Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, which relate to the field of communications and can be suitable for different access requirements of terminal devices of multiple specifications. In the communication method, N synchronization resource blocks are periodically sent at at least one time-domain position and multiple frequency-domain positions, so that terminal devices of different types or specifications can complete the detection of the N synchronization resource blocks within different search periods, and can thus initiate random access within different periods of time.

Description

Communication method and apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority from the Chinese patent application No. 202410874012.0 filed on June 29, 2024, and entitled "Communication method and apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication, in particular to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] When accessing a network, a terminal device achieves time-frequency synchronization with a network device by acquiring a synchronization signal (SS) / physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SS / PBCH block, SSB). In one half frame (5 ms), the network device transmits multiple SSBs in a beam sweeping manner, each SSB occupying 4 orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in the time domain and 240 subcarriers (20 resource blocks, RBs) in the frequency domain, so that the terminal device completes SSB searching and measurement once in one half frame to select an SSB to initiate random access.

[0004] However, with the increase in types of terminal devices, the high and low specifications of terminal devices are not the same, and the above SSB transmission manner cannot adapt to different access requirements of terminal devices of multiple specifications. For example, a large bandwidth terminal device with good performance hopes to access quickly, and a narrowband terminal device with low specification hopes to access for a long period. Therefore, how to design an SSB transmission manner that can adapt to different access requirements of terminal devices of multiple specifications is an urgent research topic. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can adapt to different access requirements of terminal devices of multiple specifications.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be applied to a terminal device side, such as a terminal device or a communication module in the terminal device, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system on chip (SoC) chip or a system in package (SIP) chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions in the terminal device. Taking the method applied to a terminal device as an example, in the method: N synchronization resource blocks periodically transmitted are determined. The N synchronization resource blocks occupy K time domain positions in the time domain and S frequency domain positions in the frequency domain, at least one of the K time domain positions is distributed with multiple synchronization resource blocks, each of the S frequency domain positions is distributed with at least one synchronization resource block, N and S are integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The N synchronization resource blocks are detected.

[0008] In the method, the N synchronization resource blocks are periodically transmitted at the at least one time domain position and the multiple frequency domain positions, which can enable different types or specifications of terminal devices to complete detection of the N synchronization resource blocks in different long or short types of time, thereby enabling random access to be initiated in different time.

[0009] In a possible design, M frequency domain resources as a guard interval can be arranged in the frequency domain between two synchronization resource blocks located at the same time domain position and adjacent frequency domain positions, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 0. In this way, by arranging the guard interval, interference between the synchronization resource blocks can be reduced.

[0010] In a possible design, the frequency domain start position of each of the S frequency domain positions can be determined according to F0, M, and P, F0 is a frequency domain start position of detecting the N synchronization resource blocks, P is a frequency domain resource size occupied by the synchronization resource block, M is a number of frequency domain resources as a guard interval arranged in the frequency domain between two synchronization resource blocks located at the same time domain position and adjacent frequency domain positions, P is a positive integer, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 0. In this way, the terminal device can determine the frequency domain positions of transmitting the N synchronization resource blocks according to F0, M, and P, and thus can accurately detect the synchronization resource blocks based on the frequency domain positions.

[0011] In a possible design, the frequency domain start position of the s-th frequency domain position of the S frequency domain positions can satisfy the following relationship:

[0012] Or,

[0013] Wherein, wherein fstart(s) is a frequency domain start position for the s th frequency domain position, 1≤s≤S and s is an integer, Δf is a bandwidth of one frequency domain resource.

[0014] In a possible design, F0 can be determined according to a working frequency band supported by the terminal device. In embodiments of this application, different working frequency bands can define different F0, which can be predefined by a protocol or determined by negotiation between the network device and the terminal device.

[0015] In a possible design, the N synchronization resource blocks occupy the same S frequency domain positions in different sending periods, and the time domain interval between each time domain position in the occupied K time domain positions and the time domain start position of the different sending periods is the same.

[0016] In a possible design, the synchronization resource block located at each of the S frequency domain positions in the first sending period is subjected to cyclic shift in the frequency domain to complete traversal of the S frequency domain positions in T sending periods, where T is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In this way, in periodic sending, the terminal device can complete detection of the N synchronization resource blocks in multiple sending periods in a smaller bandwidth by performing cyclic shift on the synchronization resource block in the frequency domain.

[0017] In a possible design, N is related to the working frequency band.

[0018] In a possible design, the method is applicable to a terminal device and detection of the N synchronization resource blocks can include: in a case where the terminal device satisfies a first condition, the terminal device completes detection of the N synchronization resource blocks in one sending period; and / or in a case where the terminal device does not satisfy the first condition, the terminal device completes detection of the N synchronization resource blocks in at least two sending periods. The first condition can include that the bandwidth of the terminal device is greater than a bandwidth threshold and / or the energy consumption of the terminal device is less than an energy consumption threshold. In this way, the terminal device can determine the size of the bandwidth it supports and the current energy consumption, to determine whether to complete detection of the N synchronization resource blocks in one sending period or in multiple sending periods.

[0019] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a network side, for example, a network device at the network side, a module (for example, a circuit, a processor, a chip or a chip system, etc.) in the network device, or a logic node, a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the network device. Taking the case where the method is applied to the network device, in the method, N synchronization resource blocks are generated. Wherein, the N synchronization resource blocks occupy K time domain positions in the time domain and S frequency domain positions in the frequency domain, at least one of the K time domain positions is distributed with multiple synchronization resource blocks, each of the S frequency domain positions is distributed with at least one synchronization resource block, N and S are integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The N synchronization resource blocks are periodically transmitted.

[0020] In a possible design, M frequency domain resources as a guard interval can be arranged in the frequency domain between two synchronization resource blocks located at the same time domain position and adjacent frequency domain positions, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0021] In a possible design, the frequency domain start position of each of the S frequency domain positions can be determined according to F0, M and P, F0 is a frequency domain start position for detecting the N synchronization resource blocks, P is a frequency domain resource size occupied by the synchronization resource block, M is a number of frequency domain resources as a guard interval arranged in the frequency domain between two synchronization resource blocks located at the same time domain position and adjacent frequency domain positions, P is a positive integer, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0022] In a possible design, the frequency domain start position of the s-th frequency domain position of the S frequency domain positions can satisfy the following relationship:

[0023] Or,

[0024] Wherein, is the frequency domain start position of the s-th frequency domain position, 1≤s≤S and s is an integer, and Δf is a bandwidth of one frequency domain resource.

[0025] In a possible design, F0 can be determined according to a working frequency band supported by a terminal device.

[0026] In a possible design, the N synchronization resource blocks occupy the same S frequency domain positions in different transmission periods, and a time domain interval between each of the K time domain positions occupied and a time domain start position of a different transmission period is the same.

[0027] In a possible design, the synchronization resource blocks located at each of the S frequency domain positions in the first sending period are cyclically shifted in the frequency domain to traverse the S frequency domain positions in T sending periods, where T is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0028] In a possible design, N is related to the operating frequency band.

[0029] The technical effects of the method in the second aspect can be found in the description of the technical effects of the method in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0030] In a third aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the methods described in the above aspects. The communication apparatus can be a terminal device in the first aspect, or an apparatus including the terminal device, or an apparatus included in the terminal device, such as a chip. The communication apparatus includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the methods described in the first aspect, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by executing corresponding software with hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0031] In some possible designs, the communication apparatus includes a processing module and a communication module. The processing module is configured to determine N synchronization resource blocks that are periodically sent. The N synchronization resource blocks occupy K time domain positions in the time domain and S frequency domain positions in the frequency domain, at least one of the K time domain positions is distributed with multiple synchronization resource blocks, each of the S frequency domain positions is distributed with at least one synchronization resource block, N and S are integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The processing module is configured to control the communication module to detect the N synchronization resource blocks.

[0032] In a possible design, M frequency domain resources as a guard interval can be arranged in the frequency domain between two synchronization resource blocks located at the same time domain position and adjacent frequency domain positions, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0033] In a possible design, the frequency domain start position of each of the S frequency domain positions can be determined according to F0, M, and P, where F0 is the frequency domain start position of detecting the N synchronization resource blocks, P is the size of the frequency domain resource occupied by the synchronization resource block, M is the number of frequency domain resources as a guard interval arranged in the frequency domain between two synchronization resource blocks located at the same time domain position and adjacent frequency domain positions, P is a positive integer, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0034] In a possible design, the frequency domain start position of the s-th frequency domain position of the S frequency domain positions can satisfy the following relationship:

[0035] or,

[0036] wherein, is a frequency domain start position of the s-th frequency domain position, 1≤s≤S and s is an integer, and Δf is a bandwidth of one frequency domain resource.

[0037] In a possible design, F0 can be determined according to a working frequency band supported by the terminal device.

[0038] In a possible design, the N synchronization resource blocks occupy the same S frequency domain positions in different sending periods, and a time domain interval between each time domain position in the occupied K time domain positions and a time domain start position of a different sending period is the same.

