Cell access method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of communications. Disclosed are a cell access method and a communication apparatus, capable of improving the random access efficiency of a UE. The method comprises: searching for a first synchronization signal block, wherein a time domain resource of the first synchronization signal block is determined on the basis of a first synchronization signal block pattern, the first synchronization signal block pattern is determined on the basis of first information of a terminal device, and the first information comprises at least one of the following information: the type of the terminal device being an access terminal type, the type of the cell accessed by the terminal device being an access cell, and transmission power information or antenna gain information of the terminal device; or, the first information comprises at least one of the following information: the type of the terminal device being a feeder terminal type, the type of the cell accessed by the terminal device being a feeder cell, and transmission power information or antenna gain information of the terminal device; and receiving a first system message, wherein the message is received on the basis of a time-frequency resource position determined by the first synchronization signal block. The embodiments of the present application are applied to a random access procedure.

Description

A method and communication device for accessing a cell

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410497604.5, filed on April 23, 2024, entitled "A Method and Communication Apparatus for Accessing a Cell", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and communication device for accessing a cell. Background Technology

[0003] In non-terrestrial networks (NTN) systems, satellite communication requires a large number of scanning beams due to its wide coverage area. During the initial access phase for user equipment (UE), the satellite, acting as a network device, needs to scan all beams sequentially to configure random access resources for the UE.

[0004] For the UE side, during the synchronization signal block (SSB) search after power-on, the SSB pattern to be used, as well as the range and spacing of the global synchronization channel number (GSCN) for candidate synchronization raster, can be determined based on the operating frequency band and sub-carrier spacing (SCS). The maximum number of candidate SSBs is also determined. Then, based on the SSB pattern and the GSCN range and spacing of the candidate synchronization raster, a frequency sweep is performed on the corresponding band to search for the SSB. However, different cell types can exist within the same spectrum. For example, in the Ka band, there are Ka access cells and Ka feeder cells. Ka access cells are for Ka access terminals. Ka feeder cells are for gateway station users. In this way, when the Ka-feed cell and the Ka access cell use the same operating frequency band and subcarrier spacing, the UE may determine that there are at least two possible SSB patterns applicable to the operating frequency band and subcarrier spacing. The UE of the Ka-feed cell and the Ka access cell will not be able to distinguish the SSB pattern to be used and the maximum number of candidate SSBs for access, which will affect the random access efficiency of the UE. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method and communication device for accessing a cell, which can improve the random access efficiency of a UE.

[0006] Firstly, a method for accessing a cell is provided. Optionally, the executing entity of this method may be a terminal device, a component or device applied to the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. The method includes: searching for a first synchronization signal block, the time-domain resources of which are determined based on a first synchronization signal block pattern. The first synchronization signal block pattern is determined based on first information of the terminal device, the first information including at least one of the following: the terminal device type is an access terminal type, the cell type accessed by the terminal device is an access cell, the terminal device's transmit power information, or the terminal device's antenna gain information; or, the first information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device type is a feeder terminal type, the cell type accessed by the terminal device is a feeder cell, the terminal device's transmit power information, or the terminal device's antenna gain information; and receiving a first system message, the first system message being received based on the time-frequency resource location determined according to the searched first synchronization signal block.

[0007] This application can be applied to NTN systems. When the terminal equipment type is an access terminal, the access terminal can be, for example, a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) or a phased array terminal. When the terminal equipment type is a feeder terminal, the feeder terminal can be, for example, a gateway terminal. In the case where one cell type serves one terminal type, an access cell can be understood as the cell serving terminal equipment of the access terminal type, and a feeder cell can be understood as the cell serving terminal equipment of the feeder terminal type. One cell type only serves one type of terminal equipment and does not serve two types of terminal equipment.

[0008] In this application, where the transmit power information or antenna gain information of the terminal device is interpreted as the terminal device's capability, a binding relationship can be established between the terminal device's capability and the SSB pattern, or a binding relationship can be established between the terminal device type or cell type and the SSB pattern. Therefore, the terminal device can determine the first SSB pattern used by the first SSB to be searched based on at least one of its capabilities, type, or cell type. Based on this first SSB pattern, it can determine parameters such as the candidate location, maximum number of candidates, and SSB scan period of the first SSB to be searched, enabling the terminal device to receive the first SSB and the first system message according to these parameters, and complete the subsequent random access procedure. Thus, while ensuring the terminal device's access performance, even if the terminal device has multiple selectable SSB patterns determined based on the operating frequency band and / or subcarrier spacing, it can still determine the SSB pattern used for SSB search based on at least one of its capabilities, type, or cell type. This avoids the problem of low random access efficiency caused by attempting to search for SSBs based on multiple SSB patterns, thereby improving the random access efficiency of the terminal device.

[0009] In one possible design, the first synchronization signal block pattern is determined based on at least one of the terminal device's first operating frequency band and first subcarrier spacing, along with first information. Thus, when the terminal device has multiple selectable SSB patterns determined based on the first operating frequency band and / or the first subcarrier spacing, the terminal device can further determine a first SSB pattern related to the first information, and perform an SSB search based on the first SSB pattern to complete the subsequent random access procedure and ensure access performance.

[0010] In one possible design, the method further includes: searching for a second synchronization signal block, the time-domain resources of which are determined based on a second synchronization signal block pattern, the second synchronization signal block pattern being determined based on at least one of a second operating frequency band of the terminal device and a second subcarrier spacing of the terminal device, and second information; the second information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type access terminal, the cell type accessed by the terminal device is access cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; or, the second information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type feeder terminal, the cell type accessed by the terminal device is feeder cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; and receiving a second system message, the second system message being received based on the time-frequency resource location determined according to the searched second synchronization signal block.

[0011] In this design, the terminal device can support dual SIM dual standby. When the terminal device operates on different operating frequency bands or different subcarrier intervals, it can be understood that the terminal device uses different user numbers or different operators. Alternatively, it can also be a terminal device operating on different frequency bands or different subcarrier intervals under the same operator. When the terminal device switches to the second operating frequency band or uses the second subcarrier interval, the terminal device can determine the second SSB pattern to search for based on the second information. This avoids the problem of low random access efficiency caused by trying to search for an SSB based on multiple SSB patterns when multiple SSB patterns are determined based on at least one of the second operating frequency band or the second subcarrier interval. This improves the random access efficiency of the terminal device.

[0012] In one possible design, the first operating frequency band is different from the second operating frequency band, the first information is the same as the second information, and the first synchronization signal block pattern is different from the second synchronization signal block pattern. In this way, the terminal device can determine the SSB pattern to use based on at least one of the terminal device capabilities, terminal device type, or cell type, as well as the operating frequency band. Under different operating frequency bands, if the terminal device capabilities, terminal device type, or cell type are the same, the SSB pattern determined by the terminal device is related to the operating frequency band to ensure the access performance of the terminal device.

[0013] In one possible design, the first subcarrier spacing differs from the second subcarrier spacing, the first information is the same as the second information, and the first synchronization signal block pattern differs from the second synchronization signal block pattern. In this way, the terminal device can determine the SSB pattern to use based on at least one of the terminal device capabilities, terminal device type, or cell type, as well as the subcarrier spacing. Under different subcarrier spacings, if the terminal device capabilities, terminal device type, or cell type are the same, the SSB pattern determined by the terminal device is related to the subcarrier spacing to ensure the access performance of the terminal device.

[0014] In one possible design, the first operating frequency band differs from the second operating frequency band, the first information differs from the second information, and the first synchronization signal block pattern differs from the second synchronization signal block pattern. In this way, the terminal device can determine the SSB pattern to use based on at least one of the terminal device capabilities, terminal device type, or cell type, as well as the operating frequency band. Under different operating frequency bands, if the terminal device capabilities, terminal device type, or cell type differs, the SSB pattern determined by the terminal device is related to the operating frequency band, as well as the terminal device capabilities, terminal device type, or cell type, to ensure the access performance of the terminal device.

[0015] In one possible design, the first subcarrier spacing differs from the second subcarrier spacing, the first information differs from the second information, and the first synchronization signal block pattern differs from the second synchronization signal block pattern. In this way, the terminal device can determine the SSB pattern to use based on at least one of the terminal device capabilities, terminal device type, or cell type, as well as the subcarrier spacing. Under different subcarrier spacings, if the terminal device capabilities, terminal device type, or cell type differ, the SSB pattern determined by the terminal device is related to the subcarrier spacing, as well as the terminal device capabilities, terminal device type, or cell type, to ensure the access performance of the terminal device.

[0016] In one possible design, the first information and the second information are different, the first synchronization signal block pattern and the second synchronization signal block pattern are different, and the first global synchronization channel number range corresponding to the first synchronization signal block pattern is different from the second global synchronization channel number range corresponding to the second synchronization signal block pattern. That is, when the terminal device capabilities, terminal device types, or cell types are different, if the determined SSB pattern is different, the global synchronization channel number range corresponding to the SSB pattern will also be different. This allows SSB searches to be performed on frequency points within different global synchronization channel number ranges. If the first and second information are from a dual-SIM dual-standby terminal device, or the first and second information are from different terminal devices, it allows the same terminal device or different terminal devices to use different global synchronization channel number ranges for SSB searches without interference.

