Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a related apparatus, facilitating balancing the access success rates of different terminals and increasing the access capacity of a base station. The method comprises: an access network device sends first indication information, the first indication information being used for indicating a first group of NRSRP to which a terminal belongs; and the access network device sends second indication information, the second indication information being used for indicating at least one OCC sequence associated with the first group of NRSRP.

Description

Communication methods and related devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410817284.7, filed on June 21, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Related Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method and related apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] In non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems, the random access procedure is a crucial step in establishing the initial connection between the terminal and the base station. Due to the large coverage area of ​​satellites, more users need to be served compared to terrestrial coverage, especially in scenarios where Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and NTN are integrated. The number of NB-IoT devices is large, and limited access resources cannot meet the demand for too many NB-IoT devices to access the base station. Therefore, the introduction of orthogonal cover code (OCC) reuse technology is currently being discussed to transmit random access preambles on the same resources, thereby reducing collisions and interference during the random access process and improving access capacity.

[0004] However, when multiple users reuse OCC sequences to send preambles, the access capacity of the base station may be limited. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus, which helps to balance the access success rate of different terminals and improve the access capacity of the base station.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first communication device. This first communication device can be an access network device, a component configured within the access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device; this application does not limit the specific implementation. The communication method of this application is described below using an access network device as an example.

[0007] The method includes: sending first indication information for indicating a first packet of narrow band reference signal receiving power (NRSRP) to which the terminal belongs; and sending second indication information for indicating at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of NRSRP.

[0008] The second indication information is used to indicate at least one OCC sequence associated with the first group of NRSRP, including: indicating the index of each OCC sequence in the at least one OCC sequence, or indicating each OCC sequence itself.

[0009] In this application, the first NRSRP group to which the terminal belongs is one of at least one NRSRP group obtained by subgrouping the original NRSRP group. The original NRSRP group is determined based on the coverage enhancement level. Specifically, at least one terminal in a coverage enhancement level forms an NRSRP group, and the at least one terminal is within the same NRSRP threshold range. For example, the NRSRP of the at least one terminal is less than -140dBm. If there are multiple coverage enhancement levels, there are multiple original NRSRP groups.

[0010] The access network device associates at least one OCC sequence with the first packet of the NRSRP. This allows at least one terminal within the first packet of the NRSRP to perform random access using one of the at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of the NRSRP. The association rule can be that if the NRSRP of the first packet of the NRSRP is low, or if the NRSRPs of at least one terminal within the first packet of the NRSRP are all less than a common threshold, then the access performance of the at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of the NRSRP is good; conversely, the access performance of the at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of the NRSRP is poor.

[0011] Extending to packets with multiple NRSRPs, access network devices can associate different OCC sequences with packets from different NRSRPs. Terminals within packets from different NRSRPs can then use the associated OCC sequence for random access. The association rule can be to associate packets with smaller NRSRPs with OCC sequences that offer better access performance, and vice versa. This helps balance the access success rate of different terminals, thereby improving overall access capacity.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first instruction information and the second instruction information are carried in the same system information block (SIB) message.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, before sending the second indication information, the method further includes: sending a third indication information for indicating one or more OCC sequences, the timing error rates corresponding to the one or more OCC sequences meeting the requirements, and at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of NRSRP being some or all of the one or more OCC sequences.

[0014] The timing error rate corresponding to the one or more OCC sequences meets the requirements. For example, the timing error rate corresponding to the one or more OCC sequences is less than or equal to a preset threshold, which means that the one or more OCC sequences are a set of OCC sequences that the access network device allows the terminal to use.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the third instruction information is carried in the SIB message.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, before sending the third indication information, the method further includes: sending fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence group, said at least one OCC sequence group being obtained by partitioning said one or more OCC sequences. The second indication information being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of NRSRP includes: the second indication information being used to indicate an OCC sequence group associated with the first packet of NRSRP, the OCC sequence group including said at least one OCC sequence.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, after sending the second indication information, the method further includes: receiving a random access preamble after code division processing of a first OCC sequence, wherein the first OCC sequence is an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from at least one OCC sequence associated with a first packet of NRSRP.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, after sending the second indication information, the method further includes: sending a fifth indication information, the fifth indication information being used to indicate the second packet of the NRSRP to which the terminal belongs; and sending a sixth indication information, the sixth indication information being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence associated with the second packet of the NRSRP.

[0019] The second NRSRP packet is one of at least one NRSRP packet obtained after updating the original NRSRP packet. By indicating the new NRSRP packet to which the terminal belongs, the access network device can avoid the problem of decreased access success rate caused by too many terminals using the same OCC sequence, which is beneficial to improving the overall access capacity.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the NRSRP of the terminal is less than or equal to a first threshold, and the timing error rate corresponding to at least one OCC sequence associated with the first group of NRSRP is greater than or equal to a second threshold; or, the NRSRP of the terminal is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the timing error rate corresponding to at least one OCC sequence associated with the first group of NRSRP is less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0021] The first threshold can be considered as the threshold used to divide the original NRSRP packets. Terminals within the first packet of this NRSRP have NRSRP values ​​all below this first threshold, indicating a relatively low NRSRP. Furthermore, if the timing error rate corresponding to at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of this NRSRP is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the access performance of that at least one OCC sequence can be considered good. Access network devices associate packets with poor NRSRP with OCC sequences of good access performance, and vice versa. This balances the access success rate of different terminals, thereby improving overall access capacity.

[0022] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second communication device. This second communication device can be an access network device, a component configured within the access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device; this application does not limit the specific implementation. The communication method of this application is described below using an access network device as an example.

[0023] The method includes: sending a first indication message for indicating a first NRSRP packet to which the terminal belongs; and sending a seventh indication message for instructing the terminal to select a first OCC sequence group from at least one OCC sequence group with a first probability, and to select a second OCC sequence group from the at least one OCC sequence group with a second probability, wherein each OCC sequence group in the at least one OCC sequence group includes at least one OCC sequence.

[0024] In this application, the access network device can further divide an existing NRSRP packet into at least one NRSRP packet, and instruct terminals in different NRSRP packets to select different OCC sequence groups. This makes the selection of OCC sequences more flexible, and terminals in smaller NRSRP packets are more likely to select OCC sequence groups with better access performance, while terminals in larger NRSRP packets are more likely to select OCC sequence groups with poorer access performance. This helps to balance the access success rate of different terminals and improve the overall access capacity.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first instruction information and the seventh instruction information are carried in the same SIB message.

[0026] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, before sending the seventh indication information, the method further includes: sending a third indication information, which indicates one or more OCC sequences, the timing error rate corresponding to the one or more OCC sequences meeting the requirements, wherein the at least one OCC sequence group is obtained by dividing the one or more OCC sequences.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the third instruction information is carried in the SIB message.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, after sending the third indication information, the method further includes: sending a fourth indication information for indicating the at least one OCC sequence group.

[0029] Optionally, the fourth instruction information is carried in the SIB message.

[0030] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, after sending the seventh indication information, the method further includes: receiving a random access preamble after code division processing of the second OCC sequence, wherein the second OCC sequence is an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from a first OCC sequence group selected with a first probability, or an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from a second OCC sequence group selected with a second probability.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, after sending the seventh indication information, the method further includes: sending an eighth indication information, which is used by the terminal to select the first OCC sequence with a third probability and the second OCC sequence with a fourth probability. In this way, the access network device balances the number of terminals using different OCC sequences by updating the probability of terminals selecting different OCC sequence groups. This helps avoid the problem of too many terminals selecting the same OCC sequence leading to a decrease in access success rate, thereby improving the overall access capacity.

[0032] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a third communication device. This third communication device can be a terminal, a component configured in the terminal (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions; this application does not limit the specific implementation. The communication method of this application is described below using the third communication device as an example of a terminal.

[0033] The method includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a first packet of NRSRP to which the terminal belongs; and receiving second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of NRSRP.

[0034] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first instruction information and the second instruction information are carried in the same SIB message.

[0035] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, before receiving the second indication information, the method further includes: receiving third indication information for indicating one or more OCC sequences, the timing error rates corresponding to the one or more OCC sequences meeting the requirements, and at least one OCC sequence associated with the first group of NRSRP being some or all of the one or more OCC sequences.

[0036] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the third instruction information is carried in the SIB message.

[0037] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, before receiving the third indication information, the method further includes: receiving fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence group, said at least one OCC sequence group being obtained by partitioning said one or more OCC sequences. The second indication information being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of NRSRP includes: the second indication information being used to indicate an OCC sequence group associated with the first packet of NRSRP, the OCC sequence group including said at least one OCC sequence.

[0038] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, after receiving the second indication information, the method further includes: sending a random access preamble after code division processing of a first OCC sequence, wherein the first OCC sequence is an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from at least one OCC sequence associated with a first packet of NRSRP.

[0039] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, after receiving the second indication information, the method further includes: receiving fifth indication information, the fifth indication information being used to indicate the second packet of the NRSRP to which the terminal belongs; and receiving sixth indication information, the sixth indication information being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence associated with the second packet of the NRSRP.

[0040] It should be understood that the third aspect of this application corresponds to the technical solution of the first aspect of this application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, so they will not be repeated here.

[0041] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a fourth communication device. This fourth communication device can be a terminal, a component configured in the terminal (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions; this application does not limit the specific implementation. The communication method of this application is described below using the fourth communication device as an example of a terminal.

[0042] The method includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a first NRSRP packet to which the terminal belongs; and receiving seventh indication information, the seventh indication information being used to instruct the terminal to select a first OCC sequence group from at least one OCC sequence group with a first probability, and to select a second OCC sequence group from the at least one OCC sequence group with a second probability, each OCC sequence group in the at least one OCC sequence group including at least one OCC sequence.

[0043] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first instruction information and the seventh instruction information are carried in the same SIB message.

[0044] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, before receiving the seventh indication information, the method further includes: receiving third indication information, which indicates one or more OCC sequences, the timing error rate corresponding to the one or more OCC sequences meeting the requirements, wherein the at least one OCC sequence group is obtained by dividing the one or more OCC sequences.

