Communication methods, terminals, network devices, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

Communication methods, terminals, network devices, a communication system and a storage medium. A method executed by a terminal comprises: selecting a first beam of a first cell on the basis of first information, wherein the first information comprises a beam-level prediction result predicted for the first cell; and when it is determined to access the first cell, accessing the first cell by means of the first beam. In this way, the present disclosure can enhance mobility.

Description

Communication method, terminal, network device, communication system and storage medium Technical Field

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

[0002] Machine learning algorithms are one of the most important implementation methods of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Machine learning uses large amounts of training data to generate models, which can then be used to predict events. In many fields, machine learning models can produce highly accurate predictions. In the field of communications technology, these models can also be used for event prediction.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a terminal, a network device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, which is executed by a terminal. The method includes: selecting a first beam of a first cell based on first information, the first information including a beam-level prediction result predicted for the first cell; when determining to access the first cell, accessing the first cell through the first beam.

[0006] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, which is executed by a network device. The method includes: sending a first indication to a terminal, wherein the first indication is used by the network device to indicate that the terminal is allowed to select a beam based on predicted first information, the first information including a beam-level prediction result for a first cell, and the first beam selected by the terminal is used to access the first cell through the first beam when the terminal determines to access the first cell.

[0007] According to the third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal is proposed, including: a processing module, used to select a first beam of a first cell based on first information, the first information including a beam-level prediction result predicted for the first cell; when determining to access the first cell, access the first cell through the first beam.

[0008] According to the fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network device is proposed, including: a transceiver module for sending a first indication to a terminal, wherein the first indication is used by the network device to instruct the terminal to allow the terminal to select a beam based on predicted first information, the first information including a beam-level prediction result for a first cell, and the first beam selected by the terminal is used to access the first cell through the first beam when the terminal determines to access the first cell.

[0009] According to the fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores executable instructions, and when the executable instructions are executed by the processor, the terminal executes the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0010] According to the sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network device is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores executable instructions, and when the executable instructions are executed by the processor, the network device executes the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0011] According to the seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, comprising a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution of the present disclosure, at least the following beneficial technical effects can be achieved:

[0014] The terminal selects a first beam for the first cell based on first information, where the first information includes a beam-level prediction result for the first cell. If the terminal determines to access the first cell, it accesses the first cell using the first beam. This reduces the number of cell / beam measurements required, thereby minimizing interruptions, and allows the optimal first beam to be selected based on the accurately predicted first information, thereby increasing reliability and enhancing mobility management. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following drawings required for describing the embodiments are introduced. The following drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG1A is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG1B is a schematic diagram illustrating a four-step contention-based random access process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG1C is a schematic diagram illustrating a contention-based two-step random access process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG1D is a schematic diagram illustrating a four-step contention-based random access process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG1E is a schematic diagram illustrating a contention-based two-step random access process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG2 is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG3A is a flow chart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG3B is a flow chart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG3C is a flow chart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG3D is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG3E is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG3F is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG3G is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG3H is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG4 is a flow chart showing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG5 is an interactive diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device proposed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG8A is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG8B is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a terminal, a network device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0037] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication method, which is executed by a terminal, and the method includes: selecting a first beam of a first cell based on first information, wherein the first information includes a beam-level prediction result predicted for the first cell; when determining to access the first cell, accessing the first cell through the first beam.

[0038] In the above embodiment, the terminal selects the first beam of the first cell based on first information, which includes a beam-level prediction result for the first cell. If the terminal determines that it is to access the first cell, it accesses the first cell using the first beam. This reduces the number of cell / beam measurements, thereby minimizing interruptions, and allows the optimal first beam to be selected based on the accurately predicted first information, thereby increasing reliability and enhancing mobility management.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the beam-level prediction result of the first cell includes a beam prediction result of one or more beams to be predicted of the first cell, and the beam prediction result includes a predicted beam-level measurement result;

[0040] The method also includes: predicting the beam prediction result corresponding to the beam to be predicted of the first cell at a first time, wherein the first time includes any one or more of a first moment, a first time window, and a first timer duration.

[0041] In the above embodiment, by predicting the beam prediction result corresponding to the beam to be predicted of the first cell at the first time, since the beam prediction result includes the measurement result of the predicted beam level, the beam prediction result can be used to perform beam selection at the first time and avoid beam measurement, thereby avoiding the interruption of switching that may be enhanced during the beam scanning time.

[0042] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is obtained by prediction through an AI model.

[0043] In the above embodiment, more accurate first information can be obtained through AI model prediction, thereby improving the reliability of beam selection based on the first information.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the beam to be predicted includes at least one of the following:

[0045] The beam indicated in the configuration information of the first cell;

[0046] A beam of the first cell detectable by the terminal;

[0047] The actual beam measurement result before the first time meets the required beam.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the diversity of the beams to be predicted can support the application of the present disclosure to different application scenarios, thereby enhancing the scalability of the solution.

[0049] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the real beam measurement result is greater than a first threshold value, and determining that the real beam measurement result meets the requirements.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the beam whose actual beam measurement result before the first time is greater than the first threshold value can be used as the beam to be predicted at the first time. This can not only reduce the number of beams to be predicted but also improve the quality of the beam to be predicted, thereby improving the prediction efficiency and the quality of the prediction results.

[0051] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, selecting the first beam of the first cell according to the first information includes: selecting a reference signal corresponding to the first beam according to the first information.

[0052] In the above embodiment, it is specified that selecting the first beam of the first cell according to the first information is equivalent to selecting the reference signal corresponding to the first beam according to the first information.

[0053] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the reference signal includes a synchronization signal block SSB and / or a channel state information reference signal CSI-RS.

[0054] In the above embodiments, it is pointed out that the present disclosure is applicable to communication scenarios in which the reference signal includes SSB and / or CSI-RS.

[0055] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the predicting the beam prediction result corresponding to the beam to be predicted of the first cell at the first time includes: predicting the prediction result corresponding to the SSB and / or CSI-RS corresponding to the beam to be predicted at the first time.

[0056] In the above embodiment, it is standardized that the beam prediction result corresponding to the beam to be predicted of the first cell at the first time is equivalent to the prediction result corresponding to the SSB and / or CSI-RS corresponding to the beam to be predicted at the first time.

[0057] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, selecting the first beam of the first cell according to the first information includes: determining the second beam according to the first information; and determining the first beam from the second beam.

[0058] In the above embodiment, by determining the second beam according to the first information and further determining the implementation method of the first beam from the second beam, a high-quality first beam can be selected more accurately, thereby improving the mobility of the terminal.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second beam meets at least one of the following first conditions:

[0060] The actual beam measurement result before the first time is greater than the first threshold value;

[0061] The corresponding beam prediction result is greater than a second threshold value;

[0062] The confidence level of the corresponding beam prediction result is greater than a third threshold value;

[0063] The corresponding sorting position of the beam prediction result belongs to the top N.

[0064] In the above embodiment, a second beam with relatively high quality can be screened out according to the above multiple first conditions.

[0065] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the first beam from the second beam includes: the number of the second beam is 1, and determining the second beam as the first beam.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the second beam with higher quality may be used as the first beam to enhance the reliability of the switching.

[0067] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the first beam from the second beams includes: when the number of the second beams is greater than 1, determining the second beam that meets at least one of the following second conditions as the first beam:

[0068] The actual beam measurement result before the first time is the best;

[0069] The corresponding beam prediction result is optimal;

[0070] The confidence level of the corresponding beam prediction result is greater than a third threshold value;

[0071] The confidence level of the corresponding beam prediction result is the largest;

[0072] The beam prediction result predicted after the first time is greater than a second threshold value;

[0073] The first condition that is met takes priority.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the best first beam can be further selected from the relatively high-quality second beams according to the above multiple second conditions, so as to further enhance the reliability of the handover as much as possible.

[0075] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first threshold value, the second threshold value, and the third threshold value are configured by the network device or specified by a protocol.

[0076] In the above embodiments, the threshold values ​​in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be flexibly set through network devices, and can also be uniformly standardized through protocols, thereby enhancing the configurability and standardization of the threshold values.

[0077] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a first indication sent by a network device, where the first indication is used by the network device to instruct the terminal to allow beam selection based on the predicted first information.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the terminal performs prediction and beam selection when the network device indicates that the terminal is allowed to perform beam selection according to the predicted first information, which facilitates standardization and enhances the reliability of the terminal.

[0079] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication is sent via at least one of a physical layer PHY message, a medium access control MAC message, and a radio resource control RRC message.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the utilization rate of PHY messages, MAC messages, and RRC messages is increased, the development of signaling for the first indication is avoided, and the signaling load is reduced.

[0081] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending a second indication to the network device, where the second indication is used to indicate that the terminal has a first capability, and the first capability is that the terminal has an ability to predict the first information.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the terminal reports to the network device whether it has the first capability, which enables the network device to perform mobility management based on the first capability of the terminal.

[0083] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the method also includes: the method also includes: sending a third indication to the network device, the third indication is used to indicate that the terminal has a second capability, and the second capability is that the terminal has the ability to select a beam based on the predicted first information.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the terminal reports to the network device whether it has the second capability, which facilitates the network device to perform mobility management based on the second capability of the terminal.

[0085] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the method also includes: the method also includes: sending a fourth indication to the network device, the fourth indication is used to indicate that the terminal has a third capability, and the third capability is that the terminal has the ability to predict the first information and the ability to select a beam based on the predicted first information.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the terminal reports to the network device whether it has the third capability, which facilitates the network device to perform mobility management on the third capability of the terminal.

[0087] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: determining to access the first cell in any of the following situations:

[0088] Receiving a switching command sent by a network device;

[0089] The cell switching conditions are met.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the triggering event for the terminal to determine access to the first cell is standardized.

[0091] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication method, which is executed by a network device, and the method includes: sending a first indication to a terminal, the first indication is used by the network device to indicate that the terminal is allowed to select a beam based on predicted first information, the first information includes a beam-level prediction result for the first cell, and the first beam selected by the terminal is used to access the first cell through the first beam when the terminal determines to access the first cell.