[0017] Secondly, a method for accessing a cell is provided. Optionally, the execution entity of this method can be a network device, a component or device applied to the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. The method includes: sending a first synchronization signal block, the time-domain resources of which are determined according to a first synchronization signal block pattern, the first synchronization signal block pattern being determined according to first information of a terminal device, the first information including at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type access terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is an access cell, the terminal device's transmit power information, or the terminal device's antenna gain information; or, the first information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type feeder terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is a feeder cell, the terminal device's transmit power information, or the terminal device's antenna gain information; sending a first system message, the first system message being sent at the time-frequency resource location indicated by the information carried in the first synchronization signal block.

[0018] The network device can be a base station or an NTN gateway. The method by which the network device in the second aspect determines the first SSB pattern is similar to that in the first aspect, and the beneficial effects can be found in the description of the first aspect.

[0019] In one possible design, the first synchronization signal block pattern is determined based on at least one of the first operating frequency band of the terminal device and the first subcarrier spacing of the terminal device, as well as the first information.

[0020] In one possible design, the method further includes: transmitting a second synchronization signal block, the time-domain resources of which are determined according to a second synchronization signal block pattern, the second synchronization signal block pattern being determined according to at least one of a second operating frequency band of the terminal device and a second subcarrier spacing of the terminal device, and second information; the second information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type access terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is an access cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; or, the second information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type feeder terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is a feeder cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; transmitting a second system message, the second system message being transmitted at the time-frequency resource location of the second system message indicated by the information carried in the second synchronization signal block.

[0021] In one possible design, the first operating frequency band is different from the second operating frequency band, the first information is the same as the second information, and the first synchronization signal block pattern is different from the second synchronization signal block pattern.

[0022] In one possible design, the first subcarrier spacing is different from the second subcarrier spacing, the first information is the same as the second information, and the first synchronization signal block pattern is different from the second synchronization signal block pattern.

[0023] In one possible design, the first operating frequency band is different from the second operating frequency band, the first information is different from the second information, and the first synchronization signal block pattern is different from the second synchronization signal block pattern.

[0024] In one possible design, the first subcarrier spacing is different from the second subcarrier spacing, the first information is different from the second information, and the first synchronization signal block pattern is different from the second synchronization signal block pattern.

[0025] In one possible design, the first information is different from the second information, the first global synchronization channel number range of the first synchronization signal block is different from the second global synchronization channel number range of the second synchronization signal block, and the pattern of the first synchronization signal block is different from the pattern of the second synchronization signal block.

[0026] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a receiving unit configured to search for a first synchronization signal block, wherein the time-domain resources of the first synchronization signal block are determined based on a first synchronization signal block pattern, the first synchronization signal block pattern being determined based on first information of a terminal device, the first information including at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type access terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is an access cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; or, the first information including at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type feeder terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is a feeder cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; and a receiving unit further configured to receive a first system message, the first system message being received based on the time-frequency resource location determined according to the searched first synchronization signal block.

[0027] In one possible design, the system further includes: a receiving unit for searching for a second synchronization signal block, the time-domain resources of which are determined based on a second synchronization signal block pattern, the second synchronization signal block pattern being determined based on at least one of a second operating frequency band of the terminal device and a second subcarrier spacing of the terminal device, and second information; the second information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type access terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is an access cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; or, the second information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type feeder terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is a feeder cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; the receiving unit is also configured to receive a second system message, the second system message being received based on the time-frequency resource location determined according to the searched second synchronization signal block.

[0028] Fourthly, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a transmitting unit configured to transmit a first synchronization signal block, wherein the time-domain resources of the first synchronization signal block are determined according to a first synchronization signal block pattern, the first synchronization signal block pattern being determined according to first information of a terminal device, the first information including at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type access terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is an access cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; or, the first information including at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type feeder terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is a feeder cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a first system message, the first system message being transmitted at a time-frequency resource location of the first system message indicated by information carried in the first synchronization signal block.

[0029] In one possible design, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a second synchronization signal block, the time-domain resources of which are determined according to a second synchronization signal block pattern. This second synchronization signal block pattern is determined based on at least one of a second operating frequency band of the terminal device and a second subcarrier spacing of the terminal device, as well as second information. The second information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type access terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is an access cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; or, the second information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type feeder terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is a feeder cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device. The transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a second system message, which is transmitted at the time-frequency resource location of the second system message indicated by the information carried in the second synchronization signal block.

[0030] In the third and fourth aspects: the method for determining the pattern of the first synchronization signal block can be referred to the descriptions in the first and second aspects. The relationship between the pattern of the first synchronization signal block and the pattern of the second synchronization signal block can also be referred to the descriptions in the first and second aspects.

[0031] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor connected to a memory, the at least one processor being configured to read and execute a program stored in the memory, such that the communication device performs a method as described in the first aspect and any possible design of the first aspect.

[0032] A sixth aspect provides a communication device including at least one processor connected to a memory, the at least one processor being configured to read and execute a program stored in the memory such that the communication device performs the method as described in the second aspect and any possible design of the second aspect.

[0033] A seventh aspect provides a communication system including a first communication device and a second communication device, the first communication device being configured to perform the method as described in the first aspect and any possible design of the first aspect, and the second communication device being configured to perform the method as described in the second aspect and any possible design of the second aspect.

[0034] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein computer instructions are stored therein, which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in the first aspect and any possible design of the first aspect, and / or, the method as described in the second aspect and any possible design of the second aspect.

[0035] In a ninth aspect, a chip is provided that stores computer-executable instructions, wherein when the computer-executable instructions are executed, the methods described in the first aspect and any possible design of the first aspect, and / or the methods described in the second aspect and any possible design of the second aspect, are executed. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of multiple network architectures of NTN provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a synchronization grid and a channel grid provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for accessing a cell according to an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of a method for accessing a cell provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the candidate SSB positions of a Case C SSB pattern in a single time slot when SCS = 30kHz, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a cell access method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a random access procedure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0045] For ease of understanding, examples are provided to illustrate some concepts related to the embodiments of this application, as shown below.

[0046] Operating frequency bands: Protocols can divide different frequency ranges into different operating frequency bands, each corresponding to different radio frequency (RF) performance requirements. Within each operating frequency band, different subcarrier spacings, duplex modes, and application scenarios are also defined. Examples of duplex modes include Time Division Duplexing (TDD) and Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD).

[0047] Table 1 shows an example of new radio (NR) operating bands in FR1, and Table 2 shows an example of NR operating bands in FR2.

[0048] Table 1

[0049] Table 2

[0050] Taking satellites in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) as an example, the protocol also defines that NTN satellites are designed to operate on different frequency bands. Table 3 shows the NTN satellite bands in FR1.

[0051] Table 3

[0052] As shown in Table 3, the operating frequency bands for the NTN satellite in FR1 are n255 and n256. The uplink operating frequency range for n255 band is 1980MHz-2020MHz, and the downlink operating frequency range is 2170MHz-2200MHz. The uplink operating frequency range for n256 band is 1626.5MHz-1660.5MHz, and the downlink operating frequency range is 1525MHz-1559MHz. The operating mode used on the NTN satellite's operating frequency bands is FDD mode.

[0053] This application can be applied to non-terrestrial networks (NTN) scenarios.

[0054] NTN refers to a network that provides communication services using radio frequency resources on platforms such as satellite platforms, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms, or high altitude platform stations (HAPS). Satellite platforms include low Earth orbit (LEO), middle Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO). Compared to terrestrial cellular networks (such as 5G NR), NTN networks offer wider coverage, higher path loss, greater latency, faster speeds, and lower costs.

[0055] Figure 1 illustrates various network architectures of NTN. Referring to Figure 1, the NTN network architecture may include user equipment, a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN), and a core network. The NTN network architecture may include transparent forwarding mode and regenerative mode. Network equipment may include satellites, gateway stations, and access network equipment.

[0056] Transparent forwarding can also be called bentpipe forwarding. The satellite only acts as a frequency converter, essentially functioning as an analog radio frequency repeater. Therefore, the satellite replicates the NR-Uu radio interface signal from the feeder link (the link between the NTN gateway and the satellite) to the serving link (the link between the satellite and the access terminal / user equipment), and vice versa. The satellite radio interface on the feeder link transmits the NR-Uu interface signal; that is, the satellite does not terminate the NR-Uu interface signal but replicates it. The NTN gateway supports all necessary functions for forwarding the NR-Uu interface signal. Different transmission satellites can connect to the same terrestrial access network equipment.

[0057] Figure 1(a) shows a schematic diagram of a network architecture 10 for a transparent forwarding scenario in satellite communication. Network architecture 10 may include a gateway station 101 (as user equipment), NG-RAN, a core network 105, and a data network 106. NG-RAN includes a satellite 102, an NTN gateway 103 (gateway station), and a base station 104 (e.g., gNB). The gateway station 101 and satellite 102 can communicate via non-3GPP radio protocols. Satellite 102 and NTN gateway 103 can also communicate via non-3GPP radio protocols. The access network 104 and core network 105 can communicate via an NG interface (e.g., N2 / N3). The core network 105 and data network 106 can communicate via an N6 interface.