[0045] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the third instruction information is carried in the SIB message.

[0046] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, after receiving the third indication information, the method further includes: receiving fourth indication information for indicating the at least one OCC sequence group.

[0047] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, after receiving the seventh indication information, the method further includes: sending a random access preamble after code division processing of the second OCC sequence, wherein the second OCC sequence is an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from a first OCC sequence group selected with a first probability, or an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from a second OCC sequence group selected with a second probability.

[0048] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, after receiving the seventh indication information, the method further includes: receiving the eighth indication information, the eighth indication information being used by the terminal to select the first OCC sequence with a third probability and to select the second OCC sequence with a fourth probability.

[0049] It should be understood that the fourth aspect of this application corresponds to the technical solution of the second aspect of this application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, so they will not be repeated here.

[0050] Fifthly, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a method for performing any possible implementation of any of the above aspects. Specifically, the apparatus includes a module for performing the method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0051] In one design, the device may include modules that perform the methods / operations / steps / actions described in any of the above aspects. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0052] In another design, the device is a communication chip, which may include input circuitry or interface for transmitting information or data, and output circuitry or interface for receiving information or data.

[0053] In another design, the device is a terminal or access network device, which may include a transmitter for sending information or data and a receiver for receiving information or data.

[0054] In another design, the device is used to perform any possible implementation of the methods described above, and the device can be configured in a terminal or access network device.

[0055] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to call and run a computer program from a memory, such that the device performs the method in any possible implementation of any of the preceding aspects.

[0056] Optionally, the device further includes a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to the processor, which, when executing the instructions stored in the memory, can implement the methods described in the foregoing aspects.

[0057] Optionally, the device may also include a transmitter and a receiver, which may be separate or integrated together and referred to as a transceiver.

[0058] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), which, when the computer program is run, causes a computer to perform a method in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0059] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods in any possible implementation of any of the preceding aspects.

[0060] Ninthly, this application provides a chip system including at least one processing unit for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects, such as receiving or processing data involved in the above methods.

[0061] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data, which may be located within or outside the processor.

[0062] Optionally, the chip system may consist of chips or may include chips and other discrete components. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the satellite communication architecture applicable to embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a contention-based random access process in NB-IoT;

[0066] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a random access preamble for NB-IoT;

[0067] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of applying an OCC sequence within an SG (intra-SG OCC);

[0068] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of applying OCC sequences (inter-SG OCC) between SGs;

[0069] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the application of OCC sequences between repetitions;

[0070] Figures 8 and 9 are schematic flowcharts of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0071] Figures 10 and 11 are schematic flowcharts of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0072] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] Before introducing the communication method and related apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application, the following points should be made first.

[0074] First, in the embodiments shown below, the terms and English abbreviations, such as NRSRP grouping, coverage enhancement level, OCC sequence, etc., are exemplary examples given for ease of description and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future agreements.

[0075] Second, in the embodiments shown below, the first, second, and various numerical designations are merely distinctions for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments and claims of this application.

[0076] Third, "at least one" means one or more, while "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0077] Fourth, in this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send first indication information to the terminal" can be understood as the destination of the first indication information being the terminal, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface by other units or modules. "Receive random access preamble from the terminal" can be understood as the source of the random access preamble being the terminal, which may include direct reception from the terminal via the air interface or indirect reception from the terminal via the air interface by other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0078] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between a terminal and an access network device; or they can occur within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0079] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 100 applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include at least one node in a radio access network (RAN), referred to as a RAN node (110a, 110b, 110c in Figure 1), or may also be referred to as an access network device (RAN device). The communication system 100 may also include at least one terminal (120a-120g in Figure 1). RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. Figure 1 is only a schematic diagram; the communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices. Wireless relay devices may include, for example, cellular signal repeaters, mobile hotspots, and wireless bridges. Wireless backhaul devices may include, for example, microwave backhaul devices, millimeter-wave backhaul devices, and satellite backhaul devices.

[0080] In some scenarios, the roles of RAN nodes and terminals are relative. For example, in Figure 1, network element 120c can be a helicopter or a drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120d that access the RAN through network element 120c, network element 120c is a base station; however, for network element 110a, which acts as a base station, network element 120c is a terminal. RAN nodes and terminals are sometimes referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a, 110b, and 110c in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 120a-120g can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0081] In one possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a base station in 5G technology, or a base station in future communication networks. The RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a cloud-radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0082] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0083] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open-RAN (ORAN or O-RAN) system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0084] Referring to the satellites (e.g., 110a in Figure 1) shown as RAN nodes in Figure 1, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the satellite communication architecture applicable to embodiments of this application. Figure 2 uses a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) as an example to illustrate the communication architecture between terminals, NG-RAN, core network (CN), and data network in satellite communication.

[0085] Satellites can be categorized into two operating modes: transparent mode and regenerative mode. In transparent mode, the satellite functions as a relay, and the ground station functions as a base station or partially as one; in this case, the ground station can be considered a base station. In regenerative mode, the satellite possesses data processing capabilities and functions as a base station or partially as one; in this case, the satellite can also be considered a base station.

[0086] Satellites can provide wireless access services to terminals and schedule wireless resources for terminals accessing the network through the satellite. Satellites and terminals communicate via an air interface (which can be of various types, such as a 5G air interface). Specifically, satellites and ground stations can communicate via a next-generation (NG) interface, and satellites can interact with the core network through the ground station to exchange non-access stratum (NAS) signaling and user service data. Satellites can also communicate with each other via inter-satellite links (ISL).

[0087] It should be noted that the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are applicable to communication systems that integrate NB-IoT communication systems and satellite communication systems, and such integrated communication systems can also be called IoT NTN communication systems.

[0088] The terminal in this application can be a terminal applied in IoT scenarios. A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from RAN nodes. A terminal can also be referred to as a terminal device, terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Specifically, a terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable device, vehicle, aircraft, ship, robot, robotic arm, smart home device, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0089] The relevant technologies and concepts involved in this application are introduced below.

[0090] 1. NB-IoT

[0091] NB-IoT is a low-power wide-area network (LPWA) cellular solution introduced by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to support the Internet of Things (IoT) with ultra-low complexity and low throughput. It features low cost, low power consumption, large connectivity, and wide coverage.

[0092] As a wireless access technology in cellular networks, NB-IoT simplifies key technical processes in each sublayer of its protocol stack based on Long Term Evolution (LTE) to meet the service requirements of latency insensitivity, no minimum rate requirement, large transmission intervals, and low transmission frequencies. This includes the random access (RA) process used for initial terminal network access and uplink synchronization. However, due to the service requirements of NB-IoT, the random access process is initiated relatively infrequently. Therefore, designing an access procedure scheme that supports these service requirements is essential for NB-IoT.

[0093] In NB-IoT, terminals can initiate random access in both idle and connected states. Relevant application scenarios triggering random access in NB-IoT include, but are not limited to: (1) the initial access process in the radio resource control (RRC) idle state; (2) the RRC connection reconstruction process; (3) receiving downlink data in the RRC connected state (uplink synchronization failure); and (4) sending uplink data in the RRC connected state (uplink synchronization failure or triggering a scheduling request). The random access triggered in the above application scenarios all employ a contention-based random access method.

[0094] For the downlink, NB-IoT defines three physical channels: the narrowband physical broadcast channel (NPBCH), the narrowband physical downlink control channel (NPDCCH), and the narrowband physical downlink shared channel (NPDSCH). Unlike LTE, since NB-IoT has a frequency bandwidth of at most one physical resource block (PRB), these downlink physical channels use a time-division multiplexing mode, meaning they appear in turn at different times.

[0095] The NPBCH is used to carry the narrowband master information block (NB-MIB), while other system information, such as narrowband SIB 1, is carried on the NPDSCH.

[0096] The NPDCCH is used to carry scheduling information for uplink and downlink data channels, including hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgment information, paging indication and random access response scheduling information, data information from higher layers, paging messages, system messages and random access response (RAR), etc.

[0097] For the uplink, NB-IoT defines two physical channels: the narrowband physical random access channel (NPRACH) and the narrowband physical uplink shared channel (NPUSCH).

[0098] NPRACH is used to carry the random access preamble, while NPUSCH is used to carry uplink data and uplink control information.

[0099] 2. Random Access

[0100] The random access process refers to the process from when a terminal sends a random access preamble to attempt to access the network until a basic signaling connection is established with the network. The purpose of random access is to enable uplink synchronization between the terminal and the access network equipment, allowing the access network equipment to allocate uplink resources to the terminal. In the random access process of an NB-IoT system, the terminal needs to initiate access on NPRACH resources. The signal used when the terminal initiates access is a random access preamble, which indicates to the access network equipment that there is a random access request, allowing the access network equipment to estimate the transmission delay between itself and the terminal.

[0101] The contention-based random access procedure in NB-IoT is similar to that in LTE, including the transmission of message 1, message 2, message 3, and message 4. However, in order to support the characteristics of NB-IoT, each step has been adjusted accordingly, as detailed in the description of Figure 1 below.

[0102] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a contention-based random access procedure 300 in NB-IoT. The random access procedure 300 includes steps S301 to S304, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0103] S301, the terminal sends a random access preamble (message 1) to the access network device. Accordingly, the access network device receives the random access preamble.

[0104] Access network equipment is a node in a wireless access network, used to connect terminals to the core network, or in other words, to help terminals achieve wireless access. Access network equipment can be, for example, a base station, which can be deployed on the ground or on a satellite; this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0105] Unlike LTE, which uses a ZC sequence for its random access preamble, NB-IoT uses a single-frequency transmission (3.75kHz subcarrier) and employs fixed symbols. Referring to the diagram in Figure 4, the NB-IoT random access preamble consists of four symbol groups (SGs), such as SG 0, ​​SG 1, SG 2, and SG 3 shown in Figure 4. Each SG includes a cyclic prefix (CP) and five symbols, such as symbol 0, symbol 1, symbol 2, symbol 3, and symbol 4 shown in Figure 4. All symbol groups are configured with all 1s by default.

