Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and a communication apparatus. The method comprises: a terminal measures a reference signal of a service network device and reference signals of N candidate network devices, where N is a positive integer, and the service network device is a network device that provides a service to the terminal. Further, the terminal sends to the service network device a measurement result, the measurement result indicating interference between the N candidate network devices and the service network device. The method helps to avoid the situation that candidate networks with large interference are networked with the service network device to cooperatively serve the terminal, thereby helping to improve the communication performance of the service network device in providing a cooperative service to the terminal.

Description

A communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410684854.X, filed on May 29, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Communication Device", 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 communication method and communication device. Background Technology

[0003] In the communication protocol of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the direction of satellite beams can be described by a UV plane. Based on this UV plane, the degree of mutual interference or spatial isolation between different satellite beams can be reflected.

[0004] To improve the capacity of overlapping satellite coverage areas, satellite systems are gradually evolving from single-satellite transmission to multi-satellite collaborative transmission. In multi-satellite collaborative transmission systems, a terminal can be served by multiple satellites simultaneously. Understandably, interference occurs not only between beams of the same satellite but also between beams of different satellites in this scenario. Therefore, reducing beam interference and improving communication performance in multi-satellite collaborative transmission systems is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that helps reduce interference between beams during multi-satellite collaborative transmission, thereby improving communication performance.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a terminal side, such as a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions within the terminal. Taking the application of this method to a terminal as an example, the method includes: the terminal measuring a reference signal of a serving network device and reference signals of N candidate network devices, where N is a positive integer, and the serving network device is a network device that provides services to the terminal. Further, the terminal sends a measurement result to the serving network device, the measurement result indicating the interference between the N candidate network devices and the serving network device.

[0007] In the method described in the first aspect, the terminal measures the interference of each candidate network device on the serving network device and sends the measurement results to the serving network device. That is, the serving network device can understand the interference caused by each candidate network device when it collaborates with the serving network device to provide services to the terminal. This helps to avoid situations where candidate networks with significant interference collaborate with the serving network device to provide services to the terminal, and improves the communication performance of the serving network device in providing collaborative services to the terminal.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the measurement result includes identification information of N candidate network devices and indication information of the conditions satisfied by each of the N candidate network devices. By implementing this possible implementation, the terminal directly reports to the serving network device whether each candidate network device meets the preset conditions, so that the serving network device does not need to perform excessive processing after obtaining the measurement result, which helps to save the computing resources of the serving network device.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the condition includes one or more of the following: on the UV plane of the terminal, the spatial isolation between candidate network device #i and the serving network device is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and candidate network device #i is one of N candidate network devices; the signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR) of candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to a second threshold; and the signal-to-leakage plus noise ratio of candidate network device #i is... The SINR (Signal-to-Signal Ratio, SLNR) is greater than or equal to a third threshold; a first difference is less than or equal to a fourth threshold, where the first difference is the difference between the SINR of candidate network device #i and the SINR of the serving network device; a second difference is less than or equal to a fifth threshold, where the second difference is the difference between the SLNR of candidate network device #i and the SLNR of the serving network device; on the UV plane of candidate network device #i, the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to a sixth threshold, where the first beam is a candidate beam in candidate network device #i that provides service to the terminal, and the second beam is any beam in candidate network device #i that is in an on state. By implementing this possible implementation, various conditions that can describe the interference of candidate network devices on serving network devices are provided, improving the flexibility of the selection conditions.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the indication information of the conditions satisfied by each candidate network device includes: an identifier of the conditions satisfied by each candidate network device; or, a first value, which is used to indicate that no conditions are satisfied.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the measurement result also includes the weights corresponding to each of the N candidate network devices.

[0012] In one possible implementation, candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices, and the weight of candidate network device #i is determined based on one or more of the following information: the spatial isolation between candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal; the SINR of candidate network device #i; the SLNR of candidate network device #i; the signal-to-noise ratio of candidate network device #i; and the duration for which candidate network device #i supports providing services to the terminal. By implementing this possible implementation, combining multiple pieces of information corresponding to candidate network device #i for weight calculation helps to improve the accuracy of the weight of candidate network device #i.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the terminal receives beam pattern information from the serving network device, the beam pattern information including the beam information of each of the N candidate network devices.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the beam information of the candidate network device #i includes one or more of the following: the coordinates of each beam in the candidate network device #i on the UV plane; whether each beam in the candidate network device #i is in an on or off state; the power of each beam in the candidate network device #i; and the reference signal port index corresponding to each beam in the candidate network device #i.

[0015] In one possible implementation, candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices, and the weight of candidate network device #i is determined based on one or more of the following information: the spatial isolation between candidate network device #i and the serving network device in the UV plane of the terminal; the SINR of candidate network device #i; the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in candidate network device #i in the UV plane of candidate network device #i; the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of candidate network device #i; and the duration for which candidate network device #i supports providing services to the terminal. By implementing this possible implementation, combining multiple pieces of information corresponding to candidate network device #i for weight calculation helps to improve the accuracy of the weight of candidate network device #i.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the terminal receives first information from the serving network device, the first information indicating the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in the candidate network device #i on the UV plane of the candidate network device #i.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the measurement result includes the identification information of the N candidate network devices and the information corresponding to each of the N candidate network devices. The information corresponding to each candidate network device includes one or more of the following: the coordinates of candidate network device #i on the UV plane of the terminal, where candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices; the spatial isolation between candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal; the SINR of candidate network device #i; and the transmission rate at which candidate network device #i and the serving network device cooperate to serve the terminal. By implementing this possible implementation, the terminal directly reports the information corresponding to each candidate network device to the serving network device, eliminating the need for excessive processing and saving the computing resources of the terminal device.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the terminal receives configuration information, which is used to indicate the reporting information of the measurement results and / or the measurement objects of the N candidate network devices. Wherein: the measurement objects of each of the N candidate network devices include one or more of the following information: the network device identifier, the type of reference signal, the time-frequency resources of the reference signal, and the physical cell identifier (PCI); the reporting information of the measurement results is used to indicate the reported measurement quantity and the reporting method.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the reported measurement includes one or more of the following: identification information of the N candidate network devices, indication information that each candidate network device among the N candidate network devices meets the conditions, and information corresponding to each candidate network device among the N candidate network devices.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the terminal receives activation information from the serving network device, which is used to activate the transmission configuration indicator state (TCI state). The TCI state is associated with the cell of the cooperating serving network device, which is one of the N candidate network devices.

[0021] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to the network side, such as a network device or a component (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) within the network device. Taking the application of this method to a network device as an example, the method includes: the network device sending configuration information, which indicates the reporting information of measurement results and / or the measurement objects of N candidate network devices. Further, the network device receives measurement results from a terminal, which indicate the interference situation between the N candidate network devices and a serving network device, where the serving network device is the network device providing services to the terminal, and N is a positive integer.

[0022] For the beneficial effects obtained by the methods described in any of the second aspects, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the methods described in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the measurement result includes identification information of the N candidate network devices and indication information of the conditions satisfied by each of the N candidate network devices.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the condition includes one or more of the following: on the UV plane of the terminal, the spatial isolation between the candidate network device #i and the serving network device is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices; the SINR of the candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to a second threshold; the SLNR of the candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to a third threshold; a first difference is less than or equal to a fourth threshold, the first difference being the difference between the SINR of the candidate network device #i and the SINR of the serving network device; a second difference is less than or equal to a fifth threshold, the second difference being the difference between the SLNR of the candidate network device #i and the SLNR of the serving network device; or, on the UV plane of the candidate network device #i, the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam of the candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to a sixth threshold, the first beam being a candidate beam in the candidate network device #i that provides services to the terminal, and the second beam being any beam in the candidate network device #i that is in an on state.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the indication information of the conditions satisfied by each candidate network device includes: an identifier of the conditions satisfied by each candidate network device; or, a first value used to indicate that no conditions are satisfied.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the measurement result also includes the weights corresponding to each of the N candidate network devices.

[0027] In one possible implementation, candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices, and the weight of candidate network device #i is determined based on one or more of the following information: the spatial isolation between candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal; the SINR of candidate network device #i; the SLNR of candidate network device #i; the signal-to-noise ratio of candidate network device #i; and the duration for which candidate network device #i supports providing services to the terminal.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the network device sends beam pattern information to the terminal, which includes the beam pattern information of each of the N candidate network devices.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the beam information of the candidate network device #i includes one or more of the following: the coordinates of each beam in the candidate network device #i on the UV plane; whether each beam in the candidate network device #i is in an on or off state; the power of each beam in the candidate network device #i; or, the reference signal port index corresponding to each beam in the candidate network device #i.