[0058] Figure 1(b) shows a schematic diagram of a network architecture 20 for a transparent forwarding scenario in satellite communication. Network architecture 20 may include terminal equipment 201, NG-RAN, core network 105, and data network 106. NG-RAN includes satellite 202, NTN gateway 203 (gateway station), and base station 204 (e.g., gNB). Terminal equipment 201 and satellite 202 can communicate via the NR radio protocol; satellite 202 and NTN gateway 203 can communicate via the NR radio protocol; access network 204 and core network 105 can communicate via the NG interface (e.g., N2 / N3); and core network 105 and data network 106 can communicate via the N6 interface.

[0059] Regeneration mode refers to a satellite containing all or part of the functionality of a next-generation node B (gNB) or distributed unit (DU). In this architecture, when the satellite acts as a base station, it can regenerate signals received from the ground. Specifically, NR-Uu radio interface signals are transmitted on the service link between the terminal equipment and the satellite, and satellite radio interface signals are transmitted on the feeder link between the NTN gateway and the satellite. The send routing information (SRI) interface is a transmission link between the NTN gateway and the satellite. NG interface signals are transmitted to the NTN gateway via the SRI interface, and then forwarded by the NTN gateway to the core network equipment on the ground.

[0060] Figure 1(c) shows a schematic diagram of a network architecture 30 for a satellite communication regeneration scenario. Network architecture 30 may include terminal equipment 301, NG-RAN, core network 305, and data network 106. NG-RAN includes satellite 302, NTN gateway 303 (gateway station), and base station 304 (e.g., gNB). Terminal equipment 301 and satellite 302 can communicate via the NR radio protocol; satellite 302 and NTN gateway 303 can communicate via the F1 interface; access network 204 and core network 105 can communicate via the NG interface (e.g., N2 / N3); and core network 105 and data network 106 can communicate via the N6 interface.

[0061] In this application, the network equipment can be any type of device with wireless transceiver capabilities in an NTN. Network equipment includes, but is not limited to: evolved Node Bs (NodeBs, eNBs, or e-NodeBs) in Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems mounted on satellites; base stations (gNodeBs or gNBs) or transmission receiving points (TRPs) in NR systems; base stations in subsequent 3GPP evolutions; access nodes, wireless relay nodes, and wireless backhaul nodes in WiFi systems. Satellite base stations can be: macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small cells, or relay stations. Network equipment can also be balloon stations, drone stations, etc. Multiple base stations can support networks using the same technology mentioned above, or they can support networks using different technologies mentioned above. A base station can contain one or more co-located or non-co-located TRPs. The following explanation uses a satellite base station as an example. Multiple network equipment can be base stations of the same type or different types. Base stations can communicate with terminal devices, or they can communicate with terminal devices through relay stations. Terminal devices can communicate with multiple base stations using different technologies. For example, a terminal device can communicate with a base station that supports LTE networks, or with a base station that supports 5G networks, and can also support dual connections with both LTE and 5G base stations.

[0062] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be nodes from the aforementioned NG-RAN. RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control planes (CPs), CU-user planes (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately 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).

[0063] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and 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 may also be called O-CU (open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU.

[0064] User equipment (UAE) is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities that can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as on ships); and it can be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, etc.). Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, vehicle-mounted terminal devices, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, wearable terminal devices, etc. The embodiments in this application do not limit the application scenarios. A terminal may also be referred to as terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), access terminal equipment, vehicle-mounted terminal, industrial control terminal, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal equipment, mobile device, UE terminal equipment, terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, UE agent, or UE device, etc. A terminal can be fixed or mobile.

[0065] In this application, the user equipment can be an access terminal or a power supply terminal. The access terminal is, for example, a terminal device, which can be applied to the scenarios shown in Figure 1(b) and (c), and the power supply terminal is, for example, a gateway station, which can be applied to the scenario shown in Figure 1(a).

[0066] Typically, conventional communication systems rely on several broadcast beams in different directions to send synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) to users for terminal synchronization during the initial access phase. Compared to terrestrial networks, NTN systems offer wider coverage, greater transmission loss, and faster mobility, which are significant characteristics. Unlike terrestrial systems where a maximum of 8 SSBs (FR1) or 64 SSBs (FR2) are sufficient to cover the service area of ​​a single base station, NTN systems may require hundreds or even thousands of broadcast beams. Due to the large coverage area of ​​satellite communication, a large number of scanning beams are required. The number of beams may be 64, 128, 256, 512, etc.

[0067] During the initial access phase, the satellite, acting as a network device, needs to sequentially scan all beams and configure random access resources for the terminal devices. For the terminal side, after power-on, an SSB search is performed, requiring a scan of the candidate synchronization raster on the corresponding band. Based on the band and sub-carrier spacing (SCS), the candidate synchronization raster and the SSB pattern used can be determined. The SSB pattern defines different maximum candidate SSB numbers and the symbol positions occupied by SSBs represented by different SSB indices. Different maximum candidate SSB numbers correspond to different SSB scan periods, resulting in different access delays.

[0068] This application is not limited to satellite scenarios; satellite is just one of the application scenarios. It can be applied in the future evolution of 6G when it is necessary to consider multiple SSB numbers and / or the coexistence of multiple SSB patterns.

[0069] To facilitate understanding of this application, the synchronization grid and channel raster are first introduced here. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a synchronization grid and channel raster. The channel raster can be used to place data, reference signals (RS), control channels, etc. Since the cell bandwidth in NR is very wide, blindly detecting SSBs according to the channel raster would result in slow terminal access speed. To enable the terminal to search for cells more quickly (detect SS / PBCH), NR specifies the center frequency and spacing of SSBs, called the synchronization grid: 1200 kHz, 1.44 MHz, and 17.28 MHz, respectively. The terminal scans frequencies according to the synchronization grid. The SSB reference frequency (SSREF) represents the center frequency of the SSB, and the global synchronization channel number (GSCN) is the number of the corresponding center frequency. SSBs are placed according to the synchronization grid, with one GSCN frequency point number corresponding to one synchronization grid. Meanwhile, the protocol specifies the subcarrier spacing and SSB pattern of the corresponding SSBs under different frequency bands, as well as the GSCN range and spacing of the synchronization grid, and defines different channel bandwidths and synchronization grids in different operating frequency bands.

[0070] Thus, during the initial access process, the terminal first performs cell synchronization by searching for SSBs. When searching for an SSB, the terminal first determines the SSB pattern case and the GSCN frequency point range and spacing of the candidate synchronization grids based on the operating frequency band and SCS. For example, the definition of synchronization grids for different frequency bands of FR1 in protocol TS 38.101 is shown in Table 4.

[0071] Table 4

[0072] Here, step size represents the GSCN interval / distance between available GSCN entries (GSCN frequency points).

[0073] The definition of the synchronization grid for different operating frequency bands of FR2 according to the protocol TS 38.101-2 is shown in Table 5 below.

[0074] Table 5

[0075] For the Ka band, there are different cell types, meaning different cell types use the same spectrum. For example, the Ka band has Ka access cells and Ka feeder cells. Ka access cells are cells for Ka access terminals. Ka feeder cells are cells for feeder terminals. A feeder terminal is, for example, a gateway station.

[0076] Currently, Ka-feed cells and Ka-access cells operate in the same frequency band. Optionally, Ka-feed cells can use the Case D SSB pattern, with a default SSB period of 20ms and a maximum of 64 candidate SSBs. Ka-access cells can use an alternative SSB pattern, such as the Case K SSB pattern, with a default SSB period of 640ms and a maximum of 256 candidate SSBs. However, when the operating frequency band and SCS of Ka-feed and Ka-access cells are the same, terminal devices in these cells cannot distinguish between Case D and Case K. That is, the terminal device will determine whether there are two possible SSB patterns, Case D and Case K, based on the operating frequency band and SCS. The terminal device cannot determine the specific SSB pattern to use. If a terminal device determines that there are two possible SSB patterns, Case D and Case K, based on the operating frequency band and SCS, it may first randomly select one of the Case's SSB patterns to search for an SSB. However, the first selected Case may not be applicable to the terminal device, and the terminal device cannot find an SSB based on the SSB pattern. The terminal device then has to select the other Case's SSB pattern to find an SSB. In this way, the random access efficiency of the terminal device is low.

[0077] For example, if a terminal device in a Ka access cell determines that there are two possible SSB patterns, Case D and Case K, based on the operating frequency band and SCS, it may first select the Case D SSB pattern to search for an SSB, but if no SSB is found, it may then continue to select the Case K SSB pattern to search for an SSB. As a result, the random access efficiency of the terminal device in the Ka access cell is relatively low.

[0078] Based on the above network architecture, the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0079] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for accessing a cell provided in this application. The method includes the following steps.

[0080] 301. The terminal device searches for a first synchronization signal block. The time domain resources of the first synchronization signal block are determined based on the pattern of the first synchronization signal block. The pattern of the first synchronization signal block is determined based on the first information of the terminal device. The first information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type access terminal, the cell type accessed by the terminal device is access cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; or, the first information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type feeder terminal, the cell type accessed by the terminal device is feeder cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device or the antenna gain information of the terminal device.

