System information request method, communication apparatus and system

Abstract

The present application provides a system information request method, a communication apparatus and a system. In the method, a network side can send to a terminal first information used for indicating a first version, so that the terminal can compare the first information with information of the version of first system information stored in the terminal, and, on the basis of the comparison result, the terminal can determine whether to send to the network side a request message for requesting the first system information. Thus, the network side can send the first system information as required, thus reducing network energy consumption caused by the network side periodically sending the first system information.

Description

System information request method, communication device and system

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on April 3, 2024, with application number 202410406789.4 and application name “System Information Request Method, Communication Device and System”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a method for requesting system information, a communication device, and a system. Background Art

[0003] In a wireless communication system, system information may include system information block type 1 (SIB1) and other system information blocks (SIBs), where SIB1 may include access configuration of a cell (such as random access configuration) and scheduling information of other SIBs.

[0004] Currently, network equipment can periodically broadcast SIB1 within the cell, but this will result in higher network energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a system information request method, communication device and system, which are beneficial to reducing network energy consumption caused by periodic broadcast of SIB1.

[0006] In a first aspect, a method for requesting system information is provided. The method can be applied to a terminal, for example, and can be executed by the terminal, or by a component configured in the terminal (such as a processor, chip, chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal. This application is not limited to this.

[0007] The method includes: receiving first information, the first information corresponds to a first version, the first version is a version of first system information of a first cell, the first system information includes at least one of the following: access configuration or scheduling information of second system information of the first cell, the first system information is different from the second system information; and determining whether to send a request message based on information about the version of the first system information stored in the terminal and the first information, the request message being used to request the first system information.

[0008] The first version is the version of the first system information of the first cell. It can be understood that a version is a set of configuration parameters, and different versions correspond to the same type of system information. Different versions mean different configuration parameters and / or different values ​​of configuration parameters.

[0009] The above-mentioned first information can be understood as information of the first version, which is used to identify the first version.

[0010] The terminal can determine whether the version of the first system information stored in the terminal (i.e., the second version) is the version of the first system information currently in use (e.g., the latest version) based on the information of the version of the first system information stored in the terminal (i.e., the second version) and the first information.

[0011] In one possible implementation, if the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is different from the value of the first information, it can be determined that the version stored by the terminal is not the version of the first system information currently in use. In another possible implementation, if the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is the same as the value of the first information, it can be determined that the version stored by the terminal is the version of the first system information currently in use (e.g., the latest version).

[0012] Based on the above solution, the network device can send first information identifying the first version to the terminal, so that the terminal can compare the first information with the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal. The terminal can then determine whether to send a request message to the network device for the first system information based on the result. In this way, the network device can send the first system information on demand, thereby reducing network energy consumption caused by the network device periodically sending the first system information.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, if the version information of the first system information stored by the terminal is different from the first information, the terminal sends the request message; and receives the first version in response to the request message. If the terminal determines that the version information of the first system information stored by the terminal is different from the first information, the terminal sends the request message.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the receiving of the first version in response to the request message includes: receiving a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) configuration on the first cell or the second cell, the second cell being different from the first cell; and receiving the first version in response to the request message on the first cell based on the PDCCH configuration.

[0015] The PDCCH configuration includes parameters for receiving the first version. The terminal may receive the first version based on the PDCCH configuration.

[0016] Management Combined with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the receiving of the first version in response to the request message includes: receiving the first version in response to the request message on a second cell, the second cell being different from the first cell.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first version includes the first information.

[0018] That is, the first version sent by the network device includes the information of the first version, so that the terminal can easily learn the version information of the received first system information.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first system information includes the access configuration, and the method further includes: when the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal is the same as the first information, accessing the network according to the access configuration; and / or, the first system information includes scheduling information of the second system information of the first cell, and the method further includes: receiving the second system information according to the scheduling information.

[0020] That is, when the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is the same as the first information, the terminal may not send the above request message, but perform corresponding operations based on the information included in the first system information.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method also includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first system information is not being broadcast; sending the request message when the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information, including: sending the request message when the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information and the first system information is not being broadcast.

[0022] The first system information is not being broadcast, that is, the first system information is not being broadcast, or in other words, the first system information is not being broadcast. In other words, the first indication information can be understood as indicating whether the first system information is being broadcast or not being broadcast, or in other words, the first indication information is used to indicate the broadcast status of the first system information.

[0023] It is understood that if the first system information is being broadcast, the broadcasted first system information is the first version. The terminal can then receive the first version, and therefore does not need to send the request message. Conversely, if the first system information is not being broadcast, the first system information stored by the terminal may not be the first version. Therefore, the terminal can send the request message if the first indication information indicates that the first system information is not being broadcast and the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is different from the first information. In this way, unnecessary request messages can be avoided, signaling overhead can be saved, and resources can be saved.

[0024] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: when the first system information is not being broadcast, determining that the first cell is a non-banned cell, and residing in the first cell.

[0025] In other words, even if the first system information is in a non-broadcast state, the terminal will not determine the first cell as a barred cell, and can reside in the first cell and access the network through the first cell.

[0026] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information is included in the physical broadcasting channel (PBCH) of the first cell, or the first indication information is included in the system information of the second cell, and the second cell is different from the first cell.

[0027] If the network device is a first network device managing a first cell, the first indication information may be included in the PBCH of the first cell. That is, the first network device may send the first indication information via the PBCH, and the terminal may receive the first indication information in the PBCH. If the network device is a second network device managing a second cell, the first indication information may be included in the system information of the second cell, for example, in the SIB of the second cell.

[0028] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first information is included in the PBCH of the first cell, or the first information is included in the system information of a second cell, and the second cell is different from the first cell.

[0029] Similar to the first indication information, if the network device is the first network device managing the first cell, the first information may be included in the PBCH of the first cell. That is, the first network device may send the first information via the PBCH, and the terminal may receive the first information in the PBCH. If the network device is the second network device managing the second cell, the first information may be included in the system information of the second cell, for example, in the SIB of the second cell.

[0030] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information includes identification information or a value tag of the first version.

[0031] It should be understood that different versions of the first system information correspond to different values ​​in the first information, and different versions can be distinguished by different values.

[0032] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving second indication information, where the second indication information is used to determine the validity period of the version of the first system information stored by the terminal.

[0033] The terminal may determine whether the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is valid based on the validity period of the version of the first system information. If the version is valid, the terminal may determine whether the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is the same as the first information, and then determine whether to send the request message. Conversely, if the version is invalid, the terminal may directly send the request message.

[0034] Optionally, the second indication information is included in the PBCH of the first cell, or the first information is included in the system information of a second cell, and the second cell is different from the first cell.

[0035] For more detailed description of the second indication information being included in the PBCH of the first cell or the system information in the second cell, please refer to the above description of the first information and the first indication information, which will not be repeated here.

[0036] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is valid.

[0037] In other words, if the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is valid, the terminal can determine whether the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is the same as the first information, and then determine whether to send the request message. Conversely, if the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is invalid, the terminal can directly send the request message.

[0038] Optionally, the third indication information is included in the PBCH of the first cell, or the first information is included in the system information of a second cell, and the second cell is different from the first cell.

[0039] For a more detailed description of the third indication information being included in the PBCH of the first cell or the system information in the second cell, please refer to the above description of the first information and the first indication information, and no further details will be given.

[0040] It should be noted that whether the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is valid, that is, whether the configuration parameters in the version of the first system information stored by the terminal are valid. Whether the version is valid can be understood as follows: if the version is valid, the terminal can consider the first cell as a non-prohibited cell and the terminal can camp on the first cell based on the version; if the version is invalid, the terminal can consider the first cell as a prohibited cell and the terminal cannot camp on the first cell.

[0041] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the request message is used to request the first system information, including: the request message carries the first information, and the request message is used to request the first version.

[0042] In other words, the terminal may request the network device to send the first version of the first system information through a request message.

[0043] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first version is the latest version of the first system information of the first cell.

[0044] The latest version mentioned above may be a version obtained after the network device is last updated, or in other words, the latest version is the current latest version of the network device.

[0045] In a second aspect, a method for requesting system information is provided, which can be applied to the network side. The method can be performed by one or more network devices, or by components configured in the one or more network devices (such as processors, chips, chip systems, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network side. This application is not limited to this. The one or more network devices may include a network device that manages a first cell. Optionally, the one or more network devices include a network device that manages a second cell, which is different from the first cell.

[0046] The method includes: sending first information to a terminal, where the first information corresponds to a first version, where the first version is a version of first system information of a first cell, where the first system information includes at least one of the following: access configuration or scheduling information of second system information of the first cell, where the first system information is different from the second system information; when information of the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information, receiving a request message from the terminal, where the request message is used to request the first system information; and sending the first version to the terminal in response to the request message.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the above-mentioned sending the first information to the terminal; receiving the request message from the terminal; and sending the first version to the terminal can be steps performed by the same network device, for example, performed by the network device that manages the first cell, or performed by the network device that manages the second cell; the above-mentioned sending the first information to the terminal; receiving the request message from the terminal; and sending the first version to the terminal can also be steps performed by different network devices, for example, performed by the network device that manages the first cell and the network device that manages the second cell, for example, the network device that manages the second cell sends the first information to the terminal and receives the request message from the terminal; the network device that manages the first cell sends the first version to the terminal.

[0048] Based on the above solution, the network can send first information identifying the first version to the terminal, so that the terminal can compare the first information with the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal. If the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information, the terminal can send a request message to the network for the first system information. In response to the request message, the network can send the first version to the terminal. In this way, the network can send the first system information on demand, thereby reducing network energy consumption caused by the network's periodic transmission of the first system information.

[0049] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, before sending the first version to the terminal, the method further includes: sending a PDCCH configuration to the terminal, where the PDCCH configuration is used to receive the first version.

[0050] It should be understood that the step of sending the PDCCH configuration to the terminal may be performed by the network device that manages the first cell, or performed by the network device that manages the second cell, without limitation.

[0051] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first version includes the first information.

[0052] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending first indication information to the terminal, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first system information is not being broadcast; and receiving the request message from the terminal when the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information, including: receiving the request message from the terminal when the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information and the first system information is not being broadcast.

[0053] It should be understood that the step of sending the first indication information to the terminal may be performed by the network device that manages the first cell, or performed by the network device that manages the second cell, without limitation.

[0054] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first indication information is included in the physical broadcast channel PBCH of the first cell, or the first indication information is included in the system information of the second cell, and the second cell is different from the first cell.

[0055] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first information is included in the PBCH of the first cell, or the first information is included in the system information of a second cell, and the second cell is different from the first cell.

[0056] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information includes identification information or a value tag of the first version.

[0057] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending second indication information, where the second indication information is used to determine the validity period of the version of the first system information stored by the terminal.

[0058] It should be understood that the step of sending the second indication information to the terminal may be performed by the network device that manages the first cell, or by the network device that manages the second cell, without limitation.

[0059] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is valid.

[0060] It should be understood that the step of sending the third indication information to the terminal may be performed by the network device that manages the first cell, or performed by the network device that manages the second cell, without limitation.

[0061] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the request message is used to request the first system information, including: the request message carries the first information, and the request message is used to request the first version.

[0062] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first version is the latest version of the first system information of the first cell.

[0063] It should be understood that the technical solution of the second aspect corresponds to the technical solution of the first aspect. For a more detailed description of various possible implementations of the second aspect, please refer to the relevant description of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0064] In a third aspect, a communications device is provided that can implement the system information request method described in the first or second aspect and any possible implementation of the first or second aspect. The device includes one or more corresponding functional units or modules for executing the method. The functional units or modules included in the device can be implemented in software and / or hardware.

