Communication method, apparatus and system

Abstract

A communication method, an apparatus and a system. The method comprises: generating and transmitting a first signal, wherein the first signal is carried on a virtual component carrier (VCC), the VCC is obtained by aggregating a plurality of CCs, and the plurality of CCs comprise a first BWP, the first BWP being determined on the basis of a reference index in the VCC and a first offset value, and the first offset value being used for indicating the frequency spacing between the reference index and a starting index of the first BWP, or the first BWP being determined on the basis of an index of the CC where the first BWP is located and a PRB index in the CC corresponding to the first BWP. The technical solution of the present application aggregates the plurality of CCs into one VCC to be managed as a single CC, and implements unified indexing and allocation of frequency-domain resources in the VCCs, improving the resource utilization rate and thus reducing device power consumption.

Description

Communication methods, devices and systems

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410495204.0, filed on April 23, 2024, entitled "Communication Method, Apparatus and System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method, apparatus, and system. Background Technology

[0003] To meet the requirements of increased peak data rate per user and improved system capacity, a wireless communication technology has been developed that aggregates multiple component carriers (CCs) to support greater transmission bandwidth. In other words, it obtains greater transmission bandwidth by aggregating multiple continuous or non-continuous CCs, thereby achieving higher peak data rates and throughput.

[0004] Currently, for the aggregation of multiple control centers (CCs), resource allocation and scheduling are performed independently for each CC, resulting in low flexibility and reduced resource utilization, while increasing device power consumption. Therefore, how to effectively improve resource utilization is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system that can improve resource utilization.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first device" in this application can refer to the first device itself (e.g., a terminal device or a network device), a component in the first device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first device.

[0007] The method includes: generating a first signal; and transmitting the first signal. The first signal is carried in a virtual carrier unit (VCC), which is obtained by aggregating multiple CCs. Each CC includes a first bandwidth part (BWP). The first BWP is determined based on a reference index and a first offset value in the VCC. The first offset value indicates the frequency interval between the reference index and the starting index of the first BWP. Alternatively, the first BWP is determined based on the index of the CC in which the first BWP resides and the corresponding physical resource block (PRB) index within the CC.

[0008] Based on the above scheme, for scenarios where multiple CCs are aggregated to form a single VCC, this application manages the VCC as a single CC. This includes uniformly indexing the frequency domain resources (e.g., the first BWP) within the VCC. Specifically, the first BWP can be determined by indicating the reference index and the first offset value within the VCC, or by indicating the index of the CC containing the first BWP and the corresponding PRB index within that CC. This facilitates the management and allocation of multiple CCs within the VCC. Compared to existing schemes where multiple CCs are combined into a carrier aggregation (CA) and the resources within each CC are configured and activated separately (i.e., resource allocation and scheduling are performed independently for each CC), the technical solution of this application can uniformly and flexibly utilize the resources of multiple CCs, improving the utilization rate of frequency domain resources and reducing device power consumption.

[0009] In one possible design, the multiple CCs also include a second BWP, the reference index of which is the same as that of the first BWP, that is, the second BWP and the first BWP share the same reference index.

[0010] Based on the above scheme, using the same reference index to determine the first BWP or the second BWP can reduce signaling overhead and effectively improve resource utilization.

[0011] Optionally, the reference index corresponding to the second BWP is different from the reference index corresponding to the first BWP, that is, the second BWP and the first BWP do not need to share the same reference index, thereby improving the flexibility in determining the first BWP and the second BWP.

[0012] In one possible design, before generating the first signal, the method further includes receiving first information, which indicates that multiple CCs support aggregation.

[0013] Based on the above scheme, the first device can determine that multiple CCs support aggregation based on the received first information, thereby generating and sending a first signal. That is, in the scenario where multiple CCs are aggregated into a VCC, unified allocation and management of frequency domain resources within the VCC can improve the utilization rate of frequency domain resources and reduce the power consumption of the device.

[0014] In one possible design, before generating the first signal, the method further includes: determining that multiple CCs support aggregation if the multiple CCs are intra-band CCs or inter-band CCs.

[0015] That is, when multiple CCs are determined to be Intra-band contiguous CCs, or multiple CCs are Intra-band CCs, or there are no constraints on multiple CCs, that is, if multiple CCs are Intra-band CCs or inter-band CCs, these multiple CCs can form a VCC.

[0016] In one possible design, multiple CCs satisfy one or more of the following:

[0017] The number of multiple CCs is less than or equal to N, where N is an integer; the total bandwidth occupied by multiple CCs is less than or equal to the bandwidth threshold; each of the multiple CCs has the same subcarrier width; the number of resource blocks (RBs) contained in the multiple CCs is less than or equal to the RB threshold; or, some or all of the multiple CCs belong to the same operator.

[0018] It should be understood that, based on the characteristics of the multiple CCs mentioned above, the frequency interval between the multiple CCs can be made as small as possible, or in other words, the CCs can be placed relatively close to each other, so as to ensure that the multiple CCs can be aggregated to obtain VCC.

[0019] In one possible design, before generating the first signal, the method further includes: sending first capability information, the first capability information indicating candidate CCs that support aggregation, the candidate CCs including multiple CCs that support aggregation.

[0020] In one possible design, the primary capability includes one or more of the following:

[0021] CC supports aggregation; CC supports aggregation with one or more CCs at adjacent frequency points; the maximum bandwidth of VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in VCC; multiple CCs supporting aggregation belong to the first frequency band; multiple CCs supporting aggregation are M CCs located in the second frequency band and continuously distributed in the frequency domain, where M is an integer; the maximum bandwidth of VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in VCC, where all of VCC belongs to the third frequency band; or, the maximum bandwidth of VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in VCC, where part of VCC belongs to the fourth frequency band.

[0022] Based on the above scheme, the first device can aggregate candidate CCs to obtain a VCC, and then report the candidate CCs to the second device, so that the second device can select multiple CCs from the candidate CCs, that is, configure multiple CCs to be aggregated into a VCC. By reporting candidate CCs, the success rate of multiple CCs being aggregated into a VCC can be improved, which is conducive to improving the utilization rate of frequency domain resources and reducing the power consumption of the device.

[0023] In one possible design, scenarios for aggregating multiple CCs into a single VCC may include one or more of the following:

[0024] Multiple CCs belong to different operators; and / or, multiple CCs belong to the fifth frequency band and are continuously distributed in the frequency domain; and / or, multiple CCs belong to the sixth frequency band and some of the multiple CCs are not continuously distributed in the frequency domain; and / or, multiple CCs belong to multiple frequency bands, and the interval between two adjacent frequency bands in the multiple frequency bands is less than or equal to the bandwidth threshold.

[0025] Based on the above scheme, the aggregation of multiple CCs belonging to different operators can improve the flexible sharing of CCs from multiple operators, thereby improving resource utilization.

[0026] In one possible design, the first BWP is located within one of the multiple CCs; or, the first BWP spans K consecutive CCs, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0027] Based on the above scheme, the first BWP within a VCC can be configured to span K consecutive CCs, or it can be configured not to span K consecutive CCs, thereby improving the flexible allocation and management of frequency domain resources within the VCC and thus enhancing resource utilization.

[0028] In one possible design, prior to generating the first signal, the method further includes: sending or receiving first indication information, the first indication information indicating support for a first BWP across CC.

[0029] Alternatively, the first device sends capability information to the second device, indicating that the first BWP supports being configured within multiple CCs.

[0030] Based on the above scheme, the first indication information can be used to determine that the first BWP supports K CCs, thus allowing for flexible configuration of the first BWP within a VCC, rather than being limited to configuration within only one CC. Furthermore, the first BWP configured in multiple CCs can be used by multiple users, which not only improves resource utilization but also reduces device power consumption.

[0031] In one possible design, the K consecutive CCs include a first CC, the first CC also includes a third BWP, and the method further includes: receiving first configuration information, the first configuration information indicating the activation of the first BWP or the third BWP.

[0032] This means that the first BWP is located within multiple CCs, including the first CC. The first CC also contains a third BWP. In the case of a first CC containing multiple BWPs, the second device can configure and activate one BWP within the first CC. If the second device instructs the activation of the first BWP, it means that other BWPs (e.g., the third BWP) within the first CC cannot be activated simultaneously. This implementation not only allows for flexible configuration and activation of BWP resources within a VCC, but also is compatible with the current standard's scheme of activating only one BWP within a CC, demonstrating strong feasibility.

[0033] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving second configuration information, the second configuration information indicating the activation of K1 BWPs, the K1 BWPs being located within K consecutive CCs, where K1 is a positive integer less than or equal to K.

[0034] Based on the above scheme, within the K consecutive CCs occupied by the first BWP, K1 BWPs can be activated simultaneously, where K1 is a positive integer less than or equal to K. That is, less than or equal to K BWPs can be activated, or less than K BWPs can be activated, or K BWPs can be activated, ensuring that no more than K BWPs are activated, and maximizing the compatibility that the number of activated BWPs does not exceed the number of CCs occupied by the BWPs.

[0035] In one possible design, before generating the first signal, the method further includes: sending or receiving second indication information, the second indication information indicating one or more of the following: the maximum bandwidth supported by the first BWP is E; the maximum number of RBs supported by the first BWP is F; the maximum bandwidth supported by the VCC is B; the maximum number of RBs supported by the VCC is C; wherein E, F, B and C are all integers greater than 0.

[0036] Based on the above scheme, by indicating the maximum bandwidth supported by the first BWP and / or VCC, and the maximum number of RBs supported, the size of the frequency domain resources of VCC can be flexibly configured, and the first BWP can be flexibly configured within VCC, thereby improving resource utilization and reducing device power consumption.

[0037] In one possible design, the method further includes receiving third configuration information, which indicates whether some or all of the multiple CCs are configured with a guardband (GB), and the size of the GB.

[0038] Based on the above scheme, the GB of multiple CCs within a VCC can be dynamically and flexibly configured. Compared to existing CC edges that all have a certain GB, this scheme is based on the fact that multiple CCs in a VCC are orthogonal. By taking full advantage of the GB at the CC edges, the GB size of multiple CCs can be flexibly configured, thereby improving resource utilization and reducing device power consumption while minimizing mutual interference between channels.

[0039] In one possible design, the GB size of two adjacent CCs that are continuously distributed in the frequency domain is 0; or, the GB size of some or all of the multiple CCs is 0.

[0040] Based on the above scheme, by configuring the GB size of two adjacent CCs that are continuously distributed in the frequency domain to 0, or by configuring the GB size of some or all of the multiple CCs to be 0, the size or quantity of available resources can be increased, thereby improving the utilization rate of frequency domain resources.

[0041] In one possible design, before generating the first signal, the method further includes sending second capability information, which indicates that some or all of the multiple CCs support being configured with GB, and the size of GB.

[0042] In one possible design, the second capability includes one or more of the following: some or all of the multiple CCs are configured with a GB size of 0; and / or, each of the multiple CCs has an independent GB.