[0081] The term "access terminal type" can be understood as the terminal equipment within a cell covered by network devices in the access network. For example, network devices include base stations or transceiver points in NR (Network Radio Network), excluding NTN gateways. A base station can be, for example, a gNB (Gateway Network Node), or an NTN gateway, or a gNB+NTN gateway. When the base station is an NTN gateway, it can have all the functions of a base station; for example, an NTN gateway in regeneration mode. When the base station is a gNB+NTN gateway, it can have all or some of the functions of a base station; for example, an NTN gateway in transparent forwarding mode. Terminal equipment can be, for example, various fixed or mobile wireless terminals.

[0082] The cell accessed by the access terminal type can be understood as the access cell. In NTN, the access cell is, for example, a cell covered by the NTN gateway in regeneration mode, or a cell covered by the NTN gateway in transparent forwarding mode, and the terminal type in the cell covered by the NTN gateway is the access terminal type. For example, the terminal device of the access terminal type is a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) or a phased array terminal, etc.

[0083] The power supply terminal type can be understood as a terminal device that can access the cell covered by the NTN gateway. The NTN gateway is a satellite, and the terminal device that accesses the NTN gateway can be a gateway station or a ground station, etc.

[0084] A cell accessed by a feeder terminal type can be understood as a feeder cell. In NTN, a feeder cell is a cell covered by the NTN gateway / satellite, and the terminal type in the cell covered by the NTN gateway / satellite is a feeder terminal type.

[0085] In some embodiments, a cell type in this application serves only one type of terminal device, or in other words, two types of terminal devices do not exist simultaneously in the cell coverage area of ​​a cell type.

[0086] For example, the terminal type for accessing the cell service is the access terminal type, and the terminal type for power supply cell service is the power supply terminal type.

[0087] In this application, the type of terminal equipment can be either an access terminal or a power supply terminal.

[0088] In some embodiments, the transmit power information of the terminal device includes the maximum transmit power of the terminal device. For example, the maximum transmit power refers to the maximum output power of any transmission bandwidth within the NR carrier channel bandwidth.

[0089] In some embodiments, the antenna gain information of the terminal device includes the antenna gain of the terminal device.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first synchronization signal block pattern is determined based on at least one of the terminal device's first operating frequency band and the terminal device's first subcarrier spacing, as well as first information. Thus, compared to the prior art where there are multiple selectable SSB patterns corresponding to different cell types or different terminal types, and the terminal device cannot distinguish a suitable SSB pattern, in this application, the SSB pattern selection can be related not only to at least one of the terminal device's operating frequency band and subcarrier spacing, but also to the terminal device's first information. Therefore, when multiple SSB patterns are determined based on at least one of the terminal device's operating frequency band and subcarrier spacing, a suitable SSB pattern can be further determined based on the terminal device's first information. Alternatively, a suitable SSB pattern can be further determined based on at least one of the terminal device's terminal type, access cell type, transmit power information, or antenna gain.

[0091] 302. The terminal device receives a first system message, which is received based on the time-frequency resource location determined according to the first synchronization signal block found.

[0092] In some embodiments, the first system information is a system information block (SIB) 1, which may carry cell-level system messages, including common configuration information of the cell, random access channel occasion (RO) resource information used in the random access procedure, etc.

[0093] When the terminal device determines the first SSB pattern based on the first information, it can perform an SSB search based on the maximum number of candidate SSBs in the first SSB pattern, the default scan period, and the symbol positions occupied by SSBs represented by different SSB indices. When the terminal device finds the first SSB, it can parse the first SSB to obtain the SSB index. The SSB index is used to indicate the time-frequency resource location of SIB1 received by the terminal device. When the terminal device receives SIB1 based on its time-frequency resource location, it performs subsequent random access procedures based on SIB1 to access the cell.

[0094] In this way, in this application, the terminal device's SSB pattern selection can be related not only to at least one of the terminal device's operating frequency band and subcarrier spacing, but also to the terminal device's first information. This allows terminal devices with the same operating frequency band / subcarrier spacing to distinguish the SSB pattern to be used based on their own first information. This enables the terminal device to determine parameters such as the candidate positions of searchable SSBs, the maximum number of candidate SSBs, and the default SSB scanning period based on the SSB pattern. The terminal device can then receive SSBs based on these parameters to receive system messages and complete the subsequent random access process, ensuring access performance. Compared to existing methods where the terminal device determines multiple SSB patterns based on at least one of the operating frequency band and subcarrier spacing, requiring random attempts to select an SSB pattern for SSB search, if the initially selected SSB pattern fails to find an SSB, it will try again, resulting in lower efficiency in SSB search and a lower overall efficiency in the random access process. The method of determining the SSB pattern to be used based on at least one of the operating frequency band of the terminal device and the subcarrier spacing, as well as the first information, in this application allows the terminal device to further determine the SSB pattern that matches the first information, thereby improving the efficiency of the terminal device in searching for SSBs and thus improving the efficiency of the entire random access process of the terminal device.

[0095] Based on the access cell method flow shown in Figure 3, in addition to determining the SSB pattern according to information such as the terminal device's operating frequency band, subcarrier spacing, and GSCN range, this embodiment of the application can further distinguish suitable SSB patterns for the terminal device based on the capabilities of the terminal device or the capabilities of the cell. The capabilities of the terminal device may, for example, be related to the terminal device's transmit power and / or antenna gain.

[0096] Figure 4 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for accessing a cell provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes the following steps.

[0097] 401. The network device determines the first SSB pattern based on the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0098] In some embodiments, the network device may determine the first SSB pattern used by the current cell based on the first operating frequency band, the first subcarrier spacing, and the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0099] The implementation of determining the first SSB pattern on the network device side is similar to that in step 403, where the terminal device determines the pattern. For details, please refer to the description in step 403.

[0100] In this context, network equipment can be base stations or satellites. A base station is understood as a non-on-board base station, while a satellite can possess all or some of the functions of a base station. For example, base stations and satellites can determine the capabilities of terminal devices within a cell based on historical data of the terminal devices accessing the cell. This can be implemented when a cell with a specific capability serves a terminal device with a specific capability; that is, when a terminal device has high capability, the cell serving it is considered a high-capacity cell, and when a terminal device has low capability, the cell serving it is considered a low-capacity cell. Historical data can include the location information of the terminal devices. Network equipment can determine whether the current cell is a high-capacity or low-capacity cell, or in other words, whether the terminal device is a high-capacity or low-capacity terminal device, based on the terminal device's location information. For instance, when a terminal device is a gateway station, since the gateway station's location is known in advance by the network side, when the gateway station wants to access a cell, the network equipment can determine that the current terminal device is a gateway station and a high-capacity terminal device based on the gateway station's location.

[0101] 402. The network device sends the first SSB to the terminal device.

[0102] For example, a network device may transmit a first SSB according to a first SSB pattern. The first SSB may include at least one of a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), or a physical broadcast channel (PBCH).

[0103] 403. The terminal device searches for the first SSB. The time domain resources of the first SSB are determined according to the first SSB pattern. The first SSB pattern is determined according to the first information of the terminal device. The first information includes at least one of the following: the transmit power information of the terminal device or the antenna gain information of the terminal device.

[0104] In some embodiments, the capabilities of a terminal device can be distinguished based on the transmit power information of the terminal device.

[0105] In some embodiments, when the transmit power value represented by the transmit power information of the terminal device is greater than or equal to a power threshold, the terminal device determines itself to be a high-capability terminal device. When the transmit power value represented by the transmit power information of the terminal device is less than the power threshold, the terminal device determines itself to be a low-capability terminal device.

[0106] The transmit power information and power threshold can be predefined in the terminal device via a protocol or pre-configured locally.

[0107] For example, the transmit power information indicates the maximum output power of the terminal device. Assuming a power threshold of 25dBm, when the terminal device's maximum output power is 30dBm, the terminal device is considered a high-capability terminal device; when the terminal device's maximum output power is 23dBm, the terminal device is considered a low-capability terminal device. In this way, when determining the first SSB pattern, the terminal device can determine a first SSB pattern that matches its own maximum output power.

[0108] For example, taking the terminal device as a UE, the first SSB pattern is determined based on at least one of the UE's first operating frequency band, the UE's first subcarrier spacing, and the UE's first GSC range, as well as the first information. If the first information includes the UE's transmit power information, the following configuration information (Table 6) can be configured on the UE's protocol. This configuration information is used by the UE to determine the first SSB pattern for receiving SSBs.

[0109] Table 6

[0110] It should be understood that the first and second cases in Table 6 are for the convenience of distinguishing cases with different SSB patterns, and are only for illustrative purposes. For example, the first case is Case D, and the second case is Case K. Of course, the first and second cases can also be other types of cases. Similarly, the first frequency point number in the GSCN range... Frequency point interval and the frequency number at the end This is merely an example.

[0111] The SSB SCS of 120kHz in Table 6 is merely an example; other values ​​are also possible. Similarly, the number of candidate SSBs of 64 or 256 is also just an example; other values ​​are also possible. Furthermore, the candidate SSB indices for the first and second cases can be the same or different. Specifically, when the number of candidate SSBs is 64, the candidate SSB indices range from 0 to 63.

[0112] In this system, Class 1 (H) represents a high-capability UE, and Class 2 (L) represents a low-capability UE. This method is equivalent to determining whether a terminal device is a high-capability or low-capability UE based on a power threshold. Candidate SSB indexes can be configured in the configuration information or not. If candidate SSB indexes are not configured in the configuration information, the UE can further determine candidate SSB indexes based on the determined SSB pattern.

