Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and a related apparatus. In the method, a present station (i.e., a first access network device) collects coverage and capacity performance information associated with a neighboring station (i.e., a second access network device), thereby helping the present station to know the resource and coverage / capacity conditions of the neighboring station, and thus facilitating the accurate prediction of CCO problems and solving strategies. By implementing the present application, a first access network device and / or a second access network device can proactively adjust its own coverage configuration correspondingly on the basis of CCO adjustment information before coverage problems occur, such that possible CCO problems can be prevented in advance, thereby facilitating the optimization of the overall network performance and ensuring terminal services.

Description

Communication method and related device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on April 3, 2024, with application number 202410405325.1 and application name “Communication Methods and Related Devices”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

[0003] Network coverage is a key measure of network quality. The current 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) supports base stations performing self-adjustments for coverage and capacity optimization (CCO) and notifying neighboring stations of the results, enabling them to make corresponding adjustments. However, current standards typically require each base station to make these adjustments only after coverage issues arise, impacting network performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a communication method and related devices, which are conducive to reducing the occurrence of coverage problems and thus improving network performance.

[0005] The present application is introduced below from different aspects. It should be understood that the implementation methods and beneficial effects of the following different aspects can be referenced to each other.

[0006] In the first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to the network side, such as an access network device on the network side or a component in the access network device (such as a circuit, a chip or a chip system, etc.). Taking the application of this method to a first access network device as an example, in this method, the first access network device obtains the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device, and then the first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device. The first message includes the predicted coverage and capacity optimization CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device. The above CCO adjustment information is related to the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device, that is, the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device is used to predict the CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present application, by collecting the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the neighboring station (i.e., the second access network device), it helps the station (i.e., the first access network device) to understand the resources and coverage / capacity of the neighboring station, and thus helps to make accurate predictions of CCO problems and solutions. In addition, the first access network device can also obtain its own associated coverage and capacity performance information, and predict the CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device based on the obtained coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device and the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the first access network device, so as to more accurately predict the CCO problem and the corresponding solution strategy. Based on this, the first access network device and / or the second access network device can proactively adjust its own coverage configuration based on the CCO adjustment information before the coverage problem occurs, so as to avoid the occurrence of coverage problems as early as possible, thereby helping to improve the overall performance of the network.

[0008] In a possible implementation, obtaining coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes:

[0009] Sending a first request to the second access network device, where the first request is used to request coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device;

[0010] A first response is received from the second access network device, where the first response includes coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

[0011] In this implementation, the second access network device can provide its associated coverage and capacity performance information based on the request of the first access device, so that the first access network device can subsequently more accurately predict the CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device based on the obtained coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device. Among them, the first request and the first response process can reuse existing processes, such as the resource status (RESOURCE STATUS) process or the data collection (DATA COLLECTION) process, which is conducive to forward compatibility of the protocol. Optionally, the first request and the first response process can also be new processes, which are not limited in this application.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first request includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback coverage and capacity performance information, and / or the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback configuration information corresponding to the coverage and capacity performance information.

[0013] In this implementation, the first access device can indicate in the first request which specific coverage and capacity performance information (i.e., the measurement items requested / expected to be reported) the second access network device is expected to report, as well as the corresponding configuration information. The configuration information here may include at least one of a reporting configuration, a measurement configuration, a prediction configuration, etc. For example, the reporting configuration may include one or more of a reporting time interval, a number of reports, a reporting start / end time, or a reporting start / end condition. For example, the measurement configuration includes one or more of a measurement start / end time, a measurement interval, etc. For example, the prediction configuration includes one or more of a prediction start / end time, a prediction interval, etc. This facilitates the second access network device to feedback parameters that meet the requirements of the first access network device, thereby improving the accuracy of the prediction.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes the coverage and capacity performance information actually corresponding to the second access network device (or called the coverage and capacity performance information measured by the second access network device), and / or the coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the second access network device.

[0015] In this implementation manner, by reporting the coverage and capacity performance information measured by the second access network device and the predicted coverage and capacity performance information, data diversity can be improved, thereby facilitating improved prediction accuracy.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0017] Average performance information of terminals associated with the second access network device, or resource status information of a cell edge.

[0018] Under this implementation method, data diversity can be improved, which is conducive to improving prediction accuracy.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the average performance information of the terminal associated with the second access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0020] The average performance of terminals under the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the cell of the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the synchronization signal block SSB of the cell, the average performance of terminals at the edge of the cell, or the average performance of terminals under the slice.

[0021] In this implementation mode, by reporting the average performance of the access network device level / cell level / SSB level / cell edge level / slice level, data diversity can be improved, which in turn helps to improve prediction accuracy.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the cell edge resource status information includes one or more of the following:

[0023] Radio resource status, number of radio resource control (RRC) connections, number of active terminals, composite available capacity, or slice identifier.

[0024] Under this implementation method, data diversity can be improved, which is conducive to improving prediction accuracy.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the predicted CCO adjustment information of the first access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0026] Predicted CCO problem, predicted time of occurrence of the CCO problem, predicted coverage status, predicted time of change of the coverage status, predicted CCO plan corresponding to the CCO problem, predicted execution time of the CCO plan, and predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device after the execution of the CCO plan or the change of coverage status.

[0027] In this implementation, by predicting the information of the above-mentioned dimensions, the first access network device and / or the second access network device can adjust their own coverage configuration accordingly, thereby facilitating improvement of communication performance.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan includes a first switching strategy recommended by the first access network device for the terminal to switch from the first access network device to the second access network device.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the first switching strategy includes one or more of the following information:

[0030] The number of terminals recommended for handover, the identifier of each terminal recommended for handover, the identifier of the source cell, the identifier of the target cell, measurement information of the terminal, or prediction information of the terminal.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the CCO plan includes a predicted handover threshold value or a predicted handover threshold change value.

[0032] In a possible implementation, after sending the first message to the second access network device, the method further includes:

[0033] A second message is received from the second access network device, where the second message includes a CCO plan accepted by the second access network device and one or more of the coverage status adjusted by the second access network device.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan accepted by the second access network device includes a second switching strategy accepted by the second access network device for switching the terminal from the first access network device to the second access network device.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the second switching strategy includes one or more of the following information:

[0036] The number of terminals that the second access network device accepts switching, the number of terminals that the second access network device does not accept switching, the identification / list of terminals that the second access network device accepts switching, the identification / list of terminals that the second access network device does not accept switching, the time when switching is allowed, the reason for acceptance, or the reason for non-acceptance.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan received by the second access network device includes one or more of the following information:

[0038] The second access network device accepts an indication of a handover threshold modification, accepts / allows a range of handover threshold values, or accepts / allows a range of handover threshold change values.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0040] Sending a second request to the second access network device, where the second request is used to request CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device;

[0041] A second response is received from the second access network device, where the second response includes CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device.

[0042] In this implementation, the second access network device can feedback CCO performance feedback information after performing CCO adjustment based on the request of the first access device, so that the first access network device can optimize the prediction model based on the obtained CCO performance feedback information. Among them, the second request and second response processes can reuse existing processes, such as the resource status (RESOURCE STATUS) process or the data collection (DATA COLLECTION) process, which is conducive to forward compatibility of the protocol. Optionally, the second request and second response processes can also be new processes, which are not limited in this application.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the second request includes second indication information, and the second indication information indicates that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback CCO performance feedback information, and / or the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback configuration information corresponding to the CCO performance feedback information.

[0044] In this implementation, the first access device may indicate in the second request which CCO performance feedback information (i.e., the measurement items requested / expected to be reported) the second access network device is expected to report, as well as the corresponding configuration information. The configuration information here may include reporting configuration and measurement configuration. For example, the reporting configuration may include one or more of the reporting time interval, the number of reports, the reporting start / end time, or the reporting start / end condition. For example, the measurement configuration includes one or more of the measurement start / end time, the measurement interval, etc. This is conducive to the second access network device feeding back CCO performance feedback information that meets the needs of the first access network device, so as to be used for optimizing the prediction model, thereby helping to improve the prediction accuracy.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the second request includes a first identifier, where the first identifier is used to identify the second indication information;

[0046] Before receiving the second response from the second access network device, the method further includes:

[0047] Send a third request to the second access network device, where the third request is used to trigger the second access network device to send the CCO performance feedback information, and the third request includes the first identifier.

[0048] In this implementation, the third request may be, for example, a handover request (HANDOVER REQUEST), and the first access network device triggers the second access network device to feedback CCO performance feedback information through the third request, which is beneficial to the forward compatibility of the protocol. For example, when the process of the second request and the second response is a data collection (DATA COLLECTION) process, the current protocol data collection request (DATA COLLECTION REQUEST) and data collection update (DATA COLLECTION UPDATE) messages include a data collection identifier (DATA COLLECTION ID). In one possible implementation, the first identifier of the third request (e.g., handover request) may be the data collection identifier (DATA COLLECTION ID).

[0049] In one possible implementation, the CCO performance feedback information includes one or more of the following:

[0050] The average performance of terminals associated with the first switching strategy, the average performance of terminals under the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the cell of the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the synchronization signal block SSB of the cell, the average performance of terminals at the edge of the cell, the average performance of terminals under the slice, the performance of each terminal associated with the second switching strategy, or the performance of each terminal at the edge of the cell.

[0051] Under this implementation method, data diversity can be improved, which is conducive to optimizing the prediction model and thus improving the prediction accuracy.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the average performance includes one or more of the following:

[0053] Average access success rate, average access delay, average call drop rate, average handover success rate, average user throughput, average user packet loss rate, average user delay, or average energy consumption.

[0054] Under this implementation method, data diversity can be improved, which is conducive to improving prediction accuracy.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the performance of each terminal includes one or more of the following:

[0056] Measurement report, radio link failure (RLF) report, random access channel (RACH) report, handover failure (HOF) report, connection establishment failure (CEF) report, access success rate, access delay, call drop rate, handover success rate, user throughput, user packet loss rate, user delay, or energy consumption.

[0057] Under this implementation method, data diversity can be improved, which is conducive to improving prediction accuracy.

[0058] In a possible implementation, the CCO adjustment information is related to coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device, including:

[0059] The coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device is used to predict CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device.

[0060] In the second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to the network side, such as an access network device on the network side or a component in the access network device (such as a circuit, a chip or a chip system, etc.). Taking the application of this method to the second access network device as an example, in this method, the second access network device sends the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device to the first access network device. Then, the second access network device receives a first message from the first access network device. The first message includes predicted coverage and capacity optimization CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device, and the above CCO adjustment information is related to the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

[0061] In a possible implementation, the sending, to the first access network device, coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes:

[0062] receiving a first request from the first access network device, where the first request is used to request coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device;

[0063] A first response is sent to the first access network device, where the first response includes coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the first request includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback coverage and capacity performance information, and / or the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback configuration information corresponding to the coverage and capacity performance information.

[0065] In a possible implementation, the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes coverage and capacity performance information actually corresponding to the second access network device, and / or coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the second access network device.

[0066] In a possible implementation, the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0067] Average performance information of terminals associated with the second access network device, or resource status information of a cell edge.

[0068] In a possible implementation, the average performance information of the terminal associated with the second access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0069] The average performance of terminals under the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the cell of the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the synchronization signal block SSB of the cell, the average performance of terminals at the edge of the cell, or the average performance of terminals under the slice.

[0070] In a possible implementation, the cell edge resource status information includes one or more of the following:

[0071] Radio resource status, number of radio resource control (RRC) connections, number of active terminals, composite available capacity, or slice identifier.

[0072] In a possible implementation, the predicted CCO adjustment information of the first access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0073] Predicted CCO problem, predicted time of occurrence of the CCO problem, predicted coverage status, predicted time of change of the coverage status, predicted CCO plan corresponding to the CCO problem, predicted execution time of the CCO plan, and predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device after the execution of the CCO plan or the change of coverage status.

[0074] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan includes a first switching strategy recommended by the first access network device for the terminal to switch from the first access network device to the second access network device.

[0075] In a possible implementation, the first switching strategy includes one or more of the following information:

[0076] The number of terminals recommended for handover, the identifier of each terminal recommended for handover, the identifier of the source cell, the identifier of the target cell, measurement information of the terminal, or prediction information of the terminal.

[0077] In one possible implementation, the CCO plan includes a predicted handover threshold value or a predicted handover threshold change value.

[0078] In a possible implementation, after receiving the first message from the first access network device, the method further includes:

[0079] A second message is sent to the first access network device, where the second message includes the CCO plan accepted by the second access network device and one or more of the coverage states adjusted by the second access network device.

[0080] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan accepted by the second access network device includes a second switching strategy accepted by the second access network device for switching the terminal from the first access network device to the second access network device.

[0081] In a possible implementation, the second switching strategy includes one or more of the following information:

[0082] The number of terminals that the second access network device accepts switching, the number of terminals that the second access network device does not accept switching, the identifiers of terminals that the second access network device accepts switching, the identifiers of terminals that the second access network device does not accept switching, the time when switching is allowed, the reason for acceptance, or the reason for non-acceptance.

[0083] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan received by the second access network device includes one or more of the following information:

[0084] The second access network device accepts an indication of a handover threshold modification, accepts / allows a range of handover threshold values, or accepts / allows a range of handover threshold change values.

[0085] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0086] receiving a second request from the first access network device, where the second request is used to request CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device;

[0087] A second response is sent to the first access network device, where the second response includes CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the second request includes second indication information, and the second indication information indicates that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback CCO performance feedback information, and / or the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback configuration information corresponding to the CCO performance feedback information.

[0089] In a possible implementation, the second request includes a first identifier, where the first identifier is used to identify the second indication information;

[0090] Before sending the second response to the first access network device, the method further includes:

[0091] A third request is received from the first access network device, where the third request is used to trigger the second access network device to send the CCO performance feedback information, and the third request includes the first identifier.

[0092] In one possible implementation, the CCO performance feedback information includes one or more of the following:

[0093] The average performance of terminals associated with the first switching strategy, the average performance of terminals under the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the cell of the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the synchronization signal block SSB of the cell, the average performance of terminals at the edge of the cell, the average performance of terminals under the slice, the performance of each terminal associated with the second switching strategy, or the performance of each terminal at the edge of the cell.

[0094] In one possible implementation, the average performance includes one or more of the following:

[0095] Average access success rate, average access delay, average call drop rate, average handover success rate, average user throughput, average user packet loss rate, average user delay, or average energy consumption.