[0043] Based on the above scheme, the first device reports the GB size supported by multiple CCs to the second device, providing a reference for the second device to configure the GB size of multiple CCs. That is, based on the second capability information, the second device can determine that some or all of the multiple CCs support the configured GB and the supported configured GB size. In this way, it can flexibly configure the GB corresponding to multiple CCs in the VCC, instead of being limited to a certain GB size for a single CC. It can make full use of the GB in the CC for data or signal transmission, improve the utilization rate of frequency domain resources, and reduce the power consumption of the device.

[0044] In one possible design, the first BWP spans K consecutive CCs across multiple CCs, where there is no GP between any two adjacent CCs in the K consecutive CCs, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0045] Based on the above scheme, the BWP capability across K consecutive CCs can be related to the GP capability. For example, the first BWP support for supporting K consecutive CCs can be configured on CCs where the GB values ​​of two adjacent CCs are both 0. By setting no GP between adjacent CCs in the K consecutive CCs, the utilization rate of frequency domain resources is improved.

[0046] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second device. Unless otherwise specified, the "second device" in this application can refer to the second device itself (e.g., a network device or a terminal device), a component in the second device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second device.

[0047] The method includes: receiving a first signal; and parsing the first signal. The first signal is carried in a VCC, which is obtained by aggregating multiple CCs. The multiple CCs include a first BWP, which is determined based on a reference index in the VCC and a first offset value. The first offset value indicates the frequency interval between the reference index and the starting index of the first BWP; or, the first BWP is determined based on the index of the CC in which the first BWP is located and the corresponding PRB index within the CC.

[0048] In one possible design, the multiple CCs also include a second BWP, which shares a reference index with the first BWP.

[0049] In one possible design, before receiving the first signal, the method further includes sending first information, which indicates that multiple CCs support aggregation.

[0050] In one possible design, multiple CCs satisfy one or more of the following: the number of multiple CCs is less than or equal to N, where N is an integer; the total bandwidth occupied by the multiple CCs is less than or equal to the bandwidth threshold; each of the multiple CCs has the same subcarrier width; the number of resource blocks (RBs) contained in the multiple CCs is less than or equal to the RB threshold; or, some or all of the multiple CCs belong to the same operator.

[0051] In one possible design, before receiving the first signal, the method further includes: receiving first capability information, the first capability information indicating candidate CCs that support aggregation, the candidate CCs including multiple CCs that support aggregation.

[0052] In one possible design, the first capability includes one or more of the following: CC supports aggregation; CC supports aggregation with one or more CCs at adjacent frequency points; the maximum bandwidth of VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in VCC; the multiple CCs supporting aggregation belong to a first frequency band; the multiple CCs supporting aggregation are M CCs located in a second frequency band and continuously distributed in the frequency domain, where M is an integer; the maximum bandwidth of VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in VCC, wherein all of VCC belongs to a third frequency band; or, the maximum bandwidth of VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in VCC, wherein a portion of VCC belongs to a fourth frequency band.

[0053] In one possible design, multiple CCs belong to different operators; and / or, multiple CCs belong to the fifth frequency band and are continuously distributed in the frequency domain; and / or, multiple CCs belong to the sixth frequency band and some of the multiple CCs are discontinuously distributed in the frequency domain; and / or, multiple CCs belong to multiple frequency bands, and the interval between two adjacent frequency bands in the multiple frequency bands is less than or equal to the bandwidth threshold.

[0054] In one possible design, the first BWP is located within one of the multiple CCs; or, the first BWP spans K consecutive CCs, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0055] In one possible design, prior to receiving the first signal, the method further includes: receiving or sending first indication information, the first indication information indicating support for a first BWP across CC.

[0056] In one possible design, the K consecutive CCs include a first CC, and the first CC also includes a third BWP. The method further includes sending first configuration information, which indicates the activation of the first BWP or the third BWP.

[0057] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending second configuration information, which indicates the activation of K1 BWPs, wherein the K1 BWPs are located within K consecutive CCs, and K1 is a positive integer less than or equal to K.

[0058] In one possible design, before receiving the first signal, the method further includes: receiving or sending second indication information, the second indication information indicating one or more of the following: the maximum bandwidth supported by the first BWP is E; the maximum number of RBs supported by the first BWP is F; the maximum bandwidth supported by the VCC is B; the maximum number of RBs supported by the VCC is C; wherein E, F, B and C are all integers greater than 0.

[0059] In one possible design, the method further includes sending third configuration information, which indicates whether some or all of the multiple CCs are configured with GB, and the size of GB.

[0060] In one possible design, the GB size of two adjacent CCs that are continuously distributed in the frequency domain is 0; or, the GB size of some or all of the multiple CCs is 0.

[0061] In one possible design, before receiving the first signal, the method further includes receiving second capability information, which indicates that some or all of the multiple CCs support being configured with GB, and the size of the GB.

[0062] In one possible design, the third capability includes one or more of the following: some or all of the multiple CCs are configured with a GB size of 0; and / or, each of the multiple CCs has an independent GB.

[0063] In one possible design, the first BWP spans K consecutive CCs across multiple CCs, where there is no GP between any two adjacent CCs in the K consecutive CCs, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0064] The beneficial effects of the second aspect and some implementations thereof can be referred to the relevant descriptions in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0065] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, which has the functions of the first aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first aspect above. The modules, units or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0066] For example, the communication device may be the first device, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in the first device that corresponds to each of the methods, operations, steps, or actions described in the first aspect above, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the first device.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver unit (or communication module) and a processing unit (or processing module) connected to the transceiver unit.

[0068] For example, a processing unit is used to generate a first signal; a transceiver unit is used to transmit the first signal. The first signal is carried in a Virtual Carrier Unit (VCC), which is obtained by aggregating multiple CCs. Each CC includes a first bandwidth portion (BWP). The first BWP is determined based on a reference index in the VCC and a first offset value, whereby the first offset value indicates the frequency interval between the reference index and the starting index of the first BWP; alternatively, the first BWP is determined based on the index of the CC containing the first BWP and the corresponding Physical Resource Block (PRB) index within the CC containing the first BWP.

[0069] In one possible design, the multiple CCs also include a second BWP, which shares a reference index with the first BWP.

[0070] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to receive first information, which indicates that multiple CCs support aggregation.

[0071] In one possible design, the processing unit is also used to determine whether multiple CCs support aggregation when multiple CCs are intra-band CCs or inter-band CCs.

[0072] In one possible design, multiple CCs satisfy one or more of the following: the number of multiple CCs is less than or equal to N, where N is an integer; the total bandwidth occupied by the multiple CCs is less than or equal to the bandwidth threshold; each of the multiple CCs has the same subcarrier width; the number of resource blocks (RBs) contained in the multiple CCs is less than or equal to the RB threshold; or, some or all of the multiple CCs belong to the same operator.

[0073] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to transmit first capability information, which indicates candidate CCs that support aggregation, including multiple CCs that support aggregation.

[0074] In one possible design, the first capability includes one or more of the following: CC supports aggregation;

[0075] CC supports aggregation with one or more CCs at adjacent frequency points; the maximum bandwidth of VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in VCC; the multiple CCs supporting aggregation belong to the first frequency band; the multiple CCs supporting aggregation are M CCs located in the second frequency band and continuously distributed in the frequency domain, where M is an integer; the maximum bandwidth of VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in VCC, where all of VCC belongs to the third frequency band; or, the maximum bandwidth of VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in VCC, where part of VCC belongs to the fourth frequency band.

[0076] In one possible design, multiple CCs belong to different operators; and / or, multiple CCs belong to the fifth frequency band and are continuously distributed in the frequency domain; and / or, multiple CCs belong to the sixth frequency band and some of the multiple CCs are discontinuously distributed in the frequency domain; and / or, multiple CCs belong to multiple frequency bands, and the interval between two adjacent frequency bands in the multiple frequency bands is less than or equal to the bandwidth threshold.

[0077] In one possible design, the first BWP is located within one of the multiple CCs; or, the first BWP spans K consecutive CCs, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0078] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to send or receive first indication information, which indicates support for a first BWP across CC.

[0079] In one possible design, the K consecutive CCs include a first CC, the first CC also includes a third BWP, the transceiver unit is also used to receive first configuration information, the first configuration information indicates the activation of the first BWP or the third BWP.

[0080] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to receive second configuration information, which indicates the activation of K1 BWPs, where K1 BWPs are located within K consecutive CCs, and K1 is a positive integer less than or equal to K.

[0081] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to send or receive second indication information, which indicates one or more of the following: the maximum bandwidth supported by the first BWP is E; the maximum number of RBs supported by the first BWP is F; the maximum bandwidth supported by the VCC is B; the maximum number of RBs supported by the VCC is C; wherein E, F, B and C are all integers greater than 0.

[0082] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to receive third configuration information, which indicates whether some or all of the multiple CCs are configured with GB, and the size of the GB.

[0083] In one possible design, the GB size of two adjacent CCs that are continuously distributed in the frequency domain is 0; or, the GB size of some or all of the multiple CCs is 0.

[0084] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to send second capability information, which indicates that some or all of the multiple CCs support being configured to be GB, and the size of the GB.

[0085] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used for a third capability including one or more of the following: some or all of the multiple CCs are configured with a GB size of 0; and / or, each of the multiple CCs has an independent GB.

[0086] In one possible design, the first BWP spans K consecutive CCs across multiple CCs, where there is no GP between any two adjacent CCs in the K consecutive CCs, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0087] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which has the functions of the second aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units or means corresponding to the operations involved in the second aspect above. The modules, units or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0088] For example, the communication device may be a second device, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in the second device that corresponds one-to-one with the method, operation, step, or action described in the second aspect above, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the second device.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver unit (or communication module) and a processing unit (or processing module) connected to the transceiver unit.

[0090] For example, the transceiver unit is used to receive a first signal; the processing unit is used to parse the first signal. The first signal is carried on a VCC, which is obtained by aggregating multiple CCs. The multiple CCs include a first BWP, which is determined based on a reference index in the VCC and a first offset value. The first offset value indicates the frequency interval between the reference index and the starting index of the first BWP; alternatively, the first BWP is determined based on the index of the CC in which the first BWP is located and the corresponding PRB index within the CC.

[0091] In one possible design, the multiple CCs also include a second BWP, which shares a reference index with the first BWP.

[0092] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to send first information, which indicates that multiple CCs support aggregation.

[0093] In one possible design, multiple CCs satisfy one or more of the following: the number of multiple CCs is less than or equal to N, where N is an integer; the total bandwidth occupied by the multiple CCs is less than or equal to the bandwidth threshold; each of the multiple CCs has the same subcarrier width; the number of resource blocks (RBs) contained in the multiple CCs is less than or equal to the RB threshold; or, some or all of the multiple CCs belong to the same operator.

[0094] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to receive first capability information, which indicates candidate CCs that support aggregation, including multiple CCs that support aggregation.

