Communication methods, communication apparatuses, terminal, access network device and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to communication methods, communication apparatuses, a terminal, an access network device and a storage medium. A communication method can be applied to a terminal, wherein the terminal supports a store-and-forward function. The method comprises: when a serving cell has activated a store-and-forward function, determining on the basis of the signal quality of the serving cell whether to measure a neighboring cell. Thus, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the terminal supports the store-and-forward function and the serving cell has activated the store-and-forward function, whether to measure the neighboring cell is determined on the basis of the signal quality of the serving cell, so that the terminal is prevented from performing unnecessary measurement, thereby reducing power consumption.

Description

Communication methods, communication devices, terminals, access network equipment and storage media Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device, terminal, access network equipment, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In the evolution of telecommunications network technology, communication networks have incorporated non-terrestrial network (NTN) technology and supported satellite access technology. This means that terminals can access the core network and conduct services through a satellite access network. However, due to insufficient satellite deployment and limited coverage, satellite access networks may not be able to provide continuous satellite connectivity. This discontinuous satellite connectivity includes interruptions in the connection between the satellite and the terminal, or between the satellite and the ground station.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] For regenerative architectures using satellite access, where at least base station functionality is deployed on satellites, latency-tolerant services can still be implemented even in cases of discontinuous satellite connections. This requires satellites to support data storage and forwarding capabilities. However, when both satellites and terminals support storage and forwarding, whether to perform measurements on neighboring cells becomes a pressing issue.

[0005] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, terminal, access network equipment, and storage medium that can avoid unnecessary measurements by the terminal, thereby saving power consumption.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, executed by a terminal, the terminal supporting store-and-forward functions; the method includes: when the store-and-forward function is enabled in the serving cell, determining whether to measure neighboring cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, executed by an access network device deployed on a satellite; the method includes: sending first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate that the serving cell has enabled store-and-forward functionality.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a processing module configured to determine whether to measure neighboring cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell when the store-and-forward function of the serving cell is enabled.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a transceiver module configured to transmit first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate that a serving cell has enabled store-and-forward functionality.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided. The terminal includes at least one processor and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the terminal, the instructions cause the terminal to implement the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, an access network device is provided. The access network device includes at least one processor and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the access network device, the instructions cause the access network device to implement the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a terminal and an access network device. The terminal is configured to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect, and the access network device is configured to perform the communication method as described in the second aspect.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0015] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0016] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a chip or chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0017] Through the embodiments of this disclosure, when the terminal supports store and forward function and the serving cell has enabled store and forward function, it is determined whether to measure neighboring cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell, thereby avoiding unnecessary measurements by the terminal and saving power consumption.

[0018] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system architecture based on a transparent payload, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system based on a regenerative payload according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating normal or default satellite operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating a storage and forwarding satellite operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 3B is another interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4A is a schematic flowchart of a terminal-side communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating a terminal-side communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4C is a schematic flowchart of a communication method performed on the access network device side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5A is another schematic flowchart of a terminal-side communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 5B is another flowchart illustrating the communication method performed on the access network device side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0035] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of a chip structure provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0036] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a terminal, an access network device, and a storage medium.

[0037] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a terminal, the terminal supporting store-and-forward functions; the method includes: when the store-and-forward function is enabled in the serving cell, determining whether to measure neighboring cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0038] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when the terminal supports store and forward function and the serving cell has enabled store and forward function, it is determined whether to measure neighboring cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell, thereby avoiding unnecessary measurements by the terminal and saving power consumption.

[0039] In some embodiments, the method further includes: ignoring the received time information when the serving cell has enabled store-and-forward functionality, the time information being used to instruct the terminal to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information.

[0040] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when the terminal supports store and forward function and the serving cell has enabled store and forward function, the terminal can ignore the received time information that instructs the terminal to measure the neighboring cell before the time indicated by the time information, that is, the terminal can determine whether to measure the neighboring cell.

[0041] In some embodiments, the time information is used to indicate one of the following: the time when the serving cell provides service to the terminal; the time when the feeder link between the satellite and the ground station is switched; or the time when the service link between the satellite and the terminal is switched.

[0042] In some embodiments, measuring neighboring cells includes at least one of the following: co-frequency measurement; inter-frequency measurement; inter-system measurement; co-frequency cell measurement; inter-frequency cell measurement; inter-system cell measurement.

[0043] In some embodiments, the serving cell has enabled store-and-forward functionality, and determines whether to measure neighboring cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell, including one of the following: if time information is received and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value, determine not to measure neighboring cells; if time information is received and the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to the first value, determine to measure neighboring cells.

[0044] In some embodiments, determining not to measure neighboring cells when receiving time information and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value includes one of the following: determining not to measure neighboring cells when receiving time information and a first parameter is greater than a first threshold value; determining not to measure neighboring cells when receiving time information, a first parameter is greater than a first threshold value, and a second parameter is greater than a second threshold value, wherein the first parameter and / or the second parameter are used to represent the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0045] In some embodiments, when time information is received and the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to a first value, determining a measurement neighbor cell includes one of the following: when time information is received and a first parameter is less than or equal to a first threshold value, determining a measurement neighbor cell; when time information is received, a first parameter is less than or equal to a first threshold value and a second parameter is less than or equal to a second threshold value, determining a measurement neighbor cell, wherein the first parameter and / or the second parameter are used to represent the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0046] In some embodiments, determining not to measure neighboring cells when receiving time information and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value includes one of the following: determining not to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information when receiving time information and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than the first value; or determining not to measure neighboring cells after the time indicated by the time information when receiving time information and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than the first value.

[0047] In some embodiments, if time information is received and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value, determining not to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information includes one of the following: if time information is received and a first parameter is greater than a first threshold value, determining not to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information; or if time information is received, a first parameter is greater than a first threshold value, and a second parameter is greater than a second threshold value, determining not to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, wherein the first parameter and / or the second parameter are used to represent the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0048] In some embodiments, if time information is received and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value, determining not to measure neighboring cells after the time information indicates the time includes one of the following: if time information is received and a first parameter is greater than a first threshold value, determining not to measure neighboring cells after the time information indicates the time; or if time information is received, a first parameter is greater than a first threshold value, and a second parameter is greater than a second threshold value, determining not to measure neighboring cells after the time information indicates the time, wherein the first parameter and / or the second parameter are used to represent the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0049] In some embodiments, the serving cell has enabled store-and-forward functionality, and the method further includes: if time information is received and the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to a first value, determining a neighboring cell before the time indicated by the time information.

[0050] In some embodiments, when time information is received and the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to a first value, determining a measurement neighboring cell before the time indicated by the time information includes one of the following: when time information is received and a first parameter is less than or equal to a first threshold value, determining a measurement neighboring cell before the time indicated by the time information; or when time information is received, a first parameter is less than or equal to a first threshold value and a second parameter is less than or equal to a second threshold value, determining a measurement neighboring cell before the time indicated by the time information, wherein the first parameter and / or the second parameter are used to represent the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first parameter is used to indicate the received power of the serving cell; the second parameter is used to indicate the received signal quality of the serving cell.

[0052] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by an access network device deployed on a satellite; the method includes: sending first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate that the serving cell has enabled store-and-forward functionality.

[0053] In this embodiment of the disclosure, by sending first information indicating that the serving cell has enabled store-and-forward functionality, the terminal can receive the first information and, if the terminal supports store-and-forward functionality, determine whether to measure neighboring cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell, thereby avoiding unnecessary measurements by the terminal and saving power consumption.

[0054] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending time information, wherein the time information is used to instruct the terminal to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information.

[0055] In some embodiments, the time information is used to indicate one of the following: the time when the serving cell provides service to the terminal; the time when the feeder link between the satellite and the ground station is switched; or the time when the service link between the satellite and the terminal is switched.

[0056] In some embodiments, measuring neighboring cells includes at least one of the following: co-frequency measurement; inter-frequency measurement; inter-system measurement; co-frequency cell measurement; inter-frequency cell measurement; inter-system cell measurement.

[0057] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including: a processing module configured to determine whether to measure neighboring cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell when the store-and-forward function of the serving cell has been enabled.