[0092] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a terminal, which includes at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the terminal is used to execute the optional implementation method of the first aspect.

[0093] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a network device, which includes at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the network device is used to execute the optional implementation method of the second aspect.

[0094] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a terminal, which includes one or more processors; a memory coupled to the processor, on which executable instructions are stored, and when the executable instructions are executed by the processor, the terminal executes an optional implementation method of the first aspect.

[0095] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a network device, which includes one or more processors; a memory coupled to the processor, on which executable instructions are stored, and when the executable instructions are executed by the processor, the network device executes the optional implementation method of the second aspect.

[0096] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, which includes a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to execute the communication method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect, and the network device is configured to execute the communication method described in the optional implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0097] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a storage medium, wherein the storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0098] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0099] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0100] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system, wherein the chip or chip system includes a processing circuit configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first and second aspects above.

[0101] It is understandable that the above-mentioned terminals, network devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to perform the methods proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0102] The present disclosure provides a communication method, terminal, network device, communication system, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method," "information processing method," and "method for performing beam selection based on predicted beam-level measurement results" are interchangeable; the terms "communication device," "information processing device," and "device for performing beam selection based on predicted beam-level measurement results" are interchangeable; and the terms "communication system," "information processing system," and "system for performing beam selection based on predicted beam-level measurement results" are interchangeable.

[0103] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0104] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0105] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0106] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0107] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0108] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0109] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0110] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0111] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0112] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0113] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0114] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0115] In some embodiments, devices, etc. can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", and "subject" can be used interchangeably.

[0116] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network (eg, access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.).

[0117] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station" "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)" "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0118] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0119] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (for example, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it is also possible to set the structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by terms corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links.

[0120] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device may have a structure that has all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0121] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0122] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0123] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0124] FIG1A is a schematic diagram illustrating an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1A , the communication system 100 may include a terminal 101 and a network device 102 .

[0125] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0126] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0127] Optionally, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses the terminal to the wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0128] In some embodiments, the network device 102 is a base station. Optionally, the base station is, for example, a macro base station, a micro base station (also known as a small base station), a relay station, an access point, a 5G base station or a future base station, a satellite, a transmission point (TRP), a transmission point (TP), a mobile switching center, or other devices that perform base station functions in a communication system, etc., which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. For ease of description, in all embodiments of the present disclosure, devices that provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices are collectively referred to as network devices or base stations.

[0129] In some embodiments, network device 102 is a core network device. A core network device can be a single device, including a first network element, a second network element, etc., or can be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, etc. The network element can be virtual or physical. The core network includes, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0130] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0131] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0132] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0133] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A , or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1A are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in FIG1A , or may include other entities other than those shown in FIG1A . The number and form of the entities may be arbitrary, and the entities may be physical or virtual. The connection relationships between the entities are illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0134] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0135] In some embodiments, machine learning algorithms are one of the most important implementation methods of artificial intelligence technology. Machine learning can generate models from large amounts of training data, which can then be used to predict events. In many fields, models trained using machine learning can produce highly accurate predictions.

[0136] In some embodiments, in order to support Layer 3 (L3) mobility ("Cell" level RRC-driven mobility is called "L3 mobility" in the physical layer), the network side will configure RRM (Radio resource management) measurements for the UE (cell selection measurements, i.e., RRM measurements), and the network can trigger switching based on the measurement results reported by the UE. The current L3 measurement report can include cell-level measurement results and beam-level measurement results. Based on the UE's measurement report, the network can determine the target cell for switching and the best beam for the UE to access. After the target cell and / or beam are confirmed, a switching command (Reconfiguration with sync) is sent to the UE, carrying configuration information of a target cell, which may include bearer configuration, MAC configuration, and random access configuration. After receiving the switching command, the UE will synchronize with the target cell, then initiate a random access process to access the target cell, and start using the carried target cell configuration.

[0137] In some embodiments, in the existing L3 handover mechanism, handover is triggered and executed based on reported historical measurement results and / or measurement events, which is essentially a reactive solution. In the existing macro cell low mobility scenario, the performance of this approach may be very good, but when the UE mobility is high, or in a high-density deployment scenario, or when there is mobility for existing services or future services (such as XR, the full name of which is Extended Reality, which is called extended reality technology in Chinese), this reactive solution may have problems, such as being more prone to handover failure, radio link failure, ping-pong handover, throughput loss, or premature / late handover requests. In order to improve the robustness of handover, Rel-16 introduced conditional handover. In order to reduce the interruption time of frequent handovers between small cells, LTM HO was introduced in Rel-18. Among them, LTM stands for L1 / L2-Triggered Mobility, which is L1 / L2 triggered mobility in Chinese. HO stands for Hand Over, which is handover in Chinese. However, these two mechanisms are not enough because they are still reactive solutions in design. On the other hand, mechanisms based on AI / ML (Machine Learning) algorithms have the potential to implement proactive solutions. Therefore, in Rel-19, 3GPP decided to study AI-based mobility optimization solutions, which include prediction of beam-level measurement results.

[0138] In some embodiments, the potential benefits and advantages of AI / ML-assisted mobility based on network-triggered L3 handover are studied and evaluated, considering the following aspects:

[0139] AI / ML-based RRM measurement and event prediction;

[0140] Cell-level measurement prediction, including intra-frequency and inter-frequency (UE-side and NW (Network)-side models) [RAN2];

[0141] Inter-cell beam-level measurement prediction for L3 mobility (UE-side and NW-side models) [RAN2].

[0142] In some embodiments, in Rel-19, inter-cell beam-level measurement prediction can be deployed on the UE side or on the network side.

[0143] In some embodiments, inter-cell beam-level measurement prediction can be divided into spatial domain prediction and time domain prediction. Spatial domain prediction can effectively reduce measurements, and time domain prediction can predict future beam-level measurement results, making it easier to predict in advance which beam will be more suitable for UE access in the future.

[0144] In some embodiments, random access resource selection during handover.

[0145] In some embodiments, during the existing handover process, the UE needs to select a beam based on dedicated CFRA (Contention Free Random Access) resources configured by the network or based on CBRA (Contention Based Random Access) criteria. The random access process during the handover process is as follows:

[0146] Handover is an action performed by connected UEs. Before initiating a handover command, the source base station (gNB) has obtained the random access resource configuration for the target cell and the C-RNTI (Cell-Radio Network Temporary Identifier) ​​assigned to the UE. After receiving the handover command from the base station, the UE initiates random access in the target cell based on the configuration information in the handover command. This random access process is triggered by the RRC (Radio Resource Control) layer. The random access-related parameters in the handover command sent by the gNB to the UE include: the synchronization signal block (SSB) or CSI-RS (Channel State Information Reference Signal) used for downlink measurement and associated with the PRACH (Physical Random Access Channel) resources, the RSRP (Reference Signal Receiving Power) threshold for the SSB or CSI-RS, the dedicated preamble for non-contention random access, and the UE's C-RNTI in the target cell. In addition, NR (New Radio Access) also introduces a priority random access mechanism for handover, and the gNB can assign power ramp parameters and backoff factors to the handover UE that are different from those of general UEs [3-4].

[0147] In some embodiments, the handover may adopt a non-contention random access method or a contention random access method. The conditions for the UE to initiate a non-contention random access procedure are as follows.

[0148] The gNB allocates a dedicated preamble code to the UE: The gNB allocates multiple sets of SSBs or CSI-RS and corresponding dedicated preamble codes to the UE. The UE measures these SSBs or CSI-RS and obtains the SSBs or CSI-RSs whose measured RSRP is greater than the RSRP threshold. It then selects one of these SSBs or CSI-RSs and initiates random access using the corresponding dedicated preamble code.

[0149] Allocate dedicated PRACH resources: random access channel resources corresponding to the above-mentioned SSB or CSI-RS.

[0150] In some embodiments, referring to the contention-based random access (CBRA) process illustrated in Figures 1B and 1C and the contention-free random access (CFRA) process illustrated in Figures 1D and 1E , each random access attempt by the UE in a complete random access process begins with random access resource selection. If the UE cannot obtain non-contention random access resources, it initiates contention random access. Because the NR system uses multi-beam transmission, the channel states of different beams vary, and a handover UE may switch between non-contention random access and contention random access.

[0151] In some embodiments, if the selected RA_TYPE (random access type) is set to 4-step RA, the MAC (Medium Access Control) entity shall:

[0152] 1> if the random access procedure is initiated for SpCell (Special Cell) beam failure recovery (as described in clause 5.17); and

[0153] 1> if beamFailureRecoveryTimer (in clause 5.17) is running or not configured; and

[0154] 1> if RRC has explicitly provided non-contention random access resources for beam failure recovery request associated with any one of SSB and / or CSI-RS; and

[0155] 1> If at least one of the SSBs in candidateBeamRSList with an SS-RSRP (Synchronization Signal Reference Signal Received Power) higher than rsrp-ThresholdSSB or the CSI-RSs in candidateBeamRSList with a CSI-RSRP higher than rsrp-ThresholdCSI-RS is available:

[0156] 2> Select an SSB with an SS-RSRP higher than rsrp-ThresholdSSB from the SSBs in candidateBeamRSList, or select a CSI-RS with a CSI-RSRP higher than rsrp-ThresholdCSI-RS from the CSI-RS in candidateBeamRSList;

[0157] 2> If CSI-RS is selected and the selected CSI-RS has no associated ra-PreambleIndex (random access preamble index):

[0158] 3> Set PREAMBLE_INDEX (preamble index) to ra-PreambleIndex corresponding to the SSB in candidateBeamRSList, which is quasi co-located (QCL) with the selected CSI-RS as specified in TS 38.214 [7].

[0159] 2> Otherwise:

[0160] 3> Set PREAMBLE_INDEX to the ra-PreambleIndex corresponding to the selected SSB or CSI-RS in the beam failure recovery request random access preamble set.

[0161] 1> Otherwise, if the PDCCH explicitly provides ra-PreambleIndex; and

[0162] 1> If ra-PreambleIndex is not 0b000000:

[0163] 2> Set PREAMBLE_INDEX to the signaling ra-PreambleIndex;

[0164] 2>Select the SSB of the PDCCH signal.