[0095] In one possible design, the first capability includes one or more of the following: CC supports aggregation; CC supports aggregation with one or more CCs at adjacent frequency points; the maximum bandwidth of VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in VCC; the multiple CCs supporting aggregation belong to a first frequency band; the multiple CCs supporting aggregation are M CCs located in a second frequency band and continuously distributed in the frequency domain, where M is an integer; the maximum bandwidth of VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in VCC, wherein all of VCC belongs to a third frequency band; or, the maximum bandwidth of VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in VCC, wherein a portion of VCC belongs to a fourth frequency band.

[0096] In one possible design, multiple CCs belong to different operators; and / or, multiple CCs belong to the fifth frequency band and are continuously distributed in the frequency domain; and / or, multiple CCs belong to the sixth frequency band and some of the multiple CCs are discontinuously distributed in the frequency domain; and / or, multiple CCs belong to multiple frequency bands, and the interval between two adjacent frequency bands in the multiple frequency bands is less than or equal to the bandwidth threshold.

[0097] In one possible design, the first BWP is located within one of the multiple CCs; or, the first BWP spans K consecutive CCs, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0098] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to receive or send first indication information, which indicates support for a first BWP across CC.

[0099] In one possible design, the K consecutive CCs include a first CC, and the first CC also includes a third BWP. The method further includes sending first configuration information, which indicates the activation of the first BWP or the third BWP.

[0100] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to send second configuration information, which indicates the activation of K1 BWPs located within K consecutive CCs, where K1 is a positive integer less than or equal to K.

[0101] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to receive or send second indication information, which indicates one or more of the following: the maximum bandwidth supported by the first BWP is E; the maximum number of RBs supported by the first BWP is F; the maximum bandwidth supported by the VCC is B; the maximum number of RBs supported by the VCC is C; wherein E, F, B and C are all integers greater than 0.

[0102] In one possible design, some or all of the multiple CCs have 0GB.

[0103] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to send third configuration information, which indicates whether some or all of the multiple CCs are configured with GB, and the size of the GB.

[0104] In one possible design, the GB size of two adjacent CCs that are continuously distributed in the frequency domain is 0; or, the GB size of some or all of the multiple CCs is 0.

[0105] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to receive second capability information, which indicates that some or all of the multiple CCs support being configured to be GB, and the size of the GB.

[0106] In one possible design, the third capability includes one or more of the following: some or all of the multiple CCs are configured with a GB size of 0; and / or, each of the multiple CCs has an independent GB.

[0107] In one possible design, the first BWP spans K consecutive CCs across multiple CCs, where there is no GP between any two adjacent CCs in the K consecutive CCs, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0108] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device may be either the first or second device described above. The communication device includes a transceiver, a processor, and a memory. The processor controls the transceiver to transmit and receive signals, the memory stores a computer program, and the processor retrieves and runs the computer program from the memory, causing the communication device to perform the method in any possible implementation of either the first or second aspect described above.

[0109] Optionally, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0110] Alternatively, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory can be set up separately from the processor.

[0111] Optionally, the communication device may also include a transmitter and a receiver.

[0112] A sixth aspect provides a communication device comprising a memory and one or more processors. The memory stores part or all of a computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions described in the first or second aspect. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0113] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, through which the processor communicates with other devices or components.

[0114] In one possible design, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0115] The aforementioned communication device may be a terminal, or a communication module in a terminal, or a chip in a terminal that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC or SIP chip that includes a modem module.

[0116] The aforementioned communication device may be a network device, or a communication module in a network device, or a circuit or chip in a network device responsible for communication functions, or a functional module in a network device capable of calling and executing programs.

[0117] In a seventh aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a first device and / or a second device, wherein the first device is configured to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the second device is configured to perform the method in any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0118] For example, the first device or the second device may be a terminal device, or a chip or circuit in the terminal device, or a functional module in the terminal device that can call and execute a program; or, the first device or the second device may be a network device, or a chip or circuit in the network device, or a CU or DU in the network device, or a functional module in the network device that can call and execute a program.

[0119] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. This computer-readable storage medium stores computer program code or instructions that, when read and executed by a computer, cause the method in any of the possible implementations of the first or second aspect to be implemented.

[0120] Ninthly, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes computer program code or instructions that, when read and executed by a computer, cause the method in any of the possible implementations of the first or second aspect to be implemented.

[0121] In a tenth aspect, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run, it causes the method in any of the possible implementations of the first or second aspect to be implemented.

[0122] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of the third to tenth aspects mentioned above can be referred to the first or second aspects mentioned above and any possible implementation thereof, which will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0123] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to this application;

[0124] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to this application;

[0125] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a carrier unit CC;

[0126] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0127] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a structure in which multiple CCs are aggregated into a VCC according to an embodiment of this application;

[0128] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another structure provided in this application, in which multiple CCs are aggregated into a VCC;

[0129] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of BWP resource allocation within a VCC provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0130] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a BWP spanning multiple CCs provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0131] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing two consecutive CCs without GB provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0132] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0133] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0134] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0135] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of another chip system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0136] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points are made:

[0137] (1) In this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0138] (2) In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or, b, or, c, or, a and b, or, a and c, or, b and c, or, a, b, and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0139] (3) In this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations (e.g., #1, #2, etc.) indicate distinctions made for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they may be used to distinguish different messages, rather than to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such descriptions can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0140] (4) In this application, the descriptions such as “when…”, “under the circumstances of…” and “if” all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when it is implemented, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0141] (5) In this application, “instruction” or “for instruction” can include both direct instruction and indirect instruction. When describing an instruction as being used to instruct A, it can include whether the instruction directly instructs A or indirectly instructs A, but does not necessarily mean that the instruction carries A.

[0142] The indication methods involved in the embodiments of this application should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately. Moreover, the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different. This application does not limit the sending method, for example.

[0143] The "instruction information" in the embodiments of this application can be an explicit instruction, that is, a direct instruction through signaling, or an instruction obtained by combining other rules or parameters with the parameters indicated by the signaling, or by deduction. It can also be an implicit instruction, that is, an instruction obtained based on rules or relationships, or based on other parameters, or by deduction. This application does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0144] (6) In this application, "protocol" may refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, such as the 5G protocol, the NR protocol, and related protocols applied in future communication systems, which are not limited in this application. "Predefined" may include predefined terms, such as protocol definitions. "Preconfiguration" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device, and the implementation method is not limited in this application.

[0145] (7) In this application, "communication" can also be described as "data transmission", "information transmission", "data processing", etc. "Transmission" includes "sending" and "receiving". "Transmission" can be described as "output". "Frequency band" can be described as "band".

[0146] (8) In this application, “message”, “information”, “signal” or “information element (IE)” can be used interchangeably. There are no restrictions on the name of the message or information, as long as it can achieve the corresponding function.

[0147] "Sending information to XX (device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being that device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to that device. "Receiving information from XX (device), or receiving information from XX (device)" can be understood as the source of the information being that device. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from that device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, "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. In other words, "sending" or "receiving" can occur between devices, for example, between network devices and terminal devices via an air interface. "Sending" or "receiving" can also occur within a device, for example, between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0148] (9) In this application, the words “exemplary,” “for example,” etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an “example” in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the word “example” is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, “of,” “corresponding, relevant,” “corresponding,” and “associate” may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinctions are emphasized.

[0149] (10) In this application, the configuration can be signaling configuration or can be described as configuration signaling. For example, signaling configuration includes configuration using signaling sent by the base station, which can be radio resource control (RRC) messages, downlink control information (DCI) messages, or system information blocks (SIBs). Optionally, the signaling configuration can also be configured to the terminal device by pre-configured signaling, or configured to the terminal device through pre-configuration. Here, pre-configuration means defining or configuring the values ​​of corresponding parameters in advance in the form of a protocol, and storing them in the terminal device when communicating with the terminal device. The pre-configured messages can be modified or updated when the terminal device is connected to the network. Further optionally, the signaling configuration can limit the values ​​of related parameters or configuration information to the resource pool sent or received by the terminal device. The resource pool is a collection of resources used for transmission on a specific carrier or bandwidth portion.

[0150] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0151] The technical solutions in this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems such as New Radio (NR) systems, and future evolutionary communication systems such as 6th generation (6G) mobile communication systems, vehicle-to-other devices (V2X), where V2X can include vehicle-to-network (V2N), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), etc., long term evolution-vehicle (LTE-V) technology, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks, and machine-type communications. Communication, MTC, Internet of Things (IoT), Long Term Evolution of Machine (LTE-M), Machine to Machine (M2M), etc.

[0152] The communication systems and service scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0153] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network devices in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0154] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as a 4G mobile communication system, a 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system (such as a 6G mobile communication system). RAN 100 can also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0155] RAN node 110, sometimes referred to as network equipment, access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in 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 terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0156] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a 6th-generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. A RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, a RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0157] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0158] In different systems, CU (including open CU-CP (O-CU-CP) and open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open central unit (O-CU), DU can also be called an open distributed unit (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0159] Terminal 120 can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. A terminal can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, user device, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, terminal device, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. A terminal typically contains a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication functions. The terminal may also be configured with program instructions for performing these communication functions.

[0160] For example, the terminal in this application embodiment can be a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a drone, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, an Internet of Things (IoT) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home (e.g., game consoles, smart TVs, smart speakers, smart refrigerators, and fitness equipment), a transport vehicle with wireless communication capabilities, a communication module, or a roadside unit (RSU) with terminal capabilities.

[0161] RAN 100 and terminal 120 can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the scenarios in which RAN 100 and terminal 120 are located.

[0162] CN 200 can be a 6G core network, a 5G core network, or an evolved 5G core network. Taking a 5G core network as an example, CN 200 includes access and mobility management (AMF) network elements responsible for mobility management and access management services; session management (SMF) network elements responsible for session management; user plane (UPF) network elements responsible for user plane packet routing and forwarding and quality of service (QoS) control; and policy control (PCF) network elements. These core network elements can work independently or be combined to implement certain control functions. For example, AMF, SMF, and PCF can be combined into a single core network device.

[0163] It should be understood that the above naming is defined solely for the purpose of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of using other naming conventions in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in 6G networks, some or all of the above-mentioned network elements may use the terminology from 5G, or they may use other names, etc.

[0164] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to this application. As shown in Figure 2, the communication system 20 includes at least one network device, such as network device 201, network device 202, and network device 203 shown in Figure 2. The wireless communication system 20 may also include at least one terminal device, such as terminal devices 204-210 shown in Figure 2.

[0165] For example, communication can occur between network devices and terminal devices, including but not limited to: multi-site transmission, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) transmission, etc. Specifically, network devices 202 and 203, as shown in Figure 2, can perform multi-site transmission with terminal device 207; network device 202 can perform eMBB transmission with terminal devices 204, 205, and 206, as shown in Figure 2; and network device 203 can perform eMBB transmission with terminal devices 208, 209, and 210.

[0166] For example, network devices can also communicate with each other, including but not limited to: backhaul. As shown in FIG2, network device 201 and network device 202 can communicate through backhaul, and network device 201 and network device 203 can also communicate through backhaul. In this communication system, network device 202 and network device 203 can act as relay nodes.

[0167] For example, terminal devices can also communicate with each other, including but not limited to device-to-device (D2D) transmission, as shown in FIG2, terminal device 205 can communicate with terminal device 208 via D2D transmission.