[0058] In some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to: ignore the received time information when the serving cell has enabled store-and-forward functionality, the time information being used to instruct the terminal to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information.

[0059] In some embodiments, the time information is used to indicate one of the following: the time when the serving cell provides service to the terminal; the time when the feeder link between the satellite and the ground station is switched; or the time when the service link between the satellite and the terminal is switched.

[0060] In some embodiments, measuring neighboring cells includes at least one of the following: co-frequency measurement; inter-frequency measurement; inter-system measurement; co-frequency cell measurement; inter-frequency cell measurement; inter-system cell measurement.

[0061] In some embodiments, the serving cell has enabled store-and-forward functionality, and the processing module is configured to perform one of the following: if time information is received and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value, determine not to measure neighboring cells; if time information is received and the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to the first value, determine to measure neighboring cells.

[0062] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to perform one of the following: if time information is received and a first parameter is greater than a first threshold, determine not to measure neighboring cells; if time information is received, a first parameter is greater than a first threshold and a second parameter is greater than a second threshold, determine not to measure neighboring cells, wherein the first parameter and / or the second parameter are used to represent the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0063] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to perform one of the following: upon receiving time information and a first parameter being less than or equal to a first threshold value, determining a measurement neighboring cell; upon receiving time information, a first parameter being less than or equal to a first threshold value and a second parameter being less than or equal to a second threshold value, determining a measurement neighboring cell, wherein the first parameter and / or the second parameter are used to represent the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0064] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to perform one of the following: if time information is received and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value, before the time indicated by the time information, determine not to measure the neighboring cell; if time information is received and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than the first value, determine not to measure the neighboring cell after the time information indicated by the time information.

[0065] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to perform one of the following: if time information is received and a first parameter is greater than a first threshold, determine not to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information; if time information is received, a first parameter is greater than a first threshold and a second parameter is greater than a second threshold, determine not to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, wherein the first parameter and / or the second parameter are used to represent the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0066] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to perform one of the following: if time information is received and a first parameter is greater than a first threshold, determine not to measure neighboring cells after the time information indicates the time; or if time information is received, a first parameter is greater than a first threshold, and a second parameter is greater than a second threshold, determine not to measure neighboring cells after the time information indicates the time, wherein the first parameter and / or the second parameter are used to represent the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0067] In some embodiments, the serving cell has enabled store-and-forward functionality, and the processing module is further configured to: upon receiving time information and if the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to a first value, determine the neighboring cell to be measured before the time indicated by the time information.

[0068] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to perform one of the following: upon receiving time information and a first parameter being less than or equal to a first threshold value, determining a measurement neighboring cell before the time indicated by the time information; upon receiving time information, a first parameter being less than or equal to a first threshold value and a second parameter being less than or equal to a second threshold value, determining a measurement neighboring cell before the time indicated by the time information, wherein the first parameter and / or the second parameter are used to represent the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first parameter is used to indicate the received power of the serving cell; the second parameter is used to indicate the received signal quality of the serving cell.

[0070] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including: a transceiver module configured to send first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate that the serving cell has enabled store-and-forward functionality.

[0071] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to: transmit time information, wherein the time information is used to indicate that the terminal measures neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information.

[0072] In some embodiments, the time information is used to indicate one of the following: the time when the serving cell provides service to the terminal; the time when the feeder link between the satellite and the ground station is switched; or the time when the service link between the satellite and the terminal is switched.

[0073] In some embodiments, measuring neighboring cells includes at least one of the following: co-frequency measurement; inter-frequency measurement; inter-system measurement; co-frequency cell measurement; inter-frequency cell measurement; inter-system cell measurement.

[0074] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal. The terminal includes at least one processor and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the terminal, the instructions cause the terminal to implement the communication method described in the first aspect and its possible embodiments.

[0075] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an access network device. The access network device includes at least one processor and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the access network device, the instructions cause the access network device to implement the communication method described in the second aspect and its possible embodiments.

[0076] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system. The communication system includes a terminal and an access network device. The terminal is configured to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect and its possible embodiments, and the access network device is configured to perform the communication method as described in the second aspect and its possible embodiments.

[0077] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the communication methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, and their possible implementations.

[0078] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the communication methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, and their possible implementations.

[0079] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program. When this computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, and their possible implementations.

[0080] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, and their possible embodiments.

[0081] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, access network devices, communication systems, computer-readable storage media, computer program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to perform the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0082] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a terminal, an access network device, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method, information processing method, information transmission method, neighbor cell measurement method, and method for measuring neighbor cells can be used interchangeably. Terms such as terminal, access network device, communication device, and information processing device can be used interchangeably. Terms such as information processing system and communication system can be used interchangeably.

[0083] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular 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 particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0084] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0085] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0086] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0087] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0088] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0089] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0090] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0091] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0092] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0093] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0094] In some embodiments, the terms “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 lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “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”.

[0095] 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”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0096] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0097] In some embodiments, the terms "network devices", "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", "node", "access network node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)", "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femtocell", "picocell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0098] 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", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0099] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0100] 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, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0101] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0102] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0103] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0104] As shown in Figure 1A, Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication system 100 includes a terminal 101, an access network device 102, and a core network device 103.

[0105] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0106] In some embodiments, the access network device 102, such as a node or device for connecting a terminal to a wireless network, may include at least one of, but is not limited to, an evolved node B (eNB), a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next-generation node B (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 RAN, a cloud RAN, a base station in other communication systems, and an access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0107] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) architectures. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0108] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0109] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC) network, a 5G core (5GC) network, and a next-generation core (NGC) network.

[0110] In some embodiments, the core network may be an EPC network in a 4G system. In this case, the access network device 102 may be, for example, an eNB.

[0111] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may include a first core network element, such as a serving gateway (S-GW) or a packet data network gateway (PDN-GW).

[0112] In some embodiments, the first core network element can be used for functions such as user plane processing, packet routing and forwarding, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0113] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may include a second core network element, such as a mobility management entity (MME).

[0114] In some embodiments, the second core network element can be used for user mobility management, bearer management, user authentication, S-GW selection, etc., and its name is not limited to these.

[0115] In some embodiments, the core network may be a 5GC network in a 5G system. In this case, the access network device 102 may be, for example, a gNB.

[0116] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may include a first core network element, such as a user plane function (UPF).

[0117] In some embodiments, the first core network element can be used for routing and forwarding core network user plane data packets, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0118] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may include a second core network element, such as a session management function (SMF) or an access mobility function (AMF).

[0119] In some embodiments, the second core network element can be used to process user services, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0120] In some embodiments, each network element in the core network device 103 may also be referred to as a network device, network function, network entity, etc., and its name is not limited.

[0121] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0122] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A, or some of the main components in the communication system 100, but are not limited thereto. The main components shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The communication system 100 may include all or some of the main components in FIG1A, or may include other main components other than those in FIG1A. The number and form of each main component are arbitrary. Each main component may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main components is illustrative. The main components may not be connected or may be connected. The connection may be in any way, such as direct connection or indirect connection, wired connection or wireless connection.

[0123] The embodiments disclosed herein 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), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, and Ultra-Wideband. Band (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, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0124] The embodiments of this disclosure are applicable to non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), which may include networks or network segments that use airborne or space-based vehicles to carry transmission equipment relay nodes or base stations, and may also include any network involving non-terrestrial flying objects. For example, an NTN may include a satellite communication network, high altitude platform systems (HAPs), etc. In this disclosure, a satellite communication network is used as an example of an NTN for illustration.

[0125] With the development of communication technology, satellite communication technology is considered an important aspect of future wireless communication technology development. Communication systems that support satellite access technology (such as 4G and 5G networks) can also be called satellite communication networks. In this communication network, terminals can access the core network (such as EPC and 5GC) and conduct business through the satellite access network. However, due to insufficient satellite deployment, satellite access networks may experience limited coverage, and therefore, satellites may not be able to provide continuous connection services. This discontinuous satellite connection includes situations where the service connection between the satellite and the terminal or the feeder connection between the satellite and the ground station is interrupted.

[0126] In some embodiments, the connection between the satellite and the terminal may also be referred to as a service link, and the connection between the satellite and the ground station may also be referred to as a feeder link.