[0030] In one possible implementation, candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices, and the weight of candidate network device #i is determined based on one or more of the following information: the spatial isolation between candidate network device #i and the serving network device in the UV plane of the terminal; the SINR of candidate network device #i; the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in candidate network device #i in the UV plane of candidate network device #i; the signal-to-noise ratio of candidate network device #i; and the duration for which candidate network device #i supports providing services to the terminal.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the network device sends first information to the terminal, the first information indicating the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in the candidate network device #i on the UV plane of the candidate network device #i.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the measurement result includes the identification information of the N candidate network devices and the information corresponding to each of the N candidate network devices. The information corresponding to each candidate network device includes one or more of the following: the coordinates of candidate network device #i on the UV plane of the terminal, where candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices; the spatial isolation between candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal; or, the SINR of candidate network device #i; and the transmission rate at which candidate network device #i and the serving network device jointly serve the terminal.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the measurement object of each of the N candidate network devices includes one or more of the following information: the identification of the network device, the type of the reference signal, the time-frequency resource of the reference signal, or PCI; the reporting information of the measurement result is used to indicate the measurement quantity to be reported and the reporting method.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the reported measurement includes one or more of the following: identification information of the N candidate network devices, indication information that each candidate network device among the N candidate network devices meets the conditions, and information corresponding to each candidate network device among the N candidate network devices.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the network device sends activation information to the terminal, which is used to activate the TCI state, which is associated with the cell of the Cooperative Serving Network Device, which is one of the N candidate network devices.

[0036] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, which can be a terminal, a device within a terminal, or a device compatible with a terminal. The communication device can also be a chip system. The communication device can execute the method described in the first aspect. The functions of the communication device can be implemented in hardware, in hardware executing corresponding software, or in a combination of software and hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more units, modules, or means corresponding to the above functions. These units, modules, or means can be software and / or hardware. The operations performed by the communication device and its beneficial effects can be found in the method described in the first aspect and its beneficial effects.

[0037] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device, which can be a network device, a device within a network device, or a device compatible with a network device. The communication device can also be a chip system. The communication device can execute the method described in the second aspect. The functions of the communication device can be implemented in hardware, in hardware executing corresponding software, or in a combination of software and hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more units, modules, or means corresponding to the above functions. These units, modules, or means can be software and / or hardware. The operations performed by the communication device and its beneficial effects can be found in the method described in the second aspect above.

[0038] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device comprising one or more processors, the one or more processors being capable of executing the computer program or instructions, such that when the computer program or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the method described in the first aspect, or the processor implements the method described in the second aspect via logic circuits or executable code instructions.

[0039] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit for receiving signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmitting them to the processor, or for sending signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device.

[0040] In one possible design, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0041] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method described in the first aspect or the method described in the second aspect.

[0042] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer program product including instructions that, when a communication device reads and executes the instructions, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect, or cause the communication device to perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0043] Eighthly, this application provides a communication system including a communication device for performing the method described in the first aspect and a communication device for performing the method described in the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an NTN-based RAN architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a satellite-side UV plane provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a terminal-side UV plane provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To facilitate a detailed understanding of the embodiments of this application, the system architecture involved in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system applied in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system shown in Figure 1 may also include an Internet 300. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110), and may also include at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110, and RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wiredly connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent and different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of the core network equipment and the logical functions of the RAN node. Terminals and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. It should be noted that, in the following text, RAN node 110 may also be referred to as network device 110.

[0053] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0054] RAN nodes, also known as radio access network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminals access communication systems wirelessly. In one application scenario, an RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, or a base station in a future communication network. RAN nodes can be macro base stations (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), and can also be relay nodes or donor nodes.

[0055] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RANC) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes or integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0056] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, a RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description.

[0057] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be called terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0058] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0059] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1 can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access the wireless access network 100 through 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with base station functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with terminal functions.

[0060] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0061] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0062] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. In order to communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection with a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell. When the terminal communicates with this serving cell, it is also subject to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0063] To facilitate understanding of the relevant content of the embodiments of this application, some terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained below. This part is only for the purpose of understanding and should not be regarded as a disclosure or specific limitation of the technical solution of this application.

[0064] 1. Non-terrestrial networks (NTN)

[0065] NTN (Network Telecommunications) provides seamless communication coverage for terminal devices by deploying base stations or part of their functions on non-terrestrial network equipment (such as ships, high-altitude platforms, drones, or satellites), thereby improving the reliability of the communication system. It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, the following description uses satellites as an example of non-terrestrial network equipment in NTN and should not be considered a specific limitation of this application.

[0066] Based on the satellite's orbital altitude, satellite communication systems can be divided into three types: geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite communication systems, also known as synchronous orbit satellite systems; medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite communication systems; and low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems.

[0067] For example, please refer to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of an NTN-based RAN architecture applicable to embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 2, the NTN-based RAN architecture may include terminal equipment, RAN (or NG-RAN), core network equipment, and data network (or Internet).

[0068] Figure 2(a) illustrates a transparent satellite architecture. The RAN can include RRUs and network devices. RRUs can include satellites and NTN gateways. Terminal devices and network devices communicate via a User-Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UU) interface. The satellite enables transparent payload transmission between users and network devices. The satellite and NTN gateway can be considered as remote radio units of the network devices, achieving transparent signal forwarding. This means the satellite supports RF filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification functions without altering the signal waveform. Satellite forwarding is transparent to terminal devices; the satellite primarily acts as a Layer 1 (L1) relay, regenerating physical layer signals (i.e., radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification), without involving higher protocol layers. Network devices and core network devices can communicate via a Next Generation (NG) interface, exchanging non-access stratum (NAS) signaling from the core network and service data from the terminal devices.

[0069] Figure 2(b) illustrates a regenerative satellite architecture without an inter-satellite link. The RAN includes satellites and NTN gateways. The satellites, acting as network devices (e.g., base stations), possess the processing capabilities of base stations. Satellites communicate with the NTN gateways via the satellite radio interface (SRI). Terminal devices communicate with network devices via the Uu interface, and network devices and core network devices communicate via the NG interface. The NG interface facilitates the exchange of NAS signaling from the core network and service data from the terminal devices.

[0070] Figure 2(c) illustrates a regenerative satellite architecture with an inter-satellite link. The RAN includes satellites and NTN gateways. Satellites act as network devices (e.g., base stations), possessing the processing capabilities of base stations. Satellites communicate with the NTN gateway via SRI. Satellites can communicate with each other via the Xn interface on the inter-satellite link (ISL). Terminal devices communicate with network devices via the Uu interface, and network devices and core network devices communicate via the NG interface. The NG interface facilitates the exchange of NAS signaling from the core network and service data from the terminal devices.

[0071] Figure 2(d) illustrates a regenerative satellite architecture with DU processing capabilities at the base station level. The satellite acts as a DU, providing DU processing functionality. The CU and DU can jointly perform the functions of network devices (e.g., base stations). The CU and DU communicate via the F1 interface, and the DU communicates with the NTN gateway via the F1 interface on the SRI. Terminal devices communicate with the DU via the Uu interface, and the CU and core network devices communicate via the NG interface, exchanging NAS signaling from the core network and service data from the terminal devices.

[0072] For example, in another satellite architecture with integrated access and backhaul (IAB) functionality, the satellite acts as an IAB node. The IAB node provides wireless backhaul services to nodes (such as terminal devices) that wirelessly access the wireless backhaul node. Here, wireless backhaul service refers to data and / or signaling backhaul services provided via the wireless backhaul link.

[0073] 2. Coordinated multi-point (CoMP) technology

[0074] CoMP technology refers to a technology in which multiple base stations cooperate to provide services to a number of terminals. Typically, CoMP includes, but is not limited to, the following implementation methods:

[0075] 1) Dynamic point selection (DPS)

[0076] In this implementation, different network devices use different time-domain resources to provide services to the terminal. That is, within the same time-domain resources, the terminal communicates with one network device; within different time-domain resources, the terminal can dynamically select different network devices to communicate with.

[0077] 2) Coordinated scheduling (CS)

[0078] In this implementation, different network devices use different frequency domain resources to provide services to the terminal at the same time. That is, within the same time domain resources, the terminal can communicate with multiple network devices, which correspond to different frequency domain resources. For example, the terminal can communicate with different network devices on different subcarriers.

[0079] 3) Coordinated beamforming (CBF)

[0080] In this implementation, different network devices can provide services to the terminal on the same time-domain resources and frequency-domain resources (hereinafter referred to as time-frequency resources), but only one network device (referred to as the network device of cell #1 for easy distinction) sends useful signals to the terminal. The network devices of adjacent cooperating cells of cell #1 reduce the interference to the terminal by adjusting the beamforming vector.