[0168] It is understood that Figure 1 or Figure 2 are merely examples provided for ease of understanding and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application may also involve network elements not shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, and of course, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application may also include only some of the network elements shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2.

[0169] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the terms or technologies involved in this application will be briefly explained first.

[0170] (1) Carrier unit CC;

[0171] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a carrier unit (CC). In current communication systems, the transmittable frequency domain resources are defined on the CC. As shown in Figure 3, the middle part of the CC contains available frequency domain resources, such as 21 redundancy blocks (RBs). The shaded areas are the activated RBs, allowing transceivers to exchange information on the resources corresponding to these shaded areas. The CC is flanked by guard bands (GBs), used to separate it from carriers in other frequency bands and prevent interference between adjacent channels. Optionally, the bandwidth of the GBs on both sides can be the same or different. Furthermore, the RBs containing the GBs at the CC edges are unusable.

[0172] To support greater transmission bandwidth, carrier aggregation (CA) technology can be used. This involves aggregating two or more carriers (CCs) together to form a single channel, thereby gaining access to more frequency domain resources and enhancing data transmission rates and throughput. In one implementation, the bandwidth of each CC can be 5MHz, 10MHz, 15MHz, or 20MHz, with a maximum aggregation bandwidth of 100MHz. Future implementations can flexibly support even larger aggregation bandwidths.

[0173] This application proposes a Virtual Carrier Unit (VCC), which aggregates multiple carrier cells (CCs) into a single VCC. This VCC can be managed as a single CC, allowing for unified indexing and allocation of frequency domain resources / transmission bandwidth within the VCC. VCCs can expand transmission bandwidth and improve data transmission rates and throughput.

[0174] Compared to CA technology, in general, the frequency domain resources of each CC within a CA are independently indexed and allocated, meaning that resource allocation and scheduling within a CA are performed independently for each CC; a bandwidth portion BWP within a CA can only be configured within one CC; each CC within a CA generally also has a guard band (GB) at its edge, which cannot be used as a transmission resource; and only one BWP can be activated on each CC within a CA.

[0175] Within a VCC, frequency domain resources / transmission bandwidth (or BWP) can be uniformly indexed and allocated, allowing for flexible management of the VCC as a single CC. Optionally, a BWP within a VCC can span multiple CCs. Optionally, the edges of CCs within a VCC can be flexibly configured with GB, including configuring GB to 0. Optionally, multiple BWPs can be activated on each CC within a VCC (especially those spanning multiple CCs). This design enables flexible scheduling and allocation, increases available transmission resources, and improves resource utilization.

[0176] (2) Frequency band;

[0177] In this application, a frequency band refers to a set of frequencies used for wireless communication. A frequency band can also be called a frequency range.

[0178] When describing a frequency band, information such as the start frequency, end frequency, and bandwidth is typically included. Optionally, a frequency band can be divided into low-frequency bands (e.g., below 6 GHz, 7.125 GHz, or 10 GHz) or high-frequency bands (bands or frequency ranges with frequencies higher than low-frequency bands). Optionally, based on frequency, frequency bands can sometimes be divided into low-frequency, mid-frequency, and high-frequency bands. Optionally, a frequency band can also include time-division duplex (TDD) bands and frequency-division duplex (FDD) bands. Optionally, a TDD band is a continuous frequency band in the frequency domain. Optionally, an FDD band is a pair of bands, comprising an uplink band and a downlink band. Optionally, the uplink and downlink bands are each continuous in the frequency domain. Optionally, a band number nx can be used to represent a band coded as x. For example, n1 represents an FDD band with an uplink frequency of 1920–1980 MHz and a downlink frequency of 2110–2170 MHz. Similarly, n8 represents an FDD band with an uplink frequency of 880–915 MHz and a downlink frequency of 925–960 MHz. For example, n46 represents a TDD band with a frequency of 5150–5925 MHz. Similarly, n47 represents a TDD band with a frequency of 5855–5925 MHz. Again, n102 represents a TDD band with a frequency of 5925–6425 MHz. And n104 represents a TDD band with a frequency of 6425–7125 MHz. Optionally, frequency bands with different numbers can be continuous or discontinuous in the frequency domain.

[0179] Optionally, the frequency band involved in this application may be an unlicensed band, an intelligent transportation system (ITS) band, or a licensed band, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0180] (3) Time-domain units and frequency-domain units;

[0181] Data or information can be carried using time-frequency resources.

[0182] In the time domain, time-domain resources may include one or more time-domain units (or, may also be called time units).

[0183] In this embodiment, a time unit may include several time-domain resources. A time-domain unit may be, for example, a radio frame (RF), and the time-domain resources included within a time-domain unit may be, for example, a subframe, a frame, a half-subframe or half-frame, a slot, a mini-slot, a partial slot, or an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol; alternatively, a time-domain unit may also be a collection of one or more time-domain resources, such as one or more OFDM symbols within a time slot, for example, the number of such one or more symbols may be 6, 7, 12, or 14. One or more time units may be continuous or discrete in time. For example, an OFDM symbol refers to a symbol with N... d A sequence S of symbols m (equals s) m The signal is mapped onto the corresponding subcarrier, weighted (i.e., precoding, frequency windowing, power control, etc.), and then subjected to an inverse Fourier transform to obtain the time-domain signal x. m Optional: Add a loop prefix.

[0184] Furthermore, the duration of a time slot can be related to the sub-carrier space (SCS) spacing. For example, when the sub-carrier spacing is 15 kHz, the duration of one time slot is 1 millisecond (ms); when the sub-carrier spacing is 30 kHz, the duration of one time slot is 0.5 ms; and when the sub-carrier spacing is 60 kHz, the duration of one time slot is 0.25 ms. Similarly, it can be deduced that when the sub-carrier spacing is 15 * 2u kHz, the duration of one time slot is 2 - ums, where u = 0, 1, 2, ...

[0185] In the frequency domain, frequency domain resources can include one or more frequency domain units. A frequency domain unit can be a resource element (RE), a resource block (RB), a subchannel, a resource pool, a bandwidth, a BWP, a CC, a channel, or an interlaced RB, etc.

[0186] The above description of the terminology is for ease of understanding only and does not limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0187] In current communication systems, a maximum of four Base Window (BWP) can be configured within a single Controlled Carrier (CC), and only one BWP can be active at a time. Base Controllers (RBs) within a CC are indexed using common resource blocks (CRBs). For example, the position of a BWP within a CC can be configured using CRB 0 and its relative position to CRB 0. The position of the smallest subcarrier in CRB 0 serves as the reference position for the RB index within the entire CC. Furthermore, when multiple CCs are performing a Common Carrier Allocation (CA), each CC configures and activates its BWP independently, and each CC has its own Base Window (GB). That is, when multiple CCs are combined into a single CA, resource allocation and scheduling are performed independently for each CC, making it impossible to use the resources of multiple CCs uniformly and flexibly. This may result in wasted frequency domain resources and increased power consumption of the equipment.

[0188] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system. For scenarios where multiple CCs are aggregated to form a single VCC, by treating the VCC as a single CC and managing it accordingly, the frequency domain resources within the VCC can be uniformly indexed and allocated, thereby improving resource utilization and reducing device power consumption.

[0189] The communication method provided by the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It can be applied to systems that communicate using multi-antenna technology, such as the communication system shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application can be applied to scenarios where the transmitting end and the receiving end communicate.

[0190] It should also be understood that the embodiments shown below do not specifically limit the structure of the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. As long as communication can be performed according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example, the method provided in the embodiments of this application can be executed by a first device and a second device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first device" in this application can refer to the first device itself (e.g., a terminal device or a network device), or a component in the first device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-a-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core), or a chip system, etc.), or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first device. In this application, "second device" may refer to the second device itself (e.g., network equipment or terminal equipment), or a component in the second device (e.g., communication module, processor, circuit, chip (such as modem chip, also known as baseband chip, or system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core), or a chip system, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second device.

[0191] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the method 400 includes the following steps.

[0192] S410, the first device generates the first signal.

[0193] The first signal is carried by VCC, which is obtained by aggregating multiple CCs. For the specific implementation method, please refer to Figure 5 or Figure 6.

[0194] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a structure in which multiple CCs are aggregated into a VCC. As shown in Figure 5(a), assuming that the multiple CCs include CC1, CC2 and CC3, the first device can map the signals transmitted (Tx) on CC1, CC2 and CC3 onto the corresponding subcarriers, and convert the frequency domain signal into a time domain signal (i.e., the first signal) through an inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT) and send it out.

[0195] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another structure where multiple CCs are aggregated into a single VCC, which is mainly applicable to situations where the maximum bandwidth supported by an IFFT is limited. As shown in Figure 6(a), assuming that the multiple CCs include CC1, CC2, and CC3, and the maximum bandwidth supported by IFFT#1 is insufficient to fully transmit the signals transmitted (transmit, Tx) on CC1, CC2, and CC3, the first device can process a portion of the CCs within IFFT#1 and another portion within IFFT#2. For example, the signals transmitted on CC1 and CC2 are mapped onto the corresponding subcarriers, and the frequency domain signal is converted into time domain signal #1 through IFFT#1. Then, the signal transmitted on CC3 is mapped onto the corresponding subcarrier, and the frequency domain signal is converted into time domain signal #2 through IFFT#2. Then, the time domain signals #1 and #2 are shifted to the corresponding frequency points and added together. Finally, the processed signal (i.e., an example of the first signal) is transmitted.

[0196] It should be noted that the specific implementation of aggregating multiple CCs to obtain a VCC in Figures 5 or 6 above is only an example for ease of understanding, and other alternative solutions are not excluded. For example, this application does not limit the number of CCs to obtain a VCC, the number of IFFTs, or the number of Tx signals mapped on each IFFT.

[0197] The following explains the conditions or scenarios under which multiple CCs can be aggregated into a single VCC. Specifically, before performing step S410, the method further includes: the first device determining that the multiple CCs support aggregation, i.e., determining that the multiple CCs support aggregation into a single VCC.

[0198] In the first implementation, the second device sends first information to the first device, which indicates that multiple CCs support aggregation. Correspondingly, the first device receives the first information from the second device and then determines the aggregation of multiple CCs based on the first information. That is, the second device configures and enables the aggregation of multiple CCs into a VCC.

[0199] In the second implementation, the first device determines that multiple CCs support aggregation based on whether they are intra-band CCs or inter-band CCs. That is, it determines that multiple CCs support aggregation into a VCC based on the characteristics of the CCs within the VCC.

[0200] For example, if multiple CCs are determined to be Intra-band contiguous CCs, or multiple CCs are Intra-band CCs, or there are no constraints on multiple CCs, i.e. multiple CCs are Intra-band CCs or inter-band CCs, these multiple CCs can form a VCC.