[0106] In an NB-IoT system, a terminal needs to determine the NPRACH resource before sending the random access preamble. The terminal then needs to transmit the random access preamble on the NPRACH resource. The selection of NPRACH resources can be divided into two types: one is the NPRACH resource indicated by the access network equipment, and the other is the NPRACH resource selected by the terminal. For NPRACH resources selected by the terminal, the terminal selects the NPRACH resource based on its coverage enhancement level (CEL). For example, defining three coverage enhancement levels, including level 0, level 1, and level 3, the terminal can determine its coverage enhancement level based on downlink measurement results (which can also be described as downlink signal strength, such as NRSRP). For example, a terminal with an NRSRP less than -140dBm belongs to level 0, a terminal with an NRSRP greater than or equal to -140dBm and less than -80dBm belongs to level 1, and a terminal with an NRSRP greater than or equal to -80dBm belongs to level 2. Furthermore, the terminal can send a random access preamble based on the NPRACH resources corresponding to its coverage enhancement level.

[0107] Each coverage enhancement level has its corresponding NPRACH resources. Access network devices can send the configuration parameters of the NPRACH resources to the terminal through SIB 2. These configuration parameters include, but are not limited to: the number of NPRACH repetitions, NPRACH time-domain resources (e.g., NPRACH period, start subframe position) and NPRACH frequency-domain resources (e.g., subcarrier offset, number of subcarriers), the maximum number of times the random access preamble is sent, and the maximum number of attempts for each random access preamble.

[0108] After determining the NPRACH resources, the terminal selects a random access preamble. The selection of the random access preamble can be done in two ways: by access network device indication and by terminal selection.

[0109] After the terminal sends the random access preamble, regardless of whether a measurement gap occurs, the media access control (MAC) entity in the terminal will open a RAR window for receiving random access response (RAR), and listen in the RAR window on the narrow physical downlink control channel (NPDCCH) scrambled with random access-radio network temporary identifier (RA-RNTI).

[0110] S302, the access network device sends a random access response (message 2) to the terminal. Accordingly, the terminal receives the random access response.

[0111] After receiving the random access preamble, the access network device detects the preamble to obtain its identifier and downlink transmission beam, and estimates the transmission delay between the terminal and the access network device. Furthermore, the access network device schedules resources for Temporary Cell-Radio Network Temporary Identity (TC-RNTI), uplink, and downlink.

[0112] Access network devices send random access responses via the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). The random access response includes a random access preamble identifier (RAPID), timing advance (TA), initial uplink scheduling, and cell-radio network temporary identity (C-RNTI). A single PDSCH can carry the random access response and send it to multiple terminals.

[0113] After sending the random access preamble, the terminal waits for the random access response in the RAR window. Specifically, if the RAPID received by the terminal in the RAR window is the same as the RAPID sent by the terminal in message 1, the response is successful, and the terminal can then send uplink scheduling information to the access network device. If the terminal does not receive a response to message 1 in the RAR window, or fails to verify the response to message 1 (e.g., the RAPID received in the RAR window is inconsistent with the RAPID sent in message 1), the response fails.

[0114] In the event of a failed response, the terminal will retransmit the random access preamble (RAR). Specifically, the coverage enhancement level at which the terminal is located corresponds to a counter for the repeated transmission of the RAR. If the terminal still has not received the RAR after this counter reaches its maximum allowed number of RAR transmissions, or if the RAPID received by the terminal is inconsistent with the RAPID sent in message 1, the terminal can retry according to the maximum number of RAR transmissions allowed at the next higher coverage enhancement level (e.g., if the terminal is at level 0, the next higher coverage enhancement level is level 1; or if the terminal is at level 1, the next higher coverage enhancement level is level 2). If the current coverage enhancement level at which the terminal is located is the highest (e.g., level 2), the terminal remains at the current coverage enhancement level and reselects a RAR from the NPRACH resource for transmission.

[0115] S303, the terminal sends uplink scheduling information (message 3) to the access network device. Accordingly, the access network device receives the uplink scheduling information.

[0116] The terminal transmits uplink scheduling information via the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). The uplink scheduling information may include the TC-RNTI and a contention resolution identifier. After the terminal transmits the uplink scheduling information, the contention resolution timer begins counting.

[0117] The message 3 sent by the terminal varies in different random access scenarios, as shown in the following example:

[0118] Initial Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connection Setup Scenario: The terminal transmits an RRC setup request message through the common control channel (CCCH) in the transparent mode (TM) of the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer.

[0119] RRC connection reestablishment scenario: The terminal transmits the RRC reestablishment request message through the CCCH in the TM of the RLC layer.

[0120] Other scenarios: at least send the terminal's C-RNTI.

[0121] In NB-IoT, message 3 can be used for RRC connection establishment requests. However, to reduce the signaling overhead of switching between idle and connected states between the terminal and the access network device, a suspend-resume process and a new RRC state, namely the RRC suspend state, can be added. When the terminal transmits data in the RRC suspend state, the terminal needs to send a resume identifier (resume ID) to the access network device in message 3 to enter the RRC connected state.

[0122] S304, the access network device sends contention resolution information (message 4) to the terminal. Accordingly, the terminal receives the contention resolution information.

[0123] Access network devices use the C-RNTI on the PDCCH or the contention resolution identifier on the PDCSH to help terminals resolve contention.

[0124] The terminal continues to monitor the PDCCH until the contention resolution timer expires. When any of the following conditions are met, the contention is considered successfully resolved and the timer stops:

[0125] 1. The terminal receives C-RNTI via PDCCH.

[0126] 2. The terminal receives the TC-RNTI via PDCCH, and the MAC protocol data unit (PDU) is successfully decoded. Specifically, the contention resolution identifier received by the terminal via PSCDH is the same as the contention resolution identifier carried in message 3 sent by the terminal.

[0127] If any of the above conditions are not met before the contention resolution timer expires, the terminal considers the contention resolution to have failed. In this case, if the number of random access attempts has not reached the limit, the terminal will initiate random access again; if the number of random access attempts has reached the limit, the random access will fail.

[0128] 2. NTN communication

[0129] Compared to terrestrial networks (TN), NTN communication offers advantages such as wider coverage and more flexible networking, enabling seamless global network coverage. The NTN network serves both as a supplement to current terrestrial networks and as an independent communication system providing users with high-speed global network access. Currently, research institutes, communication organizations, and communication manufacturers worldwide are involved in researching NTN communication technologies and developing standards, striving to build a unified communication network encompassing air, space, and terrestrial communication.

[0130] NTN communication involves networking using equipment such as drones, high-altitude platforms, and satellites to provide data transmission and voice communication services to terminals. High-altitude platform equipment is typically located at an altitude of 8–50 km above the ground. Based on the satellite's orbital altitude, satellite communication systems can be categorized 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.

[0131] GEO satellites orbit at an altitude of 35,786 km. Their main advantages are that they can remain relatively stationary relative to the ground and provide a large coverage area. However, GEO satellite communication also has significant disadvantages: 1) The long distance between GEO satellites and Earth results in high free-space propagation loss, leading to tight communication link budgets. To increase transmit / receive gain, larger aperture antennas are required for the satellites; 2) Communication transmission latency is high, reaching approximately 500 ms round-trip time, which cannot meet the needs of low-latency services; 3) GEO orbital resources are relatively scarce, launch costs are high, and coverage cannot be provided to the polar regions of Earth.

[0132] MEO satellites orbit at altitudes between 2000 and 35786 km. Their advantage is that they can achieve global coverage with a relatively small number of satellites. However, their orbital altitude is higher than LEO, resulting in significantly longer communication transmission delays. Considering both the advantages and disadvantages of MEO satellite communication, MEO satellites are primarily used for positioning and navigation.

[0133] LEO satellites orbit at altitudes ranging from 300 to 2000 km. Compared to MEO and GEO orbits, LEO satellites operate at lower altitudes, offering advantages such as shorter data propagation delays, lower transmission losses, and lower launch costs. Therefore, LEO satellite communication has gained increasing attention in recent years.

[0134] In recent years, several companies have planned to build mega-LEO constellations, including thousands or even tens of thousands of LEO satellites. As the size of satellite constellations increases, more than one satellite will be present within the line of sight of a terminal. Single-satellite transmission offers limited improvement to system capacity. To effectively increase the capacity of overlapping satellite coverage areas, satellite systems are gradually evolving from single-satellite transmission to multi-satellite collaborative transmission. Utilizing multi-satellite collaborative transmission can reduce the requirements for single-satellite transmission capabilities, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of a single satellite. Multi-satellite collaborative transmission is a key technology for future satellite communication systems.

[0135] Because satellites are not easily affected by natural disasters or external damage, research is currently underway to use them as access network equipment (e.g., base stations) for mobile communication systems to provide communication services to areas such as oceans and forests.

[0136] To support broader service coverage, given the link budget and system resources, satellites improve overall coverage by increasing the coverage area of ​​a single beam through beam design. However, since the coverage range of a single beam is limited, a single satellite still requires a large number of beams to achieve wider coverage.

[0137] In this context, a beam is the main lobe of a signal's directional pattern. The coverage area of ​​a beam refers to the area projected onto the ground. Access network equipment can adjust the antenna weights to direct the beam in different directions, resulting in different coverage areas. The beam coverage area discussed in this application refers to the beam's coverage area on the ground. As satellite base stations move and weights are adjusted, the beam coverage area will also change.

[0138] During the random access phase, the satellite can act as a base station, sequentially scanning all beams to configure NPRACH resources for the terminal. Currently, satellites can broadcast different synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) for different communication areas, distinguishing them by their index numbers. Typically, different SSB index numbers indicate downlink synchronization signals in different beam directions, covering and serving different areas. After receiving an SSB, the terminal completes timing synchronization and confirms the time-frequency position of SIB 1 based on the information in the SSB, then parses SIB 1 to obtain NPRACH resources. The terminal detects SIB 19 based on the search space configured in SIB 1 and completes data parsing to obtain the satellite's ephemeris information. After obtaining cell information and / or ephemeris information, the terminal sends a random access preamble on the corresponding uplink resources based on the configuration information and the SSB index. For the access network equipment, the received random access preamble and the corresponding uplink resources can be used to determine the area where the terminal is located and establish a connection with the terminal.

