orbital altitude of the satellite, the satellite communication system can be divided into GEO satellite communication system, MEO satellite communication system and LEO satellite communication system.

[0241] The GEO satellite communication system is also known as the geostationary orbit satellite system. GEO satellites orbit at an altitude of 35,786 km and move at the same speed as the Earth's rotation, meaning that GEO satellites can remain stationary relative to the Earth. GEO satellite communication systems can provide large cell coverage, typically with a cell diameter of 500 km. However, GEO satellite communication also has significant disadvantages: 1) GEO satellite orbits are far from the Earth, resulting in high free-space propagation losses, which leads to tight communication link budgets. To increase transmit / receive gain, satellites must be equipped with larger antennas; 2) Communication transmission latency is high, such as a round-trip delay of around 500 milliseconds, which cannot meet the needs of real-time services; 3) GEO orbital resources are relatively scarce, launch costs are high, and coverage of the Earth's polar regions is inadequate.

[0242] MEO satellites orbit at altitudes between 2,000 and 35,786 km, enabling global coverage with a relatively small number of satellites. However, MEO satellites orbit at higher altitudes than LEO satellites, resulting in higher transmission latency compared to LEO satellite communications. Therefore, considering the advantages and disadvantages of MEO satellite communications, MEO satellites are primarily used for positioning and navigation.

[0243] The orbital altitude of LEO satellites is between 300 and 2000 km, which is lower than that of MEO satellites. They have the advantages of low transmission delay, low transmission loss, and relatively low launch cost.

[0244] The next generation of satellite communication systems is generally showing a trend towards ultra-dense and heterogeneous systems. First, the scale of satellites has grown from 66 in the Iridium constellation to 720 in the OneWeb constellation, and ultimately to the Starlink ultra-dense LEO satellite constellation of over 12,000. Second, satellite networks are becoming heterogeneous, evolving from traditional single-layer communication networks to multi-layer ones. The functionality of communication satellite networks is also becoming increasingly complex and diverse, gradually becoming compatible with and supporting functions such as navigation augmentation, Earth observation, and multi-dimensional information processing on-orbit.

[0245] 2. Non-gazing mode (earth-moving) and gazing (earth-fixed or quasi-earth fixed) mode:

[0246] In satellite communication systems, beam operating modes can be generally divided into non-staring mode and staring mode. As shown in Figure 6 (a), in non-staring mode, the coverage area of ​​the satellite beam moves with the satellite over a period of time (e.g., between time t0 and time t2). As shown in Figure 6 (b), in staring mode, the satellite dynamically adjusts the beam pointing direction over a period of time (e.g., between time t0 and time t2) so that the beam covers approximately the same area on the ground.

[0247] Exemplarily, the embodiment of the beam in the protocol can be a spatial domain filter, or a spatial filter, or a spatial domain parameter, a spatial parameter, a spatial domain setting, a spatial setting, or Quasi-colocation (QCL) information, a QCL assumption, a QCL indication, etc. The beam can be indicated by a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state (TCI-state) parameter, or by a spatial relation parameter. Therefore, in this application, the beam can be replaced by a spatial domain filter, a spatial filter, a spatial parameter, a spatial parameter, a spatial setting, a spatial setting, QCL information, a QCL assumption, a QCL indication, TCI-state, a spatial relationship, etc. The above terms are also equivalent to each other. The beam in this application can also be replaced by other terms representing the beam, and this application is not limited thereto.

[0248] 3. The relationship between beam size and angle:

[0249] Taking the beam angle as an example, as shown in Figure 7a, as the beam angle increases, the beam size generally increases. For example, when the beam angle is 0 degrees, the beam diameter is approximately 30 kilometers (km). For another example, when the beam angle is 45 degrees, the beam diameter is approximately 72 km.

[0250] The beam angle is shown in Figure 7b. The location of the network device is denoted as Q, and the center of the Earth is denoted as L. The beam has a certain projection (or outline) on the sphere. P can be located at the edge of the projection. Figure 7b shows a schematic diagram of the beam angle for the network device at location Q.

[0251] In addition, the beam angle can also be described in other ways, such as antenna angle. This application takes the beam angle as an example for introduction.

[0252] It is easy to understand that the angle can also be replaced by the elevation angle. The position of the terminal device can be recorded as P. Figure 7b also shows a schematic diagram of the elevation angle of the terminal device at position P. In this application, the position of the network device is recorded as Q, and the position of the terminal device is recorded as P. There is a certain conversion relationship between the beam angle and the elevation angle. In this way, there is also a certain correlation between the beam size and the elevation angle. For example, as the elevation angle increases, the beam size generally tends to decrease.

[0253] 4-1. Region:

[0254] Unless otherwise specified, the term "region" in the following embodiments of this application refers to a geographic region. A region is fixed relative to the Earth, or it can be understood as referring to a fixed geographic area relative to the Earth. For example, a region can have at least one of the following attributes: shape, outline, size, radius, area, geographic location, etc.

[0255] In a possible implementation, the above-mentioned region fixed relative to the earth may also be referred to as a "wave position", "geographical region", etc. Of course, other names are also possible, and this application does not specifically limit the name of the region fixed relative to the earth.

[0256] The shapes, outlines, sizes, radii, and areas of different regions may or may not be the same. Different regions may have different geographical locations. Different regions may or may not overlap.

[0257] In one possible implementation, a region is fixed relative to the Earth, which can be understood as: the region's outline, size, or geographic location remains unchanged. For example, the region's outline, size, or geographic location does not change over time. Alternatively, a region is fixed relative to the Earth, which can be understood as: the region's outline and points within the region can be described using an Earth-fixed coordinate system, or the coordinates of each point on the region's outline in the Earth-fixed coordinate system are fixed and unchanging.

[0258] In a possible embodiment, the shape of the region may be a regular hexagon, or other shapes such as a regular pentagon, rectangle, circle, ellipse, etc. Alternatively, the shape of the region may be an irregular shape, which is not limited.

[0259] For example, the shape of a region can be defined by a protocol or by a network device. The region shapes defined by different network devices can be the same or different. The same network device can also define multiple region shapes. Similarly, the size, radius, and area of ​​a region can be defined by a protocol or by a network device. The size, radius, and area of ​​a region defined by different network devices can be the same or different. The same network device can also define multiple region sizes, multiple region radii, or multiple region areas.

[0260] In a possible implementation, the earth's surface may be divided into multiple regions, and the multiple regions may be indexed (eg, numbered).

[0261] As one possible division method, the geographic location of a region is determined by the region's identifier. That is, the geographic location of a region can be obtained based on the region's identifier, or in other words, there is a correlation between the region's identifier and the region's geographic location. For example, multiple regions can be discretized on the earth, each corresponding to an identifier, and the geographic location of the region can be obtained based on the region's identifier.

[0262] 4-2. Coverage area of ​​network equipment:

[0263] The coverage area of ​​a network device may refer to the maximum area that the network device can cover, or in other words, the coverage area of ​​the network device indicates (or reflects) the maximum coverage capability of the network device.

[0264] The coverage area of ​​the network device changes as the network device moves, that is, the coverage area of ​​the network device may be different at different times. The coverage area of ​​the network device includes at least one of the above areas (ie, wave positions).

[0265] Since the coverage area of ​​a network device changes with the movement of the network device, and the area (ie, wave position) is fixed relative to the earth, the area (ie, wave position) included in the coverage area of ​​the network device may be different at different times.

[0266] For example, taking a polygonal area as an example, as shown in Figure 8, the solid ellipse may represent the coverage area of ​​the network device. The areas represented by all pentagons and hexagons within the solid ellipse are the areas (i.e., wave positions) included in the coverage area of ​​the network device.

[0267] 4-3. Service area of ​​network equipment:

[0268] The service area of ​​a network device may refer to the maximum area that a beam of the network device can serve (or cover), or in other words, the service area of ​​the network device indicates (or reflects) the maximum service capability of the network device.

[0269] The service area of ​​a network device is smaller than or equal to the coverage area of ​​the network device. For example, based on the example shown in FIG8 , the service area of ​​the network device can be the range indicated by the solid ellipse, in which case the service area of ​​the network device is equal to the coverage area of ​​the network device; alternatively, the service area of ​​the network device can be smaller than the range indicated by the solid ellipse.

[0270] The service area of ​​a network device changes as the network device moves, that is, the service area of ​​the network device may be different at different times. The service area of ​​a network device includes at least one of the above-mentioned areas (ie, wave positions).

[0271] Since the service area of ​​a network device changes with the movement of the network device, and the area (ie, wave position) is fixed relative to the earth, the area (ie, wave position) included in the service area of ​​the network device may be different at different times.

[0272] 4-4. Activation area of ​​network equipment:

[0273] The area currently being served (or covered) by the beam of a network device can be referred to as an active area or an activated area. The area currently not being served (or covered) by the beam of a network device can be referred to as an inactive area or an inactive area. The active area of ​​a network device is one or more areas within the service area of ​​the network device.

[0274] At a certain moment, the beam of the network device serves (or covers) an activation area, that is, a part of the service area of ​​the network device. At different moments, the beam of the network device serves (or covers) different activation areas, that is, different areas in the service area of ​​the network device.

[0275] For example, as shown in (a) in FIG8 , at time T1, the activation area of ​​the beam service of the network device includes areas x1, x2, and x3; as shown in (b) in FIG8 , at time T2, the activation area of ​​the beam service of the network device includes areas y1, y2, y3, and y4.

[0276] 5. Description of NTN's service area:

[0277] As a first possible implementation, the antenna pattern, such as a given antenna model, can be used to calculate the corresponding contours of antenna gain or received power in different areas of the ground (which can be understood as the projection of the beam on the ground) to characterize the service area of ​​the satellite / cell. This contour can also be understood as the beam position.

[0278] For example, Figure 9(a) shows the antenna gain pattern for a single GEO satellite 72-beam reference system. The ellipse represents the projection of the beam on the ground, or the beam position. Figure 9(b) shows the profile of the LEO satellite's beam in the latitude and longitude plane in non-staring mode.

[0279] In the first possible implementation, since the projection of the beam on the ground is interpreted as the beam position, the beam position and beam can be considered statically bound. Therefore, this solution is commonly used in GEO satellite networks or satellite networks operating in non-staring mode. However, in staring mode, the inclination angle between the satellite and a certain area of ​​the ground changes dynamically, and the beam projection also changes accordingly. This static binding of beam position and beam may no longer be applicable.

[0280] As a second possible implementation, the Earth's surface can be divided into regular pentagonal or hexagonal grids based on the H3 geographic grid, and the grids can be used to represent the service areas of satellites / cells. For example, the service area of ​​a satellite / cell can include one or more grids, where each grid can be understood as a wave position.

[0281] This second possible implementation supports hierarchical addressing of wave positions. For example, as shown in Figure 10, there are three types of regular hexagons: small, medium, and large. The regular hexagon with the smallest area represents the wave position, and the regular hexagons with the remaining two areas can be used for hierarchical addressing of wave positions. For ease of description, the following embodiments refer to the regular hexagons with the largest and second largest areas as the first and second regular hexagons, respectively.

[0282] Based on the example shown in Figure 10, when performing hierarchical addressing of wave positions, the index of the first regular hexagon can be understood as the first-level index of the wave position, the index of the second regular hexagon can be understood as the second-level index of the wave position, and the index of the regular hexagon with the smallest area can be understood as the third-level index of the wave position. When indexing a wave position, the first regular hexagon to which the wave position belongs can be first determined based on the first-level index, then the second regular hexagon to which the wave position in the first regular hexagon belongs can be determined based on the second-level index, and finally the wave position in the second regular hexagon can be determined based on the third-level index.

[0283] The second possible implementation currently supports only 16 different precisions of the beam radius, which makes it difficult to adapt to different payload capabilities (such as beam radius). For example, if the precision of the beam radius is an integer but the beam radius is not an integer, it may not be possible to accurately use the beam to represent the service area of ​​the satellite / cell.

[0284] Furthermore, when determining the specific geographical location of a wave position based on its index value, the wave position index value is usually indicated by 64 bits, and the signaling overhead is also relatively large.

[0285] In addition, the reference position of the position indicator occupies 48 bits, resulting in high signaling overhead. For example, when the area radius is 200 km, there are approximately 78,702 positions in the world. If the reference position of each position occupies 48 bits, then indicating the global reference position requires a total of 48 * 78,702 = 3.77 Mbits, resulting in high signaling overhead.

[0286] It is easy to understand that in this application, load capacity can include at least one of the following: antenna capacity (such as the number of antenna units), or transmit power, etc. Among them, antenna capacity and / or transmit power affect the beam radius. In this way, different load capacities mean different beam radii. Accordingly, only 16 different precision beam radii are currently supported, which makes it difficult to adapt to different load capacities. It can be understood that only 16 different precision beam radii are currently supported, which makes it difficult to adapt to different beam radii.

[0287] 6. Group switching and group reselection:

[0288] The movement of the satellite may cause group handover of connected terminal devices in a certain area, or group reselection of idle or inactive terminal devices in the area.