[0113] As shown in Table 6, if the UE's first operating frequency band is nxx, the first subcarrier spacing is 120kHz, and the UE's transmit power information indicates that the UE's maximum output power is 30dBm, the UE determines its capability as a high-capability UE, i.e., Class 1(H), and the UE can determine the first SSB pattern as Case D. The UE can also determine the number of candidate SSBs for receiving the first SSB, i.e., the maximum number of candidate SSBs for searching the first SSB is 64. The UE can also determine the GSCN range for searching the first SSB, and then search for the first SSB based on the maximum number of candidate SSBs and the GSCN range. Thus, if the UE determines that there are two SSB patterns, Case D and Case K, based on the first operating frequency band and the first subcarrier spacing, the UE can further determine its capability based on the transmit power information, and then determine the first SSB pattern corresponding to the first operating frequency band, the first subcarrier spacing, and the UE's capability as Case D, thereby improving the UE's random access efficiency.

[0114] In some embodiments, the transmit power information of the terminal device described above can also be replaced by the antenna gain information of the terminal device. That is, the first information includes the antenna gain information of the terminal device, and the capability of the terminal device can be determined based on the antenna gain information and the antenna gain threshold.

[0115] For example, the antenna gain information of the UE includes at least one of transmit antenna gain (Tx antenna gain), receive antenna gain (Rx antenna gain), and antenna gain. The UE can compare the antenna gain information of the UE with an antenna gain threshold to determine whether the UE is a high-capability UE or a low-capability UE, and thus determine a first SSB pattern suitable for the UE based on the UE's capabilities. For example, if the transmit antenna gain of the UE is greater than or equal to the antenna gain threshold, the UE is determined to be a high-capability UE; if the transmit antenna gain of the UE is less than the antenna gain threshold, the UE is determined to be a low-capability UE.

[0116] In some embodiments, different UE power levels can be defined, corresponding to different capabilities of the terminal device. That is, instead of distinguishing UE capabilities as high-capability UEs and low-capability UEs, there can be two or more UE capabilities, with different UE power levels corresponding to different UE capabilities. In this way, when determining the first SSB pattern, the UE can determine the UE capability based on the UE power level, and then determine the first SSB pattern corresponding to the UE power level.

[0117] Different power levels can be defined based on the UE's maximum output power. Correspondingly, the UE's transmit power information is used to indicate the UE's maximum output power. Thus, the first information can include the UE's maximum output power, and the UE can determine its power level based on its maximum output power, thereby determining the first SSB pattern corresponding to the UE's power level.

[0118] For example, the protocol defines the maximum output power of any transmission bandwidth within the NR carrier channel bandwidth when the UE signal measurement period is at least 1ms. See Table 7 for details, where nxx represents the NR satellite frequency band, Class 4 and Class 5 are different UE power classes. Table 7 provides examples of UE power classes: Class 4: 26dBm and Class 5: 30dBm. Tolerance indicates a tolerance of 2dB.

[0119] Table 7

[0120] In this way, the UE can determine the first SSB pattern based on the NR satellite frequency band to be accessed, the first operating frequency band, the first subcarrier spacing, and the UE's capabilities. The UE's capabilities refer to its power level.

[0121] In some embodiments, if two UEs with different capabilities have different first information and different SSB patterns, then the UEs with different capabilities may have different SSB patterns.

[0122] For example, when UE1 operates in the first operating frequency band, has the first subcarrier spacing, and its capabilities are represented by the first information, and when UE2 operates in the second power frequency band, has the second subcarrier spacing, and its capabilities are represented by the second information, if the first information and the second information are different, the first SSB pattern determined by UE1 will be different from the second SSB pattern determined by UE2. Several scenarios are possible here.

[0123] For example, when the first operating frequency band and the second operating frequency band are the same, but the first information and the second information are different, the first SSB pattern and the second SSB pattern will be different. In this way, when different UEs operate in the same frequency band, but the UE capabilities indicated by the first and second information are different, UEs with different capabilities will determine different SSB patterns. This avoids the problem that UEs with different capabilities may have multiple SSB patterns determined based on the operating frequency band, making it difficult to determine the specific SSB pattern to use, thus affecting the efficiency of UE searching for SSBs based on the SSB pattern.

[0124] When the first subcarrier spacing is the same as the second subcarrier spacing, but the first information and the second information are different, the first SSB pattern and the second SSB pattern are different. In this way, even when different UEs have the same subcarrier spacing, but the UE capabilities indicated by the first and second information are different, UEs with different capabilities will determine different SSB patterns. This avoids the problem that UEs with different capabilities may have multiple SSB patterns determined based on the subcarrier spacing, making it difficult to determine the specific SSB pattern to use, thus affecting the efficiency of UE searching for SSBs based on the SSB pattern.

[0125] When the first and second operating frequency bands are the same, the first and second subcarrier spacings are the same, and the first and second information are different, the first SSB pattern and the second SSB pattern will be different. In this way, even when different UEs have the same operating frequency band and subcarrier spacing, but the UE capabilities indicated by the first and second information are different, UEs with different capabilities will determine different SSB patterns. This avoids the problem of UEs with different capabilities having multiple SSB patterns determined based on the operating frequency band and subcarrier spacing, making it impossible to determine the specific SSB pattern to use, thus affecting the efficiency of UE searching for SSBs based on the SSB pattern.

[0126] When the first operating frequency band and the second operating frequency band are different, the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing are different, and the first information and the second information are different, the first SSB pattern and the second SSB pattern will be different. Thus, since UEs with different capabilities have different operating frequency bands and subcarrier spacings, if UEs with different capabilities can determine multiple SSB patterns based solely on the operating frequency band and subcarrier spacing, the UE can further determine the SSB pattern corresponding to its capabilities based on its own capabilities (either the first information or the second information) to improve the efficiency of the UE in searching for SSBs.

[0127] In this way, even if there are multiple selectable SSB patterns determined based on the operating frequency band and / or subcarrier spacing of UEs with different capabilities, this application can still determine the first SSB pattern suitable for the UE based on the UE's capabilities.

[0128] In this way, once the UE determines the first SSB pattern, it can perform an SSB search based on the maximum number of candidate SSBs defined in the first SSB pattern and the symbol positions occupied by the SSBs represented by different SSB indices.

[0129] 404. The network device sends a first system message to the terminal device. The first system message is received based on the time-frequency resource location determined according to the first SSB found.

[0130] Accordingly, the terminal device receives a first system message sent by the network device, which is received based on the time-frequency resource location determined according to the first SSB found.

[0131] For example, when the UE finds the first SSB based on the determined first SSB pattern, it can parse the first SSB to obtain the SSB index, and then determine the time-frequency domain resources for receiving the first system message based on the SSB index. The UE then receives the first system message based on the time-frequency domain resources of the first system message. For example, if the first system message is SIB1, the UE can determine whether it is allowed to access the current cell based on the information in SIB1. If it is determined that it can access the current cell, the UE can execute the subsequent random access procedure based on other configuration information carried in SIB1.

[0132] 405. The terminal device performs the subsequent random access procedure based on the first system message.

[0133] In some embodiments, the terminal device can also operate simultaneously on different frequency bands, or operate on different frequency bands at different times. For example, the terminal device supports dual SIM dual standby, the two user numbers of the terminal device are from different operators or the same operator, the terminal device operates on different frequency bands and / or has different subcarrier spacing under different operators, or the terminal device operates on two different frequency bands and / or has different subcarrier spacing under the same operator. If both user numbers of the terminal device are on standby at the same time, the terminal device can operate on two operating frequency bands simultaneously; if only one user number of the terminal device is on standby at a time, the terminal device operates on one operating frequency band, and when the terminal device switches to standby for the other user number, the terminal device operates on another operating frequency band.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first information of the terminal device may be the same or different under different operating frequency bands. For example, when the first information is the actual output power of the terminal device, the actual output power of the terminal device may be the same or different under different operating frequency bands.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first information of the terminal device may be the same or different under different subcarrier intervals. For example, the actual output power of the terminal device may be the same or different under different subcarrier intervals.

[0136] In this way, when the first information indicates the actual output power of the terminal device, the terminal device can determine the SSB pattern based on the current operating frequency band and the first information, or it can determine the SSB pattern based on the current subcarrier spacing and the first information.

[0137] Therefore, in some embodiments, such as when the terminal device switches to another operating frequency band, or switches to another subcarrier interval, or when the terminal device operates simultaneously in two different operating frequency bands or two different subcarrier intervals, the method further includes the following steps. Steps 406-410 are not shown in Figure 4.

[0138] 406. The network device determines the second SSB pattern based on the second information from the terminal device.

[0139] For details on how to implement step 406, please refer to the description of step 401.

[0140] The method by which the network device determines the second SSB pattern is similar to the method by which the terminal device determines the second SSB pattern in step 408. For details, please refer to the description in step 408.

[0141] 407. The network device sends a second SSB to the terminal device.

[0142] Similar to step 402, the second SSB may include at least one of PSS, SSS, or PBCH.

[0143] 408. The terminal device searches for a second SSB. The time domain resources of the second SSB are determined according to the second SSB pattern. The second SSB pattern is determined according to at least one of the second operating frequency band of the terminal device and the second subcarrier spacing of the terminal device, as well as second information. The second information includes at least one of the following: the transmit power information of the terminal device or the antenna gain information of the terminal device.