[0096] In one possible implementation, the performance of each terminal includes one or more of the following:

[0097] Measurement report, radio link failure (RLF) report, random access channel (RACH) report, handover failure (HOF) report, connection establishment failure (CEF) report, access success rate, access delay, call drop rate, handover success rate, user throughput, user packet loss rate, user delay, or energy consumption.

[0098] In a possible implementation, the CCO adjustment information is related to coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device, including:

[0099] The coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device is used to predict CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device.

[0100] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0101] Coverage adjustment is performed according to the predicted CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device.

[0102] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be a first access network device, or a device, module, or chip in the first access network device, or a device capable of being used in conjunction with the first access network device. In one design, the communication device may include a module corresponding to each of the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect. The module may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In one design, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module.

[0103] The communication module is configured to obtain coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device;

[0104] The communication module is used to send a first message to the second access network device, wherein the first message includes predicted coverage and capacity optimization CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device, and the CCO adjustment information is related to the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

[0105] In a possible implementation, when acquiring the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device, the communication module is specifically configured to:

[0106] Sending a first request to the second access network device, where the first request is used to request coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device;

[0107] A first response is received from the second access network device, where the first response includes coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

[0108] In one possible implementation, the first request includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback coverage and capacity performance information, and / or the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback configuration information corresponding to the coverage and capacity performance information.

[0109] In a possible implementation, the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes coverage and capacity performance information actually corresponding to the second access network device, and / or coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the second access network device.

[0110] In a possible implementation, the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0111] Average performance information of terminals associated with the second access network device, or resource status information of a cell edge.

[0112] In a possible implementation, the average performance information of the terminal associated with the second access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0113] The average performance of terminals under the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the cell of the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the synchronization signal block SSB of the cell, the average performance of terminals at the edge of the cell, or the average performance of terminals under the slice.

[0114] In a possible implementation, the cell edge resource status information includes one or more of the following:

[0115] Radio resource status, number of radio resource control (RRC) connections, number of active terminals, composite available capacity, or slice identifier.

[0116] In a possible implementation, the predicted CCO adjustment information of the first access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0117] Predicted CCO problem, predicted time of occurrence of the CCO problem, predicted coverage status, predicted time of change of the coverage status, predicted CCO plan corresponding to the CCO problem, predicted execution time of the CCO plan, and predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device after the execution of the CCO plan or the change of coverage status.

[0118] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan includes a first switching strategy recommended by the first access network device for the terminal to switch from the first access network device to the second access network device.

[0119] In a possible implementation, the first switching strategy includes one or more of the following information:

[0120] The number of terminals recommended for handover, the identifier of each terminal recommended for handover, the identifier of the source cell, the identifier of the target cell, measurement information of the terminal, or prediction information of the terminal.

[0121] In one possible implementation, the CCO plan includes a predicted handover threshold value or a predicted handover threshold change value.

[0122] In a possible implementation, after sending the first message to the second access network device, the communication module is further configured to:

[0123] A second message is received from the second access network device, where the second message includes a CCO plan accepted by the second access network device and one or more of the coverage status adjusted by the second access network device.

[0124] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan accepted by the second access network device includes a second switching strategy accepted by the second access network device for switching the terminal from the first access network device to the second access network device.

[0125] In a possible implementation, the second switching strategy includes one or more of the following information:

[0126] The number of terminals that the second access network device accepts switching, the number of terminals that the second access network device does not accept switching, the identifiers of terminals that the second access network device accepts switching, the identifiers of terminals that the second access network device does not accept switching, the time when switching is allowed, the reason for acceptance, or the reason for non-acceptance.

[0127] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan received by the second access network device includes one or more of the following information:

[0128] The second access network device accepts an indication of a handover threshold modification, accepts / allows a range of handover threshold values, or accepts / allows a range of handover threshold change values.

[0129] In a possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to:

[0130] Sending a second request to the second access network device, where the second request is used to request CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device;

[0131] A second response is received from the second access network device, where the second response includes CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device.

[0132] In one possible implementation, the second request includes second indication information, and the second indication information indicates that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback CCO performance feedback information, and / or the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback configuration information corresponding to the CCO performance feedback information.

[0133] In a possible implementation, the second request includes a first identifier, where the first identifier is used to identify the second indication information;

[0134] Before receiving the second response from the second access network device, the communication module is further configured to:

[0135] Send a third request to the second access network device, where the third request is used to trigger the second access network device to send the CCO performance feedback information, and the third request includes the first identifier.

[0136] In one possible implementation, the CCO performance feedback information includes one or more of the following:

[0137] The average performance of terminals associated with the first switching strategy, the average performance of terminals under the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the cell of the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the synchronization signal block SSB of the cell, the average performance of terminals at the edge of the cell, the average performance of terminals under the slice, the performance of each terminal associated with the second switching strategy, or the performance of each terminal at the edge of the cell.

[0138] In one possible implementation, the average performance includes one or more of the following:

[0139] Average access success rate, average access delay, average call drop rate, average handover success rate, average user throughput, average user packet loss rate, average user delay, or average energy consumption.

[0140] In one possible implementation, the performance of each terminal includes one or more of the following:

[0141] Measurement report, radio link failure (RLF) report, random access channel (RACH) report, handover failure (HOF) report, connection establishment failure (CEF) report, access success rate, access delay, call drop rate, handover success rate, user throughput, user packet loss rate, user delay, or energy consumption.

[0142] In a possible implementation, the CCO adjustment information is related to coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device, including:

[0143] The processing module is used to predict CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device based on the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

[0144] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be a second access network device, or a device, module, or chip in the second access network device, or a device capable of being used in conjunction with the second access network device. In one design, the communication device may include a module corresponding to each of the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect. The module may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In one design, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module.

[0145] The communication module is configured to send coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device to the first access network device;

[0146] The communication module is used to receive a first message from the first access network device, wherein the first message includes predicted coverage and capacity optimization CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device, and the CCO adjustment information is related to the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

[0147] In a possible implementation, when sending the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device to the first access network device, the communication module is configured to:

[0148] receiving a first request from the first access network device, where the first request is used to request coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device;

[0149] A first response is sent to the first access network device, where the first response includes coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

[0150] In one possible implementation, the first request includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback coverage and capacity performance information, and / or the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback configuration information corresponding to the coverage and capacity performance information.

[0151] In a possible implementation, the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes coverage and capacity performance information actually corresponding to the second access network device, and / or coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the second access network device.

[0152] In a possible implementation, the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0153] Average performance information of terminals associated with the second access network device, or resource status information of a cell edge.

[0154] In a possible implementation, the average performance information of the terminal associated with the second access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0155] The average performance of terminals under the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the cell of the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the synchronization signal block SSB of the cell, the average performance of terminals at the edge of the cell, or the average performance of terminals under the slice.

[0156] In a possible implementation, the cell edge resource status information includes one or more of the following:

[0157] Radio resource status, number of radio resource control (RRC) connections, number of active terminals, composite available capacity, or slice identifier.

[0158] In a possible implementation, the predicted CCO adjustment information of the first access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0159] Predicted CCO problem, predicted time of occurrence of the CCO problem, predicted coverage status, predicted time of change of the coverage status, predicted CCO plan corresponding to the CCO problem, predicted execution time of the CCO plan, and predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device after the execution of the CCO plan or the change of coverage status.

[0160] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan includes a first switching strategy recommended by the first access network device for the terminal to switch from the first access network device to the second access network device.

[0161] In a possible implementation, the first switching strategy includes one or more of the following information:

[0162] The number of terminals recommended for handover, the identifier of each terminal recommended for handover, the identifier of the source cell, the identifier of the target cell, measurement information of the terminal, or prediction information of the terminal.

[0163] In one possible implementation, the CCO plan includes a predicted handover threshold value or a predicted handover threshold change value.

[0164] In a possible implementation, after receiving the first message from the first access network device, the communication module is further configured to:

[0165] A second message is sent to the first access network device, where the second message includes the CCO plan accepted by the second access network device and one or more of the coverage states adjusted by the second access network device.

[0166] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan accepted by the second access network device includes a second switching strategy accepted by the second access network device for switching the terminal from the first access network device to the second access network device.

[0167] In a possible implementation, the second switching strategy includes one or more of the following information:

[0168] The number of terminals that the second access network device accepts switching, the number of terminals that the second access network device does not accept switching, the identifiers of terminals that the second access network device accepts switching, the identifiers of terminals that the second access network device does not accept switching, the time when switching is allowed, the reason for acceptance, or the reason for non-acceptance.

[0169] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan received by the second access network device includes one or more of the following information:

[0170] The second access network device accepts an indication of a handover threshold modification, accepts / allows a range of handover threshold values, or accepts / allows a range of handover threshold change values.

[0171] In a possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to:

[0172] receiving a second request from the first access network device, where the second request is used to request CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device;

[0173] A second response is sent to the first access network device, where the second response includes CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the second request includes second indication information, and the second indication information indicates that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback CCO performance feedback information, and / or the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback configuration information corresponding to the CCO performance feedback information.

[0175] In a possible implementation, the second request includes a first identifier, where the first identifier is used to identify the second indication information;

[0176] Before sending the second response to the first access network device, the communication module is further configured to:

[0177] A third request is received from the first access network device, where the third request is used to trigger the second access network device to send the CCO performance feedback information, and the third request includes the first identifier.

[0178] In one possible implementation, the CCO performance feedback information includes one or more of the following:

[0179] The average performance of terminals associated with the first switching strategy, the average performance of terminals under the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the cell of the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the synchronization signal block SSB of the cell, the average performance of terminals at the edge of the cell, the average performance of terminals under the slice, the performance of each terminal associated with the second switching strategy, or the performance of each terminal at the edge of the cell.

[0180] In one possible implementation, the average performance includes one or more of the following:

[0181] Average access success rate, average access delay, average call drop rate, average handover success rate, average user throughput, average user packet loss rate, average user delay, or average energy consumption.

[0182] In one possible implementation, the performance of each terminal includes one or more of the following:

[0183] Measurement report, radio link failure (RLF) report, random access channel (RACH) report, handover failure (HOF) report, connection establishment failure (CEF) report, access success rate, access delay, call drop rate, handover success rate, user throughput, user packet loss rate, user delay, or energy consumption.

[0184] In a possible implementation, the CCO adjustment information is related to coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device, including:

[0185] The coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device is used to predict CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device.

[0186] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to perform coverage adjustment according to predicted CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device.

[0187] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor and a transceiver, wherein the processor and the transceiver are configured to execute any method of the first to second aspects, or any possible implementation of any of the aspects.

[0188] Optionally, the communication device also includes a memory in which a computer program is stored; the above-mentioned processor and transceiver are used to call the computer program in the memory, so that the communication device executes any method in the first aspect to the second aspect, or a method shown in any possible implementation of any aspect therein.

[0189] In one possible design, the communication device may be a chip that implements the above method or a device including a chip.

[0190] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor or send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, and the processor being used to implement any method as described in any of the first to second aspects, or any possible implementation of any of the aspects, through a logic circuit or executing code instructions.

[0191] In the seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a computer, it implements the method shown in any method in the first aspect to the second aspect, or any possible implementation of any aspect therein.

[0192] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product. When a computer reads and executes the computer program product, the computer executes any method in the first to second aspects, or a method shown in any possible implementation of any aspect.

[0193] In the ninth aspect, the present application provides a chip system comprising at least one processor and an interface, the processor being used to read and execute instructions stored in a memory, and when the instructions are executed, the chip executes a method as described in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect, or a method as shown in any possible implementation of any one of the aspects.

[0194] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a communications system, which may include a first access network device and a second access network device. The first access network device is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. The second access network device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0195] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system applicable to the present application;

[0196] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the CU-DU architecture provided in this application;

[0197] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of an AI application framework provided by this application;

[0198] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication system applicable to the present application;

[0199] 5A to 5D are schematic diagrams of several network architectures;

[0200] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the data collection and reporting startup process provided by this application;

[0201] FIG7 is another schematic diagram of the data collection and reporting startup process provided by this application;

[0202] FIG8 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0203] FIG9 is another schematic flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0204] FIG10 is a flow chart of a communication method based on the ORAN architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0205] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a possible communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0206] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a possible communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0207] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0208] The following at least one (item) involved in this application indicates one (item) or more (items). More than one (item) refers to two (items) or more than two (items). "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. In addition, it should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe each object in this application, these objects should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish each object from each other.

[0209] The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof mentioned in the following description of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include other steps or units that are not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units that are inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices. It should be noted that, in this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or descriptions. Any method or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other methods or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete way.

[0210] The technology provided by this application can be applied to various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be a third generation (3G) th generation, 3G) communication systems (such as universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS)), fourth generation (4 th generation, 4G) communication systems (such as long term evolution (LTE) systems), fifth generation (5 th The 5G communication system may also be referred to as a new radio (NR) system.

[0211] A network element in a communication system can send a signal to another network element or receive a signal from another network element. The signal may include information, signaling, or data, etc. The network element can also be replaced by an entity, a network entity, a device, a communication device, a communication module, a node, a communication node, etc. The network element is used as an example for description in this application. For example, the communication system may include at least one terminal device and at least one access network device. The access network device can send a downlink signal to the terminal device, and / or the terminal device can send an uplink signal to the access network device. In addition, it can be understood that if the communication system includes multiple terminal devices, the multiple terminal devices can also send signals to each other, that is, the signal sending network element and the signal receiving network element can both be terminal devices. If the communication system includes multiple access network devices, the multiple access network devices can also send signals to each other, that is, the signal sending network element and the signal receiving network element can both be access network devices.

[0212] The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to wireless communication systems such as 5G, 6G, and satellite communication. Please refer to Figure 1, which is a structural diagram of a communication system applicable to the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the wireless communication system includes a wireless access network 100. The wireless access network 100 can be a next-generation (e.g., 6G or higher) wireless access network, or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G, 3G, or 2G) wireless access network. One or more terminal devices (120a-120j, collectively referred to as 120) can be connected to each other or to one or more access network devices (110a, 110b, collectively referred to as 110) in the wireless access network 100. Optionally, Figure 1 is only a schematic diagram, and the wireless communication system may also include other devices, such as core network devices, wireless relay devices, and / or wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0213] Optionally, in actual applications, the wireless communication system may include multiple access network devices (also called network devices) and multiple terminal devices at the same time. An access network device can serve one or more terminal devices at the same time. A terminal device can also access one or more access network devices at the same time. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of terminal devices and access network devices included in the wireless communication system.

