Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and apparatus. The communication method comprises: receiving a first synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB); determining a first index of the first SSB, and determining a group identifier of a first SSB group to which the first SSB belongs, wherein the group identifier of the first SSB group can be used to uniquely identify the first SSB group, it can be considered that a second SSB group different from the first SSB group is present, the second SSB group may comprise a second SSB having a second index, and the first index is the same as the second index; and performing communication on the basis of the first index and the group identifier of the first SSB group. By determining a group identifier of an SSB group to which an SSB belongs, the present application can distinguish SSBs that have the same index but correspond to different beam directions. The situation of confusion occurring during SSB parsing is avoided, thereby improving communication efficiency.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410874958.7, filed on June 29, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) typically refer to networks that provide communication services using radio frequency resources on platforms such as satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and high-altitude platform stations (HAPS). Satellite platforms can include low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO). Compared to terrestrial cellular networks, NTNs offer wider coverage, higher path loss, greater latency, faster speeds, and lower costs. As a supplement and extension to terrestrial networks, NTNs can achieve wide-area seamless coverage that wired telephone networks and terrestrial mobile communication networks cannot, effectively solving internet access problems in areas with insufficient communication infrastructure.

[0004] In typical communication systems, several beams in different directions can be used to send synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel blocks (SSBs) to different terminals for terminal synchronization during the initial access phase. Unlike terrestrial systems where frequency range (FR1) corresponds to a maximum of 8 SSBs or FR2 corresponds to a maximum of 64 SSBs, NTN may require hundreds or even thousands of beams.

[0005] From the network side's perspective, if some SSBs are scanned using time-division multiplexing to achieve wider beam coverage, SSBs with the same index may appear within a single scan cycle, but these SSBs with the same index correspond to different beam directions. However, because the SSBs have the same index, it becomes impossible to distinguish the SSBs corresponding to different beams, making it difficult for the terminal to accurately determine the beam. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that distinguishes SSBs with the same SSB index but corresponding to different beam directions by determining the group identifier of the SSB group to which the SSB belongs. This avoids confusion during SSB resolution and improves communication efficiency.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a terminal device. The terminal device can be a terminal, a component of 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. For ease of description, the following explanation uses an example executed by a terminal device. The method may include: receiving a first synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB); determining a first index of the first SSB and a group identifier of the first SSB packet to which the first SSB belongs. The group identifier of the first SSB packet can be used to uniquely identify the first SSB packet. It can be assumed that a second SSB packet exists that is different from the first SSB packet. This second SSB packet may contain a second SSB with a second index. In some examples, the first index and the second index are the same. Communication is performed based on the first index and the group identifier of the first SSB packet.

[0009] In this application, SSBs with the same index can belong to different SSB groups. For SSBs with the same SSB index but corresponding to different beam directions, the terminal can distinguish between different SSBs with the same SSB index through SSB grouping. This avoids confusion during SSB resolution and improves communication efficiency.

[0010] In one possible design, the first SSB corresponds to the first system frame number (SFN). Determining the group identifier of the first SSB packet may include: determining the group identifier of the first SSB packet based on the first SFN. For example, there is an association between the SFN and the group identifier of the SSB packet.

[0011] In this application, when the terminal knows the SFN corresponding to the first SSB, it can directly determine the SSB group to which the first SSB belongs based on the SFN. This allows for quick and accurate differentiation of different SSBs with the same SSB index, avoiding confusion during SSB resolution. No additional signaling is required to indicate the group identifier of the first SSB group, thus avoiding additional signaling resource consumption and improving the performance of the communication system.

[0012] In one possible design, the first SSB corresponds to the first SFN. Determining the group identifier of the first SSB packet may include: determining the group identifier of the first SSB packet based on a first parameter, a second parameter, and the first SFN. The first parameter may be used to indicate the number of all SSB packets, and the second parameter may be used to indicate the number of system frames occupied by each SSB packet among all SSB packets.

[0013] In this application, after determining the SFN corresponding to the first SSB, the terminal can also determine the SSB packet to which the first SSB belongs by combining the first parameter and the second parameter. In scenarios where SSB packets occupy multiple system frames, different SSBs with the same SSB index can be quickly and accurately distinguished, avoiding confusion during SSB parsing and improving the performance of the communication system.

[0014] In one possible design, the first SSB can carry a first parameter and a second parameter.

[0015] This application can reuse existing cells to transmit the first and second parameters, which can avoid introducing new signaling and thus increase communication complexity and improve communication efficiency.

[0016] In one possible design, the method may further include: receiving first information. This first information may carry a first parameter and a second parameter.

[0017] This application can indicate the first and second parameters using first information without consuming the limited resources in the SSB. It can guarantee accurate indication of the group identifier of the first SSB group without consuming SSB resources.

[0018] In one possible design, the first information may include at least one of system information blocks (SIB) 1 and other system information (OSI).

[0019] This application allows for the selection of appropriate system message indicators for the first and second parameters based on actual circumstances, thereby improving the system's versatility.

[0020] In one possible design, the first SSB receives signals based on a first frequency band, and a first parameter is associated with the first frequency band, and a second parameter is associated with the first frequency band.

[0021] This application can determine the first and second parameters by relating the first frequency band to the first and second parameters, and by combining this with the first frequency band corresponding to the first SSB. This eliminates the need for additional indication of the first and second parameters, reducing signaling overhead while improving communication efficiency.

[0022] In one possible design, the first parameter is associated with the synchronization grid used to receive the first SSB, and the second parameter is associated with the synchronization grid used to receive the first SSB.

[0023] This application can determine the first and second parameters by receiving the synchronization grid of the first SSB and its association with the first and second parameters, and by combining the synchronization grid of the first SSB. This eliminates the need for additional indication of the first and second parameters, reducing signaling overhead while improving communication efficiency.

[0024] In one possible design, the first and second parameters can be predefined by the protocol.

[0025] This application eliminates the need for dynamic signaling instructions for the first and second parameters, thereby reducing signaling overhead and improving communication efficiency.

[0026] In one possible design, the first SSB may carry the group identifier of the first SSB group.

[0027] This application can avoid communication errors caused by confusion during SSB resolution due to the terminal not knowing the group identifier, thereby improving the stability of the communication system.

[0028] In one possible design, the method may further include receiving second information. This second information may be used to indicate the group identifier of the first SSB packet.

[0029] This application can indicate the group identifier of the first SSB packet through second information without occupying the limited resources in the SSB. It can ensure accurate indication of the group identifier of the first SSB packet without consuming SSB resources.

[0030] In one possible design, the second information may include at least one of SIB 1 and OSI.

[0031] This application allows for the selection of an appropriate system message indicator for the first SSB group based on actual circumstances, thereby improving the system's versatility.

[0032] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a network device. The network device can be a network equipment, a component of the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device. For ease of description, the following explanation uses an example executed by a network device. The method may include: sending a first SSB. The first SSB may carry a first index of the first SSB, and the first SSB belongs to a first SSB packet. It can be assumed that there exists a second SSB packet different from the first SSB packet. This second SSB packet may contain a second SSB with a second index. In some examples, the first index and the second index are the same, but the group identifier of the first SSB packet is different from the group identifier of the second SSB packet. Communication is performed based on the first index and the group identifier of the first SSB packet.

[0033] In one possible design, the first SSB corresponds to the first SFN. The group identifier of the first SSB group is determined based on the first SFN. For example, there is an association between the SFN and the group identifier of the SSB group.

[0034] In one possible design, the first SSB corresponds to the first SFN. The group identifier of the first SSB packet is determined based on a first parameter, a second parameter, and the first SFN. The first parameter can be used to indicate the number of all SSB packets, and the second parameter can be used to indicate the number of system frames occupied by each SSB packet.