[0039] In a possible design, the synchronization resource block located at each of the S frequency domain positions in the first sending period is subjected to cyclic shift in the frequency domain to complete traversal in the S frequency domain positions in T sending periods, where T is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0040] In a possible design, N is related to the working frequency band.

[0041] In a possible design, the processing module, configured to control the communication module to detect the N synchronization resource blocks, can include: in a case where the communication device satisfies a first condition, the processing module, configured to control the communication module to complete detection of the N synchronization resource blocks in one sending period; and / or in a case where the communication device does not satisfy the first condition, the processing module, configured to control the communication module to complete detection of the N synchronization resource blocks in at least two sending periods. The first condition can include that a bandwidth of the communication device is greater than a bandwidth threshold and / or an energy consumption of the communication device is less than an energy consumption threshold.

[0042] In a possible design, the communication module can include a receiving module and a sending module. The sending module is configured to implement the sending function of the communication device in the third aspect, and the receiving module is configured to implement the receiving function of the communication device in the third aspect.

[0043] In a possible design, the communication device in the third aspect can further include a storage module that stores a program or an instruction. When the processing module executes the program or the instruction, the communication device in the third aspect can execute the method in the first aspect.

[0044] In a fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the methods described above. The communication apparatus can be a network device in the second aspect, or a chip containing the network device, or a chip contained in the network device. The communication apparatus includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the methods described above. The modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by executing corresponding software in hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0045] In some possible designs, the communication apparatus includes a processing module and a communication module. The processing module is configured to generate N synchronization resource blocks. The N synchronization resource blocks occupy K time domain positions in the time domain and S frequency domain positions in the frequency domain, at least one of the K time domain positions is distributed with multiple synchronization resource blocks, each of the S frequency domain positions is distributed with at least one synchronization resource block, N and S are integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The communication module is configured to periodically transmit the N synchronization resource blocks.

[0046] In a possible design, M frequency domain resources as a guard interval can be arranged in the frequency domain between two synchronization resource blocks located at the same time domain position and adjacent frequency domain positions, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0047] In a possible design, the frequency domain start position of each of the S frequency domain positions can be determined according to F0, M, and P, F0 is a frequency domain start position of detecting the N synchronization resource blocks, P is a frequency domain resource size occupied by a synchronization resource block, M is a number of frequency domain resources as a guard interval arranged in the frequency domain between two synchronization resource blocks located at the same time domain position and adjacent frequency domain positions, P is a positive integer, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0048] In a possible design, the frequency domain start position of the s-th frequency domain position of the S frequency domain positions can satisfy the following relationship:

[0049] Or,

[0050] Wherein, is the frequency domain start position of the s-th frequency domain position, 1≤s≤S and s is an integer, and Δf is a bandwidth of one frequency domain resource.

[0051] In a possible design, F0 can be determined according to a working frequency band supported by a terminal device.

[0052] In a possible design, the N synchronization resource blocks occupy the same S frequency domain positions in different sending periods, and the time domain interval between each of the K time domain positions occupied by the N synchronization resource blocks and the time domain starting position of the different sending periods is the same.

[0053] In a possible design, the synchronization resource block located at each of the S frequency domain positions in the first sending period is subjected to cyclic shift in the frequency domain to traverse the S frequency domain positions in T sending periods, where T is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0054] In a possible design, the N is related to the working frequency band.

[0055] In a possible design, the communication module can include a receiving module and a sending module. The sending module is configured to implement the sending function of the communication apparatus in the fourth aspect, and the receiving module is configured to implement the receiving function of the communication apparatus in the fourth aspect.

[0056] In a possible design, the communication apparatus in the fourth aspect can further include a storage module, which stores a program or an instruction. When the processing module executes the program or the instruction, the communication apparatus in the fourth aspect can execute the method in the second aspect.

[0057] In the fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which includes an interface circuit and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled with a memory. The memory is configured to store part or all of the necessary computer program or instruction for implementing the functions related to the first aspect. The one or more processors can execute the computer program or instruction, and when the computer program or instruction is executed, the communication apparatus implements the method in any possible design or implementation manner in the first aspect. The interface circuit is configured to implement the communication function within the communication apparatus and / or the communication function between the communication apparatus and other devices or components.

[0058] In a possible design, the processor is configured to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0059] In a possible design, the communication apparatus can further include the memory.

[0060] The communication apparatus can be a terminal, a communication module in the terminal, or a chip responsible for the communication function such as a modem chip (also referred to as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip including a modem module.

[0061] In a sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises an interface circuit and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled with a memory. The memory is configured to store part or all of the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions related to the second aspect described above. The one or more processors can execute the computer programs or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication apparatus to implement the method in any possible design or implementation manner of the second aspect described above. The interface circuit is configured to implement the communication function within the communication apparatus and / or the communication function of the communication apparatus with other apparatuses or components.

[0062] In a seventh aspect, a communication system is provided, which comprises a terminal device for performing the method described in the first aspect described above, and a network device for performing the method described in the second aspect described above.

[0063] In an eighth aspect, a chip is provided, in which instructions are stored, which, when the chip is run on a communication device, cause the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect to be implemented.

[0064] In a ninth aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, in which computer readable instructions are stored, which, when read and executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method in any possible design of the first aspect to the second aspect described above.

[0065] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which contains instructions, which, when read and executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method in any possible design of the first aspect to the second aspect described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0066] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a time-frequency resource structure of an SSB;

[0068] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a scenario of periodic transmission of an SSB;

[0069] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a flow of initial access in NR;

[0070] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a time-frequency domain distribution of a synchronization resource block provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a scenario of periodic transmission of a synchronization resource block provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another scenario of periodic transmission of synchronous resource blocks provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another scenario of periodic transmission of synchronous resource blocks provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a terminal device detecting a synchronization resource block according to an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0078] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the following points are explained before introducing the embodiments of this application.

[0079] First, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they distinguish different instruction information. Similarly, "first network region" and "second network region" are simply used to distinguish different regions and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first," "second," etc., are not necessarily different.

[0080] Second, in the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the fact that the device (e.g., a terminal device or a network device) will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require the device (e.g., a terminal device or a network device) to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0081] Third, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or descriptions. 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 options. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0082] Fourth, in the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to 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. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of multiple items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0083] Finally, 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.

[0084] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to a system that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches may also be used.

[0085] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems, such as new radio (NR) systems, and future communication systems, etc.

[0086] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram illustrating a possible, non-limiting communication system. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0087] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future-oriented evolution systems. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a Wi-Fi system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0088] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as network equipment, access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in the communication system 1000 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0089] In one possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a Wi-Fi system. The RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in V2X technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node can also be equipped with communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The RAN node can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions and corresponding program instructions. The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the RAN node.

[0090] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0091] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0092] A terminal can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as D2D, 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. A terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, robotic arm, smart home device, transportation vehicle with wireless communication capabilities, communication module, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. A terminal typically contains a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication functions. The terminal can also be configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication functions.

[0093] It should be noted that the solutions in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other communication systems, and the corresponding names can be replaced by the names of the corresponding functions in other communication systems. Unless otherwise specified in this application, RAN nodes are referred to as network devices, and terminals are referred to as terminal devices.

[0094] The following describes the related terms or technologies involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0095] 1. SSB

[0096] For example, Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the time-frequency resource structure of an SSB. As shown in Figure 2, an SSB consists of a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a PBCH. An SSB occupies 4 OFDM symbols in the time domain and 240 subcarriers, or 20 physical resource blocks (PRBs), in the frequency domain.

[0097] The time-frequency resources used in the SSB for PSS, SSS, PBCH, and demodulation reference signal (DMRS) are shown in Table 1. This is the physical cell ID (PCI).

[0098] Table 1

[0099] As shown in Figure 2 and Table 1, the PSS is located in the middle 127 subcarriers of the 240 subcarriers in symbol 0, and the SSS is located in the middle 127 subcarriers of the 240 subcarriers in symbol 2. To protect the PSS and SSS, there are different set-to-0 subcarriers at both ends of them. These set-to-0 subcarriers indicate that the complex-valued symbols on the subcarrier are set to zero, serving as guard bands to suppress inter-carrier interference. The PBCH is located in symbols 1, 3, and 2. The PBCH occupies all subcarriers from 0 to 239 in symbols 1 and 3, and in symbol 2, it occupies all subcarriers except those occupied by the SSS and the set-to-0 subcarriers used to protect the SSS. The DMRS is located in symbols 1 and 3, in the middle of the PBCH. There are 60 DMRS on each symbol, with each DMRS spaced 4 subcarriers apart, and the subcarrier position offset is v.

[0100] Within a half-frame (5 milliseconds) in the time domain, multiple SSBs are defined. These SSBs, located at different time domain positions but within the same frequency domain, constitute an SSB burst set. Each SSB within an SSB burst set corresponds to an SSB index, and each SSB is transmitted in different directions via different beams at different times, achieving coverage of cells in different directions.

[0101] An SSB burst set within the entire half-frame can be periodically repeated. This period can be called the SSB burst period or SSB burst set period. During the cell search phase, the SSB burst period is 20ms by default, but it can be configured or reconfigured to other values, such as 5ms, 10ms, 40ms, 80ms, or 160ms.