[0289] Taking group handover as an example, as shown in Figure 11, assume that a UE cluster (denoted as UE-G1, which includes multiple UEs) exists within sub-area 1 of area 2. At time T1, sub-area 1 is served by one or more beams of satellite 2. At time T2, the movement of satellite 2 causes it to no longer be able to serve sub-area 1. Instead, one or more beams of satellite 1 take over serving sub-area 1. During this process, because the satellite covering sub-area 1 changes, the multiple UEs in UE-G1 undergo group handover, switching from satellite 2 to satellite 1.

[0290] Since the satellite moves at a relatively high speed, for example, the speed of a LEO satellite is about 7.5 km / s, the frequency of group switching is relatively high, about once every few seconds to tens of seconds.

[0291] 7. Beam management

[0292] As shown in Figure 12, network equipment (such as a base station) first uses beam scanning within the cell coverage area to time-share synchronization signal block (SSB) beams in different directions. Accordingly, the terminal device uses beam scanning to receive SSBs and measure the signal quality of each SSB beam.

[0293] Subsequently, if the terminal device is in the radio resource control (RRC) idle state, the terminal device performs random access (RA) and sends a message 1 (Msg1) to the network device (such as a base station), which carries a random access preamble, and the random access preamble carries the SSB index (index) corresponding to the SSB beam with the best signal quality. After the network device (such as a base station) receives the random access preamble using beam scanning, it can determine the SSB beam with the best signal quality as the downlink transmit beam, and the network device (such as a base station) can reuse the downlink transmit beam when receiving the uplink signal. In addition, the beam that the terminal device receives the downlink signal is the SSB beam with the best signal quality, and the downlink receive beam can be reused when sending the uplink signal.

[0294] If the terminal device is in the RRC connected state, the terminal device sends the SSB measurement result to the network device (such as the base station) through a measurement report. The network device (such as the base station) determines the downlink transmit beam based on the SSB measurement result and reuses the downlink beam when receiving the uplink signal. In addition, the network device (such as the base station) can indicate the downlink transmit beam it has determined to the terminal device. The terminal device can determine the downlink receive beam that matches the downlink transmit beam based on the downlink transmit beam and the beam pairing result.

[0295] In addition, network equipment (such as a base station) can use a narrower channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) for beam management (BM) beam (CSI-RS for BM) for beam scanning near the downlink transmit beam (i.e., the optimal SSB beam).

[0296] Accordingly, the terminal device feeds back the measurement result of the CSI-RS for MB beam to the network device (such as a base station) through a measurement report. The network device (such as a base station) determines the downlink transmit beam (such as the optimal CSI-RS for BM beam) based on the measurement result, and multiplexes the downlink transmit beam when receiving the uplink signal. The terminal device can receive the CSI-RS for BM beam through beam scanning to determine the downlink receive beam (such as the optimal CSI-RS for BM beam), and multiplex the downlink receive beam when sending the uplink signal.

[0297] However, beam management in existing communication systems is typically based on signal quality and beam ID. In satellite communication systems, such as those in LEO scenarios, beam management (especially beam switching) triggered solely by signal quality is inefficient because the near-far effect is not significant.

[0298] Furthermore, satellite movement causes the beam ID received by the terminal device to change rapidly, requiring the terminal device to frequently adjust the receive beam and the corresponding transmit and receive time-frequency resources. Consequently, the network equipment must frequently send configuration information to the terminal device. This configuration information includes beam configuration parameters, which the terminal device uses to determine the receive beam and transmit and receive time-frequency resources. This results in high signaling overhead.

[0299] In summary, for satellite communication systems, especially satellite communication systems in staring mode, how to determine the area covered by the satellite beam is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently.

[0300] In view of this, the present application provides a communication method. This method can be applied to the systems shown in Figures 1-5. The method includes: a terminal device determining a first parameter, where the first parameter is associated with an angle, where the angle includes a beam angle or an elevation angle. The terminal device determines a reference position of a first area based on the first parameter and a first mapping relationship, where the first mapping relationship indicates a conversion relationship between the first parameter and the reference position of the first area.

[0301] In the present application, since the first mapping relationship can indicate the conversion relationship between the first parameter and the reference position of the first area, when the terminal device determines the first parameter, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the first area based on the first parameter and the first mapping relationship.

[0302] On the one hand, since the first parameter is associated with the angle, the first area can be the area covered by beams of different beam angles, or the first area can be the area of ​​the terminal device at different elevation angles, that is, the radius of the first area can have multiple values. Compared with the H3 geographic grid method that only supports 16 types of area radii, the present application can adapt to areas with different radii. That is to say, even for areas with different radii, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the first area based on the first parameter and the first mapping relationship, thereby improving the flexibility of the terminal device in determining the area.

[0303] On the other hand, since the reference position of the first area can be determined by the first parameter, the terminal device and the network device can interact based on the first parameter. Compared with the interactive beam coverage area outline, the wave position reference position in the H3 geographic grid and other methods, since the number of bits required to indicate the first parameter is relatively small, the signaling overhead is small. For example, when the area radius is 200km, there are approximately 78,702 areas (i.e., wave positions) in the world, and the reference position of each area (i.e., wave position) in the related technology occupies 48-bits, then a total of 48*78702=3.77Mbits is required to indicate the global reference position. However, the present application only needs to indicate the first parameter. When there are only 16 values ​​of the first parameter, only 4-bits are required to indicate the first parameter. The terminal device side only needs to quickly calculate and obtain the global reference position based on the first parameter, and the signaling overhead is only 4-bits.

[0304] In another aspect, the terminal device can communicate based on the reference location of the first area. For example, if the first area is an activation area of ​​the network device, the terminal device can communicate with the network device if the terminal device is in the first area, thereby helping to improve communication efficiency.

[0305] The following is a detailed introduction to the communication method proposed in the embodiment of the present application.

[0306] As shown in FIG13 , the communication method 1300 proposed in this embodiment of the present application includes the following operations:

[0307] S1301. The terminal device determines a first parameter.

[0308] Among them, the introduction of the first parameter is as follows:

[0309] As a first possible implementation, the first parameter is associated with an angle. The angle includes a beam angle or an elevation angle, which can be found in the glossary section and will not be further described. In this application, the first parameter may indicate one or more of the number of regions, region radius, and region level.

[0310] It should be noted that in this application, the term "region" can be found in the glossary section and will not be repeated here.

[0311] In this application, a region may include one or more types. For example, a region may include at least one of the following types: a broadcast region or a service region. A broadcast region is a geographic area covered by a broadcast beam, while a service region is a geographic area covered by a service beam.

[0312] Taking one beam covering one area as an example, as shown in Table 1, Table 1 shows the correlation between area level, area radius and beam angle:

[0313] Table 1

[0314] In Table 1, K is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0315] As shown in Table 1, the smaller the beam angle, the smaller the area covered by each beam on the ground. Taking Figure 14 as an example, the area covered by beam 1 is smaller.

[0316] As shown in Table 1, the larger the beam angle, the larger the area covered by each beam on the ground. Taking Figure 14 as an example, the area covered by beam 2 is larger.

[0317] When multiple beams cover a certain geographic area, if the beam angle of each of the multiple beams is small, the ground coverage area of ​​each beam is smaller. Accordingly, the larger the beam angle, the larger the number of beams. Since one beam covers one area, the number of areas covered by that beam angle is larger. Conversely, if the beam angle of each of the multiple beams is large, the ground coverage area of ​​each beam is larger. Accordingly, the smaller the number of beams covered by that beam angle. Since one beam covers one area, the number of areas covered by that beam angle is smaller.

[0318] It should be noted that in this application, for the same area level, the area radius and the number of areas satisfy a certain correlation relationship. For example, taking area level k as an example, the area radius and the number of areas at this level satisfy the following formula (1):

[0319] Among them, N spot_k Indicates the number of regions corresponding to region level k, R spot_k Indicates the area radius corresponding to area level k, R e Indicates N spot_k The parameters of the sphere where the region lies.

[0320] It should be noted that, in this application, N spot_k Take the earth as an example, the sphere where the region is located, R e Represents the radius of the earth, which can be 6378km. e It can also be a parameter smaller than the radius of the earth, or a parameter larger than the radius of the earth. e It can be a pre-configured parameter or a parameter configured by the network device, and this embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0321] Optionally, the first parameter indicates the first number of regions. The first number of regions is the number of regions corresponding to the region level k, denoted as N. spot_k, 1≤k≤K. It can be understood that: the first parameter indicates the number of regions corresponding to a region level, and the region level can be one of the K region levels.

[0322] Optionally, the first parameter indicates a first area radius. The first area radius is the area radius corresponding to area level k, denoted by R spot_k , 1≤k≤K. It can be understood that: the first parameter indicates the area radius corresponding to an area level, and the area level can be an area level among K areas.

[0323] Optionally, the first parameter indicates a first region level, wherein the first region level is region level k. It can be understood that the first parameter indicates a region level, and the region level can be a region level among K regions.

[0324] As a second possible implementation, the first parameter is associated with a location. The location is determined based on an angle (e.g., beam angle). The location can be understood as the location of the geographic area covered by one or more beams with beam angles within a certain angular range.

[0325] Still taking Table 1 as an example, when the beam angle range is: 0≤θ<25, the beam within the beam angle range covers a certain geographical area, and the geographical area can be expressed by longitude or latitude, such as the longitude range of the geographical area is: x0-x1, and the latitude range of the geographical area is: y0-y1.

[0326] Still taking Table 1 as an example, when the beam angle range is: 25≤θ<30, the beam within the beam angle range covers a certain geographical area, and the geographical area can be expressed by longitude or latitude, such as the longitude range of the geographical area is: x1-x2, and the latitude range of the geographical area is: y1-y2.

[0327] It is easy to understand that the 'beam angle' in Table 1 can be replaced by 'position', as shown in Table 2:

[0328] Table 2

[0329] It should be added that, for the terminal device, the terminal device may determine the number of first areas based on the first parameter, specifically:

[0330] Case 1: The first parameter indicates the first region number.

[0331] Case 2: The first parameter indicates the radius of the first area. In this case, the terminal device can determine the number of first areas based on formula (1) and the radius of the first area.

[0332] In case 3, the first parameter indicates the first area level. In this case, the terminal device determines the number of first areas based on the first area level and the second parameter. The second parameter may indicate the number of second areas. The second parameter may be a preconfigured parameter or a parameter configured by the network device, and is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0333] For example, the second parameter can be understood as a reference parameter. The number of regions indicated by the second parameter can be understood as the number of reference regions, such as N. spot_base When the first region level indicated by the first parameter is k, the first region number satisfies: N spot_k =k×N spot_base Among them, N spot_k represents the number of first regions, k represents the first region level, N spot_base Indicates the second area number.

[0334] In case 4, the first parameter indicates the first area level. In this case, the terminal device determines the first area radius based on the first area level and the second parameter. The second parameter may indicate the second area radius. The second parameter may be a preconfigured parameter or a parameter configured by the network device. This application does not limit the configuration method of this second parameter.

[0335] For example, the second parameter can be understood as a reference parameter. The area radius indicated by the second parameter can be understood as a reference area radius, such as R spot_base When the first area level indicated by the first parameter is k, the first area radius satisfies: R spot_k =k×R spot_base Among them, R spot_k represents the radius of the first area, k represents the level of the first area, R spot_base Then, the terminal device can determine the number of the first areas based on formula (1) and the first area radius.

[0336] For the terminal device, after determining the first parameter, the terminal device executes S1302:

[0337] S1302. The terminal device determines a reference position of the first area according to the first parameter and the first mapping relationship.

[0338] Optionally, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (2):

[0339] Wherein, RL(k,i) represents the three-dimensional coordinate corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first region level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is less than N spot_k A non-negative integer, R eIndicates the parameters of the sphere where the first region is located, N spot_k Indicates the number of the first area, and [] indicates the decimal part operator.

[0340] It is easy to understand that in this application, when the area number or area code is used as the area identifier, based on the above formula (2), i can traverse {0,…,N spot_k -1}. Accordingly, the terminal device can obtain N based on the above formula (2). spot_k The reference position of each area in the region.

[0341] Furthermore, i represents the region identifier of the first region (eg, i is the region identifier of the first region, used to identify the first region), which can be understood as, N spot_k Each area in the N regions can be regarded as a first area. Accordingly, the terminal device can traverse N regions based on the above formula (2). spot_k Each first area in the areas, so that N spot_k The reference position of each first area in the areas.

[0342] It is easy to understand that, as a possible equivalent conversion form, the above formula (2) can be equivalently converted into longitude and latitude positions.

[0343] For example, the projection RL(k,i) on the unit square RL(k,x i ,y i ). The unit square specifically refers to a square in the Cartesian plane whose corners are located at the four points (0,0), (1,0), (0,1) and (1,1).

[0344] In other words, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (3): RL(k,x i )=(1-cosθ i ) / 2

[0345] Among them, RL(k,x i ) represents the horizontal coordinate of the reference position of the first region on the projection of the unit square where it is located, RL(k,y i ) represents the vertical coordinate of the reference position of the first region on the projection of the unit square where the first region is located, i represents the region identifier of the first region, N spot_k Indicates the number of the first area, and [] indicates the decimal part operator.