[0035] In one possible design, the first SSB can carry a first parameter and a second parameter.

[0036] In one possible design, the method may further include: sending first information. This first information may carry a first parameter and a second parameter.

[0037] In one possible design, the first information may include at least one of SIB 1 and OSI.

[0038] In one possible design, the first SSB transmits based on the first frequency band, and the first parameter is associated with the first frequency band, and the second parameter is associated with the first frequency band.

[0039] In one possible design, the first parameter is associated with the synchronization grid corresponding to the first SSB, and the second parameter is associated with the synchronization grid corresponding to the first SSB.

[0040] In one possible design, the first and second parameters can be predefined by the protocol.

[0041] In one possible design, the first SSB may carry the group identifier of the first SSB group.

[0042] In one possible design, the method may further include sending a second message. This second message may be used to indicate the group identifier of the first SSB packet.

[0043] In one possible design, the second information may include at least one of SIB 1 and OSI.

[0044] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. This device can be a terminal, a component of a 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. For ease of description, the following explanation uses an example executed by a terminal device. It includes: a transceiver unit for receiving a first SSB; and a processing unit for determining a first index of the first SSB and a group identifier of the first SSB packet to which the first SSB belongs. The group identifier of the first SSB packet can be used to uniquely identify the first SSB packet. It can be assumed that a second SSB packet exists that is different from the first SSB packet. This second SSB packet can contain a second SSB with a second index. In some examples, the first index and the second index are the same. The processing unit is also used to communicate based on the first index and the group identifier of the first SSB packet.

[0045] In one possible design, the first SSB corresponds to the first SFN. The processing unit is also configured to: determine the group identifier of the first SSB packet based on the first SFN. For example, there is an association between the SFN and the group identifier of the SSB packet.

[0046] In one possible design, the first SSB corresponds to the first SFN. The processing unit is further configured to: determine the group identifier of the first SSB packet based on the first parameter, the second parameter, and the first SFN. The first parameter can be used to indicate the number of all SSB packets, and the second parameter can be used to indicate the number of system frames occupied by each SSB packet among all SSB packets.

[0047] In one possible design, the first SSB can carry a first parameter and a second parameter.

[0048] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to: receive first information. This first information may carry a first parameter and a second parameter.

[0049] In one possible design, the first information may include at least one of SIB 1 and OSI.

[0050] In one possible design, the first SSB receives signals based on a first frequency band, and a first parameter is associated with the first frequency band, and a second parameter is associated with the first frequency band.

[0051] In one possible design, the first parameter is associated with the synchronization grid used to receive the first SSB, and the second parameter is associated with the synchronization grid used to receive the first SSB.

[0052] In one possible design, the first and second parameters can be predefined by the protocol.

[0053] In one possible design, the first SSB may carry the group identifier of the first SSB group.

[0054] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive second information. This second information may be used to indicate the group identifier of the first SSB packet.

[0055] In one possible design, the second information may include at least one of SIB 1 and OSI.

[0056] In some examples, the communication device involved in the third aspect above may be a terminal, or a communication module in the terminal, or a chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module.

[0057] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. This device can be a network device, a component of a 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 a network device. For ease of description, the following description uses an example executed by a network device. It includes: a transceiver unit for transmitting a first SSB. The first SSB may carry a first index, and the first SSB belongs to a first SSB packet. It can be assumed that a second SSB packet exists that is different from the first SSB packet. This second SSB packet may contain a second SSB with a second index. In some examples, the first index and the second index are the same, but the group identifier of the first SSB packet is different from the group identifier of the second SSB packet. A processing unit is used for communication based on the first index and the group identifier of the first SSB packet.

[0058] In one possible design, the first SSB corresponds to the first SFN. The group identifier of the first SSB group is determined based on the first SFN. For example, there is an association between the SFN and the group identifier of the SSB group.

[0059] In one possible design, the first SSB corresponds to the first SFN. The group identifier of the first SSB packet is determined based on a first parameter, a second parameter, and the first SFN. The first parameter can be used to indicate the number of all SSB packets, and the second parameter can be used to indicate the number of system frames occupied by each SSB packet.

[0060] In one possible design, the first SSB can carry a first parameter and a second parameter.

[0061] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to: send first information. This first information may carry a first parameter and a second parameter.

[0062] In one possible design, the first information may include at least one of SIB 1 and OSI.

[0063] In one possible design, the first SSB transmits based on the first frequency band, and the first parameter is associated with the first frequency band, and the second parameter is associated with the first frequency band.

[0064] In one possible design, the first parameter is associated with the synchronization grid corresponding to the first SSB, and the second parameter is associated with the synchronization grid corresponding to the first SSB.

[0065] In one possible design, the first and second parameters can be predefined by the protocol.

[0066] In one possible design, the first SSB may carry the group identifier of the first SSB group.

[0067] In one possible design, the transceiver unit is also used to: transmit second information. This second information may be used to indicate the group identifier of the first SSB packet.

[0068] In one possible design, the second information may include at least one of SIB 1 and OSI.

[0069] In some examples, the communication device involved in the fourth aspect above may be a network device, or a communication module in a network device, or a chip in a network device that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module.

[0070] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device can be a terminal, a component of a 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. For ease of description, the following explanation uses an example executed by a terminal device. It includes: a transceiver for receiving a first SSB; a processor for determining a first index of the first SSB and a group identifier of the first SSB packet to which the first SSB belongs. The group identifier of the first SSB packet can be used to uniquely identify the first SSB packet. It can be assumed that a second SSB packet exists that is different from the first SSB packet. This second SSB packet can contain a second SSB with a second index. In some examples, the first index and the second index are the same. The processor is also used to communicate based on the first index and the group identifier of the first SSB packet.

[0071] In one possible design, the first SSB corresponds to the first SFN. The processor is also configured to: determine the group identifier of the first SSB packet based on the first SFN. For example, there is an association between the SFN and the group identifier of the SSB packet.

[0072] In one possible design, the first SSB corresponds to the first SFN. The processor is further configured to: determine the group identifier of the first SSB packet based on the first parameter, the second parameter, and the first SFN. The first parameter can be used to indicate the number of all SSB packets, and the second parameter can be used to indicate the number of system frames occupied by each SSB packet among all SSB packets.

[0073] In one possible design, the first SSB can carry a first parameter and a second parameter.

[0074] In one possible design, the transceiver is also used to: receive first information. This first information may carry a first parameter and a second parameter.

[0075] In one possible design, the first information may include at least one of SIB 1 and OSI.

[0076] In one possible design, the first SSB receives signals based on a first frequency band, and a first parameter is associated with the first frequency band, and a second parameter is associated with the first frequency band.

[0077] In one possible design, the first parameter is associated with the synchronization grid used to receive the first SSB, and the second parameter is associated with the synchronization grid used to receive the first SSB.

[0078] In one possible design, the first and second parameters can be predefined by the protocol.

[0079] In one possible design, the first SSB may carry the group identifier of the first SSB group.

[0080] In one possible design, the transceiver is also used to receive second information. This second information can be used to indicate the group identifier of the first SSB packet.

[0081] In one possible design, the second information may include at least one of SIB 1 and OSI.

[0082] In some examples, the communication device involved in the fifth aspect above may be a terminal, or a communication module in the terminal, or a chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module.

[0083] Sixthly, a communication device is provided. This device can be a network device, a component of a network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. For ease of description, the following description assumes execution by a network device. It includes: a transceiver for transmitting a first SSB. The first SSB may carry a first index, and the first SSB belongs to a first SSB packet. It can be assumed that a second SSB packet exists that is different from the first SSB packet. This second SSB packet may contain a second SSB with a second index. In some examples, the first index and the second index are the same, but the group identifier of the first SSB packet is different from the group identifier of the second SSB packet. A processor is provided for communicating based on the first index and the group identifier of the first SSB packet.