[0081] 4) Joint transmission (JT)

[0082] In this implementation, different network devices can provide services to the terminal on the same time-domain and frequency-domain resources (hereinafter referred to as time-frequency resources), and multiple network devices can all send useful signals to the terminal. JT includes coherent JT (CJT) transmission mode and non-coherent JT (NCJT). Specifically, in CJT transmission mode, the multiple network devices send the same useful signal to the terminal; in NCJT transmission mode, the multiple network devices each send different useful signals to the terminal.

[0083] 3. Beam

[0084] In the NR protocol, beaming can be represented as a spatial domain filter, spatial parameter, spatial setting, spatial setting, quasi-colocation (QCL) information, QCL assumption, QCL indication, etc. Beaming can also be indicated by TCI-state parameters or spatial relation parameters. Therefore, in this embodiment, beaming can be replaced by spatial domain filter, spatial filter, spatial parameter, spatial parameter, spatial setting, spatial setting, QCL information, QCL assumption, QCL indication, TCI-state (e.g., downlink (DL) TCI-state, uplink (UL) TCI-state), or spatial relation, etc. All the above terms are equivalent. It should be understood that beaming can also be replaced by other beaming terms, which are not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0085] The beam used to transmit signals can be called a transmission beam (Tx beam), a spatial transmission filter, or spatial transmission parameters, etc.; the beam used to receive signals can be called a reception beam (Rx beam), a spatial reception filter, or spatial reception parameters, etc. The transmission beam refers to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space after the signal is transmitted through the antenna, while the reception beam refers to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space of the wireless signal received from the antenna.

[0086] It should be understood that the beamforming examples in the NR protocols listed above are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of defining other terms in other protocols to represent the same or similar meanings.

[0087] Furthermore, the beam can be a wide beam, a narrow beam, or other types of beam. The beamforming technology can be beamforming technology or other technologies. Specifically, beamforming technology can be digital beamforming technology, analog beamforming technology, or hybrid digital / analog beamforming technology, etc.

[0088] Typically, different beams can be considered to correspond to different resources. For example, during beam measurement, network devices measure different beams using different resources, and the terminal devices provide feedback on the measured resource quality, allowing the network devices to determine the quality of the corresponding beam. During data transmission, beam information is also indicated through its corresponding resources. For instance, network devices use the TCI resource in downlink control information (DCI) to indicate the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) beam information to the terminal devices. Different beams can be used to transmit the same information or different information.

[0089] Optionally, multiple beams with the same or similar communication characteristics can be considered as a single beam. A beam may include one or more antenna ports for transmitting data, control signaling, or detection signals, etc. One or more antenna ports forming a beam can also be considered as a set of antenna ports.

[0090] 4. Satellite-side UV plane

[0091] In communication protocols, the UV plane is used to describe the beam direction of a satellite. It should be noted that, in this application, the UV plane used to describe the beam within a satellite is referred to as the satellite's UV plane (or the satellite-specific UV plane, or satellite-side UV). Please refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of the beam within a satellite described by the satellite-side UV plane. In Figure 3, each hexagonal grid represents a beam, and the center point of each hexagonal grid represents the direction of that beam.

[0092] For any beam within the satellite, the beam direction can be represented by the corresponding zenith angle θ. s and azimuth angle φ s This indicates that the beam direction of the beam is (θ). s ,φ s ), where θ s ∈[0,90°], φ s ∈[0,360°]. In this case, it is assumed that the satellite side is equipped with a uniform planar array (UPA), along x s Axis satellites have M x,s Root antenna, along y s Axis satellites have M y,s For the antenna, the spacing between adjacent antennas on the satellite side is λ / 2, where λ is the carrier wavelength. The beam can then be represented by the array response vector f(θ) as shown in formula (1). s ,φ s)describe.

[0093] Where, x s Array response vector of axes y s Array response vector of axes This is the Kronecker product. It's important to understand that the beam direction (θ) s ,φ s A coordinate (u) corresponds to the UV plane on the satellite side. s ,v s ), where u s =sinθ s cosφ s v s =sinθ s sinφ s The u s ∈[-1,1], the v s ∈[-1,1]. It can be observed that (u s ,v s )satisfy Therefore, for any given beam direction (θ) s ,φ s Coordinates (u) on the satellite-side UV plane s ,v s All of them will fall within a unit circle.

[0094] Any two given beam directions (denoted as beam direction (θ) 1,s ,φ 1,s ) and beam direction (θ) 2,s ,φ 2,s The corresponding array response vectors are f1 = f(θ) 1,s ,φ 1,s f2 = f(θ) 2,s ,φ 2,s The coordinates of these coordinates in the satellite-side UV plane are (u 1,s ,v 1,s ) and (u 2,s ,v 2,s When both beams are activated simultaneously on the satellite side, it can be used... To describe the degree of mutual interference or spatial isolation between the two beams, where F s (u 1,s -u 2,s ,v 1,s -v 2,s It satisfies the conditions shown in formula (2).

[0095] Understandably, F s (u1,s -u 2,s ,v 1,s -v 2,s The larger the value of θ, the more it indicates the direction of the beam (θ). 1,s ,φ 1,s ) and beam direction (θ) 2,s ,φ 2,s The greater the interference between them, the smaller the spatial isolation; F s (u 1,s -u 2,s ,v 1,s -v 2,s The smaller the value, the more it indicates the beam direction (θ). 1,s ,φ 1,s ) and beam direction (θ) 2,s ,φ 2,s The less interference there is between them, the greater the spatial isolation.

[0096] To improve the capacity of satellite overlap coverage, researchers have proposed applying CoMP technology to NTN networks to construct a multi-satellite cooperative transmission system. In a multi-satellite transmission system, a single satellite can provide services to different terminal devices using different beams. However, interference can occur between beams emitted by that satellite. Furthermore, a terminal device can be served by multiple satellites, again resulting in interference between beams arriving at the terminal. Therefore, reducing beam interference in multi-satellite cooperative transmission scenarios (or, in other words, identifying the satellite serving a specific terminal device while minimizing interference) is a critical technical problem that needs to be solved.

[0097] The communication method provided in this application helps reduce beam interference in multi-satellite coordinated transmission scenarios. The communication method and device provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0098] To facilitate understanding of this solution, the following section will first describe a method provided in this application for describing the beam of a satellite relative to the antenna array on the terminal side using the UV plane on the terminal side.

[0099] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a schematic diagram of a multi-satellite cooperative transmission scenario provided in this application. As shown in Figure 4(a), both the satellite side and the UE side are equipped with UPA, and it is assumed that the satellite side along x s The shaft has M x,s Root antenna, along y s The shaft has M y,s Root antenna, assuming the terminal side edge x e The shaft has M x,e Root antenna, along y e The shaft has M y,eOne antenna. At this time, through the satellite-side UV plane shown in Figure 4(b), any beam in the satellite's antenna array can be represented by the array response vector f(θ) as shown in the aforementioned formula (1). s ,φ s )describe.

[0100] Through the terminal-side UV plane shown in Figure 4(b), for any given satellite's beam relative to the antenna array of terminal k (i.e., the beam that the satellite reaches terminal k, or the beam received by terminal k from the satellite), the beam direction can be represented by the corresponding zenith angle θ. e and azimuth φ e This means that the beam direction reaching the terminal k is (θ). e ,φ e ), where θ e ∈[0,90°], φ e ∈[0,360°]. In this case, the spacing between adjacent antennas on the terminal k side is λ / 2, where λ is the carrier wavelength. The satellite's response vector relative to the antenna array on the terminal k side is d(θ). e ,φ e It can be shown in formula (3).

[0101] Where, x e Array response vector of axes y e Array response vector of axes It is important to understand that the beam direction (θ) of the antenna array of any given satellite relative to terminal k e ,φ e A coordinate (u) corresponds to the UV plane on the k-side of the terminal. e ,v e ), where u e =sinθ e cosφ e v e =sinθ e sinφ e The u e ∈[-1,1], the v e ∈[-1,1]. It can be observed that (u e ,v e )satisfy Therefore, the beam direction (θ) of any given satellite relative to the antenna array on the k-th side of the terminal e ,φ e The coordinates (u) of the UV plane on the terminal k side e ,v e All of them will fall within a unit circle.

[0102] In this case, assume that the directions of the two satellites (e.g., satellite 1 and satellite 2) relative to the antenna array on the k-side of the terminal are (θ) 1,e ,φ 1,e ) and (θ 2,e ,φ 2,e The corresponding array response vectors are d k,1 =d(θ) 1,e ,φ 1,e ) and d k,2 =d(θ) 2,e ,φ 2,e The coordinates of the terminal k-side UV plane are (u 1,e ,v 1,e ) and (u 2,e ,v 2,e When interference between beams within each satellite is ignored, the received signal y of terminal k is... k The conditions shown in formula (4) are met.

