Communication method, communication apparatus and related product

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a communication method, a communication apparatus and a related product. The present application is applicable to non-terrestrial network communication scenarios. The method comprises: receiving first information, the first information being used for determining a first time period, the first time period being a time period when a network device is in a first mode, and the first mode being a mode that supports cell access; and performing cell access in the first time period, wherein the first mode may be a mode for supporting a communication apparatus to perform cell access. In the present application, cell access is performed in the first time period, and no cell access is performed between reception of the first information and a start time of the first time period, such that there is no need to monitor channels and / or receive downlink signals, thus reducing power consumption; since the first time period is a time period when the network device is in the first mode, performing cell access in the first time period enables successful access to a cell managed by the network device.

Description

Communication method, communication device and related products

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on January 22, 2024, with application number 202410087459.3, and priority to the Chinese patent application entitled “Communication Method, Communication Device and Related Products”, all contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to communication methods, communication devices, and related products. Background Art

[0003] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), represented by non-terrestrial devices such as satellites, drones, and high-altitude platforms, offer advantages such as wide coverage, long communication distances, high reliability, flexibility, and high throughput. Introducing NTNs into fifth-generation mobile networks (5G) can provide communication services in areas difficult to reach by terrestrial networks (TNs), such as oceans and forests. It can also enhance the reliability of 5G communications, providing more stable and high-quality communication services for users on trains, airplanes, and other modes of transportation. It can also provide more data transmission resources and support a greater number of connections.

[0004] Satellite communications have been introduced in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards as a 5G communication scenario. Satellite communications can support not only various 5G terminals but also terminals related to the Internet of Things (IoT). Satellite communications are characterized by high mobility and minimal communication latency.

[0005] Satellites are powered by solar energy, so network-side energy conservation is crucial for satellite communications. However, existing satellite communication protocols not only fail to consider energy conservation, but also add more satellite-related signaling overhead on top of terrestrial communications. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising: receiving first information, the first information being used to determine a first time period, the first time period being a time period in which a network device is in a first mode, the first mode being a mode that supports cell access; and performing cell access in the first time period. The method of the first aspect can be applied to non-terrestrial networks (NTN) communication scenarios. The first mode can be a mode that supports a communication device to perform cell access. The execution subject of the first aspect can be a communication device, which can refer to either the terminal device itself or a processor, module, chip, or chip system that implements the method in the terminal device.

[0007] In the embodiment of the present application, cell access is performed during the first time period. That is, cell access is not performed after receiving the first information until the start time of the first time period, i.e., there is no need to monitor the channel and / or receive downlink signals, which can save power consumption. Because the first time period is the time period when the network device is in the first mode, cell access is performed during the first time period so that the cell managed by the network device can be successfully accessed.

[0008] In a possible implementation, after receiving the first information, the method further includes: determining the first time period based on the first information.

[0009] In this implementation, a first time period is determined based on the first information, so as to perform cell access in the first time period.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the receiving of the first information includes: receiving a broadcast message containing the first information without accessing a cell managed by the network device. The broadcast message containing the first information may be generated and sent by a non-ground network device (such as a satellite), or may be transparently forwarded by a non-ground network device. Exemplarily, the network device is a base station deployed on a non-ground network device (such as a satellite), and the broadcast message containing the first information may be generated and sent by a non-ground network device (such as a satellite). Exemplarily, the network device is a base station connected to a ground station deployed on the ground for communicating with a non-ground network device (such as a satellite), and the broadcast message containing the first information generated by the network device is transparently forwarded by the non-ground network device via the ground station.

[0011] In this implementation, when the user has not accessed a cell managed by the network device, a broadcast message containing the first information is received; the first time period can be determined, and the cell access can be performed in a timely manner.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the first information is sent by the network device in a second mode, and the second mode is a mode in which the network device sends part of the system messages for cell access or does not send the system messages for cell access. Exemplarily, the working mode of the network device (such as a base station) includes a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the network device sends all system messages for the communication device to access the cell. In the second mode, the network device does not send all system messages for the communication device to access the cell or sends part of the system messages for the communication device to access the cell. Compared with the first mode, the second mode sends fewer messages and consumes less power.

[0013] In this implementation, the first information is sent by the network device in the second mode. After receiving the first information, no cell access will be performed until the start time of the first time period (that is, the network device enters the first mode), that is, there is no need to monitor the channel and / or receive downlink signals, which can save power consumption.

[0014] In one possible implementation, after receiving the first information, the method includes: sending second information in a second time period, the second information being used to request the network device to enter the first mode from a second mode, the second mode being a mode that does not support cell access, and the second time period being determined based on the time of receiving the first information.

[0015] In this implementation, the second information is sent in the second time period to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode so as to access the cell managed by the network device.

[0016] In one possible implementation, before sending the second information in the second time period, the method further includes: determining the second time period based on the time when the first information is received, where the second time period is a time period during which the network device receives uplink signals. The duration of the second time period may be predefined. The second time period may be a time period during which the network device receives uplink signals when in the second mode. Exemplarily, when the network device is in the second mode, uplink signals are received only during the second time period.

[0017] In this implementation, a second time period is determined based on the time when the first information is received, so that the second information is sent in the second time period.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the start time of the second time period is offset by f2 time units from the time when the communication device receives the first information, where f2 is an integer greater than 0. Exemplarily, the time when the communication device receives the first information may be the time when a broadcast message containing the first information is received.

[0019] In this implementation, the start time of the second time period is offset by f2 time units from the time when the communication device receives the first information. Based on the time when the first information is received and the offset, the start time of the second time period can be accurately determined.

[0020] In one possible implementation, before performing cell access in the first time period, the method further includes: receiving third information, wherein the third information is used to indicate that the network device accepts the request to enter the first mode from the second mode; performing cell access in the first time period includes: performing cell access in the first time period in response to the third information.

[0021] In this implementation, in response to the third information, cell access is performed in the first time period so that the cell managed by the network device can be successfully accessed.

[0022] In one possible implementation, after sending the second information in the second time period, the method further includes: entering a fourth mode, wherein the fourth mode is a mode in which a channel (e.g., a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)) is not monitored. Entering the fourth mode may be turning off the receiver, that is, stopping monitoring the channel, such as the PDCCH. Exemplarily, after the communication device enters the fourth mode, it turns off the receiver and no longer monitors the PDCCH. Exemplarily, the operation performed by the communication device in the fourth mode does not include the first operation, and the first operation includes at least one of the following: monitoring the control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and sending an uplink signal.

[0023] In this implementation, after receiving the first information, the fourth mode is entered, which can save power consumption.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates at least one of the remaining duration of the network device's second mode, the duration of the network device's second mode, the period of the network device's second mode, the duration of the network device's first mode, and the period of the network device's first mode. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The second mode may be a mode that does not support cell access by a communication device. For example, the second mode is a mode in which the network device transmits a partial system message for cell access or a mode in which the network device does not transmit a system message for cell access. Exemplarily, the first information indicates the remaining duration of the network device's second mode. Exemplarily, the first information indicates the period, remaining duration, and duration of the network device's second mode. Exemplarily, the first information indicates the remaining duration of the network device's second mode, the duration of the network device's first mode, and the period of the network device's first mode. The period of the network device's first mode may be equal to the period of the network device's second mode. The period of the network device's first mode may be equal to the sum of the duration of the network device's first mode and the duration of the network device's first mode.

[0025] In this implementation, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the remaining time, duration, and period of the network device being in the second mode, and the duration and period of the network device being in the first mode, so that the communication device determines the first time period based on at least one of the period, remaining time, and duration of the network device being in the second mode.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the start time of the first time period is related to the start time / end time of sending the second information. For example, the start time of the first time period is related to the start time / end time of sending the second information. In the present application, an example of using the first information to determine the first time period is as follows: determining the second time period based on the first information, the second time period being the time of sending the second information for requesting the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode; determining the start time of the first time period based on the start time / end time of sending the second information. The duration of the first time period may be predefined.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the offset between the start time of the first time period and the start time / end time of sending the second information is y1 time units, where y1 is an integer greater than 0.

[0028] In one possible implementation, after receiving the first information, the method further includes: entering a fourth mode (or named power saving mode, sleep mode, inactive mode, etc.), wherein the fourth mode is a mode that does not monitor channels (eg, PDCCH).

[0029] In this implementation, after receiving the first information, the fourth mode is entered, which can save power consumption.

[0030] In one possible implementation, performing cell access in the first time period includes: receiving a signal for cell access (e.g., including a downlink synchronization signal and a system message) within the first time period; and performing cell access upon receiving the signal for cell access. It should be understood that if the signal for cell access is not received within the first time period, cell access is not performed.

[0031] In this implementation, a signal for cell access is received within a first time period, so as to perform cell access using the received signal for cell access.

[0032] In a possible implementation, before performing cell access in the first time period, the method further includes: switching from the fourth mode to the third mode (or named as wake-up mode, normal mode, activation mode, etc.), the fourth mode is a mode that does not monitor channels (such as PDCCH), and the third mode is a mode that monitors channels. Exemplarily, the fourth mode is a dormant state of a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode of the communication device, and the third mode is an activated state of the DRX mode of the communication device. Exemplarily, the operation performed by the communication device in the fourth mode does not include the first operation, and the operation performed by the communication device in the third mode includes the first operation, and the first operation includes at least one of the following: monitoring a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and sending an uplink signal.

[0033] In this implementation, before performing cell access in the first time period, the fourth mode is switched to the third mode so that the cell access can be performed. In addition, before performing cell access in the first time period, the fourth mode is in effect to save power consumption.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode; before performing cell access in the first time period, the method further includes: starting a timer based on the first information, and the timing duration of the timer is greater than or equal to the remaining duration of the second mode in which the network device is currently located; performing cell access in the first time period includes: performing cell access after the timer expires.

[0035] In this implementation, after the timer expires, cell access is performed so that the cell managed by the network device can be accessed in a timely manner.

[0036] In a possible implementation, after starting the timer and before the timer expires, the method further includes: entering a fourth mode (or power saving mode), where the fourth mode is a mode in which a channel (eg, PDCCH) is not monitored.

[0037] In this implementation, the fourth mode is entered before the timer expires, which can save power consumption.

[0038] In a possible implementation, after starting the timer and before performing cell access, the method further includes: switching from the fourth mode to a third mode, where the third mode is a channel monitoring mode.

[0039] In this implementation, before performing cell access, the fourth mode is switched to the third mode so that the cell access can be performed. In addition, before performing cell access, being in the fourth mode can save power consumption.

[0040] In one possible implementation, before receiving the first information, the method also includes: receiving a first downlink signal; determining the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the network device sending the first information based on the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the first downlink signal, the start time / end time when the first downlink signal is received is offset by f1 time units from the start time when the first information is sent or received, f1 is an integer greater than 0, and the frequency domain position of the first downlink signal is related to the frequency domain position of the first information.

[0041] In this implementation, the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the first downlink signal is determined based on the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the first downlink signal, so as to better receive the first information.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the first downlink signal includes one of a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS).

[0043] In this implementation, the first downlink signal includes one of a primary synchronization signal and a secondary synchronization signal, and the network device can save power consumption.

[0044] In one possible implementation, after determining the time domain position and / or frequency domain position at which the network device sends the first information based on the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the first downlink signal, and before reaching the time domain position at which the network device sends the first information, the method further includes: entering a fourth mode, which is a mode that does not monitor channels (e.g., PDCCH).

[0045] In this implementation, before the time domain position at which the network device sends the first information is reached, the fourth mode is entered, thereby saving power consumption.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: when accessing or residing in a first cell managed by the network device, at a first time (a moment) determined based on the first information, switching from the third mode to the fourth mode, wherein the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access, the operation performed in the third mode includes the first operation, and the operation performed in the fourth mode does not include the first operation, and the first operation includes at least one of the following: monitoring a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and sending an uplink signal. Exemplarily, the first time is the moment when the network device enters the second mode, determined based on the first information.

[0047] In this implementation, when the network device enters the second mode, it switches from the third mode to the fourth mode, thereby saving power consumption.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: when accessing a first cell managed by the network device, switching from a connected state to an idle state at a second time determined based on the first information, the second mode being a mode that does not support cell access. Exemplarily, the second time is the moment when the network device enters the second mode, determined based on the first information.

[0049] In this implementation, when the network device enters the second mode, it switches from the connected state to the idle state, thereby saving power consumption.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: when accessing the first cell managed by the network device, before the network device enters the second mode, switching to a second cell, the first network device associated with the second cell is different from the network device, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0051] In this implementation, before the network device enters the second mode, it switches to the second cell to ensure service continuity.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: when accessing the first cell managed by the network device, performing a second operation or a third operation based on the type of service currently being executed, the second operation including performing a cell switching before the network device enters the second mode, and the third operation including staying in the first cell after the network device enters the second mode.

[0053] In this implementation, the second operation or the third operation is performed based on the type of the currently executed service, so as to meet the requirements of different types of services.

[0054] In one possible implementation, performing the second operation or the third operation based on the type of the currently executed business includes: performing the second operation when the currently executed business has continuity requirements; and / or performing the third operation when the currently executed business does not have continuity requirements.

[0055] In this implementation, if the currently executed service requires continuity, the second operation is performed, and the service requiring continuity can be satisfied by switching to the second cell. If the currently executed service does not require continuity, the third operation is performed, thereby reducing unnecessary operations and saving power consumption.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the third operation also includes entering a fourth mode, and the operation performed by the communication device in the fourth mode does not include the first operation, and the first operation includes at least one of the following: monitoring a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and sending an uplink signal.

[0057] In this implementation, the power consumption of the communication device can be saved.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: when accessing the first cell managed by the network device, when the network device is in a second mode, sending an uplink signal through a first resource, the first resource is associated with a downlink synchronization signal, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0059] In this implementation, when the network device is in the second mode, the uplink signal is sent through the first resource; before the network device enters the first mode, the uplink signal can be sent, and the uplink signal can be sent earlier.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the sending of the uplink signal through the first resource includes: sending the uplink signal through the first resource based on synchronization information, the synchronization information is obtained based on the message sent by the network device in the second mode, or the synchronization information is obtained based on the message sent by the network device in the first mode, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0061] In this implementation, based on the synchronization information, the uplink signal is sent through the first resource. When the network device is in the second mode, the uplink signal can be sent so that the network device can receive the uplink signal earlier.

[0062] In a possible implementation, the first information further includes the synchronization information. Exemplarily, the synchronization information is included in the first information.

[0063] In this implementation, the synchronization information is obtained based on the first information, and there is no need to send the synchronization information additionally, which can save signaling overhead.

[0064] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present application provide another communication method, which is applied to a non-terrestrial network communication scenario. The method includes: when a communication device accesses or resides in a first cell managed by a network device, when the network device enters a second mode from a first mode, the communication device switches from a third mode to a fourth mode, wherein the first mode is a mode that supports cell access, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The operation performed by the communication device in the third mode includes a first operation, and the operation performed by the communication device in the fourth mode does not include the first operation, and the first operation includes at least one of the following: monitoring a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and transmitting an uplink signal. The power consumption of the communication device in the third mode is lower than the power consumption in the fourth mode. When the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, the switching from the third mode to the fourth mode may be: the time interval between the time when the network device enters the second mode from the first mode and the time when the communication device switches from the third mode to the fourth mode is less than a time threshold, such as 50us, 100us, 1ms, 3ms, 5ms, 10ms, etc. When the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, switching from the third mode to the fourth mode may be replaced by: after the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, switching from the third mode to the fourth mode.