[0144] In some embodiments, the way the terminal device determines the second SSB pattern is similar to the way the terminal device determines the first SSB pattern in step 403.

[0145] In some embodiments, if the terminal device can operate simultaneously in different operating frequency bands, or operates in different operating frequency bands at different times, and the different operating frequency bands include a first operating frequency band and a second operating frequency band:

[0146] The first operating frequency band is different from the second operating frequency band, the first information is the same as the second information, and the first SSB pattern is different from the second SSB pattern. That is, the terminal device has the same transmit power information and / or the same antenna gain information in different operating frequency bands, but the first SSB pattern and the second SSB pattern are different, which may be caused by the different operating frequency bands.

[0147] Alternatively, the first operating frequency band may differ from the second operating frequency band, the first information may differ from the second information, and the first SSB pattern may differ from the second SSB pattern. That is, the terminal device's transmit power information differs in different operating frequency bands, and / or its antenna gain information differs, as do the first and second SSB patterns. This is related to the different operating frequency bands of the terminal device, and also to the first and second information.

[0148] In some embodiments, if the terminal device can use different subcarrier intervals simultaneously, or use different subcarrier intervals at different times, and the different subcarrier intervals include a first subcarrier interval and a second subcarrier interval:

[0149] The first subcarrier spacing is different from the second subcarrier spacing, the first information is the same as the second information, and the first SSB pattern is different from the second SSB pattern. That is, the terminal device has the same transmit power information and / or the same antenna gain information under different subcarrier spacings, but the first SSB pattern and the second SSB pattern are different, which may be caused by the different subcarrier spacings.

[0150] Alternatively, the first subcarrier spacing may differ from the second subcarrier spacing, the first information may differ from the second information, and the first SSB pattern may differ from the second SSB pattern. That is, the terminal device's transmit power information differs under different subcarrier spacings, and / or the antenna gain information differs, as do the first and second SSB patterns. This difference is related to the different subcarrier spacings of the terminal device, and also to the first and second information.

[0151] In some embodiments, when the first information of the same terminal device changes, if the first SSB pattern determined based on the first information is different from the second SSB pattern determined based on the second information, the first GSCN range corresponding to the first SSB pattern is also different from the second SSB pattern corresponding to the second SSB pattern.

[0152] In other words, a UE can use different capabilities to communicate when using dual SIM cards. When the determined SSB pattern is different, the corresponding GSCN range of the UE can be different.

[0153] In some embodiments, for terminal devices with different capabilities, such as the first terminal device and the second terminal device having the same operating frequency band and subcarrier spacing, but different first information of the first terminal device and second information of the second terminal device, the first SSB pattern determined by the first terminal device based on the first information is different from the second SSB pattern determined by the second terminal device based on the second information, and the first GSCN range corresponding to the first SSB pattern is different from the second GSCN range corresponding to the second SSB pattern.

[0154] For example, the transmit power information of UE1 is different from that of UE2, the first SSB pattern is different from the second SSB pattern, and the first GSCN range is different from the second GSCN range. Or, the antenna gain information of UE1 is different from that of UE2, the first SSB pattern is different from the second SSB pattern, and the first GSCN range is different from the second GSCN range.

[0155] For example, Table 8 shows the configuration information for determining the SSB pattern in a UE.

[0156] Table 8

[0157] As shown in Table 8, both UE1 and UE2 operate in the nxx frequency band and have a subcarrier spacing of 120kHz. UE1 and UE2 have different capabilities, that is, the first information of UE1 is different from the second information of UE2. The first SSB pattern determined by UE1 based on the first information is the first case, and the second SSB pattern determined by UE2 based on the second information is the second case.

[0158] For example, in one approach, the GSCN range of the first case... 7711- <2> -7811, GSCN range for Case 2 7712- <2> -7812. Thus, the GSCN ranges corresponding to the first case and the second case are different frequency points, with a frequency point interval of 2, and the GSCN frequency points corresponding to the first case and the second case are adjacent GSCNs. Specifically, the GSCN range of the first case is {7711,7713,…,7811}, and the GSCN range of the second case is {7712,7714,…,7812}. In one example, the first case is Case D, and the second case is Case K.

[0159] In another approach, the GSCN range of the first case. 7711- <1> -7761, GSCN range for the second case 7762- <1> -7812. Thus, the GSCN ranges corresponding to the first case and the second case are different frequency points, with a frequency point interval of one, and the GSCN frequency points corresponding to the first case and the second case are adjacent GSCNs. Specifically, the GSCN range of the first case is {7711,7712,…,7761}, and the GSCN range of the second case is {7762,7763,…,7812}. In one example, the first case is Case D, and the second case is Case K.

[0160] It should be understood that the SSB SCS of 120kHz in Table 8 is merely an example; the SSB SCS can also be other values. Similarly, the number of candidate SSBs of 64 or 256 is also just an example; other values ​​can also be used. Furthermore, the candidate SSB indices for the first and second cases can be the same or different. Specifically, when the number of candidate SSBs is 64, the candidate SSB indices range from 0 to 63.

[0161] 409. The network device sends a second system message to the terminal device. The second system message is sent at the time-frequency resource location carried by the second synchronization signal block.

[0162] Accordingly, the terminal device receives a second system message sent by the network device, which is received based on the time-frequency resource location determined according to the searched second SSB.

[0163] The implementation of step 409 is similar to that of step 404.

[0164] 410. The terminal device performs the subsequent random access procedure based on the message from the second system.

[0165] In this way, by binding the SSB pattern to the UE capability (first information), this application allows the UE to distinguish the SSB pattern used by the current cell based on its own UE capabilities. This enables the UE to determine relevant parameters such as the candidate location of the SSB, the maximum number of candidate SSBs, and the default scanning period of the SSB based on the SSB pattern. This allows the UE to receive SSBs and system messages based on these SSB-related parameters, completing the subsequent random access process and ensuring access performance.

[0166] To further understand the SSB pattern of different cases, illustrative examples are provided here.

[0167] For example, according to the definition in Section 4 of 3GPP TS 38.213, the SSB pattern for different cases is defined as follows: SSB within half a frame, the first symbol index of the candidate SSB is different depending on the different subcarrier spacing, and index 0 indicates the first symbol of the first slot within half a frame.

[0168] For example, for Case A, the corresponding subcarrier spacing is 5kHz. SCS: The first symbol index of the candidate SSB is {2,8}+14×n.

[0169] For channel access in licensed spectrum, n = 0, 1 when the carrier frequency is less than or equal to 3 GHz; and n = 0, 1, 2, 3 when the carrier frequency is in the FR1 band and greater than 3 GHz. For channel access in unlicensed spectrum, n = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4.

[0170] For Case C, the corresponding subcarrier spacing is 30kHz. SCS: The first symbol index of the candidate SSB is {2,8}+14×n.

[0171] For channel access in licensed spectrum: For paired spectrum (FDD), when the carrier frequency is less than or equal to 3 GHz, n = 0, 1; when the carrier frequency is in the FR1 band and greater than 3 GHz, n = 0, 1, 2, 3. For unpaired spectrum (TDD), when the carrier frequency is less than 1.88 GHz, n = 0, 1; when the carrier frequency is in the FR1 band and greater than or equal to 1.88 GHz, n = 0, 1, 2, 3. For shared channel access in unlicensed spectrum, n = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

[0172] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the candidate SSB positions within a single time slot for a Case C SSB pattern at SCS = 30kHz. The SSB pattern (or position distribution) of an SSB burst set cycles through one time slot. For example, one time slot shown in Figure 5 includes two SSBs: SSB#0 and SSB#1, with their first symbol indices being 2 and 8, respectively. In other words, within each time slot, the relative positions of the SSB pattern are the same. Alternatively, it can be understood that in different SSB burst sets, SSBs with the same relative position have the same offset relative to the starting position of their respective SSB burst sets. The candidate index can also be understood as a candidate position or transmission opportunity for an SSB.

[0173] In some cases, as previously explained, Ka-feed cells and Ka-access cells can use the same operating frequency band in the NTN architecture. Typically, Ka-feed cells use the Case D SSB pattern, with a default SSB period of 20ms and a maximum of 64 candidate SSBs. Ka-access cells use the Case K SSB pattern, with a default SSB period of 640ms and a maximum of 256 candidate SSBs. Details are as follows.

[0174] Case D-120kHz SCS: The first symbol index of the candidate SSB is {4,8,16,20}+28×n. For frequency FR2, n=0,1,2,3,5,6,7,8,10,11,12,13,15,16,17,18.

[0175] Case K-120kHz SCS: At time: The first symbol index of the candidate SSB is {2,8}+14×n, where n={0,1,2,3}. The system frame in which the candidate SSB is located is an even-numbered frame. For initial cell selection, the default scan period for the SSB is 64 system frames.

[0176] When a terminal device needs to access a Ka-feed cell or a Ka-access cell, since the two cell types have the same operating frequency band and subcarrier spacing, the terminal device will face the choice between two cases, Case D and Case K, and the terminal device cannot determine the specific SSB pattern to use.