[0165] Otherwise, if contention-free random access resources associated with the SSB have been explicitly provided in rach-ConfigDedicated (RACH dedicated configuration) and at least one SSB with SS-RSRP higher than rsrp-ThresholdSSB is available among the associated SSBs:

[0166] 2> Select an SSB with SS-RSRP higher than rsrp-ThresholdSSB from the related SSBs;

[0167] 2> Set PREAMBLE_INDEX to the ra-PreambleIndex corresponding to the selected SSB.

[0168] 1> Otherwise, if non-contention random access resources associated with the CSI-RS have been explicitly provided in rach-ConfigDedicated and at least one CSI-RS with a CSI-RSRP higher than rsrp-ThresholdCSI-RS is available among the associated CSI-RSs:

[0169] 2> Select a CSI-RS with a CSI-RSRP higher than rsrp-ThresholdCSI-RS from the relevant CSI-RS;

[0170] 2> Set PREAMBLE_INDEX to the ra-PreambleIndex corresponding to the selected CSI-RS.

[0171] 1> Otherwise, if the Random Access procedure is initiated for an SI request (as specified in TS 38.331[5]); and

[0172] 1> If RRC has explicitly provided random access resources for SI request:

[0173] 2> If at least one SSB with SS-RSRP higher than rsrp-ThresholdSSB is available:

[0174] 3> Select an SSB whose SS-RSRP is higher than rsrp-ThresholdSSB.

[0175] 2> Otherwise:

[0176] 3>Select any SSB.

[0177] 2> Select the random access preamble corresponding to the selected SSB from the random access preambles determined according to ra-PreambleStartIndex specified in TS 38.331[5];

[0178] 2> Set PREAMBLE_INDEX to the selected random access prefix.

[0179] 1> Otherwise (i.e. for contention-based random access preamble selection):

[0180] 2> If at least one SSB with SS-RSRP higher than rsrp-ThresholdSSB is available:

[0181] 3> Select an SSB whose SS-RSRP is higher than rsrp-ThresholdSSB.

[0182] 2> Otherwise:

[0183] 3>Select any SSB.

[0184] 2> If RA_TYPE is switched from 2-stepRA to 4-stepRA:

[0185] 3> If the random access preamble group is selected in the current random access process:

[0186] 4> Select the same random access preamble group as the 2-step RA type.

[0187] 3> Otherwise:

[0188] 4> If random access preamble group B is configured; and

[0189] 4> If the transport block size of the MSGA payload configured in rach-ConfigDedicated corresponds to the transport block size of the MSGA payload associated with random access preamble group B:

[0190] 5> Select random access preamble group B.

[0191] 4> Otherwise:

[0192] 5>Select random access preamble group A.

[0193] 2> Otherwise, if the Msg3 buffer is empty:

[0194] 3> If random access preamble group B is configured:

[0195] 4> If the potential Msg3 size (UL data available for transmission plus MAC subheader and MAC CE (if required)) is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA, and the path loss is less than PCMAX (serving cell performing random access procedure) - pre-ambleReceivedTargetPower-msg3-DeltaPreamble-messagePowerOffsetGroupB; or

[0196] 4> If the random access procedure is initiated for the CCCH logical channel and the CCCH SDU size plus the MAC subheader is greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA:

[0197] 5>Select random access preamble group B.

[0198] 4> Otherwise:

[0199] 5>Select random access preamble code group A.

[0200] 3> Otherwise

[0201] 4>Select random access preamble group A.

[0202] 2> Otherwise (i.e. Msg3 is being retransmitted):

[0203] 3> Select the random access preamble group used for the random access preamble transmission attempt corresponding to the first transmission of Msg3.

[0204] 2> randomly select a random access preamble with the same probability from the random access preambles associated with the selected SSB and the selected random access preamble group;

[0205] 2> Set PREAMBLE_INDEX to the selected random access preamble.

[0206] 1> if the Random Access procedure is initiated for an SI request (as specified in TS 38.331[5]); and

[0207] 1> If ra-AssociationPeriodIndex and si-RequestPeriod are configured:

[0208] 2> Determine the next available PRACH occasion from the PRACH occasions corresponding to the selected SSB within the association period given by ra-AssociationPeriodIndex in si-RequestPeriod (allowed if ra-ssb-OccasionMaskIndex is configured) (the MAC entity shall randomly select one PRACH occasion from the consecutive PRACH occasions with equal probability according to clause 8.1 of TS 38.213 [6] corresponding to the selected SSB).

[0209] 1> Otherwise, if the above SSB is selected:

[0210] 2> Determine the next available PRACH occasion from the PRACH occasions corresponding to the selected SSB (if ra-ssb-OccasionMaskIndex is configured, or ssb-SharedRO-MaskIndex is configured, or indicated by PDCCH). When determining the next available PRACH occasion corresponding to the selected SSB, the MAC entity may take into account possible measurement gaps and MUSIM gaps).

[0211] 1> Otherwise, if the above CSI-RS is selected:

[0212] 2> If there is no contention-free random access resource associated with the selected CSI-RS:

[0213] 3> Determine the next available PRACH occasion from the PRACH occasions (if ra-ssb-OccasionMaskIndex is configured, then allowed by the restrictions given by ra-ssb-OccasionMaskIndex), which PRACH occasion corresponds to the SSB in candidateBeamRSList that is quasi-located with the selected CSI-RS as specified in TS 38.214 [7] (the MAC entity shall determine the next available PRACH occasion corresponding to the SSB that is quasi-located with the selected CSI-RS in accordance with clause 8. When determining the next available PRACH occasion corresponding to the SSB that is quasi-located with the selected CSI-RS, the MAC entity may take into account possible measurement gaps and MUSIM gaps).

[0214] 2> Otherwise:

[0215] 3> Determine the next available PRACH occasion from the PRACH occasions corresponding to the selected CSI-RS in the ra-OccasionList (the MAC entity should randomly select a PRACH occasion with equal probability from the PRACH occasions corresponding to the selected CSI-RS that occur simultaneously but on different subcarriers, without considering the FR2UL gap; the MAC entity may consider possible measurement gaps and MUSIM gaps when determining the next available PRACH occasion corresponding to the selected CSI-RS).

[0216] Perform the random access preamble transmission procedure (see Section 5.1.3).

[0217] NOTE 1: When the UE determines whether there is an SSB with SS-RSRP higher than rsrp-ThresholdSSB or a CSI-RS with CSI-RS higher than rsrp-ThresholdCSI-RS, the UE uses the latest unfiltered L1-RSRP measurement value.

[0218] Note 2: Invalid.

[0219] NOTE 3: If a RedCap UE in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE mode is configured with the BWP indicated by the initial downlink BWP-RedCap and the BWP is not associated with any SSB, SS-RSRP measurements will be performed based on the SSB associated with the BWP indicated by the initial downlink BWP. If a RedCap UE in RRC_INACTIVE mode is configured with SDT and the BWP indicated by the initial downlink BWP-RedCap is associated with an NCD-SSB, SS-RSRP measurements may also be performed based on the NCD-SSB during the SDT.

[0220] NOTE 4: If a RedCap UE in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE mode is configured with a BWP indicated by the initial downlink BWP-RedCap, and this BWP is not associated with any SSB of the RACH, it shall be implemented by the UE to perform a new RSRP measurement before Msg1 / MsgA retransmission.

[0221] In some embodiments, if the selected RA_TYPE is set to 2-step RA, the MAC entity shall:

[0222] 1> If non-contention 2-step RA type resources associated with the SSB have been explicitly provided in rach-ConfigDedicated and at least one SSB with SS-RSRP higher than msgA-RSRP-ThresholdSSB is available among the related SSBs:

[0223] 2> Select the SSB whose SS-RSRP is higher than msgA-RSRP-ThresholdSSB among the related SSBs;

[0224] 2> Set PREAMBLE_INDEX to the ra-PreambleIndex corresponding to the selected SSB.

[0225] 1> Otherwise (i.e. for contention-based random access preamble selection):

[0226] 2> If at least one SSB with SS-RSRP higher than msgA-RSRP-ThresholdSSB is available:

[0227] 3> Select an SSB whose SS-RSRP is higher than msgA-RSRP-ThresholdSSB.

[0228] 2> Otherwise:

[0229] 3>Select any SSB.

[0230] 2> If the non-contention random access resource of the 2-step RA type is not configured and the random access preamble group has not been selected in the current random access process:

[0231] 3> If the 2-step RA type random access preamble code group B is configured:

[0232] 4> If the potential MSGA payload size (UL data available for transmission plus MAC subheader (multimedia access control subheader) and MAC CE when required) is greater than ra-MsgA-SizeGroupA, and the path loss is less than PCMAX (of the serving cell performing the random access procedure)-msgA-PreambleReceivedTargetPower-msgA-DeltaPreamble-messagePowerOffsetGroupB; or

[0233] 4> If the random access procedure is started on the CCCH logical channel and the CCCH SDU size plus the MAC subheader is larger than ra-MsgA-SizeGroupA:

[0234] 5> Select random access preamble code group B.

[0235] 4> Otherwise:

[0236] 5>Select random access preamble code group A.

[0237] 3> Otherwise:

[0238] 4>Select random access preamble code group A.

[0239] 2> Otherwise, if a 2-step RA type contention-free random access resource has been configured and no random access preamble group has been selected in the current random access procedure:

[0240] 3> If the 2-step RA type random access preamble group B is configured; and

[0241] 3> If the transport block size of the MSGA payload configured in rach-ConfigDedicated corresponds to the transport block size of the MSGA payload associated with random access preamble group B:

[0242] 4> Select random access preamble group B.

[0243] 3> Otherwise:

[0244] 4>Select random access preamble code group A.

[0245] 2> Otherwise (i.e., the random access preamble group has been selected in the current random access process):

[0246] 3> Select the random access preamble group used by the random access preamble transmission attempt corresponding to the earlier transmitted MSGA.

[0247] 2> randomly select a random access preamble with equal probability from the 2-step RA type random access preambles associated with the selected SSB and the selected random access preamble group;

[0248] 2> Set PREAMBLE_INDEX to the selected random access preamble.