[0127] In some embodiments, the satellite communication network can have two different architectures. These two architectures are a satellite communication network architecture based on transparent payloads (i.e., transparent mode) and a satellite communication network architecture based on regenerative payloads (i.e., regenerative mode).

[0128] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1B, FIG1B is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system architecture based on a transparent payload according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this satellite communication system architecture, the core network is described as 5GC. Of course, the core network can also be other evolved versions of the core network, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not specifically limit this. In transparent mode, gNB 20 is deployed on the ground, and satellite 10 implements the radio frequency function of gNB 20. The ground station sends the signal of gNB 20 to satellite 10. Satellite 10 converts the signal to the satellite frequency band and then transmits it to the terminal through the satellite frequency band. Except for frequency conversion and signal amplification, satellite 10 does not demodulate the signal of gNB 20. The role of satellite 10 is equivalent to a repeater.

[0129] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1C, FIG1C is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system architecture based on a regenerative payload according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this satellite communication system architecture, the core network is still described as 5GC. Of course, the core network can also be other evolved versions of the core network, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not specifically limit this. In regenerative mode, gNB 20 is deployed on satellite 10. At this time, gNB can be referred to as onboard gNB. After the ground station sends the signal to the satellite, satellite 10 demodulates and decodes the signal and then re-encodes and modulates it (this process can be called regeneration) and sends the regenerated signal to the terminal through the satellite frequency band.

[0130] In some embodiments, the operating mode of the satellite communication system based on the above-described transparent transmission mode or regeneration mode can be described as normal or default satellite operation.

[0131] In some embodiments, to provide latency-tolerant communication services, satellite communication systems support store-and-forward (S&F) functionality. Store-and-forward (S&F) satellite operation is an operating mode for communication systems with satellite access (i.e., satellite communication systems). When satellite connectivity is intermittent or temporarily unavailable, the communication system can provide a certain level of service (such as storing and forwarding data). For example, it can provide communication services to terminals within satellite coverage without simultaneously connecting to a ground-based feeder link.

[0132] In some embodiments, S&F satellite operation is a commonly used data transmission method in satellite communications, suitable for scenarios where real-time communication is not possible or the communication link is unstable. In some embodiments, S&F satellite operation can be applied in fields such as ocean monitoring, environmental monitoring, telemedicine, and disaster response, enabling effective data transmission even in the absence of a stable real-time communication link.

[0133] Under S&F satellite operation, data transmission typically includes at least one of the following steps:

[0134] Step 1, Terminal uplink data transmission: First, the terminal sends data to the satellite. If there is no connection between the satellite and the ground station (e.g., gateway) (e.g., no feeder link), the satellite stores the data. Then, if there is a connection between the satellite and the ground station (e.g., feeder link exists), the satellite forwards the data to the ground station. Finally, the ground station receives the data sent by the terminal.

[0135] Step 2: Terminal receives downlink data: First, if the ground station is not connected to the satellite (e.g., without feederlink), the ground station (e.g., S-GW or MME) buffers the data. Then, if the ground station establishes a connection with the satellite (e.g., feederlink), the ground station sends the data to the satellite. If the satellite establishes a connection with the terminal, the satellite sends the data to the terminal. If the satellite does not establish a connection with the terminal, the satellite buffers the data until a connection is established, at which point the satellite sends the data to the terminal. Finally, the terminal receives the data sent by the ground station.

[0136] In some embodiments, S&F satellite operation has the following advantages: it can overcome geographical limitations, i.e., since the satellite can cover any place on Earth, it can enable communication in remote areas or for mobile targets; it can cope with unstable communication links, i.e., in the event of an unstable or unavailable communication link, data can be temporarily stored on the satellite and transmitted when the link is restored; and it can enable batch transmission of data, i.e., the satellite can collect a large amount of data and transmit it all at once, which can improve communication efficiency.

[0137] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2A, FIG2A is a schematic diagram illustrating normal or default satellite operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the "normal / default satellite operation" mode, the interaction of signaling and data transmission between the terminal and the remote terrestrial network (TN) via the satellite requires the simultaneous activity of the serving link and the feeder link. Therefore, when the terminal interacts with the satellite via the serving link, there is a continuous, end-to-end connection path between the terminal, the satellite, and the terrestrial network.

[0138] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2B, FIG2B is a schematic diagram illustrating a store-and-forward satellite operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In contrast to the normal satellite operation described above, under S&F satellite operation, the interaction of end-to-end signaling or data transmission is processed as a combination of two steps that are not performed simultaneously (steps A and B in FIG2B). In step A, signaling or data transmission occurs between the terminal and the satellite, at which time the satellite may not be connected to the terrestrial network (i.e., the satellite can use the service link even without an available feeder link connection). In step B, a connection is established between the satellite and the terrestrial network (i.e., a feeder link is established), enabling communication between the satellite and the terrestrial network. Therefore, the satellite moves from connecting to the terminal in step A to connecting to the terrestrial network in step B.

[0139] In some embodiments, support for S&F satellite operations is particularly applicable to providing latency-tolerant or non-real-time IoT satellite services for non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) satellites.

[0140] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure will now be explained and interpreted.

[0141] I. Introduction to Measurement of Neighboring Communities

[0142] If t-Service exists in the serving cell's system information (such as SystemInformationBlockType3), the terminal should perform intra-frequency, inter-frequency, or inter-system (inter-RAT) measurements before time t-Service, regardless of whether the serving cell satisfies Srxlev>S. IntraSearchP And Squal>S IntraSearchQ , or Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ The exact time before t-Service begins measurement can depend on the terminal implementation. If t-ServiceStartNeigh exists in system information (such as SystemInformationBlockType33), it can be used to determine when to start measurement. The terminal should perform higher-priority inter-frequency or inter-system measurements, regardless of the remaining service time of the serving cell.

[0143] Where Srxlev is the received power of the serving cell; Squal is the received signal quality of the serving cell; S IntraSearchP S represents the Srxlev threshold for same-frequency measurements; S IntraSearchQ Squal represents the threshold for same-frequency measurements; S nonIntraSearchP This represents the Srxlev threshold for inter-frequency and inter-system measurements on access network equipment; S nonIntraSearchQ This represents the Squal threshold for inter-frequency and inter-system measurements of access network equipment.

[0144] In some embodiments, neighbor cell measurement may include at least one of the following: intra-frequency cell measurement, inter-frequency cell measurement, inter-system cell measurement, intra-frequency measurement, inter-frequency measurement, and inter-system measurement performed by a radio resource control (RRC) idle-state terminal. In some embodiments, neighbor cell measurement may include at least one of the following: intra-frequency cell measurement, inter-frequency cell measurement, inter-system cell measurement, intra-frequency measurement, inter-frequency measurement, and inter-system measurement performed by an RRC inactive-state terminal.

[0145] In some embodiments, terms such as "co-frequency cell measurement", "co-frequency measurement", and "co-frequency measurement of neighboring cells" can be used interchangeably.

[0146] In some embodiments, terms such as "inter-frequency cell measurement", "inter-frequency measurement", and "inter-frequency measurement of neighboring cells" can be used interchangeably.

[0147] In some embodiments, terms such as "inter-system cell measurement", "inter-system measurement", and "inter-system measurement of neighboring cells" can be used interchangeably.

[0148] In some embodiments, "neighbor cell measurement" and "measure neighbor cells" can be used interchangeably.

[0149] II. Introduction to t-Service

[0150] t-Service indicates the time information when the serving cell provided by the NTN system will cease providing service to its currently covered area; that is, the time during which the serving cell provides service to the terminal. This field applies to service link transitions in the NTN quasi-Earth fixed system and feeder link transitions in the NTN quasi-Earth fixed and Earth moving system.

[0151] For the aforementioned satellite access regenerative architecture, the gNB function is deployed on the satellite. Even in the event of discontinuous satellite connections, latency-tolerant services can still be provided. This requires the satellite to support data storage and forwarding capabilities, so that data can be stored on the satellite in the event of a satellite connection interruption and forwarded when the satellite connection is restored. However, even when both the satellite and the terminal support storage and forwarding capabilities, whether to perform measurements on neighboring cells is a problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0152] To address the aforementioned issues, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, communication device, terminal, access network equipment, and storage medium that can determine whether to measure neighboring cells, thereby avoiding unnecessary measurements by the terminal and saving power consumption.