[0102] During cell search, assuming a period of 20ms, the period of the SSB burst set can be configured in the ServingCellConfigCommon signaling via the ssb-periodicityServingCell parameter, and it is specified that the SSBs in the SSB burst set are sent within the first 5ms (i.e. half frame) of their period.

[0103] In addition, the PBCH in the SSB carries the master information block (MIB), which is updated every 80ms.

[0104] When accessing the network, the terminal device can synchronize its time and frequency with the network device based on the PSS and SSS in the received SSB, obtain the PCI, and then obtain broadcast information, such as MIB and timing-related information from the physical layer, based on the PBCH.

[0105] As shown in Figure 3, the SSB burst set transmitted in the first half of a 10ms frame includes 8 SSBs, namely SSB0 to SSB7. The network device transmits these 8 SSBs in different directions using different beams at a period of 20ms. Each transmitted SSB has a corresponding random access resource. Terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the network device can initiate access on the random access resource corresponding to the SSB with the strongest received signal. For example, if terminal device 1 receives the strongest signal from SSB1, it can initiate random access on the random access resource corresponding to SSB1. If terminal device 2 receives the strongest signal from SSB7, it can initiate random access on the random access resource corresponding to SSB7. Accordingly, the network device can determine from which beam direction the terminal device initiated access based on the received random access signal.

[0106] Different NR frequency bands support a different maximum number of SSBs that can be transmitted within a half-frame, meaning that the maximum number of SSBs included in an SSB burst set varies. The SSBs actually transmitted in an SSB burst set are selected from the candidate SSB set. Typically, the maximum number of SSBs in an SSB burst set is denoted by L, which can be 4, 8, or 64, depending on the network device's operating frequency band (f) and the subcarrier spacing (SCS) of the SSBs.

[0107] Regarding the time-domain distribution of SSBs within the SSB burst set, the 3GPP standard protocol defines five SSB patterns according to the positions of the synchronization grids, namely Case A to Case E. Among them, Case A - Case C specify the patterns within the frequency range (FR) 1 band, and Case D and Case E specify the patterns within the FR2 band.

[0108] The following is an introduction to Case A to Case E respectively:

[0109] Case A: SCS = 15 kilohertz (KHz), and the index of the first symbol of the candidate SSB in the half-frame is {2, 8} + 14n; where, if f ≤ 3 gigahertz (GHz), then L = 4, n = 0, 1. At this time, 4 SSBs occupy the first 2 time slots of a half-frame, and each time slot contains 2 SSBs; if 3 GHz < f ≤ 6 GHz, then L = 8, n = 0, 1, 2, 3. At this time, 8 SSBs occupy the first 4 time slots of a half-frame, and each time slot contains 2 SSBs.

[0110] Case B: SCS = 30 KHz, and the index of the first symbol of the candidate SSB in the half-frame is {4, 8, 16, 20} + 28n; where, if f ≤ 3 GHz, then L = 4, n = 0. At this time, 4 SSBs occupy the first 2 time slots of a half-frame, and each time slot contains 2 SSBs; if 3 GHz < f ≤ 6 GHz, then L = 8, n = 0, 1, 2. At this time, 8 SSBs occupy the first 4 time slots of a half-frame, and each time slot contains 2 SSBs.

[0111] Case C: SCS = 30 KHz, and the index of the first symbol of the candidate SSB in the half-frame is {2, 8} + 14n; in FDD, where, if f ≤ 3 GHz, then L = 4, n = 0, 1. At this time, 4 SSBs occupy the first 2 time slots of a half-frame, and each time slot contains 2 SSBs; if 3 GHz < f ≤ 6 GHz, then L = 8, n = 0, 1, 2, 3. At this time, 8 SSBs occupy the first 4 time slots of a half-frame, and each time slot contains 2 SSBs.

[0112] Case D: SCS = 120 kHz, the index of the first symbol of the candidate SSB in the half-frame is {4, 8, 16, 20} + 28n; where, if f > 6 GHz, then L = 64, n = 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18. In this case, 64 SSBs occupy 16 slot pairs in one half-frame. Each slot pair contains 2 slots and 4 SSBs. 4 slot pairs form a group, with 2 slots between each group. The 4 groups of slot pairs are evenly distributed within the 5 ms half-frame.

[0113] Case E: SCS = 240 kHz, the index of the first symbol of the candidate SSB in the half-frame is {8, 12, 16, 20, 32, 36, 40, 44} + 56n; where, if f > 6 GHz, then L = 64, n = 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8. In this case, 64 SSBs occupy 16 slot pairs in one half-frame, each slot pair contains 2 slots, 8 slot pairs form a group, and there are two groups of slot pairs, with 4 slots between each group.

[0114] 2. NR Initial Access Process

[0115] When a terminal device powers on or needs to reconnect to the network, it needs to find and establish a connection with the wireless network. Establishing a connection with the wireless network requires first completing uplink and downlink synchronization based on the access process, and then establishing a radio resource control (RRC) connection.

[0116] For example, Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of the initial access process in an NR. As shown in Figure 4, the initial access process includes:

[0117] S401. The network device sends an SSB to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the SSB from the network device.

[0118] Network devices periodically transmit multiple SSBs, with each SSB being transmitted within a half-frame of a period. The MIB carried by the PBCH in an SSB may indicate key information such as the search space zero and control resource set zero of the system information block (SIB1). An SSB indicating SIB1 is called a cell-defining SSB (CD-SSB), and in protocol terminology, this is described as "CORESET for Type 0-PDCCH CSS is present." An SSB without indicating SIB1 is called a non-cell-defining SSB (NCD-SSB), and in protocol terminology, this is described as "CORESET for Type 0-PDCCH CSS is not present."

[0119] Accordingly, the terminal device scans the SSBs sent by the network device and selects the SSB with the strongest signal strength for downlink time and frequency synchronization. Specifically, the terminal device performs cross-correlation detection on the PSS in the time domain and obtains the cell ID after time-domain synchronization. The location of the SSS can then be obtained from the location of the PSS. Cross-correlation detection is performed on the SSS in the frequency domain, and the cell group ID is obtained simultaneously with frequency domain synchronization. Thus, it can be achieved and By obtaining the PCI, the SSB index and the half-frame number of the SSB can be obtained by decoding the DMRS in the PBCH. Thus, the DMRS can be used for channel evaluation, and the PBCH can be decoded to obtain the system message MIB.

[0120] After the SSB is determined, the terminal device can further receive system information to obtain configuration information related to the random access resources.

[0121] S402, Network devices broadcast system information. Correspondingly, terminal devices receive system information.

[0122] Network devices broadcast system information at specific locations. The signal carrying the system information is also called SIB. Among them, SIB1 carries random access resource configuration information, message (Msg)2 or Msg4 and other PDCCH search space (SearchSpace1) information, which can be used by terminal devices to complete random access, establish a connection with network devices, and complete network access.

[0123] S403. The terminal device sends a random access signal to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the random access signal from the terminal device.

[0124] The terminal device can obtain the random access resource associated with the SSB from the random access resource configuration information obtained in S402 based on the SSB determined in S401. This random access resource includes time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, and code-domain resources (random access preamble). The terminal device then uses this random access resource to send a random access signal. The random access signal can be used to estimate the uplink time difference between the terminal device and the network device. The random access signal can also be referred to as Message 1 (Msg1), random access preamble, preamble, etc., without limitation.

[0125] Therefore, based on the association between the SSB and random access resources, the network device can detect the random access signal, determine the downlink beam to send Msg2 and / or Msg4, and execute the subsequent random access procedure.

[0126] S404. The network device sends Msg2 to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives Msg2 from the network device.

[0127] Msg2 includes timing advance (TA), uplink (UL) grant, and cell-radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI). Msg2 can also be used to indicate that network devices have successfully received random access signals from terminal devices.

[0128] Msg2 can also be called a random access response (RAR). Msg2 can be carried on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). It can be understood that multiple terminal devices' respective Msg2 responses can be carried on the same PDSCH.

[0129] S405. The terminal device sends Msg3 to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives Msg3 from the terminal device.

[0130] Here, the content of Msg3 may differ depending on the terminal device's state and the application scenario. In the RRC_IDLE / INACTIVE state, when the terminal device initiates random access, Msg3 carries the content of the common control channel (CCCH) service data unit (SDU). In the RRC_CONNECTED state, when the terminal device initiates random access, Msg3 carries the C-RNTI.

[0131] S406. The network device sends Msg4 to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives Msg4 from the network device.

[0132] Msg4 can also be called a contention resolution message. If Msg3 carries a CCCH SDU, then Msg4 carries the content or part of the content of Msg3. If the content of Msg4 received by the terminal device matches that of Msg3, the contention is considered resolved, and the random access procedure is successful. If Msg3 carries a C-RNTI, then Msg4 contains the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) addressed to the C-RNTI. If Msg4 contains a PDCCH addressing the C-RNTI of the terminal device, the contention is considered resolved, and the random access procedure is successful.