[0084] In one possible design, the first SSB corresponds to the first SFN. The group identifier of the first SSB group is determined based on the first SFN. For example, there is an association between the SFN and the group identifier of the SSB group.

[0085] In one possible design, the first SSB corresponds to the first SFN. The group identifier of the first SSB packet is determined based on a first parameter, a second parameter, and the first SFN. The first parameter can be used to indicate the number of all SSB packets, and the second parameter can be used to indicate the number of system frames occupied by each SSB packet.

[0086] In one possible design, the first SSB can carry a first parameter and a second parameter.

[0087] In one possible design, the transceiver is also used to: send first information. This first information may carry a first parameter and a second parameter.

[0088] In one possible design, the first information may include at least one of SIB 1 and OSI.

[0089] In one possible design, the first SSB transmits based on the first frequency band, and the first parameter is associated with the first frequency band, and the second parameter is associated with the first frequency band.

[0090] In one possible design, the first parameter is associated with the synchronization grid corresponding to the first SSB, and the second parameter is associated with the synchronization grid corresponding to the first SSB.

[0091] In one possible design, the first and second parameters can be predefined by the protocol.

[0092] In one possible design, the first SSB may carry the group identifier of the first SSB group.

[0093] In one possible design, the transceiver is also used to: transmit second information. This second information may be used to indicate the group identifier of the first SSB packet.

[0094] In one possible design, the second information may include at least one of SIB 1 and OSI.

[0095] In some examples, the communication device involved in the sixth aspect above may be a network device, or a communication module in a network device, or a chip in a network device that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module.

[0096] A seventh aspect provides a chip including interface circuitry and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled to a memory. The memory stores part or all of a computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions described in the first aspect. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, causing the communication device to implement any possible design or implementation method described in the first aspect. The interface circuitry is used to implement communication functions within the communication device and / or communication functions between the communication device and other devices or components.

[0097] Eighthly, a chip is provided, comprising interface circuitry and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled to a memory. The memory stores part or all of a computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions described in the second aspect above. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement any possible design or implementation method described in the second aspect above. The interface circuitry is used to implement communication functions within the communication device and / or communication functions between the communication device and other devices or components.

[0098] Ninthly, a communication system is provided. The system includes a terminal that performs any of the methods described in the first aspect, and a network device that performs any of the methods described in the second aspect.

[0099] A tenth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions; when the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the computer causes the computer to perform a communication method as designed in any of the foregoing aspects.

[0100] Eleventhly, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a communication method as designed in any of the foregoing aspects.

[0101] The beneficial effects of the methods in any of the second to eleventh aspects mentioned above can be referred to the description of the beneficial effects of the methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0102] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applied in an embodiment of this application;

[0103] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a synchronization grid and a channel grid provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an SSB pattern provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an SSB index ambiguity provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0107] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0108] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a group identifier for an SSB group provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0109] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0110] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0111] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0112] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, wherein the RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110), and may also include at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). The RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). The terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to the RAN node 110. Terminals and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. The communication system 1000 may also include a core network 200. The RAN node 110 is connected to the core network 200 via wireless or wired means. The core network equipment in core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent and different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device that integrates the logical functions of the core network equipment and the logical functions of the RAN node. Communication system 1000 may also include Internet 300.

[0113] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, a future communications network, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0114] RAN nodes, also known as radio access network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminals access communication systems wirelessly. In one application scenario, an RAN node can be a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB / eNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, a future base station in a future communication network, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. RAN nodes can be macro base stations (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), relay nodes, or master nodes.

[0115] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RANC) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes or integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0116] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN) system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, an RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description.

[0117] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be called terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0118] In some examples, the core network 200 may include any core network device such as the access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, the session management function (SMF) entity, the user plane function (UPF) entity, the sensing service control function (SSCF), the sensing data processing function (SDPF), and the unified data management (UDM).

[0119] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0120] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1 can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access the wireless access network 100 through 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with base station functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with terminal functions.

[0121] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0122] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0123] In a wireless communication system, communication devices are included, and these devices can communicate wirelessly using air interface resources. These communication devices can include network devices and terminal devices; network devices can also be called base station devices, i.e., the wireless access network devices mentioned above. Air interface resources can include at least one of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, code resources, and spatial resources. These communication devices can also be called communication apparatuses.

[0124] The solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless communication between communication devices. Wireless communication can include: wireless communication between network devices and terminals, wireless communication between network devices, and wireless communication between terminals. In this application, the term "wireless communication" can also be simply referred to as "communication," and the term "communication" can also be described as "data transmission," "information transmission," or "transmission."

[0125] In satellite communication scenarios within non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), seamless ground coverage can be achieved by deploying a large number of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and through appropriate constellation construction. Furthermore, compared to geostationary Earth orbit (GEO), LEO significantly reduces the round-trip latency for data communication between satellites and ground terminals, by tens of milliseconds. With the application of technologies such as high-frequency bands, multi-beamforming, and frequency reuse, satellite communication capabilities have been significantly enhanced, while simultaneously reducing the cost per unit bandwidth. Therefore, satellite communication can meet the demands of high-data-rate services.

[0126] Compared to terrestrial 5G networks and submarine fiber optic cables, NTN (Network Telecommunications) offers significant cost advantages. Currently, small satellites have low R&D and manufacturing costs, and their on-orbit lifespan can be extended through software-defined methods. NTN can also be used in scenarios such as emergency response, the Internet of Things (IoT), and high-speed mobility. Specifically, NTN is applied in emergency disaster relief, such as disaster monitoring and emergency communications. It is also used in high-speed mobility scenarios such as high-speed rail and airplanes. Therefore, NTN has garnered widespread attention in the industry.

[0127] As NTN research deepened, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) conducted standardization studies on NTN, such as research on satellite-ground integration. Discussions on the role and advantages of satellites in 5G systems allowed 5G to support satellite access. Several enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) scenarios and several massive machine-type communication (mMTC) scenarios were also defined.

[0128] In typical 5G communication systems, several beams in different directions are needed for network equipment to send synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel blocks (SSBs) to terminals for synchronization during the initial random access phase. Compared to terrestrial networks, NTN systems offer wider coverage, greater transmission loss, and faster mobility. Unlike terrestrial networks, which define a maximum of 8 SSBs for frequency range 1 or 64 SSBs for FR2 to cover the service area of ​​a single base station, NTN systems may require hundreds or even thousands of beams. For example, an NTN system at an orbital altitude of 600 kilometers can provide a service area of ​​hundreds of thousands of square kilometers. To overcome path loss due to transmission distance and ensure communication service quality, satellites typically employ large-scale antenna arrays to provide high array gain. However, this also results in a narrower main lobe of the beam. For example, a 3-decibel (dB) beamwidth corresponds to a coverage radius of only a few tens of kilometers, covering an area of ​​approximately several hundred square kilometers. To achieve seamless coverage of a single satellite's service area using narrow beams, thousands of beams would be required. Even with beamwidth widening, hundreds of beams are still needed to maintain the gain level. Therefore, considering the large coverage area of ​​satellite communication, even more scanning beams are required. For example, 64, 128, 256, or 512 beams might be needed; this application does not limit the number of beams.