[0214] The access network device may be an entity on the network side for transmitting or receiving signals. The access network device may be an access device for a terminal device to access the wireless communication system in a wireless manner, such as a base station. The base station can broadly cover the following various names, or be replaced with the following names, such as: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next generation NodeB (gNB), access network equipment in open radio access network (O-RAN), relay station, access point, transmission point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master station MeNB, secondary station SeNB, multi-standard radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, radio node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), radio unit (RU), centralized unit control plane (CU-CP) node, centralized unit user plane (CU-UP) node, positioning node, etc. The base station can be a macro base station, a micro base station, a relay node, a donor node or the like, or a combination thereof. The access network device can also refer to a communication module, a modem or a chip that is provided in the aforementioned device or apparatus. The access network device can also be a mobile switching center and a device to device (Device-to-Device, D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), machine-to-machine (machine-to-machine, M2M) communication device that performs the base station function, a network side device in a 6G network, a device that performs the base station function in a future communication system, etc. The access network device can support networks with the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the access network device.

[0215] Access network equipment can be fixed or mobile. For example, base stations 110a and 110b are stationary and are responsible for wireless transmission and reception in one or more cells from terminal device 120. The helicopter or drone 120i shown in Figure 1 can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move according to the location of the mobile base station 120i. In other examples, the helicopter or drone (120i) can be configured to act as a terminal device communicating with base station 110b.

[0216] In this application, the communication device used to implement the above-mentioned access network function can be an access network device, an access network device with some of the access network functions, or a device capable of supporting the implementation of the access network function, such as a chip system, a hardware circuit, a software module, or a hardware circuit and a software module. The device can be installed in the access network device or used in combination with the access network device. In the method of this application, the communication device used to implement the access network device function is described as an access network device.

[0217] A terminal device (also referred to as a terminal) can be an entity on the user side for receiving or transmitting signals, such as a mobile phone. Terminal devices can be used to connect people, objects, and machines. Terminal devices can communicate with one or more core networks through access network devices. Terminal devices include handheld devices with wireless connection capabilities, other processing devices connected to wireless modems, or vehicle-mounted devices. Terminal devices can be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, built-in computer devices, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices. The terminal device 120 can be widely used in various scenarios, such as cellular communications, device-to-device D2D, vehicle-to-everything V2X, end-to-end P2P, machine-to-machine M2M, machine type communications MTC, Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, autonomous delivery and mobility, etc. Some examples of the terminal device 120 include: user equipment (UE) of the 3GPP standard, fixed equipment, mobile equipment, handheld equipment, wearable equipment, cellular phones, smart phones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, laptops, personal computers, smart books, vehicles, satellites, Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment, drones, helicopters, aircraft, ships, remote control equipment, smart home equipment, industrial equipment, personal communication service (PCS) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless network cameras, tablet computers, handheld computers, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices such as smart watches, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, terminals in vehicle networking systems, wireless terminals in self-driving cars, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, and smart cities. The terminal device 120 may be a wireless device in the above scenarios or a device configured for use in a wireless device, such as a communication module, modem, or chip in the above devices.A terminal device may also be referred to as a terminal, terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. A terminal device may also be a terminal device in a future wireless communication system. A terminal device may be used in a dedicated network device or a general-purpose device. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form used by the terminal device.

[0218] Alternatively, a terminal device can function as a base station. For example, a UE can act as a dispatching entity, providing sidelink signals between UEs in V2X, D2D, or P2P scenarios. As shown in Figure 1, a cell phone 120a and a car 120b communicate with each other using sidelink signals. Cell phone 120a and smart home device 120e communicate without relaying the communication signals through base station 110b.

[0219] In this application, the communication device used to implement the functions of the terminal device can be a terminal device, or a terminal device with some of the functions of the above terminal devices, or a device that can support the implementation of the functions of the above terminal devices, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the terminal device or used in combination with the terminal device. In this application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. In the technical solution provided in this application, the communication device is described as a terminal device or UE as an example.

[0220] Optionally, a wireless communication system is typically composed of cells, with base stations providing cell management and communication services to multiple mobile stations (MS) in the cell. The base station includes a baseband unit (BBU) and a remote radio unit (RRU). The BBU and RRU can be placed in different locations, for example: the RRU is remote and placed in an area with high traffic volume, while the BBU is placed in a central computer room. The BBU and RRU can also be placed in the same computer room. The BBU and RRU can also be different components under the same rack. Optionally, a cell can correspond to a carrier or component carrier.

[0221] It is understandable that the present application can be applied to communications between access network devices and terminal devices, communications between access network devices and access network devices, or communications between terminal devices and terminal devices, or communications between other communication devices, such as communications between macro base stations and micro base stations in wireless backhaul links, and communications between two terminal devices in side links (SL), etc., without limitation. For ease of understanding, the following text mainly uses the communication between the first access network device and the second access network device as an example for schematic explanation.

[0222] Structure of access network equipment

[0223] Access network equipment may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). Multiple DUs may be centrally controlled by a single CU. As an example, the interface between the CU and the DU may be referred to as the F1 interface. The control plane (CP) interface may be F1-C, and the user plane (UP) interface may be F1-U. The CU and DU can be divided according to the protocol layers of the wireless network: for example, as shown in Figure 2, the CU includes a control plane CU entity (i.e., a CU-CP entity) and a user plane CU entity (i.e., a CU-UP entity). The functions of the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer and above (e.g., the radio resource control (RRC) layer and the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer) are set in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (e.g., the radio link control (RLC) layer, the medium access control (MAC) layer, and the physical layer (PHY)) are set in the DU. The CU-CP entity and the CU-UP entity are connected via the E1 interface. For another example, the functions of the protocol layers above the PDCP layer are set in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers at and below the PDCP layer are set in the DU.

[0224] It is understandable that the above division of the processing functions of CU and DU according to the protocol layer is only an example, and can also be divided in other ways, for example, the CU or DU can be divided into functions with more protocol layers, and for example, the CU or DU can also be divided into partial processing functions with the protocol layer. In one design, some functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers above the RLC layer are set in the CU, and the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers below the RLC layer are set in the DU. In another design, the functions of the CU or DU can also be divided according to the service type or other system requirements, for example, by delay, the functions whose processing time needs to meet the delay requirements are set in the DU, and the functions that do not need to meet the delay requirements are set in the CU. In another design, the CU can also have one or more functions of the core network. For example, the CU can be set on the network side to facilitate centralized management. In another design, the RU of the DU is set remotely. Among them, the RU has a radio frequency function.

[0225] Optionally, DU and RU can be divided in PHY. For example, DU can implement high-level functions in the PHY layer, and RU can implement low-level functions in the PHY layer. When used for sending, the functions of the PHY layer may include adding cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code, channel coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource mapping, physical antenna mapping, and / or RF transmission functions. When used for receiving, the functions of the PHY layer may include CRC, channel decoding, rate matching, descrambling, demodulation, layer mapping, channel detection, resource demapping, physical antenna demapping, and / or RF receiving functions. The high-level functions in the PHY layer may include part of the functions of the PHY layer, for example, this part of the functions is closer to the MAC layer, and the low-level functions in the PHY layer may include another part of the functions of the PHY layer, for example, this part of the functions is closer to the RF function. For example, the high-level functions in the PHY layer may include adding CRC codes, channel coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, and layer mapping, and the low-level functions in the PHY layer may include precoding, resource mapping, physical antenna mapping, and RF transmission functions; or, the high-level functions in the PHY layer may include adding CRC codes, channel coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, and precoding, and the low-level functions in the PHY layer may include resource mapping, physical antenna mapping, and RF transmission functions.

[0226] For example, the functions of the CU can be implemented by one entity, or by different entities. For example, the functions of the CU can be further divided, that is, the control plane and the user plane are separated and implemented by different entities, namely the control plane CU entity (i.e., CU-CP entity) and the user plane CU entity (i.e., CU-UP entity). The CU-CP entity and the CU-UP entity can be coupled with the DU to jointly complete the functions of the access network device.

[0227] In the above architecture, signaling generated by the CU can be sent to the terminal device via the DU, and vice versa. For example, RRC or PDCP layer signaling is ultimately processed into physical layer signaling and sent to the terminal device, or converted from received physical layer signaling. In this architecture, the RRC or PDCP layer signaling can be considered to be sent via the DU, or via the DU and RU.

[0228] Optionally, any of the above-mentioned DU, CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, and RU can be a software module, a hardware structure, or a software module + hardware structure, without limitation. The existence forms of different entities can be different and are not limited. For example, DU, CU, CU-CP, and CU-UP are software modules, and RU is a hardware structure. These modules and their execution methods are also within the scope of protection of this application.

[0229] It should be understood that the number and type of each device in the communication system shown in Figure 1 are for illustration only, and the present application is not limited to this. In actual applications, the communication system may also include more terminal devices, more access network devices, and other network elements, such as core network devices, and / or network elements for implementing artificial intelligence functions.

[0230] It is understandable that all or part of the functions implemented by one or more of the terminal equipment, access network equipment, core network equipment, or network elements for implementing artificial intelligence functions can be virtualized, that is, implemented by one or more of the proprietary processors or general-purpose processors and the corresponding software modules. Among them, since the terminal equipment and the access network equipment involve interfaces for air interface transmission, the transceiver functions of the interfaces can be implemented by hardware. Core network equipment, such as operation administration and maintenance (OAM) network elements, can be virtualized. Optionally, one or more functions of the virtualized terminal equipment, access network equipment, core network equipment, or network elements for implementing artificial intelligence functions can be implemented by cloud devices, such as cloud devices in over the top (OTT) systems.

[0231] To facilitate understanding of the relevant contents of the embodiments of this application, some of the knowledge / terms required for the present application are introduced below. It should be noted that these explanations are intended to make the embodiments of this application easier to understand and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0232] 1. Artificial intelligence (AI) model

[0233] An AI model is a concrete implementation of AI technology. It represents the mapping between the model's input and output. AI models can be neural networks, linear regression models, decision tree models, support vector machines (SVMs), Bayesian networks, Q-learning models, or other machine learning (ML) models.

[0234] 2. Training Dataset and Inference Data

[0235] The training dataset is used to train the AI ​​model. The training dataset may include the input of the AI ​​model, or the input and target output of the AI ​​model. The training dataset includes one or more training data. The training data may be a training sample input to the AI ​​model or the target output of the AI ​​model. The target output may also be referred to as a label or a label sample. The training dataset is an important part of machine learning. Model training is essentially learning certain features from the training data so that the output of the AI ​​model is as close as possible to the target output, such as the difference between the output of the AI ​​model and the target output is as small as possible. The composition and selection of the training dataset can, to a certain extent, determine the performance of the trained AI model.

[0236] In addition, during the training process of an AI model (such as a neural network), a loss function can be defined. The loss function describes the gap or difference between the output value of the AI ​​model and the target output value. This application does not limit the specific form of the loss function. The training process of the AI ​​model is a process of adjusting the model parameters of the AI ​​model so that the value of the loss function is less than the threshold, or the value of the loss function meets the target requirements. For example, the AI ​​model is a neural network, and adjusting the model parameters of the neural network includes adjusting at least one of the following parameters: the number of layers, width, weights of neurons, or parameters in the activation function of neurons.

[0237] Inference data can be used as input to a trained AI model for inference. During the model inference process, the inference data is input into the AI ​​model, and the corresponding output is the inference result.

[0238] 3. AI model design

[0239] The design of an AI model primarily includes a data collection phase (e.g., collecting training data and / or inference data), a model training phase, and a model inference phase. It may further include an inference result application phase. Figure 3 illustrates an AI application framework. In the aforementioned data collection phase, a data source is used to provide training data sets and inference data. In the model training phase, an AI model is obtained by analyzing or training the training data provided by the data source. The AI ​​model represents the mapping relationship between the model's input and output. Learning an AI model through model training nodes is equivalent to learning the mapping relationship between the model's input and output using training data. In the model inference phase, the AI ​​model trained in the model training phase is used to perform inference based on the inference data provided by the data source to obtain an inference result. This phase can also be understood as inputting inference data into the AI ​​model and obtaining an output through the AI ​​model, which is the inference result. The inference result may indicate configuration parameters used (executed) by the execution object and / or the operation performed by the execution object. Inference results are published during the application phase. For example, inference results can be centrally planned by an actor entity. For example, the actor entity can send the inference results to one or more execution targets (e.g., core network equipment, access network equipment, or terminal devices) for execution. Furthermore, the actor entity can provide feedback on model performance to the data source to facilitate subsequent model updates and training.

[0240] It is understood that the communication system may include network elements with artificial intelligence capabilities. The aforementioned AI model design-related steps can be performed by one or more network elements with AI capabilities. In one possible design, AI capabilities (such as AI modules or AI entities) can be configured within existing network elements in the communication system to implement AI-related operations, such as AI model training and / or inference. For example, the existing network elements may be access network equipment (such as gNBs), terminal equipment, core network equipment, or network management (NM). NMs can divide network management tasks into three categories based on the actual needs of the operator's network operations: operations, administration, and maintenance. NMs are also referred to as operation administration and maintenance (OAM) network elements, or OAM for short. Operations primarily perform routine network and service analysis, forecasting, planning, and configuration; maintenance primarily involves daily operational activities such as testing and fault management of the network and its services. NMs can monitor network operating status, optimize network connectivity and performance, improve network operational stability, and reduce network maintenance costs. Or in another possible design, an independent network element can also be introduced into the communication system to perform AI-related operations, such as training AI models. The independent network element can be called an AI network element or an AI node, etc., and this application does not limit this name. The AI ​​network element can be directly connected to the access network device in the communication system, or it can be indirectly connected to the access network device through a third-party network element. Among them, the third-party network element can be a core network element such as an authentication management function (AMF) network element, a user plane function (UPF) network element, an OAM, a cloud server or other network elements, without limitation. For example, referring to Figure 4, an AI network element 130 is introduced into the communication system shown in Figure 1 above.

[0241] In this application, a model can be inferred to obtain a single parameter or multiple parameters. The training process of different models can be deployed on different devices or nodes, or on the same device or node. The inference process of different models can be deployed on different devices or nodes, or on the same device or node.

[0242] Among them, the model parameters may include one or more of the following structural parameters of the model (such as the number of layers and / or weights of the model, etc.), the input parameters of the model (such as input dimension, number of input ports), or the output parameters of the model (such as output dimension, number of output ports). It can be understood that the input dimension may refer to the size of an input data. For example, when the input data is a sequence, the input dimension corresponding to the sequence may indicate the length of the sequence. The number of input ports may refer to the number of input data. Similarly, the output dimension may refer to the size of an output data. For example, when the output data is a sequence, the output dimension corresponding to the sequence may indicate the length of the sequence. The number of output ports may refer to the number of output data.