[0153] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the access network device can be deployed on a satellite, and in this case, the access network device can be described as a satellite-borne access network device.

[0154] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes steps S3101 to S3104.

[0155] In step S3101, the access network device sends the first information.

[0156] In some embodiments, the terminal receives first information.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that the access network device has enabled the store-and-forward function. In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that the serving cell has enabled the store-and-forward function.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that the access network device supports store-and-forward functionality. In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that the serving cell supports store-and-forward functionality.

[0159] In some embodiments, the access network device or serving cell supports store-and-forward functionality, which can be understood as the access network device or serving cell having the capability to provide store-and-forward functionality. In some embodiments, the access network device or serving cell enabling store-and-forward functionality can be understood as: the access network device or serving cell supports store-and-forward functionality and has enabled store-and-forward functionality.

[0160] In some embodiments, enabling store-and-forward functionality in the access network or serving cell can be understood as: the access network or serving cell supports store-and-forward functionality, and authorized terminals use store-and-forward functionality.

[0161] In some embodiments, the fact that the serving cell supports store-and-forward functionality can be understood as the serving cell having the resources to perform store-and-forward functionality.

[0162] In some embodiments, the use of storage and forwarding functions by an authorized terminal can be understood as the access network device allocating resources required for the storage and forwarding functions to the terminal, such as storage space, uplink and downlink resources for forwarding, etc.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried in at least one of RRC signaling, media access control-control element (MAC-CE) signaling, downlink control information (DCI), and system messages. In some embodiments, the system message may include a master information block (MIB) and a system information block (SIB).

[0164] In some embodiments, step S3101 may be omitted if the store-and-forward function is not enabled in the serving cell.

[0165] In some embodiments, if the serving cell does not support store-and-forward functionality, step S3101 may be omitted.

[0166] In some embodiments, if the terminal does not support store and forward functions, step S3101 may be omitted.

[0167] In some embodiments, the fact that the terminal does not support store and forward functions can be understood as: the terminal is not capable of performing store and forward functions, or the terminal is capable of performing store and forward functions but is not authorized to use store and forward functions.

[0168] In step S3102, the access network device sends time information.

[0169] In some embodiments, the terminal receives time information. In some embodiments, the time information may be used to instruct the terminal to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information.

[0170] In some embodiments, time information can be used to indicate the time during which the serving cell provides service to the terminal (e.g., t-Service). In some embodiments, time information can be used to indicate the time during which a feeder link is switched over. In some embodiments, time information can be used to indicate the time during which a service link is switched over.

[0171] In some embodiments, the time during which the serving cell provides services to the terminal can be understood as the time when the serving cell will stop providing services to the terminal.

[0172] In some embodiments, "time" and "moment" can be used interchangeably.

[0173] In some embodiments, the switching time of the feeder link can be understood as the time when the connection between the satellite and the ground station is switched, for example, the moment when the satellite switches from the current ground station to another ground station.

[0174] In some embodiments, the service link switching time can be understood as the time when the connection between the terminal and the satellite is switched, for example, the moment when the terminal switches from the current satellite to another satellite.

[0175] In some embodiments, measuring neighboring cells may include at least one of intra-frequency measurement, inter-frequency measurement, inter-system measurement, intra-frequency cell measurement, inter-frequency cell measurement, and inter-system cell measurement.

[0176] In some embodiments, time information may be carried in system information. In some embodiments, time information may also be carried in other information, such as RRC signaling, MAC CE signaling, or DCI.

[0177] In some embodiments, the execution order of steps S3101 and S3102 is not limited. In one example, steps S3101 and S3102 may be executed simultaneously. In one example, step S3101 may be executed before step S3102. In one example, step S3102 may be executed before step S3101.

[0178] In step S3103, the terminal ignores the time information.

[0179] In some embodiments, upon receiving the first information, the terminal may ignore the time information. In some embodiments, ignoring the time information can be understood as the terminal not measuring neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information.

[0180] In some embodiments, when the terminal receives the first information and the terminal supports storage and forwarding functions, the terminal may ignore the time information.

[0181] In some embodiments, terminal support for store and forward functions can be understood as: the terminal is capable of performing store and forward functions, or the terminal is capable of performing store and forward functions and is authorized to use store and forward functions.

[0182] In some embodiments, the terminal ignoring time information can be understood as the terminal determining whether to measure neighboring cells only based on the signal quality of the serving cell when it receives the first information and time information.

[0183] In step S3104, the terminal determines not to measure neighboring cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0184] In some embodiments, if the terminal receives first information and time information, and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value, it determines not to measure neighboring cells. In some embodiments, the terminal's determination not to measure neighboring cells may indicate that the terminal may choose not to measure neighboring cells.

[0185] In some embodiments, terms such as “determined not to measure,” “may choose not to measure,” “expected not to measure,” and “can choose not to measure” may be used interchangeably.

[0186] In some embodiments, if the terminal supports store and forward functions, receives first information and time information, and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value, the terminal determines not to measure neighboring cells.

[0187] In some embodiments, when the terminal receives first information and time information, and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value, it determines not to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information.

[0188] In some embodiments, if the terminal supports store and forward function, receives first information and time information, and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value, the terminal determines not to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information.

[0189] In some embodiments, when the terminal receives first information and time information, and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than the first value, it determines not to measure neighboring cells after the time indicated by the time information.

[0190] In some embodiments, if the terminal receives the first information and time information with the support of store and forward function and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than the first value, the terminal determines not to measure the neighboring cell after the time indicated by the time information.

[0191] In some embodiments, S3102 is omitted, indicating that after receiving the first information, the terminal directly executes step S3104, that is, after step S3101, step S3104 is executed directly. In some embodiments, after receiving the first information, the terminal determines whether to measure neighboring cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell. In some embodiments, after receiving the first information, the terminal determines whether to measure neighboring cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell, regardless of whether time information is received.

[0192] In some embodiments, determining whether to measure a neighboring cell based on the signal quality of the serving cell may include step S3104 and the terminal determining the neighboring cell to be measured based on the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0193] It should be noted that the determination of the neighboring cell by the terminal based on the signal quality of the serving cell will be explained in the subsequent step S3203.

[0194] In some embodiments, if the access network device does not send time information, and if the terminal receives the first information and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than the first value, the terminal may choose not to measure the neighboring cell.

[0195] In some embodiments, when the terminal receives the first information and time information and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than the first value, it determines not to measure neighboring cells. This can be divided into the following two cases:

[0196] Scenario 1: If the terminal receives the first information and time information and the first parameter is greater than the first threshold value, it determines not to measure neighboring cells;

[0197] Scenario 2: If the terminal receives the first information and time information, and the first parameter is greater than the first threshold value and the second parameter is greater than the second threshold value, it determines not to measure neighboring cells.

[0198] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine a first parameter and / or a second parameter.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first parameter and / or the second parameter may be used to represent the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first parameter may be used to indicate the received power of the serving cell; for example, the first parameter may be Srxlev.

[0201] In one example, with the first parameter being Srxlev, the first threshold value could include: S IntraSearchP and / or S nonIntraSearchP Here, S IntraSearchP This can be understood as the threshold value corresponding to Srxlev under the same frequency measurement, S nonIntraSearchP This can be understood as the threshold value corresponding to Srxlev under different frequency measurements and / or different system measurements.

[0202] In one example, scenario one could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information, and Srxlev > S IntraSearchP In this case, it is determined not to perform co-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0203] In one example, scenario one could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information, and Srxlev > S nonIntraSearchP In this case, it is determined that inter-frequency measurements will not be performed on neighboring cells.

[0204] In one example, scenario one could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information, and Srxlev > S nonIntraSearchP In such cases, it is determined that inter-system measurements will not be performed on neighboring communities.

[0205] In one example, scenario one could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information, and Srxlev > S nonIntraSearchP In this case, it is determined that inter-frequency measurements and inter-system measurements should not be performed on neighboring cells.

[0206] In some embodiments, the second parameter can be used to indicate the received signal quality of the serving cell; for example, the second parameter can be Squal.