[0133] It should be understood that, depending on the random access triggering scenario, while Msg1 remains constant for transmitting the preamble, the messages corresponding to Msg2 / 3 / 4 may differ from those in the random access procedure used for cell access. For example, in the reconstruction procedure, Msg2 is RAR, while Msg3 is an "RRCReestablishmentRequest" message, and Msg4 includes the content or part of the "RRCReestablishmentRequest" message. In a random access procedure initiated by a terminal device in the RRC_IDLE state, Msg2 is RAR, while Msg3 is an "RRCSetupRequest" message, and Msg4 includes the content or part of the "RRCSetupRequest" message. In a random access procedure initiated by a terminal device in the RRC_INACTIVE state, Msg2 is RAR, while Msg3 is an RRC resume request message, and Msg4 includes the content or part of the RRC resume request message. In a random access procedure initiated by a terminal device in the RRC_CONNECTED state, Msg2 is RAR, Msg3 is MAC-CE carrying C-RNTI, and Msg4 is PDCCH addressing the C-RNTI of the UE.

[0134] Figure 4 illustrates a contention-based random access procedure. For non-contention-based random access, the contention resolution step is omitted, i.e., the process described in S406 is not included, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0135] 3. Synchronization raster

[0136] To reduce the initial synchronization time of terminal devices, 3GPP defines the concept of a synchronization grid and limits the search range using the global synchronization channel number (GSCN). The SSB frequency domain position is placed on an integer within the synchronization grid, with some offset possible at lower frequencies. Terminal devices search for synchronization signals at synchronization raster intervals. The synchronization grid can indicate the reference frequency position of the SSB (SSB). REF The NR divides the frequency range from 0 to 100 GHz into 26,638 synchronization grids of varying granularity according to different operating frequency bands. The reference frequency position of the SSB is SS. REF The calculation methods for GSCN are shown in Table 2 below.

[0137] Table 2

[0138] Each GSCN corresponds to the frequency position of an SSB, which serves as the frequency point for detecting the SSB.

[0139] As mentioned above, multiple SSBs are transmitted at different time-domain locations within the same frequency domain within a half-frame in the time domain. However, with the increase in the types of terminal devices and their varying capabilities, the above SSB transmission method cannot adapt to the different access requirements of various terminal devices. For example, high-performance, high-bandwidth terminal devices require fast access to reduce the air interface overhead caused by the common channel access time slot, while low-specification, narrowband terminal devices require long-term access. Therefore, how to design an SSB transmission method that can adapt to the different access requirements of various terminal devices is an urgent research topic.

[0140] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that periodically transmits multiple SSBs at at least one time-domain location and multiple frequency-domain locations to adapt to the different access requirements of various types of terminal devices.

[0141] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 5-10.

[0142] For example, Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. It is understood that this application uses the network device and terminal device shown in Figure 4 as examples of the execution entities in this interaction illustration, but this application does not limit the execution entities in the interaction illustration. For instance, the method executed by the network device in this application can also be implemented by modules (e.g., circuits, processors, chips, or chip systems) in the network device, or by logical nodes, logical modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions; the method executed by the terminal device in this application can also be implemented by a communication module in the terminal device 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 device responsible for communication functions.

[0143] As shown in Figure 5, the communication method includes:

[0144] S501, the network device generates N synchronization resource blocks.

[0145] S502, The network device periodically sends N synchronization resource blocks.

[0146] S503, The terminal device determines the N synchronization resource blocks to be sent periodically.

[0147] S504, The terminal device detects N synchronization resource blocks.

[0148] The following is a detailed description of S501 to S504, with a focus on S501:

[0149] Among them, N is an integer greater than 1. The synchronization resource block can be used for downlink synchronization (including downlink time-domain and frequency-domain synchronization) and the initiation of random access. A synchronization resource block can occupy H time-domain resources in the time domain and P frequency-domain resources in the frequency domain. In the embodiments of the present application, the time-domain resource usually refers to an OFDM symbol (which can be simply referred to as a symbol), and the frequency-domain resource usually refers to an RB. For example, the synchronization resource block can be an SSB in NR. An SSB occupies 4 symbols in the time domain and 20 RBs in the frequency domain, that is, H = 4 and P = 20.

[0150] N synchronization resource blocks can form a synchronization resource block burst set (or referred to as a synchronization resource block set). That is to say, a synchronization resource block burst set contains N synchronization resource blocks, and the N synchronization resource blocks located in the same synchronization resource block burst set are sent periodically. The N synchronization resource blocks can be selected by the network device from the candidate synchronization resource block set. The maximum number N of synchronization resource blocks contained in a synchronization resource block burst set max is related to the working frequency band and the subcarrier spacing of the synchronization resource block, that is, the maximum number N of synchronization resource blocks periodically sent by the network device max is related to the working frequency band (or referred to as the carrier frequency) f and the SCS of the synchronization resource block, which is equivalent to N being related to the working frequency band f and the SCS of the synchronization resource block. For example, in the case of SCS = 15KHz or SCS = 30KHz, if f ≤ 3GHz, then N max = 4. If 3GHz < f ≤ 6GHz, then N max = 8; in the case of SCS = 240KHz and f > 6GHz, N max = 64. It can be seen from this that 1 < N ≤ N max .

[0151] Exemplarily, the network device can determine the number N of synchronization resource blocks to be sent according to the cell coverage range and the number of terminal devices that can support access, etc.

[0152] Regarding the above S502:

[0153] Within one transmission period, the N synchronization resource blocks are usually sent within the first half-frame (or the first half) of its transmission period. The N synchronization resource blocks can be sent in different beam directions. Exemplarily, the time-domain transmission period can be configured as 5ms, 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, or 160ms, etc. Usually, the time-domain transmission period is configured as 20ms. That is to say, the N synchronization resource blocks are usually sent within the first 5ms of the 20ms time-domain transmission period.

[0154] In this embodiment, within one transmission cycle, N synchronization resource blocks occupy K time-domain positions in the time domain and S frequency-domain positions in the frequency domain. Different time-domain positions correspond to different time-domain resources, and different frequency-domain positions also correspond to different frequency-domain resources. S is an integer greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 1. That is, within one transmission cycle, the N synchronization resource blocks are transmitted across K time-domain positions and S frequency-domain positions. It should be understood that multiple synchronization resource blocks located at the same time-domain position do not overlap in the frequency domain, and multiple synchronization resource blocks located at the same frequency-domain position do not overlap in the time domain.

[0155] It should also be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the size of the time domain resources corresponding to a time domain location is the size of the time domain resources occupied by a synchronization resource block, i.e., H time domain resources, and the size of the frequency domain resources corresponding to a frequency domain location is the size of the frequency domain resources occupied by a synchronization resource block, i.e., P frequency domain resources.

[0156] In this configuration, at least one of the K time-domain locations contains multiple synchronization resource blocks, and at least one synchronization resource block is distributed at each of the S frequency-domain locations. That is, at least two synchronization resource blocks among the N synchronization resource blocks are located at the same time-domain location but at different frequency-domain locations (i.e., frequency division). However, the number of synchronization resource blocks located at the same time-domain location does not exceed S. Furthermore, the N synchronization resource blocks can be evenly or non-evenly distributed across the S frequency-domain locations; that is, a frequency-domain location can be occupied by one or more synchronization resource blocks located at different time-domain locations. However, the number of synchronization resource blocks located at the same frequency-domain location but at different time-domain locations does not exceed K (which can be considered time division).

[0157] When K>1, at least one time domain location has at least two synchronization resource blocks, and the remaining time domain locations may have only one synchronization resource block. However, at least one of the S frequency domain locations has K synchronization resource blocks, meaning that among the N synchronization resource blocks, K synchronization resource blocks are located in the same frequency domain location but in different time domain locations.

[0158] Specifically, when K=1, S=N, and the N synchronization resource blocks are located in the same time domain but in different frequency domains, that is, the N synchronization resource blocks are frequency-division transmitted at the same time domain location.

[0159] For example, let's take N=8:

[0160] When K=1 and S=8, as shown in Figure 6(a), within one transmission cycle, the 8 synchronization resource blocks are located in 8 different frequency domain positions. Different frequency domain positions correspond to different frequency domain resources, and all 8 synchronization resource blocks are located in the same time domain position, occupying the same time domain resources.

[0161] When K=2 and S=4, as shown in Figure 6(b), within one transmission cycle, 8 synchronization resource blocks occupy 2 time domain positions, 4 synchronization resource blocks occupy one time domain position, different time domain positions correspond to different time domain resources, and the 4 synchronization resource blocks located in the same time domain position are located in 4 different frequency domain positions, occupying different frequency domain resources. There are 2 synchronization resource blocks located in 2 different time domain positions distributed in the same frequency domain position.

[0162] When K=4 and S=2, as shown in Figure 6(c), within one transmission cycle, 8 synchronization resource blocks occupy 4 time domain positions, 2 synchronization resource blocks occupy one time domain position, different time domain positions correspond to different time domain resources, and 2 synchronization resource blocks located in the same time domain position are located in 2 different frequency domain positions, occupying different frequency domain resources. There are 4 synchronization resource blocks located in 4 different time domain positions distributed in the same frequency domain position.