[0243] Furthermore, the present application also provides several network architectures as shown in Figures 5A to 5D, taking model training and / or reasoning in access network equipment as an example, and divides the functional modules for model training and / or reasoning in access network equipment.

[0244] As shown in (a) of Figure 5A, an open RAN (ORAN) architecture is shown. In a first possible implementation, the access network device includes a near real-time access network intelligent controller (RIC) module for model learning and / or reasoning. For example, the near real-time RIC can obtain information on the network side and / or the terminal side from at least one of the CU, DU, and RU, and the information may include training data or reasoning data. For example, the near real-time RIC can be used to train the model and can also use the trained model for reasoning. In addition, optionally, the near real-time RIC can submit the reasoning result to at least one of the CU, DU, and RU. Optionally, the reasoning result can be exchanged between the CU and DU. Optionally, the reasoning result can be exchanged between the DU and RU, for example, the near real-time RIC submits the reasoning result to the DU, and the DU submits it to the RU.

[0245] As shown in (b) of Figure 5A, another ORAN architecture is shown. In the second possible implementation, in the communication system, a non-real-time RIC may be included in addition to the access network equipment. Optionally, the non-real-time RIC may be located in the OAM or the core network equipment. The non-real-time RIC is used to perform model learning and reasoning. For example, the non-real-time RIC may obtain information on the network side and / or the terminal side from at least one of the CU, DU, and RU. The information may include training data or reasoning data. For example, the non-real-time RIC is used to train the model and may also use the trained model for reasoning. In addition, optionally, the non-real-time RIC may submit the reasoning result to at least one of the CU, DU, and RU. Optionally, the reasoning result may be exchanged between the CU and DU. Optionally, the reasoning result may be exchanged between the DU and RU, for example, the non-real-time RIC submits the reasoning result to the DU, and the DU submits it to the RU.

[0246] As shown in (c) of Figure 5A, another ORAN architecture is shown. In the third possible implementation, the access network device includes a near-real-time RIC, and a non-real-time RIC is also included outside the access network device. Optionally, the non-real-time RIC can be located in the OAM or the core network device. In one possible design, the non-real-time RIC can be used for model training, and the near-real-time RIC can obtain the model parameters of the trained AI model from the non-real-time RIC, and obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from at least one of the CU, DU, and RU, and use the information and the trained AI model to obtain the inference result. Furthermore, the near-real-time RIC can also submit the inference result to at least one of the CU, DU, and RU. Optionally, the CU and DU can exchange the inference result. Optionally, the DU and RU can exchange the inference result. For example, the near-real-time RIC submits the inference result to the DU, and the DU submits it to the RU. Alternatively, in one possible design, the near-real-time RIC is used to train the model and perform inference using the trained model, while the non-real-time RIC does not participate in the model training or inference. Alternatively, the non-real-time RIC is used to train the model and perform inference using the trained model, while the real-time RIC does not participate in the model training or inference. Alternatively, in one possible design, the near-real-time RIC is used to train the model and send the model parameters of the trained AI model to the non-real-time RIC, which then performs inference using the trained model.

[0247] FIG5B shows another example of an ORAN architecture to which the method provided in this application can be applied. Compared to FIG5A (c), FIG5B separates the CU into CU-CP and CU-UP.

[0248] Figure 5C shows an example diagram of a network architecture to which the method provided in the present application can be applied. As shown in Figure 5C, optionally, the access network device includes one or more AI entities, and the function of the AI ​​entity is similar to the above-mentioned near real-time RIC. Optionally, the OAM includes one or more AI entities, and the function of the AI ​​entity is similar to the above-mentioned non-real-time RIC. Optionally, the core network device includes one or more AI entities, and the function of the AI ​​entity is similar to the above-mentioned non-real-time RIC. When both the OAM and the core network device include AI entities, the models trained by their respective AI entities are different, and / or the models used for reasoning are different. In the present application, the difference in models may include at least one of the following differences: structural parameters of the model (such as the number of layers of the model, and / or weights, etc.), input parameters of the model, or output parameters of the model.

[0249] FIG5D illustrates an example diagram of a network architecture to which the method provided herein can be applied. Compared to FIG5C , the access network device in FIG5D is separated into a CU and a DU. Optionally, the CU may include an AI entity whose functionality is similar to the near-real-time RIC described above. Optionally, the DU may include an AI entity whose functionality is similar to the near-real-time RIC described above. When both the CU and the DU include AI entities, the models trained by their respective AI entities are different, and / or the models used for inference are different. Optionally, the CU in FIG5D can be further split into a CU-CP and a CU-UP. Optionally, one or more AI models can be deployed in the CU-CP. And / or, one or more AI models can be deployed in the CU-UP. Optionally, in FIG5C or FIG5D , the OAM of the access network device and the OAM of the core network device can be deployed separately and independently. Optionally, FIG5C or FIG5D further includes a terminal device, which can include one or more AI entities. The interface between the terminal device and the access network device is an air interface.

[0250] 4. Data Collection Procedure

[0251] The data collection process is a use case-independent, data type-independent, and non-UE-related process. Use case-independent means that the AI / machine learning (ML) data transmitted by this process can be used for all AI use cases, including but not limited to the three currently defined use cases (i.e., load balancing, mobility optimization, and energy saving); data type-independent means that the AI / ML data transmitted by this process can include input data, output data, feedback data, etc. of the AI ​​model, such as prediction information and measurement information; non-UE-related means that this process is not associated with a specific UE, but can also be used to transmit data for specific UEs, such as per-UE performance feedback information.

[0252] The reporting methods for this process include one-time reporting and periodic reporting. The process also supports partial reporting, meaning that the requested node can provide some of the requested items without assuming that the process startup has failed.

[0253] The transmission mechanism of the process can be seen in Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the data collection and reporting initiation process provided by this application. Figure 6 mainly illustrates the case where the data collection and reporting operation is successful, wherein NG-RAN node 1 (NG-RAN node 1) sends a data collection request (DATA COLLECTION REQUEST) message to NG-RAN node 2 (NG-RAN node 2); NG-RAN node 2 sends a data collection response (DATA COLLECTION RESPONSE) message to NG-RAN node 1. Alternatively, NG-RAN node 2 sends a data collection update (DATA COLLECTION UPDATE) message to NG-RAN node 1.

[0254] Figure 7 is another schematic diagram of the data collection and reporting initiation process provided by this application. Figure 7 primarily illustrates a scenario where a data collection and reporting operation fails, wherein NG-RAN node 1 sends a DATA COLLECTION REQUEST message to NG-RAN node 2; and NG-RAN node 2 sends a DATA COLLECTON FAILURE message to NG-RAN node 1, where the DATA COLLECTON FAILURE message includes a failure cause value.

[0255] 5. Coverage and capacity optimization (CCO)

[0256] CCO is used to detect and resolve or mitigate cell coverage or cell edge interference issues. Currently, coverage configurations are typically configured to the gNB by OAM in the form of a list, and each configuration typically includes coverage-related parameter configurations and the specific adjustment range of each parameter. NG-RAN nodes can autonomously adjust and switch within the scope allowed by the coverage configuration, but the standard does not specify that the specific parameters of the coverage configuration can be transmitted over the XN port. When performing a change, the NG-RAN node can use the NG-RAN NODE CONFIGURATION UPDATE message to notify its neighboring NG-RAN nodes of the Coverage Modification List, which includes:

[0257] (1) The cell identity to be modified (Global NG-RAN Cell Identity);

[0258] (2) Cell coverage state;

[0259] (3) Plan to use the cell coverage status (Cell Deployment Status Indicator) at the next reconfiguration;

[0260] (4) Cell ID list (Cell Replacing Info);

[0261] (5) List of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) to be modified in the cell to be modified (SSB coverage modification list);

[0262] (6)Coverage Modification Cause.

[0263] For an understanding of the above six parameters, please refer to protocol TS 38.423, which will not be described in detail here.

[0264] It should be noted that the CCO adjustment of each base station in the current standard is usually adjusted after coverage problems occur. The present application proposes a communication method, that is, the station predicts the CCO adjustment information of the station and / or the neighboring station based on the collected coverage and capacity performance information associated with the neighboring station, which can more accurately predict the CCO problem and the corresponding solution strategy in advance. Therefore, before the coverage problem occurs, the station and the neighboring station can proactively adjust their own coverage configuration based on the CCO adjustment information, which can avoid the occurrence of coverage problems as much as possible, thereby helping to improve the overall performance of the network.

[0265] It should be noted that the CC described in this application refers to coverage and capacity.

[0266] The communication method and communication device provided by this application are described in detail below:

[0267] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a flow chart of the communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The execution subject of the method shown in Figure 8 can be an access network device, that is, a first access network device and a second access network device. Alternatively, the execution subject of the method shown in Figure 8 can also be a chip in the access network device. For the convenience of description, this application is mainly explained with the first access network device and the second access network device as the execution subjects. It should be understood that Figure 8 is a schematic flow chart of an embodiment of the method of the present application, which shows the detailed communication steps or operations of the method, but these steps or operations are only examples. The embodiment of the present application can also perform other operations or variations of the various operations in Figure 8. In addition, the various steps in Figure 8 can be executed in a different order from that presented in Figure 8, and it may not be necessary to execute all the operations in Figure 8. Among them:

[0268] S801. A first access network device obtains coverage and capacity performance information associated with a second access network device, for use in predicting CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device.

[0269] Generally speaking, the first access network device can obtain the coverage and capacity performance information (CC performance) associated with the second access network device from the second access network device. Optionally, the first access network device can also obtain the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device from other network elements or cloud servers, which is not limited in this application. For ease of understanding, the following text mainly uses the example of the first access network device obtaining the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device from the second access network device for schematic explanation. The above-mentioned second access network device is a neighboring station of the first access network device, so there may be more than one station (that is, the number of second access network devices may be one or more). For the convenience of description, the following text mainly uses a second access network device as an example for schematic explanation.

[0270] In one possible implementation, a first access network device may send a first request to a second access network device, where the first request is used to request coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device. Accordingly, the second access network device receives the first request from the first access network device and sends a first response to the first access network device. Exemplarily, the first request may include first indication information, where the first indication information indicates the coverage and capacity performance information that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback, and / or the configuration information corresponding to the coverage and capacity performance information that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback. That is, the first access network device may request the second access network device to report which coverage and capacity performance information, as well as the corresponding configuration information, in the first request.

[0271] The coverage and capacity performance information associated with the above-mentioned second access network device includes the coverage and capacity performance information actually corresponding to the second access network device (also referred to as the coverage and capacity performance information measured by the second access network device, or referred to as CC performance), and / or the coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the second access network device (also referred to as predicted CC performance, or referred to as CC performance prediction).

[0272] It should be understood that the coverage and capacity performance information actually corresponding to the above-mentioned second access network device may be obtained by the second access network device through measurement. The coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the above-mentioned second access network device may be predicted by the second access network device based on a performance prediction model deployed in the second access network device. Exemplarily, the AI ​​input data of the performance prediction model may include one or more of the following: historical coverage and capacity performance information of the second access network device, historical coverage configuration, historical coverage status, cell deployment status, historical / predicted resource status, or terminal measurement information, etc. It should be understood that the second access network device sends the coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the second access network device to the first access network device, which helps the first access network device understand the future resources and coverage / capacity status of the second access network device, so as to further make more accurate CCO adjustment information predictions.

[0273] In one implementation, if the first request is used to request the coverage and capacity performance information actually corresponding to the second access network device, then the configuration information in the first request may include reporting configuration and measurement configuration. For example, the reporting configuration includes one or more of the reporting time interval, the number of reports, the reporting start / end time, or the reporting start / end condition. For example, the measurement configuration includes one or more of the measurement start / end time, or the measurement interval, etc. It should be understood that the reporting configuration refers to the configuration that requires the neighboring station to report information (i.e., the configuration for sending the first response), and the measurement configuration refers to the configuration that requires the neighboring station to perform the requested measurement.

[0274] For example, the first access network device requires the second access network device to measure once every 10 ms, but requires the second access network device to report once every 1 second, that is, the measurement interval is 10 ms and the reporting time interval is 1 second.

[0275] For another example, the first access network device requires the second access network device to measure once every 20ms, but requires the second access network device to report once every 2s, and a maximum of 10 reports, that is, the measurement interval is 20ms, the reporting time interval is 2s, and the number of reports is 10 times.

[0276] Optionally, in addition to being configured by the first access network device, the above-mentioned reporting start / end conditions may also be directly specified in the standard. For example, a threshold value for the cell edge call drop rate may be specified in the protocol or configured by the first access network device. When the second access network device detects that the cell edge call drop rate exceeds the threshold, the second access network device reports the actual corresponding coverage and capacity performance information (or the coverage and capacity performance information measured by the second access network device); when the second access network device detects that the cell edge call drop rate does not exceed the threshold, the second access network device does not report the actual corresponding coverage and capacity performance information of the second access network device.

[0277] In another implementation, if the first request is used to request coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the second access network device, then the configuration information in the first request may include reporting configuration and prediction configuration. For example, the reporting configuration includes one or more of the reporting time interval, the number of reports, the reporting start / end time, or the reporting start / end condition. For example, the prediction configuration includes one or more of the prediction start / end time, the prediction interval, etc. It should be understood that the reporting configuration refers to the configuration that requires the neighboring station to report information (i.e., the configuration for sending the first response), and the prediction configuration refers to the configuration that requires the neighboring station to predict the request item.

[0278] For example, the first access network device requires the second access network device to predict once every 10 ms, but requires the second access network device to report once every 1 second, that is, the prediction interval is 10 ms and the reporting time interval is 1 second.

[0279] For another example, the first access network device requires the second access network device to predict once every 20ms, but requires the second access network device to report once every 2s, and a maximum of 10 times, that is, the prediction interval is 20ms, the reporting time interval is 2s, and the number of reports is 10 times.

[0280] Optionally, in addition to being configured by the first access network device, the reporting start / end conditions may also be directly specified in a standard. For example, a threshold for a cell edge call drop rate may be specified in a protocol or configured by the first access network device. When the second access network device detects that the cell edge call drop rate exceeds the threshold, the second access network device reports the coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the second access network device. When the second access network device detects that the cell edge call drop rate does not exceed the threshold, the second access network device does not report the coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the second access network device.