[0065] In the embodiment of the present application, when the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, the communication device switches from the third mode to the fourth mode, which can save power consumption.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving fourth information; and determining, based on the fourth information, a time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode. The fourth information may be received by the communication device after accessing the first cell or before accessing the first cell. Determining, based on the fourth information, the time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode may be replaced by determining, based on the fourth information, the time when the network device enters the second mode from the first mode.

[0067] In this implementation, based on the fourth information, a time period in which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode is determined, so that when the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, the third mode is switched to the fourth mode.

[0068] On the third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another communication method, which is applied to a non-terrestrial network communication scenario, and the method includes: in the case of accessing a first cell managed by a network device, when the network device enters a second mode from a first mode, switching from a connected state to an idle state, the first mode is a mode that supports cell access, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. When the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, switching from the connected state to the idle state can be replaced by: after the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, switching from the connected state to the idle state. When the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, switching from the connected state to the idle state can be: the time interval between the moment the network device enters the second mode from the first mode and the moment the communication device switches from the connected state to the idle state is less than a time threshold, such as 50us, 100us, 1ms, 3ms, 5ms, 10ms, etc.

[0069] In the embodiment of the present application, when the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, the communication device switches from the connected state to the idle state, which can save power consumption.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving fourth information; and determining, based on the fourth information, a time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode. The fourth information may be received by the communication device after accessing the first cell or before accessing the first cell. Determining, based on the fourth information, the time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode may be replaced by determining, based on the fourth information, the time when the network device enters the second mode from the first mode.

[0071] In this implementation, based on the fourth information, a time period in which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode is determined, so that when the network device enters the second mode from the first mode, the connected state is switched to the idle state.

[0072] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another communication method, which is applied to a non-terrestrial network communication scenario. The method includes: in the case of accessing a first cell managed by a network device, switching to a second cell before the network device enters a second mode. The first network device associated with the second cell is different from the network device, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0073] In an embodiment of the present application, before the network device enters the second mode, switching to the second cell can ensure service continuity.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving fourth information; and determining, based on the fourth information, a time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode. The fourth information may be received by the communication device after accessing the first cell, or may be received before accessing the first cell. Determining, based on the fourth information, the time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode may be replaced by determining, based on the fourth information, the time when the network device enters the second mode.

[0075] In this implementation, based on the fourth information, the time period in which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode is determined, so that before the network device enters the second mode, it is switched to the second cell.

[0076] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another communication method, which is applied to a non-terrestrial network communication scenario. The method includes: in the case of accessing a first cell managed by a network device, performing a second operation or a third operation based on the type of service currently being executed, the second operation including performing a cell switching before the network device enters the second mode, and the third operation including staying in the first cell after the network device enters the second mode, the second mode being a mode that does not support cell access.

[0077] In the embodiment of the present application, the second operation or the third operation is performed based on the type of the currently executed service, which may not meet the needs of different types of services.

[0078] In one possible implementation, performing the second operation or the third operation based on the type of the currently executed business includes: performing the second operation when the currently executed business has continuity requirements; and / or performing the third operation when the currently executed business does not have continuity requirements.

[0079] In this implementation, if the currently executed service has continuity requirements, executing the second operation can meet the continuity requirements of the service. If the currently executed service does not have continuity requirements, executing the third operation can save power consumption.

[0080] In the sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another communication method, which is applied to a non-terrestrial network communication scenario. The method includes: in the case of a first cell managed by an access network device, when the network device is in a second mode, an uplink signal is sent through a first resource, and the first resource is associated with a downlink synchronization signal. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0081] In an embodiment of the present application, when the network device is in the second mode, an uplink signal is sent through the first resource; there is no need to allocate resources for sending the uplink signal through downlink scheduling information, which can save signaling overhead.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the sending of the uplink signal through the first resource includes: sending the uplink signal through the first resource based on synchronization information, the synchronization information is obtained based on a message sent by the network device in the second mode, or the synchronization information is obtained based on a message sent by the network device in the first mode, and the first mode is a mode that supports cell access.

[0083] In this implementation, the uplink signal is sent through the first resource based on the synchronization information, and the uplink signal can be sent when the network device is in the second mode.

[0084] In a possible implementation manner, the first information further includes the synchronization information.

[0085] In a possible implementation manner, the first information is carried in a broadcast message.

[0086] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another communication method, the method comprising: determining first information, the first information being used to determine a first time period, the first time period being a time period in which the network device is in a first mode, the first mode being a mode for supporting cell access; and sending the first information. The first mode may be a mode for supporting a communication device for cell access. The execution subject of the seventh aspect may be a network device or a processor, module, chip, or chip system that implements the method in the network device. The method of the seventh aspect can be applied to non-terrestrial network communication scenarios. For example, the network device is a base station deployed on a non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite). For another example, the network device is a base station connected to a ground station deployed on the ground for communicating with a non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite). The first mode being a mode for supporting cell access can be replaced by: the first mode being a mode in which the network device sends all system messages for cell access.

[0087] In the embodiment of the present application, first information is sent so that the communication device determines a first time period based on the first information and then performs cell access in the first time period.

[0088] In one possible implementation, sending the first information includes sending a broadcast message containing the first information in a first beam direction. The first beam direction is one beam direction or a partial beam direction among multiple beam directions of the network device. That is, the network device does not send the broadcast message containing the first information in some beam directions.

[0089] In this implementation, a broadcast message containing the first information is sent in a first beam direction so that each terminal device in the beam direction can receive the broadcast message containing the first information, and signaling overhead is relatively low.

[0090] In a possible implementation, the sending of the first information includes: sending the first information when in a second mode, the second mode being a mode that does not support cell access. In other words, the second mode is a mode in which the network device sends part of the system messages for cell access or does not send system messages for cell access. Exemplarily, the working modes of the network device (such as a base station) include a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the network device sends all system messages for the communication device to perform cell access. In the second mode, the network device does not send all system messages for the communication device to perform cell access or sends part of the system messages for the communication device to perform cell access. Compared with the first mode, the second mode sends fewer messages and consumes less power.

[0091] In this implementation, when in the second mode, the first information is sent, and it is not necessary to send all system messages for cell access; thus, power consumption can be saved.

[0092] In one possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate at least one of a remaining time that the network device is in the second mode, a duration that the network device is in the second mode, a period that the network device is in the second mode, a duration that the network device is in the first mode, and a period that the network device is in the first mode, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The second mode may be a mode that does not support cell access by a communication device.

[0093] In this implementation, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the remaining time, duration, and period of the network device being in the second mode, and the duration and period of the network device being in the first mode, so that the communication device determines the first time period based on at least one of the period, remaining time, and duration of the network device being in the second mode.

[0094] In a possible implementation, after sending the first information, the method further includes: when the start time of the first time period is reached, entering the first mode from a second mode, where the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0095] In this implementation, switching between the first mode and the second mode can ensure communication of the communication device while saving power consumption.

[0096] In one possible implementation, after sending the first information, the method includes: entering the first mode from the second mode when the second information is received within a second time period, the second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode, the first mode is a mode that supports cell access, the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access, and the second time period is determined based on the time when the first information is sent.

[0097] In this implementation, when the second information is received within the second time period, the first mode is entered from the second mode so that the communication device (or terminal equipment) can access the cell managed by the network device in a timely manner.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the start time of the second time period is offset by f2 time units from the time when the first information is sent, where f2 is an integer greater than 0. Exemplarily, the time when the first information is sent may be the time when a broadcast message containing the first information is sent.

[0099] In this implementation, the start time of the second time period is offset by f2 time units from the time when the first information is sent. Based on the time when the first information is sent and the offset, the start time of the second time period can be accurately determined.

[0100] In a possible implementation, entering the first mode from the second mode includes: entering the first mode from the second mode when a start time of a third time period is reached, and the third time period is a time period in which the network device is in the first mode.

[0101] In this implementation, when the start time of the third time period is reached, the second mode is entered into the first mode so that the communication device (or terminal equipment) can access the cell managed by the network device in a timely manner.

[0102] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: if the second information is not received within the second time period, performing a fourth operation within the third time period, where the fourth operation does not include entering the first mode from the second mode.

[0103] In this implementation, when the second information is not received within the second time period, the fourth operation is performed within the third time period, which can save power consumption.

[0104] In a possible implementation, the entering the first mode from the second mode includes: when a first start time is reached, entering the first mode from the second mode, where the first start time is related to a start time / end time of receiving the second information.

[0105] In this implementation, when the first start time is reached, the second mode is switched to the first mode so that the communication device can access the cell managed by the network device in a timely manner.

[0106] In a possible implementation, the offset between the first start time and the start time / end time of receiving the second information is y1 time units, where y1 is an integer greater than 0.

[0107] In this implementation, the offset between the first start time and the start time / end time of receiving the second information is y1 time units, and the first start time can be accurately determined.

[0108] In one possible implementation, before sending the first information, the method further includes: sending a first downlink signal, the first downlink signal being used for at least one of the following: determining that the network device is in the second mode, determining the time domain position at which the network device sends the first information, determining the frequency domain position at which the network device sends the first information, downlink synchronization, the second mode being a mode that does not support cell access, the start time / end time at which the first downlink signal is sent being offset by f1 time units from the start time at which the first information is sent or received, f1 being an integer greater than 0, and the frequency domain position of the first downlink signal being related to the frequency domain position of the first information. Exemplarily, the first downlink signal is a downlink synchronization signal.

[0109] In this implementation, a first downlink signal is sent so that the communication device can determine at least one of a frequency domain position, a time domain position of the first information, whether the network device is in the second mode, or downlink synchronization.

[0110] In one possible implementation, the method is applied to a network device, and the method further includes: when in a second mode, receiving an uplink signal carried on a first resource, the first resource is associated with a downlink synchronization signal sent by the network device, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0111] In this implementation, when in the second mode, the uplink signal carried on the first resource is received, which can achieve the reception of the uplink signal when in the second mode.

[0112] In a possible implementation, the first information is carried in a broadcast message, and the broadcast message also carries information for the communication device to obtain synchronization information. Exemplarily, the broadcast message also carries information for the communication device to obtain uplink synchronization information.

[0113] In this implementation, the broadcast message also carries information for the communication device to obtain synchronization information, so that the communication device sends an uplink signal based on the synchronization information.

[0114] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device having the function of implementing the behavior in the method embodiment of the first aspect above. The communication device can be a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device can be a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The functions of the communication device can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software, and the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein: the transceiver module is used to receive first information, the first information is used to determine a first time period, the first time period is a time period when the network device is in a first mode, and the first mode is a mode that supports cell access; the processing module is used to perform cell access during the first time period. The first mode can be a mode that supports cell access by the communication device.

[0115] In a possible implementation manner, the processing module is further configured to determine the first time period based on the first information.

[0116] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is specifically configured to receive a broadcast message including the first information when the communication device is not connected to a cell managed by the network device.

[0117] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to send second information in a second time period, where the second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from a second mode, where the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access, and the second time period is determined based on the time when the first information is received.

[0118] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to determine the second time period based on a time of receiving the first information, where the second time period is a time period in which the network device receives an uplink signal.

[0119] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to receive third information, and the third information is used to instruct the network device to accept the request to enter the first mode from the second mode; the processing module is specifically used to respond to the third information and perform cell access in the first time period.

[0120] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication device to enter a fourth mode, where the fourth mode is a mode that does not monitor a channel (eg, PDCCH).

[0121] In one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically used to control the transceiver module to receive signals for cell access (for example, including downlink synchronization signals and system messages) within the first time period; and perform cell access when the transceiver module receives signals for cell access.

[0122] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication device to switch from a fourth mode to a third mode, wherein the fourth mode is a mode of not monitoring a channel (eg, PDCCH), and the third mode is a mode of monitoring a channel.

[0123] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further used to start a timer based on the first information, and the timing duration of the timer is greater than or equal to the remaining duration of the second mode in which the network device is currently located; after the timer ends, cell access is performed.

[0124] In one possible implementation, the processing module is also used to switch the communication device from a third mode to a fourth mode at a first time (a moment) determined based on the first information when accessing or residing in the first cell managed by the network device, the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access, the operations performed in the third mode include the first operation, and the operations performed in the fourth mode do not include the first operation, and the first operation includes at least one of the following: monitoring a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and sending an uplink signal.

[0125] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to, when accessing a first cell managed by the network device, switch the communication device from a connected state to an idle state at a second time determined based on the first information, where the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. Exemplarily, the second time is the moment when the network device enters the second mode, determined based on the first information.

[0126] In one possible implementation, the processing module is also used to control the communication device to switch to a second cell when accessing the first cell managed by the network device before the network device enters the second mode. The first network device associated with the second cell is different from the network device, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0127] In one possible implementation, the processing module is also used to perform a second operation or a third operation based on the type of service currently being executed when accessing the first cell managed by the network device, the second operation including cell switching before the network device enters the second mode, and the third operation including staying in the first cell after the network device enters the second mode.

[0128] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to execute the second operation when the currently executed service has continuity requirements; and / or execute the third operation when the currently executed service does not have continuity requirements.

[0129] In one possible implementation, the processing module is also used to control the transceiver module to send an uplink signal through a first resource when accessing the first cell managed by the network device and when the network device is in a second mode, the first resource is associated with a downlink synchronization signal, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0130] Possible implementations of the communication device of the eighth aspect can refer to the various possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0131] For the technical effects brought about by various possible implementation methods of the eighth aspect, reference may be made to the introduction to the technical effects of the first aspect or various possible implementation methods of the first aspect.

[0132] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device having the function of implementing the behavior in the method embodiment of the second aspect above. The communication device may be a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (such as 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 terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device may be a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (such as 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 terminal device. The functions of the communication device may be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations, and the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing module, wherein: the processing module is configured to control the communication device to switch from a third mode to a fourth mode when the network device enters a second mode from a first mode, when the communication device accesses or resides in a first cell managed by a network device, the first mode being a mode that supports cell access, the second mode being a mode that does not support cell access, the operations performed by the communication device in the third mode including a first operation, the operations performed by the communication device in the fourth mode not including the first operation, and the first operation including at least one of the following: monitoring a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and sending an uplink signal. The power consumption of the communication device in the third mode is lower than that in the fourth mode.

[0133] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device having the function of implementing the behavior in the method embodiment of the third aspect above. The communication device can be a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (such as 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 terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device can be a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (such as 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 terminal device. The functions of the communication device can be implemented by hardware, or can be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software, and the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing module, wherein: the processing module is used to control the communication device to switch from a connected state to an idle state when the network device enters a second mode from a first mode when the communication device accesses a first cell managed by a network device, the first mode is a mode that supports cell access, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0134] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device having the function of implementing the behavior in the method embodiment of the fourth aspect above. The communication device may be a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (such as 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 terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device may be a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (such as 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 terminal device. The functions of the communication device may be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software, and the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing module, wherein: the processing module is configured to, when the communication device accesses a first cell managed by a network device, switch to a second cell before the network device enters a second mode, the first network device associated with the second cell is different from the network device, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0135] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which has the function of implementing the behavior in the method embodiment of the fifth aspect above. The communication device can be a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (such as 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 terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device can be a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (such as 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 terminal device. The functions of the communication device can be implemented by hardware, or can be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software, and the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing module, wherein: the processing module is used to perform a second operation or a third operation based on the type of the currently executed service when the communication device accesses a first cell managed by a network device, the second operation includes performing a cell handover before the network device enters the second mode, and the third operation includes staying in the first cell after the network device enters the second mode, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0136] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to execute the second operation when the currently executed service has continuity requirements; and / or execute the third operation when the currently executed service does not have continuity requirements.