[0129] In related technologies, a channel raster can be used to place data, reference signals (RS), control channels, etc. Since cell bandwidth in NR is relatively wide, if the terminal performs blind SSB detection according to the channel raster, the terminal's random access speed will be very slow. Therefore, to enable the terminal to search for cells more quickly, i.e., to detect SSBs more quickly, a synchronization raster is proposed. The synchronization raster defines the center frequency of the SSB and the frequency domain spacing between adjacent synchronization rasteres. In some examples, the spacing can be 1200 kHz, 1.44 MHz, 17.28 MHz, etc. Figure 2 illustrates the relationship between the synchronization raster and the channel raster. The arrows in Figure 2 can be seen as different center frequencies. In various embodiments of this application, the center frequency can also be referred to as the center frequency point, frequency point, etc.

[0130] During SSB scanning, the terminal can scan according to a synchronization grid, and SSBs can be placed according to the synchronization grid. Different synchronization grids can be identified by a Global Synchronization Channel Number (GSCN). That is, one GSCN frequency point number corresponds to one synchronization grid. In some examples, the center frequency of the SSB can be identified by the SSCN. REF It indicates that, among them, SS REF The relationship between the frequency points and GSCN can be found in Table 1.

[0131] Table 1

[0132] Understandably, Table 1 represents only one type of SS. REF The possible relationship between the frequency point and the GSCN is illustrated, but the embodiments in this application are not limited here.

[0133] In some cases, different frequency ranges can be divided into different frequency bands, or operating frequency bands. Different frequency bands have different radio frequency performance requirements, as well as different sub-carrier spacing (SCS), duplex modes, application scenarios, etc. Tables 2, 3, and 4 show the possible divisions of different frequency bands.

[0134] Table 2

[0135] Table 2 primarily applies to the NR operating frequency band corresponding to FR1. Uplink can be considered as the signal received by network devices, such as a base station; and the signal transmitted by the terminal. It is understood that the duplex modes in Table 2 only show frequency division duplex (FDD), and this application embodiment does not limit this to specific modes.

[0136] Table 3

[0137] Table 3 primarily applies to the NR operating frequency band corresponding to FR2. It should be understood that the duplex modes in Table 2 only show time division duplex (TDD), and this application's embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0138] In some cases, Table 4 shows the operating frequency bands applicable to NTN satellite scenarios in FR1.

[0139] Table 4

[0140] For the various frequency bands illustrated in the different tables above, their corresponding SCS, synchronization grid, SSB pattern, GSCN range, and spacing of the synchronization grid can be different. For example, as shown in Table 5,

[0141] Table 5

[0142] For example, the synchronization grids for different operating frequency bands in FR2 can be found in Table 6.

[0143] Table 6

[0144] Table 7

[0145] Here, floor() represents rounding down. It is understood that Tables 2 to 7 only show the parameters corresponding to some frequency bands, and the response values ​​in the tables are merely exemplary descriptions; this application does not limit the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0146] The aforementioned SSB pattern defines the SSB within a half-frame. The first symbol index of a candidate SSB varies depending on the SCS. Index 0 can represent the first symbol of the first slot within the half-frame. In some examples, case A corresponds to an SCS of 15kHz, and the first symbol index of the candidate SSB can be {2,8}+14*d. For channel access in licensed spectrum, d = 0,1 when the carrier frequency is less than or equal to 3GHz; and d = 0,1,2,3 when the carrier frequency is in the FR1 band and greater than 3GHz. For channel access in unlicensed spectrum, d = 0,1,2,3,4. The time-frequency resources corresponding to the candidate SSB can be considered as the time-frequency resources that can be used during the actual transmission of the SSB. That is, during the transmission of the SSB, any candidate SSB's time-frequency resources can be selected for resource mapping and transmission. The specific transmission process can be referred to in related technologies, and will not be elaborated further in this application.

[0147] In other examples, mode C corresponds to an SCS of 30 kHz, and the first symbol index of the candidate SSB can be {2,8} + 14*d. For channel access to licensed spectrum, for paired spectrum (e.g., FDD), when the carrier frequency is less than or equal to 3 GHz, d = 0,1; when the carrier frequency is in the FR1 band and greater than 3 GHz, d = 0,1,2,3. For unpaired spectrum (e.g., TDD), when the carrier frequency is less than or equal to 1.88 GHz, d = 0,1; when the carrier frequency is in the FR1 band and greater than 1.88 GHz, d = 0,1,2,3. For channel access to unlicensed spectrum, d = 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9.

[0148] The pattern of an SSB burst set can be cyclical, with each burst set consisting of one time slot. An SSB burst set can be considered a collection of SSBs required to complete one beam scan. The pattern of an SSB burst set can be understood as the positional distribution of the SSBs within that burst set. Within each time slot, the relative positions of the SSBs are the same. In other words, in different SSB burst sets, SSBs with the same relative position have the same offset from the starting position of their respective burst sets. Each SSB can be considered a candidate SSB, and the index of a candidate SSB indicates its position, transmission timing, etc.

[0149] Referring to Figure 3, taking the SSB pattern corresponding to mode C with an SCS of 30kHz as an example, it can be seen that a time slot may include 2 candidate SSBs, and each candidate SSB corresponds to 4 symbols. The specific time and frequency resource positions of each candidate SSB can be determined by referring to the relevant description for mode C above, which will not be repeated here in the embodiments of this application.

[0150] During the initial terminal access phase, taking a satellite as an example as the network device, the satellite can sequentially scan all beams and configure corresponding random access resources to the terminal. For the terminal, SSB (Synchronization Grid Search) can be performed. For example, scanning can be performed on each synchronization grid in the corresponding frequency band. The terminal can determine the range of the synchronization grid and the corresponding SSB pattern based on the frequency band and SCS (Synchronization Grid System). Different SSB patterns define different maximum candidate SSB numbers, symbol positions occupied by the SSBs, etc. Of course, the SSB scanning period corresponding to different maximum candidate SSB numbers is also different, and the access latency will also differ accordingly.

[0151] For example, during the initial access process, the terminal performs cell synchronization by searching for Service Blocks (SSBs). Once the frequency band is determined, the SSB pattern is also determined. The terminal determines the number of SSBs and the symbol positions occupied by each SSB based on the SSB pattern. The terminal searches for SSBs based on the SSB pattern and parses the found SSBs to obtain SSB indexes in order to complete communication processes such as cell search and downlink synchronization.

[0152] However, when network devices use time-division multiplexing scanning via SSBs to achieve wider beam coverage—for example, using 8 SSBs to scan in 32 rounds to achieve coverage of 256 SSBs—beams with the same SSB index will appear multiple times within a single scan cycle. For instance, 32 SSB#0 scans will correspond to 32 different beam directions, even though the same SSB index has different beam directions. This obviously leads to SSB index confusion, making it impossible to distinguish between different SSBs corresponding to different beams. Referring to Figure 4, if a terminal receives two SSB#0 scans with different beam directions, it will consider them to be the same SSB, causing confusion in the quasi-colocation (QCL) relationship and affecting subsequent communication.

[0153] In various embodiments of this application, the beam can also be represented by QCL type D and spatial relationship information, which is not limited here.

[0154] Therefore, this application provides a communication method that divides SSBs into SSB groups, so that SSBs with the same SSB index but corresponding to different beam directions are assigned to different SSB groups. The terminal can distinguish SSBs with the same index based on the group identifier of the SSB group to which the SSB belongs, thereby avoiding confusion during SSB parsing and improving communication efficiency.

[0155] The communication method and apparatus will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the embodiments of this application use network devices and terminals as examples of the execution subjects in the interaction illustration, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction illustration. For example, the method executed by the network device in this application can also be implemented by modules (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems) in the network device, or by logical nodes, logical modules, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device; the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be implemented by the communication module in the terminal or by circuits or chips (such as modem chips (also known as baseband chips), or SoC chips containing modem cores, or SIP chips) in the terminal responsible for communication functions.