[0065] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the system information request method described in the first or second aspect and any possible implementation manner of the first or second aspect.

[0066] Optionally, the apparatus may further include a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to the processor, and when the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the methods described in the above aspects may be implemented.

[0067] Optionally, the apparatus may further include a communication interface, which is used for the apparatus to communicate with other devices. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module, or other types of communication interfaces.

[0068] In a fifth aspect, a chip system is provided, which includes at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in the above-mentioned first or second aspect and any possible implementation method of the first or second aspect, for example, receiving or processing the data and / or information involved in the above-mentioned method.

[0069] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory, which is used to store program instructions and data, and the memory is located inside or outside the processor.

[0070] In one possible design, the chip system further includes an interface circuit and / or a power supply circuit, where the interface circuit is used to transmit data and the power supply circuit is used to supply power to the chip system.

[0071] The chip system can be composed of chips, or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0072] In a sixth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes one or more of the aforementioned terminals or network devices.

[0073] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to implement the method in the first or second aspect and any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0074] In an eighth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions), which, when executed, enables a computer to execute the method in the first or second aspect and any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0075] It should be understood that the third to eighth aspects of the present application correspond to the technical solutions of the first or second aspect of the present application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation methods are similar and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of an open RAN architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of a method for requesting system information provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] FIG5 is a schematic flowchart of another method for requesting system information provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] FIG6 is a schematic flowchart of another method for requesting system information provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] FIG7 is a schematic flowchart of another method for requesting system information provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] FIG8 is a schematic flowchart of another method for requesting system information provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] FIG9 is a schematic flowchart of another method for requesting system information provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] FIG10 is a schematic flowchart of another method for requesting system information provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] FIG11 is a schematic flowchart of another method for requesting system information provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] FIG12 is a schematic flowchart of another method for requesting system information provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] FIG13 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] FIG14 is another schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] The technical solution provided in this application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0091] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following points are first explained:

[0092] First, in this application, indications include explicit indications (also called direct indications) and implicit indications (also called indirect indications). Specifically, explicit indication information A refers to including information A; implicit indication information A refers to indicating information A through the correspondence between information A and information B and directly indicating information B. The correspondence between information A and information B can be predefined, pre-stored, pre-burned, or pre-configured; or, it can also refer to indicating information A through information B and preset rules.

[0093] Second, in this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship, but it does not exclude the situation where it indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "and" relationship. The specific meaning can be understood in conjunction with the context. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0094] Third, in this application, the use of prefixes such as "first" and "second" is only to facilitate the distinction and description of different things belonging to the same name category, and does not restrict the order, size or quantity of things. For example, "first indication information" and "second indication information" are simply different information, and there is no time sequence, size relationship or priority relationship between the two. For another example, "first information" and "second information" are simply different information, and there is no time sequence, size relationship or priority relationship between the two. For another example, "first network device" and "second network device" are simply different network devices, and do not limit the number of network devices or the priority relationship.

[0095] Fourth, the "sending" and "receiving" in this application indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "sending information to a network device" can be understood as the destination end of the information being the network device, which can include direct sending through the air interface, and also includes indirect sending through the air interface by other units or modules. "Receiving information from a network device" can be understood as the source end of the information being the network device, which can include direct receiving from the network device through the air interface, and also includes indirect receiving from the network device through the air interface from other units or modules. "Sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0096] In other words, sending and receiving can be performed between devices, for example, between a terminal and a network device; or it can be performed within a device, for example, sending or receiving between components, modules, chips, software modules or hardware modules within the device through a bus, wiring or interface.

[0097] Fifth, in the embodiments of the present application, "when", "if" and "if" all mean that the device will perform corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, which does not limit the time, nor does it require that the device must perform a judgment action when it is implemented, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0098] Sixth, in this application, words such as "example," "exemplarily," "for example," or "such as" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described in this application as "example," "exemplarily," "for example," or "such as" should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "example," "exemplarily," "for example," or "such as" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0099] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, sidelink (SL) communication system, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system or new radio access technology (NR). Among them, the 5G mobile communication system may include non-standalone (NSA) and / or standalone (SA). The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as sixth generation (6G) mobile communication systems. This application is not limited to this.

[0100] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applicable to the system information request method provided in this application. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a possible, non-limiting system architecture. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (such as 110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (such as 120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). The RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). The terminal 120 is connected to the RAN node 110 via a wireless connection. The RAN node 110 is connected to the core network 200 via a wireless or wired connection. The core network equipment in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device that integrates the core network logical functions and the radio access network logical functions.

[0101] The RAN 100 may be a cellular system related to the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as a 4G or 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolutionary system (such as a 6G mobile communication system). The RAN 100 may also be an open access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system. The RAN 100 may also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0102] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, is part of a communication system that facilitates wireless access for terminals. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in the communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal 120j accessing RAN 100 via network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functionality, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functionality.

[0103] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a next-generation eNodeB (ng-eNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a Wi-Fi system. A RAN node can be a macro base station (such as 110a in Figure 1 ), a micro base station or an indoor station (such as 110b in Figure 1 ), a relay node or a donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Alternatively, a RAN node can be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle, or an onboard device. For example, the access network device in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0104] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node can be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be set separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0105] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0106] Terminals can also be referred to as terminal devices, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, or mobile terminals. They can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, and smart cities. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, and smart home appliances.

[0107] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal and network device can be hardware devices, or software functions running on dedicated hardware, software functions running on general-purpose hardware, such as virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform), or entities including dedicated or general-purpose hardware devices and software functions. The present application does not limit the specific form of the terminal and network device.

[0108] It will be understood that FIG1 is only a simplified schematic diagram for ease of understanding, and the communication system may also include other possible devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices. Each device may also include different functional units, which are not shown in FIG1 .

[0109] Figure 2 exemplarily shows a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture. As shown in Figure 2, a 5G network may include a 5G core network (5G core network, 5GC), a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) (or 5G access network) and a terminal. Among them, the 5GC may include an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element or a user plane function (UPF) network element; the NG-RAN may include a gNB and / or ng-eNB. This application does not limit the number of gNBs and ng-eNBs. For example, two gNBs and two ng-eNBs are shown in the figure. Among them, the interface between gNB and ng-eNB is an Xn interface, the interface between ng-eNB and gNB is also an Xn interface, the interface between gNB and AMF / UPF is a next generation (NG) interface, and the interface between ng-eNB and AMF / UPF is an NG interface.

[0110] In this 5G network architecture, for idle terminals, they can independently select a base station to access the network; for connected terminals, the network equipment selects a base station to switch base stations.

[0111] The AMF network element is primarily responsible for mobility management and access management, and can be used to implement other functions of the Mobility Management Entity (MME) besides session management, such as lawful interception, user registration management, connectivity management, reachability management, or access authorization (or authentication). The UPF network element is primarily responsible for processing user messages, such as forwarding and billing. The gNB provides network users with NR user plane and control plane protocols and functions, which primarily include radio resource management functions such as radio bearer control, radio access control, connection mobility control, and dynamic resource allocation (scheduling) for terminals in the uplink and downlink. The ng-eNB provides network users with NR user plane and control protocols and functions.

[0112] In an open RAN architecture, a base station consists of at least one DU and one CU. The DU handles real-time functions, such as the radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers. The CU handles non-real-time functions, such as the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), radio resource control (RRC), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP). The CU and DU communicate over the F1 interface, with a maximum transmission latency of approximately 3ms to 10ms.

[0113] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary open RAN architecture. The base station shown in Figure 3 is a gNB. The gNB may include a gNB-CU and at least one gNB-DU (e.g., two gNB-DUs). The Xn-C interface exists between the gNB-CU and the gNB; the NG interface exists between the gNB-CU and the 5GC; and the NG interface exists between the gNB and the 5GC.

[0114] The continuous development of wireless communication systems has greatly enriched people's communication and lives. Faster networks, better network experiences, and more connections between people and things allow people to fully enjoy the beauty of smart living. However, the energy consumption associated with wireless communication cannot be ignored. Therefore, achieving green network connectivity is a critical issue that needs to be addressed urgently.

[0115] In a wireless communication system, system information may include remaining minimum system information (RMSI) and other SIBs. RMSI may include a master information block (MIB) and SIB1; other SIBs may include a system information block type n (SIBn), where n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2 (e.g., n may range from 2 to 18).

[0116] Among them, the MIB may include radio frame number information, which can be used to receive SIB1 configuration;

[0117] SIB1 may include the access configuration of the cell (e.g., random access configuration) and scheduling information of other SIBs (including SIB2 to SIB18);

[0118] SIB2 may include cell reselection information, mainly related to the serving cell;

[0119] SIB3 may include serving frequency and co-frequency neighboring cell information related to cell reselection, where the co-frequency neighboring cell information may include frequency-common cell reselection parameters and cell-specific reselection parameters;

[0120] SIB4 may include other NR frequency and inter-frequency neighbor information related to cell reselection. This information can also be used for NR idle / inactive measurements. The inter-frequency neighbor information may include frequency-common cell reselection parameters and cell-specific reselection parameters.

[0121] SIB5 may include Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) frequency and E-UTRA neighbor information related to cell reselection, where the E-UTRA neighbor information may include frequency-common cell reselection parameters and cell-specific reselection parameters;

[0122] SIB6 may include the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) master notification;

[0123] SIB7 may include ETWS auxiliary notification;

[0124] SIB8 may include commercial mobile alert system (CMAS) warning notifications;

[0125] SIB9 may include global positioning system (GPS) time and coordinated universal time (UTC) related information;

[0126] SIB10 may include the human-readable network name (HRNN) of the non-public network (NPN) listed in SIB1;

[0127] SIB11 may include information related to idle / inactive measurements;

[0128] SIB15 may include disaster roaming related information;

[0129] SIB16 may include slice-based cell reselection information;

[0130] SIB17 may include tracking reference signal (TRS) configuration related information of the terminal in RRC_idle / RRC_inactive state;

[0131] SIB18 may include information related to a group ID for network selection (GIN) associated with the SNPN listed in SIB1.

[0132] Currently, SIBn supports two broadcast modes: periodic broadcast and on-demand broadcast based on the needs of different terminals. However, for SIB1, network equipment always broadcasts periodically regardless of whether there are any terminals in the cell, which results in higher network energy consumption.

[0133] In view of this, this application proposes a method for requesting system information. A terminal can send a request message to a network device to request SIB1 based on its needs. For example, the terminal can send this request message when the locally stored SIB1 version is not the latest version; for another example, the terminal can send this request message when the locally stored SIB1 is invalid. In this way, the network device can send SIB1 based on the terminal's needs, thereby reducing network energy consumption caused by the network device's periodic broadcast of SIB1.

[0134] The method provided by this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the technical solution of this application can be applied to the network architecture shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3. It should be understood that the network architectures shown in Figures 2 to 3 can also be applied to the communication system shown in Figure 1.

[0135] It should be noted that the steps performed by the network devices in the following multiple figures can be performed by the gNB or ng-eNB in ​​the network architecture shown in Figure 2, or by the gNB-CU and gNB-DU in the network architecture shown in Figure 3, without limitation. In the embodiments shown in the following multiple figures, the various processes are described using the interaction process between the terminal and the network device as an example, but this should not constitute any limitation on the execution subject of this application. For example, the terminal can also be replaced by a component configured in the terminal, such as a chip, a chip system, or other modules that can be used to implement part or all of the functions of the terminal; the network device can also be replaced by a component configured in the network device, such as a chip, a chip system, or other modules that can be used to implement part or all of the functions of the network device.