[0249] 1> determine the next available PRACH occasion corresponding to the selected SSB from the PRACH occasions allowed by the restrictions given by msgA-SSB-SharedRO-MaskIndex (if configured), ra-ssb-OccasionMaskIndex (if configured), or ssb-SharedRO-MaskIndex (if configured) (the MAC entity shall determine the next available PRACH occasion corresponding to the selected SSB with equal probability from the PRACH occasions given in clause 8. When determining the next available PRACH occasion corresponding to the selected SSB, the MAC entity may take into account possible measurement gaps and MUSIM gaps);

[0250] 1> If the MAC entity does not select a random access preamble from the contention-based random access preamble:

[0251] 2> Select a PUSCH occasion from the PUSCH occasions corresponding to the PRACH timeslot of the selected PRACH occasion configured in msgA-CFRA-PUSCH according to the msgA-PUSCH-Resource-Index corresponding to the selected SSB;

[0252] 2> Determine the UL grant and related HARQ information for the MSGA payload in the selected PUSCH occasion;

[0253] 2> Send UL grant and related HARQ information to the HARQ entity.

[0254] 1> Otherwise:

[0255] 2> According to TS 38.213 Section 8.1A [6], select the PUSCH occasion corresponding to the selected preamble and PRACH occasion;

[0256] 2> Determine the UL grant for the MSGA payload based on the PUSCH configuration associated with the selected random access preamble group and determine the associated HARQ information;

[0257] 2> Whether the selected prefix and PRACH occasions are mapped to valid PUSCH occasions as specified in TS 38.213[6] section 8.1A:

[0258] 3> Send UL grant and related HARQ information to the HARQ entity.

[0259] 1>Execute the MSGA transfer procedure (see Section 5.1.3a).

[0260] NOTE 1: To determine whether there is an SSB with SS-RSRP exceeding msgA-RSRP-ThresholdSSB, the UE shall use the latest unfiltered L1-RSRP measurement value.

[0261] NOTE 2: If a RedCap UE in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE mode is configured with the BWP indicated by the initial downlink BWP-RedCap and the BWP is not associated with any SSB, SS-RSRP measurements will be performed based on the SSB associated with the BWP indicated by the initial downlink BWP. If a RedCap UE in RRC_INACTIVE mode is configured with SDT and the BWP indicated by the initial downlink BWP-RedCap is associated with an NCD-SSB, SS-RSRP measurements may also be performed based on the NCD-SSB during the SDT.

[0262] NOTE 3: If a RedCap UE in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE mode is configured with a BWP indicated by initialDownlinkBWP-RedCap (which BWP is not associated with any SSB of RACH), a new RSRP measurement should be performed by the UE before Msg1 / MsgA retransmission.

[0263] As shown above, in some embodiments, during some RACH processes, the UE selects the corresponding access beam based on beam measurement results and a network-configured threshold. To obtain the SS-RSRP of a beam, the UE performs beam scanning to measure the corresponding beams. When the measurement result of a beam exceeds the threshold, the UE selects that beam. Because the beam scanned first does not necessarily meet the threshold requirement, the beam scanning time may increase handover interruption. This also results in a large number of measurements.

[0264] In some embodiments, on the other hand, the UE performs beam selection based on actual beam measurement results without considering future beam quality, which may also lead to more frequent beam switching after the UE accesses.

[0265] In view of this, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, terminal, network device, communication system, and storage medium. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE selects a beam for accessing a cell based on the predicted value of the beam-level measurement result. On the one hand, this can reduce beam measurements. The UE can quickly obtain measurement results of multiple beams directly based on AI predictions, thus eliminating the need for the UE to perform beam scanning and reducing interruptions. Furthermore, the number of measurements can be reduced. On the other hand, the beam for accessing a cell can also be selected based on the AI-predicted future beam measurement results, which can increase reliability.

[0266] FIG2 is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2 , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the method includes:

[0267] Step S201 : Terminal 101 sends capability information to network device 102 .

[0268] In some embodiments, network device 102 receives capability information.

[0269] In some embodiments, the terminal sending capability information to the network device includes: the terminal sending a second indication to the network device. Optionally, the second indication is used to report / indicate to the network device that the terminal possesses a first capability. Optionally, the first capability is the terminal's ability to predict first information. The terminal's ability to predict first information can be understood as the terminal's ability to predict beam-level prediction results for the first cell. Optionally, the second indication is further used to indicate to the network device that the prediction type supported by the terminal is a time-domain prediction type and / or a spatial-domain prediction type.

[0270] In some embodiments, the name of the second indication is not limited, and it can be, for example, capability reporting information, predicted capability information, terminal capability report, etc.

[0271] In some embodiments, the first cell may be any cell to be predicted, for example, the first cell may be a serving cell, a neighboring cell, a target cell that the terminal desires to access, etc.

[0272] In some embodiments, the name of the first cell is not limited, and it may be, for example, a cell to be predicted, a neighboring cell to be measured, etc.

[0273] In some embodiments, the terminal sending capability information to the network device includes: the terminal sending a third indication to the network device. Optionally, the third indication is used to report / indicate to the network device that the terminal possesses a second capability. Optionally, the second capability is the terminal's ability to perform beam selection based on the predicted first information.

[0274] In some embodiments, the name of the third indication is not limited, and it can be, for example, capability reporting information, predicted capability information, terminal capability report, etc.

[0275] In some embodiments, if the terminal has the second capability, it may be assumed that the terminal has the first capability.

[0276] In some embodiments, the terminal transmitting capability information to the network device includes: the terminal transmitting a fourth indication to the network device. Optionally, the fourth indication is used to report / indicate to the network device that the terminal possesses a third capability. Optionally, the third capability is the terminal's ability to predict first information and to perform beam selection based on the predicted first information. Optionally, the fourth indication is further used to indicate to the network device that the prediction type supported by the terminal is a time domain prediction type and / or a spatial domain prediction type.

[0277] In some embodiments, a network device receives capability information reported by a terminal. Optionally, the network device may perform relevant configuration for the terminal based on the capabilities of the terminal. For example, the network device may generate a first configuration for the terminal based on the capabilities of the terminal and send the first configuration to the terminal. In some embodiments, the first configuration may be sent to the terminal via an RRC message. In some embodiments, the first configuration may be included in a measurement configuration and sent to the terminal. In some embodiments, the first configuration may be included in a UE Information Request message and sent to the terminal. The method for sending the first configuration is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0278] In some embodiments, the first configuration is used to assist the terminal in making predictions.

[0279] For example, the first configuration may include at least one of the following configuration items:

[0280] The first configuration item is used to indicate whether the prediction type is a time domain prediction type or a spatial domain prediction type;

[0281] The second configuration item is used to indicate the identifiers of one or more cells to be predicted;

[0282] The third configuration item is used to indicate relevant information of one or more beams to be predicted;

[0283] The fourth configuration item is used to indicate the correspondence between the cell to be predicted and the beam to be predicted;

[0284] The fifth configuration item is used to indicate the time information corresponding to the prediction;

[0285] The sixth configuration item is used to indicate the corresponding relationship between the prediction object and the prediction basis;

[0286] The seventh configuration item is used to indicate the predicted amount.

[0287] It should be explained that the cell identifier may be the cell index. A cell to be predicted corresponds to one or more beams to be predicted.

[0288] Optionally, the beam-related information may include at least one of the following:

[0289] Beam identification;

[0290] the identifier of the corresponding reference signal;

[0291] Time domain information of the corresponding reference signal;

[0292] The frequency domain information of the corresponding reference signal.

[0293] It should be explained that the identifier of the beam may be the index of the beam.

[0294] Optionally, the reference signal may include at least one of the following:

[0295] Synchronization signal block SSB;

[0296] Channel State Information Reference Signal CSI-RS;

[0297] A collection of SSBs;

[0298] A set of CSI-RSs.

[0299] It should be explained that the set of SSBs can be represented as SSBs participating in the measurement, namely SSB-ToMeasure. The SSB-ToMeasure can be represented by a bitmap.

[0300] Similarly, the set of CSI-RS can also be represented by a bitmap.

[0301] In some embodiments, the time information corresponding to the prediction includes at least one of the following:

[0302] First time point;

[0303] First time window;

[0304] First timer duration.

[0305] It should be explained that predicting the corresponding time information refers to predicting the characteristics of the cell / beam at the corresponding time. In some embodiments, the time information may be UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), and the time unit of the time information may be minutes, seconds, etc.

[0306] In some embodiments, the time information is the communication system time. The time unit of the time information can be represented by a system frame number (SFN), a time slot, a symbol, etc.

[0307] In some embodiments, the duration of the first timer refers to time information such as a time point, time period, or time window measured by the first timer. For example, the time point measured by the first timer may refer to the moment corresponding to when the first timer times out. For example, the time point measured by the first timer may refer to the nth moment measured by the first timer. For example, the time period / time window measured by the first timer may refer to the n1th moment to the n2th moment measured by the first timer.

[0308] In some embodiments, the first time window refers to a time range, and the length of the time range is not limited.

[0309] In some embodiments, the time information may refer to historical time information, current time information, or future time information, and this disclosure does not impose specific limitations on this. For example, the first time point is a future time point. For example, the first time window is a future time window. For example, the first timer duration is a future first timer duration.

[0310] In some embodiments, the name of the time information is not limited, and it can be, for example, predicted time, designated time, etc.

[0311] In some embodiments, the sixth configuration item indicates the correspondence between the prediction object and the prediction basis.

[0312] In some embodiments, the name of the prediction object is not limited, and it may be, for example, the cell and / or beam to which the prediction output information belongs.

[0313] In some embodiments, the name of the prediction basis is not limited, and it can be, for example, the source of the prediction input information, the cell and / or beam to which the prediction input information belongs.

[0314] In some embodiments, the sixth configuration item is used to instruct the terminal to predict the prediction object according to the prediction basis.