[0156] In the embodiments of this application, the term "wireless communication" can also be abbreviated as "communication", and the term "communication" can also be described as "data transmission", "information transmission" or "transmission".

[0157] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0158] This scenario can be a satellite communication scenario. In some examples, satellite communication scenarios can include transparent forwarding scenarios and regenerative mode scenarios. In the transparent forwarding scenario, the satellite only acts as a frequency converter, and can be regarded as an analog radio frequency repeater. The satellite replicates the NR Uu interface signal from the feed link to the service link, and vice versa. Here, the feed link is the communication link between the NTN gateway and the satellite, and the NTN gateway is like the access network equipment in NTN. The service link is the communication link between the satellite and the terminal. The Uu interface can be regarded as the interface through which the terminal accesses the network. The satellite on the feed link transmits the NR Uu interface signal, and it can be regarded that the satellite does not terminate the NR Uu interface signal, but rather replicates the signal. Different satellites can connect to the same ground access network equipment.

[0159] In other examples, for regenerative mode scenarios, the satellite can include access network equipment or a DU (Dedicated Unit). The satellite can be viewed as access network equipment, such as a base station. It can receive and process signals from the ground. For example, the service link between the terminal and the satellite transmits NR Uu interface signals, and the feeder link between the satellite and the NTN gateway transmits satellite radio interface signals. For instance, the satellite radio interface (SRI) can be the communication performance interface between the NTN gateway and the satellite. NG interface signals can be transmitted to the NTN gateway via the SRI interface, and then forwarded by the NTN gateway to the ground-based core network equipment.

[0160] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application are not limited to satellite communication scenarios, but can also be applied to any possible scenario in future communication systems, such as any scenario that requires a large number of SSBs or a large number of scanning beams. The embodiments of this application are not limited here.

[0161] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0162] This communication process is applicable to, but not limited to, the communication scenarios shown in Figures 1 and 5. This method can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, 5G systems or New Radio (NR) systems, future communication systems (such as future communication systems), and V2X. V2X can include vehicle-to-network (V2N), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), long term evolution-vehicle (LTE-V) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), MTC, IoT, long term evolution-machine (LTE-M) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M), and D2D wireless communication scenarios. In the embodiments of this application, the transmitting end can be a network device, and the receiving end can be a terminal. Of course, it is possible that in some cases the sending end can also be a terminal and the receiving end can be a network device; this application does not limit this. The following description will use the sending end as a network device and the receiving end as a terminal. In the embodiments of this application, the network device can generally be considered an access network device. Of course, in some cases, the network device can also be a core network device. The following description will use the network device as an access network device as an example. The method may include the following steps:

[0163] S101, the network device sends a first SSB to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first SSB sent by the network device.

[0164] In some examples, the SSB may include a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). The specific structure of the SSB can be found in related technologies, and will not be elaborated further in the embodiments of this application.

[0165] In some examples, the terminal can perform SSB (Synchronization Signal-Based Grid) searches. For instance, the terminal can search based on the synchronization grids corresponding to a specific frequency band until an SSB is found. For example, the terminal can select a suitable synchronization grid within a suitable frequency band based on the results of the previous SSB search, and then search sequentially according to the order of the synchronization grids and the frequency band until an SSB is found. Alternatively, the terminal can determine which synchronization grid within a specific frequency band to search for an SSB based on preset rules. Of course, considering that searching sequentially by frequency band and synchronization grid can be time-consuming, to improve SSB search efficiency, the terminal can also first determine which frequency band contains a signal or has a strong signal. Then, within the frequency band containing the signal or with a strong signal, the terminal scans the frequency according to the synchronization grid corresponding to that frequency band to receive the SSB.

[0166] As can be understood, searching for an SSB involves determining whether an SSB is received on the corresponding frequency band. If the terminal receives an SSB, it is considered that the terminal has found an SSB.

[0167] In some cases, network devices can transmit SSBs on a subset of candidate SSB time-frequency resources. For example, if a network device determines to transmit an SSB on a certain frequency band, it can determine multiple candidate SSB time-frequency resources based on the SSB pattern corresponding to that frequency band. The network device can then select a subset of these candidate SSB time-frequency resources as the time-frequency resources for transmitting the SSB. These available time-frequency resources for transmitting the SSB are referred to as candidate SSB time-frequency resources; that is, a candidate SSB does not necessarily mean an actual SSB to be transmitted, but rather a potential SSB to be transmitted.

[0168] S102, the terminal determines the first index of the first SSB.

[0169] The first index can be used to identify the first SSB, and can also be called the SSB index. For example, the first index of the first SSB can be denoted as the first SSB index. The first index of the first SSB can be carried in the PBCH of the first SSB. That is, during the process of receiving the first SSB, the terminal can obtain the first index of the first SSB by demodulating the PBCH in the first SSB.

[0170] In some examples, each SSB is configured according to the SSB pattern in the foregoing embodiments and can be identified by different SSB indices. That is, if a first SSB is included among multiple SSBs configured according to the SSB pattern in the foregoing embodiments, then the first SSB can be identified by the first index.

[0171] For example, each candidate SSB in the multiple candidate SSBs configured according to the SSB pattern in the aforementioned embodiment corresponds to an SSB index. Assume there are 8 candidate SSBs, i.e., SSB#0 to SSB#7. If the network device sends the first SSB on the time-frequency resource corresponding to the 4th candidate SSB, then the SSB index of the first SSB could be SSB#3.

[0172] S103, the terminal determines the group identifier of the first SSB group to which the first SSB belongs.

[0173] The first SSB group may include multiple SSBs, and the first SSB is included among the multiple SSBs in the first SSB group. For example, multiple candidate SSBs configured according to the SSB pattern in the foregoing embodiments can be considered to belong to one SSB group.

[0174] Assuming there are 8 candidate SSBs (SSBs, SSB#0 to SSB#7) configured according to the SSB pattern in the aforementioned embodiment, and the network device transmits the first SSB on the time-frequency resource corresponding to the 4th candidate SSB, the SSB index of this first SSB could be SSB#3. This SSB#3 belongs to the SSB packets corresponding to SSB#0 to SSB#7.

[0175] It is understood that, considering the introduction of the concept of SSB groups in this application embodiment, the SSB pattern can be adjusted so that the SSBs configured in the new SSB pattern include each SSB in multiple SSB groups. Assuming there are 16 SSB groups, and each SSB group includes 8 SSBs, then the new SSB pattern can be configured with 128 SSBs. Of course, the name, configuration method, format, number of parameters, and meaning of each parameter of this new SSB pattern can be similar to the SSB pattern mentioned in the previous embodiments, the difference being the specific values. For example, the new SSB pattern can also include parameters for representing SSB groups. The specific configuration can be based on actual conditions, and this application embodiment does not impose limitations here.

[0176] In some cases, different SSB packets can be distinguished by different group identifiers. For example, the terminal can determine the group identifier of the first SSB packet to which the first SSB belongs. This group identifier of the first SSB packet can be used to uniquely identify the first SSB packet.

[0177] Of course, a second SSB group, different from the first SSB group, can also exist. This second SSB group contains a second SSB with a second index. In other words, a second SSB group can also include multiple SSBs, and the second SSB is included among the multiple SSBs included in the second SSB group. It can be understood that the structure of the second SSB group is similar to that of the first SSB group. The second index of the second SSB can be used to identify the second SSB. In some examples, the second index can also be called the SSB index. For example, the first index and the second index are the same. For instance, if the first index of the first SSB is SSB#0, the second index of the second SSB can also be SSB#0. However, the first SSB and the second SSB belong to different SSBs in different SSB groups. Therefore, different SSBs with the same index can be distinguished by the group identifier of the SSB group.