[0136] The method provided by this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0137] FIG4 shows a method 400 for requesting system information provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method 400 includes steps 410 to 420. Each step in the method 400 is described in detail below.

[0138] In step 410, the terminal sends a request message to the network device, where the request message is used to request first system information. Correspondingly, the network device receives the request message from the terminal.

[0139] The first system information is the first system information of the first cell. The first system information may include at least one of the following: an access configuration or scheduling information of the second system information of the first cell. For example, the access configuration may include random access parameters. It should be understood that the first system information and the second system information are different types of system messages. As an example, the first system information may be SIB1, and the second system information may be SIB2 to SIB18.

[0140] In step 420, the network device sends the first version to the terminal in response to the request message. Accordingly, the terminal receives the first version from the network device.

[0141] The first version is the version of the first system information of the first cell. It can be understood that a version is a set of configuration parameters, and different versions correspond to the same type of system information. Different versions mean different configuration parameters and / or different values ​​of configuration parameters.

[0142] A set of configuration parameters corresponding to a version may include one or more parameters. When one or more parameters in the configuration parameters may change, the version of the first system information may be considered to have changed. For example, one or more parameters may change from being present to not being present (i.e., reducing one or more parameters), or one or more parameters may change from not being present to being present (i.e., adding one or more parameters), or the value of one or more parameters may change from high to low, or the value of one or more parameters may change from low to high, etc., without limitation.

[0143] The first version mentioned above may be the latest version, and the latest version may be the version obtained after the network device is last updated, or in other words, the latest version is the latest version of the network device.

[0144] In a specific implementation, the network device may send out the version obtained after the network device is last updated in response to the received request message. In this embodiment, the network device may send out the first version in response to the received request message.

[0145] It should be understood that the above-mentioned network device sending the first version to the terminal does not mean that the network device only sends the first version to the terminal that sends the request message. For example, the network device can broadcast the first version or unicast the first version, and this application does not limit this.

[0146] It should be noted that the network device in this application can be a network device that manages the first cell (for example, recorded as the first network device), or it can be a network device that manages other cells (for example, recorded as the second cell) (for example, recorded as the second network device). Although not shown in the figure, it can be understood that if the network device is the second network device, the second network device can forward the request message received from the terminal to the first network device, and can also forward the first version sent by the first network device in response to the request message to the terminal.

[0147] Based on the above solution, the network device can send the first system information on demand in response to the request of the terminal, thereby helping to reduce the network energy consumption caused by the network device periodically sending the first system information. Since the first system information of the first cell can be sent in response to the request of the terminal, that is, it is sent on demand. In other words, the first system information is on-demand system information. Therefore, the network energy consumption of the first cell is reduced, and the first cell can be called a network energy saving (NES) cell. An NES cell is a cell in which the first system information (such as SIB1) needs to be sent based on a request. In contrast, the second cell can periodically send the first system information (such as SIB1) and can be called a non-network energy saving cell (that is, a non-NES cell). A non-NES cell is a cell in which the first system information (such as SIB1) does not need to be sent based on a request.

[0148] In one possible implementation, the terminal may send a request message when the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is not the latest version; in another possible implementation, the terminal may send a request message when the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is invalid. The above two implementations may be implemented separately or in combination, without limitation.

[0149] Different implementations are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0150] To facilitate understanding, the following first describes the relationship between the processes in the multiple figures. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate this method using the interaction between a terminal and the first, second, third, and fourth network devices as an example. The first, second, third, and fourth network devices may be the same network device or different network devices. Figures 5 and 6 are merely examples, illustrating the process assuming that the first, second, third, and fourth network devices are the same network device. Later, in conjunction with the multiple figures, a more detailed description will be provided for the case where the first, second, third, and fourth network devices are different network devices. For example, the process of Figure 7 is shown based on the following situation: the first, second, third, and fourth network devices are the same network device (network device #1 as shown in the figure), and the network device #1 is a network device that manages the first cell; the process shown in Figure 10 is based on Figure 7, and further considers the process implemented in a communication system with a distributed architecture network device deployed; the process shown in Figure 8 is shown based on the following situation: the first, second, and fourth network devices are the same network device (network device #2 as shown in the figure), the third network device is another network device (network device #1 as shown in the figure), and network device #2 is a network device that manages the second cell, and network device #1 is a network device that manages the first cell; the process shown in Figure 11 is based on Figure 8, and further considers the process implemented in a communication system with a distributed architecture network device deployed; the process of Figure 9 is shown based on the following situation: the first, second, third, and fourth network devices are the same network device (network device #2 as shown in the figure), and network device #2 is a network device that manages the second cell; the process shown in Figure 12 is based on Figure 9, and further considers the process implemented in a communication system with a distributed architecture network device deployed.

[0151] FIG5 shows a system information request method 500 provided by another embodiment of the present application.

[0152] The method 500 includes steps 510 to 540. Each step in the method 500 is described in detail below.

[0153] In step 510, the first network device sends first information corresponding to the first version to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information from the first network device.

[0154] The above-mentioned first information can be understood as information of the first version, which is used to identify the first version.

[0155] The first version is the version of the first system information of the first cell. The first system information version in use in the first cell may be different at different times. It is understood that the first version is the version of the first system information in use at step 510. A more detailed description of the first version can be found in the description of step 410 of method 400 above and is not repeated here.

[0156] Optionally, the first information includes identification information or a value tag. Different versions correspond to different identification information or value tags, for example, version 1 corresponds to value tag 1, and version 2 corresponds to value tag 2.

[0157] Exemplarily, the first information is a value tag. For example, the value tag may range from 0 to 31. Different value tags may correspond to different versions of the first system information, and the version of the first system information may be indicated by the value tag.

[0158] As mentioned above, the first network device may be a network device that manages the first cell, or a network device that manages the second cell. As an example, when the first network device is a network device that manages the first cell, the above-mentioned first information may be included in the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) of the first cell. When the first network device is a network device that manages the second cell, the above-mentioned first information may be included in the system information of the second cell, for example, included in the SIB of the second cell. The system information of the second cell may also include the physical cell identifier of the first cell and the center frequency information of the synchronization signal of the first cell.

[0159] It can be understood that the first cell is an NES cell and needs to broadcast the first system information of the first cell based on a request from the terminal, and the second cell is a non-NES cell and broadcasts the first system information of the second cell periodically.

[0160] In step 520, the terminal determines whether to send a request message to the second network device based on the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal and the first information, where the request message is used to request the first system information.

[0161] The terminal can determine whether the version of the first system information stored in the terminal (i.e., the second version) is the version of the first system information currently in use (e.g., the latest version) based on the information of the version of the first system information stored in the terminal (i.e., the second version) and the first information. Prior to step 510, the terminal device receives the second version and stores the second version (i.e., the version of the first system information).

[0162] In one possible implementation, if the information of the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is different from the value of the first information, it can be determined that the version stored by the terminal is not the version of the first system information currently in use. In one example, the information of the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is different from the value of the first information: the information of the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is value tag 1 (for example, value 20), and the first information is value tag 2 (for example, value 21), wherein the values ​​indicated by value tag 1 and value tag 2 are different. The terminal can determine that the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is not the version of the first system information currently in use (for example, the latest version) by comparing the values ​​of value tag 1 and value tag 2. In another possible implementation, if the information of the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is the same as the value of the first information, it can be determined that the version stored by the terminal is the version of the first system information currently in use (for example, the latest version). In the case where the version stored in the terminal is not the version of the first system information currently in use (for example, the latest version), the terminal may determine to send the request message (execute step 530); in the case where the version stored in the terminal is the version of the first system information currently in use (for example, the latest version), the terminal may determine not to send the request message (not execute step 530). In one example, the information of the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is the same as the value of the first information: the information of the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is value tag 1 (for example, value 20), and the first information is value tag 2 (for example, value 20), wherein the values ​​indicated by value tag 1 and value tag 2 are the same. The terminal can determine that the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is the version of the first system information currently in use (for example, the latest version) by comparing the values ​​of value tag 1 and value tag 2.

[0163] Optionally, the method further includes step 530: when the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information, the terminal sends a request message to the second network device. Accordingly, the second network device receives the request message from the terminal.

[0164] The second network device may be a network device that manages the first cell, or a network device that manages the second cell, and may be the same as or different from the first network device.

[0165] Optionally, the request message carries first information, and the request message is used to request the first version. By carrying the first information in the request message, the terminal can request the network device to send the first version corresponding to the first information.

[0166] Optionally, the method further includes step 540: the third network device sends the first version to the terminal. Accordingly, the terminal receives the first version from the third network device.

[0167] The third network device may be a network device that manages the first cell, or a network device that manages the second cell, and may be the same as or different from the second network device.

[0168] In the case where the second network device is different from the third network device, for example, the second network device is a network device that manages the second cell, and the third network device is a network device that manages the first cell, after receiving the request message, the second network device can send a request message 1 to the third network device, where the request message 1 is used to request the third network device to send the first system information. In response to the request message 1 from the second network device, the third network device sends the first version to the terminal. As mentioned above, the first version is the version of the first system information currently in use (for example, the latest version). In the case where the first information is carried in the above request message, the request message 1 also includes the first information for requesting the first version.

[0169] In the case where the second network device and the third network device are the same, for example, both the second network device and the third network device are network devices that manage the first cell, after receiving the request message, the third network device responds to the request message from the terminal and sends the first version to the terminal.

[0170] In the present application, sending the first version to the terminal may be understood as broadcasting the first version to the terminal or sending the first version in response to the request message to the terminal.

[0171] As mentioned above, the first version is the version of the first system information currently in use (e.g., the latest version). Upon receiving the request message or request message 1, the third network device may send the version of the first system information currently in use (e.g., the latest version) to the terminal. Therefore, regardless of whether the request message or request message 1 carries the first information, the network device may send the first version. After receiving the first version, the terminal accesses the network and / or receives the second system information based on the first version.

[0172] The first version may include one or more of the access configuration of the first cell or the scheduling information of the second system information of the first cell, and the terminal may perform corresponding operations according to the first version. It is understood that if the first version includes the access configuration of the first cell, the terminal may access the network according to the access configuration in the first version; if the first version includes the scheduling information of the second system information of the first cell, the terminal may receive the second system information according to the scheduling information in the first version.

[0173] Of course, the version of the first system information stored in the terminal may be the same as the value of the first information. In this case, the terminal does not need to send a request message, but performs corresponding operations according to the version of the first system information stored in the terminal (i.e., the second version).

[0174] As mentioned above, the second version includes the access configuration of the first cell. Accordingly, the method may also include: when the information of the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is the same as the first information, the terminal accesses the network according to the access configuration in the second version; and / or, the second version includes scheduling information of the second system information of the first cell. Accordingly, the method may also include: when the information of the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is the same as the first information, the terminal receives the second system information according to the scheduling information in the second version.

[0175] The second version may include one or more of the access configuration of the first cell or the scheduling information of the second system information of the first cell, and the terminal may perform corresponding operations according to the second version. It is understood that if the second version includes both the access configuration of the first cell and the scheduling information of the second system information of the first cell, the terminal may access the network according to the access configuration and receive the second system information according to the scheduling information.