[0177] Therefore, this application also provides a cell access method that adds a binding relationship between the terminal device type and / or cell type and the SSB pattern to the configuration information used by network devices and terminal devices to determine the SSB pattern. Thus, when different terminal device types and / or cell types have the same operating frequency band and / or subcarrier spacing, and there are multiple possible SSB pattern cases, the SSB pattern can be further determined based on the terminal device type and / or cell type. Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a cell access method, which includes the following steps.

[0178] 601. The network device determines the first SSB pattern based on the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0179] In some embodiments, the network device may determine the first SSB pattern used by the current cell based on the first operating frequency band of the terminal device, the first subcarrier spacing, and the terminal device type and / or cell type. Similar to step 401, the network device may determine the capabilities of the terminal devices in the current cell based on historical data of the terminal devices accessing the cell, as detailed in the description of step 401.

[0180] In some embodiments, the implementation of determining the first SSB pattern on the network device side is similar to that in step 603, where the terminal device determines the pattern. For details, please refer to the description in step 603.

[0181] 602. The network device sends the first SSB to the terminal device.

[0182] 603. The terminal device searches for the first SSB. The time domain resources of the first SSB are determined according to the first SSB pattern. The first SSB pattern is determined according to the first information of the terminal device. The first information includes at least one of the following: the type of the terminal device is an access terminal type or the cell type accessed by the terminal device is an access cell, or the first information includes at least one of the following: the type of the terminal device is a feeder terminal type or the cell type accessed by the terminal device is a feeder cell.

[0183] In some embodiments, one cell type serves one type of terminal device, and two types of terminal devices exist when one cell type is different.

[0184] In some embodiments, the distinction between terminal device types is as follows: For example, a power supply cell serves power supply terminals / power supply terminal types, such as gateway terminals. An access cell serves access terminals / access terminal types, such as VSAT terminals or phased array terminals. Power supply terminals have stronger capabilities and higher power than access terminals, but are larger in size. Access terminals have weaker capabilities and lower power than power supply terminals, but are smaller in size.

[0185] For example, in a cell or terminal device using the Ka band, the cell type can be understood as a Ka-feed cell or a Ka-access cell. The Ka-feed cell serves the Ka-feed terminal device, and the Ka-access cell serves the Ka-access terminal device.

[0186] Taking the UE as an example, Table 9 shows the configuration information for determining the SSB pattern for a network device and a terminal device.

[0187] Table 9

[0188] Similar to the previous examples, Case D and Case K in Table 9 are merely illustrative and can represent other case types. Similarly, the SSB SCS of 120kHz in Table 9 is also just an example; other values ​​are possible. The candidate SSB count of 64 or 256 is also just an example; other values ​​are possible. Furthermore, the candidate SSB indices for the first and second cases can be the same or different. When the candidate SSB count is 64, the candidate SSB index ranges from 0 to 63.

[0189] In this context, Ka feeder indicates that the cell where the UE type is located is a Ka feeder cell or the UE type served by a Ka feeder cell is a Ka feeder terminal device. Ka access indicates that the cell where the UE type is located is a Ka access cell or the UE type served by a Ka access cell is a Ka access terminal device.

[0190] Therefore, for UEs in different cell types or different UE types under the Ka band, when the operating frequency band and subcarrier spacing of UEs in different cell types or different UE types are the same, and there are multiple selectable SSB patterns, such as Case D and Case K, the UE can further determine the first SSB pattern that matches the UE type or the cell type indicated by the first information.

[0191] Therefore, in some embodiments, the first SSB pattern is determined based on at least one of the first operating frequency band of the terminal device and the first subcarrier spacing of the terminal device, as well as the first information.

[0192] In some embodiments, for different terminal device types or cell types, for example, when the first terminal device and the second terminal device have the same operating frequency band and subcarrier spacing, but the first information of the first terminal device and the second information of the second terminal device are different, the first SSB pattern determined by the first terminal device based on the first information is different from the second SSB pattern determined by the second terminal device based on the second information, and the first GSCN range corresponding to the first SSB pattern is different from the second GSCN range corresponding to the second SSB pattern.

[0193] For example, UE1 and UE2 are of different types, their first SSB pattern and second SSB pattern are different, and their first GSCN range and second GSCN range are different. Or, the cell type that UE1 wants to access is different from the cell type that UE2 wants to access, their first SSB pattern and second SSB pattern are different, and their first GSCN range and second GSCN range are different.

[0194] As shown in Table 8, both UE1 and UE2 operate in the nxx frequency band and have a subcarrier spacing of 120kHz. UE1 and UE2 have different types. UE1's first SSB pattern, determined by its Ka-type feeder terminal, is Case D, while UE2's second SSB pattern, determined by its Ka-type access terminal, is Case K. For the GSCN ranges corresponding to Case D and Case K, please refer to the exemplary description in Table 8.

[0195] 604. The network device sends a first system message to the terminal device. The first system message is received based on the time-frequency resource location determined according to the first SSB found.

[0196] For details on how to implement step 604, please refer to the description in step 404.

[0197] 605. The terminal device performs the subsequent random access procedure based on the first system message.

[0198] In this way, by binding the SSB pattern to the UE type / cell type (first information), this application allows the UE to distinguish the SSB pattern used by the current cell based on its own UE type / cell type. This enables the UE to determine relevant parameters such as the candidate location of the SSB, the maximum number of candidate SSBs, and the default scan period of the SSB based on the SSB pattern. This allows the UE to receive SSBs and system messages based on these SSB-related parameters, completing the subsequent random access process and ensuring access performance.

[0199] The processes shown in Figures 4 and 6 above can be understood as partial processes of the random access procedure. This application can be applied to a four-step random access procedure for a UE, or to a two-step random access procedure for a UE.

[0200] For example, taking the NR scenario as an example, Figure 7(a) shows a flowchart of a four-step random access process for a UE. When the gNB uses a wide beam to transmit the first SSB synchronization channel, and other channels are associated with the first SSB beam, after the UE finds the first SSB through steps 401-403 or through steps 601-603, the following process is also included.

[0201] 701a. The UE receives SIB1 sent by the gNB according to the first SSB. The UE obtains cell information and R0 resource configuration information from SIB1. Further, the UE can determine the R0 resource to be used by the UE according to the SSB index and R0 resource configuration information in the first SSB, and send a physical random access channel (PRACH) on the R0 resource associated with the first SSB to make a random access request.

[0202] SIB1 is equivalent to the first system message in step 405 or step 605.

[0203] After receiving the PRACH, the 702a and gNB send a random access response (RAR) to the UE, so as to schedule the UE to send a message (Msg)3 on the corresponding time and frequency resources to make an RRC setup request (RRCSetupRequest).

[0204] After receiving Msg3 from the UE, the 703a and gNB send Msg4 to the UE to establish RRC (RRCSetup).

[0205] 704a. After receiving Msg4, the UE sends Msg5 to the gNB to complete the initial random access procedure.

[0206] Subsequently, service data transmission can be performed between the gNB and the UE. For example, the gNB can send a narrow beam to the UE through the downlink (DL), and the UE can send a narrow beam to the gNB through the uplink (UL).

[0207] For example, taking the NR scenario as an example, Figure 7(b) shows a flowchart of a two-step random access procedure for a UE. When the gNB uses a wide beam to transmit the first SSB synchronization channel, and other channels are associated with the first SSB beam, after the UE finds the first SSB through steps 401-403 or through steps 601-603, the following procedure is also included.

[0208] 701b. The UE receives SIB1 based on the first SSB, and obtains cell information and R0 resource configuration information from SIB1. Further, the UE can determine the R0 resource to be used based on the SSB index and R0 resource configuration information in the first SSB, and send MsgA to the gNB on the R0 resource to initiate a random access request. MsgA includes a preamble and a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). Essentially, MsgA combines Msg1 and Msg3 from the four-step random access process.

[0209] SIB1 is equivalent to the first system message in step 405 or step 605.

[0210] After receiving MsgA, gNB sends MsgB to UE in response to UE's access request. MsgB may include RAR, which is equivalent to MsgB combining Msg2 and Msg4 in the four-step random access process.

[0211] Subsequently, service data transmission can be performed between the gNB and the UE. For example, the gNB can send a narrow beam to the UE through the DL, and the UE can send a narrow beam to the gNB through the UL.

[0212] Therefore, in this application, whether in a four-step or two-step random access procedure, by binding the SSB pattern to the UE type / cell type (first information), the UE can distinguish the SSB pattern used by the current cell based on its own UE type / cell type. This allows the UE to determine the candidate location of the first SSB to be received, the maximum number of candidates for the first SSB, and the default scanning period of the first SSB, etc., based on the SSB pattern. This ensures that the UE executes step 701a in the four-step random access procedure or step 701b in the two-step random access procedure, avoiding the problem of low reception efficiency of the first SSB due to the UE's inability to determine the SSB pattern, which would otherwise lead to low execution efficiency in the four-step or two-step random access procedure.

[0213] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the network device and terminal device include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0214] Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in the embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of terminal devices or network devices in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device may be a gateway station 101, terminal device 201 or terminal device 301 as shown in Figure 1, or it may be a satellite 102, base station 104, satellite 202, base station 204, satellite 302 or base station 304 as shown in Figure 1, or it may be a module (such as a chip) applied to a terminal device or network device.

[0215] As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 800 includes a processing unit 8010 and a transceiver unit 8020. The communication device 800 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the method embodiments shown in Figures 3, 4, or 6 above.