[0163] When a network device periodically transmits N synchronization resource blocks, a guard gap can be set between two synchronization resource blocks located at the same time domain position and adjacent in the frequency domain. The size of the guard gap is M frequency domain resources, and the guard gap does not carry any information during the transmission of the synchronization resource blocks. M is an integer greater than or equal to 0. In other words, among the N synchronization resource blocks, two synchronization resource blocks located at the same time domain position and adjacent in the frequency domain are transmitted with a frequency domain interval of M frequency domain resources. Or, two synchronization resource blocks located at the same time domain position and adjacent in the frequency domain are separated by a frequency domain interval of M frequency domain resources, and the frequency domain resources of the interval are set as the guard gap.

[0164] It should be understood that when M = 0, the guard interval size is 0, meaning there is no guard interval between synchronization resource blocks located in the same time domain but adjacent in the frequency domain, and the frequency domain start position of a synchronization resource block is the frequency domain end position of its adjacent synchronization resource blocks. When M > 0, as shown in any of (a) to (c) in Figure 6, there is a guard interval between two adjacent synchronization resource blocks with the same time domain position but different frequency domain positions, and the guard interval size is M frequency domain resources.

[0165] In this embodiment, the number of time-domain positions and frequency-domain positions occupied by the N synchronization resource blocks periodically transmitted by the network device remains constant within each transmission cycle. That is, within each transmission cycle, the N synchronization resource blocks occupy K time-domain positions and S frequency-domain positions. The specific values ​​of K and S are related to the operating frequency band f and the SCS of the synchronization resource blocks.

[0166] Furthermore, the relative positions of the K time-domain locations occupied by the N synchronization resource blocks in each transmission cycle remain unchanged or identical within each transmission cycle. That is, taking the first time-domain resource (such as the first OFDM symbol) or the time-domain start position of each transmission cycle as a reference point, the time-domain interval between each of the K time-domain locations and this reference point is the same across different transmission cycles; that is, the time-domain interval between each of the K time-domain locations and the first time-domain resource or the time-domain start position of different transmission cycles is the same. Since the N synchronization resource blocks are typically transmitted within the first half-frame of each transmission cycle, it can also be considered that the position of each time-domain location is the same within the first half-frame of each transmission cycle.

[0167] For different N, the design of its corresponding K, S, which time domain resources correspond to each time domain position, which frequency domain resources correspond to each frequency domain position, and the specific transmission position of each synchronization resource block in the time and frequency domain among the N synchronization resource blocks can be predefined by the protocol, or indicated by the network device to the terminal device, or negotiated between the network device and the terminal device, without any limitation.

[0168] The design of the number K of time-domain positions within each transmission cycle, and the time-domain resources occupied by each time-domain position, is related to the operating frequency band and the SCS of the synchronization resource block. Different operating frequency bands and SCS can design different time-domain positions and K. In the embodiments of this application, the time-domain position of the synchronization resource block transmitted in each transmission cycle can be designed by defining the position of the first time-domain resource among the time-domain resources occupied by each time-domain position in the first half-frame of the transmission cycle.

[0169] For a synchronization resource block located at the kth time domain position out of K time domain positions in any transmission period, the time domain resource index of the first time domain resource (such as OFDM symbol) occupied by it in the first half frame of that transmission period can be defined. That is, the position of the first time domain resource out of the H time domain resources occupied by each time domain position can be defined. Thus, the kth time domain position of the transmission synchronization resource block can be determined based on the time domain resource index and the size of the time domain resources occupied by the synchronization resource block.

[0170] For example, taking the first transmission period as an example, the index of the first OFDM symbol in the first time slot of the first half-frame within the transmission period is defined as 0, and the synchronization resource block is defined as SSB. One SSB occupies 4 OFDM symbols in the time domain. Under different operating frequency bands and SCS, based on the correspondence between N and K, the starting symbol position occupied by each time domain position in K time domain positions can be designed.

[0171] Assuming K=2 and N=8, if SCS=30KHz, in the first transmission cycle, the index of the starting symbol occupied by the first time domain position can be 2, and the index of the starting symbol occupied by the second time domain position can be 8. Then, the first time domain position occupies OFDM symbols with indices 2, 3, 4 and 5, and the second time domain position occupies OFDM symbols with indices 8, 9, 10 and 11.

[0172] Assuming K=1 and S=8, if SCS=30KHz, in the first transmission period, the 8 SSBs are located at the same time domain position. The index of the starting symbol occupied by this time domain position can be 2 or 8. Then, this time domain position occupies OFDM symbols with indices 2, 3, 4 and 5, or OFDM symbols with indices 8, 9, 10 and 11.

[0173] It should be understood that among the K time-domain locations of N synchronization resource blocks, there can be at least two time-domain locations located in the same time slot.

[0174] For each of the K time-domain locations, there are N synchronization resource blocks distributed in each time-domain location. Different time-frequency arrangements can cause the same synchronization resource block to be located in different time-domain locations. Therefore, the relationship between the index of the synchronization resource block and its time-domain location can be defined based on the arrangement of the synchronization resource blocks in the time-frequency domain. For specific design details, please refer to the descriptions in Design 1 and Design 2 below, which will not be elaborated here.

[0175] Furthermore, the S frequency domain positions occupied by the N synchronization resource blocks in each transmission cycle remain unchanged or are the same, which also corresponds to the frequency domain resources (including the size and position of the frequency domain resources) occupied by the N synchronization resource blocks in each transmission cycle remaining unchanged or being the same.

[0176] The frequency domain position occupied by N synchronization resource blocks in each transmission cycle can be determined according to F0, M, and P. F0 is the starting position of the frequency domain for detecting N synchronization resource blocks, P is the size of the frequency domain resources occupied by the synchronization resource block, and M is the number of frequency domain resources set as a guard interval between two synchronization resource blocks located at the same time domain position and adjacent frequency domain positions. P is a positive integer, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0177] Here, F0 can be the preset minimum frequency domain position for detecting N synchronization resource blocks. In this case, F0 can also be called the preset start frequency domain position for detecting N synchronization resource blocks, or the start position of the synchronization grid frequency domain for detecting synchronization resource blocks. Alternatively, F0 can also be the preset maximum frequency domain position for detecting N synchronization resource blocks. In this case, F0 can also be called the preset end frequency domain position for detecting N synchronization resource blocks, or the end position of the synchronization grid frequency domain for detecting synchronization resource blocks.

[0178] In one possible design, F0 can be determined based on the operating frequency bands supported by the terminal device, with different operating frequency bands corresponding to different F0 values. For example, taking F0 as the preset minimum frequency domain position for detecting N synchronization resource blocks, when the operating frequency band f = 6 GHz, then F0 = 6.75 GHz; when the operating frequency band f = 3 GHz, then F0 = 3.75 GHz. The correspondence between the operating frequency band and F0 can be predefined or preconfigured by the protocol, or it can be negotiated between the network device and the terminal device; there are no limitations on this.

[0179] The frequency domain start position of each synchronization resource block can be obtained based on F0, or the synchronization grid can be determined based on F0, and the frequency domain start position of each synchronization resource block can be determined based on the synchronization grid.

[0180] When F0 is the preset minimum frequency domain position for detecting N synchronization resource blocks, that is, when the terminal device starts detecting synchronization resource blocks in the frequency domain from F0, in this case, for the network device to send S frequency domain positions of N synchronization resource blocks in any transmission cycle, in one possible design, each frequency domain position used to send the synchronization resource blocks can satisfy the following relationship, or in other words, each frequency domain position used to send the synchronization resource blocks can be determined according to the following relationship:

[0181] in, Let Δf be the frequency domain starting position of the s-th frequency domain position out of S frequency domain positions, which is the frequency domain starting position of the synchronization resource block located at the s-th frequency domain position, where 1≤s≤S and s is an integer. Let Δf be the bandwidth of a frequency domain resource. For example, if SCS = 15KHz and an RB consists of 12 subcarriers in the frequency domain, then the bandwidth of an RB is 180KHz. Δf is related to SCS and the number of subcarriers contained in a frequency domain resource.

[0182] In other words, among the S frequency domain positions occupied by N synchronization resource blocks, the starting position of the first frequency domain position is F0 (i.e., the frequency range of the first frequency domain position is F0~F0+P×Δf), the starting position of the second frequency domain position is F0+(P+M)×Δf (i.e., the frequency range of the second frequency domain position is F0+(P+M)×Δf~F0+(2P+M)×Δf), and so on, the starting position of the Sth frequency domain position is... The frequency range of the S-th frequency domain position is set to F0+(S-1)×(P+M)×Δf (i.e., the frequency range of the S-th frequency domain position is F0+(S-1)×(P+M)×Δf~F0+((S-1)×(P+M)+P)×Δf). Therefore, the terminal device can determine the frequency domain positions of the N synchronization resource blocks based on F0, the guard interval M, and the specific transmission method of the N synchronization resource blocks (such as the specific value of S), and detect the N synchronization resource blocks within the default search period.