[0176] Based on the above solution, the first network device can send the first information used to identify the first version to the terminal, so that the terminal can compare the first information with the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal, and then when the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the value of the first information, a request message for requesting the first system information can be sent to the second network device. The third network device can respond to the request message and send the first version to the terminal. In this way, the third network device can send the first system information on demand, thereby helping to reduce the network energy consumption caused by the third network device periodically sending the first system information. When the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal is the same as the first information, the terminal does not need to send a request message to the network device, thereby reducing terminal energy consumption.

[0177] Optionally, the method further includes: the fourth network device sending first indication information to the terminal, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first system information is not being broadcast. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first indication message from the fourth network device.

[0178] The fourth network device may be a network device that manages the first cell, or a network device that manages the second cell, and may be the same as or different from the first network device.

[0179] In the case where the fourth network device is different from the first network device, for example, the fourth network device is a network device that manages the first cell, and the first network device is a network device that manages the second cell, the fourth network device can send first indication information to the first network device, and the first network device can send the first indication information to the terminal.

[0180] In the case that the fourth network device is the same as the first network device, for example, both the fourth network device and the first network device are network devices that manage the first cell, the fourth network device sends the first indication information to the terminal.

[0181] The first system information is not being broadcast, that is, the first system information is not being broadcast, or in other words, the first system information is not being broadcast. In other words, the first indication information can be understood as a broadcast status for indicating whether the first system information is being broadcast or not being broadcast, or in other words, the first indication information is used to indicate the broadcast status of the first system information.

[0182] It is understood that if the first system information is being broadcast, the broadcasted first system information is the latest version, i.e., the aforementioned first version. The terminal can also receive the first version, and therefore does not need to send the aforementioned request message. Conversely, if the first system information is not being broadcast, the version of the first system information stored by the terminal may be different from the first version. Therefore, the terminal may send the aforementioned request message when the first indication information indicates that the first system information is not being broadcast and the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is different from the first information.

[0183] That is, step 530 may include: the terminal determines whether to send a request message based on the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal, the first information, and the first indication information; step 540 may include: when the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the value of the first information, and the first system information is not being broadcast, the terminal sends a request message to the second network device.

[0184] When the fourth network device is a network device that manages the first cell, the first indication information may be included in the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) of the first cell. When the fourth network device is a network device that manages the second cell, the first indication information may be included in the system information of the second cell, for example, in the SIB of the second cell. The system information of the second cell may further include the physical cell identifier of the first cell and the center frequency information of the synchronization signal of the first cell.

[0185] Optionally, the method further includes: the first network device sending fourth indication information to the terminal, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate configuration information for requesting the first system information. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the fourth indication information from the first network device.

[0186] The configuration information of the first system information may be used to configure a request resource, for example, the request resource may be a random access resource, or a random access parameter. The terminal may send a request message based on the random access resource to request the required first system information.

[0187] Optionally, the method further includes: the first network device sending second information to the terminal, the second information being used to determine whether the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is valid. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the second information from the first network device.

[0188] It should be understood that whether the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is valid, that is, whether the configuration parameters in the version of the first system information stored by the terminal are valid. Whether the version is valid can be understood as follows: if the version is valid, the terminal can consider the first cell as a non-barred cell and the terminal can camp on the first cell based on the version; if the version is invalid, the terminal can consider the first cell as a barred cell and the terminal cannot camp on the first cell.

[0189] The first network device can explicitly or implicitly indicate whether the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is valid. For example, in one possible design, the second information can be second indication information, which can be used to determine the validity period of the version of the first system information stored by the terminal. In other words, one possible implementation of the first network device sending the second information is that the first network device sends the second indication information. This second indication information can be considered as an example of implicitly indicating whether the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is valid.

[0190] The validity period indicated by the second indication information may be, for example, a validity period length. The terminal may determine the validity period of the version of the first system information stored by the terminal. The validity period may be counted starting from the time the terminal receives the first system information, and then added to the validity period length indicated by the second indication information to determine the validity period of the version of the first system information stored by the terminal. During the validity period, the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is valid. After the validity period, the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is invalid (or expired).

[0191] For example, the second indication information indicates that the validity period of the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is 10 seconds. From the time the terminal receives the first system information, if the time period of the version of the first system information stored in the terminal exceeds 10 seconds, the terminal can determine that the stored version of the first system information is invalid; if the time period of the version of the first system information stored in the terminal does not exceed 10 seconds, the terminal can determine that the stored version of the first system information is valid.

[0192] For example, in another possible design, the second information may also be third indication information, which may be used to indicate whether the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is valid, or in other words, the third indication information is used to indicate whether the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is valid or invalid. In other words, another possible implementation of the first network device sending the second information is that the first network device sends the third indication information. The third indication information can be considered as an example of explicitly indicating whether the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is valid.

[0193] In this embodiment, the third indication information may be used to indicate that the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is valid. In one possible embodiment, the terminal may determine whether the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is the same as the first information, based on the third indication information indicating that the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is valid, and further determine whether to send the request message. In other words, the aforementioned steps 520 to 540 may be performed if the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is valid.

[0194] Furthermore, in the case that the first system information is not being broadcast, the terminal may determine whether the first cell is a non-banned cell by determining whether the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is valid.

[0195] It should be understood that the above-mentioned first indication information, second indication information, third indication information and fourth indication information can be carried in the same message or in different messages, and this application does not limit this.

[0196] Optionally, the method further includes: when the first system information is not being broadcast and the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is valid, determining that the first cell is a non-banned cell and camping on the first cell.

[0197] That is, when the terminal determines that the stored version of the first system information is valid, even if the first, second, third and fourth network devices are not broadcasting the first system information, it can reside in the first cell and access the network through the first cell.

[0198] On the contrary, when the first system information is not being broadcast, if the terminal determines that the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is invalid, the terminal determines the first cell as a prohibited cell, and the terminal will not reside in the first cell within a period of time (for example, 300 seconds).

[0199] Of course, the version of the first system information stored by the terminal may also be valid for a long time, or in other words, the version of the first system information stored by the terminal may not expire. In this case, the terminal may determine that the first cell is not a prohibited cell and camp on the first cell when the first system information is not being broadcast.

[0200] Optionally, step 540 specifically includes: the second network device sending a PDCCH configuration to the terminal in response to the request message, where the PDCCH configuration is used to receive the first version; or the third network device sending a PDCCH configuration to the terminal in response to the request message 1, where the PDCCH configuration is used to receive the first version. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the PDCCH configuration from the second network device on the first cell or the second cell, where the second cell is different from the first cell.

[0201] The PDCCH configuration includes parameters for receiving the first version. The terminal may receive the first version based on the PDCCH configuration. In one possible implementation, the second network device or the third network device may send the PDCCH configuration to the terminal on the first cell. The terminal may receive the first version on the first cell based on the PDCCH configuration received in the first cell.

[0202] Optionally, step 540 specifically includes: the third network device sends a first version of the response to the request message to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first version of the response to the request message on the second cell.

[0203] The third network device may also send the first version to the terminal through the second network device, and the terminal may directly receive the first version on the second cell. The third network device may directly send the first version to the terminal.

[0204] Based on the above solution, first information for identifying the version of the first system information of the first cell, second indication information for indicating whether the first system information is being broadcast, and second information for determining whether the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is valid are sent to the terminal. The terminal can comprehensively consider the first information, the second indication information, and the second information to determine whether to send a request message to the second network device to request the first system information. In this way, not only can the third network device send the first system information on demand, but it is also beneficial to reduce the network energy consumption caused by the network device periodically sending the first system information. The terminal can also comprehensively consider various factors to determine whether it is necessary to send a request message, avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead, thereby saving resources.

[0205] FIG6 shows a method 600 for requesting system information provided by another embodiment of the present application. The method 600 includes steps 610 to 640. Each step in the method 600 is described in detail below.

[0206] In step 610, the first network device sends second information to the terminal, where the second information is used to determine whether the version of the first system information of the first cell stored in the terminal is valid. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the second information from the first network device.

[0207] Whether the versions of the second information and the first system information are valid has been described in detail in the method 500 . Please refer to the relevant description in the method 500 and will not be repeated here.

[0208] The first network device may be a network device that manages the first cell, or a network device that manages the second cell. In step 620, the terminal determines whether to send a request message based on the second information, where the request message is used to request the first system information.

[0209] In step 630, when the terminal determines that the version of the stored first system information is invalid, the terminal sends a request message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the request message from the terminal.

[0210] The terminal determines that the version of the stored first system information is invalid, which can be understood as the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is expired. In other words, the version of the first system information stored by the terminal has exceeded its storage period. In this case, the terminal needs to receive the first system information again.

[0211] The second network device may be a network device that manages the first cell, or a network device that manages the second cell, and may be the same as or different from the first network device.

[0212] In step 640, the third network device sends the first version to the terminal in response to the request message. Accordingly, the terminal receives the first version from the third network device.

[0213] The third network device may be a network device that manages the first cell, or a network device that manages the second cell. Therefore, the third network device may be the same as the second network device, or may be different from the second network device.

[0214] In the case where the third network device is different from the second network device, for example, the third network device is a network device that manages the second cell, and the second network device is a network device that manages the first cell, after receiving the request message, the third network device can send a request message 1 to the second network device, where the request message is used to request the first network device to send the first system information.

[0215] In the case where the third network device is the same as the second network device, for example, the third network device and the second network device are both network devices managing the first cell, the third network device can send the first version to the terminal in response to the request message from the terminal after receiving the request message.

[0216] The third network device sending the first version to the terminal in response to the request message has been described in detail in methods 400 and 500. Please refer to the relevant descriptions in methods 400 and 500 and will not be repeated here.

[0217] Based on the above solution, if the stored version of the first system information is invalid, the terminal can send a request message to the second network device to request the first system information. In response to the request message, the third network device can send the first version to the terminal. This allows the network device to send the first system information on demand, thereby reducing network energy consumption caused by the network device periodically sending the first system information.

[0218] Based on the above technical solution, a more specific embodiment is provided below. In this embodiment, the first system information is the first SIB of the first cell. The first information in this embodiment is version information of the first SIB, i.e., version 2. The version of the first system information stored by the terminal in this embodiment is version 1 of the first SIB.

[0219] In step 1, the terminal receives a first SIB (including version information of the first SIB, namely, version 1) from the first cell or the second cell, and stores the first SIB (version 1).

[0220] One version corresponds to one set of configurations, and different versions correspond to different configurations, all of which are first SIBs. The first cell and the second cell can be managed by the same network device, or by different network devices. The first SIB is the SIB of the first cell, and the first SIB specifically includes the initial access configuration and scheduling information of the second SIB. For example, the second SIB may include other SIBs. The first cell is an NES cell, and the second cell is a non-NES cell.

[0221] In one possible scenario, when the terminal moves to another cell (such as the third cell) and then moves back to the first cell or the second cell, the version of the first SIB changes while the terminal is camped in the third cell. At this time, the terminal cannot receive notification from the first cell or the second cell and cannot obtain the change information in time.

[0222] Alternatively, in another possible scenario, the terminal moves to the coverage blind spot of the first cell or the second cell, and then returns from the coverage blind spot to the coverage area of ​​the first cell or the second cell. When in the coverage blind spot, the version of the first SIB changes. At this time, the terminal cannot receive notification from the first cell or the second cell, and cannot obtain the change information in time.