[0201] For example, multiple CCs that support aggregation can satisfy one or more of the following:

[0202] (1) The number of multiple CCs is less than or equal to N, where N is an integer. For example, N can be 2, 3, 4, or 5, or other values;

[0203] (2) The total bandwidth occupied by multiple CCs is less than or equal to the bandwidth threshold. For example, the bandwidth threshold can be 50MHz or 100MHz, or other values;

[0204] (3) Each of the multiple CCs has the same subcarrier width, such as 15KHz, 30KHz, 60KHz, or other values;

[0205] (4) The number of resource blocks (RBs) contained in multiple CCs is less than or equal to the RB threshold. Optionally, the RB threshold is related to the subcarrier width of the CC. For example, the larger the subcarrier width, the smaller the RB threshold.

[0206] (5) Some or all of the multiple CCs belong to the same operator. When all the CCs of multiple CCs belong to the same operator, it facilitates unified management and allocation; when the multiple CCs belong to different operators, it can flexibly support cross-operator sharing of frequency domain resources.

[0207] It should be understood that, based on the characteristics of the multiple CCs mentioned above, the frequency interval between the multiple CCs can be made as small as possible, or in other words, the CCs can be placed close together to ensure that the multiple CCs support aggregation.

[0208] In the third implementation, the first device sends first capability information to the second device, which indicates candidate CCs that support aggregation. The candidate CCs include multiple CCs that support aggregation. That is, whether these multiple CCs can be aggregated into a single VCC depends on the capabilities of the first device.

[0209] For example, if the candidate CCs sent by the first device to the second device include CC1, CC2, CC3, and CC4, it means that the first device supports sending signals on the VCC obtained by aggregating CC1, CC2, CC3, and CC4. Correspondingly, the second device can be configured to aggregate CC1, CC2, CC3, and CC4 into a single VCC, or it can be configured to aggregate CC1, CC2, and CC4 into a single VCC, depending on the internal implementation of the second device.

[0210] For example, the first capability may include one or more of the following:

[0211] (1) Multiple CCs support aggregation;

[0212] (2) Multiple CCs can be aggregated with one or more CCs at adjacent frequency points;

[0213] (3) The maximum bandwidth of VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in VCC;

[0214] (4) Multiple CCs that support aggregation belong to the first frequency band, that is, multiple CCs belong to the same frequency band.

[0215] (5) The multiple CCs supporting aggregation are M CCs located in the second frequency band and continuously distributed in the frequency domain, where M is an integer. In other words, the multiple CCs are multiple CCs located in the same frequency band and continuously distributed in the frequency domain;

[0216] (6) The maximum bandwidth of the VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in the VCC, wherein the entire VCC belongs to the third frequency band. In other words, the maximum bandwidth and the maximum number of RBs supported by a VCC located in the same frequency band;

[0217] (7) The maximum bandwidth of the VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in the VCC, wherein part of the VCC belongs to the fourth frequency band. Or, the maximum bandwidth and the maximum number of RBs supported by the VCC located in different frequency bands.

[0218] In this application, scenarios where multiple CCs are aggregated into a single VCC may include one or more of the following:

[0219] (1) Multiple CCs belong to different operators;

[0220] (2) Multiple CCs belong to the fifth frequency band and are continuously distributed in the frequency domain. In other words, multiple CCs belonging to the same frequency band are continuously distributed in the frequency domain, i.e., intra-band contiguous CA in CA scenario;

[0221] (3) Multiple CCs belong to the sixth frequency band, and some of the multiple CCs are discontinuously distributed in the frequency domain; or, some of the multiple CCs belonging to the same frequency band are discontinuously distributed in the frequency domain, i.e., intra-band non-contiguous CA in the CA scenario.

[0222] (4) Multiple CCs belong to multiple frequency bands, and the interval between two adjacent frequency bands is less than or equal to the bandwidth threshold. In other words, multiple CCs belonging to different frequency bands are close to each other in the frequency domain, i.e., inter-band CA in CA scenario.

[0223] After aggregating the multiple CCs to obtain a VCC, the first device can manage the frequency domain resources of the VCC. For example, the first device can perform unified indexing and allocation of the frequency domain resources within the VCC.

[0224] For example, the plurality of CCs includes a first BWP.

[0225] In one implementation, the first BWP is determined based on a reference index (or value) in the VCC and a first offset value, which indicates the frequency interval between the reference index and the starting index of the first BWP, as shown in Figure 7.

[0226] The reference index indicates a reference location within the VCC, which is used to assist the first or second device in determining the first BWP.

[0227] Optionally, the reference index may be predefined or preconfigured, or indicated by signaling; this application does not limit this. For example, predefinition may include predefined rules, such as protocol definitions. Preconfiguration can be achieved by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, functions, text, strings, or other methods that can be used to indicate the reference index in the first device and / or the second device; this application does not limit the specific implementation method. As another example, the first device sends / receives first signaling (e.g., RRC signaling, or media access control element (MAC CE) signaling, or DCI signaling, or uplink control information (UCI) signaling) to the second device, and this first signaling indicates the reference index.

[0228] Optionally, the first offset value can also be used to indicate the frequency interval between the reference index and the terminating index of the first BWP (or the center index corresponding to the center frequency of the first BWP), which is not limited in this application.

[0229] Optionally, in determining the first BWP, the width of the first BWP can be predefined or preconfigured. That is, after determining the reference position and the first offset value within the VCC, the first or second device can determine the starting position, ending position, or center frequency position of the first BWP, and then determine the position and size of the first BWP based on its width. Alternatively, the width of the first BWP can also be indicated by signaling. This application does not limit this, as long as the information used to determine the first BWP is aligned between the first and second devices.

[0230] In another implementation, the first BWP is determined based on the index of the CC in which the first BWP is located and the corresponding PRB index within the CC in which the first BWP is located, as shown in Figure 7.

[0231] Optionally, the PRB index indicates the PRB position, which may be the starting position, ending position, or center frequency position of the first BWP; this application does not limit this. By determining the index of the CC and the PRB index within the CC, the specific position and size of the first BWP within the CC can be determined.

[0232] For example, the plurality of CCs also includes a second BWP.

[0233] In one implementation, the reference index corresponding to the second BWP is the same as the reference index corresponding to the first BWP, that is, the first BWP and the second BWP can share the same reference index.

[0234] Optionally, the reference index corresponding to the second BWP is different from the reference index corresponding to the first BWP, that is, the second BWP and the first BWP may not share the same reference index.

[0235] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of BWP resource allocation within a VCC according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, it is assumed that the VCC is obtained by aggregating CC1 and CC2, and there is a frequency interval between CC1 and CC2. CC1 includes BWP1, and CC2 includes BWP2. Each CC includes multiple PRBs, and each PRB has a corresponding PRB index. Furthermore, CRB 0 corresponds to the location of the smallest subcarrier in the VCC, i.e., point A is the starting position of the VCC.

[0236] For example, suppose CRB 0 is considered as the reference index of the VCC, indicating the reference location within the VCC.

[0237] For example, the position of BWP1 (i.e., the first BWP) within the VCC can be determined based on CRB 0 (i.e., the reference index) and BWP offset1 (i.e., the first offset value). In this case, BWP offset1 indicates the frequency interval between the starting index of CRB 0 and BWP 1. Combined with the width of BWP 1, the position and size of BWP 1 can be determined. Alternatively, the position of BWP1 (i.e., the first BWP) within the VCC can be determined based on CRB 0 and BWP offset1' (i.e., the first offset value). In this case, BWP offset1' indicates the frequency interval between the ending index of CRB 0 and BWP 1. Combined with the width of BWP 1, the position and size of BWP 1 can be determined.

[0238] Similarly, the position of BWP2 (i.e., the second BWP) within the VCC can be determined based on the CRB 0 (i.e., the reference index) and BWP offset 2 (e.g., the first offset value), where BWP offset 2 indicates the frequency interval between the starting index of the CRB 0 and BWP 2. Combined with the width of BWP 2, the position and size of BWP 2 can be determined. Alternatively, the position of BWP2 (i.e., the second BWP) within the VCC can be determined based on the CRB 0 and BWP offset 2' (e.g., the second offset value), where BWP offset 2' indicates the frequency interval between the ending index of the CRB 0 and BWP 2. Combined with the width of BWP 2, the position and size of BWP 2 can be determined.

[0239] For example, the position of BWP1 (i.e., the first BWP) within VCC can be determined based on the index of CC1 where BWP1 is located and the PRB index within CC1. Assuming the PRB index is the PRB index corresponding to the starting position of BWP1 (e.g., PRB 0), then the starting position of BWP1 can be determined based on the index of CC1 and PRB 0. Combining this with the width of BWP1, the position and size of BWP1 can be determined. Alternatively, assuming the PRB index is the PRB index corresponding to the ending position of BWP1 (e.g., PRB n), then the ending position of BWP1 can be determined based on the index of CC1 and PRB n. Combining this with the width of BWP1, the position and size of BWP1 can be determined.

[0240] Similarly, the position of BWP2 (i.e., the second BWP) within VCC can be determined based on the index of CC2 where BWP2 is located and the PRB index within CC2. Assuming the PRB index is the PRB index corresponding to the starting position of BWP2 (e.g., PRB 0), then the starting position of BWP2 can be determined based on the index of CC2 and PRB 0. Combining this with the width of BWP2, the position and size of BWP2 can be determined. Alternatively, assuming the PRB index is the PRB index corresponding to the ending position of BWP2 (e.g., PRB n), then the ending position of BWP1 can be determined based on the index of CC1 and PRB n. Combining this with the width of BWP1, the position and size of BWP1 can be determined.

[0241] It should be noted that in the above example, the reference index used to determine that BWP1 and BWP2 are the same, that is, BWP1 and BWP2 share the same reference index CRB 0. Optionally, BWP1 and BWP2 may not share the same reference index, that is, the reference index corresponding to the second BWP is different from the reference index corresponding to the first BWP.

[0242] For example, BWP 1 can be determined based on CRB 0 (i.e., the reference index) and BWP offset 1 (i.e., the first offset value). BWP 2 can be determined based on the start or end position of BWP 1 (i.e., the reference index) and the frequency interval between the start or end position of BWP 1 and the start or end position of BWP 2 (i.e., the first offset value). This application does not limit this. For example, the position of BWP 2 (i.e., the second BWP) within the VCC can be determined based on the start index of BWP 1 (i.e., the reference index) and BWP offset 2 (e.g., the first offset value). Here, BWP offset 2 indicates the frequency interval between the start index of BWP 1 and the start index of BWP 2. Combined with the width of BWP 2, the position and size of BWP 2 can be determined.

[0243] It should be noted that the specific implementation of the unified index of BWPs within a VCC in Figure 7 above is merely an illustrative example for ease of understanding, and other alternative solutions are not excluded. For example, this application does not limit the number of CCs obtained by aggregation in the VCC, the number of BWPs contained in each CC, the number of PRBs contained in each CC, the reference position within the VCC (e.g., the starting or ending position of the BWP, or the starting or ending position of the CC, etc.), nor does it limit the size and meaning of the offset value corresponding to each BWP.