[0281] It should be understood that in the case where the first request is used to request the coverage and capacity performance information actually corresponding to the second access network device, if the second access network device is able to measure / report, the first response sent by the second access network device includes the coverage and capacity performance information actually corresponding to the second access network device. If the second access network device is unable to measure / report, the first response sent by the second access network device indicates the measurement items that cannot be reported and the reasons why they are. In the case where the first request is used to request the coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the second access network device, if the second access network device is able to predict / report, the first response sent by the second access network device includes the coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the second access network device. If the second access network device is unable to predict / report, the first response sent by the second access network device indicates the predicted items that cannot be reported and the reasons why they are.

[0282] It should be noted that the process for requesting the actual coverage and capacity performance information corresponding to the second access network device and the process for requesting the predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the second access network device can be the same request process, that is, the first access network device sends a first request to request the actual coverage and capacity performance information corresponding to the second access network device and the predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the second access network device. Accordingly, the actual coverage and capacity performance information corresponding to the second access network device fed back by the second access network device and the predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the second access network device are carried in a first response.

[0283] Optionally, the process for requesting the actual coverage and capacity performance information corresponding to the second access network device and the process for requesting the predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the second access network device may also be different request processes, that is, the first access network device sends a first request (for example, first request 1) to request the actual coverage and capacity performance information corresponding to the second access network device, and accordingly, the second access network device feeds back the actual coverage and capacity performance information corresponding to the second access network device in a first response 1; the first access network device sends another first request (for example, first request 2) to request the predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the second access network device, and accordingly, the second access network device feeds back the predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the second access network device in a first response 2.

[0284] It should be understood that whether it is the coverage and capacity performance information actually corresponding to the second access network device or the coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the second access network device, it can include information in one or more of the following dimensions: the average performance information of the terminal associated with the second access network device, or the resource status information at the cell edge, etc.

[0285] Exemplarily, the average performance information of the terminal associated with the second access network device includes one or more of the following: the average performance of the terminal under the second access network device, the average performance of the terminal under the cell of the second access network device, the average performance of the terminal under the SSB of the cell, the average performance of the terminal at the cell edge, or the average performance of the terminal under the slice. That is, the average performance of the terminal can be the average performance of the access network device level (or node level) / cell level / SSB level / cell edge level / slice level. Among them, the average performance of the access network device level can be the average performance of all terminals or some terminals under the access network device. Similarly, the average performance of the cell level can be the average performance of all terminals or some terminals under a certain cell. The average performance of the SSB level / cell edge level / slice level can be the average performance of all terminals or some terminals under a certain SSB / a certain cell edge / a certain slice, which is not limited in this application. For the convenience of description, the average performance of the access network device level / cell level / SSB level / cell edge level / slice level is used as an example to illustrate the average performance of all terminals under the corresponding access network device / cell / SSB / cell edge / slice.

[0286] Generally speaking, if the average performance is at the access network device level, then the average performance information of the terminals associated with the second access network device generally includes the identifier of the second access network device and the average performance of all terminals under the second access network device;

[0287] If it is the average performance at the cell level, then the average performance information of the terminal associated with the second access network device generally includes the cell identifier of the cell under the second access network device and the average performance of all terminals in the cell;

[0288] If it is the average performance at the SSB level, the average performance information of the terminal associated with the second access network device generally includes the cell identifier and SSB identifier of the cell under the second access network device, and the average performance of all terminals under the SSB;

[0289] If it is the average performance at the cell edge level, the average performance information of the terminal associated with the second access network device generally includes the cell identifier and cell edge identifier of the cell under the second access network device, and the average performance of all terminals under the cell edge;

[0290] If it is the average performance at the slice level, the average performance information of the terminal associated with the second access network device usually includes the slice identifier and the average performance of all terminals under the slice.

[0291] The above-mentioned average performance includes one or more of the following: average access success rate, average access delay, average cell call drop rate, average handover success rate, average user throughput, average packet loss rate of users, average user delay, or average energy cost, etc.

[0292] Exemplarily, the resource status information of the cell edge includes one or more of the following: radio resource status (e.g., physical resource block (PRB) usage), number of RRC connections, number of active terminals (number of active UEs), composite available capacity (CAC), or slice identifier, etc. The slice identifier is used to identify the slice resource status information of the cell edge. Generally speaking, the slice resource status of the cell edge includes one or more of the radio resource status, number of RRC connections, number of active terminals, composite available capacity, etc., without limitation.

[0293] Optionally, in addition to sending the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device to the first access network device, the second access network device may also send one or more of the following information to the first access network device: resource status, coverage modification list, cell / beam coverage modification plan, cell / beam distribution (eg served cell info), predicted resource status, etc. The predicted resource status may be at the access network device level / cell level, which is not limited. For understanding of the above information, please refer to protocol TS 38.423, which will not be elaborated here.

[0294] Optionally, in addition to obtaining the information associated with the second access network device, the first access network device can also obtain information associated with the first access network device. Exemplarily, the information associated with the first access network device may include coverage and capacity performance information associated with the first access network device. As explained above with respect to the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device, the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the first access network device includes the coverage and capacity performance information actually corresponding to the first access network device, and / or the coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the first access network device. For an understanding of the specific content included in the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the first access network device, please refer to the above description of the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device, which will not be repeated here.

[0295] Optionally, the information associated with the first access network device may also include one or more of the following: UE measurement reports, UE history information, SON reports, UE traffic, UE distribution per cell, resource status, coverage configuration, coverage modification list, cell / beam distribution (eg served cell info), predicted resource status, etc. The predicted resource status may be at the access network device level / cell level, which is not limited. For understanding of the above information, please refer to protocols TS 38.331 and TS 38.423, which will not be elaborated here.

[0296] The SON report may be, for example, a radio link failure (RLF) report, a random access channel (RACH) report, a handover failure (HOF) report, a connection establishment failure (CEF) report, etc., without limitation. Optionally, the predicted coverage and capacity performance information and the predicted resource status both belong to prediction information.

[0297] S802: The first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the first message from the first access network device.

[0298] In some feasible implementations, after the first access network device obtains information associated with the second access network device (e.g., coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device), the first access network device can predict CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device based on the information associated with the second access network device to obtain CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device (also known as inferred CCO action). Alternatively, the first access network device can predict CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device based on information associated with the first access network device (e.g., coverage and capacity performance information associated with the first access network device) and information associated with the second access network device (e.g., coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device). Furthermore, the first access network device sends the predicted coverage and capacity optimization CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device to the second access network device. The predicted coverage and capacity optimization CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device can be carried in the first message. The first message may be an existing message, such as an XN configuration update (XN CONFIGURATION UPDATE) message, or the first message may be a newly designed message, which is not limited in this application.

[0299] For ease of understanding, the following text mainly uses the CCO adjustment information of the first access network device (or called inferred CCO action of gNB1) as an example for schematic explanation. For understanding of the contents contained in the CCO adjustment information of the second access network device (or called inferred CCO action of gNB2), please refer to the description of the contents contained in the CCO adjustment information of the first access network device in the following text, which will not be repeated in the following text. The difference may be that (1) the CCO adjustment information of the second access network device sent by the first access network device to the second access network device may be less than one, and it may be a list including multiple candidate CCO adjustment information of the second access network device. After obtaining the list, the second access network device can select / select a CCO adjustment information of the second access network device from the list and inform the first access network device of the selected / selected one. Alternatively, (2) the content contained in the CCO adjustment information of the second access network device sent by the first access network device to the second access network device may be some ranges. For example, there are multiple CCO plans corresponding to solving the same predicted CCO problem. After the second access network device receives the CCO adjustment information of the second access network device, it can select a CCO plan from the multiple CCO plans to execute.

[0300] It is understandable that the above-mentioned predicted CCO adjustment information of the first access network device includes one or more of the following: predicted CCO problem (CCO issue), predicted time of occurrence of the CCO problem, predicted coverage state (coverage state), predicted time of change of coverage state, CCO plan (CCO plan) corresponding to the predicted CCO problem, predicted execution time of the CCO plan, predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device / predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device after the execution of the CCO plan or the change of coverage state (or inferred CC performance).

[0301] It should be noted that the above-mentioned predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device can be understood as the coverage and capacity performance information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device at a certain time in the future. The above-mentioned predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device after the execution of the CCO plan or after the coverage status changes can be understood as the coverage and capacity performance information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device at a certain time in the future after the execution of a specific CCO plan or after the coverage status changes.

[0302] Optionally, in addition to the information listed above, the CCO adjustment information of the first access network device may further include information such as predicted coverage configuration or modification cause.

[0303] In one possible implementation, the first access network device may first predict a possible CCO problem, then predict a corresponding CCO strategy to resolve the CCO problem. For example, the CCO strategy may be a coverage configuration, a CCO plan, etc. Finally, the coverage status and coverage and capacity performance information after implementing different CCO strategies are predicted. In another possible implementation, the first access network device may also simultaneously predict the possible CCO problem, the corresponding CCO strategy, the coverage status and coverage and capacity performance information under different CCO strategies, and the predicted time information.

[0304] It should be noted that the predicted CCO plan may include a first switching strategy (or UE offload plan) recommended by the first access network device for the terminal to switch from the first access network device to the second access network device.

[0305] Exemplarily, the first handover strategy includes one or more of the following information: the number of terminals recommended for handover (UE numbers), the identifiers of each terminal recommended for handover (UE ID List), the identifier of the source cell (source cell ID), the identifier of the target cell (target cell ID), the terminal's measurement information (UE measurement info), or the terminal's prediction information (UE prediction info). That is, the predicted CCO plan may include a plan / handover strategy (hereinafter referred to as the first handover strategy for ease of distinction) for handover from the first access network device to the second access network device required to resolve the predicted CCO problem. The first handover strategy may specifically indicate which terminals are about to handover from which cells to which cells (i.e., the identifiers of each terminal recommended for handover, the source cell identifier, and the target cell identifier), as well as information such as the time point / time period for handover execution (e.g., which can be refined to the time point for handover of each terminal). Therefore, based on the received first handover strategy, the second access network device can know which terminal is handing over from which cell to which cell, and then, based on the terminal's measurement information and prediction information, ultimately determine whether to allow / accept handover for the corresponding terminal.

[0306] Optionally, the measurement information of the above-mentioned terminal may be the measurement information of the terminal at the source base station (i.e., the first access network device), such as reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), etc.

[0307] Optionally, the prediction information of the terminal may be trajectory prediction, traffic prediction, measurement prediction, RLF / HOF prediction, etc. of the terminal.

[0308] Optionally, the terminal's prediction information may be predicted by the first access network device or by the terminal itself, without limitation. It should be noted that if the terminal's prediction information is predicted by the terminal itself, the terminal may send the terminal's prediction information to the second access network device.

[0309] Optionally, the predicted CCO plan may further include one or more of a predicted handover trigger threshold or a predicted handover trigger change. It should be understood that the handover threshold is a signal level value used by the base station to determine whether to perform handover for the terminal, and the handover threshold change is a change in the handover threshold.

[0310] Optionally, the predicted CCO plan may further include a coverage modification plan provided by cells or SSB beams, such as cell / beam shaping, cell / beam splitting, cell / beam merging, etc.

[0311] It should be noted that the predicted CCO problem may be coverage, cell edge capacity, network energy saving, etc. The predicted time of occurrence of the CCO problem may be the predicted time point or time period of occurrence of the CCO problem, etc., and is not limited. The predicted coverage status may be a cell-level, SSB-level, or slice-level coverage status. The predicted time of change of the coverage status may be the predicted time point or time period of change of the coverage status. The inferred CC performance may represent coverage and capacity performance information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device at a certain time in the future, or the inferred CC performance may represent coverage and capacity performance information of the source base station (i.e., the first access network device) and / or the adjacent base station (i.e., the second access network device) at a certain time in the future after each CCO plan is executed or after the coverage status changes. For an understanding of the specific content included in the coverage and capacity performance information, please refer to the description of the specific content included in the coverage and capacity performance information in the aforementioned step S801, which will not be repeated here. Generally speaking, the second network device can refer to the inferred CC performance to determine whether to adopt the corresponding CCO action, or whether to modify the local coverage configuration, and how to modify the local coverage configuration to adapt to the coverage plan of the first access network device. The above-mentioned coverage modification plan of the cell or SSB beam indicates the cell / SSB beam to be replaced, that is, the replacing cell information (replacing cell info) or the replacing SSB information (replacing SSB info).

[0312] For example, gNB1 sends CCO adjustment information at 10:00. The CCO adjustment information can indicate: it is predicted that cell 1 will have a coverage hole problem at 10:10, it is predicted that the coverage status from 10:05 to 10:35 will be 3, it is predicted that cell 1 will be replaced by cell 2 and cell 3 at 10:05, it is predicted that UE1 and UE2 will be switched to cell 1 under gNB2 at 10:04, and it is predicted that UE3 will be switched to cell 2 under gNB2 at 10:06.

[0313] It is understandable that, in the case where the CCO adjustment information sent by the first access network device is the CCO adjustment information of the first access network device, the second access network device can refer to the CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and adaptively / correspondingly adjust the coverage configuration of the second access network device to adapt to the coverage adjustment of the first access network device. In the case where the CCO adjustment information sent by the first access network device is the CCO adjustment information of the second access network device, the second access network device can also adaptively / correspondingly adjust the coverage configuration of the second access network device according to the CCO adjustment information of the second access network device to adapt to the coverage plan of the first access network device. In the case where the CCO adjustment information sent by the first access network device includes the CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and the CCO adjustment information of the second access network device, the second access network device can adaptively / correspondingly adjust the coverage configuration of the second access network device according to the CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and the CCO adjustment information of the second access network device to adapt to the coverage plan of the first access network device.

[0314] Optionally, in some feasible implementations, in addition to the above steps S801 and S802, the embodiment of the present application may further include one or more of the following steps, wherein the step numbers should not be regarded as limiting the order in which the steps are executed:

[0315] S803: The second access network device sends a second message to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second message from the second access network device.

[0316] In some feasible implementations, if the second access network device agrees to the modification, the second access network device sends a second message to the first access network device, and the second message includes one or more of the following information: the CCO plan accepted by the second access network device, the CCO plan not accepted by the second access network device, the reason for acceptance, the reason for non-acceptance, or the coverage state after adjustment by the second access network device (or the coverage state to which the second access network device is preparing to adjust, or the coverage state to which the second access network device accepts the adjustment), etc. The second message may be an existing message, such as an XN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message, or may be a newly designed message, which is not limited in this application.