[0207] In one example, with the second parameter being Squal, the second threshold value could include: S IntraSearchQ and / or S nonIntraSearchQ Here, S IntraSearchQ This can be understood as the threshold value corresponding to Squal under the same frequency measurement, S nonIntraSearchQ This can be understood as the threshold value corresponding to Squal under different frequency measurements and / or different system measurements.

[0208] In one example, scenario two could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev>S IntraSearchP And Squal>S IntraSearchQ In this case, it is determined not to perform co-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0209] In one example, scenario two could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ In this case, it is determined that inter-frequency measurements will not be performed on neighboring cells.

[0210] In one example, scenario two could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ In such cases, it is determined that inter-system measurements will not be performed on neighboring communities.

[0211] In one example, scenario two could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ In this case, it is determined that inter-frequency measurements and inter-system measurements should not be performed on neighboring cells.

[0212] In some embodiments, when the terminal receives the first information and time information, and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than the first value, it determines not to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information. This can be divided into the following two cases:

[0213] Case 1: If the terminal receives the first information and time information and the first parameter is greater than the first threshold value, it determines not to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information.

[0214] Scenario 2: When the terminal receives the first information and time information, and the first parameter is greater than the first threshold value and the second parameter is greater than the second threshold value, it determines not to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information.

[0215] In one example, case 1 could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information, and Srxlev > S IntraSearchP In such cases, before the time indicated by the time information, it is determined not to perform co-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0216] In one example, case 1 could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information, and Srxlev > S nonIntraSearchP In the case of this, before the time indicated by the time information, it is determined not to perform inter-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0217] In one example, case 1 could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information, and Srxlev > S nonIntraSearchP In such cases, before the time indicated by the time information, it is determined not to perform inter-system measurements on neighboring cells.

[0218] In one example, case 1 could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information, and Srxlev > S nonIntraSearchP In the case of this, before the time indicated by the time information, it is determined that inter-frequency measurements and inter-system measurements of neighboring cells will not be performed.

[0219] In one example, case 2 could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev>S IntraSearchP And Squal>S IntraSearchQ In such cases, before the time indicated by the time information, it is determined not to perform co-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0220] In one example, case 2 could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ In the case of this, before the time indicated by the time information, it is determined not to perform inter-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0221] In one example, case 2 could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ In such cases, before the time indicated by the time information, it is determined not to perform inter-system measurements on neighboring cells.

[0222] In one example, case 2 could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ In the case of this, before the time indicated by the time information, it is determined that inter-frequency measurements and inter-system measurements of neighboring cells will not be performed.

[0223] In some embodiments, when the terminal receives the first information and time information, and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than the first value, it determines not to measure neighboring cells after the time indicated by the time information. This can be divided into the following two cases:

[0224] In the first scenario: when the terminal receives the first information and the time information and the first parameter is greater than the first threshold value, it determines not to measure the neighboring cell after the time information indicates the time.

[0225] In the second scenario: when the terminal receives the first information and time information, and the first parameter is greater than the first threshold and the second parameter is greater than the second threshold, it determines not to measure neighboring cells after the time indicated by the time information.

[0226] In one example, the first case could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information, and Srxlev > S IntraSearchP In the case of a time interval specified in the time information, it is determined not to perform co-frequency measurements on neighboring cells after that time interval.

[0227] In one example, the first case could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information, and Srxlev > S nonIntraSearchP In the case of a time interval specified in the time information, it is determined not to perform inter-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0228] In one example, the first case could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information, and Srxlev > S nonIntraSearchP In such cases, after the time indicated by the time information, it is determined not to perform inter-system measurements on neighboring cells.

[0229] In one example, the first case could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information, and Srxlev > S nonIntraSearchP In the case of this, after the time indicated by the time information, it is determined that inter-frequency measurements and inter-system measurements of neighboring cells will not be performed.

[0230] In one example, the second scenario could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev>S IntraSearchP And Squal>S IntraSearchQ In the case of a time interval specified in the time information, it is determined not to perform co-frequency measurements on neighboring cells after that time interval.

[0231] In one example, the second scenario could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ In the case of a time interval specified in the time information, it is determined not to perform inter-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0232] In one example, the second scenario could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ In such cases, after the time indicated by the time information, it is determined not to perform inter-system measurements on neighboring cells.

[0233] In one example, the second scenario could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev>SnonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ In the case of this, after the time indicated by the time information, it is determined that inter-frequency measurements and inter-system measurements of neighboring cells will not be performed.

[0234] In some embodiments, when the access network device does not send time information, and the terminal receives the first information and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than the first value, the terminal may choose not to measure neighboring cells, which may include the following implementation methods:

[0235] Method 1: If the first information is received and the first parameter is greater than the first threshold value, the terminal determines not to measure neighboring cells;

[0236] Method 2: If the terminal receives the first information, the first parameter is greater than the first threshold value, and the second parameter is greater than the second threshold value, the terminal determines not to measure the neighboring cell.

[0237] In one example, method one could include: upon receiving the first information and Srxlev > S IntraSearchP In this case, the terminal determines not to perform co-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0238] In one example, method one could include: upon receiving the first information and Srxlev > S nonIntraSearchP In this case, the terminal determines not to perform inter-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0239] In one example, method one could include: upon receiving the first information and Srxlev > S nonIntraSearchP In this case, the terminal determines not to perform inter-system measurements on neighboring cells.

[0240] In one example, method one could include: upon receiving the first information and Srxlev > S nonIntraSearchP In this case, the terminal determines not to perform inter-frequency measurements or inter-system measurements on neighboring cells.

[0241] In one example, method two could include: upon receiving the first information, Srxlev>S IntraSearchP And Squal>S IntraSearchQ In this case, the terminal determines not to perform co-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0242] In one example, method two could include: upon receiving the first information, Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ In this case, the terminal determines not to perform inter-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0243] In one example, method two could include: upon receiving the first information, Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchPAnd Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ In this case, the terminal determines not to perform inter-system measurements on neighboring cells.

[0244] In one example, method two could include: upon receiving the first information, Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ In this case, the terminal determines not to perform inter-frequency measurements or inter-system measurements on neighboring cells.

[0245] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3104. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. Step S3104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. A combination of steps S3101 and S3104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. A combination of steps S3102 and S3104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S3101, S3102, and S3104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0246] In some embodiments, steps S3101 and S3102 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0247] In some embodiments, steps S3102, S3103, and S3104 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0248] In some embodiments, steps S3101, S3102, and S3103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0249] In some embodiments, steps S3103 and S3104 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0250] Figure 3B is another interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes steps S3201 to S3203.

[0251] In step S3201, the access network device sends the first information.

[0252] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in Figure 3A, the optional implementation of step S3101, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0253] In step S3202, the access network device sends time information.

[0254] The optional implementation of step S3202 can be found in Figure 3A, the optional implementation of step S3102, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0255] In step S3203, the terminal determines the neighboring cells to be measured based on the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0256] In some embodiments, when the terminal receives first information and time information, and the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to a first value, it determines the neighboring cell to be measured.

[0257] In some embodiments, if the terminal supports store and forward functions, receives first information and time information, and the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to a first value, the terminal determines the neighboring cell to be measured.

[0258] In some embodiments, when the terminal receives first information and time information, and the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to a first value, the terminal determines the neighboring cell to be measured before the time indicated by the time information. In some embodiments, when the terminal supports store-and-forward functionality, receives first information and time information, and the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to the first value, the terminal determines the neighboring cell to be measured before the time indicated by the time information.

[0259] In some embodiments, when the store-and-forward function is not enabled in the serving cell, the terminal determines to measure the neighboring cell before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the following condition is met: the first parameter is greater than the first threshold value.

[0260] In some embodiments, where the serving cell does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the following condition is met: a first parameter is greater than a first threshold value.

[0261] In some embodiments, when the terminal does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the following condition is met: the first parameter is greater than the first threshold value.

[0262] In some embodiments, when the serving cell does not have store-and-forward functionality enabled, the terminal determines to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the following conditions are met: a first parameter is greater than a first threshold and a second parameter is greater than a second threshold.

[0263] In some embodiments, when the serving cell does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the following conditions are met: a first parameter is greater than a first threshold and a second parameter is greater than a second threshold.

[0264] In some embodiments, when the terminal does not support store and forward function, the terminal determines to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the following conditions are met: the first parameter is greater than the first threshold and the second parameter is greater than the second threshold.