[0346] It is easy to understand that as another possible equivalent transformation form, the above formula (2) can be used to adopt the Cartesian coordinates RL (x i ,yi ). In other words, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (4): RL(k,x i )=i / N spot_k

[0347] Among them, RL(k,x i ) represents the horizontal coordinate of the reference position of the first wave in Cartesian coordinates, RL(k,y i ) represents the ordinate of the reference position of the first wave in Cartesian coordinates, i represents the region identifier of the first region, N spot_k Represents the number of the first region, and frac() represents the decimal part operator.

[0348] Exemplarily, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (5):

[0349] Wherein, RL(k,i) represents the three-dimensional coordinate corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first region level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is less than N spot_k A non-negative integer, R e Indicates the parameters of the sphere where the first region is located, N spot_k Indicates the first region number.

[0350] Exemplarily, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (6): RL(k,i)=(lon(k,i),lat(k,i)) N spot_k =2N+1

[0351] Wherein, RL(k,i) represents the reference position of the first region, lon(k,i) represents the longitude corresponding to the reference position of the first region, lat(k,i) represents the latitude corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first region level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is less than N spot_k A non-negative integer, N spot_k Indicates the first region number.

[0352] It should be noted that the unit of the longitude lon(k,i) corresponding to the reference position of the first area may be radians. Similarly, the unit of the latitude lat(k,i) corresponding to the reference position of the first area may also be radians.

[0353] The first area is introduced as follows:

[0354] Example 1, the first area is N indicated by the first parameter spot_k any one of the areas.

[0355] In this case, since the parameter i in the above formula (2) to formula (6) is 1 to N spot_k Therefore, the terminal device can know N based on the above formula. spot_k The reference position of any area in the N regions. In other words, the terminal device can know the reference position of any area in the N regions. spot_k The topology of the regions, or N spot_k The coverage of the area, or N spot_k The adjacency relationship between different areas in a region, etc.

[0356] It is easy to understand that Example 1 can be understood as: the terminal device can determine N spot_k Further, as shown in FIG15 , the method further includes S1303 and S1304:

[0357] S1303: The terminal device obtains its own location.

[0358] For example, the terminal device may obtain its own GNSS position.

[0359] S1304: The terminal device determines the reference position of the area where the terminal device is located based on its own position and the reference position of the first area.

[0360] For example, the first area is N indicated by the first parameter spot_k Any area in the area. The terminal device is from N spot_k Among the reference positions of the regions, the region whose reference position is closest to the terminal device is selected as the region where the terminal device is located. Accordingly, the terminal device can also determine the reference position of the region where it is located.

[0361] In this way, the terminal device can determine the reference position of its own area.

[0362] Example 2: The first area is an area indicated by an area identifier of the network device.

[0363] In Example 2, as shown in FIG16a , the method further includes S1305:

[0364] S1305: The terminal device obtains an area identifier.

[0365] The region identifier is used to identify the region. For example, the region identifier is used to identify the above N spot_k One of the regions.

[0366] Exemplarily, the network device sends the area identifier to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the area identifier from the network device.

[0367] When the terminal device executes S1305, S1302 includes S1302a:

[0368] S1302a. The terminal device determines a reference position of the first area according to the area identifier, the first parameter and the first mapping relationship.

[0369] The first area is the area corresponding to the area identifier.

[0370] For example, the area identifier is the area number. spot_k The first area in the area is identified as 1, and the above N spot_k The second area in the area is identified as 2, and the above N spot_k The third area in the area is identified by 3, and so on. In this case, if the area identification is i, the first area is the N above. spot_k The terminal device determines N according to the above area identifier, the first parameter and the first mapping relationship. spot_k Correspondingly, the terminal device can also determine the reference position of the first area.

[0371] In this way, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the area identified by the area identifier.

[0372] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG16a , the method further includes S1306:

[0373] S1306: The network device sends indication information of the first offset to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the indication information of the first offset from the network device.

[0374] The first offset is used to adjust the reference position of the first area.

[0375] When the terminal device executes S1306, S1302 includes S1302b:

[0376] S1302b. The terminal device determines a reference position of the first area according to the first offset, the first parameter and the first mapping relationship.

[0377] Exemplarily, the terminal device obtains a position parameter based on any one of the above formulas (2) to (6), such as the position indicated by the circle in FIG16b . The terminal device then adjusts the position parameter according to the first offset to obtain a reference position of the first area, such as the position indicated by the diamond icon in FIG16b .

[0378] In this way, the terminal device can be adjusted according to the first offset, so that the reference position of the area is more accurate.

[0379] It should be noted that, as shown in Table 1 (or Table 2), this application defines at least one regional level. For network devices, the network device can send down parameters corresponding to a certain regional level. For example, the network device has learned the elevation angle of the terminal device and sends down relevant parameters of the regional level corresponding to the elevation angle (such as one or more of the regional level, number of regions, and regional radius). Alternatively, the network device can also send down parameters corresponding to multiple regional levels. Accordingly, the terminal device may receive parameters corresponding to a certain regional level, or may receive parameters corresponding to multiple regional levels. Next, the implementation process of S1301 is introduced through two cases (the following cases 1-2):

[0380] Case 1, as shown in FIG17 , S1301 includes S1301a:

[0381] S1301a: The network device sends a first parameter to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first parameter from the network device.

[0382] The first parameter is associated with the elevation angle of the terminal device, for example, the elevation angle of the terminal device is within the angle range corresponding to the first parameter.

[0383] The first parameter indicates an area level, and / or the first parameter indicates the number of areas corresponding to an area level, and / or the first parameter indicates an area radius corresponding to an area level.

[0384] Exemplarily, the first parameter may be carried in one of the following: radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or downlink control information (DCI), or medium access control-control element (MAC-CE).

[0385] Case 2, as shown in FIG17 , S1301 includes S1301b or S1301c, and the terminal device also executes S1311 and S1312, which are described in detail as follows:

[0386] S1311: The network device sends at least two fourth parameters to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives at least two fourth parameters from the network device.

[0387] Among the at least two fourth parameters, each fourth parameter indicates a region number, and / or each fourth parameter indicates a region radius, and / or each fourth parameter indicates a region level.

[0388] Taking two fourth parameters as an example, in combination with Table 1, one fourth parameter indicates area level 1, and the other fourth parameter indicates area level 2.

[0389] It should be noted that in this application, different fourth parameters correspond to different area levels. The at least two fourth parameters correspond to two or more area levels among the K area levels. In other words, it can be understood that each fourth parameter indicates an area level, and / or each fourth parameter indicates the number of areas corresponding to an area level, and / or each fourth parameter indicates the area radius corresponding to an area level.

[0390] Furthermore, since different area levels are associated with different angle ranges (as shown in Table 1), different fourth parameters in the at least two fourth parameters correspond to different angle ranges. The at least two fourth parameters correspond to two or more angle ranges among the K angle ranges.

[0391] Furthermore, since different regional levels are associated with different geographical ranges (as shown in Table 2), different fourth parameters in the at least two fourth parameters correspond to different geographical ranges. The at least two fourth parameters correspond to two or more geographical ranges among the K geographical ranges.

[0392] S1312: The network device sends the third parameter to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third parameter from the network device.

[0393] The third parameter indicates at least one angle range, and each angle range corresponds to a fourth parameter.

[0394] For example, taking Table 1 as an example, there are two angle ranges indicated by the third parameter, namely: 0≤θ<25, 25≤θ<30.

[0395] Alternatively, the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, and each geographical range corresponds to a fourth parameter.

[0396] For example, in Table 2, the third parameter indicates two geographic ranges, namely, geographic range 1 and geographic range 2. The longitude of geographic range 1 is x0-x1, and the latitude of geographic range 1 is y0-y1. The longitude of geographic range 2 is x1-x2, and the latitude of geographic range 2 is y1-y2.

[0397] Exemplarily, the third parameter may be carried in one of the following: RRC signaling, or DCI, or MAC-CE.

[0398] It should be noted that the third parameter and the fourth parameter can be carried in the same message or in different messages, and this application does not limit this.

[0399] As shown in the box where 'Case 2a' is located in FIG. 17 , if the third parameter indicates at least one angle range, the terminal device further executes S1321:

[0400] S1321. The terminal device obtains a first angle.

[0401] The first angle is the elevation angle of the terminal device, or the first angle is the beam angle corresponding to the terminal device.

[0402] For example, the terminal device obtains its own position and determines the first angle according to its own position. Please refer to the relevant technology and will not repeat it here.

[0403] If the third parameter indicates at least one angle range, the terminal device further executes S1301b:

[0404] S1301b. The terminal device determines the first parameter from the fourth parameter corresponding to the at least one angle range based on the at least one angle range indicated by the third parameter and the first angle.

[0405] For example, if the first angle is within a certain angle range indicated by the third parameter, the fourth parameter corresponding to the angle range is the first parameter.

[0406] Taking Table 1 as an example, the first angle is 10°, and within the range of 0≤θ<25, the first parameter is a parameter corresponding to area level 1.

[0407] That is to say, if the network device sends down relevant parameters corresponding to multiple area levels, the terminal device can make a selection based on the first angle and perform calculations based on the selected first parameter, thereby helping to reduce the computational complexity of the terminal device.

[0408] As shown in the box where 'Case 2b' is located in FIG. 17 , if the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, the terminal device further executes S1322:

[0409] S1322: The location of the terminal device itself.

[0410] For example, how a terminal device obtains its own GNSS position can be referred to in related technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0411] If the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, the terminal device further executes S1301c:

[0412] S1301c: The terminal device determines a first parameter from a fourth parameter corresponding to the at least one geographical range indicated by the third parameter and the location of the terminal device.

[0413] For example, if the location of the terminal device is within a geographical range indicated by the third parameter, the fourth parameter corresponding to the geographical range is the first parameter.

[0414] Taking Table 2 as an example, if the position of the terminal device is (x0, y0), that is, the longitude is x0 and the latitude is y0, then the position of the terminal device is within the range of (x0-x1, y0-y1), and the first parameter is the parameter corresponding to area level 1.

[0415] That is to say, if the network device sends down relevant parameters corresponding to multiple area levels, the terminal device can make a selection based on its own location and perform calculations based on the selected first parameter, thereby helping to reduce the computational complexity of the terminal device.

[0416] The above describes the process of determining the reference position of the first area by the terminal device.

[0417] It should be noted that the reference position of the first area is used to assist the terminal device in communication. It can be understood that the terminal device performs at least one of the following communication processes based on the reference position of the first area: initial access, service data transmission, mobility management, and interference coordination.

[0418] The following introduces the communication process performed by the terminal device based on the reference position of the first area.

[0419] Case 1: Access process under regional level configuration

[0420] With 'the above N spot_k Taking the case where the area is a broadcast area and the first area is the area where the terminal device is located as an example, the access scenario is introduced:

[0421] As shown in FIG18 , the method further includes the following operations:

[0422] S1331a: The network device sends information 2a to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives information 2a from the network device.

[0423] Information 2a is described as follows:

[0424] Information 2a indicates the access configuration corresponding to the first area. It can be understood that information 2a belongs to access information and belongs to area-level access configuration.

[0425] Exemplarily, the access configuration includes one or more of the following: random access channel occasion (RO) resource configuration, preamble configuration, timing advance (TA), accessible time period, etc.

[0426] As a possible example, information 2a only indicates the access configuration corresponding to the first area, and does not indicate the access configuration corresponding to other areas. spot_k In each area, the network device sends the access configuration of the corresponding area to different areas. spot_k There are four areas, designated Area 1, Area 2, Area 3, and Area 4. The network device indicates the access configuration for Area 1 via information X1, the access configuration for Area 2 via information X2, the access configuration for Area 3 via information X3, and the access configuration for Area 4 via information X4. In this case, if the first area is Area 1, then Information 2a is Information X1. Alternatively, if the first area is Area 3, then Information 2a is Information X3.

[0427] As another possible example, the information 2a indicates that the above N spot_k It can be understood that the network device indicates the access configuration of at least two areas through the same information. For example, the above N spot_k There are four areas, designated Area 1, Area 2, Area 3, and Area 4. Area 1 and Area 2 belong to the same cell, and the network device indicates the access configuration for Area 1 and Area 2 using information Y1. Area 3 and Area 4 belong to the same cell, and the network device indicates the access configuration for Area 3 and Area 4 using information Y2. In this case, if the first area is Area 1, then Information 2a is Information Y1. Alternatively, if the first area is Area 3, then Information 2a is Information Y3.

[0428] S1332a. The terminal device initiates random access according to the access configuration corresponding to the first area.

[0429] Exemplarily, the terminal device determines the access configuration of the first area from the information 2a according to the area identifier of the first area, and initiates random access according to the access configuration corresponding to the first area.

[0430] In this way, when the network device indicates the area-level access configuration (such as the access configuration of the first area) to the terminal device, the terminal device initiates random access according to the access configuration of its own area, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0431] It should be noted that in the random access initiation scenario, signaling overhead savings can be reflected in:

[0432] On the one hand, the area identifier in this application occupies fewer bits. For example, the area identifier can be represented by 8 bits. When the area identifier is transmitted between the terminal device and the network device, less communication resources can be occupied and the signaling overhead is small.