[0317] It should be noted that the CCO plan accepted by the second access network device includes a second handover policy for terminals accepted by the second access network device for handover from the first access network device to the second access network device. For example, the second handover policy includes one or more of the following information: the number of terminals whose handover the second access network device accepts, the number of terminals whose handover the second access network device does not accept, the identifiers of terminals whose handover the second access network device accepts, the identifiers of terminals whose handover the second access network device does not accept, the time period for allowing handover, the reason for acceptance, or the reason for rejection, etc.

[0318] Optionally, the CCO plan accepted by the second access network device may also include one or more items such as an indication that the second access network device accepts the switching threshold modification, a range of accepted / allowed switching threshold values, or a range of accepted / allowed switching threshold change values.

[0319] Optionally, the CCO plan accepted by the second access network device may also include one or more information such as the coverage modification after modification by the second access network device, the coverage modification accepted by the second network device, the coverage modification not accepted by the second network device, the reason for acceptance, or the reason for non-acceptance.

[0320] In some feasible implementations, if the second access network device does not agree to the modification, the second access network device sends a second message to the first access network device, and the second message may indicate one or more of the reasons for the modification failure, etc.

[0321] S804: The first access network device sends a second request to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the second request from the first access network device.

[0322] The second request is used to request CCO performance feedback information (CCO performance feedback) from the second access network device. Here, the CCO performance feedback information is the CCO performance feedback information after the second access network device performs coverage adjustment. Exemplarily, the second request may include second indication information, which second indication information indicates the CCO performance feedback information that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback, and / or the configuration information corresponding to the CCO performance feedback information that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback. That is, the first access network device may request the second access network device to report which CCO performance feedback information and corresponding configuration information in the second request. The configuration information includes reporting configuration and measurement configuration. For example, the reporting configuration includes one or more of the reporting time interval, the number of reports, the reporting start / end time, and the reporting start / end condition. The measurement configuration may include one or more of the measurement start / end time, the measurement interval, and the like. It should be understood that the reporting configuration refers to the configuration that requires the neighboring station to report information (i.e., the configuration for sending the second response), and the measurement configuration refers to the configuration that requires the neighboring station to perform the requested measurement.

[0323] For example, the first access network device requires the second access network device to measure once every 20 ms, but requires the second access network device to report once every 1 second, that is, the measurement interval is 20 ms and the reporting time interval is 1 second.

[0324] For another example, the first access network device requires the second access network device to measure once every 20ms, but requires the second access network device to report once every 1s, and a maximum of 10 reports, that is, the measurement interval is 20ms, the reporting time interval is 1s, and the number of reports is 10 times.

[0325] Optionally, in addition to being configured by the first access network device, the above-mentioned reporting start / end conditions may also be directly specified in a standard. For example, a threshold for a cell edge call drop rate may be specified in a protocol or configured by the first access network device. When the second access network device detects that the cell edge call drop rate exceeds the threshold, CCO performance feedback information is reported; when the second access network device detects that the cell edge call drop rate does not exceed the threshold, CCO performance feedback information is not reported. For an understanding of CCO performance feedback information, please refer to the relevant description in S805 below.

[0326] Optionally, in some feasible implementations, the second request may further include a first identifier, the first identifier being used to identify the second indication information. Optionally, after the second access network device receives the second request from the first access network device, the second access network device may save / store the second request or the second indication information.

[0327] S805: The second access network device sends a second response to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second response from the second access network device.

[0328] It should be understood that if the second access network device is able to report, the second response sent by the second access network device will include the CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device; if the second access network device cannot report, the second response sent by the second access network device will indicate the items that cannot be reported and the reasons why they cannot be reported.

[0329] It should be understood that the first access network device may evaluate the CCO adjustment information and the terminal performance based on the CCO performance feedback information. In addition, the CCO performance feedback information may also be used to further optimize / update the CCO adjustment prediction model.

[0330] Exemplarily, the CCO performance feedback information may include non-per-UE performance feedback and per-UE performance feedback. The following describes non-per-UE performance feedback and per-UE performance feedback separately:

[0331] Generally speaking, non-per-UE performance feedback is feedback on the average performance of multiple terminals. For example, non-per-UE performance feedback includes one or more of the following: the average performance of terminals associated with the first switching strategy (or the average performance of terminals recommended for switching by the first access network device), the average performance of terminals under the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the cell of the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the synchronization signal block SSB of the cell, the average performance of terminals at the edge of the cell, or the average performance of terminals under a slice, etc. It is understandable that the average performance of terminals associated with the first switching strategy may be the average performance of all terminals associated with the first switching strategy, or it may be the average performance of some terminals associated with the first switching strategy. Similarly, the average performance at the second access network device level may be the average performance of all or some terminals under the second access network device, the average performance at the cell level may be the average performance of all or some terminals under a certain cell of the second access network device, and the average performance at the SSB level / cell edge level / slice level may be the average performance of all or some terminals under a certain SSB / a certain cell edge / a certain slice, which is not limited in this application.

[0332] Exemplarily, the above average performance specifically includes one or more of the following: average access success rate, average access delay, average call drop rate, average switching success rate, average user throughput, average user packet loss rate, average user delay, or average energy consumption, etc.

[0333] It should be noted that Per-UE performance feedback is feedback on the performance of each terminal. For example, Per-UE performance feedback includes one or more of the following: the performance of each terminal associated with the second switching strategy (or the performance of each terminal accepted for switching by the second access network device), or the performance of each terminal at the edge of the cell, etc.

[0334] Exemplarily, the performance of each of the above-mentioned terminals includes one or more of the following: measurement report, RLF report, RACH report, HOF report, CEF report, access success rate of each terminal, access delay of each terminal, call drop rate of each terminal, switching success rate of each terminal, user throughput of each terminal, user packet loss rate of each terminal, user delay of each terminal, or energy consumption of each terminal, etc.

[0335] It should be noted that the second access network device can proactively report CCO performance feedback information (i.e., step S804 does not need to be performed), or the second access network device can also report CCO performance feedback information based on the request of the first access network device (i.e., step S804 needs to be performed). In other words, step S804 is optional.

[0336] It should be noted that in this application, the first request for requesting the actual coverage and capacity performance information corresponding to the second access network device, the first request for requesting the predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the second access network device, and the second request for requesting the CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device can be the same request.

[0337] For example, taking request ① as an example, the first access network device can send request ① to request the actual coverage and capacity performance information corresponding to the second access network device, as well as request the predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the second access network device, and request the CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device.

[0338] Optionally, in this application, the first request for requesting the actual coverage and capacity performance information of the second access network device, the first request for requesting the predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the second access network device, and the second request for requesting the CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device may also be different requests.

[0339] Example 1: Taking request ①, request ② and request ③ as examples, the first access network device can send request ① to request the actual coverage and capacity performance information of the second access network device, send request ② to request the predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the second access network device, and send request ③ to request the CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device.

[0340] In Example 2, taking requests ① and ② as examples, the first access network device may send request ① to request the actual coverage and capacity performance information corresponding to the second access network device, and send request ② to request the second access network device's predicted coverage and capacity performance information and CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device. This application is not limited to this.

[0341] In Example 3, taking requests ① and ② as examples, the first access network device may send request ① to request the second access network device's predicted coverage and capacity performance information, and send request ② to request the second access network device's actual corresponding coverage and capacity performance information and CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device. This application is not limited to this.

[0342] In Example 4, taking requests ① and ② as examples, the first access network device may send request ① to request the second access network device's predicted coverage and capacity performance information and the second access network device's actual corresponding coverage and capacity performance information, and send request ② to request the second access network device's CCO performance feedback information. This application is not limited to this.

[0343] Optionally, in some feasible implementations, when the request for requesting the CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device and the request for requesting the coverage and capacity performance information actually corresponding to the second access network device are the same request (such as the aforementioned example two), or when the request for requesting the CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device and the request for requesting the coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the second access network device are the same request (such as the aforementioned example three), before the above-mentioned step S805, the following step S806 (not shown in Figure 8) may further be included:

[0344] S806: The first access network device sends a third request to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the third request from the first access network device.

[0345] The third request is used to trigger the second access network device to send CCO performance feedback information. Exemplarily, the third request includes a first identifier. It should be noted that after the second access network device receives the third request from the first access network, the second access network device can determine the corresponding second indication information based on the first identifier carried in the third request, and thereby send the CCO performance feedback information to the first access network device based on the CCO performance feedback information indicated by the second indication information and the corresponding configuration information.

[0346] It should be noted that the above-mentioned first request and first response processes can reuse existing processes, such as the resource status (RESOURCE STATUS) process or the data collection (DATA COLLECTION) process. Optionally, the first request and first response processes can also be new processes, which are not limited in this application. Similarly, the above-mentioned second request and second response processes can also reuse existing processes, such as the resource status (RESOURCE STATUS) process or the data collection (DATA COLLECTION) process. Optionally, the second request and second response processes can also be new processes, which are not limited in this application. The above-mentioned third request can reuse existing requests, such as a handover request (HANDOVER REQUEST), or the third request can also be a new request.

[0347] Taking the second request and second response process as a data collection process, and the third request as a handover request as an example, the current protocol data collection request (DATA COLLECTION REQUEST) and data collection update (DATA COLLECTION UPDATE) messages include a data collection ID. In one possible implementation, the first identifier of the third request (e.g., the handover request) can be the data collection ID.

[0348] In an embodiment of the present application, the first access network device collects the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the neighboring station (i.e., the second access network device) and the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the current station (i.e., the first access network device), and then combines it with the CCO adjustment prediction model deployed in the first access network device to accurately predict possible CCO problems and corresponding CCO plans, etc. Finally, the predicted CCO adjustment information is sent to the neighboring station so that the neighboring station can adjust its own coverage configuration accordingly. This can avoid possible CCO problems in advance, optimize the overall network performance, and ensure terminal services. In addition, the first access network device collects CCO performance feedback information to evaluate the predicted solution strategy and optimize the CCO adjustment prediction model, which is conducive to further improving the prediction accuracy of AI services.

[0349] It should be noted that the embodiment corresponding to Figure 8 above assumes that a CCO adjustment prediction model is deployed in the first access network device to predict possible CCO problems and corresponding solutions. However, it does not rule out the possibility that a CCO adjustment prediction model is also deployed in the second access network device. Therefore, the second access network device also needs the first access network device to provide input data of the AI ​​model (i.e., coverage and capacity performance information associated with the first access network device, etc.) to predict possible CCO problems and corresponding solutions. For specific implementation, please refer to the implementation of the CCO adjustment prediction model deployed in the first access network device, which will not be repeated here.

[0350] For ease of understanding, the following Figure 9 further shows another flow chart of the communication method in the present application. In the process shown in Figure 9, the first access network device is gNB1, the second access network device is gNB2, the CCO adjustment information predicted by gNB1 is the CCO adjustment information of gNB1, the first request and the first response process reuse the resource status (RESOURCE STATUS) process, and the first request is used to request the actual corresponding coverage and capacity performance information of gNB2. In addition, the second request and the second response process reuse the data collection (DATA COLLECTION) process, and the second request is used to request the coverage and capacity performance information predicted by gNB2 and the CCO performance feedback information of gNB2 as an example. The process includes the following steps S901 to S9010, among which:

[0351] S901: gNB1 sends a resource status request (RESOURCE STATUS REQUEST) to gNB2. In response, gNB2 receives the RESOURCE STATUS REQUEST from gNB1.

[0352] The RESOURCE STATUS REQUEST message is used to request actual coverage and capacity performance information from gNB2 (also known as a CC performance request). Specifically, gNB1 can request in the RESOURCE STATUS REQUEST message which CC performance information gNB2 should report, along with the corresponding configurations (e.g., reporting interval, number of reports, reporting start / end time, measurement start / end time, measurement interval, and reporting start / end conditions). Optionally, some of these configurations, such as reporting start / end conditions, may be predefined by the protocol rather than indicated by gNB1.

[0353] For understanding of the actual coverage and capacity performance information corresponding to a certain base station, please refer to the relevant description in S801 in Figure 8 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0354] S902: gNB2 sends a RESOURCE STATUS UPDATE message to gNB1. In response, gNB1 receives the RESOURCE STATUS UPDATE message from gNB2.

[0355] Generally, gNB2 reports its actual coverage and capacity performance (CC performance) in the RESOURCE STATUS UPDATE message. If gNB2 is unable to measure or report CC performance, gNB2 may indicate the measurement items that cannot be reported and the reasons for the failure to report to gNB1 in the RESOURCE STATUS RESPONSE message.

[0356] S903: gNB1 sends a data collection request (DATA COLLECTION REQUEST) to gNB2. In response, gNB2 receives the DATA COLLECTION REQUEST from gNB1.

[0357] This DATA COLLECTION REQUEST is used to request gNB2's predicted coverage and capacity performance information (also known as a predicted CC performance request). Optionally, a predicted CC performance request can also be referred to as a CC performance prediction request. Specifically, gNB1 can request in the DATA COLLECTION REQUEST which predicted CC performance information gNB2 should report, along with the corresponding configurations (e.g., reporting interval, number of reports, reporting start / end time, predicted start / end time, prediction interval, reporting start / end conditions, etc.). Optionally, some of these configurations, such as reporting start / end conditions, may be predefined by the protocol rather than indicated by gNB1.

[0358] In addition, the DATA COLLECTION REQUEST is used to request CCO performance feedback information from gNB2 (also known as a CCO performance feedback request). Specifically, gNB1 can request in the DATA COLLECTION REQUEST which CCO performance feedback gNB2 should report, as well as the corresponding configurations (e.g., reporting interval, number of reports, reporting start / end time, measurement start / end time, measurement interval, reporting start / end conditions, etc.). Optionally, some of the above configurations may not be indicated by gNB1 but may be predefined by the protocol, such as the reporting start / end conditions.

[0359] It is understandable that the above-mentioned DATA COLLECTION REQUEST also includes information such as a data collection identifier (DATA COLLECTION ID).

[0360] S904: gNB2 sends a DATA COLLECTION UPDATE message to gNB1. In response, gNB1 receives the DATA COLLECTION UPDATE message from gNB2.

[0361] Generally speaking, after receiving the DATA COLLECTION REQUEST, gNB2 may predict gNB2's coverage and capacity performance information based on the performance prediction model deployed in gNB2. It is understood that gNB2 may report the predicted CC performance in the DATA COLLECTION UPDATE message. If gNB2 is unable to predict / report the predicted CC performance, gNB2 may indicate the predicted items that could not be reported and the reasons for the inability to report to gNB1 in the DATA COLLECTION RESPONSE message.