[0103] Where, x k,1 and x k,2 These are the signals transmitted from satellite 1 and satellite 2 to terminal k, respectively; x k,1 and x k,2 The mean of all x is zero; k,1 and x k,2 The powers are p1 and p2, respectively; z k For additive Gaussian noise, z k Let z be a matrix with zero mean and an identity matrix, i.e. k z follows a complex Gaussian distribution k ~CN(0,I). In this case, the terminal k, under the cooperative service of satellite 1 and satellite 2 (a multi-satellite transmission system composed of satellite 1 and satellite 2), has a transmission rate R. k satisfy:

[0104] It can be seen that the multi-satellite transmission rate R of terminal k is... k and Relevant. Specifically, The larger the value, the higher the multi-satellite transmission rate R of terminal k. k The smaller; The smaller the value, the higher the multi-satellite transmission rate R of the terminal. k The larger.

[0105] When terminal k is served by both satellite 1 and satellite 2, it can be used This describes the degree of mutual interference or spatial isolation between the two receiving beams when terminal k receives signals from two satellites, where F e (u 1,e -u2,e ,v 1,e -v 2,e )satisfy:

[0106] Understandably, F e (u 1,e -u 2,e ,v 1,e -v 2,e The larger the value of F, the greater the interference between the two satellites, the smaller the spatial isolation, and the lower the multi-satellite transmission rate of terminal k; e (u 1,e -u 2,e ,v 1,e -v 2,e The smaller the value, the less interference there is between the two satellites, the greater the spatial isolation, and the higher the multi-satellite transmission rate of the terminal.

[0107] After introducing the UV plane on the terminal side, the communication method and communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the communication method includes the following steps S501 to S504. The method execution entity shown in Figure 5 is illustrated using a terminal and a network device as examples. It can be understood that the method execution entity shown in Figure 5 can also be a module in the terminal (e.g., a chip) or a module in the service network device (e.g., a chip, a CU, or a DU). Wherein:

[0109] S501 (optional), the service network device sends configuration information.

[0110] Accordingly, the terminal receives configuration information. Optionally, when the serving network device is a network device in a CU-DU separation architecture or an ORAN architecture, S501 can be understood as the CU generating configuration information and sending the configuration information to the DU providing services to the terminal; further, the DU sending the configuration information to the terminal.

[0111] This configuration information is used to indicate the reporting information of measurement results and / or the measurement objects of N candidate network devices, where N is a positive integer.

[0112] It is important to understand that the measurement object of the candidate network device is used to indicate which network devices are the candidate network devices corresponding to the terminal. The measurement object of the candidate network device includes one or more of the following information: 1) The identifier of the candidate network device, used to indicate to the terminal which network device is the candidate network device, such as the satellite index or satellite number; 2) The type of reference signal of the candidate network device, used to indicate to the terminal which reference signals of the candidate network device to measure, such as the type of reference signal, which can be a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) or a demodulation reference signal (DMRS); 3) The time-frequency resources of the reference signal of the candidate network device, used to indicate to the terminal to receive the reference signal in the time domain and frequency domain resources, such as the time-frequency resources, which can be the time domain period and frequency point of the reference signal; 4) The PCI of the candidate network device.

[0113] It should also be understood that the reporting information of the measurement results is used to instruct the terminal on what content (or the reported measurement quantity) to report, and / or to instruct on the reporting method of the measurement quantity. The reporting method of the measurement quantity includes periodic reporting, non-periodic reporting, or semi-continuous reporting, etc. The reported measurement quantity includes one or more of the following: the identifiers of the N candidate network devices, indication information of the conditions satisfied by each of the N candidate network devices (i.e., the candidate network device), or information corresponding to each candidate network device. It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, the indication information of the conditions satisfied by the candidate network device is described in detail in S503, and the conditions mentioned in this application and the information corresponding to the candidate network devices are described in detail in S502.

[0114] It should also be noted that the network devices mentioned in this application (including serving network devices and candidate network devices) can be non-terrestrial network devices or network devices in the architectures shown in Figures 2(a), (b), (c), and (d). The embodiments provided in this application are only illustrative examples using satellites as network devices and should not be considered as a specific limitation of this application. Here, the serving network device is the network device that provides services to the terminal, and the candidate network device is a candidate network device that can cooperate with the serving network device to provide services to the terminal. For example, when satellite 1 provides services to the terminal, after the terminal moves to the overlapping coverage area of ​​satellites 1, 2, and 3, satellites 2 and 3 can be considered as candidate network devices that can cooperate with satellite 1 to provide services to the terminal. In this case, satellite 1 is the serving network device mentioned in this application, and satellites 2 and 3 are candidate network devices.

[0115] S502, The terminal measures the reference signal of the serving network device and the reference signals of the N candidate network devices.

[0116] The serving network device and N candidate network devices each transmit corresponding reference signals. For ease of distinction, the reference signal corresponding to the serving network device is designated as the first reference signal, and the reference signals corresponding to the candidate network devices are designated as the second reference signals. The terminal receives and measures the first reference signal and the N second reference signals, obtaining one or more of the following types of information:

[0117] The first category of information is information corresponding to the network devices used for services.

[0118] This can be understood as obtaining data corresponding to the serving network device by measuring the first reference signal, including one or more of the following information 1 to information 4:

[0119] Information 1: The coordinates of the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal.

[0120] The beam direction of the antenna array of the serving network device relative to the terminal is denoted as (θ). e,P ,φ e,P ), where the zenith angle θ e,P ∈[0,90°], azimuth φ e,P ∈[0,360°]. In this case, the coordinates of the serving network device's beam relative to the terminal's antenna array on the UV plane on the terminal side are denoted as (u e,P ,v e,P ), where u e,P =sinθ e,P cosφ e,P v e,P =sinθ e,P sinφ e,P The u e,P ∈[-1,1], the v e,P ∈[-1,1].

[0121] Information 2: SINR or SNR of the service network equipment.

[0122] That is, the terminal measures the first reference signal and obtains the SINR or SNR.

[0123] Information 3, SLNR of service network equipment.

[0124] It is understood that the SLNR of the serving network device is determined based on the desired signal power, leakage signal power, and noise power corresponding to the first signal. For example, the conditions satisfied by this SLNR are as follows:

[0125] The signal leakage power is associated with the beam information of the serving network device, which includes one or more of the following: the coordinates of each beam in the serving network device on the UV plane; whether each beam in the serving network device is in an on or off state; the power of each beam in the serving network device; and the reference signal port index corresponding to each beam in the serving network device.

[0126] In one possible implementation, the serving network device sends its beam information to the terminal; further, the terminal receives the beam information of the serving network device and calculates the SLNR of the serving network device.

[0127] The second type of information is the information corresponding to each candidate network device.

[0128] This can be understood as measuring the second reference signal of each candidate network device to obtain the data corresponding to that candidate network device. For ease of understanding, the following text uses candidate network device #i among the N candidate network devices as an example to illustrate the data corresponding to the candidate network device mentioned in this application, where i∈[1,N] or i∈[0,N-1]. The information corresponding to candidate network device #i includes one or more of information 4 to information 8:

[0129] Information 4: The coordinates of candidate network device #i on the UV plane of the terminal.

[0130] Let the beam direction of the antenna array of candidate network device #i relative to the terminal be denoted as... Among them, zenith angle Azimuth In this case, the coordinates of the candidate network device #i relative to the terminal's antenna array beam on the UV plane on the terminal side are denoted as follows: in, Should Should

[0131] Information 5: SINR or SNR of candidate network device #i.

[0132] That is, the terminal measures the second reference signal of the candidate network device #i and obtains the SINR or SNR.

[0133] Information 6: SLNR of candidate network device #i.

[0134] It can be understood that the SLNR of candidate network device #i is determined based on the desired signal power, leakage signal power, and noise power corresponding to the second signal of candidate network device #i. The conditions that this SLNR satisfies can be referred to the conditions that the SLNR satisfies in the aforementioned information 3.

[0135] The signal leakage power of candidate network device #i is associated with the beam information of candidate network device #i, which includes one or more of the following: the coordinates of each beam in candidate network device #i on the UV plane; whether each beam in candidate network device #i is in an on or off state; the power of each beam in candidate network device #i; and the reference signal port index corresponding to each beam in candidate network device #i.

[0136] In one possible implementation, each of the N candidate network devices sends its beam information to the serving network device. Further, the serving network device sends beam pattern information to the terminal, which indicates the beam information of the N candidate network devices; further still, the terminal calculates the SLNR of each candidate network device based on its beam information.

[0137] Information 7: Spatial isolation between candidate network device #i and serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal.