[0139] Because satellite coverage is much wider and needs to serve more users than terrestrial coverage, especially in NB-IoT NTN scenarios where the number of NB-IoT devices is large, limited access resources cannot meet the demand for satellite access from so many NB-IoT devices. Currently, the introduction of OCC multiplexing technology is being discussed, allowing multiple users to send random access preambles on the same resource, thereby reducing collisions and interference during the random access process and improving satellite access capacity.

[0140] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of applying OCC sequences within a SG (intra-SG OCC). Referring to the SG shown in Figure 5, it includes one CP and five symbols (symbols 0 to 4). OCC sequence 0 (w0) is applied to symbol 0, OCC sequence 1 (w1) is applied to symbol 1, OCC sequence 2 (w2) is applied to symbol 2, OCC sequence 3 (w3) is applied to symbol 3, and OCC sequence 4 (w4) is applied to symbol 4.

[0141] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of applying inter-SG OCC sequences. Referring to Figure 6, a random access preamble consists of 4 SGs (SG 0 to SG 3), each SG including one CP and 5 symbols. OCC sequence 0 (w0) is applied to SG 0, ​​OCC sequence 1 (w1) is applied to SG 1, OCC sequence 2 (w2) is applied to SG 2, OCC sequence 3 (w3) is applied to SG 3, and OCC sequence 4 (w4) is applied to SG 4.

[0142] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of inter-repetition OCC sequence application. As shown in Figure 7, a random access preamble includes four SGs (SG 0 to SG 3), each SG including one CP and five symbols. OCC sequence 0 (w0) is applied to SG 0, ​​SG 1, SG 2, and SG 3; OCC sequence 1 (w1) is applied to SG 0, ​​SG 1, SG 2, and SG 3; OCC sequence 2 (w2) is applied to SG 0, ​​SG 1, SG 2, and SG 3; OCC sequence 3 (w3) is applied to SG 0, ​​SG 1, SG 2, and SG 3; and OCC sequence 4 (w4) is applied to SG 0, ​​SG 1, SG 2, and SG 3.

[0143] The inventors discovered that due to the carrier frequency offset (CFO) and carrier time offset (CTO) in NTN, the access success rate of NPRACH is low when using the OCC between SGs and the OCC between repetitions, while the access success rate of NPRACH is high when using the OCC within SG.

[0144] Furthermore, the inventors discovered that different OCC sequences exhibit varying access performance, with some OCC sequences showing better access performance than others. When using the timing error probability ratio (TEP / TER) to measure the access performance of OCC sequences, the maximum difference in access performance between different OCC sequences was approximately 1 dB when the CTO was 97 Ts; and approximately 2 dB when the CTO was 250 Ts. The difference in access performance between different OCC sequences increased with increasing CTO. In addition, the research found that different receive powers correspond to different access performance; in other words, power imbalance also leads to different terminal access success rates.

[0145] The timing error rate represents the error between the estimated TA (Target Acquisition) and the actual TA after the access network device receives the random access preamble. A higher timing error rate results in a lower NPRACH access success rate, meaning the access performance of the used OCC sequence is worse. Conversely, a lower timing error rate results in a higher NPRACH access success rate, meaning the access performance of the used OCC sequence is better. Ts is a time unit representing the minimum sampling interval, or the period during which an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol is used.

[0146] In view of the problems found in the above research, this application provides a communication method that can associate OCC sequence with receiving power. For example, it can assign OCC sequence with poor access performance to terminals with better receiving power, and conversely, assign OCC sequence with better access performance to terminals with poor receiving power, so as to balance the access success rate of different terminals and thus improve the overall access capacity.

[0147] It should be noted that the assessment of the access performance of the OCC sequence described below can be based on either the timing error rate or the false detection rate of the corresponding OCC sequence. The false detection rate represents the probability that the access network device erroneously detects message 1 during the random access process.

[0148] For example, the lower the timing error rate of an OCC sequence, the better its access performance; conversely, the higher the timing error rate, the worse its access performance. Similarly, the lower the false detection rate of an OCC sequence, the better its access performance; conversely, the higher the false detection rate, the worse its access performance.

[0149] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 800 provided in an embodiment of this application. Method 800 includes steps S801 and S802. Optionally, method 800 further includes steps S803 to S807, with the specific steps as follows:

[0150] S801, the access network device sends a first indication message to the terminal, the first indication message being used to indicate the first packet of the NRSRP to which the terminal belongs. Accordingly, the terminal receives the first indication message.

[0151] In this context, an NRSRP packet can be viewed as a set of terminals obtained by dividing multiple terminals based on NRSRP. In other words, a packet consisting of at least one terminal within the same NRSRP threshold range is called an NRSRP packet. Furthermore, if the NRSRP values ​​of at least one terminal are within the same threshold range, then those at least one terminal constitute an NRSRP packet.

[0152] It should be noted that the NRSRP grouping in this embodiment is a subgrouping of the original NRSRP grouping (hereinafter referred to as the original NRSRP grouping). As described in the above introduction of related technologies, NB-IoT defines multiple coverage enhancement levels, and one or more terminals in the same coverage enhancement level belong to the same original NRSRP grouping. Taking three coverage enhancement levels as an example, the three coverage enhancement levels correspond to three original NRSRP groups, denoted as original NRSRP grouping 1, original NRSRP grouping 2, and original NRSRP grouping 3.

[0153] In one possible implementation, the number of subgroups obtained after dividing different original NRSRP packets is the same. For example, original NRSRP packet 1 is divided into two subgroups, original NRSRP packet 2 is divided into two subgroups, and original NRSRP packet 3 is divided into two subgroups. For a terminal, the first NRSRP packet in this step is one of at least one NRSRP packet obtained after dividing the original NRSRP packet to which the terminal belongs; that is, the terminal belongs to a subgroup under the original NRSRP packet.

[0154] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal can determine the first group of the NRSRP to which it belongs based on its NRSRP and the first indication information. The first indication information can be regarded as a threshold for dividing the original NRSRP into groups (hereinafter referred to as the group threshold).

[0155] Assume the threshold range of the original NRSRP packet 1 is less than -140dBm, meaning that the NRSRP of one or more terminals in the original NRSRP packet 1 is less than -140dBm; the threshold range of the original NRSRP packet 2 is greater than or equal to -140dBm and less than -80dBm, meaning that the NRSRP of one or more terminals in the original NRSRP packet 2 is greater than or equal to -140dBm and less than -80dBm; the threshold range of the original NRSRP packet 3 is greater than or equal to -80dBm, meaning that the NRSRP of one or more terminals in the original NRSRP packet 3 is greater than or equal to -80dBm.

[0156] Assume that terminal A has an NRSRP of -150dBm, which belongs to the original NRSRP packet 1; terminal B has an NRSRP of -120dBm, which belongs to the original NRSRP packet 2; terminal C has an NRSRP of -95dBm, which belongs to the original NRSRP packet 2; and terminal D has an NRSRP of -60dBm, which belongs to the original NRSRP packet 3.

[0157] The following example illustrates how a terminal determines its NRSRP group based on the above assumptions.

[0158] For example, the grouping thresholds include -150dBm, -100dBm, and -65dBm. Among them, -150dBm is within the threshold range of the original NRSRP group 1 (i.e., the threshold range less than -140dBm), and is used to further divide the original NRSRP group 1 into two NRSRP groups, denoted as NRSRP group 1-1 and NRSRP group 1-2. The threshold range of NRSRP group 1-1 is less than -150dBm, and the threshold range of NRSRP group 1-2 is greater than or equal to -150dBm and less than -140dBm.

[0159] Similarly, the -100dBm threshold in the grouping threshold is used to further divide the original NRSRP group 2 into two NRSRP groups, denoted as NRSRP group 2-1 and NRSRP group 2-2. The threshold range of NRSRP group 2-1 is greater than or equal to -140dBm and less than -100dBm, and the threshold range of NRSRP group 2-2 is greater than or equal to -100dBm and less than -80dBm.

[0160] Similarly, the -65dBm threshold in the grouping threshold is used to further divide the original NRSRP group 3 into two NRSRP groups, denoted as NRSRP group 3-1 and NRSRP group 3-2. The threshold range of NRSRP group 3-1 is greater than or equal to -80dBm and less than -65dBm, and the threshold range of NRSRP group 3-2 is greater than or equal to -65dBm.

[0161] After obtaining the packet threshold, terminals A, B, C, and D determine that they belong to NRSRP packet 1-2 based on their own NRSRP (-150dBm), terminal B belongs to NRSRP packet 2-1 based on their own NRSRP (-120dBm), terminal C belongs to NRSRP packet 2-2 based on their own NRSRP (-95dBm), and terminal D belongs to NRSRP packet 3-2 based on their own NRSRP (-60dBm).

[0162] S802, the access network device sends a second indication message to the terminal, the second indication message indicating at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of the NRSRP. Accordingly, the terminal receives the second indication message.

[0163] In this embodiment of the application, the access network device can associate at least one OCC sequence with each NRSRP packet. The association rule is that packets with smaller NRSRPs are associated with OCC sequences that have better access performance, and vice versa, packets with larger NRSRPs are associated with OCC sequences that have poorer access performance.

[0164] The size of an NRSRP packet is determined by comparing the threshold ranges of different NRSRP packets.

[0165] For example, regarding NRSRP packets 1-1 and 1-2 mentioned above, the threshold range for NRSRP packet 1-1 is less than -150 dBm, while the threshold range for NRSRP packet 1-2 is greater than or equal to -150 dBm and less than -140 dBm. In other words, the NRSRP of at least one terminal in NRSRP packet 1-1 is less than -150 dBm, while the NRSRP of at least one terminal in NRSRP packet 1-2 is greater than or equal to -150 dBm and less than -140 dBm. Therefore, the NRSRP of NRSRP packet 1-1 is smaller, and the NRSRP of NRSRP packet 1-2 is larger.