[0362] It is understandable that the above DATA COLLECTION UPDATE message also includes information such as DATA COLLECTION ID.

[0363] It should be noted that the above-mentioned CCO performance prediction and CCO performance feedback can be configured and transmitted in one DATA COLLECTION process or in different DATA COLLECTION processes, which is not limited in this application.

[0364] For understanding of the coverage and capacity performance information predicted for a certain base station, please refer to the relevant description in S801 in Figure 8 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0365] S905. gNB1 predicts CCO adjustment information of gNB1 based on gNB1's CC performance and predicted CC performance, as well as gNB2's CC performance and predicted CC performance.

[0366] Specifically, gNB1 may input the CC performance and predicted CC performance of gNB1, as well as the CC performance and predicted CC performance of gNB2, into the CCO adjustment prediction model to predict the CCO adjustment information of gNB1 (or inferred CCO action of gNB1).

[0367] In one possible implementation, gNB1 can first predict a possible CCO problem and then predict corresponding CCO strategies to address the problem. For example, the CCO strategy can include coverage configuration, CCO plan, etc. Finally, gNB1 predicts the coverage status and coverage and capacity performance information after implementing different CCO strategies. In another possible implementation, gNB1 can also simultaneously predict the possible CCO problem, the corresponding CCO strategy, the coverage status and coverage and capacity performance information under different CCO strategies, and the predicted time information.

[0368] For understanding of the CCO adjustment information, please refer to the relevant description in step S802 in Figure 8, which will not be repeated here.

[0369] S906. gNB1 sends an XN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message to gNB2. In response, gNB2 receives the XN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message from gNB1.

[0370] It can be understood that gNB1 sending the predicted CCO adjustment information of gNB1 to gNB2 can be based on an existing process, such as an XN configuration update (XN CONFIGURATION UPDATE) message, or based on a new process. This embodiment mainly uses the predicted CCO adjustment information of gNB1 carried in the XN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message as an example for schematic illustration.

[0371] S907: gNB2 sends an XN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message to gNB1. In response, gNB1 receives the XN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message from gNB2.

[0372] In some feasible embodiments, if gNB2 agrees to the modification, gNB2 may perform the corresponding coverage modification based on the predicted applicability of gNB1's CCO adjustment information and send an XN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message to gNB1. The XN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message includes the CCO plan acceptable to gNB2 and the adjusted coverage status of gNB2. For example, the CCO plan acceptable to gNB2 includes the handover policy (also known as the Accept UE offload plan) accepted by gNB2. The handover policy accepted by gNB2 may include the number of terminals for which handover is unacceptable / acceptable, a list of terminals for which handover is unacceptable / acceptable, the time when handover is permitted, the reason for unacceptability / acceptance, etc. For another example, the CCO plan acceptable to gNB2 may also include one or more of the following: an indication that gNB2 accepts the handover threshold modification, a range of accepted / allowed handover threshold values, or a range of accepted / allowed handover threshold change values. If gNB2 disagrees with the modification, gNB2 may indicate to gNB1 that the modification failed and the reason.

[0373] S908: gNB1 sends a HANDOVER REQUEST to gNB2. In response, gNB2 receives the HANDOVER REQUEST from gNB1.

[0374] In some feasible implementations, gNB2 may perform a cell handover for the terminal based on the handover request sent by gNB1. In this application, the HANDOVER REQUEST message may also include a DATA COLLECTION ID. The DATA COLLECTION ID is used to instruct gNB2 to provide CCO performance feedback in a DATA COLLECTION UPDATE message.

[0375] S909: gNB2 sends a DATA COLLECTION UPDATE message to gNB1. In response, gNB1 receives the DATA COLLECTION UPDATE message from gNB2.

[0376] The DATA COLLECTION UPDATE message includes information such as CCO performance feedback, DATA COLLECTION ID, etc. For a more detailed understanding of CCO performance feedback, please refer to the relevant description in step S805 in FIG8 , which will not be repeated here.

[0377] S9010 and gNB1 evaluate inferred CCO actions and terminal performance based on CCO performance feedback, and further optimize / update the CCO adjustment prediction model.

[0378] In this embodiment, gNBs can negotiate and execute predicted CCO actions, thereby proactively avoiding potential CCO issues, optimizing overall network performance, and ensuring end-user services. Furthermore, gNBs collect CCO performance feedback to evaluate inferred CCO actions and optimize AI models, further improving the prediction accuracy of AI services.

[0379] It should be noted that in a CU-DU separation architecture, that is, an architecture in which the first access network device includes CU1 and DU1, and the second access network device includes CU2 and DU2, the following two situations may exist:

[0380] Case 1: If CU1 performs AI prediction / inference / training, then:

[0381] 1.1. Considering that the existing protocol stipulates that DU1 performs coverage modification (e.g., coverage configuration adjustment), CU1 needs to send the predicted CCO adjustment information to DU1 so that DU1 can perform coverage modification. Similarly, CU2 also needs to send the predicted CCO adjustment information received from CU1 to DU2.

[0382] 1.2. Since CU1 is responsible for AI prediction / inference / training, CU1 needs to collect some AI input data from DU1 that CU1 cannot obtain directly, such as the actual coverage and capacity performance information of the first access network device. Similarly, CU2 also needs to collect some AI input data from DU2 that CU2 cannot obtain directly, and then CU2 sends it to CU1, such as the actual coverage and capacity performance information of the second access network device. In addition, DU1 also needs to send the accepted CCO plan, adjusted coverage status and other information to CU1. Similarly, DU2 also needs to send the accepted CCO plan, adjusted coverage status and other information to CU2, so that CU2 can send CCO performance feedback information to CU1.

[0383] Case 2: If DU1 performs AI prediction / inference / training, then:

[0384] 2.1. Since DU1 performs AI prediction / inference / training, DU1 needs to send the predicted CCO adjustment information to CU1, and then CU1 sends the predicted CCO adjustment information to CU2.

[0385] 2.2. Since DU1 performs AI prediction / inference / training, it needs to collect some AI input data from CU1 that DU1 cannot directly obtain, such as the coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the first access network equipment and the predicted resource status. In addition, CU1 needs to send DU1 the accepted CCO plan and the adjusted coverage status information.

[0386] It should be noted that, under the ORAN architecture, RIC can be real-time RIC and / or non-real-time RIC. As shown in Figure 10, a flow chart of a communication method based on the ORAN architecture is shown. For example, as shown in Figure 10 (a):

[0387] S1001a: CU2 sends the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device to the RIC. Correspondingly, the RIC receives the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device from CU2.

[0388] S1002a: CU1 sends the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the first access network device to the RIC. Correspondingly, the RIC receives the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the first access network device from CU1.

[0389] S1003a. The RIC predicts CCO adjustment information based on the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the first access network device and the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

[0390] S1004a: RIC sends the predicted CCO adjustment information to CU1. Correspondingly, CU1 receives the predicted CCO adjustment information from RIC.

[0391] S1005a: CU1 sends the predicted CCO adjustment information to CU2. Correspondingly, CU2 receives the predicted CCO adjustment information from CU1.

[0392] For example, as shown in FIG10( b ):

[0393] S1001b: DU2 sends the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device to the RIC. Correspondingly, the RIC receives the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device from DU2.

[0394] S1002b: DU1 sends the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the first access network device to the RIC. Correspondingly, the RIC receives the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the first access network device from DU1.

[0395] S1003b. The RIC predicts CCO adjustment information based on the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the first access network device and the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

[0396] S1004b: RIC sends the predicted CCO adjustment information to DU1. Correspondingly, DU1 receives the predicted CCO adjustment information from RIC.

[0397] S1005b: DU1 sends the predicted CCO adjustment information to CU1. Correspondingly, CU1 receives the predicted CCO adjustment information from DU1.

[0398] S1006b: CU1 sends the predicted CCO adjustment information to CU2. Correspondingly, CU2 receives the predicted CCO adjustment information from CU1.

[0399] S1007b: CU2 sends the predicted CCO adjustment information to DU2. Correspondingly, DU2 receives the predicted CCO adjustment information from CU2.

[0400] The communication device provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 .

[0401] Based on the same concept, referring to FIG11 , the present application provides a communication device 1100, which includes a processing module 1110 and a communication module 1120. The communication device 1100 may be an access network device, or may be a communication device applied to or used in conjunction with an access network device to implement a communication method executed on the access network device side.

[0402] The communication module may also be referred to as a transceiver module, transceiver, transceiver, or transceiver device. The processing module may also be referred to as a processor, processing board, processing unit, or processing device. Optionally, the communication module is used to perform the sending and receiving operations on the access network device side (i.e., the first access network device and the second access network device) in the above method. The device used to implement the receiving function in the communication module can be regarded as a receiving unit, and the device used to implement the sending function in the communication module can be regarded as a sending unit. That is, the communication module includes a receiving unit and a sending unit.

[0403] In one design, when the communication device 1100 is applied to a first access network device, the processing module 1110 may be used to implement the processing functions of the first access network device in the examples described in Figures 8 to 10, and the communication module 1120 may be used to implement the transceiver functions of the first access network device in the examples described in Figures 8 to 10. Alternatively, the communication device may be understood with reference to the third aspect and possible designs of the third aspect in the Summary of the Invention. Specifically:

[0404] The communication module 1120 is configured to obtain coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device;

[0405] The communication module 1120 is used to send a first message to the second access network device, wherein the first message includes predicted coverage and capacity optimization CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device, and the CCO adjustment information is related to the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

[0406] In a possible implementation, when acquiring the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device, the communication module 1120 is specifically configured to:

[0407] Sending a first request to the second access network device, where the first request is used to request coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device;

[0408] A first response is received from the second access network device, where the first response includes coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

[0409] In one possible implementation, the first request includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback coverage and capacity performance information, and / or the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback configuration information corresponding to the coverage and capacity performance information.

[0410] In a possible implementation, the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes coverage and capacity performance information actually corresponding to the second access network device, and / or coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the second access network device.

[0411] In a possible implementation, the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0412] Average performance information of terminals associated with the second access network device, or resource status information of a cell edge.

[0413] In a possible implementation, the average performance information of the terminal associated with the second access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0414] The average performance of terminals under the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the cell of the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the synchronization signal block SSB of the cell, the average performance of terminals at the edge of the cell, or the average performance of terminals under the slice.

[0415] In a possible implementation, the cell edge resource status information includes one or more of the following:

[0416] Radio resource status, number of radio resource control (RRC) connections, number of active terminals, composite available capacity, or slice identifier.

[0417] In a possible implementation, the predicted CCO adjustment information of the first access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0418] Predicted CCO problem, predicted time of occurrence of the CCO problem, predicted coverage status, predicted time of change of the coverage status, predicted CCO plan corresponding to the CCO problem, predicted execution time of the CCO plan, and predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device after the execution of the CCO plan or the change of coverage status.

[0419] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan includes a first switching strategy recommended by the first access network device for the terminal to switch from the first access network device to the second access network device.

[0420] In a possible implementation, the first switching strategy includes one or more of the following information:

[0421] The number of terminals recommended for handover, the identifier of each terminal recommended for handover, the identifier of the source cell, the identifier of the target cell, measurement information of the terminal, or prediction information of the terminal.

[0422] In one possible implementation, the CCO plan includes a predicted handover threshold value or a predicted handover threshold change value.

[0423] In a possible implementation, after sending the first message to the second access network device, the communication module 1120 is further configured to:

[0424] A second message is received from the second access network device, where the second message includes a CCO plan accepted by the second access network device and one or more of the coverage status adjusted by the second access network device.

[0425] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan accepted by the second access network device includes a second switching strategy accepted by the second access network device for switching the terminal from the first access network device to the second access network device.

[0426] In a possible implementation, the second switching strategy includes one or more of the following information:

[0427] The number of terminals that the second access network device accepts switching, the number of terminals that the second access network device does not accept switching, the identifiers of terminals that the second access network device accepts switching, the identifiers of terminals that the second access network device does not accept switching, the time when switching is allowed, the reason for acceptance, or the reason for non-acceptance.

[0428] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan received by the second access network device includes one or more of the following information:

[0429] The second access network device accepts an indication of a handover threshold modification, accepts / allows a range of handover threshold values, or accepts / allows a range of handover threshold change values.

[0430] In a possible implementation, the communication module 1120 is further configured to:

[0431] Sending a second request to the second access network device, where the second request is used to request CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device;

[0432] A second response is received from the second access network device, where the second response includes CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device.

[0433] In one possible implementation, the second request includes second indication information, and the second indication information indicates that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback CCO performance feedback information, and / or the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback configuration information corresponding to the CCO performance feedback information.

[0434] In a possible implementation, the second request includes a first identifier, where the first identifier is used to identify the second indication information;

[0435] Before receiving the second response from the second access network device, the communication module 1120 is further configured to:

[0436] Send a third request to the second access network device, where the third request is used to trigger the second access network device to send the CCO performance feedback information, and the third request includes the first identifier.

[0437] In one possible implementation, the CCO performance feedback information includes one or more of the following:

[0438] The average performance of terminals associated with the first switching strategy, the average performance of terminals under the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the cell of the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the synchronization signal block SSB of the cell, the average performance of terminals at the edge of the cell, the average performance of terminals under the slice, the performance of each terminal associated with the second switching strategy, or the performance of each terminal at the edge of the cell.

[0439] In one possible implementation, the average performance includes one or more of the following:

[0440] Average access success rate, average access delay, average call drop rate, average handover success rate, average user throughput, average user packet loss rate, average user delay, or average energy consumption.

[0441] In one possible implementation, the performance of each terminal includes one or more of the following:

[0442] Measurement report, radio link failure (RLF) report, random access channel (RACH) report, handover failure (HOF) report, connection establishment failure (CEF) report, access success rate, access delay, call drop rate, handover success rate, user throughput, user packet loss rate, user delay, or energy consumption.

[0443] In a possible implementation, the CCO adjustment information is related to coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device, including:

[0444] The processing module 1110 is configured to predict CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device based on coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

[0445] In another design, when the communication device 1100 is applied to a second access network device, the processing module 1110 can be used to implement the processing function of the second access network device in the examples described in Figures 8 to 10, and the communication module 1120 can be used to implement the transceiver function of the second access network device in the examples described in Figures 8 to 10. Alternatively, the communication device can also be understood with reference to the fourth aspect and possible designs of the fourth aspect in the summary of the invention. Specifically:

[0446] The communication module 1120 is configured to send coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device to the first access network device;

[0447] The communication module 1120 is used to receive a first message from the first access network device, wherein the first message includes predicted coverage and capacity optimization CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device, and the CCO adjustment information is related to the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

[0448] In a possible implementation, when sending the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device to the first access network device, the communication module 1120 is configured to:

[0449] receiving a first request from the first access network device, where the first request is used to request coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device;

[0450] A first response is sent to the first access network device, where the first response includes coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

[0451] In one possible implementation, the first request includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback coverage and capacity performance information, and / or the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback configuration information corresponding to the coverage and capacity performance information.