[0433] On the other hand, when there are multiple area identifiers, the present application can be described in the form of 'one area identifier + number of areas', such as {bw_x0, k0} or {bw_x0, k0+1}, without sending the area identifier of each area in the signaling, thereby further saving signaling overhead.

[0434] It should be pointed out that in the random access initiation scenario, the present application can provide regional-level (i.e., wave-level) access configuration, so that the terminal device can initiate random access based on the regional (i.e., wave-level) access configuration. Compared with the cell-based random access in the related art, the present application enables the terminal device to initiate random access more flexibly.

[0435] Case 2: Data transmission process under regional level configuration

[0436] With 'the above N spot_k Taking the following as an example, the data transmission process is described as follows:

[0437] As shown in FIG18 , the method further includes the following operations:

[0438] S1331b: The network device sends information 2b to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives information 2b from the network device.

[0439] Information 2b is described as follows:

[0440] Information 2b indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area. It can be understood that information 2b belongs to business resource information and belongs to regional-level communication resource configuration.

[0441] Exemplarily, the communication resource configuration includes one or more of the following: frequency resources (such as a bandwidth part (BWP)), polarization, available time period, etc.

[0442] As a possible example, information 2b only indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area, and does not indicate the communication resource configuration corresponding to other areas. spot_k In each area, the network device sends the communication resource configuration of the area to different areas.

[0443] As another possible example, information 2b indicates that the above N spot_k The communication resource configuration of at least two areas in the area can be understood as the network device indicating the communication resource configuration of at least two areas through the same information.

[0444] S1332b. The terminal device performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area.

[0445] Exemplarily, the terminal device determines the communication resource configuration of the first area from the information 2b, and performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area.

[0446] In this way, when the network device indicates the regional-level communication resource configuration (such as the communication resource configuration of the first area) to the terminal device, the terminal device performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration of its own area, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0447] It should be noted that in service transmission scenarios, saving signaling overhead can be reflected in:

[0448] On the one hand, the area identifier in this application occupies fewer bits. For example, the area identifier can be represented by 8 bits. When the area identifier is transmitted between the terminal device and the network device, less communication resources can be occupied and the signaling overhead is small.

[0449] On the other hand, when there are multiple area identifiers, the present application can be described in the form of 'one area identifier + number of areas', such as {bw_x0, k0} or {bw_x0, k0+1}, without sending the area identifier of each area in the signaling, thereby further saving signaling overhead.

[0450] On the other hand, in some embodiments, when the area where the terminal device is located is the first area, after the terminal device obtains the area identifier of the first area, the terminal device also sends the area identifier of the first area to the network device to replace its own precise location information, to assist the location verification and service resource allocation on the network device side, thereby further saving signaling overhead.

[0451] It should be pointed out that in the service transmission scenario, the present application can provide regional-level (i.e., wave-level) communication resource configuration, so that the terminal device can perform service transmission based on the regional (i.e., wave-level) communication resource configuration. Compared with the cell-based service transmission in related technologies, the present application can enable the terminal device to perform service transmission more flexibly.

[0452] Case 3: Mobility management under regional level configuration

[0453] In case 3, the mobility management scenario is introduced by taking the case where the first area is the area where the terminal device is located as an example:

[0454] As shown in FIG19 , as a first possible implementation, the method further includes the following operations:

[0455] S1341a. The terminal device triggers neighboring cell measurement based on the reference position of the first area and its own position.

[0456] Exemplarily, if the distance between the reference position of the first area and the own position is greater than (or equal to) threshold Y, neighboring cell measurement is triggered. Conversely, if the distance between the reference position of the first area and the own position is less than (or equal to) threshold Y, neighboring cell measurement is not triggered temporarily. In this application, taking cell reselection as an example, threshold Y can be understood as a reselection distance threshold, such as the size of threshold Y is: k*region radius.

[0457] The neighboring cell measurement result is used for cell handover or cell reselection, and reference may be made to related technologies, which will not be described in detail here.

[0458] In this way, if the reference position of the first area is a reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger neighboring cell measurement based on the reference position of the first area and its own position, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0459] It should be noted that in mobility management scenarios, saving signaling overhead for terminal device mobility can be reflected in the following aspects:

[0460] The terminal device uses the reference position of its own area to determine whether to trigger neighboring cell measurement, instead of the traditional method of determining whether to trigger neighboring cell measurement based on reference position information (usually the reference position includes three-dimensional coordinates, and the signaling overhead can reach 72 bits). That is, the network device does not need to send down reference position information, and the signaling overhead is low.

[0461] It should be pointed out that in the mobility management scenario, the terminal device can determine whether to trigger neighbor cell measurement based on the area where it is located (i.e., the wave position). Compared with the related art of triggering neighbor cell measurement based on the cell-level reference position, the present application enables the terminal device to trigger neighbor cell measurement more flexibly.

[0462] As shown in FIG19 , as a second possible implementation, the method further includes the following operations:

[0463] S1341b. The terminal device sends the neighboring area measurement results based on the reference position of the first area and its own position.

[0464] Exemplarily, if the distance between the reference position of the first area and the own position is greater than (or equal to) the threshold Y, the neighboring area measurement result is sent. Conversely, if the distance between the reference position of the first area and the own position is less than (or equal to) the threshold Y, the neighboring area measurement result is not sent temporarily.

[0465] In this way, if the reference position of the first area is a reference point, the terminal device determines whether to send the neighboring area measurement result based on the reference position of the first area and its own position, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0466] It should be noted that in mobility management scenarios, saving signaling overhead for terminal device mobility can be reflected in the following aspects:

[0467] The terminal device uses the reference position of its own area to determine whether to trigger the transmission of neighboring cell measurement results, replacing the traditional method of determining whether to trigger the transmission of neighboring cell measurement results based on reference position information (usually the reference position includes three-dimensional coordinates, and the signaling overhead can reach 72 bits). That is, the network device does not need to send down reference position information, and the signaling overhead is low.

[0468] It should be pointed out that in the mobility management scenario, the terminal device can determine whether to trigger the sending of neighboring area measurement results based on its own area (ie, wave position). Compared with the related art of triggering the sending of neighboring area measurement results based on the cell-level reference position, the present application enables the terminal device to trigger the sending of neighboring area measurement results more flexibly.

[0469] As shown in FIG19 , as a third possible implementation, the method further includes the following operations:

[0470] S1341c. The terminal device triggers cell switching based on the reference position of the first area, its own position, and the signal quality of the neighboring cell.

[0471] Exemplarily, if the distance between the reference position of the first area and the own position is greater than (or equal to) threshold Y, and the neighboring cell signal quality is greater than (or equal to) threshold Z, cell handover is triggered. Conversely, if the distance between the reference position of the first area and the own position is less than (or equal to) threshold Y, and / or the neighboring cell signal quality is less than threshold Z, cell handover is not triggered temporarily.

[0472] In this way, if the reference position of the first area is the reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger cell switching based on the reference position of the first area and its own position, as well as the signal quality of the neighboring area, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0473] It should be noted that in mobility management scenarios, saving signaling overhead for terminal device mobility can be reflected in the following aspects:

[0474] The terminal device uses the reference location of its own area to determine whether to trigger cell switching, instead of the traditional method of determining whether to trigger cell switching based on reference location information (generally speaking, the reference location includes three-dimensional coordinates, and the signaling overhead can reach 72 bits). That is, the network device does not need to send down reference location information, and the signaling overhead is low.

[0475] It should be pointed out that in the mobility management scenario, the terminal device can determine whether to trigger cell switching based on the area where it is located (i.e., the wave position). Compared with the related technology of triggering cell switching based on cell-level reference position, this application enables the terminal device to trigger cell switching more flexibly.

[0476] It should be noted that in the mobility management scenario, the above thresholds (such as threshold Y and / or threshold Z) can be pre-configured parameters or parameters configured by the network device, and this application does not limit this.

[0477] It is easy to understand that in scenario 3, when cell handover is triggered based on neighboring cell measurement, the operations performed by the target network device (such as the target satellite) and the source network device (such as the source satellite) include:

[0478] The target network device (such as the target satellite) carries the area identifier (i.e., beam position ID) through the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The terminal device determines its nearest area and obtains the PDCCH information based on the area identifier of the nearest area. If the acquisition is successful, access to the target network device (such as the target satellite) is initiated on the resources indicated by the PDCCH. The resources indicated by the PDCCH include one or more of the following: target beam ID, RO resources, dedicated preamble, etc. The target beam can be the beam corresponding to the handover dedicated broadcast signal (handover synchronization signal block, HO-SSB).

[0479] The source network device (e.g., source satellite) carries different region identifiers (i.e., beam IDs) via the MAC-CE header. The terminal device determines its own region and, based on the region identifier, determines whether to receive the MAC-CE. If received, it accesses the target network device (e.g., target satellite) on the resources indicated by the MAC-CE based on its own device identifier (e.g., UE-ID). The resources indicated by the MAC-CE may include one or more of the following: the identifier of the target network device (e.g., target satellite ID), target beam ID, RO resources, dedicated preamble, etc.

[0480] Case 4: Interference coordination under regional level configuration

[0481] In case 4, the interference coordination process is described by taking the case where the first area is the area where the terminal device is located and the first area belongs to the first cell as an example:

[0482] As shown in FIG20 , the method further includes the following operations:

[0483] S1351: The terminal device sends an interference measurement result to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the interference measurement result from the terminal device.

[0484] Exemplarily, the terminal device performs interference measurement on the channel state information-interference measurement (CSI-IM) resource to obtain the interference measurement result, thereby emphasizing the interference of other cells to the first cell. Please refer to the relevant technology and will not repeat it here.

[0485] Optionally, if the terminal device is in the first area and performs measurements in the first area to obtain the above-mentioned interference measurement result, the interference measurement result can also indicate the first area (for example, the interference measurement result includes the area identifier of the first area) so that the network device knows the cell corresponding to the interference measurement result.

[0486] Optionally, if the interference measurement result is the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell in the first time period, the interference measurement result further indicates the first time period, so that the network device learns the time period corresponding to the interference measurement result.

[0487] In this way, the network device can perform interference coordination based on the received interference measurement results.

[0488] In the above, the communication method 1300 of the present application is introduced by taking an example in which one beam corresponds to one area and the area radius at different levels (such as area level) is different.

[0489] The following description takes as an example that one beam corresponds to one or more areas, and the area radius at different levels (such as beam levels) is the same.

[0490] As shown in FIG. 21 a , the communication method 2100 proposed in this embodiment of the present application includes the following operations:

[0491] S2101. The terminal device determines a first parameter and a second parameter.

[0492] The parameters are described as follows:

[0493] The first parameter indicates the first beam level. Each beam included in the first beam level covers L of the X regions, where X and L are positive integers. The first beam level is determined based on the angle, which includes the beam opening angle or elevation angle. For details, see Table 1. The second parameter indicates the number of regions, X.

[0494] Taking a beam covering one or more areas as an example, as shown in Table 3, Table 3 shows the correlation between beam level, beam size, and beam angle:

[0495] Table 3

[0496] In Table 3, K is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0497] As shown in Table 3, the smaller the beam angle, the smaller the beam size of each beam. When the radius of each area is fixed, the smaller the number of areas covered by each beam. Taking Figure 21b as an example, the beam may be beam 1, which covers one area, namely, area SC#6.

[0498] As shown in Table 3, the larger the beam angle, the larger the beam size of each beam. When the radius of each area is fixed, the larger the number of areas covered by each beam. Taking Figure 21b as an example, the beam may be beam 2, which covers two areas, namely, areas SC#18 and SC#20.

[0499] It is easy to understand that the beam level is associated with the angle, and different beam levels are associated with different angle ranges.

[0500] Alternatively, beam levels are associated with locations, with different beam levels associated with different locations. The location is determined based on an angle (e.g., beam angle). The location can be understood as the geographic area covered by one or more beams with beam angles within a certain range.

[0501] Still taking Table 3 as an example, when the beam angle range is: 0≤θ<25, the beam within the beam angle range covers a certain geographical area, and the geographical area can be expressed by longitude or latitude, such as the longitude range of the geographical area is: x0-x1, and the latitude range of the geographical area is: y0-y1.

[0502] Still taking Table 3 as an example, when the beam angle range is: 25≤θ<30, the beam within the beam angle range covers a certain geographical area, and the geographical area can be expressed by longitude or latitude, such as the longitude range of the geographical area is: x1-x2, and the latitude range of the geographical area is: y1-y2.

[0503] It is easy to understand that the 'beam angle' in Table 3 can be replaced by 'position', as shown in Table 4:

[0504] Table 4

[0505] It should be noted that in this application, the region radius and the number of regions satisfy a certain correlation. For example, the region radius and the number of regions satisfy the following formula (7):

[0506] Among them, N spot Indicates the number of regions, R spot Indicates the area radius, R e Indicates N spot The parameters of the sphere where the region is located can be found in the introduction of formula (1) and will not be repeated here.

[0507] Optionally, the second parameter includes the number of regions, such as N spot .