[0178] The terminal can process the second SSB in the same way as it processed the first SSB. For example, it can determine the second index of the second SSB and the group identifier of the second SSB group to which the second SSB belongs. These details will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0179] Referring to Figure 7, assume the terminal receives a first SSB at SNF#0, with the first index of SSB#0; the terminal receives a second SSB at SNF#4, also with the first index of SSB#0. The terminal can determine the group identifier of the first SSB group to which the first SSB belongs, such as SSB group 0; and determine the group identifier of the second SSB group to which the second SSB belongs, such as SSB group 2. It can be seen that although both the first and second SSBs have the index SSB#0, the terminal can distinguish between them using different group identifiers.

[0180] In some embodiments, the identifier may include an identity (ID) or an index.

[0181] For details on how the terminal determines the group identifier of the first SSB group to which the first SSB belongs, please refer to the description of the more detailed embodiments that follow.

[0182] S104, the terminal communicates based on the first index and the group identifier of the first SSB group.

[0183] In some embodiments, the terminal can determine the execution of subsequent communication procedures based on the first index of the first SSB and the group identifier of the first SSB packet to which the first SSB belongs. For example, the terminal can determine the random access channel occasion (RO) corresponding to the first SSB based on the first index and the group identifier of the first SSB packet, and send a preamble, such as message (MSG)1, on the RO.

[0184] For example, the terminal determines a control resource set (CORESET) based on the first SSB, such as CORESET 0. The terminal receives downlink control information (DCI) carried in the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) based on the time-frequency resources corresponding to CORESET 0. This DCI indicates the time-frequency resources the terminal uses to receive the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). The terminal can receive system information blocks (SIBs) 1 carried in the PDSCH based on the time-frequency resources of this PDSCH. The terminal can determine the RO corresponding to the first SSB through the master information block (MIB) carried in the PBCH of the first SSB and SIB 1. The terminal then transmits the physical random access channel (PRACH) based on the determined RO, i.e., through the PRACH carrying MSG 1. Correspondingly, the network device receives the PRACH transmitted by the terminal. Of course, the specific implementation process can refer to technologies related to random access, which will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0185] For example, in a scenario where the terminal determines a preferred beam, the preferred beam can be determined based on the first index and the group identifier of the first SSB group, i.e., the beam corresponding to the first SSB. The terminal can perform subsequent communication processes based on the preferred beam, such as beam switching, or perform any possible corresponding operations such as beam reporting based on the preferred beam; this embodiment of the application does not limit this. Accordingly, the network device can receive the preferred beam reported by the terminal.

[0186] In this application, SSBs with the same index can belong to different SSB groups. For SSBs with the same SSB index but corresponding to different beam directions, the terminal can distinguish between different SSBs with the same SSB index through SSB grouping. This avoids confusion during SSB resolution and improves communication efficiency.

[0187] Regarding the group identifier of the first SSB group to which the first SSB belongs in S103 above, the following scheme can be used to achieve this.

[0188] Option 1:

[0189] In some embodiments, the first SSB may correspond to the first system frame number (SFN), meaning the terminal receives the first SSB in the first SFN. The terminal can directly determine the group identifier of the first SSB packet based on the first SFN. For example, each SSB packet can be divided according to the SFN, such as one SFN corresponding to one SSB packet. For example, SFN#0 corresponds to SSB group 0, and SFN#1 corresponds to SSB group 1. In various embodiments of this application, SSB group 0 can also be denoted as SSB group#0. Of course, the above correspondence between SFN and SSB packets is only an exemplary description, and the specific correspondence between SFN and SSB packets can be adjusted according to the actual situation. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0190] The terminal can quickly and accurately determine the group identifier of the first SSB packet through the first SFN corresponding to the first SSB, without the need for additional signaling to indicate the group identifier of the first SSB packet, thus avoiding additional signaling resource consumption. Furthermore, it can improve the accuracy, efficiency, and performance of communication.

[0191] Option 2:

[0192] In some embodiments, considering that the number of system frames corresponding to an SSB packet may not be more than one, for example, an SSB packet may occupy more than or equal to two system frames. Therefore, directly associating the SSB packet with the SFN may not be very accurate. Thus, a first parameter and a second parameter can be introduced, combined with the first SFN, to determine the group identifier of the first SSB packet. For example, the terminal can determine the group identifier of the first SSB packet based on the first parameter, the second parameter, and the first SFN. The first parameter indicates the total number of SSB packets, and the second parameter indicates the number of system frames occupied by each SSB packet.

[0193] For example, the first parameter can be denoted as N, and the second parameter can be denoted as M. The terminal can determine the group identifier of the first SSB group according to Formula 1.

[0194] Here, SFN is the first SNF corresponding to the first SSB. The quotient of the first SFN and M is determined, rounded down, and then modulo N. The terminal uses this result as the group identifier for the first SSB group. In some examples, Formula 1 can also be written as...

[0195] Of course, Formula 1 is only one possible calculation method. In other examples, the terminal can also round up the quotient of the first SFN and M. For example, see Formula 2.

[0196] in, Used to indicate a pair The value is rounded up. For example, formula 2 can also be written as...

[0197] In other examples, based on Formulas 1 and 2, the result of rounding up or down and taking the modulo of N can be added with X to serve as the group identifier for the first SSB group, where X is a positive integer greater than or equal to 0. See Formulas 3 and 4 for reference.

[0198] Of course, Formulas 1 to 4 above only show some possible ways of identifying calculation groups. More suitable formulas for group identification can be selected according to the actual situation. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific way of identifying calculation groups.

[0199] In this embodiment, when the terminal determines the SFN corresponding to the first SSB, it can also combine the first parameter and the second parameter to quickly determine the group identifier of the first SSB group to which the first SSB belongs. For scenarios where SSB groups occupy multiple system frames, this allows for quick and accurate differentiation of different SSBs with the same SSB index, avoiding confusion during SSB parsing and improving communication efficiency.

[0200] For schemes that combine the first parameter and the second parameter to determine the group identifier of the first SSB packet, the terminal can obtain the first parameter and the second parameter in various ways. The following sections will detail the different ways of obtaining the first parameter and the second parameter.

[0201] Method 1:

[0202] The first and second parameters can be carried within the first SSB. For example, they can be carried in the PBCH of the first SSB. Alternatively, the first and second parameters can be indicated in the MIB carried in the PBCH. When a terminal receives the first SSB, it can parse the PBCH of the first SSB to obtain the first and second parameters.

[0203] The embodiments of this application can reuse existing information cells to transmit the first and second parameters, which can avoid introducing new signaling and thus increase communication complexity and improve communication efficiency.

[0204] Method 2:

[0205] The first information can be system information. The terminal can receive the first information sent by the network device, which carries a first parameter and a second parameter. Correspondingly, the network device can send the first information to the terminal. In various embodiments of this application, system information can also be referred to as a system message.

[0206] For example, the first information could be SIB 1. That is, SIB 1 carries the first and second parameters.

[0207] For example, the first information could be other system information (OSI). For instance, OSI could be SIB 19. It is understood that SIB 19 could be system information involved in a satellite communication scenario. For example, the terminal can directly determine, based on the SSB, to receive SIB 19 on appropriate time-frequency resources. This process is similar to the process of receiving SIB 1, and will not be described again in the embodiments of this application. For another example, the time-frequency resources for receiving SIB 19 could be those indicated in SIB 1. That is, when the terminal receives SIB 1, it determines, based on SIB 1, to receive SIB 19 on appropriate time-frequency resources. It can be considered that SIB 19 carries a first parameter and a second parameter.