[0166] For example, regarding NRSRP packets 2-1 and 2-2, the threshold range for NRSRP packet 2-1 is greater than or equal to -140 dBm and less than -100 dBm, while the threshold range for NRSRP packet 2-2 is greater than or equal to -100 dBm and less than -80 dBm. In other words, the NRSRP of at least one terminal in NRSRP packet 2-1 is greater than or equal to -140 dBm and less than -100 dBm, while the NRSRP of at least one terminal in NRSRP packet 1-2 is greater than or equal to -100 dBm and less than -80 dBm. Therefore, the NRSRP of NRSRP packet 2-1 is smaller, and the NRSRP of NRSRP packet 2-2 is larger.

[0167] For example, regarding NRSRP packets 3-1 and 3-2 mentioned above, the threshold range for NRSRP packet 3-1 is greater than or equal to -80 dBm and less than -65 dBm, while the threshold range for NRSRP packet 3-2 is greater than or equal to -65 dBm. That is, the NRSRP of at least one terminal in NRSRP packet 3-1 is greater than or equal to -80 dBm and less than -65 dBm, while the NRSRP of at least one terminal in NRSRP packet 3-2 is greater than or equal to -65 dBm. Therefore, the NRSRP of NRSRP packet 3-1 is smaller, and the NRSRP of NRSRP packet 3-2 is larger.

[0168] The following example illustrates how to associate NRSRP packets with OCC sequences.

[0169] For example, the allowed OCC sequences include OCC sequence 1, OCC sequence 2, OCC sequence 3 and OCC sequence 4. Among them, OCC sequence 1 has the best access performance, followed by OCC sequence 2, then OCC sequence 3, and OCC sequence 4 has the worst access performance.

[0170] Referring to the example in S801 above, for NRSRP packets 1-1 and 1-2 under the original NRSRP packet 1, the NRSRP of NRSRP packet 1-1 is smaller than that of NRSRP packet 1-2. Therefore, the access network device can instruct the terminal that NRSRP packet 1-1 is associated with OCC sequence 1 and OCC sequence 2, and that NRSRP packet 1-2 is associated with OCC sequence 3 and OCC sequence 4. That is, at least one OCC sequence associated with NRSRP packet 1-1 includes OCC sequence 1 and OCC sequence 2, and the OCC sequence associated with NRSRP packet 1-2 includes OCC sequence 3 and OCC sequence 4. In this way, each terminal in at least one terminal in NRSRP packet 1-1 can randomly select an OCC sequence from OCC sequence 1 and OCC sequence 2 for random access, and each terminal in at least one terminal in NRSRP packet 1-2 can randomly select an OCC sequence from OCC sequence 3 and OCC sequence 4 for random access.

[0171] Similarly, for NRSRP packets 2-1 and 2-2 under the original NRSRP packet 2, the NRSRP of NRSRP packet 2-1 is smaller than that of NRSRP packet 2-2. Therefore, the access network device can instruct NRSRP packet 2-1 to be associated with OCC sequence 1 and OCC sequence 2, and instruct NRSRP packet 2-2 to be associated with OCC sequence 3 and OCC sequence 4. In this way, each terminal in at least one terminal in NRSRP packet 2-1 can randomly select an OCC sequence from OCC sequence 1 and OCC sequence 2 for random access, and each terminal in at least one terminal in NRSRP packet 2-2 can randomly select an OCC sequence from OCC sequence 3 and OCC sequence 4 for random access.

[0172] Similarly, for NRSRP packets 3-1 and 3-2 under the original NRSRP packet 3, the NRSRP of NRSRP packet 3-1 is smaller than that of NRSRP packet 3-2. Therefore, the access network device can instruct NRSRP packet 3-1 to be associated with OCC sequence 1 and OCC sequence 2, and instruct NRSRP packet 3-2 to be associated with OCC sequence 3 and OCC sequence 4. In this way, each terminal in at least one terminal in NRSRP packet 3-1 can randomly select an OCC sequence from OCC sequence 1 and OCC sequence 2 for random access, and each terminal in at least one terminal in NRSRP packet 3-2 can randomly select an OCC sequence from OCC sequence 3 and OCC sequence 4 for random access.

[0173] It should be understood that the access network device may distribute the permitted OCC sequences equally among at least one NRSRP packet after it has been divided from an original NRSRP packet. For example, in the example above, the four OCC sequences are evenly distributed among NRSRP packets 1-1 and 1-2, NRSRP packets 2-1 and 2-2, and NRSRP packets 3-1 and 3-2.

[0174] Furthermore, access network devices can associate different numbers of OCC sequences with different NRSRP packets based on the number of terminals within those packets. The more terminals a packet contains in a given NRSRP, the more OCC sequences can be associated with it, and vice versa. For example, if the number of terminals in NRSRP packet 1-1 is significantly greater than the number of terminals in NRSRP packet 1-2, the access network device can instruct the terminals to associate NRSRP packet 1-1 with OCC sequences 1, 2, and 3, and NRSRP packet 1-2 with OCC sequence 4. Thus, each terminal in at least one of the terminals in NRSRP packet 1-1 can randomly select one OCC sequence from OCC sequences 1, 2, and 3 for random access, and each terminal in at least one of the terminals in NRSRP packet 1-2 can choose one OCC sequence from OCC sequences 3 and 4 for random access.

[0175] In the above description, since at least one terminal in the same original NRSRP packet initiates random access on the same resource, after dividing an original NRSRP packet, terminals in different NRSRP packets use different OCC sequences to perform code division processing on the random access preamble. However, terminals in different NRSRP packets still initiate random access on the same resource (e.g., time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources), which helps to save resources.

[0176] In one possible implementation, the access network device configures the allowed OCC sequences for the terminal via higher-layer information prior to S802. Different OCC sequences are distinguished by different identifiers or indices, allowing the access network device to indicate the index of at least one OCC sequence associated with the first NRSRP packet via second indication information. Alternatively, the access network device and the terminal predefine the available OCC sequences through a protocol. Similarly, the access network device can indicate the index of at least one OCC sequence associated with the first NRSRP packet via second indication information. The range of available OCC sequences is greater than or equal to the range of OCC sequences allowed by the access network device for the terminal. Some of the available OCC sequences may have poor access performance; for example, if the timing error rate corresponding to these OCC sequences is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, these OCC sequences are considered unavailable. Therefore, the access network device can allow the terminal to use only the OCC sequences with better access performance, thereby improving the terminal's access success rate and increasing access capacity.

[0177] In another possible implementation, the access network device can indicate the OCC sequence itself associated with the first packet of NRSRP through the second indication information, for example, indicating one OCC sequence as [1, 1, 1, 1] and another OCC sequence as [1, -1, 1, -1].

[0178] Optionally, the access network device may broadcast the first indication information and the second indication information to the terminal in the same SIB message. Alternatively, the access network device may broadcast the first indication information and the second indication information to the terminal through different SIB messages; this embodiment of the application does not limit this approach.

[0179] Based on the above descriptions of S801 and S802, the access network device can further divide an existing NRSRP packet into at least one NRSRP packet and indicate at least one OCC sequence associated with each NRSRP packet in the at least one NRSRP packet. For the at least one NRSRP packet, the access network device associates the packet with the smaller NRSRP with an OCC sequence that has better access performance, and associates the packet with the larger NRSRP with an OCC sequence that has worse access performance. The terminal can select an OCC sequence from the at least one OCC sequence associated with its NRSRP packet for random access. This balances the access success rate of different terminals, thereby improving the overall access capacity.

[0180] In other embodiments, method 800 may also include further steps, such as S803 to S806 described below.

[0181] Optionally, after S802, method 800 further includes S803: the terminal sends a random access preamble after code division processing of the first OCC sequence. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the random access preamble after code division processing of the first OCC sequence.

[0182] The first OCC sequence is an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of NRSRP.

[0183] In one possible implementation, the rule for selecting the OCC sequence can be random selection. For example, if the terminal is in NRSRP packet 1-1 in the example above, and at least one OCC sequence associated with NRSRP packet 1-1 includes OCC sequence 1 and OCC sequence 2, then the first OCC sequence is an OCC sequence randomly selected by the terminal from OCC sequence 1 or OCC sequence 2.

[0184] In another possible implementation, the rule for selecting the OCC sequence can also be based on experience. For example, if the terminal is in NRSRP packet 1-1 in the example above, and at least one OCC sequence associated with NRSRP packet 1-1 includes OCC sequence 1 and OCC sequence 2, and the terminal finds that the access success rate using OCC sequence 1 is higher than the access success rate using OCC sequence 2, then the terminal can choose to initiate random access using OCC sequence 1, that is, the first OCC sequence is OCC sequence 1.

[0185] Optionally, prior to S802, method 800 further includes S804: the access network device sends third indication information to the terminal, the third indication information indicating one or more OCC sequences, the timing error rate corresponding to the one or more OCC sequences meeting the requirements, and at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of NRSRP being some or all of the one or more OCC sequences. Accordingly, the terminal receives the third indication information.

[0186] The timing error rate must meet certain requirements, such as being less than or equal to a preset threshold. Specifically, the timing error rate of any one of the one or more OCC sequences must be less than or equal to the preset threshold. When the timing error rate of a certain OCC sequence is less than or equal to the preset threshold, it indicates that the access performance of that OCC sequence is good, and the access network device can allow the terminal to use that OCC sequence for random access.

[0187] For example, the one or more OCC sequences include OCC sequence 1, OCC sequence 2, OCC sequence 3 and OCC sequence 4, and the third indication information indicates the OCC sequence itself. For example, OCC sequence 1 is [1, 1, 1, 1], OCC sequence 2 is [1, -1, 1, -1], OCC sequence 3 is [1, -1, -1, 1], and OCC sequence 4 is [-1, -1, 1, 1].

[0188] The access network device can execute S802 after executing S804. In this way, when the access network device indicates at least one OCC sequence associated with each NRSRP packet, since the terminal knows one or more allowed OCC sequences, and the at least one OCC sequence indicated by the second indication information is selected from the one or more OCC sequences indicated by the third indication information, the access network device can indicate the index of the at least one OCC sequence. This helps reduce signaling overhead. Furthermore, since the one or more OCC sequences meet the timing error rate requirement, the access success rate is higher when the terminal initiates random access using the OCC sequence selected from the at least one OCC sequence.