[0244] After aggregating multiple CCs to obtain a single VCC, the first device can manage the frequency domain resources of that VCC. For example, the first device can configure a first BWP within the VCC to span multiple consecutive CCs. Compared to existing solutions where a BWP can only be configured entirely within one CC, the technical solution of this application can achieve flexible allocation and scheduling of frequency domain resources within a VCC, allowing multiple users to use frequency domain resources (e.g., the first BWP), improving resource utilization and reducing device power consumption.

[0245] For example, the first BWP can be located within one of a plurality of CCs, i.e., the first BWP can be configured within one CC; or, the first BWP can span K consecutive CCs, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2. That is, the BWP within the VCC of this application can be configured to span K consecutive CCs, or it can be configured not to span K consecutive CCs.

[0246] For example, assuming K is 2, the first BWP can be configured within two consecutive CCs. The first BWP can occupy a portion of the first CC and a portion of the second CC; or, the first BWP can occupy both CCs; or, the first BWP can occupy the entire first CC and a portion of the second CC; or, the first BWP can occupy a portion of the first CC and the entire second CC. Optionally, the two consecutive CCs can be CCs that are continuously distributed in the frequency domain, i.e., there is no frequency interval between the two CCs; or, the two consecutive CCs can be CCs that are discontinuously distributed in the frequency domain, i.e., there is a frequency interval between the two CCs. This application does not limit this.

[0247] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a first bounding window (BWP) spanning multiple control zones (CCs) according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the VCC includes CC1 and CC2, which are two adjacent CCs within the VCC, where K=2, indicating that the first BWP spans two CCs, such as CC1 and CC2. As shown in Figure 8(a), CC1 and CC2 are discontinuously distributed in the frequency domain, meaning there is a frequency gap between CC1 and CC2, and the first BWP occupies a portion of both CC1 and CC2. As shown in Figure 8(b), CC1 and CC2 are continuously distributed in the frequency domain, meaning there is no frequency gap between CC1 and CC2, and the first BWP occupies a portion of both CC1 and CC2.

[0248] It should be noted that the BWP on the frequency interval in Figure 8(a) cannot be used because the frequency interval does not belong to the CC. BWPs configured or activated within the CC can be used for information exchange. Compared to Figure 8(a), the first BWP in Figure 8(b) has a higher resource utilization rate.

[0249] It should be understood that configuring a BWP within different CCs facilitates network devices in simultaneously scheduling users of multiple CCs (e.g., two CCs belonging to different operators), and transmitting through a single radio frequency channel instead of two, which greatly enhances scheduling flexibility and reduces the power consumption of network devices.

[0250] Below, based on the scenario where the first BWP spans K consecutive CCs across multiple CCs, an example is given to illustrate the number of BWPs activated within a single CC.

[0251] In one implementation, a CC can contain only some or all of the RB resources of an activated BWP.

[0252] For example, the K consecutive CCs include a first CC, and the first CC also includes a third BWP. The method further includes: the second device sending first configuration information to the first device, the first configuration information indicating the activation of the first BWP or the third BWP. Accordingly, the first device receives the first configuration information from the second device and activates the first BWP or the third BWP according to the first configuration information (determined).

[0253] This means that the first BWP is located within multiple CCs, including the first CC. The first CC also contains a third BWP. In the case where the first CC contains multiple BWPs, the second device can configure and activate one BWP within the first CC. If the second device instructs the activation of the first BWP, it means that other BWPs (e.g., the third BWP) within the first CC cannot be activated simultaneously. This implementation not only allows for flexible configuration and activation of BWP resources within a VCC, but also ensures compatibility with the current standard's scheme of activating only one BWP within a CC.

[0254] For example, suppose BWP#1 (i.e., the first BWP) spans two CCs (i.e., K=2), such as CC1 and CC2, where CC1 also includes BWP#3 (i.e., the third BWP), then the first configuration information indicates to activate either BWP#1 or BWP#3.

[0255] In another implementation, within the K consecutive CCs occupied by the first BWP, K1 BWPs can be activated simultaneously, where K1 is a positive integer less than or equal to K. That is, less than or equal to K BWPs can be activated, or less than K BWPs can be activated, or K BWPs can be activated.

[0256] For example, the second device sends second configuration information to the first device, the second configuration information indicating the activation of K1 BWPs, the K1 BWPs being located within K consecutive CCs. Accordingly, the first device receives the second configuration information and activates the K1 BWPs according to the second configuration information (determined).

[0257] For example, suppose BWP#1 (i.e., the first BWP) spans two CCs (i.e., K=2), such as CC1 and CC2, then the second configuration information can indicate that BWP#1 is activated, in which case K1=1, K1 is less than K; as another example, suppose BWP#1 (i.e., the first BWP) spans two CCs (i.e., K=2), such as CC1 and CC2, where CC1 also includes BWP#3 (i.e., the third BWP), then the second configuration information can indicate that BWP#1 or BWP#3 is activated, in which case K1=1, K1 is less than K, or it can also indicate that BWP#1 and BWP#3 are activated, in which case K1=2, K1 is equal to K. For example, suppose BWP#1 (i.e., the first BWP) spans two CCs (i.e., K=2), such as CC1 and CC2, where CC1 also includes BWP#3 (i.e., the third BWP) and CC2 also includes BWP#4. Then the second configuration information can indicate to activate BWP#1 or BWP#3 or BWP#4, in which case K1=1, K1 is less than K. Alternatively, it can indicate to activate BWP#1 and BWP#3, or activate BWP#1 and BWP#4, or activate BWP#3 and BWP#4, in which case K1=2, K1 is equal to K.

[0258] Alternatively, a CC cannot contain more than two activated BWPs, either some or all of their RB resources.

[0259] For example, suppose BWP#1 (i.e., the first BWP) spans two CCs (i.e., K=2), such as CC1 and CC2, where CC1 also includes BWP#3 (i.e., the third BWP) and BWP#4, then the second configuration information can indicate the activation of BWP#1 or BWP#3 or BWP#4, in which case K1=1, K1 is less than K, or it can indicate the activation of BWP#1 and BWP#3, or the activation of BWP#1 and BWP#4, or the activation of BWP#3 and BWP#4.

[0260] Further, optionally, no more than two active cross-CC BWPs can be supported within a single CC.

[0261] For example, suppose BWP#1 (i.e., the first BWP) spans two CCs (i.e., K=3), such as CC2, CC3 and CC4, and BWP#5 spans two CCs, such as CC1 and CC2 (i.e., K=2), then for CC1, it can be indicated to activate BWP#1, for CC2, it can be indicated to activate BWP#1 and / or BWP#5, and for CC3 or CC4, it can be indicated to activate BWP#1.

[0262] The following describes the conditions or scenarios under which the first BWP can be configured in different multiple CCs. That is, before performing the above step S410, the method further includes: the first device or the second device determining that the first BWP spans multiple CCs.

[0263] In one implementation, the second device sends a first indication message to the first device, the first indication message indicating support for a first BWP across CCs. Accordingly, the first device receives the first indication message from the second device and determines, based on the first indication message, that the first BWP supports cross-CCs.

[0264] In another implementation, the first device sends a first indication message to the second device, the first indication message indicating support for a first BWP across CCs. Accordingly, the second device receives the first indication message from the first device and determines, based on the first indication message, that the first BWP supports cross-CCs.

[0265] Alternatively, the first device sends capability information to the second device, indicating that the first BWP supports being configured within multiple CCs.

[0266] Optionally, for the multiple CCs spanned by the first BWP, the multiple CCs satisfy one or more of the following:

[0267] (1) Multiple CCs can be configured with all RB resources of the first BWP, that is, each CC in the multiple CCs can be configured with all RB resources of the first BWP; wherein, the multiple CCs can belong to the same frequency band or different frequency bands.

[0268] (2) The first BWP can be configured within multiple CCs located in the same frequency band, and the first BWP is located within K consecutive CCs that are continuously distributed in the frequency domain among the multiple CCs, that is, the first BWP can be configured on K consecutively distributed CCs in the frequency domain among the multiple CCs located in the same frequency band.

[0269] (3) The first BWP is supported in multiple CCs located in the same frequency band, and the first BWP is located in K consecutive CCs that are not discontinuous in the frequency domain among the multiple CCs. That is, the first BWP is supported in K CCs that are not discontinuous in the frequency domain among the multiple CCs located in the same frequency band; Optionally, the maximum frequency interval between two adjacent CCs in the K consecutive CCs is A, where A is greater than 0; It should be understood that the value of A should be as small as possible.

[0270] That is, the first BWP can be flexibly configured to span K CCs. For example, the first BWP can span K CCs that are continuously distributed in the frequency domain within the VCC, or the first BWP can span K CCs that are not continuously distributed in the frequency domain within the VCC. Compared to the first BWP spanning K CCs that are not continuously distributed in the frequency domain, the first BWP spanning K CCs that are continuously distributed in the frequency domain can improve resource utilization and reduce device power consumption.

[0271] It should be noted that the above explanation uses the first BWP configured within VCC as an example. Optionally, BWPs can also be flexibly configured within at least one CC (which can be denoted as CC') with a frequency point lower than VCC, or within at least one CC (which can be denoted as CC") with a frequency point higher than VCC, for example, BWP#1. Optionally, there exists a BWP#2 spanning K' CCs, where the K' CCs include the CCs and CC' within VCC, or the K' CCs include the CCs and CC" within VCC, that is, BWP#2 supports spanning VCC and CCs with frequencies lower than VCC, or BWP#2 supports spanning VCC and CCs with frequencies higher than VCC, where K' is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0272] Optionally, before performing step S410 above, the method further includes: the first device or the second device determining the maximum bandwidth supported by the first BWP and / or VCC, and / or, the maximum number of RBs supported.

[0273] In one implementation, the second device sends second indication information to the first device, or the second device receives second indication information from the first device, the second indication information indicating one or more of the following: the maximum bandwidth supported by the first BWP is E; the maximum number of RBs supported by the first BWP is F; the maximum bandwidth supported by the VCC is B; the maximum number of RBs supported by the VCC is C; wherein E, F, B and C are all integers greater than 0.

[0274] Based on the above scheme, by indicating the maximum bandwidth supported by the first BWP and / or VCC, and / or the maximum number of RBs supported, the first device or the second device can flexibly configure the size of the frequency domain resources of VCC, and can flexibly configure the size of the first BWP within VCC, thereby improving resource utilization and reducing device power consumption.

[0275] After aggregating the multiple CCs to obtain a VCC, the first device can manage the frequency domain resources of the VCC. For example, the first device can dynamically configure the GB of the multiple CCs within the VCC.

[0276] In one implementation, the second device sends third configuration information to the first device, indicating whether some or all of the multiple CCs are configured with GBs and the size of the GBs. Accordingly, the first device receives the third configuration information from the second device.