[0508] Optionally, the second parameter indicates the area radius, such as R spot The terminal device may determine the number of areas based on the area radius indicated by the second parameter and formula (7).

[0509] Optionally, the first parameter includes a level identifier of the first beam level, such as k.

[0510] For the terminal device, after determining the first parameter and the second parameter, the terminal device executes S2102:

[0511] S2102. The terminal device determines a reference position of the first area according to the first parameter, the second parameter and the first mapping relationship.

[0512] For example, the terminal device determines the reference position of the first area based on the first beam level indicated by the first parameter, the number of areas indicated by the second parameter, and the first mapping relationship.

[0513] Optionally, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (8):

[0514] Wherein, RL(k,i) represents the three-dimensional coordinate corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first beam level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is less than N spot A non-negative integer, R e Indicates the parameters of the sphere where the first region is located, N spot Indicates the number of areas, and [] indicates the decimal operator.

[0515] It is easy to understand that in this application, when the area label or area number is used as the area identifier, based on the above formula (8), i can traverse {0,…,N spot -1}. Accordingly, the terminal device can obtain N based on the above formula (8): spot The reference position of each area in the region.

[0516] Furthermore, i represents the region identifier of the first region (eg, i is the region identifier of the first region, used to identify the first region), which can be understood as, N spotEach area in the N regions can be regarded as a first area. Accordingly, the terminal device can traverse N based on the above formula (8). spot Each first area in the areas, so that N spot The reference position of each first area in the areas.

[0517] It is easy to understand that, as a possible equivalent conversion form, the above formula (8) can be equivalently converted into longitude and latitude positions.

[0518] For example, the projection RL(k,i) on the unit square RL(k,x i ,y i ). The unit square specifically refers to a square in the Cartesian plane whose corners are located at the four points (0,0), (1,0), (0,1) and (1,1).

[0519] In other words, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (9): RL(k,x i )=(1-cosθ i ) / 2

[0520] Among them, RL(k,x i ) represents the horizontal coordinate of the reference position of the first region on the projection of the unit square where it is located, RL(k,y i ) represents the vertical coordinate of the reference position of the first region on the projection of the unit square where the first region is located, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is less than N spot A non-negative integer, N spot Indicates the number of areas, and [] indicates the decimal operator.

[0521] It is easy to understand that as another possible equivalent transformation form, the above formula (8) can be used to adopt the Cartesian coordinates RL (x i ,y i ). In other words, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (10): RL(k,x i )=i / N spot

[0522] Among them, RL(k,x i ) represents the horizontal coordinate of the reference position of the first region in Cartesian coordinates, RL(k,y i ) represents the ordinate of the reference position of the first region in Cartesian coordinates, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is less than N spot A non-negative integer, N spot Represents the number of regions, and frac() represents the decimal part operator.

[0523] Exemplarily, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (11):

[0524] Wherein, RL(k,i) represents the three-dimensional coordinate corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first beam level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is less than N spot A non-negative integer, R e Indicates the parameters of the sphere where the first region is located, N spot Indicates the number of regions.

[0525] Exemplarily, the first mapping relationship satisfies the following formula (12): RL(k,i)=(lon(k,i),lat(k,i)) N spot =2N+1

[0526] Wherein, RL(k,i) represents the reference position of the first region, lon(k,i) represents the longitude corresponding to the reference position of the first region, lat(k,i) represents the latitude corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first beam level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is less than N spot A non-negative integer, N spot Indicates the number of regions.

[0527] It should be noted that the unit of the longitude lon(k,i) corresponding to the reference position of the first area may be radians. Similarly, the unit of the latitude lat(k,i) corresponding to the reference position of the first area may also be radians.

[0528] The first area is introduced as follows:

[0529] Example 1, the first area is N spot any one of the areas.

[0530] In this case, since the parameter i in the above formula (8) to formula (12) is 1 to N spot Therefore, the terminal device can know N based on the above formula. spot The reference position of any area in the N regions. In other words, the terminal device can know the reference position of any area in the N regions. spot The topology of the regions, or N spot The coverage of the area, or N spot The adjacency relationship between different areas in a region, etc.

[0531] It is easy to understand that Example 1 can be understood as: the terminal device can determine N spotFurther, the terminal device obtains its own position, and determines the reference position of the area where the terminal device is located based on its own position and the reference position of the first area. Please refer to the introduction of Figure 15 and will not be repeated here.

[0532] Example 2: The first area is an area indicated by an area identifier of the network device.

[0533] In Example 2, the terminal device obtains the area identifier and determines the reference position of the first area according to the area identifier, the first parameter, the second parameter and the first mapping relationship. Please refer to the introduction of Figure 16a and will not be repeated here.

[0534] In the communication method 2100 of the present application, since the first mapping relationship can indicate the conversion relationship between the reference position of the first area and the first beam level and the number of areas, and the first parameter indicates the first beam level and the second parameter indicates the number of areas, when the terminal device determines the first parameter and the second parameter, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the first area based on the first parameter, the second parameter and the first mapping relationship.

[0535] On the one hand, since the first parameter is associated with the angle, the first area can be the area covered by beams of different beam angles, or the first area can be the area of ​​the terminal device at different elevation angles, that is, the radius of the first area can have multiple values. Compared with the H3 geographic grid method that only supports 16 types of area radii, the present application can adapt to areas with different radii. That is to say, even for areas with different radii, the terminal device can determine the reference position of the first area based on the first parameter, the second parameter and the first mapping relationship, thereby improving the flexibility of the terminal device in determining the area.

[0536] On the other hand, since the reference position of the first area can be determined by the first parameter and the second parameter, the terminal device and the network device can interact based on the first parameter and the second parameter. Compared to methods such as exchanging beam coverage area outlines and wave position reference positions in an H3 geographic grid, the signaling overhead is reduced because fewer bits are required to indicate the first parameter and the second parameter.

[0537] In another aspect, the terminal device can communicate based on the reference location of the first area. For example, if the first area is an activation area of ​​the network device, the terminal device can communicate with the network device if the terminal device is in the first area, thereby helping to improve communication efficiency.

[0538] It should be noted that, as shown in Table 3 (or Table 4), this application defines at least one beam level. For a network device, the network device can send down parameters corresponding to a certain beam level. For example, the network device has learned the elevation angle of the terminal device and sends down the beam level corresponding to the elevation angle. Alternatively, the network device can also send down multiple beam levels. Accordingly, the terminal device may receive a certain beam level or multiple beam levels. Next, the implementation process of S2101 is introduced through two cases (the following cases 1-2):

[0539] Case 1, as shown in Figure 22, S2101 includes S2101a:

[0540] S2101a: The network device sends a first parameter to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first parameter from the network device.

[0541] The first parameter indicates a first beam level, and the first beam level is associated with the elevation angle of the terminal device. For example, the elevation angle of the terminal device is within the angle range corresponding to the first beam level.

[0542] Case 2, as shown in FIG22 , S2101 includes S2101b or S2101c, and the terminal device also executes S2111 and S2112, which are described in detail as follows:

[0543] S2111: The network device sends at least two fourth parameters to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives at least two fourth parameters from the network device.

[0544] Among the at least two fourth parameters, each fourth parameter indicates a beam level.

[0545] Taking two fourth parameters as an example, in combination with Table 3, one fourth parameter indicates beam level 1, and the other fourth parameter indicates beam level 2.

[0546] It should be noted that, in this application, different fourth parameters correspond to different beam levels. The at least two fourth parameters correspond to two or more beam levels among the K beam levels. In other words, it can be understood that each fourth parameter indicates a beam level.

[0547] Furthermore, since different beam levels are associated with different angle ranges (as shown in Table 3), different fourth parameters in the at least two fourth parameters correspond to different angle ranges. The at least two fourth parameters correspond to two or more angle ranges among the K angle ranges.

[0548] Furthermore, since different beam levels are associated with different geographical ranges (as shown in Table 4), different fourth parameters in the at least two fourth parameters correspond to different geographical ranges. The at least two fourth parameters correspond to two or more geographical ranges among the K geographical ranges.

[0549] S2112: The network device sends a third parameter to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third parameter from the network device.

[0550] The third parameter indicates at least one angle range, and each angle range corresponds to a fourth parameter.

[0551] For example, taking Table 3 as an example, there are two angle ranges indicated by the third parameter, namely: 0≤θ<25, 25≤θ<30.

[0552] Alternatively, the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, and each geographical range corresponds to a fourth parameter.

[0553] For example, in Table 4, the third parameter indicates two geographic ranges, namely, geographic range 1 and geographic range 2. The longitude of geographic range 1 is x0-x1, and the latitude of geographic range 1 is y0-y1. The longitude of geographic range 2 is x1-x2, and the latitude of geographic range 2 is y1-y2.

[0554] Exemplarily, the third parameter may be carried in one of the following: RRC signaling, or DCI, or MAC-CE.

[0555] It should be noted that the third parameter and the fourth parameter can be carried in the same message or in different messages, and this application does not limit this.

[0556] As shown in the box where 'Case 2a' is located in FIG. 22 , if the third parameter indicates at least one angle range, the terminal device further executes S2121:

[0557] S2121. The terminal device obtains a first angle.

[0558] The first angle is the elevation angle of the terminal device, or the first angle is the beam angle corresponding to the terminal device.

[0559] For example, the terminal device obtains its own position and determines the first angle according to its own position. Please refer to the relevant technology and will not repeat it here.

[0560] If the third parameter indicates at least one angle range, the terminal device further executes S2101b:

[0561] S2101b. The terminal device determines the first parameter from the fourth parameter corresponding to the at least one angle range based on the at least one angle range indicated by the third parameter and the first angle.

[0562] For example, if the first angle is within a certain angle range indicated by the third parameter, the fourth parameter corresponding to the angle range is the first parameter.

[0563] Taking Table 3 as an example, the first angle is 10°, and within the range of 0≤θ<25, the first parameter is a parameter corresponding to beam level 1.

[0564] That is to say, if the network device sends down multiple beam levels, the terminal device can make a selection based on the first angle and perform calculations based on the selected first parameter, which helps reduce the computational complexity of the terminal device.

[0565] As shown in the box where 'Case 2b' is located in FIG. 22 , if the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, the terminal device further executes S2122:

[0566] S2122: The location of the terminal device itself.

[0567] For example, how a terminal device obtains its own GNSS position can be referred to in related technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0568] If the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, the terminal device further executes S2101c:

[0569] S2101c. The terminal device determines a first parameter from a fourth parameter corresponding to the at least one geographical range indicated by the third parameter and the location of the terminal device.

[0570] For example, if the location of the terminal device is within a geographical range indicated by the third parameter, the fourth parameter corresponding to the geographical range is the first parameter.

[0571] Taking Table 4 as an example, if the position of the terminal device is (x0, y0), that is, the longitude is x0 and the latitude is y0, then the position of the terminal device is within the range of (x0-x1, y0-y1), then the first parameter is the parameter corresponding to beam level 1.

[0572] That is to say, if the network device sends down multiple beam levels, the terminal device can make a selection based on its own position and perform calculations based on the selected first parameter, which helps reduce the computational complexity of the terminal device.

[0573] The above describes the process of determining the reference position of the first area by the terminal device.

[0574] It should be noted that the reference position of the first area is used to assist the terminal device in communication. It can be understood that the terminal device performs at least one of the following communication processes based on the reference position of the first area: initial access, service data transmission, mobility management, and interference coordination.

[0575] The following introduces the communication process performed by the terminal device based on the reference position of the first area.

[0576] Case 1: Access process under beam-level configuration

[0577] With 'the above N spot Taking the case where the area is a broadcast area and the first area is the area where the terminal device is located as an example, the access scenario is introduced:

[0578] As shown in FIG23 , the method further includes the following operations:

[0579] S2131a: The network device sends information 2a to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives information 2a from the network device.

[0580] Information 2a is described as follows:

[0581] Information 2a indicates the access configuration corresponding to the first beam. It can be understood that information 2a belongs to access information and belongs to beam-level access configuration. Among them, the first beam is a beam covering the first area, and the level of the first beam is the first beam level.

[0582] Among them, for access configuration, please refer to the introduction of Figure 18 and will not be repeated here.

[0583] S2132a. The terminal device initiates random access according to the access configuration corresponding to the first beam.

[0584] Exemplarily, the terminal device determines the first beam based on the area identifier of the first area, determines the access configuration of the first beam from information 2a, and initiates random access based on the access configuration corresponding to the first beam.

[0585] In this way, when the network device indicates the beam-level access configuration (such as the access configuration of the first beam) to the terminal device, the terminal device initiates random access according to the beam access configuration corresponding to its area, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0586] Moreover, in the random access initiation scenario, the present application can provide beam-level access configuration, so that the terminal device can initiate random access based on the beam access configuration. Compared with the cell-based random access in the related technology, the present application can enable the terminal device to initiate random access more flexibly.

[0587] It should be noted that, in the present application, the area covered by the first beam is indicated by the first mapping relationship. The area covered by the first beam includes the above-mentioned first area. In this way, the terminal device can obtain the first beam corresponding to the first area according to the first mapping relationship.

[0588] The first mapping relationship may be pre-configured or configured by the network device, which is not limited in this application.