[0138] Alternatively, it can be understood as the degree of mutual interference between candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal. It can be understood that on the UV plane of the terminal, the greater the degree of mutual interference between candidate network device #i and the serving network device, the smaller the spatial isolation between them; conversely, the smaller the degree of mutual interference, the greater the spatial isolation between them.

[0139] It's important to understand that when a terminal is simultaneously served by both the candidate network device #i and the serving network device, it can be used... Describes the degree of mutual interference or spatial isolation between the two received beams when the terminal receives the first reference signal and the second reference signal of the candidate network device #i, wherein, The following conditions must be met:

[0140] Among them, M x,e For the terminal edge x e The number of antennas on the axis, M y,e For the terminal side edge y e Number of antennas on the axis, u e,P =sinθ e,P cosφ e,P v e,P =sinθ e,P sinφ e,P , the θ e,P The φ is the zenith angle of the first reference signal relative to the antenna array of the terminal. e,P The azimuth angle of the first reference signal relative to the antenna array of the terminal. Should The second reference signal of candidate network device #i relative to the zenith angle of the terminal's antenna array, The second reference signal for candidate network device #i is the azimuth angle relative to the antenna array of the terminal.

[0141] Understandable, The larger the value, the greater the interference between the candidate network device #i and the serving network device, the smaller the spatial isolation, and the lower the multi-star transmission rate of the terminal. The smaller the value, the less interference there is between the candidate network device #i and the serving network device, the greater the spatial isolation, and the higher the multi-satellite transmission rate of the terminal.

[0142] Information 8: The transmission rate (i.e., multi-satellite transmission rate) of candidate network devices #i and service network devices for terminal collaborative services.

[0143] When a terminal is served by both the candidate network device #i and the serving network device, it can be used This indicates the multi-satellite transmission rate corresponding to the terminal. The conditions for fulfilling these conditions can be found in the aforementioned section regarding when satellite 1 and satellite 2 send signal x to the terminal. k,1 and x k,2 At that time, the transmission rate R to the terminal k The description of the conditions to be met will not be repeated here.

[0144] It is important to understand that when a terminal is simultaneously served by both candidate network device #i and the serving network device, The larger the value, the lower the multi-satellite transmission rate of the terminal; The smaller the value, the higher the multi-satellite transmission rate of the terminal.

[0145] The third type of information is the weights corresponding to each candidate network device.

[0146] This can be understood as the weight (or weight value) corresponding to each candidate network device, obtained based on the information corresponding to each candidate network device. For ease of understanding, the following text will use candidate network device #i among the N candidate network devices as an example to explain the weight value corresponding to the candidate network devices mentioned in this application.

[0147] In one possible implementation 1, the weight of the candidate network device #i is determined based on one or more of the following information: the spatial isolation between the candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal, the SINR of the candidate network device #i, the SLNR of the candidate network device #i, the SNR of the candidate network device #i, and the duration for which the candidate network device #i supports providing services to the terminal.

[0148] For example, in implementation 1, the weight w of the candidate network device #i i The following conditions must be met:

[0149] w i =a 1i ·Q i +b 1i SINR i +c 1i ·SLNR i +d 1i ·SNR i +e 1i ServingTime i

[0150] Among them, Q i SINR represents the spatial isolation or mutual interference level between candidate network device #i and the serving network device. i SINR and SLNR for candidate network device #i i For candidate network device #i, SLNR, SNR i For candidate network device #i, SNR, ServingTime i The duration for which the terminal is served by the support of candidate network device #i, a 1i b 1i c 1i d 1i e 1i These are constant coefficients. It should be noted that the specific values ​​of each constant coefficient can be empirical values ​​or model predictions; this application does not impose any restrictions on the specific values ​​of each constant coefficient. (Terminal obtains Q) i SINR i SLNR i SNR iFor specific details, please refer to the relevant description in the second category of information mentioned above. This application does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0151] Optionally, in implementation 1, the terminal obtains ServingTime. i The methods include, but are not limited to: obtaining the ephemeris information of candidate network device #i, and determining the ServingTime based on the ephemeris information of candidate network device #i. i .

[0152] In another possible implementation 2, the weight of the candidate network device #i is determined based on one or more of the following information: the spatial isolation between the candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal, the SINR of the candidate network device #i, the spatial isolation between the first beam (the candidate beam in the candidate network device #i that provides services to the terminal) and the second beam (any other beam in the candidate network device #i that is in the on state, other than the first beam) in the UV plane of the candidate network device #i, the SNR of the candidate network device #i, and the duration for which the candidate network device #i supports providing services to the terminal.

[0153] For example, in implementation 2, the weight w of the candidate network device #i i The following conditions must be met:

[0154] w i =a 2i ·Q i +b 2i SINR i +c 2i ·sum(S i )+d 2i ·SNR i +e 2i ServingTime i

[0155] Among them, Q i SINR represents the spatial isolation or mutual interference level between candidate network device #i and the serving network device. i For the SINR of candidate network device #i, sum(S i SNR is the sum of the spatial isolation between the first beam and other beams in candidate network device #i. i For candidate network device #i, SNR, ServingTime i The duration for which the terminal is served by the support of candidate network device #i, a 2i b 2i c 2i d 2i e2i These are constant coefficients. It should be noted that the specific values ​​of each constant coefficient can be empirical values ​​or model predictions; this application does not impose any restrictions on the specific values ​​of each constant coefficient. (Terminal obtains Q) i SINR i SNR i ServingTime i For specific details, please refer to the relevant description in the aforementioned Implementation Method 1. This application does not impose any specific limitations on this method.

[0156] Optionally, in implementation 2, the terminal obtains sum(S) i The methods include, but are not limited to: candidate network device #i sending first information to the serving network device, the first information indicating the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in the UV plane of candidate network device #i; the serving network device then sending the first information to the terminal; furthermore, the terminal calculating the sum(S) based on the first information. i ).

[0157] The fourth type of information is the conditions that each candidate network device must meet.

[0158] This can be understood as determining, based on the aforementioned first and second types of information, whether each candidate network device meets the conditions or not. For ease of understanding, the following text will use candidate network device #i among the N candidate network devices as an example to explain the conditions for determining whether a candidate network device meets the conditions mentioned in this application.

[0159] Condition 1: On the UV plane of the terminal, the spatial isolation between the candidate network device #i and the serving network device is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0160] On the UV plane of the terminal, the terminal obtains the spatial isolation Q between the candidate network device #i and the serving network device. i After that, if Q i If Q is greater than or equal to the first threshold, then the candidate network device #i satisfies condition 1; if Q i If the value is less than the first threshold, then the candidate network device #i does not meet condition 1.

[0161] Among them, the terminal obtains Q i The method can be found in the relevant description in Information 7 above, and will not be repeated here. The thresholds mentioned in this application (including the first threshold and the second to sixth thresholds mentioned below) can be numerical values ​​predicted by the model or empirical values, and this application does not limit their specific values.

[0162] Condition 2: The SINR of candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0163] After the terminal measures the SINR obtained from the second reference signal of candidate network device #i, if the SINR is greater than or equal to the second threshold, then candidate network device #i satisfies condition 2; if the SINR is less than the second threshold, then candidate network device #i does not satisfy condition 2.

[0164] Condition 3: The SLNR of candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to the third threshold.

[0165] The terminal can refer to the acquisition method in Information 6 above to obtain the SLNR of candidate network device #i. If the SLNR is greater than or equal to the third threshold, then candidate network device #i satisfies condition 3; if the SLNR is less than the third threshold, then candidate network device #i does not satisfy condition 3.

[0166] Condition 4: The first difference is less than or equal to the fourth threshold. This first difference is the SINR (denoted as SINR) of candidate network device #i. i The difference between the SINR of the network device and the SINR of the service network device (denoted as SINR0).

[0167] The terminal measures the second reference signal of the candidate network device #i to obtain the SINR. i SINR0 is obtained by measuring the first reference signal of the serving network device. Further, the terminal uses SINR... i The first difference is determined by SINR0. If the first difference is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, then candidate network device #i satisfies condition 4; if the first difference is less than the fourth threshold, then candidate network device #i does not satisfy condition 4.

[0168] Condition 5: The second difference is less than or equal to the fifth threshold, and this second difference is the SLNR (denoted as SLNR) of candidate network device #i. i The difference between the SLNR of the network device and the SLNR of the service network device (denoted as SLNR0).

[0169] The terminal obtains the SLNR of candidate network device #i by referring to the method described in information 6 above. i Refer to the aforementioned method for obtaining information 3 to obtain the SLNR0 of the serving network device. Further, the terminal obtains the SLNR based on... i The second difference is determined by SLNR0. If the second difference is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, then candidate network device #i satisfies condition 5; if the first difference is less than the fifth threshold, then candidate network device #i does not satisfy condition 5.