[0315] In some embodiments, the pre-measurement includes at least one of the following:

[0316] Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP);

[0317] Reference Signal Receiving Quality (RSRQ);

[0318] Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR);

[0319] Whether each predicted beam is an optimal beam that meets an indicator, wherein the indicator is flexibly set according to needs. For example, the indicator may refer to the strongest beam among multiple beams to be measured;

[0320] Optimal beam;

[0321] The first sequence is a result of ranking the intensity of the predicted beams;

[0322] The second sequence is the first N strongest beams in each predicted cell, where N is a natural number greater than 0.

[0323] In some embodiments, the result predicted based on the first configuration may be referred to as a beam-level prediction result. The beam-level prediction result includes a predicted beam measurement result and other prediction information. The predicted beam measurement result includes a prediction result based on prediction metrics such as RSRP, RSRQ, and SINR. Other prediction information includes a prediction result based on prediction metrics such as the first sequence, the second sequence, and whether the predicted beam is an optimal beam that meets the criteria.

[0324] In some embodiments, the network device may generate a second configuration for the terminal based on the terminal's capabilities and send the second configuration to the terminal. The second configuration is used to assist the terminal in performing prediction. Optionally, the second configuration includes a designated first cell and configuration information for the first cell. Optionally, the configuration information for the first cell may specify a beam to be measured.

[0325] In some embodiments, the first configuration and / or the second configuration in the above embodiments may also be a default configuration of the terminal, or a configuration specified by a protocol, which is not specifically limited in the present disclosure.

[0326] Step S202 : The network device 102 sends a first instruction to the terminal 101 .

[0327] In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives a first indication.

[0328] In some embodiments, the first indication is used by the network device to indicate that the terminal is allowed to predict the first information.

[0329] In some embodiments, the first indication is used by the network device to instruct the terminal to perform beam selection according to the predicted first information.

[0330] In some embodiments, the name of the first indication is not limited, and it can be, for example, a function indication, a beam prediction indication, a beam selection indication, etc.

[0331] In some embodiments, the network device sending the first indication to the terminal includes: the network device sending the first indication to the terminal via at least one of a physical layer (PHY) message, a medium access control (MAC) message, and a radio resource control (RRC) message. For example, the first indication may be included in a configuration of a target cell, such as a RACH configuration.

[0332] In some embodiments, the network device may further instruct the terminal to prohibit prediction of the first information, or prohibit beam selection based on the predicted first information, etc.

[0333] In step S203 , the terminal 101 determines the beam to be predicted for the first cell.

[0334] In some embodiments, the implementation of the terminal determining the beam to be predicted of the first cell includes: determining at least one of the following beams as the beam to be predicted:

[0335] The beam indicated in the configuration information of the first cell;

[0336] a beam of a first cell that can be detected by the terminal;

[0337] The actual beam measurement result before the first time matches the required beam.

[0338] The first time includes any one or more of a first moment, a first time window, and a first timer duration.

[0339] In some embodiments, the first time is a communication system time. The time unit of the first time can be represented by a system frame number (SFN), a time slot, a symbol, etc.

[0340] In some embodiments, the duration of the first timer refers to a time point, time period, or time window measured by the first timer. For example, the time point measured by the first timer may refer to the moment corresponding to when the first timer times out. For example, the time point measured by the first timer may refer to the nth moment measured by the first timer. For example, the time period / time window measured by the first timer may refer to the n1th moment to the n2th moment measured by the first timer.

[0341] In some embodiments, the first time may refer to a historical time, a current time, or a future time, and this disclosure does not impose any specific limitation on this.

[0342] In some embodiments, the name of the first time is not limited, and it can be, for example, time information, predicted time, designated time, etc.

[0343] In some embodiments, the first time window refers to a time range, and the length of the time range is not limited.

[0344] In some embodiments, if the actual beam measurement result of a beam before the first time is greater than a first threshold, the actual beam measurement result of the beam is determined to meet the requirement. The beam can be used as the beam to be measured at the first time. Optionally, the actual beam measurement result includes but is not limited to RSRP, RSRQ, and SINR.

[0345] Step S204: Terminal 101 predicts first information.

[0346] In some embodiments, the first information includes a beam-level prediction result for the first cell, wherein the beam-level prediction result for the first cell includes a beam prediction result for one or more beams to be predicted for the first cell, and the beam prediction result includes a predicted beam-level measurement result (such as RSRP, RSRQ, and SINR).

[0347] In some embodiments, the first information includes a beam-level prediction result of at least one first cell.

[0348] In some embodiments, one first cell corresponds to one or more beams to be predicted. That is, the first information includes a beam-level prediction result of at least one beam to be predicted of at least one first cell.

[0349] In some embodiments, the name of the first information is not limited, and it can be, for example, beam-level prediction results, predicted beam-level measurement information, prediction information, etc.

[0350] In some embodiments, an implementation method of the terminal predicting the first information includes: the terminal predicting the first information through an AI model.

[0351] In some embodiments, the implementation method of the terminal predicting the first information includes: the terminal calculates the first information through a prediction algorithm (or other implementation algorithm).

[0352] In some embodiments, an implementation manner in which the terminal predicts the first information includes: the terminal predicts the first information according to a first / second configuration.

[0353] In some embodiments, the terminal predicts the first information by predicting a beam prediction result corresponding to a beam to be predicted of the first cell at a first time. For example, assuming the first time is a future time, the beam prediction result corresponding to the beam to be predicted of the first cell at the future time can be predicted. For example, assuming the first time is the current time, the beam prediction result corresponding to the beam to be predicted of the first cell at the current time can be predicted. For example, assuming the first time is a historical time, the beam prediction result corresponding to the beam to be predicted of the first cell at a historical time can be predicted.

[0354] In some embodiments, the terminal predicts the first information by predicting a beam-level prediction result for a first beam to be predicted in the first cell based on an actual beam measurement result for a second beam in the second cell. The correspondence between cells and beams can be determined in a manner similar to the sixth configuration item of the first configuration in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0355] In some embodiments, the implementation method of the terminal predicting the first information includes: predicting a beam-level prediction result of the second beam to be predicted corresponding to the first time based on an actual beam measurement result of the second beam to be predicted before the first time.

[0356] In some embodiments, step S204 may be replaced by the terminal acquiring the first information predicted by other entities.

[0357] Step S205: Terminal 101 determines a second beam according to the first information.

[0358] In some embodiments, an implementation of the terminal selecting the first beam of the first cell according to the first information may include: the terminal determining the second beam according to the first information, and the terminal determining the first beam from the second beam.

[0359] For example, selecting a beam can be represented by selecting a corresponding SSB or CSI-RS. The beam-level prediction result is also obtained by predicting the measurement result of the corresponding reference signal. Therefore, predicting the beam-level prediction result is also predicting the measurement result of the corresponding SSB or CSI-RS.

[0360] Therefore, the terminal selecting the first beam of the first cell according to the first information is equivalent to the terminal selecting the reference signal corresponding to the first beam according to the first information. The reference signal includes a synchronization signal block SSB and / or a channel state information reference signal CSI-RS.

[0361] Moreover, the beam prediction result corresponding to the beam to be predicted of the first cell at the first time predicted by the terminal may be equivalent to the prediction result corresponding to the SSB and / or CSI-RS corresponding to the beam to be predicted at the first time.

[0362] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the second beam according to the first information, including: determining a measured beam that meets at least one of the following first conditions as the second beam:

[0363] The actual beam measurement result before the first time is greater than the first threshold value;

[0364] The corresponding beam prediction result is greater than a second threshold value;

[0365] The confidence level (prediction probability) of the corresponding beam prediction result is greater than a third threshold value;

[0366] The sorting position of the corresponding beam prediction result belongs to the first N, where N is a natural number greater than 0.

[0367] A minimum value (or an average value) of measurement results of the one or more predicted beam levels after the first time is greater than a fourth threshold value.

[0368] The first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, and the fourth threshold are configured by the network device or specified by the protocol.

[0369] For example, a beam whose beam prediction result is greater than a second threshold value and whose corresponding prediction probability (or confidence level) is greater than a third threshold value is selected as the second beam.

[0370] For example, the beam whose actual beam measurement result is greater than the first threshold value, whose minimum value (or average value) of the beam level measurement result predicted in the future period is greater than the fourth threshold value, and whose corresponding prediction probability (or confidence level) is greater than the third threshold value is selected as the second beam.

[0371] For example, a beam whose actual beam measurement result is greater than a first threshold value / beam prediction result is greater than a second threshold value, and whose corresponding prediction probability (or confidence) is greater than a third threshold value is selected as the second beam.

[0372] In step S206, the terminal 101 determines the first beam from the second beam.

[0373] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the first beam from the second beams in an implementation manner, including: if the number of the second beams is 1, determining the second beam as the first beam.

[0374] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the first beam from the second beams by an implementation method including: if the number of second beams is greater than one, determining a second beam that meets at least one of the following second conditions as the first beam:

[0375] The actual beam measurement result before the first time is the best;

[0376] The corresponding beam prediction result is optimal;

[0377] The confidence level of the corresponding beam prediction result is greater than a third threshold value;

[0378] The corresponding beam prediction result has the highest confidence level;

[0379] The beam prediction result predicted after the first time is greater than a second threshold value;

[0380] The first condition that is met takes priority.

[0381] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the first beam from the second beams in an implementation manner including: randomly selecting one of the second beams as the first beam.

[0382] In some embodiments, priority relationships may be set for the multiple first conditions in the above embodiments. Optionally, priorities may be set for the multiple first conditions in the above embodiments based on factors such as the importance, risk, and dependency of the first conditions.

[0383] For example, the priority of the first condition indicating that the beam prediction result is greater than the second threshold value may be higher than the priority of the first condition indicating that the ranking position of the beam prediction result belongs to the top N. For example, the priority of the first condition indicating that the actual beam measurement result before the current time is greater than the first threshold value may be lower than the priority of the first condition indicating that the confidence of the current beam prediction result is greater than the third threshold value.

[0384] The embodiment of the present disclosure does not impose any specific limitation on the priority relationship between multiple first conditions.

[0385] In step S207 , when the terminal 101 determines to access the first cell, the terminal 101 accesses the first cell through the first beam.

[0386] In some embodiments, accessing the first cell is determined in any of the following situations:

[0387] Receiving a switching command sent by a network device;

[0388] The cell switching conditions are met.