[0589] Case 2: Data transmission process under beam-level configuration

[0590] With 'the above N spot Taking the following as an example, the data transmission process is described as follows:

[0591] As shown in FIG23 , the method further includes the following operations:

[0592] S2131b: The network device sends information 2b to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives information 2b from the network device.

[0593] Information 2b is described as follows:

[0594] Information 2b indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first beam. It can be understood that information 2b belongs to business resource information and belongs to the communication resource configuration at the beam level.

[0595] Among them, the communication resource configuration can be referred to the introduction of Figure 18 and will not be repeated here.

[0596] S2132b. The terminal device performs service transmission according to the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first beam.

[0597] Exemplarily, the terminal device determines the first beam based on the area identifier of the first area, determines the communication resource configuration of the first beam from information 2b, and performs service transmission based on the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first beam.

[0598] In this way, when the network device indicates the beam-level communication resource configuration (such as the communication resource configuration of the first beam) to the terminal device, the terminal device transmits services according to the beam communication resource configuration corresponding to its own area, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0599] It should be pointed out that in the service transmission scenario, the present application can provide beam-level communication resource configuration, so that the terminal device can perform service transmission based on the beam-based communication resource configuration. Compared with the cell-based service transmission in the related technology, the present application can enable the terminal device to perform service transmission more flexibly.

[0600] Case 3: Mobility management under beam-level configuration

[0601] In case 3, the mobility management scenario is introduced by taking the case where the first area is the area where the terminal device is located as an example:

[0602] As shown in FIG24a , as a first possible implementation, the method further includes the following operations:

[0603] S2141a. The terminal device triggers neighboring cell measurement based on the reference position of the first beam and its own position.

[0604] Exemplarily, if the distance between the reference position of the first beam and its own position is greater than (or equal to) the threshold Y, the neighboring cell measurement is triggered. Conversely, if the distance between the reference position of the first beam and its own position is less than (or equal to) the threshold Y, the neighboring cell measurement is not triggered temporarily.

[0605] The neighboring cell measurement result is used for cell handover or cell reselection, and reference may be made to related technologies, which will not be described in detail here.

[0606] In this way, if the reference position of the first beam is a reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger neighboring cell measurement based on the reference position of the first area and its own position, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0607] It should be noted that in mobility management scenarios, saving signaling overhead for terminal device mobility can be reflected in the following aspects:

[0608] The terminal device uses the reference position of the beam (the beam corresponding to the area where it is located) to determine whether to trigger neighboring cell measurement, instead of the traditional method of determining whether to trigger neighboring cell measurement based on reference position information (generally speaking, the reference position includes three-dimensional coordinates, and the signaling overhead can reach 72 bits). That is, the network device does not need to send down reference position information, and the signaling overhead is low.

[0609] It should be pointed out that in the mobility management scenario, the terminal device can determine whether to trigger neighbor cell measurement based on the reference position of the beam. Compared with the related art of triggering neighbor cell measurement based on the cell-level reference position, the present application enables the terminal device to trigger neighbor cell measurement more flexibly.

[0610] It should be noted that, in this application, the reference position determination process of the first beam may include the following introduction:

[0611] The terminal device determines the first beam based on the first area and the first mapping relationship. The reference position of the first beam may be the reference position of the first area. Alternatively, the reference position of the first beam is determined by the reference position of each area in the first beam. For example, as shown in Figure 24b, the first beam includes two areas, namely area X2 and area X3. The reference position of the first beam refers to the center point between the reference position of area X2 and the reference position of area X3. Of course, the reference position of the first beam can also be determined by other means, which is not limited in this application.

[0612] As shown in FIG. 24 a , as a second possible implementation, the method further includes the following operations:

[0613] S2141b. The terminal device sends the neighboring cell measurement results based on the reference position of the first beam and its own position.

[0614] Exemplarily, if the distance between the reference position of the first beam and the own position is greater than (or equal to) the threshold Y, the neighboring cell measurement result is sent. Conversely, if the distance between the reference position of the first beam and the own position is less than (or equal to) the threshold Y, the neighboring cell measurement result is not sent temporarily.

[0615] In this way, if the reference position of the first beam is a reference point, the terminal device determines whether to send the neighboring cell measurement result based on the reference position of the first beam and its own position, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0616] It should be noted that in mobility management scenarios, saving signaling overhead for terminal device mobility can be reflected in the following aspects:

[0617] The terminal device uses the reference position of the beam to determine whether to trigger the transmission of neighboring cell measurement results, replacing the traditional method of determining whether to trigger the transmission of neighboring cell measurement results based on reference position information (generally speaking, the reference position includes three-dimensional coordinates, and the signaling overhead can reach 72 bits). That is, the network device does not need to send down reference position information, and the signaling overhead is low.

[0618] It should be pointed out that in the mobility management scenario, the terminal device can determine whether to trigger the sending of neighboring area measurement results based on the reference position of the beam. Compared with the related art of triggering the sending of neighboring area measurement results based on the cell-level reference position, the present application enables the terminal device to trigger the sending of neighboring area measurement results more flexibly.

[0619] As shown in FIG. 24 a , as a third possible implementation, the method further includes the following operations:

[0620] S2141c. The terminal device triggers cell switching based on the reference position of the first beam, its own position, and the signal quality of the neighboring cell.

[0621] Exemplarily, if the distance between the reference position of the first beam and the own position is greater than (or equal to) threshold Y, and the neighboring cell signal quality is greater than (or equal to) threshold Z, cell switching is triggered. Conversely, if the distance between the reference position of the first beam and the own position is less than (or equal to) threshold Y, and / or the neighboring cell signal quality is less than threshold Z, cell switching is not triggered temporarily.

[0622] In this way, if the reference position of the first beam is a reference point, the terminal device determines whether to trigger cell switching based on the reference position of the first beam and its own position, as well as the signal quality of the neighboring cell, and the signaling overhead is small.

[0623] It should be noted that in mobility management scenarios, saving signaling overhead for terminal device mobility can be reflected in the following aspects:

[0624] The terminal device uses the reference position of the beam to determine whether to trigger cell switching, replacing the traditional method of determining whether to trigger cell switching based on reference position information (generally speaking, the reference position includes three-dimensional coordinates, and the signaling overhead can reach 72 bits). That is, the network device does not need to send down reference position information, and the signaling overhead is low.

[0625] It should be pointed out that in the mobility management scenario, the terminal device can determine whether to trigger cell switching based on the reference position of the beam. Compared with the related technology of triggering cell switching based on cell-level reference position, the present application enables the terminal device to trigger cell switching more flexibly.

[0626] It should be noted that in the mobility management scenario, the above thresholds (such as threshold Y and / or threshold Z) can be pre-configured parameters or parameters configured by the network device, and this application does not limit this.

[0627] Case 4: Interference coordination under beam-level configuration

[0628] In case 4, the interference coordination process is described by taking the case where the first area is the area where the terminal device is located and the first area belongs to the first cell as an example:

[0629] As shown in FIG25 , the method further includes the following operations:

[0630] S2151: The terminal device sends an interference measurement result to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the interference measurement result from the terminal device.

[0631] Exemplarily, the terminal device performs interference measurement on the CSI-IM resource to obtain the interference measurement result, thereby emphasizing the interference of other cells to the first cell. Please refer to the relevant technology and will not be repeated here.

[0632] Optionally, if the terminal device is in the first area and performs measurement in the first area to obtain the above-mentioned interference measurement result, the interference measurement result may also indicate the beam corresponding to the first area, that is, the first beam, so that the network device knows the beam corresponding to the interference measurement result. For example, the interference measurement result includes a beam identifier of the first beam.

[0633] Optionally, if the interference measurement result is the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell in the first time period, the interference measurement result further indicates the first time period, so that the network device learns the time period corresponding to the interference measurement result.

[0634] In this way, the network device can perform interference coordination based on the received interference measurement results.

[0635] In the above, the communication method 2100 of the present application is introduced by taking an example in which one beam corresponds to one or more areas and the area radius at different levels (such as beam level) is the same.

[0636] It is easy to understand that in this application, beam-level communication is used as an example for introduction. The above beam-level communication can also be replaced by cell-level communication. Take the first cell including the first area as an example:

[0637] In the access process, the access configuration corresponding to the first beam can be replaced by the access configuration corresponding to the first cell. For other processing procedures, please refer to the introduction of Figure 23.

[0638] In the data transmission process, the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first beam can be replaced by the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first cell. For other processing procedures, please refer to the introduction of Figure 24.

[0639] In the mobility management process, the reference position of the first beam can be replaced by the reference position of the first cell. For other processing procedures, please refer to the introduction of Figure 25.

[0640] It should be added that network devices can also exchange information with each other. The specific operations are as follows:

[0641] Step 1: A first network device determines first information.

[0642] The first information instructs the first network device to release communication resources of the first area or the first beam.

[0643] For example, at time t1, the areas covered by the first network device are numbered 1 to 100. At time t2, the areas covered by the first network device are numbered 4 to 100, 103, and 105.

[0644] That is, for the first network device, three areas (i.e., areas numbered 1-3) are moved out, and two areas (i.e., areas numbered 103 and 105) are moved in. In this case, the first area is the area numbered 1-3. The first beam is the beam corresponding to the area numbered 1-3.

[0645] Optionally, when the first information indicates releasing the communication resources of the first area, the first information also indicates at least one of the following: an available time period corresponding to the first area, or a frequency resource corresponding to the first area, or a polarization mode corresponding to the first area.

[0646] Optionally, when the first information indicates the release of the communication resources of the first beam, the first information also indicates at least one of the following: the available time period corresponding to the first beam, or the frequency resources corresponding to the first beam, or the polarization mode corresponding to the first beam.

[0647] Alternatively, the first information is used to indicate activation of communication resources in the second area or the second beam.

[0648] For example, at time t1, the areas covered by the first network device are numbered 1 to 100. At time t2, the areas covered by the first network device are numbered 4 to 100, 103, and 105, as shown in FIG26 .

[0649] That is, three areas (i.e., areas numbered 1-3) move out, and two areas (i.e., areas numbered 103 and 105) move in. In this case, the second areas are the areas numbered 103 and 105. The second beam is the beam corresponding to the areas numbered 103 and 105.

[0650] Optionally, when the first information indicates activation of communication resources in the second area, the first information further indicates at least one of the following: an available time period corresponding to the second area, or frequency resources corresponding to the second area, or a polarization mode corresponding to the second area.

[0651] Optionally, when the first information indicates activation of the communication resources of the second beam, the first information also indicates at least one of the following: an available time period corresponding to the second beam, or a frequency resource corresponding to the second beam, or a polarization mode corresponding to the second beam.

[0652] Step 2: The first network device sends the first information to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the first information from the first network device.

[0653] For the second network device, when the first information instructs the first network device to release the communication resources of the first area or the first beam, the second network device activates the communication resources indicated by the first information.

[0654] For example, considering the characteristics of satellite progressive handover, for the first network device, three areas (i.e., areas numbered 1-3) are moved out. For the second network device, three areas (i.e., areas numbered 1-3) are moved in. Therefore, the first area is the aforementioned areas numbered 1-3. The second network device activates the communication resources of the first area, or activates the communication resources of the first beam (i.e., the beam corresponding to the first area), thereby enabling information exchange between network devices through incremental updates, thereby implementing mobility management or interference coordination.

[0655] For the second network device, when the first information instructs the first network device to activate the communication resources of the second area or the second beam, the second network device releases the communication resources indicated by the first information.

[0656] For example, considering the characteristics of satellite progressive handover, for a first network device, two areas (i.e., areas numbered 103 and 105) are moved in. For a second network device, two areas (i.e., areas numbered 103 and 105) are moved out. Therefore, the second area is the areas numbered 103 and 105. The second network device releases the communication resources of the second area, or releases the communication resources of the second beam (i.e., the beam corresponding to the second area), thereby enabling information exchange between network devices through incremental updates, thereby implementing mobility management or interference coordination.

[0657] It is easy to understand that the first information may also have other alternative descriptions, such as:

[0658] The first information instructing the first network device to release the communication resources of the first area can be replaced by the first information instructing the second network device to activate the communication resources of the first area. Accordingly, the second network device activates the communication resources of the first area according to the first information.

[0659] The first information instructing the first network device to release the communication resources of the first beam can be replaced by the first information instructing the second network device to activate the communication resources of the first beam. Accordingly, the second network device activates the communication resources of the first beam according to the first information.

[0660] The first information instructs the first network device to activate the communication resources of the second area, which can be replaced by the first information instructing the second network device to release the communication resources of the second area. Correspondingly, the second network device releases the communication resources of the second area according to the first information.

[0661] The first information instructing the first network device to activate the communication resources of the second beam may be replaced by the first information instructing the second network device to release the communication resources of the second beam. Accordingly, the second network device releases the communication resources of the second beam according to the first information.