[0208] For example, the first information could include SIB 1 and SIB 19. For instance, SIB 1 carries the first parameter, and SIB 19 carries the second parameter. Or, for another example, SIB 1 carries the second parameter, and SIB 19 carries the first parameter.

[0209] The embodiments of this application can select appropriate system message indicators for the first and second parameters according to actual conditions, thereby improving the universality of the system.

[0210] The embodiments of this application can indicate the first and second parameters through the first information without occupying the limited resources in the SSB. This ensures accurate indication of the group identifier of the first SSB group without consuming SSB resources.

[0211] Method 3:

[0212] The first SSB can be received based on a first frequency band. A first parameter is associated with the first frequency band, and a second parameter is also associated with the first frequency band. The terminal can determine the first and second parameters corresponding to the first frequency band based on the first frequency band, and by combining the association between the first parameter and the first frequency band, and the association between the second parameter and the first frequency band.

[0213] For example, the relationship between the first parameter and the first frequency band, and the relationship between the second parameter and the first frequency band, can be seen in Table 8. In the various embodiments of this application, the correspondence and association relationships can be used interchangeably.

[0214] Table 8

[0215] As can be seen, the terminal determines the first parameter and the second parameter corresponding to the first SSB based on the frequency band corresponding to the first SSB, i.e., the frequency band in which the first SSB is received, and in conjunction with the correspondence shown in Table 8. Of course, Table 8 only shows one possible correspondence. The embodiments of this application do not limit the correspondence between specific frequency bands and specific first and second parameters, and can be adaptively adjusted according to the actual situation.

[0216] The correspondence shown in Table 8 can be explicit or implicit. For example, explicit indication can be that the correspondence is pre-stored in the terminal or network device, and can take any possible form such as a table or text. As another example, implicit indication can be that the first parameter and the second parameter are indicated for the first time through SSB or system message. The terminal can record the first and second parameters indicated for the first time, and record the relationship between the first and second parameters and the frequency band for subsequent reference.

[0217] This application embodiment can determine the first and second parameters by the association between the first frequency band and the first and second parameters, and by combining the first frequency band corresponding to the first SSB. This eliminates the need for additional indication of the first and second parameters, reducing signaling overhead while improving communication efficiency.

[0218] Method 4:

[0219] The first parameter is associated with the synchronization grid used to receive the first SSB, and the second parameter is associated with the synchronization grid used to receive the first SSB. The terminal can determine the first parameter and the second parameter corresponding to the synchronization grid used to receive the first SSB based on the synchronization grid used to receive the first SSB, and by combining the association between the first parameter and the synchronization grid used to receive the first SSB, and the association between the second parameter and the synchronization grid used to receive the first SSB.

[0220] For example, the association between the first parameter and the synchronization grid used to receive the first SSB, and the association between the second parameter and the synchronization grid used to receive the first SSB, can be seen in Table 9.

[0221] Table 9

[0222] Each GSCN range corresponds to a starting GSCN value, an ending GSCN value, and the GSCN interval between adjacent GSCNs within that range. These GSCN-related values ​​are typically different for different GSCN ranges. This means that different GSCN ranges correspond to different GSCN values.

[0223] Considering that the terminal can search based on synchronization grids of each frequency band, when the terminal receives the first SSB, it can be assumed that the terminal has also acquired the synchronization grid corresponding to the first SSB, i.e., the GSCN corresponding to the first SSB. The terminal can use this GSCN in conjunction with the correspondence shown in Table 9 to determine the first parameter and the second parameter corresponding to the GSCN. Specifically, how the terminal determines each synchronization grid, SCS, SSB pattern, and frequency band when scanning the GSCN can be referred to the description of the aforementioned related embodiments and implemented in conjunction with related technologies; the embodiments of this application will not be repeated here.

[0224] This application embodiment can determine the first and second parameters by receiving the synchronization grid of the first SSB and its association with the first and second parameters, and by combining the synchronization grid of the first SSB. This eliminates the need for additional indication of the first and second parameters, reducing signaling overhead while improving communication efficiency.

[0225] Method 5:

[0226] The first and second parameters can be predefined by the protocol. That is, the values ​​of the first and second parameters can be predefined by the protocol, and the terminal and network device can directly use the corresponding first and second parameters to determine the group identifier of the first SSB packet according to the predefined protocol.

[0227] The embodiments of this application do not require dynamic signaling indication of the first and second parameters, which reduces signaling overhead and improves communication efficiency.

[0228] Option 3:

[0229] In some embodiments, the first SSB may carry a group identifier of the first SSB packet. For example, the group identifier of the first SSB packet may be carried in the PBCH of the first SSB, such as the MIB carried in the PBCH. The terminal can parse the first SSB to obtain the group identifier of the first SSB packet.

[0230] The embodiments of this application can avoid communication errors caused by confusion during SSB resolution due to the terminal not knowing the group identifier, thereby improving the stability of the communication system.

[0231] Option 4:

[0232] In some embodiments, the method may further include: receiving second information. The second information may be used to indicate the group identifier of the first SSB packet. For example, the second information is system information. The second information indicates the group identifier of the first SSB packet. In some embodiments, the terminal may determine the time-frequency resource for receiving the second information based on the first SSB, and receive the second information based on the time-frequency resource. The terminal obtains the group identifier of the first SSB packet by parsing the second information. It is understood that the specific process of the terminal receiving system information can be referred to the description of the corresponding embodiments above, and will not be repeated here.

[0233] For example, the second information is SIB 1. That is, SIB 1 indicates the group identifier of the first SSB packet. Another example is OSI. For instance, OSI can be SIB 19. That is, SIB 19 indicates the group identifier of the first SSB packet. Yet another example is that the second information can include both SIB 1 and OSI. For example, if OSI is SIB 19, both SIB 1 and SIB 19 can indicate the group identifier of the first SSB packet. Of course, if the group identifiers of the first SSB packet indicated by SIB 1 and SIB 19 are different, then according to a preset rule, the group identifier of the first SSB packet indicated by one of the SIBs can be used. Of course, the above is only an exemplary description, and the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific form of the second information or how the second information indicates the group identifier of the first SSB packet.

[0234] In some examples, the second information and the first information can be the same information. Of course, in some cases, the second information and the first information can also be different information. For example, the first information is SIB 1 and the second information is SIB 19; or, the first information is SIB 19 and the second information is SIB 1. This application does not limit the specific information provided.

[0235] The embodiments of this application can select the appropriate system message indicator for the first SSB group according to the actual situation, thereby improving the universality of the system.

[0236] The embodiments of this application can indicate the group identifier of the first SSB group through the second information without occupying the limited resources in the SSB. It can ensure accurate indication of the group identifier of the first SSB group without consuming SSB resources.

[0237] It is understood that each of the above embodiments of this application can be implemented independently or in combination with each other; there is no absolute subordinate relationship between the embodiments, and they can be combined with each other under any conditions to obtain the corresponding effect.

[0238] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in this application.

[0239] This communication process can be applied to, but is not limited to, the communication scenarios shown in Figures 1 and 5. This method can be applied to LTE systems, LTE FDD systems, LTE TDD systems, 5G systems, or NR systems, as well as future communication systems (such as future communication systems), V2X, where V2X can include V2N, V2V, V2I, V2P, and other wireless communication scenarios such as LTE-V, vehicle-to-everything (V2V), MTC, IoT, LTE-M, M2M, and D2D. In this application's embodiments, the sending end can be a network device, and the receiving end can be a terminal. Of course, it is not excluded that in some cases the sending end can also be a terminal, and the receiving end can be a network device; this application's embodiments do not limit this. The following description will use a network device as the sending end and a terminal as the receiving end. In the embodiments of this application, the network device can generally be considered an access network device. Of course, in some cases, the network device can also be a core network device. The following description will use an access network device as an example. The method can include the following steps:

[0240] S201, the network device sends the first SSB to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first SSB from the network device.