[0389] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0390] In some embodiments, terms such as "synchronization signal (SS)", "synchronization signal block (SSB)", "reference signal (RS)", "pilot", and "pilot signal" can be used interchangeably.

[0391] In some embodiments, terms such as "moment", "time point", "time", and "time position" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "duration", "period", "time window", "window", and "time" can be replaced with each other.

[0392] In some embodiments, terms such as "frame", "radio frame", "subframe", "slot", "sub-slot", "mini-slot", "symbol", "symbol", and "transmission time interval (TTI)" can be used interchangeably.

[0393] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0394] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0395] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0396] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S201 to S207. For example, step S205 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S206 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S205 to S207 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0397] In some embodiments, steps S201 to S207 can be performed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously. For example, steps S201 and S203 can be performed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously.

[0398] In some embodiments, steps S201 to S207 are optional.

[0399] Illustratively, steps S201 to S204, step S206, and step S207 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0400] Exemplarily, steps S201 to S205 and step S207 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0401] In some embodiments, steps S201 to S207 may be performed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously, and steps S201 to S207 are optional.

[0402] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 2 .

[0403] FIG3A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3A , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method, which is executed by the terminal side, and the method includes:

[0404] Step S3101: Send capability information.

[0405] The optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0406] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 sends capability information to the network device 102, but is not limited thereto and the capability information may also be sent to other entities.

[0407] Step S3102: Receive a first instruction.

[0408] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S202 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0409] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 receives the first indication sent by the network device 102, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the first indication sent by other entities.

[0410] In some embodiments, terminal 101 obtains a first indication specified by a protocol.

[0411] In some embodiments, terminal 101 obtains the first indication from upper layer(s).

[0412] In some embodiments, terminal 101 performs processing to obtain the first indication.

[0413] In some embodiments, step S3102 is omitted, and the terminal 101 autonomously implements the function indicated by the first indication, or the above function is default or acquiescent.

[0414] Step S3103: determine the beam to be predicted for the first cell.

[0415] The optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S203 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0416] Step S3104, predict the first information.

[0417] The optional implementation of step S3104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0418] Step S3105: Determine a second beam based on the first information.

[0419] The optional implementation of step S3105 can refer to the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0420] Step S3106: Determine the first beam from the second beam.

[0421] The optional implementation of step S3106 can refer to the optional implementation of step S206 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0422] Step S3107: When it is determined to access the first cell, access the first cell through the first beam.

[0423] The optional implementation of step S3107 can refer to the optional implementation of step S207 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0424] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3107. For example, step S3105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S3105 to S3107 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0425] In some embodiments, steps S3101 to S3107 may be performed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously. For example, steps S3101 and S3103 may be performed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously.

[0426] In some embodiments, steps S3101 to S3107 are optional.

[0427] Illustratively, steps S3101 to S3104, step S3106, and step S3107 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0428] Illustratively, steps S3101 to S3105 and step S3107 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0429] In some embodiments, steps S3101 to S3107 may be executed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously, and steps S3101 to S3107 are optional.

[0430] FIG3B is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3B , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method, which is executed by the terminal side, and the method includes:

[0431] Step S3201, obtain first information.

[0432] The optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2, step S3104 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0433] Step S3202: Determine a second beam based on the first information.

[0434] The optional implementation of step S3202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2, step S3105 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0435] Step S3203: Determine the first beam from the second beam.

[0436] The optional implementation of step S3203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S206 in Figure 2, step S3106 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0437] Step S3204: Access the first cell through the first beam.

[0438] The optional implementation of step S3204 can refer to the optional implementation of step S207 in Figure 2, step S3107 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0439] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3204. For example, step S3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0440] In some embodiments, steps S3201 to S3204 may be performed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously. For example, steps S3201 and S3203 may be performed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously.

[0441] In some embodiments, steps S3201 to S3204 are optional.

[0442] Illustratively, step S3201, step S3203, and step S3204 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0443] Illustratively, step S3201, step S3202, and step S3204 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0444] In some embodiments, steps S3201 to S3204 may be executed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously, and steps S3201 to S3204 are optional.

[0445] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, step S3201 may be combined with one or more steps of steps S3101 to S3103 in FIG. 3A .

[0446] FIG3C is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3C , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method, which is executed by the terminal side, and the method includes:

[0447] Step S3301: Select a first beam of a first cell according to first information, where the first information includes a beam-level prediction result for the first cell.

[0448] The optional implementation of step S3301 can be found in step S205 and step S206 of Figure 2, step S3105 and the optional implementation of step S3106 of Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0449] Step S3302: Determine to access the first cell, and access the first cell through the first beam.

[0450] The optional implementation of step S3302 can refer to the optional implementation of step S207 in Figure 2, step S3107 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0451] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of step S3301 and step S3302. For example, step S3301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0452] In some embodiments, step S3301 and step S3302 may be executed in an interchanged order or simultaneously.

[0453] In some embodiments, step S3301 and step S3302 are optional.

[0454] Exemplarily, step S3301 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0455] Exemplarily, step S3302 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0456] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, step S3301 may be combined with one or more steps of steps S3101 to S3104 in FIG. 3A .

[0457] In some embodiments, step S3301 and step S3302 may be performed in an exchanged order or simultaneously and step S3301 and step S3302 are optional.

[0458] FIG3D is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3D , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method, which is executed by the terminal side, and the method includes:

[0459] Step S3401: Transmit terminal capability information.

[0460] The optional implementation of step S3401 can refer to the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2, step S3101 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0461] FIG3E is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3E , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method, which is executed by the terminal side, and the method includes:

[0462] Step S3501: Determine the beam to be predicted for the first cell.

[0463] The optional implementation of step S3501 can refer to the optional implementation of step S203 in Figure 2, step S3103 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0464] Step S3502: Predict the beam to be predicted of the first cell to obtain a beam-level prediction result.

[0465] The optional implementation of step S3502 can refer to the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2, step S3104 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0466] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of step S3501 and step S3502. For example, step S3501 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3502 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0467] In some embodiments, step S3501 and step S3502 may be executed in an interchanged order or simultaneously.

[0468] In some embodiments, step S3501 and step S3502 are optional.

[0469] Exemplarily, step S3501 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0470] Exemplarily, step S3502 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0471] In some embodiments, step S3501 and step S3502 may be performed in an interchanged order or simultaneously, and step S3501 and step S3502 are optional.

[0472] FIG3F is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3F , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method, which is executed by the terminal side, and the method includes:

[0473] Step S3601: Determine a second beam based on the predicted first information.

[0474] The optional implementation of step S3601 can refer to the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2, step S3105 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0475] Step S3602: Determine the first beam from the second beam.

[0476] The optional implementation of step S3602 can refer to the optional implementation of step S206 in Figure 2, step S3106 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0477] Step S3603: When the switching conditions are met, access the first cell through the first beam.

[0478] The optional implementation of step S3603 can refer to the optional implementation of step S207 in Figure 2, step S3107 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0479] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3601 to S3603. For example, step S3601 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3603 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0480] In some embodiments, steps S3601 to S3603 may be performed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously. For example, steps S3601 and S3602 may be performed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously.

[0481] In some embodiments, steps S3601 to S3603 are optional.

[0482] Exemplarily, step S3601 and step S3602 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0483] Exemplarily, step S3601 and step S3603 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0484] In some embodiments, steps S3601 to S3603 may be executed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously, and steps S3601 to S3603 are optional.

[0485] FIG3G is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3G , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method, which is executed by the terminal side, and the method includes:

[0486] Step S3701: Determine a second beam according to the predicted beam-level prediction result.

[0487] The optional implementation of step S3701 can refer to the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2, step S3105 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0488] Figure 3H is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3H, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by the terminal side, and the method includes:

[0489] Step S3801: Determine a first beam from a second beam.

[0490] The optional implementation of step S3801 can refer to the optional implementation of step S206 in Figure 2, step S3106 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0491] FIG4 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4 , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by a network device side, and the method includes:

[0492] Step S401: Send a first indication to the terminal, where the first indication is used by the network device to instruct the terminal to select a beam based on predicted first information. The first information includes a beam-level prediction result for the first cell, and the first beam selected by the terminal is used to access the first cell.

[0493] The optional implementation of step S401 can refer to the optional implementation of step S202 in FIG. 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in FIG. 2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0494] Figure 5 is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0495] Step S501: The network device sends a first indication to the terminal, where the first indication is used by the network device to instruct the terminal to perform beam selection according to predicted first information.

[0496] Optional implementations of step S501 can refer to step S202 in FIG. 2 , optional implementations of step S401 in FIG. 4 , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0497] Step S502: The terminal selects a first beam of a first cell according to the first information, where the first information includes a beam-level prediction result for the first cell.

[0498] Optional implementations of step S502 can be found in step S205 and step S206 of FIG. 2 , step S3105 and the optional implementations of step S3106 of FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A , which will not be repeated here.

[0499] Step S503: When the terminal determines to access the first cell, it accesses the first cell through the first beam.

[0500] Optional implementations of step S503 may refer to step S207 in FIG. 2 , optional implementations of step S3107 in FIG. 3A , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0501] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S501 to S503. For example, step S502 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S503 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0502] In some embodiments, step S501 and step S502 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0503] In some embodiments, step S501 and step S503 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0504] In some embodiments, the above method may include the method described in the above embodiments of the network device side, terminal side, communication system side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0505] In some embodiments, embodiment 1, when the UE accesses the target cell, the UE performs beam selection based on the predicted beam-level measurement result.

[0506] Optionally, 1.1, illustratively, the beam-level measurement result can be predicted by an AI model on the UE side.

[0507] In some embodiments, in embodiment 2, in embodiment 1, the measurement result of the UE predicting the beam of the target cell may be:

[0508] Optionally, in 2.1, the measurement results of the beams of the target cell predicted by the UE may be determined by one or more of the following information (not limited to the following information):

[0509] Optionally, in 2.1.1, the UE predicts one or more beams explicitly provided in the configuration information corresponding to the target cell, such as one or more explicitly indicated SSBs or CSI-RSs.