[0137] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which has the function of implementing the behavior in the method embodiment of the sixth aspect above. The communication device can be a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (such as 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 terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device can be a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (such as 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 terminal device. The functions of the communication device can be implemented by hardware, or can be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software, and the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module, wherein: the processing module is used to send an uplink signal through the transceiver module through a first resource when the communication device accesses a first cell managed by a network device, when the network device is in a second mode, the first resource is associated with a downlink synchronization signal, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0138] In possible implementations of aspects 9 to 13, the communication device further includes a processing module, and the transceiver module is used to receive fourth information; the processing module is also used to determine the time period in which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode based on the fourth information.

[0139] For the technical effects brought about by various possible implementation methods of aspects 9 to 13, please refer to the introduction to the technical effects of various possible implementation methods of aspects 3 to 7.

[0140] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device having the function of implementing the behavior in the method embodiment of the seventh aspect above. The communication device can be a network device, or a component of a network device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device. Alternatively, the communication device can be a network device, or a component of a network device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device. The functions of the communication device can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software, and the hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module, wherein: the processing module is used to determine first information, the first information is used to determine a first time period, the first time period is a time period when the network device is in a first mode, and the first mode is a mode that supports cell access; the transceiver module is used to send the first information. The first mode can be a mode that supports the communication device to access a cell.

[0141] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is specifically configured to send a broadcast message containing the first information in a first beam direction.

[0142] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is specifically configured to send the first information when the communication device is in a second mode, where the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0143] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to control the communication device to enter the first mode from the second mode when the start time of the first time period is reached, where the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0144] In one possible implementation, the processing module is also used to control the communication device to enter the first mode from the second mode when the transceiver module receives second information within a second time period, and the second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode. The first mode is a mode that supports cell access, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The second time period is determined based on the time when the first information is sent.

[0145] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to control the communication device to enter the first mode from the second mode when the start time of a third time period is reached, and the third time period is a time period in which the network device is in the first mode.

[0146] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to, if the transceiver module does not receive the second information within the second time period, perform a fourth operation within the third time period, and the fourth operation does not include entering the first mode from the second mode.

[0147] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to control the communication device to enter the first mode from the second mode when a first start time is reached, where the first start time is related to a start time / end time of receiving the second information.

[0148] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is also used to send a first downlink signal, and the first downlink signal is used for at least one of the following: determining that the network device is in the second mode, determining the time domain position of the network device sending the first information, determining the frequency domain position of the network device sending the first information, downlink synchronization, the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access, the start time / end time of the first downlink signal being sent is offset by f1 time units from the start time of the first information being sent or received, f1 is an integer greater than 0, and the frequency domain position of the first downlink signal is related to the frequency domain position of the first information.

[0149] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is also used to receive an uplink signal carried on a first resource when the communication device is in a second mode, the first resource is associated with a downlink synchronization signal sent by the network device, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

[0150] For possible implementations of the communication device of the fourteenth aspect, reference may be made to various possible implementations of the seventh aspect.

[0151] For the technical effects brought about by various possible implementation methods of the fourteenth aspect, reference may be made to the introduction to the technical effects of the seventh aspect or various possible implementation methods of the seventh aspect.

[0152] In the fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another communication device, which includes one or more processors, and the one or more processors are used to process data and / or signaling so that the method of any one of the above-mentioned aspects 1 to 7 is implemented.

[0153] Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory storing a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by the processor, the communication device performs the method of any one of the first to seventh aspects described above. Exemplarily, the communication device may be a chip, the processor may be a processing unit in the chip, and the memory may be a random access memory or cache in the chip.

[0154] In the embodiment of the present application, during the execution of the above method, the process of sending information (or signal) in the above method can be understood as the process of outputting information based on the computer program or instructions of the processor. When outputting information, the processor outputs the information to the transceiver so that it can be transmitted by the transceiver. After being output by the processor, the information may undergo other processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, when the processor receives input information, the transceiver receives the information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the information, the information may undergo other processing before being input into the processor.

[0155] For operations such as sending and / or receiving involved by the processor, unless otherwise specified, or unless they conflict with their actual functions or internal logic in the relevant description, they can be generally understood as computer programs or instruction outputs based on the processor.

[0156] During implementation, the processor may be a processor specifically configured to execute these methods, or may be a processor that executes computer programs or instructions in a memory to execute these methods, such as a general-purpose processor. For example, the processor may also be configured to execute a program stored in a memory. When the program is executed, the communication device performs the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0157] In a possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device. In a possible implementation, the memory is located inside the communication device.

[0158] In a possible implementation, the processor and the memory may also be integrated into one device, that is, the processor and the memory may also be integrated together.

[0159] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver, and the transceiver is used to receive signals or send signals.

[0160] In the sixteenth aspect, the present application provides another communication device, which includes a processing circuit and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to obtain data or output data; the processing circuit is used to execute the method of any one of the first to seventh aspects above.

[0161] In the seventeenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program, and the computer program includes program instructions, which, when executed, enable the computer to execute the method of any one of the above-mentioned aspects from the first to the seventh aspects.

[0162] In the eighteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program, and the computer program includes program instructions, which, when executed, enable the computer to execute the method of any one of the first to seventh aspects above.

[0163] In the nineteenth aspect, the present application provides a chip comprising a communication interface and a processor; the communication interface is used for transmitting and receiving signals of the chip; the processor is used for executing computer programs or instructions so that a communication device comprising the chip executes a method as in any one of the first to seventh aspects above.

[0164] In aspect 20, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, comprising the communication device described in aspect 8 or any possible implementation of aspect 8, and the communication device described in aspect 14 or any possible implementation of aspect 14. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0165] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing that the method provided by an embodiment of the present application can be applied to a non-terrestrial network communication system;

[0166] FIG2a is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a transparent transmission scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0167] FIG2 b is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a regeneration scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0168] FIG2c is a schematic diagram of another satellite communication system in a regeneration scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0169] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0170] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a network device switching between a first mode and a second mode provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0171] FIG5 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0172] FIG6 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0173] FIG7 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0174] FIG8 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0175] FIG9 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0176] FIG10 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0177] FIG11 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0178] FIG12 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0179] FIG13 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0180] FIG14 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0181] FIG15 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0182] FIG16 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0183] FIG17 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0184] FIG18 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1800 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0185] FIG19 shows a simplified schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device;

[0186] FIG20 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a base station structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0187] The terms "first", "second", and various numerals (for example, "#1", "#2", etc.) in the specification, claims, and drawings of the present application are only used to distinguish different objects, rather than for describing a specific order. It will be appreciated that the various numerals involved in the embodiments of the present application are only for the convenience of describing the distinctions performed, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The size of the sequence number of each process below does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation to the implementation process of the embodiment of the present application. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any deformation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or equipment, etc. comprising a series of steps or units, is not limited to the steps or units listed, but optionally also includes steps or units that are not listed, or optionally also includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or equipment, etc.

[0188] The "embodiment" mentioned in this document means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It can be understood explicitly and implicitly by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments. In this application, the naming of messages is only used to distinguish different messages and should not be understood as a limitation. In other words, the name of any message in this application can be replaced with other names, and this application is not limited.

[0189] The terms used in the following embodiments of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. As used in the specification of the present application and the appended claims, the singular expressions "one", "a kind of", "said", "above", "the" and "this" are intended to also include plural expressions, unless there is a clear contrary indication in the context. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used in the present application refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more listed items. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The term "multiple" used in the present application refers to two or more. In the textual description of the present application, the character " / " generally indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0190] It is understood that in each embodiment of the present application, "A corresponds to B" means that there is a corresponding relationship between A and B, and B can be determined according to A. However, it should also be understood that determining (or generating) B according to (or based on) A does not mean that B is determined (or generated) only according to (or based on) A, and B can also be determined (or generated) according to (or based on) A and / or other information.

[0191] It should be understood that, in this application, indication includes direct indication (also known as explicit indication) and implicit indication. Direct indication of information A refers to including information A; implicit indication of information A refers to indicating information A through the correspondence between information A and information B and the direct indication of information B. The correspondence between information A and information B can be predefined, pre-stored, pre-burned, or pre-configured.

[0192] It should be understood that, in this application, information C is used to determine information D, which includes both information D being determined solely based on information C and information D being determined based on information C and other information. Furthermore, information C can also be used to determine information D indirectly, for example, where information D is determined based on information E, and information E is determined based on information C.

[0193] 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 in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" 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.

[0194] In addition, in each embodiment of the present application, "network element A sends information A to network element B" can be understood as the destination end of the information A or the intermediate network element in the transmission path between the destination end and the network element B, which may include directly or indirectly sending information to network element B. "Network element B receives information A from network element A" can be understood as the source end of the information A or the intermediate network element in the transmission path between the source end and the network element A, which may include directly or indirectly receiving information from network element A. The information may be processed as necessary between the source end and the destination end of the information transmission, such as format changes, but the destination end can understand the valid information from the source end. Similar expressions in this application can be understood similarly and will not be elaborated here.

[0195] The method provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system. As shown in FIG1 , the communication system may include terminal equipment, satellites, ground stations (also referred to as gateway stations or signal gateway stations), and base stations (not shown). In one possible implementation, the base station is deployed on the satellite, the base station is connected to the ground station via a wireless link, and the ground station is connected to the core network via a wired or wireless method. In one possible implementation, the base station is deployed on the ground and connected to a ground station that communicates with the satellite (see FIG2a below), the base station is connected to the core network via a wired or wireless method; wherein the satellite only has a transparent forwarding function. In one possible implementation, part of the base station's functions are deployed on the satellite, the base station is connected to the ground station via a wireless link, and the ground station is connected to the core network via a wired or wireless method. Wireless links may exist between satellites. For example, if the satellite only has a transparent forwarding function (i.e., the corresponding base station is deployed on the ground), only transparent forwarding is implemented between satellites. For example, if the base station or part of the base station functions are deployed on the satellite, signaling interaction and user data transmission between base stations can be completed between satellites. It is understandable that Figure 1 only shows one satellite and one ground station. In actual use, a multi-satellite and / or multi-ground station architecture can be adopted as needed. Among them, each satellite can provide services to one or more terminal devices, each satellite can correspond to one or more ground stations, each ground station can correspond to one or more satellites, and so on. The embodiments of the present application are not specifically limited. Each satellite can correspond to multiple beam directions, that is, messages are sent in multiple beam directions, and each beam direction corresponds to a ground area (or coverage area). In one possible implementation, the messages sent by the satellite in different beam directions are different. The message sent by the satellite can be forwarded transparently or sent by a base station deployed on the satellite. In other words, the messages sent by the satellite in different beam directions can be independently controlled in units of beam directions.

[0196] The method provided in the embodiment of the present application can also be applied to the Internet of Things (IoT) system, the Vehicle to X (V2X), and the narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) system; for example, it can be applied to the LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, the LTE time division duplex (TDD), the long term evolution (LTE) system, the fifth generation (5G) communication system, the future communication system, etc., and the embodiment of the present application is not specifically limited.

[0197] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. The terminal device can communicate with an access network device (or access device) in a radio access network (RAN). The terminal device can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, user agent, or user device. In one possible implementation, the terminal device can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on the water (such as a ship, etc.). In one possible implementation, the terminal device can be a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a sensor, a terminal in the Internet of Things, a terminal in the Internet of Vehicles, a drone, a fifth generation (5G) network, and any form of terminal device in future networks, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, terminal devices can also communicate with each other through device-to-device (D2D) and machine-to-machine (M2M). The terminal device shown in the embodiment of the present application may also be a device in the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT network may include, for example, the Internet of Vehicles. The communication methods in the Internet of Vehicles system are collectively referred to as vehicle to other devices (vehicle to X, V2X, where X can represent anything). For example, the V2X may include: vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle to pedestrian (V2P) communication, or vehicle to network (V2N) communication.

[0198] Ground stations can be used to connect satellites and base stations, or satellites (e.g., deployed with base stations) and core networks. Satellites can provide wireless access services for terminal devices, schedule wireless resources for connected terminal devices, and provide reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols. As an example, satellites can be base stations that use artificial earth satellites and high-altitude aircraft as wireless communication systems, such as evolutionary NodeBs (eNBs) or next-generation NodeBs (gNBs). As another example, satellites can also serve as relays for these base stations, transparently transmitting signals from these base stations to terminal devices.

[0199] Therefore, in some implementations of the present application, such as in the transparent transmission scenario of the satellite, the base station can be connected to the ground station shown in Figure 1. Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a transparent transmission scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2a, the terminal device can access the network through the air interface (the air interface can be various types of air interfaces, such as 5G air interfaces, etc.), the satellite is connected to the ground station through a wireless link, the base station is deployed on the ground and connected to the ground station for communicating with the satellite, the ground station is connected to the core network by wired or wireless means, and the core network is connected to the data network. There can be wireless links between satellites. In the system shown in Figure 2a, the satellite can have a transparent transmission forwarding function. Figure 2b is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a regeneration scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2c is a schematic diagram of another satellite communication system in a regeneration scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figures 2b and 2c, a terminal device can access the network via an air interface (which can be various types of air interfaces, such as a 5G air interface). A base station can be deployed on a satellite (e.g., in a satellite regeneration mode). For example, if a base station or part of a base station's functions are deployed on a satellite, the base station is connected to a ground station via a wireless link. The ground station is connected to the core network via a wired or wireless connection, and the core network is connected to the data network. Figure 2c shows that when a base station or part of a base station's functions are deployed on a satellite, signaling interaction and user data transmission between base stations can be completed between satellites.

[0200] For example, the network elements and their interfaces in FIG. 2a to FIG. 2c may be as follows:

[0201] Terminal devices can access the satellite network through the air interface and initiate calls, access the Internet, and other services. Base stations can be used to provide wireless access services, schedule wireless resources to accessed terminal devices, and provide reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols. Ground stations can be responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between the satellite and the core network. The core network can be used for user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication or billing, etc. The core network can be composed of multiple functional units, such as functional entities including the control plane and the data plane. For example, the core network shown in Figures 2a to 2c may include an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), and a user plane function (UPF). For example, AMF can be responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. UPF can be responsible for managing the transmission of user plane data, traffic statistics, etc. The air interface shown in Figures 2a to 2c can be understood as the wireless link between a terminal and a base station, or the wireless link between a satellite and a ground station. The Xn interface can be understood as the interface between base stations, primarily used for signaling exchanges such as handover. The NG interface can be used as the interface between a base station and the core network, used for signaling exchanges such as the core network's non-access stratum (NAS), as well as user service data. In systems with different wireless access technologies, the names of devices with base station functions may vary, and are not shown one by one in this embodiment.