[0277] For example, assuming VCC includes CC1, CC2, and CC3, and the frequency domain resource indices occupied by CC1, CC2, and CC3 increase sequentially, it indicates that the frequency domain resource where CC2 is located is located between the frequency domain resources where CC1 and CC3 are located. This third configuration information can indicate whether CC1, CC2, and CC3 have GB, and the value of GB. Optionally, when CC1, CC2, and CC3 all have GB, the GB corresponding to CC1, CC2, and CC3 can be the same or different, and this application does not limit this. In one example, the third configuration information can indicate that CC1, CC2, and CC3 do not have GB, meaning that the RBs on both sides of CC1, CC2, and CC3 are available for signal transmission. In another example, the third configuration information can indicate that CC1, CC2, and CC3 all have GB, with the corresponding GB occupying 2 RBs, 4 RBs, and 6 RBs respectively. It should be noted that the number of RBs occupied by GBs on the left and right sides of the same CC can be the same or different. In yet another example, the third configuration information can indicate that CC1 and CC2 do not have GB, while CC3 has GB, with the corresponding GB occupying 2 RBs. In yet another example, the third configuration information can indicate that there are GBs on the left side of CC1 and the right side of CC3, with the GB size being 3 RBs, meaning that there are no GBs between adjacent CCs. This avoids mutual interference between channels, improves resource utilization, and reduces device power consumption.

[0278] For example, for a VCC obtained by aggregating multiple CCs, the GB size of some or all of the multiple CCs is 0, or the GB size of two adjacent CCs that are continuously distributed in the frequency domain is 0. Compared with the existing CC edges having a certain GB, in this embodiment of the application, based on the orthogonality of multiple CCs in the VCC, the GB of the CC edges is fully utilized, that is, the second device can configure the GB size of multiple CCs to improve the utilization rate of frequency domain resources and reduce device power consumption.

[0279] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of two consecutive CCs without GBs provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 9, assume that VCC includes CC1 and CC2, which are two adjacent CCs within VCC. CC1 and CC2 are continuously distributed in the frequency domain, meaning there is no frequency gap between them. For example, a second device can send third configuration information to indicate that the GB at the junction of CC1 and CC2 is 0, meaning the GB to the right of CC1 and the GB to the left of CC2 are both 0. The first and second devices can then transmit signals at the GB to the right of CC1 and the GB to the left of CC2.

[0280] Optionally, the GB size on the left side of CC1 and the GB size on the right side of CC2 can be equal to 0 or not equal to 0, or they can be equal or not equal. This application does not limit this.

[0281] The following describes the conditions or scenarios for whether multiple CCs are configured with GB and the size of the configured GB. That is, before performing the above step S410, the method further includes: the first device determining whether the multiple CCs are configured with GB and the size of their GB.

[0282] In one implementation, the first device sends second capability information to the second device, indicating that some or all of the multiple control boxes (CCs) support a configurable GB size, and the supported configurable GB size. That is, whether the multiple CCs support a configurable GB size and the supported configurable GB size depends on the terminal's capabilities.

[0283] For example, the third capability may include one or more of the following: some or all of the multiple CCs are configured with a GB size of 0; and / or, each of the multiple CCs has an independent GB.

[0284] For example, suppose VCC includes CC1, CC2, and CC3, with CC2 located between CC1 and CC3 in the frequency domain. Based on the terminal's capabilities, the first device can instruct the second device that CC1, CC2, and CC3 all support having independent GBs. The second device can then configure the same or different GB sizes for CC1, CC2, and CC3, for example, configuring the GBs of CC1, CC2, and CC3 to each occupy 2 RBs. Alternatively, the first device can instruct the second device that CC1 and CC2 support having a configured GB size of 0, and CC3 supports having an independent GB. The second device can then configure the GB size of CC1 and CC2 to 0, and the GB size of CC3 to 2 RBs. Or, the first device can instruct the second device that CC1, CC2, and CC3 all support having a configured GB size of 0. The second device can then configure the GB size of CC1, CC2, and CC3 to all be 0.

[0285] Optionally, the BWP capability across K consecutive CCs can be related to the GP capability. For example, the first BWP support for supporting K consecutive CCs can be configured on CCs where the GB values ​​of two adjacent CCs are both 0.

[0286] For example, the first BWP spans K consecutive CCs among multiple CCs, where there is no GP between any two adjacent CCs, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, if K = 2, it means that the first BWP spans two CCs, such as CC1 and CC2, in which case the GB of CC1 and CC2 is configured to 0. That is, the right GB size of CC1 and the left GB size of CC2 are both 0. Optionally, the left GB size of CC1 and the right GB size of CC2 can both be 0, or neither can be 0, and they can be equal or unequal. This application does not limit this.

[0287] Optionally, for CC1 and CC2 in the VCC shown in Figure 7 above, if the second device configures the GB of CC1 and / or CC2 to be 0, it means that the first device and the second device can exchange information on the GB; if the second device configures the GB of CC1 and CC2 to be non-0, it means that the GB is an unavailable resource, that is, the first device and the second device cannot exchange information on the GB.

[0288] In summary, for the VCC obtained by aggregating multiple CCs, the frequency domain resources (e.g., BWPs) within the VCC can be uniformly indexed, and / or, the first BWP within the VCC supports spanning K consecutive CCs, and / or, the GBs of multiple CCs within the VCC can be flexibly configured.

[0289] S420, the first device sends a first signal to the second device.

[0290] Accordingly, the second device receives the first signal from the first device.

[0291] It should be understood that this application does not limit the specific implementation of the first device sending the first signal to the second device, and reference can be made to the description of information transmission between existing or future communication devices.

[0292] For example, the first signal can be carried in a first resource or a first signaling. For instance, if the first device is a terminal device and the second device is a network device, the first resource can be a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), and the first signaling can be UCI signaling, MAC CE signaling, or RRC signaling. As another example, if the first device is a network device and the second device is a terminal device, the first resource can be a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), and the first signaling can be DCI signaling, MAC CE signaling, or RRC signaling.

[0293] S430, the second device analyzes the first signal.

[0294] The following describes the specific implementation of the second device parsing the first signal, in conjunction with the above step S410 and Figures 5 and 6.

[0295] As shown in Figure 5(b), the second device can convert the received time-domain signal (i.e., the first signal) into a frequency-domain signal through a discrete Fourier transform (DFT), and then acquire the Tx signal on the corresponding subcarriers CC1, CC2, and CC3.

[0296] As shown in Figure 6(b), the second device can perform frequency shifting and subtraction operations on the first signal to obtain time domain signal #1 and time domain signal #2. Then, the time domain signal #1 is converted into frequency domain signal #1 through DFT#1. Then, the signals of Tx on CC1 and CC2 are obtained on the corresponding subcarriers. Then, the time domain signal #2 is converted into frequency domain signal #2 through DFT#2. Then, the signals of Tx on CC3 are obtained on the corresponding subcarriers.

[0297] Based on the above scheme, for scenarios where multiple CCs are aggregated to form a VCC, this application manages the VCC as a single CC, including unified indexing and allocation of frequency domain resources (e.g., the first BWP) within the VCC, configuration of the VCC to support a BWP (e.g., the first BWP) spanning K consecutive CCs, and flexible configuration of the GB of multiple CCs within the VCC. This not only improves the utilization rate of frequency domain resources and reduces the power consumption of the device, but also supports flexible sharing of CCs from multiple operators.

[0298] It should be understood that the sequence number of each process does not imply 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.

[0299] It should also be understood that this application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features in relation to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0300] It should also be understood that in some of the above embodiments, the examples are mainly based on devices in existing network architectures (such as the first device or the second device, etc.). It should be understood that the specific form of the device is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, any device that can achieve the same function in the future is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0301] It is understood that, in the above-described method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by the device (such as the first or second device) can also be implemented by components of the device (such as chips or circuits).

[0302] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 1 to 9. The above communication method is mainly described from the perspective of the interaction between the first device and the second device. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the first device and the second device include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function.

[0303] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can 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.

[0304] The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 10 to 13. The description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for content not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, some content will not be repeated.

[0305] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. The module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0306] Figure 10 is an exemplary block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 may include a chip system 1100, a memory 1200, a bus 1300, a power management module 1400, or a transceiver 1500, etc.

[0307] The chip system 1100 can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed through integrated logic circuits in the hardware of the chip system 1100 or through software instructions.

[0308] As an example and not a limitation, the chip system 1100 may include circuitry or chips responsible for signal processing (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core).

[0309] Optionally, the chip system 1100 may also include a memory (such as a cache) for storing instructions and data. In some embodiments, the memory in the chip system 1100 is a cache memory. This memory can store instructions or data that the chip system 1100 has just used or that are used repeatedly. If the chip system 1100 needs to use the instruction or data again, it can directly retrieve it from the memory. This avoids repeated accesses, reduces the waiting time of the chip system 1100, and thus improves the efficiency of the system.

[0310] In some embodiments, the chip system 1100 may include one or more interfaces. Interfaces may include an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface, an inter-integrated circuit sound (I2S) interface, a pulse code modulation (PCM) interface, a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) interface, a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI), a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) interface, a subscriber identity module (SIM) interface, and / or a universal serial bus (USB) interface, etc.

[0311] The memory 1200 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory 1200 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code, including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the various functions described in this application.

[0312] Optionally, the code may include instructions for implementing various aspects of the embodiments of this application, including instructions for supporting the generation or parsing of a first symbol. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other types of memory. In some cases, the code may not be directly executable by the chip system 1100, but may enable a computer (e.g., at compile and execution time) to perform the functions described in this application. In some cases, memory 1200 may in particular contain a basic input / output (I / O) system that controls basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0313] For example, the chip system 1100 executes various functional applications and data processing of the communication device 1000 by running instructions stored in the memory 1200. For instance, when the communication device 1000 transfers files with other devices (e.g., terminal devices, network devices, or core network devices), the chip system 1100 of the communication device 1000 can call the computer-executable program code stored in the memory 1200 to implement the data and / or signaling transmission methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0314] In addition, the memory 1200 can be integrated into the aforementioned chip system 1100, or it can be independent of the chip system 1100.

[0315] Bus 1300 can be USB, used to support communication between various parts of communication device 1000.

[0316] The power management module 1400 is used to receive charging input from the charger. Optionally, the power management module 1400 can also supply power to the communication device 1000 while charging it (e.g., the battery module of the communication device 1000). By way of example and not limitation, the power management module 1400 can also supply power to other devices besides the communication device 1000.

[0317] Transceiver 1500 can communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas, wired links, or wireless links. For example, transceiver 1500 can represent a wireless transceiver and can communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. Transceiver 1500 may also include a modem for modulating packets and providing the modulated packets to the antenna for transmission, and for demodulating packets received from the antenna. Transceiver 1500 may include a receiver and a transmitter, the receiver performing the function of receiving information and the transmitter performing the function of transmitting information.

[0318] In some cases, a wireless device may include a single antenna. However, in other cases, the device may have more than one antenna, such as antenna 1 and antenna 2 shown in FIG. 10, which may be capable of simultaneously transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. Exemplarily, antenna 1 and antenna 2 are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic wave signals. Each antenna in the communication device 1000 can be used to cover one or more communication frequency bands. Different antennas can also be multiplexed to improve antenna utilization. For example, antenna 1 can be multiplexed as a diversity antenna for a wireless local area network. In other embodiments, the antennas can be used in conjunction with a tuning switch. The communication device 1000 can transfer files to other devices via wireless communication functions.