[0662] It is understood that in each of the above embodiments, the methods and / or steps implemented by the network device may also be implemented by components applicable to the network device (e.g., processor, chip, chip system, circuit, logic module, or software); and the methods and / or steps implemented by the terminal device may also be implemented by components applicable to the terminal device (e.g., processor, chip, chip system, circuit, logic module, or software). The chip system may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0663] It is understandable that, in order to realize the above functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. It should be easily appreciated by those skilled in the art that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0664] The embodiment of the present application can divide the functional modules of the communication device according to the above method embodiment. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be pointed out that the division of modules in the embodiment of the present application is schematic and is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0665] 27 shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 2700. The communication device 2700 includes a processing module 2701 and a transceiver module 2702. The communication device 2700 can be used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned network device or terminal device.

[0666] In some embodiments, the communication device 2700 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 27 ) for storing program instructions and data.

[0667] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 2702, which may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, is configured to implement a transmitting and / or receiving function. The transceiver module 2702 may be composed of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0668] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 2702 may include a receiving module and a sending module, which are respectively used to execute the receiving and sending steps performed by the network device or terminal device in the above method embodiments, and / or used to support other processes of the technology described herein; the processing module 2701 may be used to execute the processing steps (such as determination, etc.) performed by the network device or terminal device in the above method embodiments, and / or used to support other processes of the technology described herein.

[0669] Among them, all relevant contents of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module and will not be repeated here.

[0670] Optionally, in this application, "the transceiver module receives / sends information" can also be understood as the processing module receiving / sending information via the transceiver module. "The processing module receives / sends information via the transceiver module" can also be understood as the processing module controlling the transceiver module to receive / send information. Alternatively, "the processing module sends information via the transceiver module" can be understood as the processing module outputs information to the transceiver module, which then sends the information; "the processing module receives information via the transceiver module" can be understood as the transceiver module receiving the information and inputting the information to the processing module.

[0671] In the present application, the communication device 2700 may be presented in the form of functional modules divided in an integrated manner. The "module" here may refer to a specific application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0672] In some embodiments, when the communication device 2700 in Figure 27 is a chip or a chip system, the function / implementation process of the transceiver module 2702 can be implemented through the input and output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the function / implementation process of the processing module 2701 can be implemented through the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0673] Since the communication device 2700 provided in this embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects that can be obtained can refer to the above method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0674] As a possible product form, the network device or terminal device described in the embodiments of the present application can also be implemented using the following: one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits that can perform the various functions described throughout this application.

[0675] As another possible product form, the network device or terminal device described in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented by a general bus architecture. For ease of explanation, refer to Figure 28, which is a structural diagram of a communication device 2800 provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the communication device 2800 includes a processor 2801 and a transceiver 2802. The communication device 2800 can be a network device, or a chip or chip system therein; or, the communication device 2800 can be a terminal device, or a chip or module therein. Figure 28 only shows the main components of the communication device 2800. In addition to the processor 2801 and the transceiver 2802, the communication device 2800 may further include a memory 2803, and an input and output device (not shown).

[0676] Optionally, the processor 2801 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, as well as control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process software program data. The memory 2803 is primarily used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 2802 may include a radio frequency circuit and an antenna. The radio frequency circuit is primarily used to convert baseband signals into radio frequency signals and process radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input and output devices, such as a touch screen, display, and keyboard, are primarily used to receive user input and output data to the user.

[0677] Optionally, the processor 2801 , the transceiver 2802 , and the memory 2803 may be connected via a communication bus.

[0678] It should be noted that the memory 2803 may exist independently of the processor 2801 or may be integrated with the processor 2801. The memory 2803 may be located within the communication device 2800 or outside the communication device 2800, without limitation.

[0679] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 2801 can read the software program in the memory 2803, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be sent wirelessly, the processor 2801 performs baseband processing on the data to be sent and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal to the outside in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 2801. The processor 2801 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0680] In another implementation, the RF circuit and antenna may be provided independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the RF circuit and antenna may be remotely arranged independent of the communication device.

[0681] In some embodiments, in terms of hardware implementation, those skilled in the art may conceive that the above-mentioned communication device 2700 may take the form of the communication device 2800 shown in FIG. 28 .

[0682] As an example, the functions / implementation process of the processing module 2701 in FIG27 can be implemented by the processor 2801 in the communication device 2800 shown in FIG28 calling the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 2803. The functions / implementation process of the transceiver module 2702 in FIG27 can be implemented by the transceiver 2802 in the communication device 2800 shown in FIG28.

[0683] As another possible product form, the network device or terminal device in the present application may adopt the structure shown in Figure 29, or include the components shown in Figure 29. Figure 29 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 2900 provided in the present application.

[0684] As shown in FIG29 , a communication device 2900 includes at least one processor 2901. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface 2902.

[0685] When the program instructions are executed in the at least one processor 2901, the apparatus 2900 may implement the method provided in any of the aforementioned embodiments and any possible designs thereof. Alternatively, the processor 2901 may implement the method provided in any of the aforementioned embodiments and any possible designs thereof through logic circuits or by executing code instructions.

[0686] The communication interface 2902 can be used to receive program instructions and transmit them to the processor. Alternatively, the communication interface 2902 can be used for the communication device 2900 to communicate and interact with other communication devices, such as exchanging control signaling and / or service data. Exemplarily, the communication interface 2902 can be used to receive signals from devices other than the communication device 2900 and transmit them to the processor 2901, or to send signals from the processor 2901 to other communication devices other than the communication device 2900.

[0687] Optionally, the communication interface 2902 may be a code and / or data read and write interface circuit, or the communication interface 2902 may be a signal transmission interface circuit between a communication processor and a transceiver, or a pin of a chip.

[0688] Optionally, the communication device 2900 may further include at least one memory 2903, which may be used to store required program instructions and / or data.

[0689] It should be noted that the memory 2903 may exist independently of the processor 2901 or may be integrated with the processor 2901. The memory 2903 may be located within the communication device 2900 or outside the communication device 2900, without limitation.

[0690] Optionally, the communication device 2900 may further include a power supply circuit 2904, which may be used to supply power to the processor 2901. The power supply circuit 2904 may be located in the same chip as the processor 2901, or in another chip other than the chip where the processor 2901 is located.

[0691] Optionally, the communication device 2900 may further include a bus 2905 , and various parts of the communication device 2900 may be interconnected via the bus 2905 .

[0692] In some embodiments, in terms of hardware implementation, those skilled in the art may conceive that the communication device 2700 shown in FIG. 27 may take the form of the communication device 2900 shown in FIG. 29 .

[0693] As an example, the functions / implementation process of the processing module 2701 in FIG27 can be implemented by the processor 2901 in the communication device 2900 shown in FIG29 calling the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 2903. The functions / implementation process of the transceiver module 2702 in FIG27 can be implemented by the communication interface 2902 in the communication device 2900 shown in FIG29.

[0694] It should be noted that the structure shown in FIG29 does not constitute a specific limitation on the network device or terminal device. For example, in other embodiments of the present application, the network device or terminal device may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine or split certain components, or arrange the components differently. The components shown in the figure may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0695] Optionally, the processor in the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any conventional processor, etc.

[0696] Optionally, the memory in the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), or direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0697] Optionally, the power supply circuit described in the embodiment of the present application includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a power supply line, a power supply subsystem, a power management chip, a power consumption management processor, or a power consumption management control circuit.

[0698] In some embodiments, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, which includes a processor for implementing the method in any of the above method embodiments.

[0699] As a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory. The memory is used to store necessary computer programs and data. The computer program may include instructions, and the processor may invoke the instructions in the computer program stored in the memory to instruct the communication device to execute any of the above-described method embodiments. Of course, the memory may not be located in the communication device.

[0700] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes an interface circuit, which is a code / data read / write interface circuit, and the interface circuit is used to receive computer execution instructions (computer execution instructions are stored in a memory, may be read directly from the memory, or may pass through other devices) and transmit them to the processor.

[0701] As another possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface, where the communication interface is used to communicate with a module outside the communication device.

[0702] It can be understood that the communication device can be a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or include chips and other discrete devices. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this.

[0703] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instruction stored thereon, which implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments when executed by a computer.

[0704] The present application also provides a computer program product, which implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments when executed by a computer.

[0705] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, for the sake of convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-described systems, devices, and units may refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0706] It is understood that the systems, devices, and methods described in this application may also be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interface, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0707] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, i.e., they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Components shown as units may or may not be physical units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the objectives of this embodiment as needed.

[0708] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0709] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using a software program, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state drive (SSD)). In the embodiment of the present application, the computer may include the aforementioned device.

[0710] Although the present application is described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, in the process of implementing the claimed application, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other changes to the disclosed embodiments by reviewing the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple situations. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. Certain measures are recorded in different dependent claims, but this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: Determine a first parameter, where the first parameter is associated with an angle, and the angle includes the angle of the beam divergence angle or the elevation angle; Determine a reference position of a first region according to the first parameter and a first mapping relationship, where the first mapping relationship indicates the conversion relationship between the first parameter and the reference position of the first region.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the position of the terminal device; Determine the reference position of the region where the terminal device is located according to the position of the terminal device and the reference position of the first region.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further includes: Obtain a region identifier; Determine the reference position of the first region according to the first parameter and the first mapping relationship, including: Determine the reference position of the first region according to the region identifier, the first parameter, and the first mapping relationship, where the first region is the region corresponding to the region identifier.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that The first parameter indicates the number of first regions; or, The first parameter indicates the radius of the first region; or, The first parameter indicates the first region level, and the first region level and a second parameter are used to determine the number of first regions, where the second parameter is the number of second regions; or, The first parameter indicates the first region level, and the first region level and a second parameter are used to determine the radius of the first region, where the second parameter is the radius of the second region.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The larger the angle of the beam divergence angle, the smaller the number of regions indicated by the first parameter, and / or The larger the angle of the beam divergence angle, the larger the radius of the region indicated by the first parameter.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a third parameter, where the third parameter indicates at least one angle range, and each angle range in the at least one angle range corresponds to a fourth parameter; Obtain a first angle, where the first angle is the elevation angle of the terminal device or the beam divergence angle corresponding to the terminal device; Determine the first parameter, including: Determine the first parameter from the fourth parameters corresponding to the at least one angle range according to the at least one angle range and the first angle.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a third parameter, where the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, and each geographical range in the at least one geographical range corresponds to a fourth parameter; Obtain the position of the terminal device; Determine the first parameter, including: Determine the first parameter from the fourth parameters corresponding to the at least one geographical range according to the at least one geographical range and the position of the terminal device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 - 7, characterized in that The first mapping relationship satisfies: Among them, RL(k, i) represents the three-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the reference position of the first area, k represents the identifier of the first area level, i represents the area identifier of the first area, and i is a non-negative integer less than N spot_k , R e represents the parameter of the spherical surface where the first area is located, N spot_k represents the number of the first areas, and [] represents the decimal part operator.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive indication information of a first offset; Determine the reference position of the first region according to the first parameter and the first mapping relationship, including: Determine the reference position of the first region according to the first offset, the first parameter, and the first mapping relationship.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 - 9, characterized in that The first region includes at least one of the following types: Broadcast area, where the broadcast area belongs to the geographical area covered by the broadcast beam; or, Service area, where the service area belongs to the geographical area covered by the service beam.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein When the first area is the broadcast area and the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, the method further includes: Receiving access information, where the access information indicates the access configuration corresponding to the first area; Initiating random access according to the access configuration corresponding to the first area.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein When the first area is the service area and the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, the method further includes: Receiving service resource information, where the service resource information indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area; Performing service transmission according to the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Triggering neighbor cell measurement or sending neighbor cell measurement results according to the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device, where the neighbor cell measurement results are used for cell handover or cell reselection.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The method further includes: Receiving indication information of a first threshold; Triggering neighbor cell measurement according to the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device, including: Triggering the neighbor cell measurement when the distance between the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold; Sending neighbor cell measurement results according to the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device, including: Sending the neighbor cell measurement results when the distance between the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Triggering cell handover according to the reference position of the first area, the position of the terminal device, and the neighbor cell signal quality.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The method further includes: Receiving indication information of a first threshold and indication information of a second threshold; Triggering cell handover according to the reference position of the first area, the position of the terminal device, and the neighbor cell signal quality, including: Triggering the cell handover when the distance between the reference position of the first area and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold and the neighbor cell signal quality is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that When the first area is the area where the terminal device is located and the first area belongs to the first cell, the method further includes: Sending interference measurement results, where the interference measurement results indicate the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The interference measurement results further indicate at least one of the following: the first area, or the first time period, and the interference intensity is the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell during the first time period.

19. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: Determining a first parameter and a second parameter, where the first parameter indicates a first beam level, each beam included in the first beam level covers L of X areas, the first parameter is associated with an angle, the angle includes the angle of the beam divergence angle or the elevation angle, and the second parameter indicates the number of areas X, where X and L are positive integers; Determine a reference position of a first region according to the first beam level, the number of regions, and a first mapping relationship, where the first mapping relationship indicates a conversion relationship between the reference position of the first region and the first beam level and the number of regions, and the first region is one of the X regions.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The method further includes: Obtain the location of the terminal device; Determine a reference position of the region where the terminal device is located according to the location of the terminal device and the reference position of the first region.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein The method further includes: Obtain a region identifier; Determine a reference position of a first region according to the first beam level, the number of regions, and the first mapping relationship, including: Determine the reference position of the first region according to the region identifier, the first beam level, the number of regions, and the first mapping relationship, where the first region is the region corresponding to the region identifier.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19-21, wherein The second parameter indicates the number of regions, including: The second parameter includes the number of regions; or, The second parameter includes a region radius, and the region radius is used to determine the number of regions.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19-22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a third parameter, where the third parameter indicates at least one angular range, and each angular range in the at least one angular range corresponds to a fourth parameter; Obtain a first angle, where the first angle is the elevation angle of the terminal device or the beam divergence angle corresponding to the terminal device; Determine the first parameter, including: Determine the first parameter from the fourth parameters corresponding to the at least one angular range according to the at least one angular range and the first angle.

24. The method according to any one of claims 19-22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a third parameter, where the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, and each geographical range in the at least one geographical range corresponds to a fourth parameter; Obtain the location of the terminal device; Determine the first parameter, including: Determine the first parameter from the fourth parameters corresponding to the at least one geographical range according to the at least one geographical range and the location of the terminal device.

25. The method according to any one of claims 19-24, wherein The first mapping relationship satisfies: Among them, RL(k, i) represents the three-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first beam level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is a non-negative integer less than N spot where R e represents the parameter of the sphere where the first region is located, N spot represents the number of regions, and [] represents the fractional part operator; Or, The first mapping relationship satisfies: Among them, RL(k, i) represents the three-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first beam level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is a non-negative integer less than N spot where R e represents the parameter of the spherical surface where the first region is located, and N spot represents the number of regions; Or, The first mapping relationship satisfies: RL(k,i) = (lon(k,i), lat(k,i)) N spot = 2N + 1 Among them, RL(k, i) represents the reference position of the first region, lon(k, i) represents the longitude corresponding to the reference position of the first region, lat(k, i) represents the latitude corresponding to the reference position of the first region, k represents the identifier of the first beam level, i represents the region identifier of the first region, and i is a non-negative integer less than N spot where N spot represents the number of regions.

26. The method according to any one of claims 19-25, wherein The first region includes at least one of the following types: A broadcast region, where the broadcast region belongs to a geographical region covered by a broadcast beam; or, A service region, where the service region belongs to a geographical region covered by a service beam.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein When the first region is the broadcast region, the first region is the region where the terminal device is located, and the first region is a region covered by a first beam, the method further includes: Receive access information, where the access information indicates an access configuration corresponding to the first beam; Initiate random access according to the access configuration corresponding to the first beam.

28. The method according to claim 26, wherein When the first region is the service region, the first region is the region where the terminal device is located, and the first region is a region covered by a first beam, the method further includes: Receive service resource information, where the service resource information indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first beam; Perform service transmission according to the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first beam.

29. The method according to any one of claims 19-28, characterized in that, The first area is the area covered by the first beam, and the method further includes: Trigger neighbor cell measurement or send neighbor cell measurement results according to the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device, where the neighbor cell measurement results are used for cell handover or cell reselection.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein The method further includes: Receive indication information of a first threshold; Trigger neighbor cell measurement according to the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device, including: Trigger the neighbor cell measurement when the distance between the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold; Send neighbor cell measurement results according to the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device, including: Send the neighbor cell measurement results when the distance between the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

31. The method according to any one of claims 19 - 28, characterized in that, The first area is the area covered by the first beam, and the method further includes: Trigger cell handover according to the reference position of the first beam, the position of the terminal device, and the neighbor cell signal quality.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein The method further includes: Receive indication information of a first threshold and indication information of a second threshold; Trigger cell handover according to the reference position of the first beam, the position of the terminal device, and the neighbor cell signal quality, including: Trigger the cell handover when the distance between the reference position of the first beam and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the neighbor cell signal quality is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

33. The method according to any one of claims 29-32, wherein The reference position of the first beam is the reference position of the first area; or, The reference position of the first beam is determined according to the reference positions of each area covered by the first beam.

34. The method according to any one of claims 19-33, characterized in that, The first area is the area where the terminal device is located, and the first area belongs to the first cell, and the method further includes: Send interference measurement results, where the interference measurement results are used to characterize the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein The interference measurement results further indicate at least one of the following: the first beam, or the first time period. The first area is the area covered by the first beam, and the interference intensity is the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell during the first time period.

36. The method according to any one of claims 27-35, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain a first mapping relationship, where the first mapping relationship indicates the area covered by the first beam, and the area covered by the first beam includes the first area.

37. The method according to claim 26, wherein The first area is the broadcast area, the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, and the first area is the area covered by the first cell, and the method further includes: Receive access information, where the access information indicates the access configuration corresponding to the first cell; Initiate random access according to the access configuration corresponding to the first cell.

38. The method according to claim 26, wherein The first region is the service region, the first region is the region where the terminal device is located, and the first region is the region covered by the first cell. The method further includes: Receiving service resource information, where the service resource information indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first cell; Performing service transmission according to the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first cell.

39. The method according to any one of claims 19 - 26 and 37 - 38, characterized in that, The first region is the region where the terminal device is located, and the first region is the region covered by the first cell. The method further includes: Triggering neighbor cell measurement or sending neighbor cell measurement results according to the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device, where the neighbor cell measurement results are used for cell handover or cell reselection.

40. The method according to claim 39, wherein The method further includes: Receiving indication information of a first threshold; Triggering neighbor cell measurement according to the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device, including: Triggering the neighbor cell measurement when the distance between the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold; Sending neighbor cell measurement results according to the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device, including: Sending the neighbor cell measurement results when the distance between the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

41. The method according to any one of claims 19-26 and 37-38, characterized in that, The first region is the region where the terminal device is located, and the first region is the region covered by the first cell. The method further includes: Triggering cell handover according to the reference position of the first cell, the position of the terminal device, and the neighbor cell signal quality.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein The method further includes: Receiving indication information of a first threshold and indication information of a second threshold; Triggering cell handover according to the reference position of the first cell, the position of the terminal device, and the neighbor cell signal quality, including: Triggering the cell handover when the distance between the reference position of the first cell and the position of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the first threshold and the neighbor cell signal quality is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

43. The method according to any one of claims 39-42, wherein The reference position of the first cell is the reference position of the first region; or, The reference position of the first cell is determined according to the reference positions of each region covered by the first cell.

44. The method according to any one of claims 39-43, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtaining a second mapping relationship, where the second mapping relationship indicates the regions covered by the first cell, and the regions covered by the first cell include the first region.

45. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a network device, the method includes: Determining a first parameter, where the first parameter is associated with an angle, and the angle includes the angle of the beam divergence angle or the elevation angle; Sending the first parameter, where the first parameter is used to determine the reference position of the first region.

46. The method according to claim 45, wherein The first parameter indicates the number of first regions; or, The first parameter indicates the radius of the first region; or, The first parameter indicates a first area level, and the first area level and a second parameter are used to determine a first area number, where the second parameter is a second area number; or, The first parameter indicates a first area level, and the first area level and a second parameter are used to determine a first area radius, where the second parameter is a second area radius.

47. The method according to claim 45 or 46, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending a third parameter; Wherein, the third parameter indicates at least one angular range, and the at least one angular range is used to determine the first parameter.

48. The method according to claim 45 or 46, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending a third parameter, where the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, and the at least one geographical range is used to determine the first parameter.

49. The method according to any one of claims 45 to 48, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending indication information of a first offset, where the first offset is used to determine a reference position of the first area.

50. The method according to any one of claims 45 - 49, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending access information, where the access information indicates an access configuration corresponding to the first area.

51. The method according to any one of claims 45 - 49, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending service resource information, where the service resource information indicates a communication resource configuration corresponding to the first area.

52. The method according to any one of claims 45 - 51, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending indication information of a first threshold, where the first threshold is used to trigger neighbor cell measurement, trigger the sending of neighbor cell measurement results, or trigger cell handover.

53. The method according to any one of claims 45 - 52, characterized in that, The first area belongs to a first cell, and the method further includes: Receiving interference measurement results, where the interference measurement results indicate the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell.

54. The method according to claim 53, characterized in that, The interference measurement results further indicate at least one of the following: the first area, or a first time period, and the interference intensity is the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell during the first time period.

55. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a network device, the method includes: Determining a first parameter and a second parameter, where the first parameter indicates a first beam level, each beam included in the first beam level covers L areas among X areas, the first parameter is associated with an angle, the angle includes an angle of a beam divergence angle or an elevation angle, and the second parameter indicates the area number X, where X and L are positive integers; Sending the first parameter and the second parameter, where the first parameter and the second parameter are used to determine a reference position of a first area, and the first area is one of the X areas.

56. According to the method of claim 55, characterized in that, The second parameter indicating the area number includes: The second parameter includes the area number; or, The second parameter includes an area radius, and the area radius is used to determine the area number.

57. The method according to claim 55 or 56, characterized in that, The method further includes: sending a third parameter, where the third parameter indicates at least one angular range, and the at least one angular range is used to determine the first parameter.

58. The method according to claim 55 or 56, characterized in that, The method further includes: sending a third parameter, where the third parameter indicates at least one geographical range, and the at least one geographical range is used to determine the first parameter.

59. According to the method of any one of claims 55-58, characterized in that, The first area includes at least one of the following types: A broadcast area, where the broadcast area belongs to a geographical area covered by a broadcast beam; or, Service area, where the service area belongs to the geographical area covered by the service beam.

60. The method according to claim 59, wherein The method further includes: sending access information, where the access information indicates the access configuration corresponding to the first beam.

61. The method according to claim 59, characterized in that, The method further includes: sending service resource information, where the service resource information indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first beam.

62. The method according to claim 61, characterized in that, The method further includes: sending indication information of a first threshold, where the first threshold is used to trigger neighbor cell measurement, sending of neighbor cell measurement results, or cell handover.

63. The method according to any one of claims 56 - 62, characterized in that, The first area belongs to a first cell, and the method further includes: receiving interference measurement results, where the interference measurement results are used to characterize the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell.

64. The method according to claim 63, wherein The interference measurement results further indicate at least one of the following: a first beam, or a first time period, where the first area is the area covered by the first beam, and the interference intensity is the interference intensity of other cells on the first cell during the first time period.

65. The method according to any one of claims 55 - 64, characterized in that, The method further includes: sending a first mapping relationship, where the first mapping relationship indicates the area covered by the first beam, and the area covered by the first beam includes the first area.

66. The method according to claim 55, wherein The first area is the area covered by a first cell, and the method further includes: sending access information, where the access information indicates the access configuration corresponding to the first cell.

67. The method according to claim 55, wherein The first area is the area covered by a first cell, and the method further includes: sending service resource information, where the service resource information indicates the communication resource configuration corresponding to the first cell.

68. The method according to any one of claims 63 - 67, characterized in that, The method further includes: sending a second mapping relationship, where the second mapping relationship indicates the area covered by the first cell, and the area covered by the first cell includes the first area.

69. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a network device, the method includes: Determining first information, where the first information indicates releasing the communication resources of a first area or a first beam, or the first information is used to indicate activating the communication resources of a second area or a second beam; Sending the first information.

70. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a network device, the method includes: Receiving first information, where the first information indicates releasing the communication resources of a first area or a first beam, or the first information indicates activating the communication resources of a second area or a second beam; When the first information indicates releasing the communication resources of the first area or the first beam, releasing the communication resources indicated by the first information; When the first information indicates activating the communication resources of the second area or the second beam, activating the communication resources indicated by the first information.

71. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor; the processor is configured to run a computer program or instruction to enable the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-18, or to enable the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 19-44, or to enable the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 45-54, or to enable the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 55-68, or to enable the communication device to execute the method according to claim 69, or to enable the communication device to execute the method according to claim 70.

72. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs, which, when run on a computer, cause the method according to any one of claims 1-18 to be executed, or cause the method according to any one of claims 19-44 to be executed, or cause the method according to any one of claims 45-54 to be executed, or cause the method according to any one of claims 55-68 to be executed, or cause the method according to claim 69 to be executed, or cause the method according to claim 70 to be executed.

73. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions; when some or all of the computer instructions are run on a computer, it causes the method according to any one of claims 1-18 to be executed, or causes the method according to any one of claims 19-44 to be executed, or causes the method according to any one of claims 45-54 to be executed, or causes the method according to any one of claims 55-68 to be executed, or causes the method according to claim 69 to be executed, or causes the method according to claim 70 to be executed.

74. A chip, characterized in that, Comprising: A memory for storing computer program instructions; A processor for executing the computer program instructions, such that the communication device including the chip executes the method according to any one of claims 1-18, or causes the communication device including the chip to execute the method according to any one of claims 19-44, or causes the communication device including the chip to execute the method according to any one of claims 45-54, or causes the communication device including the chip to execute the method according to any one of claims 55-68, or causes the communication device including the chip to execute the method according to claim 69, or causes the communication device including the chip to execute the method according to claim 70.

75. A communication system, characterized in that, Comprising: A terminal device and a network device, the terminal device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-18, and the network device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 45-54; or the terminal device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 19-44, and the network device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 55-68.

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