[0183] When F0 is the preset maximum frequency domain position for detecting N synchronization resource blocks, that is, when the terminal device ends detecting synchronization resource blocks from F0, in this case, for the network device to send S frequency domain positions of N synchronization resource blocks in any transmission cycle, in one possible design, each frequency domain position used to send the synchronization resource blocks can satisfy the following relationship, or in other words, each frequency domain position used to send the synchronization resource blocks can be determined according to the following relationship:

[0184] in, Let be the starting position of the frequency domain of the s-th frequency domain position out of S frequency domain positions.

[0185] In other words, the starting position of the first frequency domain location is F0-(P+(S-1)×(P+M))×Δf (i.e., the frequency range of the first frequency domain location is F0-(P+(S-1)×(P+M))×Δf~F0-((P+(S-1)×(P+M))+P)×Δf), and the starting position of the second frequency domain location is F0-(P+(S-2)×(P+M))×Δf (i.e., the frequency range of the second frequency domain location is F0-(P+(S-2)×(P+M))×Δf). +M))×Δf~F0-((P+(S-2)×(P+M))+P+M)×Δf, and so on, the starting position of the frequency domain of the S-th frequency domain position is F0-P×Δf (that is, the frequency range of the S-th frequency domain position is F0-P×Δf~F0). Therefore, the terminal device can determine the frequency domain positions of the N synchronization resource blocks based on F0, the guard interval M, and the specific transmission method of the N synchronization resource blocks (such as the specific value of S), and detect the N synchronization resource blocks within the default search period.

[0186] To meet the access requirements of terminal devices of different specifications or types, such as time-division access of narrowband terminal devices, for N synchronous resource blocks transmitted periodically, cyclic shift in the frequency domain can be performed on the N synchronous resource blocks in each transmission period, so as to ensure that narrowband terminal devices can detect different synchronous resource blocks among the N synchronous resource blocks in different transmission periods.

[0187] The cyclic shift of the N synchronous resource blocks in the frequency domain in each transmission period can be understood as follows: the synchronous resource block located at each frequency domain position among S frequency domain positions in the first transmission period undergoes cyclic shift in the frequency domain within T transmission periods to complete traversal of the S frequency domain positions, where T is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0188] That is to say, if the value of the cyclic shift (hereinafter simply referred to as the cyclic shift value) is g (0 < g ≤ S - 1), then the synchronous resource block located at the s-th frequency domain position in the first transmission period moves to the a-th frequency domain position after g-bit cyclic shift in the second transmission period, where a ≠ s and 1 ≤ a ≤ S. The synchronous resource block located at the a-th frequency domain position moves to the b-th frequency domain position after g-bit cyclic shift in the third transmission period, where b ≠ s, a and 1 ≤ b ≤ S, and so on. After T transmission periods, the synchronous resource block located at the s-th frequency domain position in the first transmission period completes transmission at S frequency domain positions.

[0189] In the first transmission period, for each of the N synchronous resource blocks, specifically which time domain position among K time domain positions and which frequency domain position among S frequency domain positions it is transmitted at, the relationship between the index of the synchronous resource block and its time domain position and frequency domain position can be established respectively. The indexes of the N synchronous resource blocks can be 0 to N - 1. The following are several exemplary designs:

[0190] In a possible design 1, in the first transmission period, the index n of the synchronous resource block located at the k-th time domain position among K time domain positions and the s-th frequency domain position among S frequency domain positions can satisfy the following relationship:

[0191] n = k - 1 + (s - 1) × K, where k is a positive integer and 1 ≤ k ≤ K, 1 ≤ s ≤ S and s is an integer.

[0192] In this design 1, N synchronization resource blocks are arranged in ascending order of index, from front to back in time domain, and from front to back in frequency domain. At the first frequency domain position, synchronization resource blocks with indices 0 to K-1 are arranged sequentially across K time domain positions, from front to back in time domain. At the second frequency domain position, synchronization resource blocks with indices K to 2K-1 are arranged sequentially across K time domain positions, and so on, until all N synchronization resource blocks are arranged. In other words, the N synchronization resource blocks are first arranged in ascending order of index in the K time domain positions, and then in the S frequency domain positions.

[0193] Therefore, the synchronization resource block located at the kth time domain position includes the synchronization resource blocks with indices k-1, k-1+K, k-1+2×K, ..., k-1+(S-1)×K.

[0194] Continuing with the example above, let's take N=8 as an example:

[0195] When K=1 and S=8, as shown in Figure 7, in each transmission cycle, the 8 synchronization resource blocks are located in the same time domain position but in different frequency domain positions. In the first transmission cycle, the 8 synchronization resource blocks located in the same time domain position are arranged in the 8 frequency domain positions in the order of index from smallest to largest and frequency domain position from front to back. That is, the synchronization resource block with index 0 is located in the 1st frequency domain position, the synchronization resource block with index 1 is located in the 2nd frequency domain position, and so on, with the synchronization resource block with index 7 located in the 8th frequency domain position.

[0196] When the eight synchronization resource blocks are periodically transmitted, if the cyclic shift value g = 1, as shown in Figure 7, in the second transmission cycle, the synchronization resource blocks with indices 1 to 7 move down one frequency domain position compared to the first transmission cycle. The synchronization resource block with index 0 cyclically shifts from the first frequency domain position to the eighth frequency domain position. However, the eight synchronization resource blocks remain at the same time domain position, and the relative position of this time domain position in the second transmission cycle is the same as its relative position in the first transmission cycle. Similarly, in the third transmission cycle, each synchronization resource block cyclically shifts again relative to the second transmission cycle, with the cyclic shift value remaining unchanged. After eight transmission cycles, each synchronization resource block completes the traversal of all eight frequency domain positions. Therefore, a narrowband terminal device can complete the detection of eight synchronization resource blocks in at most eight transmission cycles, and a broadband terminal device can complete the detection of eight synchronization resource blocks in one transmission cycle.

[0197] When K=2 and S=4, as shown in Figure 8(a), in each transmission cycle, 8 synchronization resource blocks occupy 2 time domain positions and 4 frequency domain positions. In the first transmission cycle, in the first frequency domain position, synchronization resource blocks with indices 0 and 1 are arranged sequentially in the first and second time domain positions. In the second frequency domain position, synchronization resource blocks with indices 2 and 3 are located sequentially in the first and second time domain positions. In the third frequency domain position, synchronization resource blocks with indices 4 and 5 are located sequentially in the first and second time domain positions. In the fourth frequency domain position, synchronization resource blocks with indices 6 and 7... The synchronization resource blocks are located sequentially in the first and second time domain positions. That is, the frequency domain positions of the synchronization resource blocks with indices 0 and 1 are the same but the time domain positions are different. The frequency domain positions of the synchronization resource blocks with indices 2 and 3 are the same but the time domain positions are different. The frequency domain positions of the synchronization resource blocks with indices 4 and 5 are the same but the time domain positions are different. The frequency domain positions of the synchronization resource blocks with indices 6 and 7 are the same but the time domain positions are different. Moreover, there are 4 synchronization resource blocks with different frequency domain positions distributed in each time domain position. That is, the synchronization resource blocks with indices 0, 2, 4, and 6 are located in the first time domain position, and the synchronization resource blocks with indices 1, 3, 5, and 7 are located in the second time domain position.

[0198] When the eight synchronization resource blocks are periodically transmitted, if the cyclic shift value g = 1, as shown in Figure 8(a), in the first transmission cycle, the synchronization resource blocks with indices 6 and 7 located at the 4th frequency domain position, the synchronization resource blocks with indices 4 and 5 located at the 3rd frequency domain position, and the synchronization resource blocks with indices 2 and 3 located at the 2nd frequency domain position all shift down one frequency domain position in the second transmission cycle. Meanwhile, the synchronization resource blocks with indices 0 and 1 located at the 1st frequency domain position in the first transmission cycle shift cyclically to the 4th frequency domain position in the second transmission cycle. Similarly, in the third transmission cycle, each synchronization resource block cyclically shifts again relative to the second transmission cycle, with the cyclic shift value remaining unchanged. After four transmission cycles, each synchronization resource block completes the traversal of all eight frequency domain positions. Therefore, narrowband terminal devices can complete the detection of eight synchronization resource blocks in at most four transmission cycles, and broadband terminal devices can complete the detection of eight synchronization resource blocks in one transmission cycle.

[0199] When K=4 and S=2, as shown in Figure 8(b), in each transmission cycle, 8 synchronization resource blocks occupy 4 time domain positions and 1 frequency domain position. In the first transmission cycle, in the first frequency domain position, synchronization resource blocks with indices 0 to 3 are arranged sequentially in the first to fourth time domain positions. In the second frequency domain position, synchronization resource blocks with indices 4 to 7 are arranged sequentially in the first to fourth time domain positions. That is, the frequency domain positions of synchronization resource blocks with indices 0 to 3 are the same but the time domain positions are different, and the frequency domain positions of synchronization resource blocks with indices 4 to 7 are the same but the time domain positions are different. Moreover, there are 2 synchronization resource blocks distributed in each time domain position. That is, the synchronization resource blocks with indices 0 and 4 are located in the first time domain position, the synchronization resource blocks with indices 1 and 5 are located in the second time domain position, the synchronization resource blocks with indices 2 and 6 are located in the third time domain position, and the synchronization resource blocks with indices 3 and 7 are located in the fourth time domain position.