[0241] S202, the terminal determines the first index of the first SSB.

[0242] It is understood that the implementation process of S201 is similar to that of S101, and the implementation process of S202 is similar to that of S102. The embodiments of this application will not be described again here.

[0243] S203, the network device sends the first information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information from the network device.

[0244] S203 can be an optional step.

[0245] S204, the network device sends the second information to the terminal. Accordingly, the terminal receives the second information from the network device.

[0246] S204 can be an optional step.

[0247] It is understood that the specific implementation process of S203 and S204 can be referred to the description of the corresponding embodiments above, and the embodiments of this application will not be repeated here.

[0248] S205, the terminal determines the group identifier of the first SSB group to which the first SSB belongs.

[0249] S206, the terminal communicates based on the first index and the group identifier of the first SSB group.

[0250] It is understood that the implementation process of S205 is similar to that of S103, and the implementation process of S206 is similar to that of S104. The embodiments of this application will not be described again here.

[0251] This application's embodiments distinguish SSBs belonging to different SSB groups by using group identifiers, clearly defining SSB identifiers and avoiding SSB confusion and ambiguity. This improves the performance of the communication system.

[0252] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the network devices and terminals 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 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 by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0253] Figures 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams illustrating possible communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the terminal or network device in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be the terminal 120 shown in Figure 1, or the RAN node 110 shown in Figure 1, wherein the RAN node can also be referred to as a network device. The communication device can also be a module (such as a chip) applied to the terminal or network device.

[0254] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the terminal's functions can be a terminal itself, or a device capable of supporting the terminal in implementing those functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal or used in conjunction with the terminal. Similarly, the device for implementing the network device's functions can be a network device, or a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device.

[0255] In this embodiment of the application, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0256] As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 includes a processing unit 910 and a transceiver unit 920. The communication device 900 is used to implement the functions of the terminal or network device in the method embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 8 above.

[0257] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the functions of the terminal in the method embodiment shown in FIG6: the transceiver unit 920 is used to receive the first SSB; the processing unit 910 is used to determine the first index of the first SSB; the processing unit 910 is also used to determine the group identifier of the first SSB group to which the first SSB belongs; the processing unit 910 is also used to perform communication according to the first index and the group identifier of the first SSB group.

[0258] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the function of the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG6: the transceiver unit 920 is used to send the first SSB; the processing unit 910 is used to communicate according to the first index and the group identifier of the first SSB group.

[0259] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 910 and the transceiver unit 920, please refer to the relevant description of the method embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 8.

[0260] As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 includes a processor 1010 and an interface circuit 1020. The processor 1010 and the interface circuit 1020 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1020 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may also include a memory 1030 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1010, or storing input data required by the processor 1010 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1010 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 1020 can also be understood as part of the processor 1010, in which case the communication device 1000 includes the processor 1010.

[0261] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the method shown in FIG6, the processor 1010 is used to implement the function of the processing unit 910, and the interface circuit 1020 is used to implement the function of the transceiver unit 920.

[0262] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from the access network device, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the terminal chip by these modules. The terminal chip sends information to the access network device, which can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the access network device by these modules.

[0263] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to an access network device, the access network device chip implements the functions of the access network device in the above method embodiments. The access network device chip receives information from a terminal or core network device, 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 access network device chip by these modules. The access network device chip sends information to a terminal or core network device, which can be understood as the information being sent down to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal or core network device, and then sent back to the terminal or core network device by these modules.

[0264] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip used in core network equipment, the core network equipment chip implements the functions of the core network equipment in the above method embodiments. The core network equipment chip receives information from the access network equipment, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the core network equipment, and then sent to the core network equipment chip by these modules. The core network equipment chip sends information to the access network equipment, which can be understood as the information being sent down to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the access network equipment, and then sent back to the access network equipment by these modules.

[0265] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station.

[0266] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit, or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0267] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0268] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0269] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0270] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0271] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0272] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. To communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection on a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell. When the terminal communicates with this serving cell, it is also susceptible to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0273] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0274] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and drawings of the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish different objects or to distinguish different processing of the same object. The terms "first" and "second," etc., can distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. For example, "first device" and "second device" are merely to distinguish different devices and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first" and "second," etc., do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0275] Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the description of the embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0276] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0277] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of the embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0278] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, "...when" and "if" both refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a time, nor do they require a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0279] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0280] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive the first synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel block (SSB); Determine the first index of the first SSB; Determine the group identifier of the first SSB group to which the first SSB belongs, wherein the group identifier of the first SSB group is used to uniquely identify the first SSB group, there exists a second SSB group that is different from the first SSB group, the second SSB group contains a second SSB with a second index, and the first index is the same as the second index; Communication is performed based on the first index and the group identifier of the first SSB group.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first SSB corresponds to the first system frame number (SFN), and the group identifier for determining the first SSB packet includes: The group identifier of the first SSB group is determined based on the first SFN.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first SSB corresponds to the first system frame number (SFN), and the group identifier for determining the first SSB packet includes: Based on the first parameter, the second parameter, and the first SFN, the group identifier of the first SSB packet is determined, wherein the first parameter is used to indicate the number of all SSB packets, and the second parameter is used to indicate the number of system frames occupied by each SSB packet among all SSB packets.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first SSB carries the first parameter and the second parameter.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first information, which carries the first parameter and the second parameter.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of System Information Block (SIB 1) and other System Information Blocks (OSI).

7. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first SSB receives data based on the first frequency band. The first parameter is associated with the first frequency band, and the second parameter is associated with the first frequency band.

8. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first parameter is associated with the synchronization grid used to receive the first SSB, and the second parameter is associated with the synchronization grid used to receive the first SSB.

9. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first parameter and the second parameter are predefined by the protocol.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first SSB carries the group identifier of the first SSB group.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, which is used to indicate the group identifier of the first SSB group.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second information includes at least one of SIB 1 and OSI.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send a first synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB), wherein the first SSB carries a first index of the first SSB, the first SSB belongs to a first SSB group, there exists a second SSB group that is different from the first SSB group, the second SSB group contains a second SSB with a second index, the first index is the same as the second index, and the group identifier of the first SSB group is different from the group identifier of the second SSB group. Communication is performed based on the first index and the group identifier of the first SSB group.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first SSB corresponds to the first system frame number (SFN); the group identifier of the first SSB group is determined based on the first SFN.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first SSB corresponds to the first system frame number (SFN); the group identifier of the first SSB group is determined based on the first parameter, the second parameter, and the first SFN, wherein the first parameter is used to indicate the number of all SSB groups, and the second parameter is used to indicate the number of system frames occupied by each SSB group among all the SSB groups.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first SSB carries the first parameter and the second parameter.

17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first message, which carries the first parameter and the second parameter.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of System Information Block (SIB 1) and other System Information Blocks (OSI).

19. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first SSB transmits based on the first frequency band, the first parameter is associated with the first frequency band, and the second parameter is associated with the first frequency band.

20. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first parameter is associated with the synchronization grid corresponding to the first SSB, and the second parameter is associated with the synchronization grid corresponding to the first SSB.

21. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first parameter and the second parameter are predefined by the protocol.

22. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first SSB carries the group identifier of the first SSB group.

23. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, which indicates the group identifier of the first SSB packet.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The second information includes at least one of SIB 1 and OSI.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 12, or a module for performing the method of any one of claims 13 to 24.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices, and the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24, through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

27. A chip, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices, and the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24, through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24.

29. A computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed by the communication device, they implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24.

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