[0202] The satellite may be a geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite or a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite of a non-geostationary Earth orbit (NGEO), or a high altitude platform station (HAPS). The specific type of satellite is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0203] In some deployments of the base station, the base station may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). In other deployments of the base station, the CU may further be divided into a CU-control plane (CP) and a CU-user plane (UP). In still other deployments of the base station, the base station may also be an open radio access network (ORAN) architecture, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific deployment method of the base station. In the present application, a base station is an example of a network device, and the base station may be replaced by a network device. For example, when the base station is an ORAN architecture, the network device shown in the embodiments of the present application may be an access network device in the ORAN, or a functional module, etc. In the ORAN system, the CU may also be referred to as an open (O)-CU, the DU may also be referred to as an O-DU, the CU-CP may also be referred to as an O-CU-CP, and the CU-UP may also be referred to as an O-CU-UP, etc. The deployment methods of the network devices listed here are only examples. With the evolution of standard technologies, network devices may have other deployment forms.

[0204] 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 and network architecture provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0205] As described in the background technology section, satellites are powered by solar energy, and network-side energy saving is very meaningful for satellite communications. The present application proposes a technical solution that can save power consumption of network-side devices (base stations or satellites deployed on satellites) in non-terrestrial network communication scenarios. The concept of the technical solution provided by the present application is that the network-side device in the non-terrestrial network communication scenario switches between a first mode (normal mode) and a second mode (power saving mode) in certain beam directions (for example, corresponding to uninhabited areas or ground areas with less access demand (for example, the access volume within a certain period of time is less than a threshold)); when the network-side device is in the first mode, the network-side device sends all system messages for the terminal device to access the cell, and the terminal device can access the cell managed by the network-side device when the network-side device is in the first mode; when the network-side device is in the second mode, the network-side device sends part of the system messages for the terminal device to access the cell or does not send system messages for the terminal device to access the cell, and the power consumption of the second mode is lower than that of the first mode. Some system messages used for terminal devices to access a cell may carry access restriction information and / or uplink synchronization information. The access restriction information is used by the terminal device to determine whether it can access the cell managed by the network-side device, and the uplink synchronization information is used by the terminal device to perform uplink synchronization. For example, the access restriction information includes a country code. When the terminal device does not support the communication service provided by the operator corresponding to the country code, it is determined not to access the cell managed by the network-side device. In the beam direction corresponding to an uninhabited area or a ground area with less access demand, the network-side device in the non-ground network communication scenario switches between the first mode and the second mode, which enables the terminal device to access the cell managed by the network-side device when the network-side device is in the first mode and saves power consumption.

[0206] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the method includes:

[0207] 301. The network device determines first information.

[0208] The network device can be a base station deployed on a satellite, see Figure 2b or Figure 2c; or it can be a base station deployed on the ground and connected to a ground station that communicates with the satellite (see Figure 2a below).

[0209] In one possible implementation, a network device determines a broadcast message containing first information. The first information is used to determine a first time period, which is a time period during which the network device is in a first mode, and the first mode is a mode that supports cell access. In other words, the first information is used to determine a time period during which the network device is in the first mode. Because the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode, the first information is used to determine a time period during which the network device is in the first mode, and can also be used to determine a time period during which the network device is in the second mode. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. In one possible implementation, the broadcast message may also carry information used by a terminal device to obtain uplink synchronization information. Exemplarily, the network device is a base station deployed on a non-terrestrial network device (e.g., a satellite), and the broadcast message containing the first information may be generated and sent by the non-terrestrial network device (e.g., a satellite). Exemplarily, the network device is a base station deployed on the ground and connected to a ground station that communicates with the non-terrestrial network device (e.g., a satellite), and the broadcast message containing the first information generated by the network device is transparently forwarded by the non-terrestrial network device via the ground station.

[0210] 302. The network device sends first information.

[0211] Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices receive the above-mentioned first information. The embodiment of the present application is described by taking a terminal device receiving the first information as an example. For example, one or more terminal devices receive a broadcast message containing the above-mentioned first information. In one possible implementation method, the network device sends the first information in the first beam direction, and the access demand in the ground area corresponding to the first beam direction is relatively small (for example, the access volume within a certain period of time is less than a threshold). In other words, the first beam direction corresponds to a ground area with relatively small access demand. The standard for relatively small access demand in the ground area can be set according to actual needs, and this application does not limit it. For example, the network device regards the ground area corresponding to a certain beam direction with a population density lower than a certain threshold as a ground area with relatively small access demand, and the threshold can be set according to demand. For another example, if the average value of the total number of access requests sent by each terminal device in the ground area corresponding to a certain beam direction within h hours is less than a certain threshold, the ground area corresponding to the beam direction is regarded as a ground area with relatively small access demand, and h is a real number greater than 0. In one possible implementation, multiple beam directions (including the first beam direction) of the network device correspond to ground areas with less access demand, and the message interaction between the network device and the terminal device in each beam direction is similar. This application describes it by taking the first beam direction as an example. Exemplarily, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode in multiple beam directions corresponding to ground areas with less access demand, and the ratio of the time point and / or duration of switching between the two modes in different beam directions may be different. For example, the ratio of the duration that the network device is in the first mode to the duration in the second mode in the first beam direction is less than the ratio of the duration that the network device is in the first mode to the duration in the second mode in the second beam direction, and the access demand of the ground area corresponding to the first beam direction is greater than the access demand of the ground area corresponding to the second beam direction.

[0212] In the present application, the switching of a network device between the first mode and the second mode refers to the switching of the network device between the first mode and the second mode in a certain beam direction (corresponding to a ground area with less access demand). The mode switching in the present application is based on the beam direction. In the present application, the network device being in the first mode or the second mode refers to the network device being in the first mode or the second mode in a certain beam direction (for example, the first beam direction). The network device being in the first mode in a certain beam direction refers to the network device sending all system messages for the terminal device to access the cell in the beam direction, and the network device being in the second mode in a certain beam direction refers to the network device not sending system messages for the terminal device to access the cell in the beam direction or sending part of the system messages for the terminal device to access the cell in the beam direction. In the present application, the network device entering the second mode from the first mode refers to entering the second mode from the first mode in a certain beam direction. In the present application, the network device entering the first mode from the second mode refers to entering the first mode from the second mode in a certain beam direction. In the present application, the network device entering the first mode or the second mode refers to entering the first mode or the second mode in a certain beam direction.

[0213] In one possible implementation, the network device sends first information in the first beam direction when it is in the second mode. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. Exemplarily, the above-mentioned second mode is a mode in which the above-mentioned network device sends part of the system messages for cell access or does not send system messages for cell access. Exemplarily, the working modes of the network device (such as a base station) include a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the network device sends all system messages for the communication device to perform cell access. In the second mode, the network device does not send all system messages for the communication device to perform cell access or sends part of the system messages for the communication device to perform cell access. Compared with the first mode, the second mode sends fewer messages and has lower power consumption. In this implementation, the network device sends the first information in the second mode. After receiving the first information, the terminal device will not perform cell access until the start time of the first time period (that is, the network device enters the first mode), that is, it does not need to monitor the channel and / or receive downlink signals, which can save power consumption.

[0214] 303. The terminal device determines a first time period based on the first information.

[0215] In one possible implementation, the first information (which may be named inactive information) is used to indicate at least one of the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the second mode, the period of the network device in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the first mode, and the period of the network device in the first mode. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The period of the network device in the first mode may be equal to the period of the network device in the second mode. The period of the network device in the first mode may be equal to the sum of the duration of the network device in the first mode and the duration of the network device in the second mode. Exemplarily, the first information is used to indicate the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode. The duration of the first time period may be a preset duration, such as 100ms, 1s, 5s, 10s, 1min, 5min, etc. In this example, the terminal device may determine that a moment #1 after the current moment has elapsed after the remaining duration is the start time of the first time period, and determine that a moment #2 after the preset duration of moment #1 is the end time of the first time period.

[0216] Exemplarily, the first information is used to indicate the period, remaining time and duration of the network device being in the second mode. Exemplarily, the first information is used to indicate the remaining time of the network device being in the second mode, the duration of the network device being in the first mode and the period of the network device being in the first mode. For example, the remaining time of the network device in the second mode is DeltaT, the duration of the network device being in the first mode is D, and the period of the network device being in the first mode is T. Assuming that the current moment is T0, the network device can be in the first mode based on the first information. The time period (i.e., the first time period) includes: [T0, T0+DeltaT], [T0+DeltaT+D, T0+DeltaT+T]+K*T, (K=0,1,2…). Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a network device switching between a first mode and a second mode provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4, T0 represents the current moment, DeltaT represents the remaining time that the network device is in the second mode, D represents the duration that the network device is in the above-mentioned first mode, T represents the period that the network device is in the first mode, the time shown in the rectangle filled with slashes is the time when the network device is in the first mode, and the time shown in the rectangle not filled with slashes is the time when the network device is in the second mode.

[0217] 304. The terminal device accesses the cell in the first time period.

[0218] In one possible implementation, the terminal device receives a signal for cell access (for example, including a downlink synchronization signal and a system message) within the first time period; upon receiving the signal for cell access, the terminal device performs cell access, that is, accesses the cell managed by the network device. It should be understood that if the signal for cell access is not received within the first time period, cell access is not performed. Exemplarily, the terminal device monitors a channel, such as a PDCCH channel, from the start time of the first time period, that is, receives a signal for cell access. In this implementation, a signal for cell access is received within the first time period so that the cell access is performed using the received signal for cell access.

[0219] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode. Before the terminal device accesses a cell in the first time period, the terminal device starts a timer based on the first information, with the timer duration being greater than or equal to the remaining duration of the second mode currently in which the network device is located. The terminal device accessing a cell in the first time period may be performed after the timer expires. In this implementation, the terminal device accesses a cell after the timer expires, allowing timely access to a cell managed by the network device. In one possible implementation, after the timer is started and before the timer expires, the terminal device enters a fourth mode (or power saving mode). This fourth mode is a mode in which the device does not monitor channels (e.g., PDCCH), thereby saving power. Entering the fourth mode may involve shutting down a receiver (corresponding to a receiving module, receiver), a transceiver module (which may include a transmitting module and a receiving module), or a transceiver (which may include a transmitter and a receiver). In one possible implementation, after the timer expires, the terminal device switches from the fourth mode to a third mode in which the device monitors channels, allowing for cell access. Switching from the fourth mode to the third mode may be starting the receiver, starting the transceiver module, or starting the transceiver.

[0220] In the embodiment of the present application, cell access is performed during the first time period. That is, cell access is not performed after receiving the first information until the start time of the first time period, i.e., there is no need to monitor the channel and / or receive downlink signals, which can save power consumption. Because the first time period is the time period when the network device is in the first mode, cell access is performed during the first time period so that the cell managed by the network device can be successfully accessed.

[0221] FIG5 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method flow in FIG5 is a possible implementation of the method described in FIG3. As shown in FIG5, the method includes:

[0222] 501. The network device determines first information.

[0223] 502. The network device sends first information.

[0224] Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices receive the above-mentioned first information.

[0225] 503. The terminal device determines a first time period based on the first information.

[0226] Steps 501 to 503 may refer to steps 301 to 303 in FIG. 3 .

[0227] 504. The terminal device enters the fourth mode.

[0228] In one possible implementation, the terminal device switches from the third mode to (enters) the fourth mode, the third mode is a mode for monitoring channels, and the fourth mode is a mode for not monitoring channels. Exemplarily, the operation performed by the communication device in the above-mentioned fourth mode does not include the first operation, and the above-mentioned first operation includes at least one of the following: monitoring the control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and sending an uplink signal. For a description of entering the fourth mode, please refer to the relevant description in the embodiment of Figure 3. After determining the first time period based on the first information, the terminal device enters the fourth mode to save power consumption.

[0229] 505. When the interval between the current moment and the start time of the first time period is less than a preset interval, the terminal device enters the third mode from the fourth mode.

[0230] The preset interval may be 50 us, 100 us, 1 ms, 2 ms, 5 ms, 10 ms, etc., which is not limited in this application. Step 504 and step 506 are optional.

[0231] 506. The network device enters the first mode from the second mode.

[0232] In one possible implementation, the network device switches from the second mode to the first mode at the start moment of the first time period. In one possible implementation, the network device switches from the second mode to the first mode at moment #1 before the start moment of the first time period, and the interval between moment 1 and the start moment of the first time period is less than 50us, 100us, 1ms, 2ms, 5ms, 10ms, etc. After the network device enters the first mode, it can send all system messages for the terminal device to access the cell. The network device is in the first mode during the first time period. In one possible implementation, the network device periodically switches between the first mode and the second mode, see Figure 4. It is uniformly explained here that the order of the steps executed by the network device and the steps executed by the terminal device is not limited.

[0233] 507. The terminal device accesses the cell in the first time period.

[0234] In an embodiment of the present application, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode. After the network device enters the first mode from the second mode, the terminal device can access the cell so as to access the cell managed by the network device; this can not only enable the terminal device to access the cell managed by the network device, but also save power consumption.

[0235] FIG6 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method flow in FIG6 is a possible implementation of the method described in FIG5. As shown in FIG6, the method includes:

[0236] 601. When the network device is in the second mode, the network device sends a first downlink signal.

[0237] Accordingly, one or more terminal devices receive a first downlink signal. This application describes an example in which a terminal device receives the first downlink signal. The first downlink signal may be a downlink synchronization signal. In one possible implementation, the first downlink signal includes one of a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS). The terminal device may determine that the network device is in the second mode based on the first downlink signal.

[0238] 602. The terminal device determines the time domain position and / or frequency domain position at which the network device sends the first information based on the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the first downlink signal.

[0239] In one possible implementation, the start time / end time at which the first downlink signal is received is offset by f1 time units from the start time at which the first information is sent or received, and f1 is an integer greater than 0. The frequency domain position of the first downlink signal is related to the frequency domain position of the first information. For example, the frequency domain position of the first downlink signal is offset by p resource blocks (RBs) or subcarriers from the frequency domain position of the first information. Based on the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the first downlink signal, the time domain position and / or frequency domain position at which the network device sends the first information is determined so as to better receive the first information subsequently. Exemplarily, the time domain position of the first downlink signal is the time domain position of the PSS or the time domain position of the SSS.

[0240] In one possible implementation, after determining the time domain location and / or frequency domain location at which the network device transmits the first information, the terminal device enters a fourth mode before the current time reaches the time domain location at which the network device transmits the first information. The fourth mode is a mode in which the channel (e.g., PDCCH) is not monitored. When the current time reaches the time domain location at which the network device transmits the first information, the terminal device enters the third mode, i.e., monitoring the channel. In this implementation, entering the fourth mode before the time domain location at which the network device transmits the first information can save power.

[0241] 603. The network device determines the first information.

[0242] 604. The terminal device receives the first information sent by the network device based on the determined time domain position and / or frequency domain position at which the network device sends the first information.

[0243] The first information sent by the network device can be received by one or more terminal devices.

[0244] 605. The terminal device determines a first time period based on the first information.

[0245] 606. The terminal device enters the fourth mode.