[0189] Optionally, the access network device may broadcast the third indication information to the terminal in a SIB message.

[0190] Optionally, after S804, method 800 further includes S805: the access network device sends fourth indication information to the terminal, the fourth indication information being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence group, the at least one OCC sequence group being obtained by dividing one or more OCC sequences indicated in S804 above. Accordingly, the terminal receives the fourth indication information.

[0191] Optionally, the access network device may broadcast the fourth indication information to the terminal in the SIB message.

[0192] Based on the access network device indicating at least one OCC sequence group to the terminal, the second indication information in S802 is used to indicate at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of NRSRP, including: the second indication information is used to indicate the OCC sequence group associated with the first packet of NRSRP, the OCC sequence group including the at least one OCC sequence. Since the terminal knows at least one OCC sequence group, and each OCC sequence group has its corresponding index, the access network device can indicate the index of the OCC sequence group associated with the first packet of NRSRP through the second indication information, which helps to reduce signaling overhead.

[0193] For example, the one or more OCC sequences indicated in S804 above include OCC sequence 1, OCC sequence 2, OCC sequence 3, and OCC sequence 4. OCC sequence 1 has the best access performance, followed by OCC sequence 2, then OCC sequence 3, and OCC sequence 4 has the worst access performance. The access network device groups OCC sequence 1 and OCC sequence 2 together, denoted as OCC sequence group 1, and OCC sequence 3 and OCC sequence 4 together, denoted as OCC sequence group 2. The access performance of OCC sequence group 1 is better than that of OCC sequence group 2. Therefore, when indicating the OCC sequence group associated with the first packet of NRSRP, the access network device can base its indication of the associated OCC sequence group on the NRSRP value of the first packet of NRSRP.

[0194] Referring to the example in S801 above, the NRSRP of NRSRP packet 1-1 is less than the NRSRP of NRSRP packet 1-2. Therefore, the access network device can instruct NRSRP packet 1-1 to be associated with OCC sequence group 1, and instruct NRSRP packet 1-2 to be associated with OCC sequence group 2. That is, the NRSRP packet with the larger NRSRP is associated with the OCC sequence group with better access performance, and the NRSRP packet with the smaller NRSRP is associated with the OCC sequence group with poorer access performance.

[0195] Optionally, the access network device can update the original NRSRP packet allocation based on the number of terminals using different OCC sequences. This involves updating the NRSRP packets belonging to some terminals, thereby updating the OCC sequences associated with these terminals. This avoids the problem of decreased access success rate caused by too many terminals using the same OCC sequence. Specifically, after S802, method 800 may further include S806: the access network device sends a fifth indication information to the terminal, which indicates the second packet of the NRSRP to which the terminal belongs. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the fifth indication information.

[0196] Similar to the first indication information, the fifth indication information can be viewed as a threshold used to divide the original NRSRP packets. Referring to the example in S801 above, assuming the threshold range for original NRSRP packet 1 is less than -140dBm, the threshold range for original NRSRP packet 2 is greater than or equal to -140dBm and less than -80dBm, and the threshold range for original NRSRP packet 3 is greater than or equal to -80dBm. If the access network device detects that there are too many terminals in NRSRP packet 1-1, and at least one OCC sequence associated with NRSRP packet 1-1 includes OCC sequence 1 and OCC sequence 2, then many terminals will repeatedly use OCC sequence 1 or OCC sequence 2 to initiate random access, which may reduce the access success rate of these terminals.

[0197] Based on this, the access network device can update the packet thresholds from the original -150dBm, -100dBm, and -65dBm to -155dBm, -100dBm, and -65dBm. In this way, the original NRSRP packet 1 is divided into two NRSRP packets, including NRSRP packet 1-1 and NRSRP packet 1-2. The NRSRP threshold range of NRSRP packet 1-1 is less than -155dBm, and the NRSRP threshold range of NRSRP packet 1-2 is greater than or equal to -155dBm and less than -140dBm.

[0198] Assuming a terminal has an NRSRP of -152dBm, before the original NRSRP packet allocation is updated, the terminal belongs to NRSRP packet 1-1, and at least one OCC sequence associated with NRSRP packet 1-1 includes OCC sequence 1 and OCC sequence 2. After the original NRSRP packet allocation is updated, the terminal belongs to NRSRP packet 1-2, and at least one OCC sequence associated with NRSRP packet 1-2 includes OCC sequence 3 and OCC sequence 4. Thus, the terminal can choose one OCC sequence from OCC sequence 3 and OCC sequence 4 for random access, reducing the number of terminals choosing either OCC sequence 1 or OCC sequence 2, which helps improve the overall access capacity.

[0199] Optionally, the access network device can also re-associate OCC sequences for the updated NRSRP packets. That is, after S806, method 800 may further include S807: the access network device sends a sixth indication information to the terminal, the sixth indication information being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence associated with the second NRSRP packet, that is, to indicate the OCC sequence associated with the updated NRSRP packet. Accordingly, the terminal receives the sixth indication information.

[0200] Referring to Figure 9, this embodiment of the application provides a communication method different from method 800. In method 900, after indicating the NRSRP packet to which the terminal belongs, the access network device does not indicate to the terminal at least one OCC sequence associated with the NRSRP packet to which the terminal belongs. Instead, it instructs the terminal to select an OCC sequence group from at least one OCC sequence group with probability, and then selects an OCC sequence from the selected OCC sequence group for random access. See the description below for details.

[0201] Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. Method 900 includes steps S901 and S902. Optionally, method 900 further includes steps S903 to S906, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0202] S901, the access network device sends a first indication message to the terminal, which indicates the first packet of the NRSRP to which the terminal belongs. Accordingly, the terminal receives the first indication message.

[0203] For an explanation of this step, please refer to the description of S801 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0204] S902, the access network device sends a seventh indication message to the terminal. This seventh indication message instructs the terminal to select a first OCC sequence group from at least one OCC sequence group with a first probability, and a second OCC sequence group from at least one OCC sequence group with a second probability. Each sequence group in the at least one OCC sequence group includes at least one OCC sequence. Accordingly, the terminal receives the seventh indication message.

[0205] In this embodiment, the access network device can instruct terminals in NRSRP packets to select different OCC sequence groups with different probabilities; or, the access network device can instruct terminals in NRSRP packets on the probability of selecting different OC sequence groups. The following describes how terminals select different OCC sequence groups with different probabilities.

[0206] Assume that at least one OCC sequence group includes OCC sequence group 1 and OCC sequence group 2, where OCC sequence group 1 includes OCC sequence 1 and OCC sequence 2, and OCC sequence group 2 includes OCC sequence group 3 and OCC sequence group 4. OCC sequence 1 has the best access performance, followed by OCC sequence 2, then OCC sequence 3, and OCC sequence 4 has the worst access performance.

[0207] Taking NRSRP packet 1-1 mentioned above as an example, the access network device broadcasts a seventh indication message, instructing the terminal in NRSRP packet 1-1 to select OCC sequence group 1 with a first probability and OCC sequence group 2 with a second probability. Thus, after receiving this seventh indication message, the terminal in NRSRP packet 1-1 will select OCC sequence group 1 with the first probability and OCC sequence group 2 with the second probability.

[0208] Access network equipment can be configured such that terminals in packets with smaller NRSRPs are more likely to select OCC sequence groups with better access performance, while terminals in packets with larger NRSRPs are less likely to select OCC sequence groups with better access performance, meaning they are more likely to select OCC sequence groups with poorer access performance.

[0209] For example, if the NRSRP of NRSRP packet 1-1 is less than that of NRSRP packet 1-2, the access network device can instruct terminals in NRSRP packet 1-1 to select OCC sequence group 1 with a probability of 0.8 and OCC sequence group 2 with a probability of 0.2, and instruct terminals in NRSRP packet 1-2 to select OCC sequence group 1 with a probability of 0.3 and OCC sequence group 2 with a probability of 0.7. This means that 80% of terminals in NRSRP packet 1-1 will select OCC sequence group 1, and 20% of terminals will select OCC sequence group 1, while 30% of users in NRSRP packet 1-2 will select OCC sequence group 1, and 70% of terminals will select OCC sequence group 2.

[0210] The above description uses at least one OCC sequence group including two OCC sequence groups as an example. This application does not limit the number of at least one OCC sequence group. For example, when the at least one OCC sequence group includes OCC sequence group 1, OCC sequence group 2, and OCC sequence group 3, the access network device can instruct the terminal in NRSRP packet 1-1 to select OCC sequence group 1 with a probability of 0.5, OCC sequence group 2 with a probability of 0.3, and OCC sequence group 3 with a probability of 0.2.

[0211] Optionally, the access network device may broadcast the first indication information and the seventh indication information to the terminal in the same SIB message, or the access network device may broadcast the first indication information and the seventh indication information to the terminal through different SIB messages. This application does not limit this.

[0212] Based on the above descriptions of S901 and S902, the access network device can further divide an existing NRSRP packet into at least one NRSRP packet and instruct terminals in different NRSRP packets to select different OCC sequence groups. This makes the selection of OCC sequences more flexible, and subgroups of NRSRPs with smaller NRSRPs are more likely to select OCC sequence groups with better access performance, while subgroups of NRSRPs with larger NRSRPs are more likely to select OCC sequence groups with poorer access performance. This helps to balance the access success rate of different terminals and improve the overall access capacity.

[0213] In other embodiments, method 900 may also include further steps, such as S903 to S906 described below.

[0214] Optionally, after S902, method 900 further includes S903: the terminal sends a random access preamble processed by code division of the second OCC sequence to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the random access preamble processed by code division of the second OCC sequence. The second OCC sequence is an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from a probabilistically selected group of OCC sequences.