[0200] When the eight synchronization resource blocks are periodically transmitted, if the cyclic shift value g = 1, as shown in Figure 8(b), the synchronization resource blocks with indices 4 to 7 located at the second frequency domain position in the first transmission cycle move down one frequency domain position in the second transmission cycle. Meanwhile, the synchronization resource blocks with indices 0 to 3 located at the first frequency domain position in the first transmission cycle cyclically shift to the second frequency domain position in the second transmission cycle. After two transmission cycles, each synchronization resource block completes the traversal of all eight frequency domain positions. Therefore, narrowband terminal devices can complete the detection of eight synchronization resource blocks in at most two transmission cycles, and broadband terminal devices can complete the detection of eight synchronization resource blocks in one transmission cycle.

[0201] In one possible design 2, during the first transmission cycle, the index n of the synchronization resource block located at the k-th time-domain position out of K time-domain positions and the s-th time-domain position out of S frequency-domain positions can satisfy the following relationship:

[0202] n = s-1 + (k-1) × S, where k is a positive integer and 1 ≤ k ≤ K, 1 ≤ s ≤ S, and s is an integer.

[0203] In this design 2, N synchronization resource blocks are arranged in ascending order of index, from front to back in time domain, and from front to back in frequency domain. At the first time domain position, synchronization resource blocks with indices 0 to S-1 are arranged sequentially across S frequency domain positions. At the second time domain position, synchronization resource blocks with indices S to 2S-1 are arranged sequentially across S frequency domain positions, and so on, until all N synchronization resource blocks are arranged. In other words, the N synchronization resource blocks are first arranged in the S frequency domain positions in ascending order of index, and then in the K time domain positions.

[0204] Therefore, the synchronization resource block located at the kth time domain position includes the synchronization resource blocks with indices (k-1)×S, 1+(k-1)×S, 2+(k-1)×S, ..., S-1+(k-1)×S.

[0205] Continuing with the example above, let's take N=8 as an example:

[0206] When K=1 and S=8, the arrangement of the 8 synchronization resource blocks with indices 0 to 7 in the first transmission cycle is the same as shown in Figure 7. During periodic transmission, they will also be cyclically shifted in the frequency domain as shown in Figure 7, which will not be elaborated further.

[0207] When K=2 and S=4, as shown in Figure 9(a), in each transmission cycle, 8 synchronization resource blocks occupy 2 time domain positions and 4 frequency domain positions. In the first transmission cycle, in the first time domain position, the synchronization resource blocks with indices 0 to 3 are arranged sequentially in the first to fourth frequency domain positions. In the second time domain position, the synchronization resource blocks with indices 4 to 7 are arranged sequentially in the first to fourth frequency domain positions. Each time domain position has 4 synchronization resource blocks with different frequency domain positions, that is, the synchronization resource blocks with indices 0, 1, 2, and 3 are located in the first time domain position, and the synchronization resource blocks with indices 4, 5, 6, and 7 are located in the second time domain position.

[0208] When the eight synchronization resource blocks are periodically transmitted, if the cyclic shift value g = 1, the eight synchronization resource blocks will also be cyclically shifted in the frequency domain as shown in Figure 8(a). The cyclic shift situation in different transmission periods is shown in Figure 9(a), which will not be elaborated further.

[0209] When K=4 and S=2, as shown in Figure 9(b), in each transmission cycle, 8 synchronization resource blocks occupy 4 time domain positions and 2 frequency domain positions. In the first transmission cycle, at the first time domain position, synchronization resource blocks with indices 0 and 1 are arranged sequentially at the first and second frequency domain positions. At the second time domain position, synchronization resource blocks with indices 2 and 3 are arranged sequentially at the first and second frequency domain positions. At the third time domain position, synchronization resource blocks with indices 4 and 5 are arranged sequentially at... In the first and second frequency domain positions, and in the fourth frequency domain position, the synchronization resource blocks with indices 6 and 7 are arranged sequentially in the first and second frequency domain positions. Each time domain position has two synchronization resource blocks with different frequency domain positions. That is, the synchronization resource blocks with indices 0 and 1 are located in the first time domain position, the synchronization resource blocks with indices 2 and 3 are located in the second time domain position, the synchronization resource blocks with indices 4 and 5 are located in the third time domain position, and the synchronization resource blocks with indices 6 and 7 are located in the fourth time domain position.

[0210] When the eight synchronization resource blocks are periodically transmitted, if the cyclic shift value g = 1, the eight synchronization resource blocks will also be cyclically shifted in the frequency domain as shown in Figure 8(b). The cyclic shift situation in different transmission periods is shown in Figure 9(b), which will not be elaborated further.

[0211] The above examples illustrate two ways to arrange synchronization resource blocks in the time and frequency domains. In addition to the two designs above, synchronization resource blocks can also be arranged and sent in K time domain positions and S frequency domain positions according to the index in other ways or rules, without limitation.

[0212] It should be understood that different cyclic shift values ​​can cause different frequency domain position changes for N synchronization resource blocks within T transmission cycles after completing S frequency domain position traversals. Whether it is a narrowband terminal device or a broadband terminal device, the time it takes to complete the scanning of N synchronization resource blocks is related to the specific bandwidth that the terminal device can scan.

[0213] In practical implementation, different N, K, and S values ​​can be specified by the protocol to determine which indexes of the synchronization resource blocks are transmitted at which time and frequency domain positions within each transmission cycle. Taking N=8, K=2, and S=4 as an example, as shown in Table 3 below, it corresponds to the periodic transmission mode of N synchronization resource blocks shown in Figure 8(a).

[0214] Table 3

[0215] Therefore, the network device can periodically send N synchronization resource blocks in the manner shown in Figures 6 to 9.

[0216] Regarding the aforementioned S503:

[0217] For example, the terminal device can learn the number N of the periodically sent synchronization resource blocks and the specific sending methods of the N synchronization resource blocks, namely K and S, based on the protocol agreement, so that the terminal device can start detecting the N synchronization resource blocks.

[0218] Regarding the aforementioned S504:

[0219] The terminal device can complete downlink synchronization and initiate random access based on the random access information detected in the N synchronization resource blocks.

[0220] When detecting synchronization resource blocks, the terminal device can determine the starting scan frequency domain position of the synchronization resource block based on F0, detect N synchronization resource blocks within the transmission period of the synchronization resource block, and complete downlink synchronization based on the random access information in the N synchronization resource blocks. Furthermore, the terminal device can also select a synchronization resource block with a larger signal strength from the N synchronization resource blocks, obtain the index information and cell access information of the synchronization resource block, and initiate a random access procedure for cell access.

[0221] The process of searching for and accessing synchronization resource blocks differs depending on the type of terminal device. For the first type of terminal device, wideband frequency division multiplexing (WDM) fast access can be used, which can complete the detection of N synchronization resource blocks within one transmission cycle. That is, it can complete the detection of N synchronization resource blocks in a short time and complete downlink synchronization and random access based on the detected N synchronization resource blocks. For the second type of terminal device, narrowband time division multiplexing (NTD) access can be used, which can complete the detection of N synchronization resource blocks within at least two transmission cycles. That is, it can complete the detection of N synchronization resource blocks in a longer time and complete downlink synchronization and random access based on the detected N synchronization resource blocks.

[0222] The first type of terminal equipment refers to terminal equipment that at least meets the first condition, while the second type of terminal equipment refers to terminal equipment that at least does not meet the first condition. The first condition may include the terminal equipment's bandwidth being greater than a bandwidth threshold and / or the terminal equipment's energy consumption being less than an energy consumption threshold. Specifically, terminal equipment with bandwidth greater than the bandwidth threshold can be called broadband terminal equipment, terminal equipment with bandwidth less than or equal to the bandwidth threshold can be called narrowband terminal equipment, terminal equipment with energy consumption less than the energy consumption threshold can be called non-energy-saving terminal equipment, and terminal equipment with energy consumption greater than or equal to the threshold can be called energy-saving terminal equipment. In other words, terminal equipment can choose to use broadband frequency division multiplexing (FDM) or narrowband time division multiplexing (TDM) access based on its own bandwidth and / or energy consumption.

[0223] It should be understood that the above example provides one classification of different types of terminal devices. Different types of terminal devices can also be classified based on other conditions or capabilities, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0224] Therefore, the process of searching for and accessing synchronization resource blocks used by the terminal device can be determined according to the type of the terminal device, which can be referred to the above description. As shown in Figure 10, the terminal device determines whether the process of searching for and accessing synchronization resource blocks is broadband frequency division fast access or narrowband time division access based on its own bandwidth and / or energy consumption. For the terminal device using broadband frequency division fast access, the process of searching for synchronization resource blocks can include: the terminal device determines F0 according to the operating frequency band, and then determines all frequency domain positions of N synchronization resource blocks according to F0, the number of synchronization resource blocks N, the guard interval size M, and the frequency domain resource size P occupied by the synchronization resource blocks, forming a frequency domain synchronization grid, and then completes the search for N synchronization resource blocks according to the transmission period and the frequency domain synchronization grid. It can complete the detection / search of N synchronization resource blocks within one transmission period.