[0246] 607. When the interval between the current moment and the start time of the first time period is less than a preset interval, the terminal device enters the third mode from the fourth mode.

[0247] 608. The network device enters the first mode from the second mode.

[0248] 609. The terminal device accesses the cell in the first time period.

[0249] Steps 605 to 609 may refer to steps 503 to 507 in FIG. 5 .

[0250] In an embodiment of the present application, a terminal device receives the first information sent by the network device based on the determined time domain location and / or frequency domain location of the first information sent by the network device, thereby enabling better reception of the first information. Furthermore, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode. After the network device enters the first mode from the second mode, the terminal device can perform cell access to access a cell managed by the network device. This allows the terminal device to access the cell managed by the network device while also saving power consumption.

[0251] FIG7 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method flow in FIG7 is a possible implementation of the method described in FIG3. As shown in FIG7, the method includes:

[0252] 701. The network device determines first information.

[0253] 702. The network device sends first information.

[0254] 703. The terminal device determines a first time period based on the first information.

[0255] Steps 701 to 703 may refer to steps 301 to 303 in FIG. 3 .

[0256] 704. The network device enters the first mode from the second mode.

[0257] Step 704 may refer to step 506 in FIG. 6 .

[0258] 705. The terminal device accesses the cell in the first time period.

[0259] In a possible implementation, steps 701 to 705 in FIG. 7 may be replaced by steps 501 to 507 in FIG. 5 , or may be replaced by steps 601 to 609 in FIG. 6 .

[0260] 7061. When the terminal device accesses or resides in the first cell managed by the network device, when the network device enters the second mode, the terminal device switches from the third mode to the fourth mode.

[0261] The above-mentioned second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The operations performed by the terminal device in the third mode include the first operation. The operations performed by the terminal device in the fourth mode do not include the first operation. The above-mentioned first operation includes at least one of the following: monitoring the control channel, receiving downlink signals, and sending uplink signals. Exemplarily, the fourth mode is the dormant state of the discontinuous reception (DRX) mode of the terminal device, and the third mode is the activated state of the DRX mode of the terminal device. For possible implementations of the terminal device switching from the third mode to the fourth mode (i.e., entering the fourth mode), please refer to the relevant description in the embodiment of Figure 3.

[0262] In one possible implementation, if the terminal device itself has been configured with a DRX mode (i.e., the DRX state at the terminal device level), the state of the DRX mode is determined by the state originally configured for the DRX mode and the mode that the network device is in. For example, if the DRX mode of the terminal device is in an active state, the network device enters the second mode, then the active state of the DRX mode during this period is overwritten by the second mode of the network device, that is, the DRX mode of the terminal device enters a dormant state from an active state. The DRX mode of the terminal device entering a dormant state from an active state is an example of the terminal device switching from the third mode to the fourth mode.

[0263] In one possible implementation, when the terminal device accesses or resides in the first cell managed by the network device, when the network device enters the first mode from the second mode, the terminal device switches from the fourth mode to the third mode to interact with the network device.

[0264] 7062. When the terminal device accesses the first cell managed by the network device, when the network device enters the second mode, it switches from the connected state to the idle state.

[0265] When the network device enters the second mode, the terminal device switches from the connected state to the idle state, thereby saving power consumption. After switching to the idle state, the terminal device can subsequently re-access the cell managed by the network device.

[0266] 7063. When the terminal device accesses the first cell managed by the network device, it switches to the second cell before the network device enters the second mode.

[0267] The network device associated with the above-mentioned second cell is different from the above-mentioned network device, and the above-mentioned second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. In one possible implementation, the network device has different times to enter the second mode (power saving mode) for different beam directions. Terminal devices in different beam directions can start measuring the reference signal of the neighboring cell according to the time when the network device enters the second mode in the beam direction. Terminal devices in different beam directions can switch to cells managed by other network devices (such as satellites) at different times. Before the network device enters the second mode, the terminal device switches to the second cell to ensure service continuity.

[0268] 7064. When the terminal device accesses the first cell managed by the network device, the terminal device performs the second operation or the third operation based on the type of the currently executed service.

[0269] The second operation includes performing a cell handover before the network device enters the second mode. The third operation includes residing in the first cell after the network device enters the second mode. In one possible implementation, the third operation also includes the terminal device entering a fourth mode, which further reduces power consumption. After the network device enters the first mode from the second mode, the terminal device may enter the third mode from the fourth mode.

[0270] In one possible implementation, performing the second or third operation based on the type of the currently executed service includes: performing the second operation if the currently executed service requires continuity; and / or performing the third operation if the currently executed service does not require continuity. In this implementation, if the currently executed service requires continuity, performing the second operation allows the service requiring continuity to be satisfied by switching to the second cell. If the currently executed service does not require continuity, performing the third operation reduces unnecessary operations and saves power.

[0271] 7065. When the terminal device accesses the first cell managed by the network device, when the network device is in the second mode, the terminal device sends an uplink signal through the first resource.

[0272] Accordingly, the network device receives the uplink signal. In one possible implementation, when in the second mode, the network device receives the uplink signal sent by the terminal device via the first resource. For example, when in the second mode, the network device only receives the uplink signal at the time-frequency position corresponding to the first resource. This can save power consumption and leave the terminal device with an opportunity to send the uplink signal in the second mode.

[0273] The above-mentioned first resource is associated with the downlink synchronization signal. In other words, the first resource is a resource associated with the downlink synchronization signal. The terminal device can determine the first resource based on the downlink synchronization signal. Exemplarily, the time domain resource of the first resource is the first uplink time unit (including one or more time units) after the first downlink time unit (such as a subframe, time slot, etc.) corresponding to the downlink synchronization signal, and the first uplink time unit and the first downlink time unit are separated by h time units, where h is a predefined integer, and the frequency domain resource of the first resource is predefined or the frequency domain resource of the first resource is offset by g RBs or subcarriers from the frequency domain resource of the downlink synchronization signal, where g is a predefined integer. The above-mentioned second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The first resource can be a resource reserved by the network device for a terminal device in a connected state for sending an uplink signal when the network device is in the second mode. In one possible implementation, the uplink signal is sent through the above-mentioned first resource based on synchronization information. The above-mentioned synchronization information is obtained based on the message sent by the above-mentioned network device in the second mode. For example, the above-mentioned first information also includes the above-mentioned synchronization information. For another example, the synchronization information is obtained based on a broadcast message sent by the network device in the second mode, which may or may not include the first information. Alternatively, the synchronization information is obtained based on a message sent by the network device in the first mode. For example, if the network device does not broadcast synchronization messages in the second mode, the terminal device can obtain information such as ephemeris before the network device enters the second mode, and this information will remain valid while the network device is in the second mode.

[0274] Steps 7061 to 7065 describe operations that may be performed by the terminal device after or before the network device enters the second mode when accessing or residing in the first cell managed by the network device. Steps 7061 to 7065 are five parallel solutions, that is, these five steps are parallel. The method flow in Figure 7 includes any one of steps 7061 to 7065.

[0275] The embodiments of the present application describe operations that a terminal device may perform after or before the network device enters a second mode when accessing or residing in a first cell managed by a network device. These operations can save power consumption or meet the service needs of the terminal device. The network device switches between the first mode and the second mode. After the network device enters the first mode from the second mode, the terminal device can perform cell access to access the cell managed by the network device. This allows the terminal device to access the cell managed by the network device while saving power consumption.

[0276] FIG8 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Compared with the method flow of FIG3 , the method flow of FIG8 is that the terminal device sends a message to the network device to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode. As shown in FIG8 , the method includes:

[0277] 801. A network device determines first information.

[0278] 802. The network device sends first information.

[0279] Steps 801 to 802 may refer to steps 301 to 302 in FIG. 3 .

[0280] 803. The terminal device determines a second time period based on the time of receiving the first information.

[0281] The second time period is a time period during which the network device receives uplink signals. The duration of the second time period may be predefined. The second time period may be a time period during which the network device receives uplink signals when in the second mode. Exemplarily, when the network device is in the second mode, uplink signals are received only during the second time period. The second mode may be a mode that does not support cell access.

[0282] In one possible implementation, the start time of the second time period is offset by f2 time units from the time when the terminal device receives the first information, and f2 is an integer greater than 0. Exemplarily, the time when the terminal device receives the first information may be the time when the broadcast message containing the first information is received. In the present application, the time unit may be a time slot, a subframe, a micro-time slot, etc., which is not limited in the present application. In one possible implementation, the network device determines the start time of the second time period based on the time when the first information is sent. Exemplarily, the start time / end time when the network device sends the first information is offset by f3 time units from the start time of the second time period, and f3 is an integer greater than 0. f2 and f3 can be set according to actual needs so that the start time of the second time period determined by the network device and the terminal device is the same. In one possible implementation, the network device pre-configures the second time period for receiving the uplink signal, and the terminal device determines the second time period based on the time when the first information is received.

[0283] 804. The terminal device sends second information in a second time period.

[0284] Accordingly, the network device receives second information. The second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode. The first mode is a mode that supports cell access. Exemplarily, the second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode in the first beam direction. The terminal device is located in a ground area corresponding to the first beam direction.

[0285] 805. When the network device receives the second information within the second time period, the network device enters the first mode from the second mode.

[0286] If the network device does not receive the second information within the second time period, it continues to stay in the second mode, that is, there is no need to enter the first mode from the second mode.

[0287] In an embodiment of the present application, sending the second information in the second time period may request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode so as to access the cell managed by the network device.

[0288] FIG9 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method flow in FIG9 is a possible implementation of the method described in FIG8. As shown in FIG9, the method includes:

[0289] 901. A network device determines first information.

[0290] In a possible implementation, the method flow in FIG. 9 may further include step 601 and step 602 in FIG. 6 , for example, both step 601 and step 602 are before step 901 .

[0291] 902. The network device sends first information.

[0292] Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first information. In a possible implementation, the terminal device receives a broadcast message including the first information when the terminal device is not connected to a cell managed by the network device.

[0293] 903. The terminal device determines a second time period based on the time of receiving the first information.

[0294] Steps 901 to 903 may refer to steps 801 to 803 in FIG. 8 .

[0295] 904. The terminal device determines, based on the first information, that the network device is in a third time period of the first mode.

[0296] The order of step 904 and step 903 is not limited. The first information is used to determine the time period during which the network device is in the first mode. In one possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the remaining time the network device is in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the second mode, the period during which the network device is in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the first mode, and the period during which the network device is in the first mode, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. In this implementation, based on the first information, it is possible to determine the third time period during which the network device is in the first mode, and then perform cell access in the third time period.

[0297] 905. The terminal device sends second information in a second time period.

[0298] 906. After sending the second information, the terminal device enters the fourth mode.

[0299] The fourth mode is a mode in which channels (e.g., PDCCH) are not monitored. Exemplarily, the operations performed by the communication device in the fourth mode do not include the first operation, and the first operation includes at least one of the following: monitoring a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and transmitting an uplink signal. After sending the second information, the terminal device enters the fourth mode, thereby saving power consumption.

[0300] 907. When the current moment is the start time of the third time period, the terminal device switches from the fourth mode to the third mode.

[0301] The third mode is a mode for monitoring channels. Steps 906 and 907 are optional. When the current moment is the start time of the third time period, the fourth mode is switched to the third mode to enable cell access. In addition, before the start time of the third time period, being in the fourth mode can save power consumption. In this application, the current moment being the start time of a time period can be the same as the start time of the time period, or there can be a slight difference between the current moment and the start time of the time period, such as 100us, 1ms, etc.

[0302] 908. When the network device receives the second information within the second time period, it enters the first mode from the second mode when the start time of the third time period is reached.

[0303] The above-mentioned second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode. The first mode is a mode that supports cell access. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The above-mentioned third time period is the time period when the network device is in the first mode. In one possible implementation, the network device can determine the start time of the second time period based on the time when the first information is sent. Exemplarily, the start time / end time when the network device sends the first information is offset from the start time of the second time period by f3 time units, and f3 is an integer greater than 0. f2 and f3 can be set according to actual needs so that the start time of the second time period determined by the network device and the terminal device is the same. In one possible implementation, the network device pre-configures the second time period for receiving uplink signals, and the terminal device determines the second time period based on the time when the first information is received. In this application, when the start time of a certain time period is reached, the current moment and the start time of the time period can be the same, or there can be a certain error between the current moment and the start time of the time period, such as 100us, 1ms, etc.

[0304] 909. The terminal device accesses the cell in the third time period.

[0305] In one possible implementation, the terminal device receives a signal for cell access (e.g., including a downlink synchronization signal and a system message) within the third time period; upon receiving the signal for cell access, the terminal device performs cell access. It should be understood that if the signal for cell access is not received within the third time period, the terminal device does not perform cell access. In this implementation, the terminal device receives a signal for cell access within the third time period, so that the terminal device performs cell access using the received signal for cell access.

[0306] In one possible implementation, before the terminal device accesses a cell in the third time period, it receives third information indicating that the network device accepts the request to enter the first mode from the second mode. The terminal device accessing the cell in the third time period may be performed by, in response to the third information, the terminal device accessing the cell in the third time period. In this implementation, the terminal device accesses the cell in the third time period in response to the third information so that the terminal device can successfully access the cell managed by the network device.

[0307] In one possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode; before the terminal device performs cell access in the third time period, the terminal device performs the following operations: based on the first information, a timer is started, and the timing duration of the timer is greater than or equal to the remaining duration of the second mode in which the network device is currently located; the terminal device performs cell access in the third time period as follows: after the timer expires, the terminal device performs cell access. Exemplarily, after the terminal device sends the second information in the second time period, the terminal device starts the timer based on the first information and enters the fourth mode; after the timer expires, the terminal device switches from the fourth mode to the third mode and performs cell access; power consumption can be saved. In this implementation, cell access is performed after the timer expires so that the terminal device can access the cell managed by the network device in a timely manner.

[0308] In an embodiment of the present application, when the network device receives the second information within the second time period, it enters the first mode from the second mode so that the communication device (or terminal device) can access the cell managed by the network device in a timely manner.

[0309] FIG10 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method flow in FIG10 is a possible implementation of the method described in FIG8. As shown in FIG10, the method includes:

[0310] 1001. A network device determines first information.

[0311] 1002. The network device sends first information.

[0312] 1003. The terminal device determines a second time period based on the time of receiving the first information.

[0313] 1004. The terminal device determines, based on the first information, that the network device is in a third time period of the first mode.

[0314] 1005. The terminal device sends second information in a second time period.

[0315] 1006. After sending the second information, the terminal device enters the fourth mode.

[0316] 1007. When the current moment is the start time of the third time period, the terminal device switches from the fourth mode to the third mode.

[0317] Steps 1001 to 1007 may refer to steps 901 to 907 in FIG. 9 .

[0318] 1008. If the network device does not receive the second information within the second time period, the network device is in the second mode in the third time period and sends the fifth information.

[0319] The fifth information is similar to the first information. In one possible implementation, the fifth information is included in the broadcast message. The fifth information is used by the terminal device to determine the time period during which the network device is in the first mode and the time period during which information is sent to the network device requesting the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode. Step 1008 can be replaced by: if the second information is not received within the second time period, performing a fourth operation within the third time period, wherein the fourth operation includes sending the fifth information and does not include entering the first mode from the second mode.