[0265] In some embodiments, when the terminal receives the first information and time information, and the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to the first value, it determines the neighboring cell for measurement. This can be divided into the following two cases:

[0266] Case 1: If the first information and time information are received and the first parameter is less than or equal to the first threshold value, determine the neighboring cell to be measured;

[0267] Case 2: If the first information and time information are received, and the first parameter is less than or equal to the first threshold value and the second parameter is less than or equal to the second threshold value, then the neighboring cell for measurement is determined.

[0268] The relevant descriptions of the first and second parameters can be found in the description of the first and second parameters in step S3104 of Figure 3A, and will not be repeated here.

[0269] In one example, case 1 could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information and Srxlev ≤ S IntraSearchP In this case, it is determined to conduct co-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0270] In one example, case 1 could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information and Srxlev ≤ S nonIntraSearchP In this case, it is determined to perform inter-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0271] In one example, case 1 could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information and Srxlev ≤ S nonIntraSearchP In such cases, it is determined to perform inter-system measurements on neighboring cells.

[0272] In one example, case 1 could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information and Srxlev ≤ S nonIntraSearchP In this case, determine whether to perform inter-frequency measurements and inter-system measurements on neighboring cells.

[0273] In one example, case 2 could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev≤S IntraSearchP And Squal≤S IntraSearchQ In this case, it is determined to conduct co-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0274] In one example, case 2 could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev≤S nonIntraSearchPAnd Squal≤S nonIntraSearchQ In this case, it is determined to perform inter-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0275] In one example, case 2 could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev≤S nonIntraSearchP And Squal≤S nonIntraSearchQ In such cases, it is determined to perform inter-system measurements on neighboring cells.

[0276] In one example, case 2 could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev≤S nonIntraSearchP And Squal≤S nonIntraSearchQ In this case, determine whether to perform inter-frequency measurements and inter-system measurements on neighboring cells.

[0277] In some embodiments, when the terminal receives the first information and time information, and the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to the first value, it determines the neighboring cell before the time indicated by the time information. This can be divided into the following two cases:

[0278] Scenario 1: When the terminal receives the first information and time information and the first parameter is less than or equal to the first threshold value, it determines the neighboring cell to be measured before the time indicated by the time information.

[0279] Scenario 2: When the terminal receives the first information and time information, and the first parameter is less than or equal to the first threshold value and the second parameter is less than or equal to the second threshold value, it determines the neighboring cell to be measured before the time indicated by the time information.

[0280] In one example, case one could include: receiving the first information and the time information and Srxlev ≤ S IntraSearchP In this case, the terminal determines to perform co-frequency measurement on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information.

[0281] In one example, case one could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information and Srxlev ≤ S nonIntraSearchP In this case, before the time indicated by the time information, determine to perform inter-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0282] In one example, case one could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information and Srxlev ≤ S nonIntraSearchP In the case of this, before the time indicated by the time information, determine to perform inter-system measurements on neighboring cells.

[0283] In one example, case one could include: the terminal receives the first information and the time information and Srxlev ≤ S nonIntraSearchPIn the case of inter-frequency measurement and inter-system measurement of neighboring cells, before the time indicated by the time information, it is determined to perform inter-frequency measurement and inter-system measurement of neighboring cells.

[0284] In one example, scenario two could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev≤S IntraSearchP And Squal≤S IntraSearchQ In this case, before the time indicated by the time information, determine to perform co-frequency measurement on neighboring cells.

[0285] In one example, scenario two could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev≤S nonIntraSearchP And Squal≤S nonIntraSearchQ In this case, before the time indicated by the time information, determine to perform inter-frequency measurements on neighboring cells.

[0286] In one example, scenario two could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev≤S nonIntraSearchP And Squal≤S nonIntraSearchQ In the case of this, before the time indicated by the time information, determine to perform inter-system measurements on neighboring cells.

[0287] In one example, scenario two could include: the terminal receiving the first information and time information, Srxlev≤S nonIntraSearchP And Squal≤S nonIntraSearchQ In the case of inter-frequency measurement and inter-system measurement of neighboring cells, before the time indicated by the time information, it is determined to perform inter-frequency measurement and inter-system measurement of neighboring cells.

[0288] In the case where store-and-forward functionality is not enabled in the serving cell, the terminal determines to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the first parameter is greater than the first threshold value. This can include the following examples:

[0289] In one example, when the serving cell does not have store-and-forward functionality enabled, the terminal determines to perform co-frequency measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the condition Srxlev > S is met. IntraSearchP .

[0290] In one example, when the serving cell does not have store-and-forward functionality enabled, the terminal determines to perform inter-frequency measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the condition Srxlev > S is met. nonIntraSearchP .

[0291] In one example, when the serving cell does not have store-and-forward functionality enabled, the terminal determines to perform inter-system measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the condition Srxlev > S is met. nonIntraSearchP .

[0292] In one example, when the serving cell does not have store-and-forward functionality enabled, the terminal determines to perform inter-frequency measurements and inter-system measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev > S. nonIntraSearchP .

[0293] In cases where the serving cell does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the first parameter is greater than a first threshold value. Examples of this can include:

[0294] In one example, when the serving cell does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to perform co-frequency measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev > S. IntraSearchP .

[0295] In one example, when the serving cell does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to perform inter-frequency measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev > S. nonIntraSearchP .

[0296] In one example, when the serving cell does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to perform inter-system measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev > S. nonIntraSearchP .

[0297] In one example, when the serving cell does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to perform inter-frequency measurements and inter-system measurements of neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP .

[0298] In cases where the terminal does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the condition that the first parameter is greater than the first threshold value is met. This can include the following examples:

[0299] In one example, when the terminal does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to perform co-frequency measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev > S. IntraSearchP .

[0300] In one example, when the terminal does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to perform inter-frequency measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev > S. nonIntraSearchP .

[0301] In one example, when the terminal does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to perform inter-system measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev > S. nonIntraSearchP .

[0302] In one example, when the terminal does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to perform inter-frequency measurements and inter-system measurements of neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev > S. nonIntraSearchP In the case where store-and-forward functionality is not enabled in the serving cell, the terminal determines to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the following conditions are met: the first parameter is greater than the first threshold and the second parameter is greater than the second threshold. Examples of this can include:

[0303] In one example, when the serving cell does not have store-and-forward functionality enabled, the terminal determines to perform co-frequency measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the condition Srxlev > S is met. IntraSearchP And Squal>S IntraSearchQ .

[0304] In one example, when the serving cell does not have store-and-forward functionality enabled, the terminal determines to perform inter-frequency measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the condition Srxlev > S is met. nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ .

[0305] In one example, when the serving cell does not have store-and-forward functionality enabled, the terminal determines to perform inter-system measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the condition Srxlev > S is met. nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ .

[0306] In one example, when the serving cell does not have store-and-forward functionality enabled, the terminal determines to perform inter-frequency measurements and inter-system measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev > S. nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ .

[0307] In cases where the serving cell does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the following conditions are met: the first parameter is greater than the first threshold and the second parameter is greater than the second threshold. Examples of this can include:

[0308] In one example, when the serving cell does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to perform co-frequency measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev > S. IntraSearchP And Squal>S IntraSearchQ .

[0309] In one example, when the serving cell does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to perform inter-frequency measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev > S. nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ .

[0310] In one example, when the serving cell does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to perform inter-system measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev > S. nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ .

[0311] In one example, when the serving cell does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to perform inter-frequency measurements and inter-system measurements of neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ .

[0312] In cases where the terminal does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether the following conditions are met: the first parameter is greater than the first threshold and the second parameter is greater than the second threshold. Examples of this can include:

[0313] In one example, when the terminal does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to perform co-frequency measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev > S. IntraSearchP And Squal>S IntraSearchQ .

[0314] In one example, when the terminal does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to perform inter-frequency measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev > S. nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ .

[0315] In one example, when the terminal does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to perform inter-system measurements on neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev > S. nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ.

[0316] In one example, when the terminal does not support store-and-forward functionality, the terminal determines to perform inter-frequency measurements and inter-system measurements of neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information, regardless of whether Srxlev > S. nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ .

[0317] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3203. For example, step S3201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. Step S3203 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. A combination of steps S3201 and S3203 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S3201, S3202, and S3203 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0318] In some embodiments, steps S3201 and S3202 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0319] In some embodiments, steps S3202 and S3203 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0320] In some embodiments, steps S3201 and S3202 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0321] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0322] In some embodiments, the terms "component carrier (CC)," "cell," "serving cell," "frequency carrier," and "carrier frequency" can be used interchangeably.

[0323] In some embodiments, the terms “carrying,” “including,” and “comprising” can be used interchangeably.

[0324] In some embodiments, the terms “bearer,” “wireless bearer,” “connection,” and “resource” can be used interchangeably.

[0325] In some embodiments, terms such as wireless access scheme and waveform can be used interchangeably.

[0326] In some embodiments, the terms "operation mode", "operation", "mode", "state" and other similar terms may be used interchangeably.

[0327] In some embodiments, terms such as “downlink”, “downlink”, and “physical downlink” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “sidelink”, “sidelink”, “sidelink communication”, “sidelink communication”, “direct link”, “direct link”, “direct communication”, and “direct link communication”.

[0328] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0329] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “request,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0330] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "predetermined", "preset", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "predetermined A", "preset A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0331] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0332] Figure 4A is a schematic flowchart of a terminal-side communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method applied to the aforementioned terminal, and the method includes steps S4101 to S4104.

[0333] In step S4101, first information is obtained.

[0334] The optional implementation of step S4101 can be found in Figure 3A (optional implementation of step S3101), Figure 3B (optional implementation of step S3201), and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0335] In step S4102, time information is obtained.

[0336] The optional implementation of step S4102 can be found in Figure 3A (optional implementation of step S3102), Figure 3B (optional implementation of step S3202), and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0337] In step S4103, time information is ignored.

[0338] The optional implementation of step S4103 can be found in Figure 3A, which shows the optional implementation of step S3103, and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A. It will not be repeated here.

[0339] In step S4104, based on the signal quality of the serving cell, it is determined that neighboring cells will not be measured.

[0340] The optional implementation of step S4104 can be found in Figure 3A, which shows the optional implementation of step S3104, and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3A. It will not be repeated here.

[0341] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4104. For example, step S4101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. Step S4104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. A combination of steps S4101 and S4104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. A combination of steps S4102 and S4104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S4101, S4102, and S4104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0342] In some embodiments, steps S4101 and S4102 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0343] In some embodiments, steps S4102, S4103, and S4104 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0344] In some embodiments, steps S4101, S4102, and S4103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0345] In some embodiments, steps S4103 and S4104 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0346] Figure 4B is a schematic flowchart of a terminal-side communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4B, the present disclosure relates to a communication method applied to the aforementioned terminal, and the method includes steps S4201 to S4203.

[0347] In step S4201, first information is obtained.

[0348] The optional implementation of step S4201 can be found in Figure 3A step S3101, Figure 3B optional implementation of step S3201, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0349] In step S4202, time information is obtained.

[0350] The optional implementation of step S4202 can be found in Figure 3A step S3102, Figure 3B optional implementation of step S3202, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0351] In step S4203, the neighboring cells to be measured are determined based on the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0352] The optional implementation of step S4203 can be found in Figure 3B, which shows the optional implementation of step S3203, and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 3B. It will not be repeated here.

[0353] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4201 to S4203. For example, step S4201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. Step S4203 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. A combination of steps S4201 and S4203 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S4201, S4202, and S4203 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0354] In some embodiments, steps S4201 and S4202 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0355] In some embodiments, steps S4202 and S4203 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0356] In some embodiments, steps S4201 and S4202 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0357] Figure 4C is a flowchart illustrating a communication method performed on the access network device side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4C, the present disclosure relates to a communication method applied to the aforementioned access network device, and the method includes steps S4301 to S4302.

[0358] In step S4301, the first information is sent.

[0359] The optional implementation of step S4301 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A, step S3201 in Figure 3B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0360] In step S4302, time information is sent.

[0361] The optional implementation of step S4302 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3102 in Figure 3A, step S3202 in Figure 3B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0362] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4301 to S4302. For example, step S4301 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S4302 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S4301 and S4302 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0363] In some embodiments, steps S4301 and S4302 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0364] In some embodiments, step S4301 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0365] In some embodiments, step S4302 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0366] Figure 5A is a schematic flowchart of a terminal-side communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method applied to the aforementioned terminal, and the method includes step S5101.

[0367] In step S5101, it is determined whether to measure neighboring cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0368] The optional implementations of step S5101 can be found in the optional implementations of steps S3103 and S3104 in Figure 3A, the optional implementation of step S3203 in Figure 3B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0369] Figure 5B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method performed on the access network device side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, the present disclosure relates to a communication method applied to the aforementioned access network device, and the method includes step S5201.

[0370] In step S5201, the first information is sent.

[0371] The optional implementation of step S5201 can be found in Figure 3A, Figure 3B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0372] In some embodiments, if the UE supports store and forward, and the serving cell has store and forward enabled, the UE determines whether to measure neighboring cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0373] In some embodiments, if the UE supports store and forward function and the serving cell has store and forward function enabled, and if the network is configured with time information for neighbor cell measurement, the UE ignores the time information and determines whether to measure neighbor cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell.

[0374] In some embodiments, the time information is t-service, which includes service link switching in the NTN quasi-geo-fixed system and feeder link switching in the NTN quasi-geo-fixed and geomobile systems.

[0375] In some embodiments, the time information is the time of switching the feeder link (such as a feeder link switch).

[0376] In some embodiments, neighbor cell measurement includes same-frequency measurement, different-frequency measurement, and different-system measurement.

[0377] In some embodiments, if the UE supports store and forward, and the serving cell has store and forward enabled, if the network is configured with time information for neighbor cell measurements, and if the signal quality of the serving cell is higher than a threshold, the UE may choose not to perform neighbor cell measurements.

[0378] In some embodiments, if the UE supports store and forward, and the serving cell has store and forward enabled, if the network is configured with time information for neighbor cell measurements, and if the signal quality of the serving cell is below a threshold, the UE should perform neighbor cell measurements before the time information is available.

[0379] In one example, if the measurement is performed using a specified received signal strength (RSS), and the serving cell satisfies Srxlev > S IntraSearchP If the time information is stored in the system information, and the UE supports store-and-forward functionality, and the serving cell has store-and-forward functionality enabled, the UE can choose not to perform in-frequency measurements. If the UE does not support store-and-forward functionality, and / or the serving cell has not enabled store-and-forward functionality, regardless of whether the serving cell satisfies Srxlev>S IntraSearchP The UE should perform co-frequency measurement before the time information; if the time information is not available in the system information, the UE can choose not to perform co-frequency measurement.

[0380] In one example, if the serving cell satisfies Srxlev>S IntraSearchP And Squal>S IntraSearchQIf the time information is stored in the system information, and the UE supports store-and-forward functionality, and the serving cell has store-and-forward functionality enabled, the UE can choose not to perform in-frequency measurements. If the UE does not support store-and-forward functionality, and / or the serving cell has not enabled store-and-forward functionality, regardless of whether the serving cell satisfies Srxlev>S IntraSearchP And Squal>S IntraSearchQ The UE should perform co-frequency measurement before the time information is available; if the time information is not available in the system information, the UE may choose not to perform co-frequency measurement.

[0381] In one example, if the measurement is performed using the specified RSS, and the serving cell satisfies Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP Time information is contained in the system information. If the UE supports store-and-forward functionality and the serving cell has store-and-forward functionality enabled, the UE can choose not to perform inter-frequency measurements and / or inter-system measurements. If the UE does not support store-and-forward functionality, and / or the serving cell has not enabled store-and-forward functionality, regardless of whether the serving cell satisfies Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP The UE should perform inter-frequency measurements and / or inter-system measurements before the time information; if the time information is not present in the system information, the UE may choose not to perform inter-frequency measurements and / or inter-system measurements.