[0170] Condition 6: On the UV plane of candidate network device #i, the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold. The first beam is a candidate beam in candidate network device #i that provides services to the terminal, and the second beam is any beam in candidate network device #i that is in the on state.

[0171] In other words, the terminal obtains the spatial isolation between the first beam in candidate network device #i and other beams in candidate network device #i that are in the active state. If the spatial isolation between all the active beams in candidate network device #i and the first beam is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold, then candidate network device #i satisfies condition 6; if there is a single active beam in candidate network device #i whose spatial isolation between it and the first beam is less than the sixth threshold, then candidate network device #i does not satisfy condition 6.

[0172] For ease of understanding, let k be the number of beams that are enabled in candidate network device #i, and let the first beam (θ) be... s,o ,φ s,o The second beam is (θ) s,j ,φ s,j Where o∈[1,k], j∈[1,k], and zenith angle θ s,o ∈[0,90°], azimuth φ s,o ∈[0,360°], zenith angle θ s,j ∈[0,90°], azimuth φ s,j ∈[0,360°]. Using S o,j This S represents the spatial isolation between the first and second beams. o,j =cos -1 (F s (u s,o -u s,j ,v s,o -v s,j ), where F s (u s,o -u s,j ,v s,o -v s,j The following conditions must be met:

[0173] Among them, M x,s For candidate network devices #i along x s The number of antennas on the axis, M y,s For candidate network devices #i along y s Number of antennas on the axis, u s,o =sinθ s,o cosφ s,o v s,o =sinθs,o sinφ s,o u s,j =sinθ s,j cosφ s,j v s,j =sinθ s,j sinφ s,j Understandably, F s (u s,o -u s,j ,v s,o -v s,j The larger the value of F, the greater the interference between the first and second beams, and the smaller the spatial isolation. s (u s,o -u s,j ,v s,o -v s,j The smaller the value, the less interference there is between the first and second beams, and the greater the spatial isolation.

[0174] S503. The terminal sends the measurement results, which indicate the interference between N candidate network devices and the serving network device.

[0175] Accordingly, the serving network device receives the measurement result. Optionally, in the case of a CU-DU separated architecture or a network device in an ORAN architecture, S503 can be understood as the DU receiving the measurement result from the terminal and sending the measurement result to the CU.

[0176] In other words, the terminal measures the first reference signal and N second reference signals as described in S502, obtaining one or more types of information as described in S502. Further, the terminal sends the measurement results to the serving network device, the measurement results including the one or more types of information described in S502. Optionally, when S501 is executed and the configuration information indicates the measurement quantity to be reported, the terminal sends the measurement results to the serving network device according to the configuration information, the measurement results including the measurement quantity indicated by the configuration information to be reported.

[0177] To facilitate understanding of the measurement results, the following examples 1 to 3 illustrate the measurement results mentioned in this application, and should not be considered as specific limitations on the content of the measurement results. Wherein:

[0178] In Example 1, the measurement result includes the identifiers of N candidate network devices and indication information of the conditions satisfied by each of the N candidate network devices. Optionally, the indication information of the conditions satisfied by each candidate network device includes: an identifier of the conditions satisfied by each candidate network device (e.g., an index of the satisfied conditions); or, a first value indicating that no conditions are satisfied. It should be noted that this application does not specifically limit the specific value of the first value, for example, it can be null; this application also does not limit the form of the first value, for example, it can be an empty value.

[0179] For example, the serving network device sends its beam pattern and the beam patterns of the N candidate network devices to the terminal. In this case, the terminal can determine whether each candidate network device satisfies the aforementioned condition 5. In this case, the measurement results reported by the first terminal are used to indicate which conditions 1 to 5 each candidate network device satisfies. As shown in Table 1, the conditions satisfied by candidate network device S1 include conditions 1 to 5. i The conditions to be met include conditions 2 to 4, and the candidate network device S N It does not meet any of the conditions 1 to 5.

[0180] Table 1

[0181] Optionally, in Example 1, the measurement result may also include the weights of each candidate network device, and the calculation method of the weights can be referred to the calculation method described in Implementation 1 of the third type of information in S502 above.

[0182] In Example 2, the measurement result includes the identifiers of N candidate network devices and indications of the conditions satisfied by each of the N candidate network devices. For an explanation of the "indications of the conditions satisfied by each candidate network device," please refer to the description in Example 1 above.

[0183] For example, if the serving network device sends the spatial isolation between the first and second beams of each of the N candidate network devices to the terminal, the terminal can determine whether each candidate network device satisfies the aforementioned condition 6. In this case, the measurement results reported by the first terminal are used to indicate which of the aforementioned conditions 1 to 4 and condition 6 each candidate network device satisfies. As shown in Table 2, the conditions satisfied by candidate network device S1 include conditions 1 to 4 and condition 6. i The conditions to be met include conditions 2 to 4, and the candidate network device S N It does not meet any of the conditions 1 to 4 and condition 6.

[0184] Table 2

[0185] Optionally, in Example 2, the measurement result may also include the weights of each candidate network device, and the calculation method of the weights can be referred to the calculation method described in Implementation 2 of the third type of information in S502 above.

[0186] In Example 3, the measurement result includes the identifiers of N candidate network devices, as well as the information corresponding to each of the N candidate network devices.

[0187] For example, the terminal measures the first reference signal and the N second reference signals to obtain information 4 (coordinates of each candidate network device on the terminal's UV plane), information 5 (SINR or SNR of each candidate network device), information 7 (spatial isolation between each candidate network device and the serving network device on the terminal's UV plane), and information 8 (transmission rate of each candidate network device and the serving network device in cooperative service with the terminal). The measurement results reported by the terminal are shown in Table 3.

[0188] Table 3

[0189] In summary, in Examples 1 and 2, after the terminal measures and obtains the first type of information and the second type of information described in S502, the terminal obtains the fourth type of information based on the first and second type of information. Furthermore, the measurement result sent by the terminal to the serving network device includes one or more types of the fourth type of information. In Example 3, after the terminal measures and obtains the second type of information described in S502, the measurement result sent by the terminal to the serving network device includes one or more types of the second type of information.

[0190] S504 (optional), the service network device sends activation information.

[0191] Accordingly, the terminal receives activation information. Optionally, in the case of a network device in a CU-DU separation architecture or an ORAN architecture, S504 can be understood as the CU generating activation information and sending the activation information to the DU providing services to the terminal; further, the DU sends the activation information to the terminal.

[0192] The activation information is used to activate the TCI state, which is associated with the cell of the Cooperative Serving Network Device (CSNF), one of the N candidate network devices. Alternatively, the activation information can be understood as activating the cell of the CSNF.

[0193] In other words, after receiving the measurement results from the terminal, the serving network device determines, based on the measurement results, the network device that works together with the serving network device to provide services to the terminal (denoted as the cooperating serving network device), from the N candidate network devices, and sends activation information to the terminal to activate the cell of the cooperating serving network device.

[0194] It should be noted that this application does not specifically limit the process by which the serving network device determines the cooperating serving network device from the N candidate network devices. For ease of understanding, this application provides the following methods for determining the cooperating serving network device, which should not be regarded as a specific limitation of this application.

[0195] Method 1: When the measurement result includes the spatial isolation between each candidate network device and the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal, the spatial isolation between the cooperating serving network device and the serving network device is the maximum value among the spatial isolation between the N candidate network devices and the serving network device.

[0196] Method 2: When the measurement result includes the transmission rate of each candidate network device and the service network device for terminal collaborative service, the transmission rate of the collaborative service network device and the service network device for terminal collaborative service is the maximum value among the transmission rates of the N candidate network devices and the service network device for terminal collaborative service respectively.

[0197] Method 3: When the measurement result includes the weights of each candidate network device, the weight of the collaborative service network device is the maximum value among the weights of the N candidates.

[0198] Method 4: When the measurement result includes indication information of the conditions satisfied by each of the N candidate network devices, the number of conditions satisfied by the collaborative service network device is the maximum value among the number of conditions satisfied by each of the N candidate network devices.

[0199] In summary, the method described in Figure 5 allows the serving network device to understand the interference caused by each candidate network device when it collaborates with the serving network device to provide services to the terminal. This helps to avoid situations where candidate networks with significant interference collaborate with the serving network device to provide services to the terminal, and improves the communication performance of the serving network device in providing collaborative services to the terminal.

[0200] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the terminal includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps 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 transceiver units driving the hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0201] Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams illustrating possible communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of terminals 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 can be the terminal 120 shown in Figure 1, or it can be a module (such as a chip) applied to the terminal; alternatively, the communication device can be the network device 110 shown in Figure 1, or it can be a module (such as a chip) applied to the network device.