[0223] In step 2, the terminal receives fourth indication information, third indication information, and first indication information from the first cell and / or the second cell, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate configuration information for requesting the first SIB (including request resources, for example, the request resources are random access resources), the third indication information indicates version information of the first SIB (considering that the terminal cannot obtain the change information in time, the indication information can be used to determine whether the version of the first SIB has changed when returning to the first cell or the second cell in the above two possible situations), and the first indication information is used to indicate that the first SIB has not been broadcast (or the status of the first SIB is not broadcast). It should be noted that when the first SIB is not broadcast, the terminal cannot consider the first cell to be a prohibited cell, and the terminal can still reside in the first cell.

[0224] The version information of the first SIB in the third indication information can be understood as the valid version information of the first SIB, and different SIB versions correspond to different values. In one possible implementation, the version information of the first SIB is a value tag with a value ranging from 0 to 31. For example, it indicates that the valid version of the first SIB is version 2.

[0225] The terminal may determine whether the stored first SIB (version 1) is valid based on the version information of the first SIB. If the version indicated by the third indication information is different from the stored version, the stored version is determined to be invalid. Alternatively, if the version of the first SIB changes, the stored version is determined to be invalid. For example, if the third indication information indicates that the valid version of the first SIB is version 2, the terminal determines that the stored first SIB (version 1) is invalid.

[0226] The version information of the first SIB in the above-mentioned third indication information can also be understood as the invalid time information of the version of the first SIB. For example, it indicates that the invalid time of version 1 of the first SIB is 10 seconds. When version 1 of the first SIB is stored for more than 10 seconds, the terminal determines that the first SIB (version 1) is invalid. When version 1 of the first SIB is stored for less than 10 seconds, the terminal determines that the first SIB (version 1) is valid.

[0227] The fourth indication information, the third indication information and the first indication information may be carried in the same message, or may be carried in different messages, without limitation.

[0228] The fourth indication information may be received via the first cell or the second cell. When the fourth indication information is received via the first cell, the fourth indication information may be carried in the PBCH of the first cell. When the fourth indication information is received via the second cell, the fourth indication information may be carried in the SIB of the second cell.

[0229] In the case where the same network device manages the first cell and the second cell, for example, network device #1 manages the first cell and the second cell, network device #1 sends the fourth indication information to the terminal. In the case where different network devices manage the first cell and the second cell, for example, network device #1 manages the first cell and network device #2 manages the second cell, network device #1 sends the fourth indication information to network device #2, and network device #2 sends the fourth indication information to the terminal via the second cell, or network device #2 sends the fourth indication information to the terminal via the first cell.

[0230] The third indication information may be received via the first cell or the second cell. When the third indication information is received via the first cell, the third indication information may be carried in the PBCH of the first cell. When the third indication information is received via the second cell, the third indication information may be carried in the SIB of the second cell.

[0231] In the case where the same network device manages the first cell and the second cell, for example, network device #1 manages the first cell and the second cell, network device #1 sends the third indication information to the terminal. In the case where different network devices manage the first cell and the second cell, for example, network device #1 manages the first cell and network device #2 manages the second cell, network device #1 sends the third indication information to network device #2, and network device #2 sends the third indication information to the terminal via the second cell, or network device #2 sends the third indication information to the terminal via the first cell.

[0232] The first indication information may be received via the first cell or the second cell. When the first indication information is received via the first cell, the first indication information may be carried in the PBCH of the first cell. When the first indication information is received via the second cell, the first indication information may be carried in the SIB of the second cell.

[0233] In the case where the same network device manages the first cell and the second cell, for example, network device #1 manages the first cell and the second cell, network device #1 sends the first indication information to the terminal. In the case where different network devices manage the first cell and the second cell, for example, network device #1 manages the first cell and network device #2 manages the second cell, network device #1 sends the first indication information to network device #2, and network device #2 sends the first indication information to the terminal via the second cell, or network device #2 sends the first indication information to the terminal via the first cell.

[0234] Optionally, the terminal may further receive third indication information from the first cell and / or the second cell, where the third indication information is used to indicate whether the first SIB stored in the terminal is valid when the first SIB is not broadcast.

[0235] In one possible implementation, if the first SIB is not broadcast and the indication is invalid, the terminal determines the first cell as a prohibited cell, and the terminal will not camp on the first cell or access the network through the first cell within 300 seconds. In another possible implementation, if the indication is valid and the first SIB is not broadcast, the determination of validity or invalidity is based on the above steps, and the terminal will not determine the first cell as a non-prohibited cell, can camp on the first cell, and can access the network through the first cell.

[0236] In step 3, the terminal determines whether the first SIB (version 1) stored in the terminal is valid based on the third indication information. The specific determination method is shown in step 2 above; the terminal determines whether the first cell or the second cell is broadcasting the first SIB based on the first indication information. It should be noted that the version of the first SIB being broadcast by the first cell or the second cell can be version 1 or version 2, without restriction.

[0237] If it is determined that the first cell does not broadcast the first SIB and the stored first SIB (version 1) is invalid, the terminal executes the following step 4; otherwise, the terminal does not execute the following step 4.

[0238] Step 4. In one possible case, when the terminal determines that the first cell broadcasts the first SIB and the stored first SIB (version 1) is invalid, the terminal directly receives the first SIB (which can be version 1 or version 2), and subsequently uses the first SIB (version 1 or version 2) to access the first cell; in another possible case, when the terminal determines that the first cell does not broadcast the first SIB and the stored first SIB (version 1) is valid, the terminal subsequently uses the first SIB (version 1) to access the first cell; in another possible case, when the terminal determines that the first cell broadcasts the first SIB and the stored first SIB (version 1) is valid, the terminal subsequently uses the first SIB (version 1) to access the first cell, or first receives the first SIB (version 1) in the first cell, and then accesses the first cell, without restriction.

[0239] In step 5, based on the third indication information, the terminal sends a request 1 (which may correspond to the request message in method 500) on the first cell or the second cell. The request 1 is used to request the first cell or the second cell to broadcast the first SIB (version 2). The request 1 may be a random access request, i.e., a random access preamble, which is specifically used to request the first SIB. Requesting other SIBs requires allocating different random access resources.

[0240] In one possible implementation, when different network devices manage the first cell and the second cell (for example, network device #1 manages the first cell and network device #2 manages the second cell) and the terminal sends request 1 in the second cell, network device #2 sends request 2 (which may correspond to request message 1 in method 500) to network device #1, requesting network device #1 to broadcast the first SIB, network device #1 responds to request 2 and sends response 2 to network device #2, which is used to confirm that network device #1 broadcasts the first SIB or includes the first SIB (version 2), and network device #2 sends response 1 to the terminal, which is a response to request 1 and is used to confirm that request 1 is successfully received.

[0241] In one possible case, the above-mentioned network device #1 responds to request 2, and network device #1 broadcasts the first SIB (version 2) or the PDCCH configuration for receiving the first SIB, or, in another possible case, sends the first SIB (version 2) or the PDCCH configuration for receiving the first SIB to network device #2, and network device #2 then sends the first SIB (version 2) or the PDCCH configuration of the first SIB to the terminal.

[0242] Optionally, the above request 1 may also include version information of the first SIB (version 2).

[0243] Step 5: The terminal receives a response 1 to the request 1, where the response 1 is used to confirm that the request 1 is successfully received.

[0244] Optionally, the above response 1 is also used to indicate that the first SIB (version 2) will be broadcast on the first cell or the second cell.

[0245] In one possible implementation, if request 1 is a random access request, then response 1 is a random access response, which includes a random access preamble index. The terminal can use a random access radio network temporary identity (RA-RNTI) to receive response 1, and the RA-RNTI is determined based on the time-frequency resources of request 1.

[0246] Step 6: In response to the above response 1, the terminal receives the first SIB (version 2) through the first cell or the second cell, and accesses the first cell based on the first SIB (version 2).

[0247] The specific manner in which the terminal receives the first SIB (version 2) through the first cell is as follows: the terminal receives the PDCCH configuration of the first SIB of the first cell in response to response 1, and receives the first SIB (version 2) based on the PDCCH configuration. The PDCCH configuration of the first SIB may be in the MIB of the first cell, that is, sent to the terminal through network device #1, or sent to the terminal through network device #2.

[0248] The specific manner in which the terminal receives the information through the second cell is as follows: the terminal directly receives the first SIB (version 2) in the above response 1.

[0249] Based on the above solution, first information for identifying the version of the first system information of the first cell, second indication information for indicating whether the first system information is being broadcast, and second information for determining whether the version of the first system information stored by the terminal is valid are sent to the terminal. The terminal can comprehensively consider the first information, the second indication information, and the second information to determine whether to send Request 1 to the network device to request the first system information. In this way, not only can the network device send the first system information on demand, but it also helps reduce the network energy consumption caused by the network device periodically sending the first system information. The terminal can also comprehensively consider various factors to determine whether to send Request 1, avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead and thus saving resources.

[0250] In order to better understand the method provided in the present application, the specific implementation process of the method provided in the present application will be described below with reference to Figures 7 to 12, taking different network architectures as examples. In the process shown below, the first system information of the first cell is, for example, the SIB1 of the first cell. A possible scenario applicable to the process of Figures 7 to 12 below is that the terminal receives the SIB1 of the first cell in the first cell and stores the SIB1 of the first cell. Thereafter, the terminal switches to the second cell through cell reselection. During this period, the version of the SIB1 of the first cell changes.

[0251] Figure 7 is a method 700 for requesting system information provided by another embodiment of the present application. The method 700 for requesting system information takes the interaction between the terminal and network device #1 as an example to describe the implementation process of the method. The method 700 shown in Figure 7 is based on the method 400 provided in Figure 4, the method 500 provided in Figure 5, and the method 600 shown in Figure 6, and shows a more complete processing logic of the method for requesting system information. In method 700, the terminal sends a request message on the first cell and receives the first system information on the first cell. The following description focuses on the steps that are different from the aforementioned methods 400 to 600. The steps that are the same as those in method 400, method 500 or method 600, as well as the explanation of the same terms, can be found in the relevant description above and will not be repeated here.

[0252] The method 700 shown in Figure 7 includes steps 701 to 707. Each step in the method 700 is described in detail below.

[0253] In step 701, network device #1 transmits the SSB of the first cell. Accordingly, the terminal receives the SSB on the first cell.

[0254] The SSB of the first cell includes the first information, the first indication information, and the second information, and the SSB of the first cell is included on the PBCH of the first cell. In other words, the PBCH includes the synchronization signal block (SSB) of the first cell, and the SSB includes the first information, the first indication information, and the second information. Optionally, the PBCH also includes physical cell identifier (PCI) information (PCI info) of the first cell.

[0255] It should be understood that the terminal can receive the first information, the first indication information and the second information through step 701. Therefore, step 701 can be regarded as a possible implementation of the terminal receiving the first information, the terminal receiving the first indication information and the terminal receiving the second information in method 500.

[0256] Of course, the terminal may also receive the first information, the first indication information and the second information from the network device #2, as described in methods 800 and 900, which will not be described in detail here.

[0257] The first information, the first indication information and the second information have been described in detail in method 500 , and reference may be made to the relevant description in method 500 , which will not be repeated here.

[0258] In step 702, the terminal determines whether to request SIB1 from network device #1 according to the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal, the first information, the first indication information, and the second information.

[0259] It should be understood that step 702 may correspond to step 520 in method 500 , and reference may be made to the relevant description in method 500 , which will not be repeated here.

[0260] In step 703, if the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information and is not being broadcast, the terminal sends a SIB1 request to network device #1. Correspondingly, network device #1 receives the SIB1 request from the terminal.