[0510] Optionally, in 2.1.2, the UE predicts all beams (or one or more beams) of the target cell that the UE can detect. For example, if the UE detects multiple SSB indices of the target cell, the UE may predict beam-level measurement results corresponding to these SSBs.

[0511] Optionally, in 2.1.3, for spatial domain prediction, the UE predicts measurement results within a future time window for beams whose (real) measurement results (eg, RSRP) are greater than a threshold value.

[0512] In some embodiments, for example, selecting a beam can be represented by selecting a corresponding SSB or CSI-RS. Beam-level measurement results are also obtained by measuring the corresponding SSB or CSI-RS. Therefore, predicting beam-level measurement results is equivalent to predicting the measurement results of the corresponding SSB or CSI-RS.

[0513] In some embodiments, Example 3, if the beam of the target cell meets one or more of the following conditions (including but not limited to), then this beam may be selected:

[0514] Optionally, in 3.1, a beam (eg, SSB) whose (true) measurement result is greater than a threshold value 1 is selected.

[0515] Optionally, in 3.2, a beam whose predicted measurement result is greater than a threshold value 2 is selected.

[0516] Optionally, in 3.3, a beam whose predicted probability (or confidence value) is greater than a threshold value of 3 is selected.

[0517] Optionally, in 3.4, the beam whose predicted measurement result is the top 1 (or one of the top X beams whose predicted measurement result is the top 1) is selected.

[0518] Optionally, in 3.5, a beam is selected whose lowest value (or average value) of the predicted measurement results within a period of time in the future is greater than a threshold value of 4.

[0519] In some embodiments, the conditions described in Example 3 may be used in combination or individually (in an and / or relationship), and may include but are not limited to the following examples:

[0520] For example, the beams whose predicted measurement results are greater than a threshold of 2 and whose predicted probability (or confidence value) is greater than a threshold of 3 are selected.

[0521] For example, a beam is selected whose (real) measurement result is greater than threshold value 1, whose lowest value (or average value) of the measurement result predicted in a period of time in the future is greater than threshold value 4, and whose predicted probability (or confidence value) is greater than threshold value 3.

[0522] For example, a beam is selected whose (real) measurement result is greater than a threshold value 1 or whose predicted measurement result is greater than a threshold value 2 and whose predicted probability (or confidence value) is greater than a threshold value 3.

[0523] For example, the predicted measurement result is one of the top X beams and the predicted probability (or confidence value) is greater than a threshold value of 3.

[0524] Example 1:

[0525] If the non-contention random access resources associated with the SSB are explicitly provided in rach-ConfigDedicated, and the SS-RSRP of at least one SSB is higher than P (exemplarily, P is a threshold corresponding to the measurement result) and / or the predicted SS-RSRP of at least one SSB is higher than Q (exemplarily, Q is a threshold corresponding to the prediction result), it is available:

[0526] Selecting an SSB having an SS-RSRP higher than P among the related SSBs, and / or selecting an SSB having an estimated SS-RSRP higher than Q among the related SSBs;

[0527] In some embodiments, PREAMBLE_INDEX is set to the identifier of the preamble corresponding to the selected SSB (eg, ra-PreambleIndex).

[0528] In some embodiments, P is a threshold value of 1 and Q is a threshold value of 2. For example, P may be represented by rsrp-ThresholdSSB.

[0529] In some embodiments, Example 1 can be used for CFRA (contention-free Random Access).

[0530] Example 2:

[0531] If the non-contention random access resources associated with the SSB are explicitly provided in rach-ConfigDedicated, and the SS-RSRP of at least one SSB is higher than P (exemplarily, P is a threshold value corresponding to the measurement result), and the related confidence value is higher than a threshold value 3; and / or the predicted SS-RSRP of at least one SSB is higher than Q (exemplarily, Q is a threshold value corresponding to the prediction result), it is available:

[0532] Selecting an SSB having an SS-RSRP higher than P among the related SSBs, and / or selecting an SSB having an estimated SS-RSRP higher than Q among the related SSBs;

[0533] In some embodiments, PREAMBLE_INDEX is set to the identifier of the preamble corresponding to the selected SSB (eg, ra-PreambleIndex).

[0534] In some embodiments, P is a threshold value of 1 and Q is a threshold value of 2. For example, P may be represented by rsrp-ThresholdSSB.

[0535] In some embodiments, Example 2 can be used for CFRA (contention-free Random Access).

[0536] Example 3:

[0537] If at least one SSB with SS-RSRP higher than P (illustratively, P is a threshold corresponding to the measurement result) is available:

[0538] Select the SSB whose SS-RSRP is higher than P.

[0539] Otherwise, if the predicted SS-RSRP of at least one SSB is higher than Q (illustratively, Q is a threshold value corresponding to the prediction result), and the related confidence value is higher than a threshold value of 3:

[0540] The SSBs whose predicted SS-RSRP is higher than the predicted Q and whose associated confidence value is higher than a threshold of 3 are selected.

[0541] In some embodiments, if neither of the above two conditions is met, either SSB may be selected.

[0542] In some embodiments, where P is threshold 1 and Q is threshold 2, for example, P can be represented by rsrp-ThresholdSSB.

[0543] In some embodiments, Example 3 may be used for CBRA (contention-based Random Access) or contention-based random access preamble selection.

[0544] Example 4:

[0545] If the predicted SS-RSRP of at least one SSB is higher than Q (illustratively, Q is a threshold value corresponding to the prediction result), and the related confidence value is higher than a threshold value of 3:

[0546] The SSBs whose predicted SS-RSRP is higher than the predicted Q and whose associated confidence value is higher than a threshold of 3 are selected.

[0547] Otherwise, if at least one SSB with SS-RSRP higher than P (illustratively, P is a threshold corresponding to the measurement result) is available:

[0548] Select the SSB whose SS-RSRP is higher than P.

[0549] In some embodiments, if neither of the above two conditions is met, either SSB may be selected.

[0550] In some embodiments, where P is threshold 1 and Q is threshold 2, for example, P can be represented by rsrp-ThresholdSSB.

[0551] In some embodiments, Example 4 may be used for CBRA (contention-based Random Access) or contention-based random access preamble selection.

[0552] Example 5:

[0553] If the predicted SS-RSRP of at least one SSB is higher than Q (exemplarily, Q is a threshold corresponding to the prediction result) and the related confidence value is higher than a threshold 3, and / or if at least one SSB with an SS-RSRP higher than P (exemplarily, P is a threshold corresponding to the measurement result) is available:

[0554] An SSB whose predicted SS-RSRP is higher than Q and whose associated confidence value is higher than a threshold 3 is selected and / or an SSB whose SS-RSRP is higher than P is selected.

[0555] In some embodiments, if neither of the above two conditions is met, either SSB may be selected.

[0556] In some embodiments, where P is threshold 1 and Q is threshold 2, for example, P can be represented by rsrp-ThresholdSSB.

[0557] In some embodiments, Example 5 may be used for CBRA (contention-based Random Access) or contention-based random access preamble selection.

[0558] Example 6:

[0559] If at least one SSB with SS-RSRP higher than P (illustratively, P is a threshold corresponding to the measurement result) is available:

[0560] Select the SSB whose SS-RSRP is higher than P.

[0561] Otherwise, if the predicted SS-RSRP of at least one SSB is higher than Q (illustratively, Q is a threshold corresponding to the prediction result):

[0562] The SSBs whose predicted SS-RSRP is higher than the predicted Q and whose associated confidence value is higher than a threshold of 3 are selected.

[0563] In some embodiments, if neither of the above two conditions is met, either SSB may be selected.

[0564] In some embodiments, where P is threshold 1 and Q is threshold 2, for example, P can be represented by rsrp-ThresholdSSB.

[0565] In some embodiments, Example 6 may be used for CBRA (contention-based Random Access) or contention-based random access preamble selection.

[0566] Example 7:

[0567] If the predicted SS-RSRP of at least one SSB is higher than Q (illustratively, Q is a threshold corresponding to the prediction result):

[0568] The SSBs whose predicted SS-RSRP is higher than the predicted Q and whose associated confidence value is higher than a threshold of 3 are selected.

[0569] Otherwise, if at least one SSB with SS-RSRP higher than P (illustratively, P is a threshold corresponding to the measurement result) is available:

[0570] Select the SSB whose SS-RSRP is higher than P.

[0571] In some embodiments, if neither of the above two conditions is met, either SSB may be selected.

[0572] In some embodiments, where P is threshold 1 and Q is threshold 2, for example, P can be represented by rsrp-ThresholdSSB.

[0573] In some embodiments, Example 7 may be used for CBRA (contention-based Random Access) or contention-based random access preamble selection.

[0574] Example 8:

[0575] If the predicted SS-RSRP of at least one SSB is higher than Q (exemplarily, Q is a threshold corresponding to the prediction result), and / or if at least one SSB with an SS-RSRP higher than P (exemplarily, P is a threshold corresponding to the measurement result) is available:

[0576] An SSB whose predicted SS-RSRP is higher than the predicted Q and whose associated confidence value is higher than a threshold 3 is selected and / or an SSB whose SS-RSRP is higher than P is selected.

[0577] In some embodiments, if neither of the above two conditions is met, either SSB may be selected.

[0578] In some embodiments, where P is threshold 1 and Q is threshold 2, for example, P can be represented by rsrp-ThresholdSSB.

[0579] In some embodiments, Example 8 may be used for CBRA (contention-based Random Access) or contention-based random access preamble selection.

[0580] Example 9:

[0581] If non-contention random access resources associated with an SSB have been explicitly provided in rach ConfigDedicated and the SS-RSRP of at least one of the associated SSBs is higher than the SSB RSRP threshold or has a predicted SS-RSRP higher than the predicted SSB RSRP threshold, the corresponding SSB is available:

[0582] An SSB whose SS-RSRP is higher than the RSRP threshold is selected among the associated SSBs, or an SSB whose SS-RSRP is predicted to exceed the predicted SRP threshold is selected among the associated SSBs.

[0583] Set PREAMBLE_INDEX to the ra PreambleIndex corresponding to the selected SSB.