[0382] In one example, if the serving cell satisfies Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ Time information is contained in the system information. If the UE supports store-and-forward functionality and the serving cell has store-and-forward functionality enabled, the UE can choose not to perform inter-frequency measurements and / or inter-system measurements. If the UE does not support store-and-forward functionality, and / or the serving cell has not enabled store-and-forward functionality, regardless of whether the serving cell satisfies Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ The UE should perform inter-frequency measurements and / or inter-system measurements before the time information; if the time information is not present in the system information, the UE may choose not to perform inter-frequency measurements and / or inter-system measurements.

[0383] This disclosure also provides embodiments of an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the access network device in any of the above methods.

[0384] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through a configuration file, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0385] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a CPU, microprocessor, graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can also be understood as a microprocessor), or digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented as an ASIC or PLD, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit 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. Furthermore, 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), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0386] As shown in Figure 6A, Figure 6A is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The structure of the communication device 6100 can be as shown in Figure 6A. The communication device 6100 can be a terminal. The communication device 6100 includes a processing module 6101. In some embodiments, the processing module 6101 is used to determine whether to measure neighboring cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell when the store-and-forward function of the serving cell is enabled. In some embodiments, the processing module 6101 is configured to perform at least one of the processing steps (e.g., steps S4103, S4104, and S4203) performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0387] As shown in Figure 6B, Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The structure of the above-described communication device 6200 can be as shown in Figure 6B. The communication device 6200 can be an access network device. The communication device 6200 includes a transceiver module 6201. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6201 is used to send first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate that the serving cell has enabled the store-and-forward function. In some embodiments, the above-described transceiver module 6201 is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the access network device in any of the above methods (e.g., step S4301, step S4302), which will not be described in detail here.

[0388] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6201 described above may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the transceiver module 6201 may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0389] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 7100 can be an access network device (e.g., a satellite-based base station), a terminal (e.g., a user equipment), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the communication device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 7100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0390] As shown in Figure 7A, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control network nodes (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 7100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 7101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 7100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0391] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7102. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7102, the transceiver 7102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S3101, S3102, S3201, S3202, but not limited thereto), and the processor 7101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S3103, S3104, S3203, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0392] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7103 may be located outside the communication device 7100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 7100 may include one or more interface circuits 7104. Optionally, the interface circuits 7104 are connected to the memories 7103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 7103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 7103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 7104 can read data stored in the memories 7103 and send the data to the processor 7101.

[0393] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiments may be an access network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7A. The access network device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the terminal may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, optionally, the set of ICs may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (7) others, etc.

[0394] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of a chip structure provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 7200 shown in Figure 7B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0395] Chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201. Chip 7200 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0396] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7203 may be located outside chip 7200. Optionally, interface circuit 7202 is connected to memory 7203, and interface circuit 7202 can be used to receive data from memory 7203 or other devices, and interface circuit 7202 can be used to send data to memory 7203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 7202 can read data stored in memory 7203 and send the data to processor 7201.

[0397] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method. For example, the interface circuit 7202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers to the interface circuit 7202 performing data interaction between the processor 7201, the chip 7200, the memory 7203, or the transceiver device.

[0398] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0399] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 7100, cause the communication device 7100 to perform 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 not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0400] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by a communication device 7100, causes the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the above program product is a computer program product.

[0401] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0402] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0403] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, executed by a terminal, said terminal supporting store-and-forward functions; the method comprising: If the serving cell has enabled store-and-forward functionality, determine whether to measure neighboring cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: If the store-and-forward function is enabled in the serving cell, the received time information is ignored. The time information is used to instruct the terminal to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The time information is used to indicate one of the following: The time during which the serving cell provides service to the terminal; The time it takes for the feeder link between the satellite and the ground station to switch; The time it takes for the service link between the satellite and the terminal to switch.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The measured neighboring cells include at least one of the following: Same frequency measurement; Different frequency measurement; Heterogeneous system measurement; Measurement of cells with the same frequency; Inter-frequency cell measurement; Inter-system cell measurement.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The serving cell has enabled store-and-forward functionality. The step of determining whether to measure neighboring cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell includes one of the following: If time information is received and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value, it is determined that neighboring cells will not be measured. If time information is received and the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to a first value, the neighboring cell is determined.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The step of determining not to measure neighboring cells when receiving time information and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value includes one of the following: If time information is received and the first parameter is greater than the first threshold value, it is determined not to measure neighboring cells; If time information is received, and the first parameter is greater than the first threshold and the second parameter is greater than the second threshold, it is determined that neighboring cells will not be measured. The first parameter and / or the second parameter are used to represent the signal quality of the serving cell.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The determination of neighboring cells upon receiving time information and when the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to a first value includes one of the following: If time information is received and the first parameter is less than or equal to the first threshold value, the neighboring cell to be measured is determined; Upon receiving time information, and provided that the first parameter is less than or equal to a first threshold and the second parameter is less than or equal to a second threshold, a neighboring cell is determined for measurement, wherein the first parameter and / or the second parameter are used to represent the signal quality of the serving cell.

8. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The step of determining not to measure neighboring cells when receiving time information and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value includes one of the following: If time information is received and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value, it is determined not to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information. If time information is received and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value, then after the time indicated by the time information, it is determined not to measure neighboring cells.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, When receiving time information and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value, determining not to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information includes one of the following: If time information is received and the first parameter is greater than the first threshold value, it is determined that neighboring cells will not be measured before the time indicated by the time information. If time information is received, and the first parameter is greater than the first threshold and the second parameter is greater than the second threshold, it is determined that neighboring cells will not be measured before the time indicated by the time information, whereby the first parameter and / or the second parameter are used to represent the signal quality of the serving cell.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, When receiving time information and the signal quality of the serving cell is greater than a first value, determining not to measure neighboring cells after the time indicated by the time information includes one of the following: If time information is received and the first parameter is greater than the first threshold value, it is determined that neighboring cells will not be measured after the time indicated by the time information. Upon receiving time information, if the first parameter is greater than the first threshold and the second parameter is greater than the second threshold, it is determined that no neighboring cell will be measured after the time indicated by the time information, whereby the first parameter and / or the second parameter are used to represent the signal quality of the serving cell.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The serving cell has enabled store-and-forward functionality, and the method further includes: If time information is received and the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to a first value, the neighboring cell is determined before the time indicated by the time information.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, When receiving time information and the signal quality of the serving cell is less than or equal to a first value, determining the neighboring cell before the time indicated by the time information includes one of the following: If time information is received and the first parameter is less than or equal to the first threshold value, the neighboring cell to be measured is determined before the time indicated by the time information; Upon receiving time information, and provided that the first parameter is less than or equal to a first threshold and the second parameter is less than or equal to a second threshold, a neighboring cell is determined to be measured before the time indicated by the time information, wherein the first parameter and / or the second parameter are used to represent the signal quality of the serving cell.

13. The method according to any one of claims 6, 7, 9, 10, and 12, wherein, The first parameter is used to indicate the received power of the serving cell; the second parameter is used to indicate the received signal quality of the serving cell.

14. A communication method performed by an access network device deployed on a satellite; the method comprising: Send a first message, wherein the first message is used to indicate that the serving cell has enabled store-and-forward functionality.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The method further includes: Send time information, wherein the time information is used to instruct the terminal to measure neighboring cells before the time indicated by the time information.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The time information is used to indicate one of the following: The time during which the serving cell provides service to the terminal; The time it takes for the feeder link between the satellite and the ground station to switch; The time it takes for the service link between the satellite and the terminal to switch.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The measured neighboring cells include at least one of the following: Same frequency measurement; Different frequency measurement; Heterogeneous system measurement; Measurement of cells with the same frequency; Inter-frequency cell measurement; Inter-system cell measurement.

18. A communication device, comprising: The processing module is configured to determine whether to measure neighboring cells based on the signal quality of the serving cell, provided that the store-and-forward function is enabled in the serving cell.

19. A communication device, comprising: The transceiver module is configured to send first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate that the serving cell has enabled store-and-forward functionality.

20. A terminal, comprising: At least one processor; A memory that stores instructions; When the instruction is executed by the terminal, it causes the terminal to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

21. An access network device, comprising: At least one processor; A memory that stores instructions; When the instruction is executed by the access network device, it causes the access network device to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 14 to 17.

22. A communication system, comprising: The terminal is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13; An access network device is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 14 to 17.

23. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

24. A computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17.

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