[0261] It should be understood that the SIB1 request is an example of a request message in the above method 500 .

[0262] In step 704, network device #1 sends a SIB1 response (response for SIB1) to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the SIB1 response from the network device.

[0263] In step 705 , network device # 1 updates the MIB of the first cell and adds a PDCCH configuration for receiving SIB1 of the first cell.

[0264] In step 706, the terminal returns to the first cell after cell reselection, receives the MIB of the first cell, which carries the PDCCH configuration, and receives the SIB1 of the first cell based on the received PDCCH configuration. Thereafter, the terminal can camp on the first cell.

[0265] In step 707, network device #1 transmits the SIB1 of the first cell based on the PDCCH configuration. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the SIB1 of the first cell based on the PDCCH configuration.

[0266] It should be understood that steps 705 to 707 can be regarded as a possible implementation of step 540 in method 500. For more detailed description, please refer to the relevant description in method 500, which will not be repeated here.

[0267] It should be understood that the process shown in Figure 7 shows the process executed when the first system information stored in the terminal is valid. When the first system information stored in the terminal is invalid, the terminal does not need to execute step 702 and can directly execute step 703 and subsequent steps.

[0268] Based on the above solution, network device #1 can send to the terminal the first information for identifying the version of the first system information of the first cell (such as the SIB1 of the first cell in this embodiment), the second indication information for indicating whether the first system information is being broadcast, and the second information for determining whether the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is valid. The terminal can combine the first information, the second indication information and the second information to determine whether to send a request message (such as the SIB1 request in this embodiment) to network device #1 to request the first system information. In this way, not only can network device #1 send the first system information on demand, it is also beneficial to reduce the network energy consumption caused by the periodic sending of the first system information by network device #1. The terminal can also comprehensively consider various factors to determine whether it is necessary to send a request message to avoid unnecessary signaling overhead, thereby saving resources.

[0269] Figure 8 illustrates a method 800 for requesting system information, provided in another embodiment of the present application. This method 800 uses the interaction between a terminal, network device #1 managing a first cell, and network device #2 managing a second cell as examples to describe its implementation. It should be understood that the first cell and the second cell are different, and network device #1 and network device #2 are also different. Method 800, shown in Figure 8, is based on method 400 shown in Figure 4, method 500 shown in Figure 5, and method 600 shown in Figure 6, illustrating a more complete processing logic for the method for requesting system information. Both method 800 and method 700 describe the process using the example of network device #1 broadcasting first system information on the first cell. Unlike method 700, in method 800, the terminal sends a request message on the second cell and receives the first system information on the first cell. The following description focuses on the steps that differ from method 700. For the steps that are the same as those in method 700, please refer to the relevant description of method 700 above and will not be repeated here.

[0270] The method 800 shown in Figure 8 includes steps 801 to 810. Each step in the method 800 is described in detail below.

[0271] In step 801, network device #1 sends a neighboring cell SIB1 configuration request to network device #2, which includes first information, first indication information, and second information. Network device #2 receives the neighboring cell SIB1 configuration request from network device #1.

[0272] In step 802, network device #2 sends the SIB of the second cell, which carries the neighboring cell SIB1 configuration request, including the first information, the first indication information, and the second information. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the neighboring cell SIB1 configuration request from network device #2.

[0273] In this embodiment, for the second cell, the first cell is its neighboring cell, so the neighboring cell SIB1 may refer to the SIB1 of the first cell, and the neighboring cell SIB1 request configuration may refer to the request configuration of the SIB1 of the first cell.

[0274] The first information, the first indication information and the second information have been described in detail in method 500 , and reference may be made to the relevant description in method 500 , which will not be repeated here.

[0275] It should be understood that the terminal can receive the first information, the first indication information, and the second information through steps 801 and 802. Therefore, steps 801 and 802 can be regarded as a possible implementation of the terminal receiving the first information, the terminal receiving the first indication information, and the terminal receiving the second information in the above method 500.

[0276] Of course, the terminal may also receive the first information, the first indication information and the second information from the network device #1, as shown in the method 700, which will not be described in detail here.

[0277] In step 803, the terminal determines whether to request neighboring cell SIB2 from network device #2 based on the SIB1 version information stored in the terminal, the first information, the first indication information, and the second information. It should be understood that step 803 may correspond to step 520 in method 500. Please refer to the relevant description of method 500 and will not be repeated here.

[0278] In step 804, if the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information and is not being broadcast, the terminal sends a neighbor SIB1 request to network device #2. In response, network device #2 receives the neighbor SIB1 request from the terminal.

[0279] It should be understood that the neighbor cell SIB1 request sent by the terminal to the network device #2 is an example of the request message in the above method 500.

[0280] In step 805, network device #2 sends another neighboring cell SIB1 request to network device #1. The request message 1 is used to request network device #1 to send first system information. Correspondingly, network device #1 receives the neighboring cell SIB1 request from network device #2.

[0281] Optionally, the neighboring cell SIB1 request sent by network device #2 to network device #1 carries CGI information of the neighboring cell. In this embodiment, for the second cell, the first cell may be its neighboring cell, and the CGI information of the neighboring cell may be the CGI information of the first cell.

[0282] It should be understood that the neighbor cell SIB1 request sent by network device #2 to network device #1 is an example of request message 1 in the above method 500.

[0283] The specific process of steps 804 to 806 has been described in detail in method 500. Please refer to the relevant description in method 500 and will not be repeated here.

[0284] In step 806, network device #1 sends a neighbor SIB1 response (response for neighbor SIB1) to network device #2. Correspondingly, network device #2 receives the neighbor SIB1 response from network device #1.

[0285] Optionally, the neighboring cell SIB1 response sent by the network device #1 to the network device #2 carries the CGI information of the neighboring cell (ie, the CGI information of the first cell).

[0286] In step 807, network device #2 sends another neighboring cell SIB1 response to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the neighboring cell SIB1 response from network device #2.

[0287] In step 808 , network device # 1 updates the MIB of the first cell and adds a PDCCH configuration for receiving SIB1 of the first cell.

[0288] In step 809, the terminal reselects to the first cell, receives the neighboring cell MIB, which carries the PDCCH configuration, and receives the SIB1 of the first cell based on the received PDCCH configuration. Thereafter, the terminal may reside in the first cell.

[0289] In this embodiment, for the second cell, the first cell is its neighboring cell, so the neighboring cell MIB may refer to the MIB of the first cell.

[0290] In step 810, network device #1 transmits SIB1 of the first cell based on the PDCCH configuration. Correspondingly, the terminal receives SIB1 of the first cell based on the PDCCH configuration.

[0291] It should be understood that steps 808 to 810 can be regarded as a possible implementation of step 540 in method 500. For more detailed description, please refer to the relevant description in method 500, which will not be repeated here.

[0292] It should be understood that the process shown in Figure 8 shows the process executed when the first system information stored in the terminal is valid. When the first system information stored in the terminal is invalid, the terminal does not need to execute step 803 and can directly execute step 804 and subsequent processes.

[0293] Based on the above scheme, network device #1 can send the first information for identifying the version of the first system information of the first cell, the second indication information for indicating whether the first system information is being broadcast, and the second information for determining whether the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is valid to the terminal through network device #2. The terminal can comprehensively determine whether to send a request message (such as the neighboring cell SIB1 request in this embodiment) to network device #1 to request the first system information (such as SIB1 in this embodiment). In this way, not only can network device #1 send the first system information on demand, it is also beneficial to reduce the network energy consumption caused by the periodic sending of the first system information by network device #1. The terminal can also comprehensively consider various factors to determine whether it is necessary to send a request message to avoid unnecessary signaling overhead, thereby saving resources.

[0294] Figure 9 is a method 900 for requesting system information provided by another embodiment of the present application. The method 900 for requesting system information takes the interaction between a terminal, a network device #1 that manages a first cell, and a network device #2 that manages a second cell as an example to describe the implementation process of the method. It should be understood that the first cell is different from the second cell, and network device #1 is also different from network device #2. The method 900 shown in Figure 9 is based on the method 400 provided in Figure 4, the method 500 provided in Figure 5, and the method 600 provided in Figure 6, and shows a more complete processing logic of the method for requesting system information. Unlike methods 700 and 800, method 900 describes the process by taking network device #2 sending the first system information of the first cell on the second cell as an example. The following description focuses on the steps that are different from methods 700 and 800. For the steps that are the same as those in method 700 or method 800, please refer to the relevant description in method 700 or method 800 above and will not be repeated here.

[0295] The method 900 shown in Figure 9 includes steps 901 to 906. Each step in the method 900 is described in detail below.

[0296] In step 901, network device #1 sends a neighboring cell SIB1 to network device #2, which includes first information, first indication information, and second information. Correspondingly, network device #2 receives the neighboring cell SIB1 from network device #1.

[0297] In step 902, network device #2 sends the SIB of the second cell, which carries the neighboring cell SIB1 configuration request, including the first information, the first indication information, and the second information. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the neighboring cell SIB1 configuration request from network device #2.

[0298] In this embodiment, for the second cell, the first cell is its neighboring cell, so the neighboring cell SIB1 may refer to the SIB1 of the first cell, and the neighboring cell SIB1 request configuration may refer to the request configuration of the SIB1 of the first cell.

[0299] The first information, the first indication information and the second information have been described in detail in method 500 , and reference may be made to the relevant description in method 500 , which will not be repeated here.

[0300] It should be understood that the terminal can receive the first information, the first indication information, and the second information through steps 901 and 902. Therefore, steps 901 and 902 can be regarded as a possible implementation of the terminal receiving the first information, the terminal receiving the first indication information, and the terminal receiving the second information in the above method 500.

[0301] Of course, the terminal may also receive the first information, the first indication information and the second information from the network device #1, as shown in the method 700, which will not be described in detail here.

[0302] In step 903, the terminal determines whether to request the neighboring cell SIB2 from network device #2 according to the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal, the first information, the first indication information, and the second information.

[0303] It should be understood that step 903 may correspond to step 520 in method 500. Please refer to the relevant description in method 500 and no further details will be given.

[0304] In step 904, when the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information and is not being broadcast, the terminal sends a neighbor SIB1 request to network device #2. In response, network device #2 receives the neighbor SIB1 request from the terminal.

[0305] It should be understood that the neighbor cell SIB1 request is an example of a request message.

[0306] It should also be understood that step 904 may correspond to step 530 in method 500 and may be considered as a possible implementation of step 530. For more detailed description, please refer to the relevant description in method 500 and will not be repeated here.

[0307] In step 905, network device #2 sends a neighboring cell SIB1 response to the terminal in response to the request message. Accordingly, the terminal receives the SIB1 of the first cell in response to the request message from network device #2 on a second cell that is different from the first cell.

[0308] It should be understood that, for the second cell, the first cell is its neighboring cell, so the neighboring cell SIB1 is the SIB1 of the first cell. The SIB1 of the first cell is an example of the first version.

[0309] It should also be understood that step 905 may correspond to step 540 in method 500 and may be considered as a possible implementation of step 540. For more detailed description, please refer to the relevant description in method 500 and will not be repeated here.

[0310] In step 906, the terminal returns to the first cell after cell reselection, receives the neighboring cell MIB, which carries the PDCCH configuration, and receives the SIB1 of the first cell based on the received PDCCH configuration. Thereafter, the terminal can reside in the first cell.

[0311] In this embodiment, for the second cell, the first cell is its neighboring cell, so the neighboring cell MIB may refer to the MIB of the first cell.