[0320] 1009. When the terminal device does not receive a signal for cell access within the third time period and receives fifth information, determine a fifth time period based on the time when the fifth information is received.

[0321] The fifth time period is the time period during which the terminal device sends information requesting the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode. In one possible implementation, the start time of the fifth time period is offset by f2 time units from the time when the terminal device receives the fifth information, where f2 is an integer greater than 0. Exemplarily, the time when the terminal device receives the fifth information may be the time when a broadcast message containing the fifth information is received.

[0322] 1010. When the terminal device does not receive a signal for cell access within the third time period and receives fifth information, based on the fifth information, determine that the network device is in a sixth time period of the first mode.

[0323] The order of steps 1009 and 1010 is not limited. Steps 1009 and 1010 can be combined into one step, i.e., if the terminal device does not receive a signal for cell access within the third time period and receives the fifth information, the terminal device determines the fifth time period based on the time of receiving the fifth information, and determines, based on the fifth information, the sixth time period during which the network device is in the first mode. The manner in which the terminal device determines that the network device is in the sixth time period in the first mode based on the fifth information is similar to the manner in which the terminal device determines that the network device is in the third time period in the first mode based on the first information.

[0324] 1011. The terminal device sends second information in the fifth time period.

[0325] 1012. When the network device receives the second information within the fifth time period, it enters the first mode from the second mode when the start time of the sixth time period is reached.

[0326] The fifth time period is the time period in which the network device receives the uplink signal from the terminal device. In one possible implementation, the network device determines the start time of the fifth time period based on the time when the fifth information is sent. Exemplarily, the start time / end time when the network device sends the fifth information is offset from the start time of the fifth time period by f3 time units, and f3 is an integer greater than 0. f2 and f3 can be set according to actual needs so that the start time of the fifth time period determined by the network device and the terminal device is the same. In one possible implementation, the network device pre-configures the fifth time period for receiving the uplink signal, and the terminal device determines the fifth time period based on the time when the fifth information is received.

[0327] 1013. The terminal device accesses the cell in the sixth time period.

[0328] In this embodiment of the present application, if the network device does not receive the second information within the second time period, it is in the second mode during the third time period and sends the fifth information, thereby saving power consumption. If the network device receives the second information during the fifth time period, it switches from the second mode to the first mode when the start time of the sixth time period arrives, so that the terminal device can promptly access the cell managed by the network device.

[0329] FIG11 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method flow in FIG11 is a possible implementation of the method described in FIG9 or FIG10. As shown in FIG11, the method includes:

[0330] 1101. The network device determines first information.

[0331] 1102. The network device sends first information.

[0332] 1103. The terminal device determines a second time period based on the time of receiving the first information.

[0333] 1104. The terminal device determines, based on the first information, that the network device is in a third time period of the first mode.

[0334] 1105. The terminal device sends second information in a second time period.

[0335] 1106. After sending the second information, the terminal device enters the fourth mode.

[0336] 1107. When the current moment is the start time of the third time period, the terminal device switches from the fourth mode to the third mode.

[0337] 1108. When the network device receives the second information within the second time period, it enters the first mode from the second mode when the start time of the third time period is reached.

[0338] 1109. The terminal device accesses the cell in the third time period.

[0339] Steps 1101 to 1109 may refer to steps 901 to 909 in Figure 9. Steps 1101 to 1109 may be replaced by steps 1001 to 1013 in Figure 10.

[0340] 11101. When the terminal device accesses or resides in the first cell managed by the network device, when the network device enters the second mode, the terminal device switches from the third mode to the fourth mode.

[0341] 11102. When the terminal device accesses the first cell managed by the network device, when the network device enters the second mode, it switches from the connected state to the idle state.

[0342] When the network device enters the second mode, the terminal device switches from the connected state to the idle state, thereby saving power consumption.

[0343] 11103. When the terminal device accesses the first cell managed by the network device, it switches to the second cell before the network device enters the second mode.

[0344] 11104. When the terminal device accesses the first cell managed by the network device, the terminal device performs the second operation or the third operation based on the type of the currently executed service.

[0345] 11105. When the terminal device accesses the first cell managed by the network device, when the network device is in the second mode, the terminal device sends an uplink signal through the first resource.

[0346] Steps 11101 to 11105 can refer to steps 7061 to 7065 in FIG7 and will not be described in detail here. Steps 11101 to 11105 are five parallel schemes, that is, these five steps are parallel. The method flow in FIG11 includes any one of steps 11101 to 11105.

[0347] The embodiments of the present application describe operations that a terminal device may perform after or before the network device enters a second mode when accessing or residing in a first cell managed by a network device. These operations can save power consumption or meet the service needs of the terminal device. The network device switches between the first mode and the second mode. After the network device enters the first mode from the second mode, the terminal device can perform cell access to access the cell managed by the network device. This allows the terminal device to access the cell managed by the network device while saving power consumption.

[0348] FIG12 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method flow in FIG12 is a possible implementation of the method described in FIG8. As shown in FIG12, the method includes:

[0349] 1201. The network device determines first information.

[0350] In a possible implementation, the method flow in FIG12 may further include step 601 and step 602 in FIG6 , for example, step 601 and step 602 are both before step 1201 .

[0351] 1202. The network device sends first information.

[0352] 1203. The terminal device determines a second time period based on the time of receiving the first information.

[0353] 1204. The terminal device sends second information in a second time period.

[0354] The second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode.

[0355] Steps 1201 to 1204 may refer to steps 801 to 804 in FIG. 8 .

[0356] 1205. After sending the second information, the terminal device enters the fourth mode.

[0357] Step 1205 may refer to step 906 in FIG. 9 .

[0358] 1206. When the current moment is the start time of the fourth time period, the terminal device switches from the fourth mode to the third mode.

[0359] The start time of the fourth time period is related to the start time / end time of the terminal device sending the second information. The fourth time period is the time period during which the network device is in the first mode. Steps 1205 and 1206 are optional.

[0360] In one possible implementation, after sending the second information, the terminal device may determine the fourth time period based on the start time / end time of sending the second information, and the duration of the fourth time period may be predefined. In this implementation, the fourth time period may be determined quickly and accurately based on the start time / end time of sending the second information. In one possible implementation, the start time of the fourth time period is offset from the start time / end time of sending the second information by y1 time units, where y1 is an integer greater than 0. y1 may be set according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0361] 1207. When the second information is received within the second time period, the network device enters the first mode from the second mode when the first start time is reached.

[0362] The first start time is related to the start time / end time of the network device receiving the second information. The network device can determine the first start time based on the start time / end time of receiving the second information. In one possible implementation, the offset between the first start time and the start time / end time of the network device receiving the second information is y1 time units, where y1 is an integer greater than 0. In this implementation, the offset between the first start time and the start time / end time of receiving the second information is y1 time units, which allows the first start time to be accurately determined.

[0363] 1208. The terminal device accesses the cell in the fourth time period.

[0364] Exemplarily, the start time of the fourth time period is the same as the first start time.

[0365] In one possible implementation, the terminal device starts a timer at the start time / end time of sending the second information, with the timer duration being equal to the y1 time units. The terminal device performing cell access in the fourth time period may include performing cell access after the timer expires. Optionally, after starting the timer, the terminal device enters the fourth mode from the third mode; and after the timer expires, the terminal device switches from the fourth mode to the third mode. In this implementation, cell access is performed after the timer expires, allowing timely access to a cell managed by the network device.

[0366] In an embodiment of the present application, when the second information is received within the second time period, when the first start time is reached, the network device enters the first mode from the second mode, so that the terminal device can access the cell managed by the network device in a timely manner.

[0367] FIG13 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method flow in FIG13 is a possible implementation of the method described in FIG8. As shown in FIG13, the method includes:

[0368] 1301. The network device determines first information.

[0369] 1302. The network device sends first information.

[0370] 1303. The terminal device determines a second time period based on the time of receiving the first information.

[0371] 1304. The terminal device sends second information in a second time period.

[0372] 1305. After sending the second information, the terminal device enters the fourth mode.

[0373] 1306. When the current moment is the start time of the fourth time period, the terminal device switches from the fourth mode to the third mode.

[0374] Steps 1301 to 1306 may refer to steps 1201 to 1206 in FIG. 12 .

[0375] 1307. If the network device does not receive the second information within the second time period, it is in the second mode in the fourth time period and sends the sixth information.

[0376] The sixth information is similar to the first information. In one possible implementation, the sixth information is included in the broadcast message. The sixth information is used by the terminal device to determine the time period for sending information (e.g., the second information) to the network device for requesting the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode. Step 1307 can be replaced by: if the second information is not received within the second time period, performing the fourth operation within the fourth time period, wherein the fourth operation includes sending the sixth information and does not include entering the first mode from the second mode.

[0377] 1308. When the terminal device does not receive a signal for cell access within the fourth time period and receives sixth information, determine a seventh time period based on the time when the sixth information is received.

[0378] The seventh time period is the time period during which the terminal device sends information requesting the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode. Alternatively, the seventh time period may be the time period during which the network device receives uplink signals while in the second mode. Exemplarily, when the network device is in the second mode, uplink signals are received only during the seventh time period. The duration of the seventh time period may be predefined.

[0379] In one possible implementation, the start time of the seventh time period is offset by f2 time units from the time when the terminal device receives the sixth information, and f2 is an integer greater than 0. Exemplarily, the time when the terminal device receives the sixth information may be the time when the broadcast message containing the sixth information is received. In one possible implementation, the network device determines the start time of the seventh time period based on the time when the sixth information is sent. Exemplarily, the start time / end time when the network device sends the sixth information is offset by f3 time units from the start time of the seventh time period, and f3 is an integer greater than 0. f2 and f3 can be set according to actual needs so that the start time of the seventh time period determined by the network device and the terminal device is the same. In one possible implementation, the network device pre-configures the seventh time period for receiving the uplink signal, and the terminal device determines the seventh time period based on the time when the sixth information is received.

[0380] 1309. The terminal device sends the second information in the seventh time period.

[0381] 1310. When the network device receives the second information in the seventh time period, it enters the first mode from the second mode when the start time of the eighth time period is reached.

[0382] The start time of the eighth time period is related to the start time / end time of the second information sent by the terminal device in the seventh time period. The eighth time period is the time period in which the network device is in the first mode. The duration of the eighth time period may be predefined. The network device may determine the start time of the eighth time period based on the start time / end time of the second information sent by the terminal device in the seventh time period. The terminal device may determine the start time of the eighth time period based on the start time / end time of the second information sent in the seventh time period. It should be noted that the eighth time period determined by the terminal device and the network device is the same.

[0383] 1311. The terminal device accesses the cell in the eighth time period.

[0384] In this embodiment of the present application, if the network device does not receive the second information within the second time period, it is in the second mode during the fourth time period and sends the sixth information, thereby saving power consumption. If the network device receives the second information during the seventh time period, it switches from the second mode to the first mode when the start time of the eighth time period is reached, so that the terminal device can promptly access the cell managed by the network device.

[0385] FIG14 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method flow in FIG14 is a possible implementation of the method described in FIG12 or FIG13. As shown in FIG14, the method includes:

[0386] 1401. The network device determines first information.

[0387] 1402. The network device sends first information.

[0388] 1403. The terminal device determines a second time period based on the time of receiving the first information.

[0389] 1404. The terminal device sends second information in a second time period.

[0390] 1405. After sending the second information, the terminal device enters the fourth mode.

[0391] 1406. When the current moment is the start time of the fourth time period, the terminal device switches from the fourth mode to the third mode.

[0392] 1407. When receiving the second information within the second time period, the network device enters the first mode from the second mode when the first start time is reached.

[0393] 1408. The terminal device accesses the cell in the fourth time period.

[0394] Steps 1401 to 1408 may refer to steps 1201 to 1208 in Figure 12. Steps 1401 to 1408 may be replaced by steps 1301 to 1311 in Figure 13.

[0395] 14091. When the terminal device accesses or resides in the first cell managed by the network device, when the network device enters the second mode, the terminal device switches from the third mode to the fourth mode.

[0396] 14092. When the terminal device accesses the first cell managed by the network device, when the network device enters the second mode, it switches from the connected state to the idle state.

[0397] When the network device enters the second mode, the terminal device switches from the connected state to the idle state, thereby saving power consumption.

[0398] 14093. When the terminal device accesses the first cell managed by the network device, it switches to the second cell before the network device enters the second mode.

[0399] 14094. When the terminal device accesses the first cell managed by the network device, the terminal device performs the second operation or the third operation based on the type of the currently executed service.

[0400] 14095. When the terminal device accesses the first cell managed by the network device, when the network device is in the second mode, the terminal device sends an uplink signal through the first resource.

[0401] Steps 14091 to 14095 can refer to steps 7061 to 7065 in FIG7 and will not be described in detail here. Steps 14091 to 14095 are five parallel schemes, that is, these five steps are parallel. The method flow in FIG14 includes any one of steps 14091 to 14095.

[0402] The embodiments of the present application describe operations that a terminal device may perform after or before the network device enters a second mode when accessing or residing in a first cell managed by a network device. These operations can save power consumption or meet the service needs of the terminal device. The network device switches between the first mode and the second mode. After the network device enters the first mode from the second mode, the terminal device can perform cell access to access the cell managed by the network device. This allows the terminal device to access the cell managed by the network device while saving power consumption.

[0403] The technical solution provided by this application is described in the previous embodiment using a terminal device as an example. The following describes the technical solution provided by this application using terminal device 1 in the first beam direction, terminal device 2 in the second beam direction, and terminal device 3 in the third beam direction as examples. Figure 15 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 15, the method includes:

[0404] 1501. When the network device is in the second mode, the network device sends a broadcast message #1 containing information #1 in the first beam direction.

[0405] Accordingly, one or more terminal devices receive broadcast message #1 containing information #1. The embodiment of the present application is described using the example of terminal device 1 receiving broadcast message #1 containing information #1. Terminal device 1 is located in the ground area corresponding to the first beam direction. The ground area corresponding to the first beam direction is a ground area with less access demand. In the first beam direction, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode. The second mode is a power saving mode. In step 1501, the network device being in the second mode means that the network device is in the second mode in the first beam direction.

[0406] 1502. Terminal device 1 determines time period #1 based on information #1.

[0407] Information #1 is an example of the first information. Exemplarily, information #1 indicates the period, remaining duration, and duration of the second mode that the network device is in the first beam direction. Exemplarily, information #1 indicates the remaining duration of the second mode that the network device is in the first beam direction, the duration of the first mode that the network device is in the first beam direction, and the period of the first mode that the network device is in the first beam direction. Time period #1 is the time period during which the network device is in the first mode.

[0408] 1503. The network device enters the first mode from the second mode in the first beam direction.

[0409] In a possible implementation, the network device switches from the second mode to the first mode in the first beam direction at the start time of time period #1.

[0410] 1504. Terminal device 1 accesses the cell in time period #1.

[0411] 1505. When the network device is in the second mode, the network device sends a broadcast message #2 containing information #2 in the second beam direction.

[0412] Accordingly, one or more terminal devices receive broadcast message #2 containing information #2. This embodiment of the present application uses terminal device 2 receiving broadcast message #2 containing information #2 as an example for description. Terminal device 2 is located in the ground area corresponding to the second beam direction. The ground area corresponding to the second beam direction is a ground area with less access demand. In the second beam direction, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode. In step 1505, the network device being in the second mode means that the network device is in the second mode in the second beam direction.