[0584] Example 10:

[0585] For contention-based random access preamble selection:

[0586] If at least one SSB with SS-RSRP higher than rsrp-Threshold is available:

[0587] Select an SSB whose SS-RSRP is higher than rsrp-ThresholdSSB.

[0588] Otherwise, if at least one SSB has a predicted SS-RSRP higher than the predicted SSB's rsrp-Threshold and the associated confidence value is higher than threshold 3:

[0589] Select a predicted SSB whose SS-RSRP is above the rsrp-Threshold of the predicted SSB and whose associated confidence value is above the threshold 3.

[0590] Otherwise, select any SSB.

[0591] In some embodiments, in embodiment 4, based on embodiment 3, the UE may select a beam based on any one of the multiple conditions in 3. In this case, multiple beams may meet the requirements at the same time. The UE may select a beam based on UE implementation or one or more of the following criteria:

[0592] Optionally, 4.1, select the beam with the highest (true) measurement result, if any.

[0593] Optionally, in 4.2, a beam with the highest predicted measurement result and a confidence value that meets a threshold requirement is selected.

[0594] Optionally, 4.3, select the better (or best) beam of the measurement results predicted within a period of time in the future.

[0595] Optionally, in 4.4, priorities may be configured, where each priority corresponds to any of the methods described in 3.

[0596] In some embodiments, Example 5, based on any one of Examples 1-4, the threshold value may be configured by the network or agreed upon by the protocol, for example, may be configured through an RRC message and included in the configuration of the target cell.

[0597] In some embodiments, embodiment 6, the network indicates to the UE whether beam selection can be performed based on predicted beam-level measurement results.

[0598] Optionally, in 6.1, the indication information may be sent to the UE via PHY, MAC, or RRC information, and may be included in the configuration of the target cell, such as the configuration of the RACH.

[0599] In some embodiments, embodiment 7, based on any one of embodiments 1-6, introduces UE capability 1, where the UE capability is used to indicate that the UE can perform UE-side beam-level measurement result prediction. The UE can report capability 1 to indicate that the UE supports beam-level measurement result prediction, and the network side can configure related configurations for the UE. Capability 1 can indicate that the UE supports time domain prediction and / or spatial domain prediction.

[0600] In some embodiments, embodiment 8, based on any one of embodiments 1-7, introduces UE capability 2, where the UE capability is used to indicate that the UE can perform beam selection based on predicted beam-level measurement results. UE capabilities 1 and 2 in 7 and 8 may be the same UE capability. If they are different UE capabilities, if the UE supports capability 2, it must support capability 1. The UE can report capability 2 to indicate that the UE supports beam selection based on predicted beam-level measurement results, and the network side can configure relevant configurations for the UE.

[0601] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0602] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0603] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0604] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0605] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal proposed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6 , the terminal 600 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 601 and a processing module 602. In some embodiments, the processing module 602 is configured to select a first beam of a first cell based on first information, wherein the first information includes a beam-level prediction result for the first cell; when determining to access the first cell, the first cell is accessed through the first beam. Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving (for example, step S201 and step S202, but not limited thereto) executed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module is configured to execute at least one of the other steps (for example, step S203, step S204, step S205, step S206, step S207, but not limited thereto) executed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0606] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device proposed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7 , the network device 700 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 701 and a processing module 702. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 701 is configured to send a first indication to a terminal, wherein the first indication is used by the network device to instruct the terminal to allow the terminal to select a beam based on predicted first information, wherein the first information includes a beam-level prediction result for a first cell, and the first beam selected by the terminal is used to access the first cell via the first beam when the terminal determines to access the first cell. Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving executed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods (e.g., step S201, step S202, but not limited thereto), which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module is configured to execute at least one of the other steps executed by the network device 102 in any of the above methods (e.g., step S203, step S204, step S205, step S206, step S207, but not limited thereto), which are not described in detail here.

[0607] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, and the transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0608] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or can include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules each execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be interchangeable with the processor.

[0609] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 8100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 8100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., a user equipment, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above methods. Communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0610] As shown in Figure 8A, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 8100 is used to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 8101 are used to call instructions to enable the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods.

[0611] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8102. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8102, the transceiver 8102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, step S201 and step S202, but not limited thereto), and the processor 8101 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, step S203, step S204, step S205, step S206, and step S207, but not limited thereto). In an optional embodiment, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, and the receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface may be interchangeable, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be interchangeable, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be interchangeable.

[0612] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 also includes one or more memories 8103 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 8103 may be located outside the communication device 8100. In alternative embodiments, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuits 8104 are connected to the memories 8103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 8103 or other devices, or to send data to the memories 8103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 8104 can read data stored in the memories 8103 and send the data to the processor 8101.

[0613] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG. 8A. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0614] 8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 8200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 8200 shown in FIG8B , but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0615] The chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201. The chip 8200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0616] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pins may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of memory 8203 may be located external to chip 8200. Optionally, interface circuit 8202 is connected to memory 8203 and may be used to receive data from memory 8203 or other devices, or may be used to send data to memory 8203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 8202 may read data stored in memory 8203 and send the data to processor 8201.

[0617] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S201 and S202, but not limited thereto) of the aforementioned method. The interface circuit 8202 performing the communication steps (e.g., steps S201 and S202, but not limited thereto) of the aforementioned method means, for example, that the interface circuit 8202 performs data exchange between the processor 8201, the chip 8200, the memory 8203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 8201 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S203, S204, S205, S206, and S207, but not limited thereto).

[0618] The modules and / or devices described in various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be arbitrarily combined or separated according to circumstances. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0619] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0620] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 8100, enables the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0621] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Executed by a terminal, the method includes: selecting a first beam of a first cell according to first information, where the first information includes a beam-level prediction result predicted for the first cell; When determining to access the first cell, access the first cell through the first beam.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The beam-level prediction result of the first cell includes a beam prediction result of one or more beams to be predicted of the first cell, and the beam prediction result includes a predicted beam-level measurement result; The method further comprises: Predict the beam prediction result corresponding to the beam to be predicted of the first cell at a first time, wherein the first time includes any one or more of a first moment, a first time window, and a first timer duration.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first information is obtained through AI model prediction.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The beam to be predicted includes at least one of the following: The beam indicated in the configuration information of the first cell; A beam of the first cell detectable by the terminal; The actual beam measurement result before the first time meets the required beam.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: The actual beam measurement result is greater than a first threshold value, and it is determined that the actual beam measurement result meets the requirement.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The selecting the first beam of the first cell according to the first information includes: A reference signal corresponding to the first beam is selected according to the first information.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The reference signal includes a synchronization signal block SSB and / or a channel state information reference signal CSI-RS.

8. The method according to any one of claims 2, 4, and 5, characterized in that: The predicting the beam prediction result corresponding to the to-be-predicted beam of the first cell at the first time includes: Predict the prediction result of the SSB and / or CSI-RS corresponding to the beam to be predicted at the first time.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The selecting the first beam of the first cell according to the first information includes: determining a second beam according to the first information; The first beam is determined from the second beam.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The second beam meets at least one of the following first conditions: The actual beam measurement result before the first time is greater than the first threshold value; The corresponding beam prediction result is greater than a second threshold value; The confidence level of the corresponding beam prediction result is greater than a third threshold value; The corresponding sorting position of the beam prediction result belongs to the top N.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The determining the first beam from the second beam includes: The number of the second beam is 1, and the second beam is determined to be the first beam.

12. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The determining the first beam from the second beam includes: The number of the second beams is greater than 1, and the second beams that meet at least one of the following second conditions are determined as the first beams: The actual beam measurement result before the first time is the best; The corresponding beam prediction result is optimal; The confidence level of the corresponding beam prediction result is greater than a third threshold value; The confidence level of the corresponding beam prediction result is the largest; The beam prediction result predicted after the first time is greater than a second threshold value; The first condition that is met takes priority.

13. The method according to any one of claims 5, 10-12, characterized in that: The first threshold, the second threshold, and the third threshold are configured by the network device or specified by a protocol.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive a first indication sent by a network device, where the first indication is used by the network device to instruct the terminal to allow beam selection based on the predicted first information.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The first indication is sent through at least one of a physical layer PHY message, a medium access control MAC message, and a radio resource control RRC message.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: A second indication is sent to the network device, where the second indication is used to indicate that the terminal has a first capability, where the first capability is that the terminal has an ability to predict the first information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: A third indication is sent to the network device, where the third indication is used to indicate that the terminal has a second capability, where the second capability is that the terminal has an ability to perform beam selection based on the predicted first information.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: A fourth indication is sent to the network device, where the fourth indication is used to indicate that the terminal has a third capability, where the third capability is that the terminal has an ability to predict the first information and an ability to perform beam selection based on the predicted first information.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determining to access the first cell in any of the following situations: Receiving a switching command sent by a network device; The cell switching conditions are met.

20. A communication method, characterized in that: Executed by a network device, the method includes: A first indication is sent to the terminal, where the first indication is used by the network device to instruct the terminal to allow the terminal to select a beam based on predicted first information, where the first information includes a beam-level prediction result for the first cell, and the first beam selected by the terminal is used to access the first cell through the first beam when the terminal determines to access the first cell.

21. A terminal, characterized in that: include: a processing module, configured to select a first beam of a first cell according to first information, where the first information includes a beam-level prediction result predicted for the first cell; When determining to access the first cell, access the first cell through the first beam.

22. A network device, characterized in that: include: A transceiver module is used to send a first indication to the terminal, where the first indication is used by the network device to instruct the terminal to allow the terminal to select a beam based on predicted first information, where the first information includes a beam-level prediction result for the first cell, and the first beam selected by the terminal is used to access the first cell through the first beam when the terminal determines to access the first cell.

23. A terminal, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; A memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores executable instructions, and when the executable instructions are executed by the processor, the terminal executes the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

24. A network device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; A memory coupled to the processor, wherein executable instructions are stored in the memory, and when the executable instructions are executed by the processor, the network device executes the communication method according to claim 20.

25. A communication system, characterized in that: The invention comprises a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method according to claim 20.

26. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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