[0312] It should be understood that the process shown in Figure 9 shows the process executed when the version of SIB1 stored in the terminal is valid. When the version of SIB1 stored in the terminal is invalid, the terminal does not need to execute step 903 and can directly execute step 904 and subsequent steps.

[0313] Based on the above solution, network device #2 sends to the terminal the first information for identifying the version of the first system information of the first cell (such as SIB1 in this embodiment), the second indication information for indicating whether the first system information is being broadcast, and the second information for determining whether the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is valid. The terminal can combine the first information, the second indication information, and the second information to determine whether to send a request message (such as the neighboring cell SIB1 request in this embodiment) to network device #1 to request the first system information. In this way, not only can network device #2 send the first system information on demand, it is also beneficial to reduce the network energy consumption caused by the periodic sending of the first system information by network device #1. The terminal can also comprehensively consider various factors to determine whether it is necessary to send a request message to avoid unnecessary signaling overhead, thereby saving resources.

[0314] Figure 10 illustrates a method 1000 for requesting system information according to another embodiment of the present application. This method 1000 uses the interaction between a terminal and a first unit (e.g., a CU) and a second unit (e.g., a DU) of network device #1 managing a first cell as an example to illustrate the implementation process of this method. The method 1000 illustrated in Figure 10 is based on the process illustrated in Figure 7 and illustrates the implementation process in a system with a distributed network architecture.

[0315] As shown, method 1000 shown in FIG10 includes steps 1001 to 1007. Unlike method 700, the actions performed by network device #1 in method 700 are performed by the DU of network device #1 in the process shown in FIG10. The remaining steps can be understood with reference to the relevant description of FIG7 and are not repeated here.

[0316] Based on the above solution, network device #1 can send to the terminal the first information for identifying the version of the first system information of the first cell (such as the SIB1 of the first cell in this embodiment), the second indication information for indicating whether the first system information is being broadcast, and the second information for determining whether the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is valid. The terminal can combine the first information, the second indication information and the second information to determine whether to send a request message (such as the SIB1 request in this embodiment) to network device #1 to request the first system information. In this way, not only can network device #1 send the first system information on demand, it is also beneficial to reduce the network energy consumption caused by the periodic sending of the first system information by network device #1. The terminal can also comprehensively consider various factors to determine whether it is necessary to send a request message to avoid unnecessary signaling overhead, thereby saving resources.

[0317] Figure 11 is a method 1100 for requesting system information provided in another embodiment of the present application. The method 1100 for requesting system information takes the interaction between the terminal, the first unit (such as CU) and the second unit (such as DU) of the network device #1 that manages the first cell, and the first unit (such as DU) and the second unit (such as CU) of the network device #2 that manages the second cell as an example to describe the implementation process of the method. It should be understood that the first cell is different from the second cell, the first unit is different from the second unit, and the first unit is also different from the second unit. The method 1100 shown in Figure 11 is based on the process shown in Figure 8, and shows the implementation process in a system with a network device deployed with a distributed architecture. The following focuses on describing the steps that are different from method 800. For the steps that are the same or similar to method 800, please refer to the relevant description in the above method 800 and will not be repeated here.

[0318] The method 1100 shown in Figure 11 includes steps 1101 to 1110. Each step in the method 1100 is described in detail below.

[0319] In step 1101, the DU of network device #1 sends a neighboring cell SIB1 configuration request including first information, first indication information, and second information to the DU of network device #2 via the CU of network device #1 and the CU of network device #2. The DU of network device #2 receives the neighboring cell SIB1 configuration request from network device #1.

[0320] In step 1102, the DU of network device #2 sends the SIB of the second cell to the terminal, which carries the neighboring cell SIB1 request configuration, including the first information, the first indication information, and the second information. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the neighboring cell SIB1 request configuration from the DU of network device #2.

[0321] In step 1103, the terminal determines whether to request the neighboring cell SIB2 from the DU of the network device #2 according to the version information of the SIB1 stored in the terminal, the first information, the first indication information, and the second information.

[0322] In step 1104, if the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information and is not being broadcast, the terminal sends a neighbor SIB1 request to the DU of network device #2. In response, the DU of network device #2 receives the neighbor SIB1 request from the terminal.

[0323] In step 1105, the DU of network device #2 sends another neighboring SIB1 request to the DU of network device #1 via the CU of network device #2 and the CU of network device #1. This request message 1 is used to request network device #1 to send the first system information. Correspondingly, the DU of network device #1 receives the neighboring SIB1 request from the DU of network device #2.

[0324] In step 1106, the DU of network device #1 sends a neighbor SIB1 response to the DU of network device #2 via the CU of network device #1 and the CU of network device #2. Correspondingly, the DU of network device #2 receives the neighbor SIB1 response from the DU of network device #1.

[0325] In step 1107, the DU of network device #2 sends another neighboring cell SIB1 response to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the neighboring cell SIB1 response from the DU of network device #2.

[0326] In step 1108 , the DU of the network device # 1 updates the MIB of the first cell and adds a PDCCH configuration for receiving SIB1 of the first cell.

[0327] In step 1109, the terminal reselects to the first cell, receives the neighboring cell MIB, which carries the PDCCH configuration, and receives the SIB1 of the first cell based on the received PDCCH configuration. Thereafter, the terminal may reside in the first cell.

[0328] In this embodiment, for the second cell, the first cell is its neighboring cell, so the neighboring cell MIB may refer to the MIB of the first cell.

[0329] In step 1110, the DU of network device #1 sends the SIB1 of the first cell to the terminal based on the PDCCH configuration. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the SIB1 of the first cell from the DU of network device #1 based on the PDCCH configuration.

[0330] It should be understood that the process shown in Figure 11 shows the process executed when the first system information stored in the terminal is valid. When the first system information stored in the terminal is invalid, the terminal does not need to execute step 1103 and can directly execute step 1104 and subsequent steps.

[0331] Based on the above scheme, network device #1 can send the first information for identifying the version of the first system information of the first cell, the second indication information for indicating whether the first system information is being broadcast, and the second information for determining whether the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is valid to the terminal through network device #2. The terminal can comprehensively determine whether to send a request message (such as the neighboring cell SIB1 request in this embodiment) to network device #1 to request the first system information (such as SIB1 in this embodiment). In this way, not only can network device #1 send the first system information on demand, it is also beneficial to reduce the network energy consumption caused by the periodic sending of the first system information by network device #1. The terminal can also comprehensively consider various factors to determine whether it is necessary to send a request message to avoid unnecessary signaling overhead, thereby saving resources.

[0332] Figure 12 is a method 1200 for requesting system information provided in another embodiment of the present application. The method 1200 for requesting system information takes the interaction between the terminal, the first unit (such as CU) and the second unit (such as DU) of the network device #1 that manages the first cell, and the first unit (such as DU) and the second unit (such as CU) of the network device #2 that manages the second cell as an example to describe the implementation process of the method. It should be understood that the first cell is different from the second cell, the first unit is different from the second unit, and the first unit is also different from the second unit. The method 1200 shown in Figure 12 is based on the process shown in Figure 9 and shows the implementation process in a system with a network device deployed with a distributed architecture. The following focuses on describing the steps that are different from method 900. For the steps that are the same or similar to method 900, please refer to the relevant description in method 900 above and will not be repeated here.

[0333] The method 1200 shown in Figure 12 includes steps 1201 to 1206. Each step in the method 1200 is described in detail below.

[0334] In step 1201, the DU of network device #1 sends a neighboring SIB1 containing first information, first indication information, and second information to the DU of network device #2 via the CU of network device #1 and the CU of network device #2. Accordingly, the DU of network device #2 receives the neighboring SIB1 from the DU of network device #1.

[0335] In step 1202, the DU of network device #2 sends the SIB of the second cell to the terminal, which carries the neighboring cell SIB1 request configuration, including the first information, the first indication information, and the second information. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the neighboring cell SIB1 request configuration from the DU of network device #2.

[0336] In step 1203, the terminal determines whether to request the neighboring cell SIB1 from the DU of network device #2 according to the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal, the first information, the first indication information, and the second information.

[0337] In step 1204, when the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information and is not being broadcast, the terminal sends a neighboring cell SIB1 request to the DU of network device #2. Correspondingly, the DU of network device #2 receives the neighboring cell SIB1 request from the terminal.

[0338] In step 1205, the DU of network device #2 sends the neighboring cell SIB1 to the terminal in response to the request message. Accordingly, the terminal receives the neighboring cell SIB1 in response to the request message from the DU of network device #2 on the second cell.

[0339] In step 1206, the terminal returns to the first cell after cell reselection, receives the neighboring cell MIB, which carries the PDCCH configuration, and receives the SIB1 of the first cell based on the received PDCCH configuration. Thereafter, the terminal can reside in the first cell.

[0340] In this embodiment, for the second cell, the first cell is its neighboring cell, so the neighboring cell MIB may refer to the MIB of the first cell.

[0341] It should be understood that the process shown in Figure 12 shows the process executed when the first system information stored in the terminal is valid. When the first system information stored in the terminal is invalid, the terminal does not need to execute step 1203 and can directly execute step 1204 and subsequent steps.

[0342] Based on the above solution, network device #2 sends to the terminal the first information for identifying the version of the first system information of the first cell (such as SIB1 in this embodiment), the second indication information for indicating whether the first system information is being broadcast, and the second information for determining whether the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is valid. The terminal can combine the first information, the second indication information, and the second information to determine whether to send a request message (such as the neighboring cell SIB1 request in this embodiment) to network device #1 to request the first system information. In this way, not only can network device #2 send the first system information on demand, it is also beneficial to reduce the network energy consumption caused by the periodic sending of the first system information by network device #1. The terminal can also comprehensively consider various factors to determine whether it is necessary to send a request message to avoid unnecessary signaling overhead, thereby saving resources.

[0343] It should be understood that the processes shown in Figures 4 to 12 are merely examples and should not constitute any limitation to the present application. In other embodiments, these processes may also include more or fewer steps.

[0344] It should also be understood that the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0345] The above describes in detail the method for requesting system information provided by the embodiment of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following describes in detail the device provided by the embodiment of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0346] Figures 13 and 14 are schematic block diagrams of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the terminal or network device in the above method embodiments, thereby also achieving the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0347] A communication device provided in this application is shown in FIG13 , where the communication device 1300 includes a communication unit 1310 and a processing unit 1320. The communication unit 1310 may be used to perform receiving or sending actions, and the processing unit 1320 may be used to perform actions other than receiving and sending, such as generating information or messages, processing received information or messages, and so on.

[0348] In one possible design, the communication device 1300 is used to implement the functions of the terminal in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 12. For example, the communication device can be a terminal, or a component configured in a terminal (such as a chip, a chip system, a processor, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement some or all of the functions of the terminal.

[0349] Exemplarily, when the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of method 500, the communication unit 1310 is used to receive first information, the first information corresponds to a first version, the first version is the version of the first system information of the first cell, the first system information includes at least one of the following: access configuration or scheduling information of the second system information of the first cell, the first system information is different from the second system information; the processing unit 1320 is used to determine whether to send a request message based on the information of the version of the first system information stored in the terminal and the first information, the request message being used to request the first system information.

[0350] Optionally, the communication unit 1310 is further configured to send the request message when the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information; and to receive the first version in response to the request message.

[0351] Optionally, the communication unit 1310 is also used to receive a physical downlink control channel PDCCH configuration on the first cell or a second cell, where the second cell is different from the first cell; and to receive the first version in response to the request message on the first cell based on the PDCCH configuration.