[0216] When the communication device 800 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the method embodiments shown in FIG3, FIG4 or FIG6: the transceiver unit 8020 is used to search for a first synchronization signal block; search for a first SSB; receive a first system message; receive the first SSB; receive a second SSB; the processing unit 8010 is used to determine the pattern of the first synchronization signal block according to the first information of the terminal device, and determine the time domain resources of the first synchronization signal block according to the pattern of the first synchronization signal block; perform subsequent random access procedures according to the first system message; determine the pattern of the second synchronization signal block according to the second information of the terminal device, and determine the time domain resources of the second synchronization signal block according to the pattern of the second synchronization signal block; perform subsequent random access procedures according to the second system message.

[0217] When the communication device 800 is used to implement the functions of the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3, FIG4 or FIG6: the transceiver unit 8020 is used to send a first SSB / first system message; send a second SSB / second system message; the processing unit 8010 is used to determine a first SSB pattern according to the first information of the terminal device; and determine a second SSB pattern according to the second information of the terminal device.

[0218] For a more detailed description of the above-mentioned processing unit 8010 and transceiver unit 8020, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown in Figures 3, 4 or 6.

[0219] Figure 9 illustrates a possible structural diagram of a communication device. It is understood that the communication device 900 includes means of the necessary form, such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, to be appropriately configured together to perform this solution. The communication device 900 may be a satellite, terminal equipment, access network equipment, or other network equipment as shown in Figure 1, or it may be a component (e.g., a chip) within these devices, used to implement the methods described in the following method embodiments. The communication device 900 includes one or more processors 911. The processor 911 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (e.g., a satellite, terminal equipment, access network equipment, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0220] Optionally, in one design, the processor 911 may include a program 913 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions) that can be executed on the processor 911 to cause the communication device 900 to perform the methods described in the embodiments below. In yet another possible design, the communication device 900 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG9) for implementing the function of determining a first SSB pattern / second SSB pattern in the above embodiments.

[0221] Optionally, the communication device 900 may include one or more memories 912 storing a program 914 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 911 to cause the communication device 900 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0222] Optionally, the processor 911 and / or memory 912 may include artificial intelligence (AI) modules 917 and 918, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio access network intelligent controller (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0223] Optionally, the processor 911 and / or memory 912 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0224] Optionally, the communication device 900 may further include a transceiver 915 and / or an antenna 916. The processor 911, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device (e.g., RAN node / satellite / terminal). The transceiver 915, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device through the antenna 916.

[0225] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip architecture applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from the base station, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the terminal chip by these modules. The terminal chip sends information to the base station, which can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the base station by these modules.

[0226] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip architecture applied to a base station / satellite, the base station / satellite chip implements the functions of a base station / satellite in the above method embodiments. The base station / satellite chip receives information from the terminal, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station / satellite, and then sent to the base station / satellite chip by these modules. The base station / satellite chip sends information to the terminal, which can be understood as the information being sent down to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station / satellite, and then sent to the terminal by these modules.

[0227] In this application, when the chip architecture is a terminal-side chip architecture, the processor 911 needs to determine the SSB pattern based on the terminal capability / terminal type / cell type and obtain the corresponding default SSB period. This allows it to process the SSB signal received by the terminal for each period, including calculating and collecting measurement results, and sorting the measurement results of different SSBs for each period to maintain the optimal SSB. It also needs to receive system messages such as SIB1 based on the optimal SSB index, demodulate and process the system messages, and perform subsequent random access procedures according to the configuration within the system messages.

[0228] When the chip architecture is a network-side chip architecture, the processor 911 determines the SSB pattern according to different cell types or cell capabilities, and sends SSBs based on the default SSB period, SSB candidate positions, number of SSB candidates, etc. of the SSB pattern. It also drives the transceiver to send corresponding system messages. Furthermore, based on the system message configuration, it receives and processes access request messages sent by the terminal on the corresponding time-frequency resources.

[0229] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station.

[0230] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0231] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0232] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0233] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology 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.

[0234] 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 three relationships can exist. 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 preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0235] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A method for accessing a cell, characterized in that, include: The search for the first synchronization signal block, the time domain resources of which are determined based on the first synchronization signal block pattern, is based on the first information of the terminal device. The first information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type access terminal, the cell type accessed by the terminal device is an access cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; or, the first information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type feeder terminal, the cell type accessed by the terminal device is a feeder cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device. Receive a first system message, which is received based on the time-frequency resource location determined by the first synchronization signal block that has been searched.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first synchronization signal block pattern is determined based on at least one of the first operating frequency band of the terminal device and the first subcarrier spacing of the terminal device, as well as the first information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The search for a second synchronization signal block, the time-domain resources of which are determined based on a second synchronization signal block pattern, is based on at least one of the second operating frequency band of the terminal device and the second subcarrier spacing of the terminal device, as well as second information. The second information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type access terminal, the cell type accessed by the terminal device is an access cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; or, the second information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type feeder terminal, the cell type accessed by the terminal device is a feeder cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device. A second system message is received, which is received based on the time-frequency resource location determined according to the searched second synchronization signal block.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first operating frequency band is different from the second operating frequency band, the first information is the same as the second information, and the first synchronization signal block pattern is different from the second synchronization signal block pattern.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first subcarrier spacing is different from the second subcarrier spacing, the first information is the same as the second information, and the first synchronization signal block pattern is different from the second synchronization signal block pattern.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first operating frequency band is different from the second operating frequency band, the first information is different from the second information, and the first synchronization signal block pattern is different from the second synchronization signal block pattern.

7. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first subcarrier spacing is different from the second subcarrier spacing, the first information is different from the second information, and the first synchronization signal block pattern is different from the second synchronization signal block pattern.

8. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first information is different from the second information, the first synchronization signal block pattern is different from the second synchronization signal block pattern, and the range of the first global synchronization channel number corresponding to the first synchronization signal block pattern is different from the range of the second global synchronization channel number corresponding to the second synchronization signal block pattern.

9. A method for accessing a cell, characterized in that, include: A first synchronization signal block is transmitted, the time domain resources of which are determined based on a first synchronization signal block pattern. This first synchronization signal block pattern is determined based on first information of the terminal device. The first information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type access terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is an access cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; or, the first information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type feeder terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is a feeder cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device. A first system message is sent at the time-frequency resource location indicated by the information carried in the first synchronization signal block.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first synchronization signal block pattern is determined based on at least one of the first operating frequency band of the terminal device and the first subcarrier spacing of the terminal device, as well as the first information.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: A second synchronization signal block is transmitted. The time-domain resources of the second synchronization signal block are determined according to a second synchronization signal block pattern. The second synchronization signal block pattern is determined according to at least one of the second operating frequency band of the terminal device and the second subcarrier spacing of the terminal device, as well as second information. The second information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type access terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is an access cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; or, the second information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type feeder terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is a feeder cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device. A second system message is sent at the time-frequency resource location indicated by the information carried in the second synchronization signal block.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first operating frequency band is different from the second operating frequency band, the first information is the same as the second information, and the first synchronization signal block pattern is different from the second synchronization signal block pattern.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first subcarrier spacing is different from the second subcarrier spacing, the first information is the same as the second information, and the first synchronization signal block pattern is different from the second synchronization signal block pattern.

14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first operating frequency band is different from the second operating frequency band, the first information is different from the second information, and the first synchronization signal block pattern is different from the second synchronization signal block pattern.

15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first subcarrier spacing is different from the second subcarrier spacing, the first information is different from the second information, and the first synchronization signal block pattern is different from the second synchronization signal block pattern.

16. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first information is different from the second information; the first global synchronization channel number range of the first synchronization signal block is different from the second global synchronization channel number range of the second synchronization signal block; and the pattern of the first synchronization signal block is different from the pattern of the second synchronization signal block.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A receiving unit is configured to search for a first synchronization signal block, the time-domain resources of which are determined based on a first synchronization signal block pattern. This first synchronization signal block pattern is determined based on first information of the terminal device. The first information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type access terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is an access cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; or, the first information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type feeder terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is a feeder cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device, or the antenna gain information of the terminal device. The receiving unit is further configured to receive a first system message, which is received based on the time-frequency resource location determined according to the first synchronization signal block found.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A transmitting unit is configured to transmit a first synchronization signal block, wherein the time-domain resources of the first synchronization signal block are determined based on a first synchronization signal block pattern, and the first synchronization signal block pattern is determined based on first information of the terminal device, wherein the first information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type access terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is an access cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device or the antenna gain information of the terminal device; or, the first information includes at least one of the following: the terminal device is of type feeder terminal, the cell accessed by the terminal device is a feeder cell, the transmit power information of the terminal device or the antenna gain information of the terminal device. The sending unit is further configured to send a first system message, which is sent at the time-frequency resource location of the first system message indicated by the information carried in the first synchronization signal block.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor connected to a memory, the at least one processor being configured to read and execute a program stored in the memory, such that the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-8.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor connected to a memory, the at least one processor being configured to read and execute a program stored in the memory, such that the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 9-16.

21. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, and the second communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9-16.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-16.

23. A chip, characterized in that, The chip stores computer execution instructions, and when the computer execution instructions are run, the method described in any one of claims 1-16 is executed.

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