[0215] For example, if the terminal belongs to NRSRP group 1-1 and selects OCC sequence group 1 with probability, and OCC sequence group 1 includes OCC sequence 1 and OCC sequence 2, then the second OCC sequence is an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from OCC sequence 1 and OCC sequence 2. The selection rule can be random or based on experience, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0216] Optionally, the access network device can update the probability of a terminal selecting different OCC sequence groups in the NRSRP packets based on historical access patterns. That is, after S902, method 900 may further include S904: the access network device sends an eighth indication message to the terminal, which instructs the terminal to select the first OCC sequence with a third probability and the second OCC sequence with a fourth probability. Accordingly, the terminal receives the eighth indication message.

[0217] For example, if the access network device detects a large number of terminals in NRSRP packet 1-1, and many of these terminals choose OCC sequence group 1, then a significant number of terminals will choose either OCC sequence 1 or OCC sequence 2, potentially leading to a lower access success rate. Therefore, the access network device can update the probability of terminals choosing OCC sequence group 1 in NRSRP packet 1-1, and correspondingly, the probability of terminals choosing OCC sequence group 2 in NRSRP packet 1-1 will also change.

[0218] For example, based on the above-mentioned access network device instructing terminals in NRSRP packet 1-1 to select OCC sequence group 1 with a probability of 0.8 and OCC sequence group 2 with a probability of 0.2, the access network device further instructs terminals in NRSRP packet 1-1 to select OCC sequence group 1 with a probability of 0.6 and OCC sequence group 2 with a probability of 0.4. In this way, 60% of the terminals in NRSRP packet 1-1 will select OCC sequence group 1, and 40% of the terminals will select OCC sequence group 2. This reduces the probability of terminals in NRSRP packet 1-1 selecting OCC sequence group 1 and increases the probability of terminals selecting OCC sequence group 2. This helps to avoid the problem of too many terminals selecting the same OCC sequence, which affects the access success rate, and is conducive to improving the overall access success rate and increasing the overall access capacity.

[0219] Optionally, prior to S902, method 900 further includes S905: the access network device sends third indication information to the terminal, the third indication information indicating one or more OCC sequences, the timing error rate corresponding to the one or more OCC sequences meeting a requirement, the at least one OCC sequence group being obtained by dividing the one or more OCC sequences. Accordingly, the terminal receives the third indication information.

[0220] Optionally, the third instruction information can be carried in the SIB message.

[0221] For an introduction to S905, please refer to the description of S804 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0222] Optionally, after S905, method 900 further includes S906: the access network device sends fourth indication information to the terminal, the fourth indication information being used to indicate the at least one OCC sequence group. Accordingly, the terminal receives the fourth indication information.

[0223] Optionally, the fourth instruction information can be carried in the SIB message.

[0224] For an introduction to S906, please refer to the description of S805 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0225] Since the size of a terminal's NRSRP is usually related to the terminal's geographical location, unlike the method described in method 800 above which the access network device indicates the OCC sequence associated with the NRSRP to which the terminal belongs, or the method described in method 900 above which the access network device indicates the selection of different OCC sequence groups with different probabilities, in some other embodiments, the access network device can broadcast different OCC sequence groups for different geographical areas under the same coverage enhancement level, and terminals in different geographical areas can select OCC sequences from different OCC sequence groups.

[0226] Assuming a coverage enhancement level includes a first geographical area and a second geographical area, terminals in the first geographical area and terminals in the second geographical area are at the same coverage enhancement level and therefore initiate random access using the same random access resources. The access network equipment allows terminals to use OCC sequences including OCC sequence 1, OCC sequence 2, OCC sequence 3, OCC sequence 4, OCC sequence 5, OCC sequence 6, OCC sequence 7, and OCC sequence 8 (arranged in order of access performance from best to worst, i.e., OCC sequence 1 has the best access performance, and OCC sequence 8 has the worst access performance).

[0227] Based on the above assumptions, if the distance between a terminal in the first geographical area and the access network device is relatively far, it means that the NRSRP of the terminal in the first geographical area may be relatively low. Conversely, if the distance between a terminal in the second geographical area and the access network device is relatively close, it means that the NRSRP of the terminal in the second geographical area may be relatively high. Therefore, the access network device can broadcast OCC sequence group 3, which is allowed for use by terminals in the first geographical area, to the first geographical area, and OCC sequence group 4, which is allowed for use by terminals in the second geographical area. OCC sequence group 3 includes OCC sequence 1, OCC sequence 2, OCC sequence 3, and OCC sequence 4, while OCC sequence group 4 includes OCC sequence 5, OCC sequence 6, OCC sequence 7, and OCC sequence 8. The access performance of OCC sequence group 3 is better than that of OCC sequence group 4. In other words, the access network device can allocate OCC sequences with better access performance to terminals farther away from the access network device, and allocate OCC sequences with poorer access performance to terminals closer to the access network device. This balances the access success rate of terminals in different geographical areas and helps to improve the overall access capacity.

[0228] 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 does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0229] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the satellite and terminal include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0230] The communication method according to the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The communication device according to the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

[0231] Figures 10 and 11 are schematic block diagrams of communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of terminals or access network devices in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0232] As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 includes a transceiver module 1010. Optionally, the device 1000 also includes a processing module 1020. The transceiver module 1010 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication module.

[0233] Optionally, the device 1000 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store data and / or to store computer programs or instructions. The processing module 1020 can read the computer programs / instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the device 1000 can implement the above-described method embodiments.

[0234] The device 1000 can be used to perform the actions performed by the terminal, access network device, or UPF network element in the above method embodiments. Alternatively, the device 1000 can be a component (e.g., a chip) configured in the terminal or access network device. The processing module 1020 is used to perform processing-related operations of the terminal or access network device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 1010 is used to perform receiving and transmitting-related operations of the terminal or access network device in the above method embodiments.

[0235] Optionally, the transceiver module 1010 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0236] It should be noted that device 1000 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, device 1000 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by device 1000 includes both transmitting and receiving actions.

[0237] Optionally, the device 1000 is used to perform the actions performed by the terminal or access network device in the embodiment shown in FIG6 above. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiments shown in FIG8 or FIG9 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0238] In one embodiment, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: send first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a first packet of the NRSRP to which the terminal belongs; and send second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of the NRSRP.

[0239] Optionally, the first indication information and the second indication information are carried in the same SIB message.

[0240] Optionally, the NRSRP of the terminal is less than or equal to a first threshold, and the timing error rate corresponding to at least one OCC sequence associated with the first group of NRSRP is greater than or equal to a second threshold; or, the NRSRP of the terminal is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the timing error rate corresponding to at least one OCC sequence associated with the first group of NRSRP is less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0241] Optionally, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: send third indication information, the third indication information being used to indicate one or more OCC sequences, the timing error rate corresponding to the one or more OCC sequences meeting the requirements, and at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of NRSRP being some or all of the one or more OCC sequences.

[0242] Optionally, this third indication information is carried in the SIB message.

[0243] Optionally, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: transmit fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence group, the at least one OCC sequence group being obtained by dividing the one or more OCC sequences. The second indication information being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of the NRSRP includes: the second indication information being used to indicate an OCC sequence group associated with the first packet of the NRSRP, the OCC sequence group including the at least one OCC sequence.

[0244] Optionally, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: receive a random access preamble after code division processing of a first OCC sequence, wherein the first OCC sequence is an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from at least one OCC sequence associated with a first packet of NRSRP.

[0245] Optionally, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: send fifth indication information, which indicates the second packet of the NRSRP to which the terminal belongs; and send sixth indication information, which indicates at least one OCC sequence associated with the second packet of the NRSRP.

[0246] In this embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 1000 may specifically be the access network device in the embodiment shown in FIG8 above, or the functions of the access network device in the embodiment shown in FIG8 above may be integrated into the device 1000. The above functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. The device 1000 may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the access network device in the above method embodiments.

[0247] In another embodiment, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: send first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a first packet of the NRSRP to which the terminal belongs; and send seventh indication information, the seventh indication information being used to instruct the terminal to select a first OCC sequence group in at least one OCC sequence group with a first probability, and to select a second OCC sequence group in the at least one OCC sequence group with a second probability, each sequence group in the at least one OCC sequence group including at least one OCC sequence.

[0248] Optionally, the first indication information and the seventh indication information are carried in the same SIB message.

[0249] Optionally, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: send third indication information, which indicates one or more OCC sequences, wherein the timing error rate corresponding to the one or more OCC sequences meets the requirements, and the at least one OCC sequence group is obtained by dividing the one or more OCC sequences.

[0250] Optionally, this third indication information is carried in the SIB message.

[0251] Optionally, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: transmit fourth indication information, which is used to indicate the at least one OCC sequence group.

[0252] Optionally, the transceiver module 1010 is used to: receive a random access preamble after code division processing of the second OCC sequence, wherein the second OCC sequence is an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from a first OCC sequence group selected with a first probability, or an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from a second OCC sequence group selected with a second probability.

[0253] Optionally, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: send an eighth indication message, the eighth indication message being used by the terminal to select a first OCC sequence with a third probability and a second OCC sequence with a fourth probability.

[0254] In this embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 1000 may specifically be the access network device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 above, or the functions of the access network device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 above may be integrated into the device 1000. The above functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. The device 1000 may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the access network device in the above method embodiments.

[0255] In another embodiment, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a first packet of the NRSRP to which the terminal belongs; and receive second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of the NRSRP.

[0256] Optionally, the first indication information and the second indication information are carried in the same SIB message.

[0257] Optionally, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: receive third indication information, which indicates one or more OCC sequences, the timing error rate corresponding to the one or more OCC sequences meeting the requirements, and at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of NRSRP being some or all of the one or more OCC sequences.

[0258] Optionally, this third indication information is carried in the SIB message.

[0259] Optionally, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: receive fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence group, the at least one OCC sequence group being obtained by dividing the one or more OCC sequences. The second indication information being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of the NRSRP includes: the second indication information being used to indicate an OCC sequence group associated with the first packet of the NRSRP, the OCC sequence group including the at least one OCC sequence.

[0260] Optionally, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: transmit a random access preamble after code division processing of a first OCC sequence, wherein the first OCC sequence is an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from at least one OCC sequence associated with a first packet of NRSRP.

[0261] Optionally, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: receive fifth indication information, which indicates the second packet of the NRSRP to which the terminal belongs; and receive sixth indication information, which indicates at least one OCC sequence associated with the second packet of the NRSRP.