[0319] In one design, the communication device 1000 may correspond to the first device in the above method embodiment.

[0320] The device 1000 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the first device in the above method embodiments, wherein the transceiver 1500 can be used to perform the transmission and reception related operations of the first device in the above method embodiments; and the chip system 1100 can be used to perform the processing related operations of the first device in the above method embodiments.

[0321] In another design, the communication device 1000 may correspond to the second device in the above method embodiment.

[0322] The device 1000 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the second device in the above method embodiments, wherein the transceiver 1500 can be used to perform transmission and reception related operations of the second device in the above method embodiments; and the chip system 1100 can be used to perform processing related operations of the second device in the above method embodiments.

[0323] Under this design, the communication device 1000 may include modules such as the short-range communication module 1640, sensor 1610, display 1620, or camera 1630 as shown in Figure 10.

[0324] The short-range communication module 1640 may include a wireless network (WI-FI, or WIFI), or a module that supports short-range communication such as Bluetooth.

[0325] Sensor 1610 may include pressure sensors, gyroscope sensors, barometric pressure sensors, magnetic sensors, accelerometers, distance sensors, proximity sensors, fingerprint sensors, temperature sensors, touch sensors, ambient light sensors, bone conduction sensors, etc.

[0326] Display 1620 is used to display images, videos, etc. The display includes a display panel. The display panel can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED), a flexible light-emitting diode (FLED), a miniature LED, a microLED, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED), etc. For example, in this embodiment, the display can be used to display the interface required by the communication device 1000. Exemplarily, the communication device 1000 implements display functions through a graphics processing unit (GPU), a display, and an application processor. The GPU is a microprocessor for image processing, connected to the display and the application processor. The GPU performs mathematical and geometric calculations for graphics rendering. The chip system 1100 may include one or more GPUs that execute program instructions to generate or modify display information.

[0327] The camera 1630 is used to acquire images, videos, etc.

[0328] It is understood that the structure shown in Figure 10 does not constitute a specific limitation on the communication device 1000, and the specific structure of the terminal device and / or network device can be referred to Figure 10. In some embodiments, the communication device 1000 may also include more or fewer components than shown in Figure 10, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements, etc. Alternatively, some components shown in Figure 10 may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware, and the terminal device and / or network device may add or reduce components based on the structure given in Figure 10.

[0329] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 2000 may include a baseband unit 2100, which can communicate with external devices via a cellular RF transceiver 2200 (e.g., if the communication device 2000 is a terminal device, the baseband unit 2100 can communicate with network devices via the cellular RF transceiver 2200; or, if the communication device 200 is a network device, the baseband unit 2100 can communicate with terminal devices and / or core network devices via the cellular RF transceiver 2200).

[0330] Baseband unit 2100 may include computer-readable medium / memory. Baseband unit 2100 is responsible for general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer-readable medium / memory. When executed by baseband unit 2100, the software causes baseband unit 2100 to perform the various functions described above. The computer-readable medium / memory may also be used to store data manipulated by baseband unit 2100 during software execution.

[0331] The baseband unit 2100 further includes a receiving unit 2010, a management unit 2020, and a transmitting unit 2030. The management unit 2020 includes one or more sub-units shown in FIG. 11 (e.g., a symbol generation sub-unit and a symbol resolution sub-unit, wherein the symbol generation sub-unit can be used for generating the first symbol in the above method embodiments, and the symbol resolution sub-unit can be used for resolving the first symbol in the above method embodiments). The units within the management unit 2010 can be stored in a computer-readable medium / memory and / or configured as hardware within the baseband unit 2100. The receiving unit 2010 and the transmitting unit 2030 can be referred to as transceiver units.

[0332] When the communication device 2000 is used to implement the function of the first device in the above method embodiments, the receiving unit 2010 is used to execute the receiving step of the first device, the sending unit 2030 is used to execute the sending step of the first device, and the management unit 2020 is used to execute the processing step of the first device.

[0333] For example, when the device 2000 is used to execute the method in FIG4, the receiving unit 2010 can be used to execute the step of receiving information in the method; the management unit 2020 can be used to execute the processing step in the method; and the sending unit 203 can be used to execute the step of sending information in the method.

[0334] When the communication device 2000 is used to implement the function of the second device in the above method embodiments, the receiving unit 2010 is used to execute the receiving step of the second device, the sending unit 2030 is used to execute the sending step of the second device, and the management unit 2020 is used to execute the processing step of the second device.

[0335] For example, when the device 2000 is used to perform the method in FIG4, the receiving unit 2010 can be used to perform the step of receiving information in the method; the management unit 2020 can be used to perform the processing step in the method; and the sending unit 2030 can be used to perform the step of sending information in the method.

[0336] For a more detailed description of the receiving unit 2010, the management unit 2020, and the sending unit 2030, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0337] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system 3000 provided in an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the chip system includes, but is not limited to: a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or a system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core.

[0338] As shown in Figure 12, the chip system (or processing system) includes a processor 3100, a memory 3200, and an input / output interface 3300.

[0339] The processor 3100 can be a processing circuit in the chip system (including at least one processor, such as processor 1 and processor 2 as shown in FIG. 12). The processor 3100 can be coupled to the memory 3200, and call the instructions in the memory 3200, so that the chip system can implement the methods and functions of the various embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 3300 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system, which outputs the information processed by the chip system, or inputs the data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system for processing.

[0340] As one approach, the chip system is used to implement the operations performed by the first or second device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0341] For example, the processor 3100 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments, as described in the foregoing embodiments; the input / output interface 3300 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments, as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0342] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of another chip system 4000 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 13, the chip system (or processing system) includes an input / output interface 4100 and logic circuits 4200. The input / output interface 4100 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system, outputting processed information or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system for processing; specific details can be found in the descriptions of the foregoing embodiments. The logic circuits 4200 are used to execute the aforementioned communication method; specific details can also be found in the descriptions of the foregoing embodiments.

[0343] As one approach, the chip system is used to implement the operations performed by the first or second device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0344] For example, logic circuit 4200 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by the first or second device in the above method embodiments; input / output interface 4100 is used to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first or second device in the above method embodiments.

[0345] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the apparatus in the above-described method embodiments.

[0346] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the methods performed by the first or second device in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0347] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by the first or second device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0348] This application also provides a communication system, including the aforementioned first device or second device.

[0349] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0350] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can 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.

[0351] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be described again here.

[0352] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0353] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. 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 can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0354] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0355] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0356] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: A first signal is generated, wherein the first signal is carried in a virtual carrier unit (VCC), and the VCC is obtained by aggregating multiple CCs. The plurality of CCs includes a first bandwidth portion (BWP), which is determined based on a reference index in the VCC and a first offset value, the first offset value indicating the frequency interval between the reference index and the start index of the first BWP; or... The first BWP is determined based on the index of the CC where the first BWP is located and the physical resource block (PRB) index corresponding to the CC where the first BWP is located. Send the first signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of CCs also includes a second BWP, the reference index of which is the same as the reference index of the first BWP.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Prior to generating the first signal, the method further includes: Receive first information, which is used to indicate that the plurality of CCs support the aggregation.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Prior to generating the first signal, the method further includes: When the plurality of CCs are intra-band CCs or inter-band CCs, it is determined that the plurality of CCs support the aggregation.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The plurality of CCs satisfy one or more of the following: The number of the plurality of CCs is less than or equal to N, where N is an integer; The total bandwidth occupied by the multiple CCs is less than or equal to the bandwidth threshold; Each of the plurality of CCs has the same subcarrier width; The number of resource blocks (RBs) contained in the plurality of CCs is less than or equal to the RB threshold; or, Some or all of the multiple CCs belong to the same operator.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Prior to generating the first signal, the method further includes: Send first capability information, the first capability information indicating candidate CCs that support the aggregation, the candidate CCs including the plurality of CCs that support the aggregation.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first capability includes one or more of the following: The CC supports the aggregation; The CC supports aggregation with one or more CCs at adjacent frequency points; The maximum bandwidth of the VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in the VCC; The plurality of CCs supporting the aggregation belong to the first frequency band; The plurality of CCs supporting the aggregation are M CCs located in the second frequency band and continuously distributed in the frequency domain, where M is an integer; The maximum bandwidth of the VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in the VCC, wherein the entire VCC belongs to the third frequency band; or, The maximum bandwidth of the VCC, or the maximum number of RBs contained in the VCC, wherein a portion of the VCC belongs to the fourth frequency band.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The multiple CCs belong to different operators; and / or, The plurality of CCs belong to the fifth frequency band, and the plurality of CCs are continuously distributed in the frequency domain; and / or, The plurality of CCs belong to the sixth frequency band, and some of the plurality of CCs are discontinuously distributed in the frequency domain; and / or, The multiple CCs belong to multiple frequency bands, and the interval between two adjacent frequency bands in the multiple frequency bands is less than or equal to the bandwidth threshold.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first BWP is located within one of the plurality of CCs; or, The first BWP spans K consecutive CCs among the plurality of CCs, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Prior to generating the first signal, the method further includes: Send or receive a first indication message, the first indication message indicating support for the first BWP across CC.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The K consecutive CCs include a first CC, the first CC further includes a third BWP, and the method further includes: Receive first configuration information, which indicates the activation of the first BWP or the third BWP.

12. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second configuration information, which indicates the activation of K1 BWPs, wherein the K1 BWPs are located within the K consecutive CCs, and K1 is a positive integer less than or equal to K.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, Prior to generating the first signal, the method further includes: Sending or receiving a second indication message, the second indication message indicating one or more of the following: The maximum bandwidth supported by the first BWP is E; The first BWP supports a maximum number of resource blocks (RBs) of size F. The maximum bandwidth supported by the VCC is B; The VCC supports a maximum of C RBs; Where E, F, B and C are all integers greater than 0.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third configuration information, which indicates whether some or all of the plurality of CCs are configured with GB, and the size of the GB.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The GB value of two adjacent CCs that are continuously distributed in the frequency domain is 0; or, The GB size of some or all of the multiple CCs is 0.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, Prior to generating the first signal, the method further includes: Send second capability information, which indicates that some or all of the plurality of CCs support being configured with GB, and the size of the GB.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The second capability includes one or more of the following: Some or all of the multiple CCs can be configured with a GB size of 0; and / or, Each of the multiple CCs has an independent GB.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, The first BWP spans K consecutive CCs among the plurality of CCs, where there is no GP between any two adjacent CCs in the K consecutive CCs, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules or units for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor coupled to a memory for storing computer programs or instructions, and the at least one processor is configured to execute the computer program and instructions in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

21. The communication device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The communication device further includes the memory; and / or, The communication device further includes a communication interface coupled to the at least one processor, the communication interface being used for inputting and / or outputting information.

22. A chip system, characterized in that, include: At least one processor is configured to retrieve and run a computer program from memory, causing a communication device equipped with the chip system to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 18.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 18 to be performed.

24. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a computer, the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 18 is performed.

Images