[0452] In a possible implementation, the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes coverage and capacity performance information actually corresponding to the second access network device, and / or coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the second access network device.

[0453] In a possible implementation, the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0454] Average performance information of terminals associated with the second access network device, or resource status information of a cell edge.

[0455] In a possible implementation, the average performance information of the terminal associated with the second access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0456] The average performance of terminals under the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the cell of the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the synchronization signal block SSB of the cell, the average performance of terminals at the edge of the cell, or the average performance of terminals under the slice.

[0457] In a possible implementation, the cell edge resource status information includes one or more of the following:

[0458] Radio resource status, number of radio resource control (RRC) connections, number of active terminals, composite available capacity, or slice identifier.

[0459] In a possible implementation, the predicted CCO adjustment information of the first access network device includes one or more of the following:

[0460] Predicted CCO problem, predicted time of occurrence of the CCO problem, predicted coverage status, predicted time of change of the coverage status, predicted CCO plan corresponding to the CCO problem, predicted execution time of the CCO plan, and predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device after the execution of the CCO plan or the change of coverage status.

[0461] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan includes a first switching strategy recommended by the first access network device for the terminal to switch from the first access network device to the second access network device.

[0462] In a possible implementation, the first switching strategy includes one or more of the following information:

[0463] The number of terminals recommended for handover, the identifier of each terminal recommended for handover, the identifier of the source cell, the identifier of the target cell, measurement information of the terminal, or prediction information of the terminal.

[0464] In one possible implementation, the CCO plan includes a predicted handover threshold value or a predicted handover threshold change value.

[0465] In a possible implementation, after receiving the first message from the first access network device, the communication module 1120 is further configured to:

[0466] A second message is sent to the first access network device, where the second message includes the CCO plan accepted by the second access network device and one or more of the coverage states adjusted by the second access network device.

[0467] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan accepted by the second access network device includes a second switching strategy accepted by the second access network device for switching the terminal from the first access network device to the second access network device.

[0468] In a possible implementation, the second switching strategy includes one or more of the following information:

[0469] The number of terminals that the second access network device accepts switching, the number of terminals that the second access network device does not accept switching, the identifiers of terminals that the second access network device accepts switching, the identifiers of terminals that the second access network device does not accept switching, the time when switching is allowed, the reason for acceptance, or the reason for non-acceptance.

[0470] In a possible implementation, the CCO plan received by the second access network device includes one or more of the following information:

[0471] The second access network device accepts an indication of a handover threshold modification, accepts / allows a range of handover threshold values, or accepts / allows a range of handover threshold change values.

[0472] In a possible implementation, the communication module 1120 is further configured to:

[0473] receiving a second request from the first access network device, where the second request is used to request CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device;

[0474] A second response is sent to the first access network device, where the second response includes CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device.

[0475] In one possible implementation, the second request includes second indication information, and the second indication information indicates that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback CCO performance feedback information, and / or the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback configuration information corresponding to the CCO performance feedback information.

[0476] In a possible implementation, the second request includes a first identifier, where the first identifier is used to identify the second indication information;

[0477] Before sending the second response to the first access network device, the communication module 1120 is further configured to:

[0478] A third request is received from the first access network device, where the third request is used to trigger the second access network device to send the CCO performance feedback information, and the third request includes the first identifier.

[0479] In one possible implementation, the CCO performance feedback information includes one or more of the following:

[0480] The average performance of terminals associated with the first switching strategy, the average performance of terminals under the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the cell of the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the synchronization signal block SSB of the cell, the average performance of terminals at the edge of the cell, the average performance of terminals under the slice, the performance of each terminal associated with the second switching strategy, or the performance of each terminal at the edge of the cell.

[0481] In one possible implementation, the average performance includes one or more of the following:

[0482] Average access success rate, average access delay, average call drop rate, average handover success rate, average user throughput, average user packet loss rate, average user delay, or average energy consumption.

[0483] In one possible implementation, the performance of each terminal includes one or more of the following:

[0484] Measurement report, radio link failure (RLF) report, random access channel (RACH) report, handover failure (HOF) report, connection establishment failure (CEF) report, access success rate, access delay, call drop rate, handover success rate, user throughput, user packet loss rate, user delay, or energy consumption.

[0485] In a possible implementation, the CCO adjustment information is related to coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device, including:

[0486] The coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device is used to predict CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device.

[0487] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to perform coverage adjustment according to predicted CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device.

[0488] In addition, it should be noted that the aforementioned communication module 1120 and / or processing module 1110 can be implemented as virtual modules. For example, the processing module 1110 can be implemented as a software functional unit or a virtual device, and the communication module 1120 can be implemented as a software function or a virtual device. Alternatively, the processing module 1110 or the communication module 1120 can also be implemented as a physical device. For example, if the device is implemented using a chip / chip circuit, the communication module 1120 can be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface to perform input operations (corresponding to the aforementioned receiving operations) and output operations (corresponding to the aforementioned sending operations); the processing module 1110 is an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit.

[0489] The division of modules in this application is illustrative and represents only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in the examples of this application may be integrated into a single processor, exist physically as separate modules, or two or more modules may be integrated into a single module. The aforementioned integrated modules may be implemented in either hardware or software functional modules.

[0490] Based on the same technical concept, the present application also provides a communication device 1200. For example, the communication device 1200 can be a chip or a chip system. Optionally, in the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0491] The communication device 1200 can be used to implement the functions of any network element in the communication system described in the above examples. The communication device 1200 may include at least one processor 1210. Optionally, the processor 1210 is coupled to a memory, and the memory may be located within the device, or the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be located outside the device. For example, the communication device 1200 may also include at least one memory 1220. The memory 1220 stores the necessary computer programs, computer programs or instructions and / or data for implementing any of the above examples; the processor 1210 may execute the computer program stored in the memory 1220 to complete the method in any of the above examples.

[0492] The communication device 1200 may also include a communication interface 1230, through which the communication device 1200 can exchange information with other devices. Exemplarily, the communication interface 1230 may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, pin, or other type of communication interface. When the communication device 1200 is a chip-type device or circuit, the communication interface 1230 in the device 1200 may also be an input-output circuit that can input information (or receive information) and output information (or send information). The processor is an integrated processor or microprocessor or integrated circuit or logic circuit, and the processor can determine output information based on input information.

[0493] Coupling in this application refers to an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. Processor 1210 may operate in conjunction with memory 1220 and communication interface 1230. This application does not limit the specific connection medium between the processor 1210, memory 1220, and communication interface 1230.

[0494] Optionally, referring to FIG12 , the processor 1210, the memory 1220, and the communication interface 1230 are interconnected via a bus 1240. The bus 1240 may be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus may be classified as an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, FIG12 shows only one thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0495] In this application, a processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, and may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in this application. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in this application may be directly executed by a hardware processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0496] In the present application, the memory may be a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or a volatile memory, such as a random-access memory (RAM). The memory is any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the present application may also be a circuit or any other device that can implement a storage function, for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0497] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1200 can be applied to a first access network device. Specifically, the communication device 1200 can be a first access network device, or a device that can support the first access network device and implement the functions of the first access network device in any of the above-mentioned examples. The memory 1220 stores a computer program (or instruction) and / or data that implements the functions of the first access network device in any of the above-mentioned examples. The processor 1210 can execute the computer program stored in the memory 1220 to complete the method performed by the first access network device in any of the above-mentioned examples. Applied to the first access network device, the communication interface in the communication device 1200 can be used to interact with the second access network device, send information to the second access network device, or receive information from the second access network device.

[0498] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1200 can be applied to a second access network device. Specifically, the communication device 1200 can be a second access network device, or a device that can support the second access network device and implement the functions of the second access network device in any of the above-mentioned examples. The memory 1220 stores a computer program (or instruction) and / or data that implements the functions of the second access network device in any of the above-mentioned examples. The processor 1210 can execute the computer program stored in the memory 1220 to complete the method executed by the second access network device in any of the above-mentioned examples. Applied to the second access network device, the communication interface in the communication device 1200 can be used to interact with the first access network device, send information to the first access network device, or receive information from the first access network device.

[0499] Since the communication device 1200 provided in this example can be applied to a first access network device to implement the method performed by the first access network device, or applied to a second access network device to implement the method performed by the second access network device, the technical effects that can be achieved can be referred to the above method examples and will not be repeated here.

[0500] Based on the above examples, the present application provides a communication system, including a first access network device and a second access network device, wherein the first access network device and the second access network device can implement the communication method provided in the examples shown in Figures 8 to 10.

[0501] The technical solutions provided in this application can be implemented in whole or in part through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, they can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in this application are generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a terminal device, an access network device, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium.

[0502] In this application, under the premise of no logical contradiction, the examples can reference each other, for example, the methods and / or terms between method embodiments can reference each other, for example, the functions and / or terms between device embodiments can reference each other, for example, the functions and / or terms between device examples and method examples can reference each other.

[0503] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Obtaining coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device; A first message is sent to the second access network device, wherein the first message includes predicted coverage and capacity optimization CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device, and the CCO adjustment information is related to the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The obtaining of coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes: Sending a first request to the second access network device, where the first request is used to request coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device; A first response is received from the second access network device, where the first response includes coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first request includes first indication information, which indicates that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback coverage and capacity performance information, and / or the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback configuration information corresponding to the coverage and capacity performance information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes the coverage and capacity performance information actually corresponding to the second access network device and / or the coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the second access network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes one or more of the following: Average performance information of terminals associated with the second access network device, or resource status information of a cell edge.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The average performance information of the terminal associated with the second access network device includes one or more of the following: The average performance of terminals under the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the cell of the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the synchronization signal block SSB of the cell, the average performance of terminals at the edge of the cell, or the average performance of terminals under the slice.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The cell edge resource status information includes one or more of the following: Radio resource status, number of radio resource control (RRC) connections, number of active terminals, composite available capacity, or slice identifier.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The predicted CCO adjustment information of the first access network device includes one or more of the following: Predicted CCO problem, predicted time of occurrence of the CCO problem, predicted coverage status, predicted time of change of the coverage status, predicted CCO plan corresponding to the CCO problem, predicted execution time of the CCO plan, and predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device after the execution of the CCO plan or the change of coverage status.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The CCO plan includes a first switching strategy recommended by the first access network device for the terminal to switch from the first access network device to the second access network device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The first switching strategy includes one or more of the following information: The number of terminals recommended for handover, the identifier of each terminal recommended for handover, the identifier of the source cell, the identifier of the target cell, measurement information of the terminal, or prediction information of the terminal.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that: After sending the first message to the second access network device, the method further includes: A second message is received from the second access network device, where the second message includes a CCO plan accepted by the second access network device and one or more of the coverage status adjusted by the second access network device.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The CCO plan accepted by the second access network device includes a second switching strategy accepted by the second access network device for switching the terminal from the first access network device to the second access network device.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The second switching strategy includes one or more of the following information: The number of terminals that the second access network device accepts switching, the number of terminals that the second access network device does not accept switching, the identifiers of terminals that the second access network device accepts switching, the identifiers of terminals that the second access network device does not accept switching, the time when switching is allowed, the reason for acceptance, or the reason for non-acceptance.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending a second request to the second access network device, where the second request is used to request CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device; A second response is received from the second access network device, where the second response includes CCO performance feedback information of the second access network device.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The second request includes second indication information, and the second indication information indicates that the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback CCO performance feedback information, and / or the first access network device expects the second access network device to feedback configuration information corresponding to the CCO performance feedback information.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The second request includes a first identifier, where the first identifier is used to identify the second indication information; Before receiving the second response from the second access network device, the method further includes: Send a third request to the second access network device, where the third request is used to trigger the second access network device to send the CCO performance feedback information, and the third request includes the first identifier.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that: The CCO performance feedback information includes one or more of the following: The average performance of terminals associated with the first switching strategy, the average performance of terminals under the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the cell of the second access network device, the average performance of terminals under the synchronization signal block SSB of the cell, the average performance of terminals at the edge of the cell, the average performance of terminals under the slice, the performance of each terminal associated with the second switching strategy, or the performance of each terminal at the edge of the cell.

18. The method according to claim 6 or 17, characterized in that The average performance includes one or more of the following: Average access success rate, average access delay, average call drop rate, average handover success rate, average user throughput, average user packet loss rate, average user delay, or average energy consumption.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that: The performance of each terminal includes one or more of the following: Measurement report, radio link failure (RLF) report, random access channel (RACH) report, handover failure (HOF) report, connection establishment failure (CEF) report, access success rate, access delay, call drop rate, handover success rate, user throughput, user packet loss rate, user delay, or energy consumption.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that The CCO adjustment information is related to coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device, including: The coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device is used to predict CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device.

21. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Sending coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device to the first access network device; Receive a first message from the first access network device, wherein the first message includes predicted coverage and capacity optimization CCO adjustment information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device, and the CCO adjustment information is related to the coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes the coverage and capacity performance information actually corresponding to the second access network device and / or the coverage and capacity performance information predicted by the second access network device.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that The coverage and capacity performance information associated with the second access network device includes one or more of the following: Average performance information of terminals associated with the second access network device, or resource status information of a cell edge.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that The predicted CCO adjustment information of the first access network device includes one or more of the following: Predicted CCO problem, predicted time of occurrence of the CCO problem, predicted coverage status, predicted time of change of the coverage status, predicted CCO plan corresponding to the CCO problem, predicted execution time of the CCO plan, and predicted coverage and capacity performance information of the first access network device and / or the second access network device after the execution of the CCO plan or the change of coverage status.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a unit or module for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, or comprises a unit or module for executing the method according to any one of claims 21 to 24.

26. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor or send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, and the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 20 through a logic circuit or by executing code instructions, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 21 to 24.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The storage medium stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by the communication device, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 21 to 24 is implemented.

28. A computer program product, characterized in that The method comprises a computer program code, and when the computer program code is run on a computer, the method is implemented as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, or the method is implemented as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24.

29. A communication system, characterized in that: The method comprises a first access network device and a second access network device, wherein the first access network device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, and the second access network device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 21 to 24.

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