[0413] 1506. Terminal device 2 determines time period #2 based on information #2.

[0414] Information #2 is an example of the first information. Exemplarily, information #2 indicates the period, remaining duration, and duration of the second mode in the second beam direction during which the network device is in the second mode. Exemplarily, information #2 indicates the remaining duration of the second mode in the second beam direction, the duration of the first mode in the second beam direction, and the period during which the network device is in the first mode in the second beam direction. Time period #1 is the time period during which the network device is in the first mode.

[0415] 1507. The network device enters the first mode from the second mode in the second beam direction.

[0416] In a possible implementation, the network device switches from the second mode to the first mode in the second beam direction at the start time of time period #2.

[0417] 1508. Terminal device 2 accesses the cell in time period #2.

[0418] In one possible implementation, information #1 and information #2 are different, and / or time period #1 and time period #2 are different. In this implementation, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode in multiple beam directions corresponding to ground areas with less access demand, and the time points and / or the ratios of the switching durations of the two modes are different in different beam directions. For example, the ratio of the duration that the network device is in the first mode to the duration in the second mode in the first beam direction is less than the ratio of the duration that the network device is in the first mode to the duration in the second mode in the second beam direction, and the access demand of the ground area corresponding to the first beam direction is greater than the access demand of the ground area corresponding to the second beam direction.

[0419] In one possible implementation, information #1 and information #2 are identical, and time period #1 and time period #2 are identical. In this implementation, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode in multiple beam directions corresponding to terrestrial areas with low access demand, with the switching timing and duration ratio between the two modes being the same for different beam directions. In other words, the network device transmits the same information in multiple beam directions corresponding to terrestrial areas with low access demand, and switches between the first mode and the second mode synchronously.

[0420] 1509. The network device sends a broadcast message #3 in the third beam direction.

[0421] Accordingly, one or more terminal devices receive broadcast message #3. This embodiment of the present application uses terminal device 3 receiving broadcast message #3 as an example. Broadcast message #3 may include all system messages used by the terminal device for cell access. The network device remains in the first mode in the third beam direction. In other words, the network device periodically transmits all system messages used by the terminal device for cell access in the third beam direction. The ground area corresponding to the third beam direction is a ground area with a high access demand.

[0422] 1510. Terminal device 3 accesses the cell based on broadcast message #3.

[0423] Steps 1501 to 1504, 1505 to 1508, and 1501 to 1510 may be independent of each other. The order of steps 1501 to 1504, 1505 to 1508, and 1501 to 1510 is not limited.

[0424] In this embodiment of the present application, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode in the first beam direction, and switches between the first mode and the second mode in the second beam direction. This can both meet the access needs of terminal devices in ground areas with less access demand and save power. Sending broadcast message #3 in the third beam direction can meet the access needs of terminal devices in ground areas with greater demand.

[0425] FIG16 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG16 , the method includes:

[0426] 1601. When the network device is in the second mode, the network device sends a broadcast message #1 containing information #1 in the first beam direction.

[0427] Accordingly, one or more terminal devices receive broadcast message #1 including information #1. This embodiment of the application is described by taking terminal device 1 receiving broadcast message #1 including information #1 as an example. Step 1601 can refer to step 1501 in FIG.

[0428] 1602. Terminal device 1 determines time period #3 based on the time of receiving broadcast message #1.

[0429] Time period #3 is an example of the second time period. Step 1602 can refer to step 803 in FIG8 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0430] 1603. Terminal device 1 determines, based on information #1, time period #4 in which the network device is in the first mode.

[0431] Information #1 is an example of the first information, and time period #4 is an example of the third time period or the first time period. Step 1603 may refer to step 904 in Figure 9. Time period #4 may be a time period in which the network device is in the first mode in the first beam direction.

[0432] 1604. Terminal device 1 sends information #3 in time period #3.

[0433] Information #3 is an example of the second information mentioned above. Information #3 is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode in the first beam direction.

[0434] 1605. When the network device receives information #3 in time period #3, it enters the first mode from the second mode in the first beam direction when the start time of time period #4 is reached.

[0435] Step 1605 may refer to step 908 in Figure 9. If the network device does not receive information #3 within time period #3, it is in the second mode during time period #4.

[0436] 1606. Terminal device 1 accesses the cell in time period #4.

[0437] 1607. When the network device is in the second mode, the network device sends a broadcast message #2 containing information #2 in the second beam direction.

[0438] Accordingly, one or more terminal devices receive broadcast message #2 containing information #12. This embodiment of the application is described by taking terminal device 2 receiving broadcast message #2 containing information #2 as an example. Step 1607 can refer to step 1505 in Figure 15.

[0439] 1608. Terminal device 2 determines time period #5 based on the time of receiving broadcast message #2.

[0440] Time period #5 is an example of the second time period. Step 1608 can refer to step 803 in Figure 8 and will not be described in detail here.

[0441] 1609. Terminal device 2 determines, based on information #2, time period #6 in which the network device is in the first mode.

[0442] Information #2 is an example of the first information, and time period #6 is an example of the third time period. Step 1609 may refer to step 904 in Figure 9. Time period #6 may be a time period in which the network device is in the first mode in the second beam direction.

[0443] 1610. Terminal device 2 sends information #4 in time period #5.

[0444] Information #4 is an example of the second information mentioned above. Information #4 is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode in the second beam direction.

[0445] 1611. When the network device receives information #4 in time period #5, when the start time of time period #6 is reached, the network device enters the first mode from the second mode in the second beam direction.

[0446] Step 1611 can refer to step 908 in Figure 9. If the network device does not receive information #4 within time period #5, it will be in the second mode during time period #6.

[0447] 1612. Terminal device 2 accesses the cell in time period #6.

[0448] In one possible implementation, information #3 and information #4 are different, and / or time period #4 and time period #6 are different. In this implementation, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode in multiple beam directions corresponding to ground areas with less access demand, and the time points and / or the ratios of the switching durations of the two modes are different in different beam directions. For example, the ratio of the duration that the network device is in the first mode to the duration in the second mode in the first beam direction is less than the ratio of the duration that the network device is in the first mode to the duration in the second mode in the second beam direction, and the access demand of the ground area corresponding to the first beam direction is greater than the access demand of the ground area corresponding to the second beam direction.

[0449] 1613. The network device sends broadcast message #3 in the third beam direction.

[0450] Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices receive broadcast message #3. The embodiment of the present application is described using the example of terminal device 3 receiving broadcast message #3.

[0451] 1614. The terminal device accesses the cell based on broadcast message #3.

[0452] Steps 1613 to 1614 may refer to steps 1509 to 1510 in FIG. 15 .

[0453] Steps 1601 to 1606, steps 1607 to 1612, and steps 1613 to 1614 may be independent of each other. The order of steps 1601 to 1606, steps 1607 to 1612, and steps 1613 to 1614 is not limited.

[0454] In this embodiment of the present application, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode in the first beam direction, and switches between the first mode and the second mode in the second beam direction. This can both meet the access needs of terminal devices in ground areas with less access demand and save power. Sending broadcast message #3 in the third beam direction can meet the access needs of terminal devices in ground areas with greater demand.

[0455] FIG17 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG17 , the method includes:

[0456] 1701. When the network device is in the second mode, the network device sends a broadcast message #1 containing information #1 in the first beam direction.

[0457] Accordingly, one or more terminal devices receive broadcast message #1 including information #1. This embodiment of the application is described by taking terminal device 1 receiving broadcast message #1 including information #1 as an example. Step 1701 can refer to step 1501 in FIG.

[0458] 1702. Terminal device 1 determines time period #3 based on the time of receiving broadcast message #1.

[0459] Time period #3 is an example of the second time period. Step 1702 can refer to step 803 in FIG8 , and will not be described in detail here.

[0460] 1703. Terminal device 1 sends information #3 in time period #3.

[0461] Information #3 is an example of the second information mentioned above. Information #3 is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode in the first beam direction.

[0462] 1704. When the network device receives information #3 in time period #3, it enters the first mode from the second mode in the first beam direction when the start time #1 is reached.

[0463] Information #3 is an example of the second information, and start time #1 is an example of the first start time. Step 1704 can refer to step 1207 in Figure 12 . For example, start time #1 is related to the start time / end time of when the network device receives information #3. The network device can determine start time #1 based on the start time / end time of receiving information #3.

[0464] In one possible implementation, the offset between start time #1 and the start time / end time of reception of information #3 by the network device is y1 time units, where y1 is an integer greater than 0. In this implementation, the offset between the first start time and the start time / end time of reception of the second information is y1 time units, and the first start time can be accurately determined.

[0465] 1705. Terminal device 1 accesses the cell in time period #7.

[0466] Time period #7 is an example of the fourth time period in the embodiment shown in Figure 12. In one possible implementation, after sending information #3, terminal device 1 can determine the above time period #7 based on the start time / end time of sending the above information #3. The duration of the above time period #7 can be predefined. In one possible implementation, the start time of the above time period #7 is offset from the start time / end time of sending the above information #3 by y1 time units, where y1 is an integer greater than 0. y1 can be set according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0467] 1706. When the network device is in the second mode, the network device sends a broadcast message #2 containing information #2 in the second beam direction.

[0468] Accordingly, one or more terminal devices receive broadcast message #2 containing information #12. This embodiment of the application is described by taking terminal device 2 receiving broadcast message #2 containing information #2 as an example. Step 1706 can refer to step 1505 in Figure 15.

[0469] 1707. Terminal device 2 determines time period #5 based on the time of receiving broadcast message #2.

[0470] Time period #5 is an example of the second time period. Step 1707 can refer to step 803 in Figure 8 and will not be described in detail here.

[0471] 1708. Terminal device 2 sends information #4 in time period #5.

[0472] Information #4 is an example of the second information mentioned above. Information #4 is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode in the second beam direction.

[0473] 1709. When the network device receives information #4 in time period #5, it enters the first mode from the second mode in the second beam direction when the start time #2 is reached.

[0474] Information #4 is an example of the second information, and start time #2 is an example of the first start time. Step 1709 can refer to step 1207 in Figure 12 . For example, start time #2 is related to the start time / end time of when the network device receives information #4. The network device can determine start time #2 based on the start time / end time of receiving information #4.

[0475] 1710. Terminal device 2 accesses the cell in time period #8.

[0476] Time period #8 is an example of the fourth time period in the embodiment shown in Figure 12. In one possible implementation, after sending information #4, terminal device 2 can determine the above time period #8 based on the start time / end time of sending the above information #4. The duration of the above time period #8 can be predefined. In one possible implementation, the start time of the above time period #8 is offset from the start time / end time of sending the above information #4 by y1 time units, where y1 is an integer greater than 0. y1 can be set according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0477] In one possible implementation, information #3 and information #4 are different, and / or time period #7 and time period #9 are different. In this implementation, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode in multiple beam directions corresponding to terrestrial areas with low access demand, with the switching timing and / or duration ratio of the two modes varying across different beam directions.

[0478] 1711. The network device sends broadcast message #3 in the third beam direction.

[0479] Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices receive broadcast message #3. The embodiment of the present application is described using the example of terminal device 3 receiving broadcast message #3.

[0480] 1712. Terminal device 3 accesses the cell based on broadcast message #3.

[0481] Steps 1711 to 1712 may refer to steps 1509 to 1510 in FIG. 15 .

[0482] Steps 1701 to 1705, steps 1706 to 1710, and steps 1711 to 1712 may be independent of each other. The order of steps 1701 to 1705, steps 1706 to 1710, and steps 1711 to 1712 is not limited.

[0483] In this embodiment of the present application, the network device switches between the first mode and the second mode in the first beam direction, and switches between the first mode and the second mode in the second beam direction. This can both meet the access needs of terminal devices in ground areas with less access demand and save power. Sending broadcast message #3 in the third beam direction can meet the access needs of terminal devices in ground areas with greater demand.

[0484] The following describes the structure of a communication device that can implement the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following only briefly describes the communication device. For details on the implementation of the solution, please refer to the description of the method embodiment above, which will not be repeated below.

[0485] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1800 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1800 can implement the functions or steps implemented by the network device in each of the above-mentioned method embodiments, or can also implement the functions or steps implemented by the terminal device in each of the above-mentioned method embodiments. The communication device may include a processing module 1810 and a transceiver module 1820. In one possible implementation, the device may also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions (code or program) and / or data. The processing module 1810 and the transceiver module 1820 can be coupled to the storage unit. For example, the processing module 1810 can read the instructions (code or program) and / or data in the storage unit to implement the corresponding method. The above-mentioned units can be provided independently or partially or fully integrated. For example, the transceiver module 1820 may include a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module can be a transmitter, and the receiving module can be a receiver. The entity corresponding to the transceiver module 1820 can be a transceiver circuit, such as a transceiver or a communication interface.

[0486] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1800 can implement the behaviors and functions of the network device in the above-described method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1800 can be a network device, or a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) used in a network device. The transceiver module 1820 can, for example, be used to perform all receiving or sending operations performed by the network device in the embodiments of Figures 3 and 5 to 17. The processing module 1810 can, for example, be used to perform all operations performed by the network device in the embodiments of Figures 3 and 5 to 17 except for the receiving and sending operations.

[0487] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1800 can implement the behaviors and functions of the terminal device in the above-described method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1800 can be a terminal device, or a component (such as a chip or circuit) used in the terminal device. The transceiver module 1820 can be used to perform all receiving or sending operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiments of Figures 3 and 5 to 17. The processing module 1810 can be used to perform all operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiments of Figures 3 and 5 to 17 except for the receiving and sending operations.

[0488] The present application further provides an apparatus 1900, which may be a terminal device, a processor in the terminal device, or a chip. The apparatus 1900 may be used to execute the operations executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiment.

[0489] When apparatus 1900 is a terminal device, FIG19 shows a simplified schematic diagram of the terminal device structure. As shown in FIG19 , the terminal device includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The memory can store computer program code, and the transceiver includes a transmitter 1931, a receiver 1932, a radio frequency circuit (not shown), an antenna 1933, and input / output devices (not shown).

[0490] The processor is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data; control terminal devices, execute software programs and process software program data, etc.

[0491] Memory is mainly used to store software programs and data.

[0492] Radio frequency circuits are mainly used for conversion between baseband signals and radio frequency signals and for processing radio frequency signals.

[0493] Antennas are mainly used to send and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves.

[0494] The input and output device may include a touch screen, a display screen, or a keyboard. The input and output device is mainly used to receive data input by the user and output data to the user. It should be noted that some types of terminal devices may not have input and output devices.

[0495] When data needs to be sent, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be sent and outputs the baseband signal to the RF circuit. The RF circuit then performs RF processing on the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal to the outside in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the terminal device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna. The RF circuit converts the RF signal into a baseband signal and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data. For ease of explanation, Figure 19 shows only one memory, processor, and transceiver. In actual terminal device products, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. The memory may also be referred to as a storage medium or a storage device, etc. The memory may be set independently of the processor or integrated with the processor, and this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0496] In the embodiment of the present application, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver functions can be regarded as the transceiver module of the terminal device, and the processor with processing function can be regarded as the processing module of the terminal device.