[0352] Optionally, the communication unit 1310 is further configured to receive the first version in response to the request message on a second cell, where the second cell is different from the first cell.

[0353] Optionally, the first version includes the first information.

[0354] Optionally, the processing unit 1320 is also used to access the network according to the access configuration when the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal is the same as the first information; and / or, the communication unit 1310 is also used to receive the second system information according to the scheduling information.

[0355] Optionally, the communication unit 1310 is also used to receive first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the first system information is not being broadcast; the communication unit 1310 is also used to send the request message when the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information and the first system information is not being broadcast.

[0356] Optionally, the processing unit 1320 is further configured to, when the first system information is not being broadcast, determine that the first cell is a non-barred cell and reside in the first cell.

[0357] Optionally, the first indication information is included in a physical broadcast channel PBCH of the first cell, or the first indication information is included in system information of a second cell, and the second cell is different from the first cell.

[0358] Optionally, the first information is contained in the PBCH of the first cell, or the first information is contained in the system information of a second cell, and the second cell is different from the first cell.

[0359] Optionally, the first information includes identification information or a value tag of the first version.

[0360] Optionally, the communication unit 1310 is further configured to receive second indication information, where the second indication information is used to determine a validity period of a version of the first system information stored in the terminal.

[0361] Optionally, the communication unit 1310 is further used to receive third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is valid.

[0362] Optionally, the request message carries the first information, and the request message is used to request the first version.

[0363] Optionally, the first version is the latest version of the first system information of the first cell.

[0364] Another possible design is that the communication device 1300 is used to implement the functions of a network device (such as a network device that manages the first cell or a network device that manages the second cell) in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 12 above. For example, the communication device can be a network device, or a component configured in the network device (such as a chip, a chip system, a processor, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement some or all of the functions of the network device.

[0365] Exemplarily, when the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of method 500, the communication unit 1310 is used to send first information to the terminal, the first information corresponds to a first version, the first version is the version of the first system information of the first cell, the first system information includes at least one of the following: access configuration or scheduling information of the second system information of the first cell, the first system information is different from the second system information; and is used to receive a request message from the terminal when the information of the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information, the request message is used to request the first system information; and is also used to send the first version to the terminal in response to the request message.

[0366] Optionally, the communication unit 1310 is further configured to send a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) configuration to the terminal, where the PDCCH configuration is used to receive the first version.

[0367] Optionally, the first version includes the first information.

[0368] Optionally, the communication unit 1310 is also used to send a first indication information to the terminal, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the first system information is not being broadcast; the communication unit 1310 is also used to receive the request message from the terminal when the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information and the first system information is not being broadcast.

[0369] Optionally, the first indication information is included in a physical broadcast channel PBCH of the first cell, or the first indication information is included in system information of a second cell, and the second cell is different from the first cell.

[0370] Optionally, the first information is contained in the PBCH of the first cell, or the first information is contained in the system information of a second cell, and the second cell is different from the first cell.

[0371] Optionally, the first information includes identification information or a value tag of the first version.

[0372] Optionally, the communication unit 1310 is further configured to send second indication information, where the second indication information is used to determine a validity period of a version of the first system information stored in the terminal.

[0373] Optionally, the communication unit 1310 is further used to send third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is valid.

[0374] Optionally, the request message carries the first information, and the request message is used to request the first version.

[0375] Optionally, the first version is the latest version of the first system information of the first cell.

[0376] It should also be understood that the communication unit 1310 in the communication device 1300 can also be referred to as a transceiver unit. The communication unit 1310 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication unit 1310 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. The specific implementation depends on whether the above-mentioned solution executed by the communication device 1300 includes both transmitting and receiving actions. The receiving module may be used to perform the receiving action in the above-mentioned solution, and the transmitting module may be used to perform the transmitting action in the above-mentioned solution.

[0377] It is understandable that the division of units in the above-mentioned device is merely a division of logical functions, and each function may correspond to a functional unit, or two or more functions may be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or part of the units may be integrated into one physical entity, or distributed across different physical entities. In addition, the above-mentioned functional units may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0378] Another communication device provided by the present application is shown in FIG14 , where the communication device 1400 includes at least one processor 1410. The at least one processor 1410 may be configured to execute computer programs or instructions in a memory to implement the steps performed by the terminal or the steps performed by a network device (e.g., a network device managing the first cell or a network device managing the second cell) in any of the method embodiments shown in FIG4 to FIG12 .

[0379] Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include at least one memory 1420 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1410 or storing input data required by the processor 1410 to execute instructions or storing data generated after the processor 1410 executes instructions. The at least one processor 1410 and the at least one memory 1420 may be provided separately. For example, each memory may be connected to one or more processors so that the connected processors can read information from the memory and store and / or write information in the memory. Alternatively, the at least one processor 1410 and the at least one memory 1420 may be integrated together, for example, one or more memories may be integrated into a processor.

[0380] Optionally, the communication device 1400 further includes an interface circuit 1430 that can be used to transmit data and / or signaling. The at least one processor 1410 and the interface circuit 1430 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1430 can be a transceiver, input / output circuit, bus, module, pin, or other type of communication interface, wherein the input circuit of the input / output circuit can be used for receiving, and the output interface can be used for sending.

[0381] Optionally, the communication device 1400 further includes a power supply circuit 1440 , which can be used to supply power to the communication device 1400 .

[0382] When the communication device 1400 is used to implement the method shown in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 12, the processor 1411 is used to perform the functions of the above-mentioned processing unit, and the interface circuit 1420 is used to perform the functions of the above-mentioned receiving unit and / or sending unit. Whether the interface circuit 1420 is used for sending or receiving can be determined by whether it is used to perform a sending action or a receiving action in the solution implemented by the communication device 1400.

[0383] It is understood that when the communication device 1400 is a communication device (e.g., a terminal or network device), the interface circuit 1420 may be a transceiver, specifically including a transmitter and a receiver, where the transmitter is used to transmit signals and the receiver is used to receive signals. When the communication device 1400 is a chip used in a communication device, the interface circuit 1420 may be an input / output circuit, a bus, a module, a pin, or other type of communication interface, where the input circuit in the input / output circuit can be used for receiving and the output interface can be used for transmitting.

[0384] It should be understood that in the communication device 1400 shown in FIG. 14 , the processor 1410 may correspond to the processing unit 1320 in the above communication device 1300 , and the interface circuit 1420 may correspond to the communication unit 1310 in the above communication device 1300 .

[0385] It should also be understood that the coupling in the embodiments of the present application is 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. The specific connection medium between the at least one processor 1410, at least one memory 1420, interface circuit 1430 and power supply circuit 1440 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In Figure 11, the embodiment of the present application shows that the processor 1410, memory 1420, interface circuit 1430 and power supply circuit 1440 are connected via a bus 1450. The bus 1450 is represented by a bold line in Figure 14, and the connection method between other components is only for schematic illustration and is not limited. The bus can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, only one bold line is used in Figure 14, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0386] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0387] The memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0388] The present application also provides a communication system, which includes one or more of the aforementioned terminals or network devices (including the network device that manages the first cell and / or the network device that manages the second cell).

[0389] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions), which, when executed, enables the computer to execute the method executed by the terminal in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 12 or the method executed by the network device (such as the network device that manages the first cell or the network device that manages the second cell).

[0390] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions). When the computer program is executed, the computer executes the method executed by the terminal in any of the method embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 12, or the method executed by a network device (such as the network device managing the first cell or the network device managing the second cell).

[0391] The terms "unit," "module," and the like used in this specification may be used to refer to a computer-related entity, hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution.

[0392] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application. In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices, equipment, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not performed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interface, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0393] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0394] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0395] In the above embodiments, the functions of each functional unit can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it 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 (programs). When the computer program instructions (program) are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, 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 computer-readable storage medium. 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 a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated. 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 (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0396] If this function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0397] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for requesting system information, characterized in that: include: receiving first information, where the first information corresponds to a first version, where the first version is a version of first system information of a first cell, where the first system information includes at least one of the following: an access configuration or scheduling information of second system information of the first cell, where the first system information is different from the second system information; Determine whether to send a request message based on the version information of the first system information stored in the terminal and the first information, where the request message is used to request the first system information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further comprises: When the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information, sending the request message; The first version is received in response to the request message.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The receiving the first version in response to the request message comprises: receiving a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) configuration on the first cell or a second cell, where the second cell is different from the first cell; The first version in response to the request message is received on the first cell based on the PDCCH configuration.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein The receiving the first version in response to the request message comprises: The first version is received in response to the request message on a second cell, the second cell being different from the first cell.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The first version includes the first information.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first system information includes the access configuration, and the method further includes: When the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is the same as the first information, accessing the network according to the access configuration; and / or The first system information includes scheduling information of second system information of the first cell, and the method further includes: The second system information is received according to the scheduling information.

7. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first system information is not being broadcast; When version information of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information, sending the request message includes: The request message is sent when the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information and the first system information is not being broadcast.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The method further comprises: In a case where the first system information is not being broadcast, the first cell is determined to be a non-barred cell, and the mobile station resides in the first cell.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein The first indication information is included in a physical broadcast channel PBCH of the first cell, or the first indication information is included in system information of a second cell, and the second cell is different from the first cell.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The first information is included in the PBCH of the first cell, or the first information is included in the system information of a second cell, and the second cell is different from the first cell.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The first information includes identification information or a value tag of the first version.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: Second indication information is received, where the second indication information is used to determine a valid time of a version of the first system information stored by the terminal.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is valid.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that The request message is used to request the first system information, including: The request message carries the first information, and the request message is used to request the first version.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The first version is the latest version of the first system information of the first cell.

16. A method for requesting system information, characterized in that: include: Sending first information to a terminal, where the first information corresponds to a first version, the first version being a version of first system information of a first cell, the first system information including at least one of the following: an access configuration or scheduling information of second system information of the first cell, the first system information being different from the second system information; When information about the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information, receiving a request message from the terminal, where the request message is used to request the first system information; In response to the request message, the first version is sent to the terminal.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein Before sending the first version to the terminal, the method further includes: A physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) configuration is sent to the terminal, where the PDCCH configuration is used to receive the first version.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The first version includes the first information.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending first indication information to the terminal, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first system information is not being broadcast; When the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information, receiving the request message from the terminal includes: The request message is received from the terminal when the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is different from the first information and the first system information is not being broadcast.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The first indication information is included in a physical broadcast channel PBCH of the first cell, or the first indication information is included in system information of a second cell, and the second cell is different from the first cell.

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that The first information is included in the PBCH of the first cell, or the first information is included in the system information of a second cell, and the second cell is different from the first cell.

22. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that The first information includes identification information or a value tag of the first version.

23. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send second indication information, where the second indication information is used to determine the validity period of the version of the first system information stored in the terminal.

24. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 23, wherein The method further comprises: Send third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the version of the first system information stored in the terminal is valid.

25. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 24, characterized in that The request message is used to request the first system information, including: The request message carries the first information, and the request message is used to request the first version.

26. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 25, characterized in that The first version is the latest version of the first system information of the first cell.

27. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises one or more functional units, and is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or to implement the method according to any one of claims 16 to 26.

28. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises a processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute a program code so as to enable the communication device to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or to implement the method according to any one of claims 16 to 26.

29. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or the method for implementing any one of claims 16 to 26, is executed.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that The invention comprises a computer program, which, when being executed, causes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 16 to 26.

Images