[0202] As shown in Figure 6, the communication device 600 includes a processing unit 610 and a transceiver unit 620. The communication device 600 is used to implement the functions of a terminal or service network device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 5 above. The processing unit 610 is used to process information received by the transceiver unit 620, or the transceiver unit 620 is used to transmit information processed by the processing unit 610.

[0203] When the communication device 600 is used to implement the functions of the terminal in the method embodiment shown in FIG5: the processing unit 610 is used to measure the reference signal of the serving network device and the reference signals of N candidate network devices, the serving network device being the network device that provides services to the terminal, and N being a positive integer; the transceiver unit 620 is used to send the measurement result, the measurement result indicating the interference between the N candidate network devices and the serving network device.

[0204] In one possible implementation, the measurement result includes the identifiers of the N candidate network devices and indications of the conditions satisfied by each of the N candidate network devices.

[0205] In one possible implementation, the condition includes one or more of the following information:

[0206] On the UV plane of the terminal, if the spatial isolation between the candidate network device #i and the serving network device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, then the candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices;

[0207] The signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0208] The signal leakage-to-noise ratio of candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to the third threshold.

[0209] The first difference is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the first difference is the difference between the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i and the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the serving network device;

[0210] The second difference is less than or equal to the fifth threshold, and the second difference is the difference between the signal leakage noise ratio of the candidate network device #i and the signal leakage noise ratio of the serving network device;

[0211] Alternatively, on the UV plane of the candidate network device #i, the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in the candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold, the first beam is a candidate beam in the candidate network device #i that provides services to the terminal, and the second beam is any beam in the candidate network device #i that is in the on state.

[0212] In one possible implementation, the indication information of the conditions satisfied by each candidate network device includes: an identifier of the conditions satisfied by each candidate network device; or, a first value, which is used to indicate that no conditions are satisfied.

[0213] In one possible implementation, the measurement result also includes the weights corresponding to each of the N candidate network devices.

[0214] In one possible implementation, candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices, and the weight of candidate network device #i is determined based on one or more of the following information:

[0215] The spatial isolation between the candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal;

[0216] The signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of candidate network device #i;

[0217] The signal leakage-to-noise ratio of candidate network device #i;

[0218] The signal-to-noise ratio of candidate network device #i;

[0219] The candidate network device #i supports the duration of service provided to this terminal.

[0220] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 is further configured to receive beam pattern information, which includes beam information of each of the N candidate network devices.

[0221] In one possible implementation, the beam information of the candidate network device #i includes one or more of the following:

[0222] The coordinates of each beam in candidate network device #i on the UV plane;

[0223] The individual beams in candidate network device #i are either on or off.

[0224] The power of each beam in candidate network device #i;

[0225] Alternatively, the reference signal port index corresponding to each beam in the candidate network device #i.

[0226] In one possible implementation, candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices, and the weight of candidate network device #i is determined based on one or more of the following information: the spatial isolation between candidate network device #i and the serving network device in the UV plane of the terminal; the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of candidate network device #i; the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in candidate network device #i in the UV plane of candidate network device #i; the signal-to-noise ratio of candidate network device #i; and the duration for which candidate network device #i supports providing services to the terminal.

[0227] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 is further configured to receive first information indicating the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in the candidate network device #i on the UV plane of the candidate network device #i.

[0228] In one possible implementation, the measurement result includes the identification information of the N candidate network devices and the information corresponding to each candidate network device among the N candidate network devices; the information corresponding to each candidate network device includes one or more of the following: the coordinates of candidate network device #i on the UV plane of the terminal, where candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices; the spatial isolation between candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal; the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of candidate network device #i; or, the transmission rate of candidate network device #i and the serving network device for the terminal to cooperate in service.

[0229] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 is further configured to receive configuration information, which is used to indicate the reporting information of the measurement results and / or the measurement objects of the N candidate network devices; wherein: the measurement objects of each candidate network device among the N candidate network devices include one or more of the following information: the identifier of the network device, the type of the reference signal, the time-frequency resources of the reference signal, or the physical cell identifier (PCI); the reporting information of the measurement results is used to indicate the reported measurement quantity and the reporting method.

[0230] In one possible implementation, the reported measurement includes one or more of the following: identification information of the N candidate network devices, indication information that each candidate network device among the N candidate network devices meets the conditions, and information corresponding to each candidate network device among the N candidate network devices.

[0231] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 is further configured to receive activation information for activating a Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) state associated with a cell of a Cooperative Serving Network Device (CSNF), which is one of the N candidate network devices.

[0232] For a more detailed description of the transceiver unit 620 and the processing unit 610, please refer to the relevant description of the terminal in the method embodiment shown in Figure 5.

[0233] When the communication device 600 is used to implement the function of the serving network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG5: the transceiver unit 620 is used to send configuration information, which is used to indicate the reporting information of measurement results and / or the measurement objects of N candidate network devices; the transceiver unit 620 is also used to receive measurement results, which indicate the interference between the N candidate network devices and the serving network device, the serving network device is a network device that provides services to the terminal, and N is a positive integer.

[0234] In one possible implementation, the measurement result includes identification information of the N candidate network devices and indication information of the conditions satisfied by each of the N candidate network devices.

[0235] In one possible implementation, the condition includes one or more of the following information:

[0236] On the UV plane of the terminal, if the spatial isolation between the candidate network device #i and the serving network device is greater than or equal to the first threshold, then the candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices;

[0237] The signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0238] The signal leakage-to-noise ratio of candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to the third threshold.

[0239] The first difference is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the first difference is the difference between the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i and the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the serving network device;

[0240] The second difference is less than or equal to the fifth threshold, and the second difference is the difference between the signal leakage noise ratio of the candidate network device #i and the signal leakage noise ratio of the serving network device;

[0241] Alternatively, on the UV plane of the candidate network device #i, the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in the candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold, the first beam is a candidate beam in the candidate network device #i that provides services to the terminal, and the second beam is any beam in the candidate network device #i that is in the on state.

[0242] In one possible implementation, the indication information of the conditions satisfied by each candidate network device includes: an identifier of the conditions satisfied by each candidate network device; or, a first value used to indicate that no conditions are satisfied.

[0243] In one possible implementation, the measurement result also includes the weights corresponding to each of the N candidate network devices.

[0244] In one possible implementation, candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices, and the weight of candidate network device #i is determined based on one or more of the following information:

[0245] The spatial isolation between the candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal;

[0246] The signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of candidate network device #i;

[0247] The signal leakage-to-noise ratio of candidate network device #i;

[0248] The signal-to-noise ratio of candidate network device #i;

[0249] The candidate network device #i supports the duration of service provided to this terminal.

[0250] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 is further configured to send beam pattern information to the terminal device, the beam pattern information including the beam information of each of the N candidate network devices.

[0251] In one possible implementation, the beam information of the candidate network device #i includes one or more of the following:

[0252] The coordinates of each beam in candidate network device #i on the UV plane;

[0253] The individual beams in candidate network device #i are either on or off.

[0254] The power of each beam in candidate network device #i;

[0255] Alternatively, the reference signal port index corresponding to each beam in the candidate network device #i.

[0256] In one possible implementation, candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices, and the weight of candidate network device #i is determined based on one or more of the following information:

[0257] The spatial isolation between candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of this terminal;

[0258] The signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of candidate network device #i;

[0259] On the UV plane of the candidate network device #i, the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in the candidate network device #i;

[0260] The signal-to-noise ratio of candidate network device #i;

[0261] The candidate network device #i supports the duration of service provided to this terminal.

[0262] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 is further configured to send first information to the terminal device, the first information being used to indicate the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in the candidate network device #i on the UV plane of the candidate network device #i.

[0263] In one possible implementation, the measurement result includes the identification information of the N candidate network devices and the information corresponding to each candidate network device among the N candidate network devices;

[0264] The information corresponding to each candidate network device includes one or more of the following:

[0265] On the UV plane of the terminal, the coordinates of candidate network device #i, where candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices;

[0266] The spatial isolation between candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of this terminal;

[0267] The signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of candidate network device #i;

[0268] Alternatively, the transmission rate at which the candidate network device #i and the serving network device provide collaborative services for the terminal.

[0269] In one possible implementation, the measurement object of each of the N candidate network devices includes one or more of the following information: the identifier of the network device, the type of the reference signal, the time-frequency resources of the reference signal, or the physical cell identifier (PCI); the reporting information of the measurement result is used to indicate the reported measurement quantity and the reporting method.

[0270] In one possible implementation, the reported measurement includes one or more of the following: identification information of the N candidate network devices, indication information that each candidate network device among the N candidate network devices meets the conditions, and information corresponding to each candidate network device among the N candidate network devices.