[0225] As shown in Figure 8(a) or (b), or Figure 9(a) or (b), the broadband terminal device can complete the detection / search of N synchronization resource blocks within one transmission cycle, that is, the detection / search cycle of the broadband terminal device is one transmission cycle.

[0226] As shown in Figure 10, for a terminal device with narrowband time-division access, the process of searching for synchronization resource blocks may include: the terminal device determines F0 according to the working frequency band, and then completes the detection / search of N synchronization resource blocks within at least two transmission cycles according to F0 and the transmission cycle.

[0227] As shown in Figure 8(a) or Figure 9(a), a narrowband terminal device can only search for the synchronization resource block at the first frequency domain position in one transmission cycle. It requires at least 4 transmission cycles to complete the search for N synchronization resource blocks, meaning the search cycle of the narrowband terminal device is 4 transmission cycles. Similarly, as shown in Figure 8(b) or Figure 9(b), a narrowband terminal device can only search for the synchronization resource block at the first frequency domain position in one transmission cycle. It requires at least 2 transmission cycles to complete the search for N synchronization resource blocks, meaning the search cycle of the narrowband terminal device is 2 transmission cycles.

[0228] In this embodiment of the application, detecting synchronization resource blocks can be referred to as searching for or receiving synchronization resource blocks, and correspondingly, the detection period can also be referred to as the search period or the receiving period, without limitation.

[0229] In this communication method, N synchronization resource blocks are periodically sent at at least one time domain location and multiple frequency domain locations, enabling terminal devices of different bandwidth types to complete the search and access of N synchronization resource blocks within different search cycles, such as high-specification broadband fast access and low-specification narrowband access.

[0230] It is understood that, in the above embodiments, the methods and / or steps implemented by the network device can also be implemented by components (e.g., processors, chips, chip systems, circuits, logic modules, or software) that can be used in the network device; and the methods and / or steps implemented by the terminal device can also be implemented by components (e.g., processors, chips, chip systems, circuits, logic modules, or software) that can be used in the terminal device.

[0231] The foregoing mainly describes the solutions provided in this application. Accordingly, this application also provides a communication device for implementing various methods in the above method embodiments. This communication device can be a network device in the above method embodiments, or a device containing a network device, or a component usable in a network device, such as a chip or chip system. Alternatively, the communication device can be a terminal device in the above method embodiments, or a device containing a terminal device, or a component usable in a terminal device, such as a chip or chip system.

[0232] It is understood that, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0233] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0234] Taking the network device or terminal device in the above method embodiment as an example, Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 1100 includes a processing module 1101 and a communication module 1102. The processing module 1101 is used to execute the processing functions of the network device or terminal device in the above method embodiment. The communication module 1102 is used to execute the communication functions of the network device or terminal device in the above method embodiment. All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0235] In one possible design, in this embodiment of the application, the communication module 1102 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module (not shown in FIG11). The transmitting module and the receiving module are respectively used to implement the transmitting and receiving functions of the communication device 1100.

[0236] In one possible design, the communication device 1100 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG11) that stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1101 executes the program or instructions, the communication device 1100 can perform the functions of the network device or terminal device in the method shown in FIG5.

[0237] In some embodiments, the processing module 1101 involved in the communication device 1100 may be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components, and may be a processor or processing unit; the communication module 1102 may be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components, and may be a transceiver or transceiver unit.

[0238] For example, FIG12 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device can be a network device or a terminal device in the above method embodiments, or it can be a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in a network device or terminal device. As shown in FIG12, the communication device 1200 may include a processor 1201, a bus 1202, a communication interface 1203, and a memory 1204. The processor 1201, the memory 1204, and the communication interface 1203 communicate via the bus 1202. The communication device 1200 can be the aforementioned network device or terminal device. It should be understood that this application does not limit the number of processors and memories in the communication device 1200.

[0239] Bus 1202 can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of illustration, only one line is used in Figure 12, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus. Bus 1202 can include pathways for transmitting information between various components of communication device 1200 (e.g., memory 1204, processor 1201, communication interface 1203).

[0240] The processor 1201 may include any one or more processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor (MP), or a digital signal processor (DSP).

[0241] The memory 1204 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM). The processor 1201 may also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid state drive (SSD).

[0242] The communication interface 1203 uses transceiver modules such as, but not limited to, network interface cards and transceivers to enable communication between the communication device 1200 and other devices or communication networks.

[0243] The memory 1204 stores executable program code, which the processor 1201 executes to implement the functions of the network device or the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments. That is, the memory 1204 stores instructions for executing the aforementioned communication methods.

[0244] In another aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product containing instructions, including computer program code, which, when run on a communication device, enables the communication device to execute the methods described in any of the above embodiments.

[0245] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the above embodiments.

[0246] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs).

[0247] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0248] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0249] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0250] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0251] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0252] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple instances. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0253] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of this application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if such modifications and modifications of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: N synchronization resource blocks are determined to be periodically transmitted. The N synchronization resource blocks occupy K time-domain positions in the time domain and S frequency-domain positions in the frequency domain. At least one of the K time-domain positions has multiple synchronization resource blocks distributed on it, and each of the S frequency-domain positions has at least one synchronization resource block distributed on it. N and S are integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Detect the N synchronization resource blocks.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two synchronization resource blocks located at the same time domain position and adjacent in frequency domain position are provided with M frequency domain resources as a protection interval in the frequency domain, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The frequency domain start position of each of the S frequency domain positions is determined according to F0, M and P. F0 is the frequency domain start position for detecting the N synchronization resource blocks, P is the size of the frequency domain resources occupied by the synchronization resource block, M is the number of frequency domain resources set as a guard interval between two synchronization resource blocks located at the same time domain position and adjacent frequency domain positions, P is a positive integer, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The starting position of the s-th frequency domain position among the S frequency domain positions satisfies the following relationship: or, in, Let f be the frequency domain starting position of the s-th frequency domain position, 1≤s≤S and s is an integer, and Δf is the bandwidth of a frequency domain resource.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, F0 is determined based on the operating frequency bands supported by the terminal device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The N synchronization resource blocks occupy the same S frequency domain positions in different transmission cycles, and the time domain interval between each of the K time domain positions occupied and the time domain start position of different transmission cycles is the same.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The synchronization resource block located at each of the S frequency domain positions in the first transmission cycle is traversed in the S frequency domain positions by cyclic shifting in the frequency domain over T transmission cycles, where T is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, N is related to the operating frequency band.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The method is applicable to terminal devices, and the detection of the N synchronization resource blocks includes: If the terminal device meets the first condition, the terminal device completes the detection of the N synchronization resource blocks within one transmission cycle; and / or, if the terminal device does not meet the first condition, the terminal device completes the detection of the N synchronization resource blocks within at least two transmission cycles. The first condition includes the terminal device having a bandwidth greater than a bandwidth threshold and / or the terminal device having a power consumption less than a power consumption threshold.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: N synchronization resource blocks are generated. The N synchronization resource blocks occupy K time domain positions in the time domain and S frequency domain positions in the frequency domain. At least one of the K time domain positions has multiple synchronization resource blocks distributed on it, and each of the S frequency domain positions has at least one synchronization resource block distributed on it. N and S are integers greater than 1, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The N synchronization resource blocks are periodically sent.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Two synchronization resource blocks located at the same time domain position and adjacent in frequency domain position are provided with M frequency domain resources as a protection interval in the frequency domain, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The frequency domain start position of each of the S frequency domain positions is determined according to F0, M and P. F0 is the frequency domain start position for detecting the N synchronization resource blocks, P is the size of the frequency domain resources occupied by the synchronization resource block, M is the number of frequency domain resources set as a guard interval between two synchronization resource blocks located at the same time domain position and adjacent frequency domain positions, P is a positive integer, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The starting position of the s-th frequency domain position among the S frequency domain positions satisfies the following relationship: or, in, Let f be the frequency domain starting position of the s-th frequency domain position, 1≤s≤S and s is an integer, and Δf is the bandwidth of a frequency domain resource.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, F0 is determined based on the operating frequency bands supported by the terminal device.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10-14, characterized in that, The N synchronization resource blocks occupy the same S frequency domain positions in different transmission cycles, and the time domain interval between each of the K time domain positions occupied and the time domain start position of different transmission cycles is the same.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10-15, characterized in that, The synchronization resource block located at each of the S frequency domain positions in the first transmission cycle is traversed in the S frequency domain positions by cyclic shifting in the frequency domain over T transmission cycles, where T is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10-16, characterized in that, N is related to the operating frequency band.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-17.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, include: processor; The processor is configured to run computer programs or instructions to enable the method as described in any one of claims 1-17 to be implemented.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-17.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer program code, which, when run on a communication device, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-17.

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