[0262] In this embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 1000 may specifically be the terminal shown in the embodiment of FIG8 above, or the functions of the terminal shown in FIG8 above may be integrated into the device 1000. The above functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. The device 1000 may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal in the above method embodiments.

[0263] In another embodiment, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a first packet of NRSRP to which the terminal belongs; and receive seventh indication information, the seventh indication information being used to instruct the terminal to select a first OCC sequence group in at least one OCC sequence group with a first probability, and to select a second OCC sequence group in the at least one OCC sequence group with a second probability, each sequence group in the at least one OCC sequence group including at least one OCC sequence.

[0264] Optionally, the first indication information and the seventh indication information are carried in the same SIB message.

[0265] Optionally, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: receive third indication information, which indicates one or more OCC sequences, wherein the timing error rate corresponding to the one or more OCC sequences meets the requirements, and the at least one OCC sequence group is obtained by dividing the one or more OCC sequences.

[0266] Optionally, this third indication information is carried in the SIB message.

[0267] Optionally, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: receive fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate the at least one OCC sequence group.

[0268] Optionally, the transceiver module 1010 is used to: send a random access preamble after code division processing of the second OCC sequence, wherein the second OCC sequence is an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from a first OCC sequence group selected with a first probability, or an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from a second OCC sequence group selected with a second probability.

[0269] Optionally, the transceiver module 1010 is configured to: receive an eighth indication information, the eighth indication information being used by the terminal to select a first OCC sequence with a third probability and a second OCC sequence with a fourth probability.

[0270] In this embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 1000 may specifically be the terminal shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9 above, or the functions of the terminal shown in FIG. 9 above may be integrated into the device 1000. The above functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. The device 1000 may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal in the above method embodiments.

[0271] It should be understood that the device 1000 here is embodied in the form of a functional module. The term "module" here may refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (e.g., shared processors, proprietary processors, or group processors, etc.) and memories for executing one or more software or firmware programs, combined logic circuits, and / or other suitable components that support the described functions.

[0272] In embodiments of this application, device 1000 may also be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on a chip (SoC). Correspondingly, the transceiver module may be the transceiver circuit of the chip, and is not limited thereto.

[0273] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 11, the device 1100 includes one or more processors 1110 and an interface circuit 1120. The one or more processors 1110 and the interface circuit 1120 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1120 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the device 1100 may also include a memory 1130 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1110, or for storing input data required by the processor 1110 to execute instructions, or for storing data generated after the processor 1110 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 1120 can also be understood as part of the one or more processors 1110, in which case the device 1100 includes the one or more processors 1110.

[0274] The one or more processors 1110 and memory 1130 can be configured separately or integrated, and this application does not limit this.

[0275] When the device 1100 is used to implement the method shown in FIG8 or FIG9, the one or more processors 1110 are used to implement the functions of the processing module 1320, and the interface circuit 1120 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver module 1310.

[0276] When the aforementioned device 1100 is a chip applied to a terminal, the chip of the terminal implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiment. The chip of the terminal receives information from the access network device, which can be understood as the information being first sent by the access network device in the terminal, or the information being first sent to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal, and then sent to the access network device by these modules.

[0277] When the aforementioned device 1100 is a chip applied to an access network device, the chip of the access network device implements the functions of the access network device in the above method embodiments. The chip of the access network device 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 access network device, and then sent to the chip of the access network device by these modules. The chip of the access network device sends information to the terminal, which can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the access network device, and then sent to the terminal by these modules.

[0278] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the aforementioned communication method. Alternatively, the computer program includes instructions for implementing the aforementioned communication method.

[0279] This application also provides a computer program product, including: a computer program or instructions, which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to execute the above-described communication method.

[0280] This application also provides a chip, which includes at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the above-described communication method, such as receiving or processing data involved in the above-described communication method.

[0281] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), or it may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0282] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware processor, or as a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor executes the instructions in the memory, combining them with its hardware to complete the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0283] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the modules and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0284] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and modules described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0285] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or modules may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0286] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0287] In addition, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module.

[0288] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0289] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the first packet of the Narrowband Reference Signal Received Power (NRSRP) to which the terminal belongs; Send a second indication message, which indicates at least one orthogonal overlay code (OCC) sequence associated with the first packet of the NRSRP.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first indication information and the second indication information are carried in the same System Information Block (SIB) message.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before sending the second indication information, the method further includes: Send a third indication message, the third indication message being used to indicate one or more OCC sequences, the timing error rate corresponding to the one or more OCC sequences meeting the requirements, and at least one OCC sequence associated with the first group of the NRSRP being some or all of the one or more OCC sequences.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third indication information is carried in the SIB message.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, After sending the third indication information, the method further includes: Send a fourth indication message, the fourth indication message being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence group, the at least one OCC sequence group being obtained by dividing the one or more OCC sequences; The second indication information is used to indicate at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of the NRSRP, including: The second indication information is used to indicate an OCC sequence group associated with the first packet of the NRSRP, the OCC sequence group including the at least one OCC sequence.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, After sending the second indication information, the method further includes: The terminal receives a random access preamble after code division processing using a first OCC sequence, wherein the first OCC sequence is an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from at least one OCC sequence associated with a first packet of the NRSRP.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, After sending the second indication information, the method further includes: Send a fifth indication message, the fifth indication message being used to indicate the second NRSRP packet to which the terminal belongs; A sixth indication message is sent, which indicates at least one OCC sequence associated with the second packet of the NRSRP.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the first packet of the Narrowband Reference Signal Received Power (NRSRP) to which the terminal belongs; Send a seventh indication message, which instructs the terminal to select a first OCC sequence group from at least one orthogonal overlay code OCC sequence group with a first probability, and to select a second OCC sequence group from at least one OCC sequence group with a second probability, wherein each sequence group of at least one OCC sequence group includes at least one OCC sequence.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first indication information and the seventh indication information are carried in the same System Information Block (SIB) message.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, Before sending the seventh indication information, the method further includes: Send a third indication message, which indicates one or more OCC sequences, wherein the timing error rate corresponding to the one or more OCC sequences meets the requirements, and the at least one OCC sequence group is obtained by dividing the one or more OCC sequences.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The third indication information is carried in the SIB message.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, After sending the third indication information, the method further includes: Send a fourth indication message, which is used to indicate the at least one OCC sequence group.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that, After sending the seventh indication information, the method further includes: The terminal receives a random access preamble after code division processing using a second OCC sequence. The second OCC sequence is either an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from a first OCC sequence group selected with the first probability, or an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from a second OCC sequence group selected with the second probability.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that, After sending the seventh indication information, the method further includes: Send an eighth indication message, which is used by the terminal to select the first OCC sequence with a third probability and the second OCC sequence with a fourth probability.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the first packet of the Narrowband Reference Signal Received Power (NRSRP) to which the terminal belongs; Receive second indication information, which is used to indicate at least one orthogonal overlay code (OCC) sequence associated with the first packet of the NRSRP.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first indication information and the second indication information are carried in the same System Information Block (SIB) message.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, Before receiving the second indication information, the method further includes: Receive third indication information, the third indication information being used to indicate one or more OCC sequences, the timing error rate corresponding to the one or more OCC sequences meeting the requirements, and at least one OCC sequence associated with the first group of the NRSRP being some or all of the one or more OCC sequences.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The third indication information is carried in the SIB message.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, After receiving the third indication information, the method further includes: Receive fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence group, the at least one OCC sequence group being obtained by dividing the one or more OCC sequences; The second indication information is used to indicate at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of the NRSRP, including: The second indication information is used to indicate an OCC sequence group associated with the first packet of the NRSRP, the OCC sequence group including the at least one OCC sequence.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that, After receiving the second indication information, the method further includes: The terminal sends a random access preamble after code division processing using a first OCC sequence, wherein the first OCC sequence is an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from at least one OCC sequence associated with the first packet of the NRSRP.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that, After receiving the second indication information, the method further includes: Receive fifth indication information, the fifth indication information being used to indicate the second NRSRP group to which the terminal belongs; Receive a sixth indication message, the sixth indication message being used to indicate at least one OCC sequence associated with the second packet of the NRSRP.

22. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the first packet of the Narrowband Reference Signal Received Power (NRSRP) to which the terminal belongs; The terminal receives a seventh indication message, which instructs the terminal to select a first OCC sequence group from at least one orthogonal overlay code OCC sequence group with a first probability, and to select a second OCC sequence group from at least one OCC sequence group with a second probability, wherein each sequence group of at least one OCC sequence group includes at least one OCC sequence.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first indication information and the seventh indication information are carried in the same System Information Block (SIB) message.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, Before receiving the seventh indication information, the method further includes: Receive third indication information, the third indication information being used to indicate one or more OCC sequences, the timing error rate corresponding to the one or more OCC sequences meeting the requirements, the at least one OCC sequence group being obtained by dividing the one or more OCC sequences.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The third indication information is carried in the SIB message.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that, After receiving the third indication information, the method further includes: Receive fourth indication information, which is used to indicate the at least one OCC sequence group.

27. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that, After receiving the seventh indication information, the method further includes: The terminal sends a random access preamble after code division processing of the second OCC sequence. The second OCC sequence is either an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from a first OCC sequence group selected with the first probability, or an OCC sequence selected by the terminal from a second OCC sequence group selected with the second probability.

28. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 27, characterized in that, After receiving the seventh indication information, the method further includes: The terminal receives an eighth indication message, which instructs the terminal to select the first OCC sequence group with a third probability and the second OCC sequence group with a fourth probability.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14, or modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 21, or modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 22 to 28.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, The method includes at least one processor coupled to a memory for storing a program or instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 7 to be executed, or cause the method of any one of claims 8 to 14 to be executed, or cause the method of any one of claims 15 to 21 to be executed, or cause the method of any one of claims 22 to 28 to be executed.

31. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store a computer program that, when the computer program is run on a computer, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 21 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 22 to 28 to be performed.

32. A computer program product, characterized in that, include: A computer program or instruction that, when executed, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 21 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 22 to 28 to be performed.

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