[0497] As shown in FIG19 , the terminal device includes a processor 1910, a memory 1920, and a transceiver 1930. The processor 1910 may also be referred to as a processing unit, a processing board, a processing module, or a processing device. The transceiver 1930 may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, or a transceiver device.

[0498] Optionally, the device used to implement the receiving function in transceiver 1930 is considered a receiving module, and the device used to implement the transmitting function in transceiver 1930 is considered a transmitting module. That is, transceiver 1930 includes a receiver and a transmitter. A transceiver may also be sometimes referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver module, or a transceiver circuit. A receiver may also be sometimes referred to as a receiver, a receiving module, or a receiving circuit. A transmitter may also be sometimes referred to as a transmitter, a transmitting module, or a transmitting circuit.

[0499] In one possible implementation, the processor 1910 is configured to execute the processing actions of the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 5 to 17. The transceiver 1930 is configured to execute the transceiver actions of the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 5 to 17.

[0500] It should be understood that FIG19 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the terminal device including the transceiver module and the processing module may not rely on the structure shown in FIG19 .

[0501] When the device 1900 is a chip, the chip includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The transceiver may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processor may be a processing module, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit integrated on the chip. The sending operation of the terminal device in the above method embodiment can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the terminal device in the above method embodiment can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0502] The present application further provides an apparatus 2000, which can be a network device or a chip. The apparatus 2000 can be used to perform the operations performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 to FIG. 17 .

[0503] When the apparatus 2000 is a network device, for example, a base station, Figure 20 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a base station structure. The base station includes parts 2010, 2020, and 2030.

[0504] Part 2010 is mainly used for baseband processing, base station control, etc.; Part 2010 is usually the control center of the base station, which can usually be called a processor, used to control the base station to perform the processing operations of the base station in the above method embodiment.

[0505] The 2020 part is mainly used to store computer program code and data.

[0506] Part 2030 is mainly used for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals and converting radio frequency signals into baseband signals; Part 2030 can generally be referred to as a transceiver module, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, etc. The transceiver module of Part 2030 can also be referred to as a transceiver or transceiver, etc., which includes an antenna 2033 and a radio frequency circuit (not shown in the figure), wherein the radio frequency circuit is mainly used for radio frequency processing. Optionally, the device used to implement the receiving function in Part 2030 can be regarded as a receiver, and the device used to implement the transmitting function can be regarded as a transmitter, that is, Part 2030 includes a receiver 2032 and a transmitter 2031. The receiver can also be referred to as a receiving module, a receiver, or a receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitter can be referred to as a transmitting module, a transmitter, or a transmitting circuit, etc.

[0507] The 2010 and 2020 sections may include one or more boards, each of which may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processor is used to read and execute programs in the memory to implement baseband processing functions and control the base station. If multiple boards are present, the boards may be interconnected to enhance processing capabilities. As an optional implementation, multiple boards may share one or more processors, multiple boards may share one or more memories, or multiple boards may simultaneously share one or more processors.

[0508] For example, in one implementation, the transceiver module in section 2030 is used to execute the transceiver-related processes performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 5 to 17. The processor in section 2010 is used to execute the processing-related processes performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 5 to 17.

[0509] It should be understood that FIG20 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the network device including the processor, memory, and transceiver may not rely on the structure shown in FIG20 .

[0510] When device 2000 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver, memory, and a processor. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processor can be a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. The sending operation of the network device in the above method embodiment can be understood as the chip's output, and the receiving operation of the network device in the above method embodiment can be understood as the chip's input.

[0511] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the method of the above embodiment. For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the method performed by the network device or terminal device in the above method embodiment.

[0512] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the method in the above embodiment is executed.

[0513] The present application also provides a communication system, comprising the above-mentioned network device and the above-mentioned terminal device.

[0514] The present application also provides a chip, which includes: a communication interface and a processor; the communication interface is used for sending and receiving signals of the above-mentioned chip; the processor is used for executing computer programs or instructions so that the communication device including the above-mentioned chip executes the method in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0515] An embodiment of the present application also provides a chip device, including a processor, for calling a computer program or computer instruction stored in the memory so that the processor executes the method provided by any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 3, 5 to 17 above.

[0516] In one possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the receiving operation in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 3, 5 to 17 above, and the output of the chip device corresponds to the sending operation in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 3, 5 to 17 above.

[0517] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0518] Optionally, the chip device further includes a memory, in which a computer program or computer instructions are stored.

[0519] The processor mentioned in any of the above may be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the method provided in any of the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 5 to 17. The memory mentioned in any of the above may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0520] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity of description, the explanation of the relevant contents and beneficial effects of any of the above-mentioned devices can refer to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0521] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the 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. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0522] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0523] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[0524] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the part that essentially contributes to the technical solution of the present application or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including several computer programs or instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0525] As described above, the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

[0526] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, 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 programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are performed in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions may be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; an optical medium, such as a digital video disk; or a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile types of storage media.

[0527] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receiving first information for determining a first time period during which the network device is in a first mode, where the first mode is a mode supporting cell access; Performing cell access during the first time period.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein After receiving the first information, the method includes: Sending second information during a second time period for requesting the network device to enter the first mode from a second mode, where the second mode is a mode not supporting cell access, and the second time period is determined based on the time of receiving the first information.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein Before sending the second information during the second time period, the method further includes: Determining the second time period based on the time of receiving the first information, where the second time period is a time period during which the network device receives an uplink signal.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The start time of the second time period has an offset of f2 time units from the time of receiving the first information, where f2 is an integer greater than 0.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, After sending the second information during the second time period, the method further includes: entering a fourth mode, where the fourth mode is a mode of not listening to the channel.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Before performing cell access during the first time period, the method further includes: Receiving third information for instructing the network device to accept the request to enter the first mode from the second mode; The performing cell access during the first time period includes: in response to the third information, performing cell access during the first time period.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate at least one of the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the second mode, the period of the network device in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the first mode, and the period of the network device in the first mode, where the second mode is a mode not supporting cell access.

8. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The start time of the first time period is related to the start time / end time of sending the second information.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The offset of the start time of the first time period from the start time / end time of sending the second information is y1 time units, where y1 is an integer greater than 0.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, After receiving the first information, the method further includes: Entering a fourth mode, where the fourth mode is a mode of not listening to the channel.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The performing cell access during the first time period includes: Receiving a signal for cell access within the first time period; and performing cell access when the signal for cell access is received.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, Before performing cell access during the first time period, the method further includes: Switching from the fourth mode to a third mode, where the fourth mode is a mode of not listening to the channel and the third mode is a mode of listening to the channel.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode; before performing cell access during the first time period, the method further includes: starting a timer based on the first information, where the timing duration of the timer is greater than or equal to the remaining duration of the network device in the current second mode; The performing cell access during the first time period includes: performing cell access after the timer ends.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein After starting the timer and before the timer expires, the method further includes: Entering a fourth mode, where the fourth mode is a mode of not listening to the channel.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein After starting the timer and before performing cell access, the method further includes: Switching from the fourth mode to a third mode, where the third mode is a mode of listening to the channel.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, Before receiving the first information, the method further includes: Receiving a first downlink signal; Based on the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the first downlink signal, determining the time domain position and / or frequency domain position at which the network device sends the first information. There is an offset of f1 time units between the start time / end time when the first downlink signal is received and the start time when the first information is sent or received, where f1 is a positive integer, and the frequency domain position of the first downlink signal is related to the frequency domain position of the first information.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The first downlink signal includes one of a primary synchronization signal PSS and a secondary synchronization signal SSS.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, After determining the time domain position and / or frequency domain position at which the network device sends the first information based on the time domain position and / or frequency domain position of the first downlink signal and before reaching the time domain position at which the network device sends the first information, the method further includes: Entering a fourth mode, where the fourth mode is a mode of not listening to the channel.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: In the case of accessing or camping on a first cell managed by the network device, at a first time determined based on the first information, switching from the third mode to the fourth mode. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. Operations performed in the third mode include a first operation, and operations performed in the fourth mode do not include the first operation. The first operation includes at least one of the following: listening to a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and sending an uplink signal.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that The method further includes: In the case of accessing a first cell managed by the network device, at a second time determined based on the first information, switching from the connected state to the idle state. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: In the case of accessing a first cell managed by the network device, before the network device enters the second mode, switching to a second cell. The first network device associated with the second cell is different from the network device. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that The method further includes: In the case of accessing a first cell managed by the network device, based on the type of service currently being performed, performing a second operation or a third operation. The second operation includes performing a cell handover before the network device enters the second mode, and the third operation includes camping on the first cell after the network device enters the second mode. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein Performing the second operation or the third operation based on the type of service currently being performed includes: In the case where the service currently being performed has a continuity requirement, performing the second operation; and / or, In the case where the service currently being performed does not have a continuity requirement, performing the third operation.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein The third operation further includes entering a fourth mode, and the operations performed by the communication device in the fourth mode do not include the first operation, where the first operation includes at least one of the following: listening to a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and transmitting an uplink signal.

25. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: When accessing the first cell managed by the network device and the network device is in the second mode, transmitting an uplink signal through a first resource, where the first resource is associated with a downlink synchronization signal, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein The transmitting the uplink signal through the first resource includes: Based on synchronization information, transmitting the uplink signal through the first resource, where the synchronization information is obtained based on a message sent by the network device in the second mode, or the synchronization information is obtained based on a message sent by the network device in the first mode, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein The first information further includes the synchronization information.

28. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that, After receiving the first information, the method further includes: determining the first time period based on the first information.

29. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that, The receiving the first information includes: when not accessing the cell managed by the network device, receiving a broadcast message including the first information.

30. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that, The first information is sent by the network device in the second mode, where the second mode is a mode in which the network device sends some system messages for cell access or a mode in which the network device does not send system messages for cell access.

31. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Determining first information, where the first information is used to determine a first time period, and the first time period is a time period during which the network device is in the first mode, and the first mode is a mode that supports cell access; Sending the first information.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein After sending the first information, the method further includes: When reaching the start time of the first time period, entering the first mode from the second mode, where the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

33. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, After sending the first information, the method includes: When receiving a second information within a second time period, entering the first mode from the second mode, where the second information is used to request the network device to enter the first mode from the second mode, the first mode is a mode that supports cell access, the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access, and the second time period is determined based on the time of sending the first information.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein The start time of the second time period has an offset of f2 time units from the time of sending the first information, and f2 is an integer greater than 0.

35. The method according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that, The entering the first mode from the second mode includes: When reaching the start time of a third time period, entering the first mode from the second mode, where the third time period is the time period during which the network device is in the first mode.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein The method further includes: When not receiving the second information within the second time period, performing a fourth operation within the third time period, where the fourth operation does not include entering the first mode from the second mode.

37. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 36, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate at least one of the remaining duration of the network device in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the second mode, the period of the network device in the second mode, the duration of the network device in the first mode, and the period of the network device in the first mode, where the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

38. The method according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that, The transition from the second mode to the first mode includes: When reaching a first start time, transitioning from the second mode to the first mode, where the first start time is related to the start time / end time of receiving the second information.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein The offset between the first start time and the start time / end time of receiving the second information is y1 time units, where y1 is a positive integer.

40. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 39, characterized in that, Before sending the first information, the method further includes: Sending a first downlink signal, where the first downlink signal is used for at least one of the following: determining that the network device is in the second mode, determining the time domain position where the network device sends the first information, determining the frequency domain position where the network device sends the first information, downlink synchronization. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The start time / end time when the first downlink signal is sent has an offset of f1 time units from the start time when the first information is sent or received, where f1 is a positive integer, and the frequency domain position of the first downlink signal is related to the frequency domain position of the first information.

41. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 40, characterized in that, The method further includes: When in the second mode, receiving an uplink signal carried on a first resource, where the first resource is associated with a downlink synchronization signal sent by the network device. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

42. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 41, characterized in that, The first information is carried in a broadcast message, and the broadcast message also carries information for synchronization.

43. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 42, characterized in that, The sending of the first information includes: sending a broadcast message containing the first information in a first beam direction, where the first beam direction is one beam direction or a partial beam direction among multiple beam directions of the network device.

44. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 42, characterized in that, The sending of the first information includes: when in the second mode, sending the first information, where the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

45. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a communication device, and the method includes: When accessing or camping on a first cell managed by a network device, when the network device transitions from the first mode to the second mode, switching from the third mode to the fourth mode. The first mode is a mode that supports cell access, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access. The operations performed by the communication device in the third mode include a first operation, and the operations performed by the communication device in the fourth mode do not include the first operation. The first operation includes at least one of the following: listening to a control channel, receiving a downlink signal, and sending an uplink signal.

46. The method according to claim 45, characterized in that, The method further includes: receiving fourth information; based on the fourth information, determining the time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode.

47. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: When accessing the first cell managed by a network device, when the network device switches from a first mode to a second mode, it switches from the connected state to the idle state. The first mode is a mode that supports cell access, and the second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

48. The method according to claim 47, wherein The method further includes: receiving fourth information; based on the fourth information, determining the time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode.

49. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: When accessing the first cell managed by a network device, before the network device enters the second mode, switch to a second cell. The first network device associated with the second cell is different from the network device. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

50. The method according to claim 49, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving fourth information; based on the fourth information, determining the time period during which the network device is in the first mode or the second mode.

51. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: When accessing the first cell managed by a network device, based on the type of the currently executed service, perform a second operation or a third operation. The second operation includes performing a cell handover before the network device enters the second mode. The third operation includes camping on the first cell after the network device enters the second mode. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

52. The method according to claim 51, characterized in that, Performing the second operation or the third operation based on the type of the currently executed service includes: performing the second operation when the currently executed service has a continuity requirement; and / or, performing the third operation when the currently executed service does not have a continuity requirement.

53. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: When accessing the first cell managed by a network device, when the network device is in the second mode, send an uplink signal through a first resource. The first resource is associated with a downlink synchronization signal. The second mode is a mode that does not support cell access.

54. The method according to claim 53, wherein Sending the uplink signal through the first resource includes: based on synchronization information, sending the uplink signal through the first resource. The synchronization information is obtained based on a message sent by the network device in the second mode, or the synchronization information is obtained based on a message sent by the network device in the first mode. The first mode is a mode that supports cell access.

55. The method according to claim 53 or 54, characterized in that, The first information further includes the synchronization information.

56. The method according to any one of claims 53 to 55, characterized in that, The first information is carried in a broadcast message.

57. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 30.

58. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 31 to 44.

59. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for implementing the method according to claim 45 or 46.

60. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for implementing the method according to claim 47 or 48.

61. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for implementing the method according to claim 49 or 50.

62. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for implementing the method according to claim 51 or 52.

63. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 53 to 56.

64. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program is stored in the computer-readable storage medium. The computer program includes program instructions. When the program instructions are executed, the computer executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 56.

65. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising a processor, the processor being coupled to a memory that stores computer program instructions, the processor being configured to execute the computer program instructions such that the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 56.

66. A chip, characterized in that, Comprising: A communication interface for signal transceiver of the chip; And A processor for executing computer program instructions such that a communication device including the chip performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 56.

67. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product runs on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 56.

Images