[0271] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 620 is further configured to send activation information to the terminal, the activation information being used to activate the Transmission Configuration Indication State (TCI state), the TCI state being associated with a cell of a Cooperative Serving Network Device, which is one of the N candidate network devices.

[0272] For a more detailed description of the transceiver unit 620 and the processing unit 610, please refer to the relevant description of the service network device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 5.

[0273] As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 700 includes a processor 710, which is used to implement the method shown in Figure 5.

[0274] Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include an interface circuit 720. The processor 710 and the interface circuit 720 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 720 may be a transceiver or an input / output interface. When the communication device 700 is used to implement the method shown in FIG. 5, the processor 710 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 610 described above, and the interface circuit 720 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 620 described above.

[0275] Optionally, the communication device 700 may also include a memory 730 for storing instructions executed by the processor 710, or storing input data required for the processor 710 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 710 executes instructions.

[0276] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip 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.

[0277] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a service network device, the service network device chip implements the functions of the service network device in the above method embodiments. The service network device 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 service network device, and then sent to the service network device chip by these modules. The service network device chip sends information to the terminal, which can be understood as the information being forwarded to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the service network device, and then sent to the terminal by these modules.

[0278] 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.

[0279] 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.

[0280] 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.

[0281] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When a computer program or instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions of the embodiments of this application are performed. 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, a 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.

[0282] 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.

[0283] 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 represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "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.

[0284] 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 communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The reference signal of the service network device and the reference signals of N candidate network devices are measured. The service network device is a network device that provides services to the terminal, and N is a positive integer. Send measurement results, which indicate the interference between the N candidate network devices and the serving network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measurement results include the identifiers of the N candidate network devices and indications of the conditions satisfied by each of the N candidate network devices.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conditions include one or more of the following information: On the UV plane of the terminal, the spatial isolation between the candidate network device #i and the serving network device is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices; The signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to the second threshold. The signal leakage-to-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to the third threshold. The first difference is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the first difference is the difference between the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i and the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the serving network device; The second difference is less than or equal to the fifth threshold, and the second difference is the difference between the signal leakage noise ratio of the candidate network device #i and the signal leakage noise ratio of the serving network device; On the UV plane of the candidate network device #i, the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in the candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold. The first beam is a candidate beam in the candidate network device #i that provides services to the terminal, and the second beam is any beam in the candidate network device #i that is in the on state.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The indication information of the conditions satisfied by each candidate network device includes: The identifier of the conditions satisfied by each candidate network device; Alternatively, a first value, which is used to indicate that no condition is met.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The measurement results also include the weights corresponding to each of the N candidate network devices.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices, and the weight of candidate network device #i is determined based on one or more of the following information: The spatial isolation between the candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal; The signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i; The signal leakage noise ratio of the candidate network device #i; The signal-to-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i; The candidate network device #i supports providing services to the terminal for a specified duration.

7. The method according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive beam pattern information, which includes the beam pattern information of each of the N candidate network devices.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The beam information of the candidate network device #i includes one or more of the following: The coordinates of each beam in the candidate network device #i on the UV plane; Each beam in the candidate network device #i is either in an on state or in an off state; The power of each beam in the candidate network device #i; The reference signal port indexes corresponding to each beam in the candidate network device #i.

9. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices, and the weight of candidate network device #i is determined based on one or more of the following information: The spatial isolation between candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal; The signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i; On the UV plane of the candidate network device #i, the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in the candidate network device #i; The signal-to-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i; The candidate network device #i supports providing services to the terminal for a specified duration.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first information, the first information being used to indicate the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in the candidate network device #i on the UV plane of the candidate network device #i.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The measurement results include the identification information of the N candidate network devices and the information corresponding to each candidate network device among the N candidate network devices; The information corresponding to each candidate network device includes one or more of the following: The coordinates of candidate network device #i on the UV plane of the terminal, wherein candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices; The spatial isolation between candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal; The signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i; The candidate network device #i and the serving network device provide the transmission rate for the terminal's collaborative service.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive configuration information, which is used to indicate the reporting information of the measurement results and / or the measurement objects of the N candidate network devices; wherein: The measurement objects of each of the N candidate network devices include one or more of the following information: network device identifier, reference signal type, time-frequency resource of reference signal, and physical cell identifier (PCI). The reporting information of the measurement results is used to indicate the measurement quantity and reporting method.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The reported measurements include one or more of the following: identification information of the N candidate network devices, indication information indicating that each candidate network device among the N candidate network devices meets the conditions, and information corresponding to each candidate network device among the N candidate network devices.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive activation information, which is used to activate the Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) state. The TCI state is associated with the cell of the Cooperative Service Network Device, which is a network device among the N candidate network devices.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send configuration information, which is used to indicate the reporting information of measurement results and / or the measurement objects of N candidate network devices; The measurement results are received, indicating the interference between the N candidate network devices and the serving network device, where the serving network device is a network device that provides services to the terminal, and N is a positive integer.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The measurement results include the identification information of the N candidate network devices and the indication information of the conditions satisfied by each of the N candidate network devices.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The conditions include one or more of the following information: On the UV plane of the terminal, the spatial isolation between the candidate network device #i and the serving network device is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices; The signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to the second threshold. The signal leakage-to-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to the third threshold. The first difference is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, and the first difference is the difference between the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i and the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the serving network device; The second difference is less than or equal to the fifth threshold, and the second difference is the difference between the signal leakage noise ratio of the candidate network device #i and the signal leakage noise ratio of the serving network device; On the UV plane of the candidate network device #i, the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in the candidate network device #i is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold. The first beam is a candidate beam in the candidate network device #i that provides services to the terminal, and the second beam is any beam in the candidate network device #i that is in the on state.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The indication information of the conditions satisfied by each candidate network device includes: The identifier of the conditions satisfied by each candidate network device; Alternatively, a first value, which is used to indicate that no condition is met.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16-18, characterized in that, The measurement results also include the weights corresponding to each of the N candidate network devices.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, Candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices, and the weight of candidate network device #i is determined based on one or more of the following information: The spatial isolation between the candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal; The signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i; The signal leakage noise ratio of the candidate network device #i; The signal-to-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i; The candidate network device #i supports providing services to the terminal for a specified duration.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17-20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Beam pattern information is sent to the terminal device, and the beam pattern information includes the beam information of each of the N candidate network devices.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The beam information of the candidate network device #i includes one or more of the following: The coordinates of each beam in the candidate network device #i on the UV plane; Each beam in the candidate network device #i is either in an on state or in an off state; The power of each beam in the candidate network device #i; The reference signal port indexes corresponding to each beam in the candidate network device #i.

23. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, Candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices, and the weight of candidate network device #i is determined based on one or more of the following information: The spatial isolation between candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal; The signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i; On the UV plane of the candidate network device #i, the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in the candidate network device #i; The signal-to-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i; The candidate network device #i supports providing services to the terminal for a specified duration.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first information to the terminal device, the first information being used to indicate the spatial isolation between the first beam and the second beam in the candidate network device #i on the UV plane of the candidate network device #i.

25. The method according to any one of claims 15-24, characterized in that, The measurement results include the identification information of the N candidate network devices and the information corresponding to each candidate network device among the N candidate network devices; The information corresponding to each candidate network device includes one or more of the following: The coordinates of candidate network device #i on the UV plane of the terminal, wherein candidate network device #i is one of the N candidate network devices; The spatial isolation between candidate network device #i and the serving network device on the UV plane of the terminal; The signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the candidate network device #i; The candidate network device #i and the serving network device provide the transmission rate for the terminal's collaborative service.

26. The method according to any one of claims 15-25, characterized in that, The measurement objects of each of the N candidate network devices include one or more of the following information: network device identifier, reference signal type, time-frequency resource of reference signal, and physical cell identifier (PCI). The reporting information of the measurement results is used to indicate the measurement quantity and reporting method.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The reported measurements include one or more of the following: identification information of the N candidate network devices, indication information indicating that each candidate network device among the N candidate network devices meets the conditions, and information corresponding to each candidate network device among the N candidate network devices.

28. The method according to any one of claims 15-27, characterized in that, The method further includes: Activation information is sent to the terminal. The activation information is used to activate the Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) state. The TCI state is associated with the cell of the Cooperative Service Network (CSN) device, which is one of the N candidate network devices.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-14, or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 15-28.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices besides the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices besides the communication device. The processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-14 through logic circuits or executable code instructions, or the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 15-28 through logic circuits or executable code instructions.

31. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-14, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 15-28.

32. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-14, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 15-28.

33. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a communication device for performing the method described in any one of 1 to 14, and a communication device for performing the method described in any one of 15 to 28.

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