Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application discloses a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: a second apparatus receiving first indication information from a first apparatus, wherein the first indication information is used for indicating information related to a timing advance (TA) reference point; and on the basis of the TA reference point, determining a time point at which a signal is transmitted on an uplink carrier. Use of the method in the embodiments of the present application can help a UE to determine TA when there is no a fixed association relationship between the uplink carrier and a downlink carrier, thereby ensuring the communication quality.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410835530.1, filed on June 25, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] In the New Radio (NR) protocol, the timing advance (TA) reporting process is a crucial mechanism to ensure that user equipment (UE) uplink transmissions are synchronized with the base station. Specifically, due to varying distances between the UE and the base station, without timing advance, the arrival times of uplink signals from the UE will differ, potentially leading to signal interference. Therefore, the base station requires the UE to send uplink data a certain time in advance based on its distance to guarantee that the signal arrives at the base station within a specific time window. In other words, the UE needs to send uplink data according to the TA.

[0004] In existing technologies, uplink (UL) carriers and downlink (DL) carriers belong to the same cell and have a fixed association. After receiving a signal transmitted by the base station via the DL carrier, the UE can determine that it obtains the TA (Temporal Availability) based on that DL carrier and transmits uplink data. However, in some communication systems, especially future communication systems such as 6th generation (6G) communication systems, the DL carrier and UL carrier may not have a fixed association. In this case, how the UE determines the timing advance requires further research. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can help the UE determine the TA when there is no fixed association between the uplink carrier and the downlink carrier, thereby improving communication quality.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method. The method includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate timing advance reference point related information, the TA reference point related information being used to determine the TA reference point; and determining the time point for transmitting an uplink signal on an uplink carrier based on the TA reference point. The first aspect can be executed by a second device, which can be a communication device, a module within the communication device (such as a chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device; there is no limitation thereto.

[0007] From a technical perspective, in this embodiment, after the second device receives the TA reference point information indicated by the first device's first instruction information and determines the TA reference point, it determines the time point for transmitting the uplink signal on the uplink carrier based on the TA reference point. This allows the second device to know which TA reference point was used to determine the signal transmission time point even when there is no fixed correlation between the uplink and downlink carriers, enabling flexible acquisition of the TA reference point and improving communication performance. This, in turn, improves the timing accuracy of subsequent signal transmission on the uplink carrier.

[0008] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information includes the association between uplink and downlink carriers, and the method includes: determining the TA reference point of the uplink carrier based on the downlink carrier that is associated with the uplink carrier.

[0009] In this embodiment, the first device indicates the association relationship between the uplink and downlink carriers, and indicates the TA reference point of the downlink carrier. This allows the second device to obtain the TA reference point based on the indication information and determine the timing of signal transmission. In other words, a temporary association relationship is indicated for uplink and downlink carriers that do not have a fixed association relationship. This indication method is highly accurate and applicable to multiple uplink carriers. This process ensures flexible correspondence between uplink and downlink carriers while determining the timing of signal transmission, thereby guaranteeing the communication quality between the first and second devices.

[0010] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information includes a first time point, and the method includes: determining the TA reference point of the uplink carrier based on the first time point.

[0011] In this embodiment, the first device indicates the TA reference point of the downlink carrier by indicating a first time point, so that the second device can obtain the TA reference point based on the indication information and determine the time point for transmitting the signal. This indication method is flexible and convenient, and in this process, the TA reference point is indicated for the uplink carrier, which does not have a fixed association with the downlink carrier. This ensures flexible correspondence between the uplink and downlink carriers while determining the time point for transmitting the signal, thereby ensuring the communication quality between the first and second devices.

[0012] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information may further include the TA indication group to which the uplink carrier belongs, and there is a correspondence between the TA indication group and the value range of TA; or the first indication information may further include the uplink carrier group to which the uplink carrier belongs, and there is a correspondence between the uplink carrier group and the value range of TA.

[0013] In this embodiment of the application, the first device indicates the range of TA values ​​to the second device, so that even if there is a large difference between uplink and downlink frequencies, or a large difference in the frequencies of multiple uplink carriers corresponding to the same downlink carrier, the second device can accurately obtain the TA value based on the different TA value ranges, thus ensuring communication quality.

[0014] In one feasible implementation, determining the time point for transmitting a signal on the uplink carrier based on the TA reference point includes: acquiring index information of the TA quantity; determining the TA quantity of the uplink carrier based on the index information of the TA quantity and the value range of TA; and determining the time point for transmitting a signal on the uplink carrier based on the TA quantity of the uplink carrier and the TA reference point of the uplink carrier.

[0015] In one feasible implementation, the method further includes: obtaining the offset of the TA quantity; determining the TA quantity of the uplink carrier based on the index information of the TA quantity and the value range of the TA, including: determining the TA quantity of the uplink carrier based on the index information of the TA quantity, the value range of the TA, and the offset of the TA quantity.

[0016] In one feasible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate second TA-related information; and obtaining a second time point for transmitting a signal on the uplink carrier based on the second TA-related information.

[0017] In one feasible implementation, the second TA-related information includes a second TA quantity and / or a second offset of the TA quantity. Obtaining a second time point for transmitting a signal on the uplink carrier based on the second TA-related information includes: obtaining the second time point based on the second TA quantity and / or the second offset of the TA quantity, and the TA reference point of the uplink carrier.

[0018] In one feasible implementation, the second TA-related information includes a second TA reference point or a second reference point offset. Obtaining a second time point for transmitting a signal on the uplink carrier based on the second TA-related information includes: obtaining the second time point based on the second TA reference point or the second reference point offset and the TA amount of the uplink carrier.

[0019] In this embodiment, the first device sends second indication information to indicate any one or more of the following: a second TA reference point, a second reference point offset, a second TA quantity, or a second offset of the TA quantity. This allows the second device to update and obtain the second TA reference point or the second TA quantity after receiving the second indication information, and then calculate the second time point of the transmitted signal. This improves the flexibility and accuracy of updating the time point of the transmitted signal during UL carrier transmission.

[0020] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information is carried in the uplink carrier configuration signaling and is used to indicate one or more downlink carriers that are associated with the uplink carrier.

[0021] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information is carried in the association signaling, which indicates that there is an association between downlink carriers and at least one uplink carrier, wherein the at least one uplink carrier includes an uplink carrier.

[0022] In this embodiment, sending the association relationship between the uplink and downlink carriers via uplink carrier configuration signaling can transmit the association relationship within existing signaling, reducing the number of signaling interactions. However, sending the association relationship between the uplink and downlink carriers via dedicated association signaling allows the associated uplink carrier to be transmitted within the downlink carrier, enabling the second device to quickly determine the TA reference point based on the transmission time of the downlink carrier, thus improving the efficiency of determining the TA reference point.

[0023] In one feasible implementation, the offset of the TA quantity is indicated by at least one of the following: offset system frame number, offset subframe number, offset time slot number, offset symbol number, or offset TA quantity.

[0024] In this embodiment of the application, the signaling indication overhead can be reduced and the communication efficiency improved by indicating the offset of the TA quantity by indicating at least one of the following: the offset system frame number, the offset subframe number, the offset time slot number, the offset symbol number, or the offset TA quantity.

[0025] Secondly, this application provides a communication method. The method includes: acquiring first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate information related to a timing advance TA reference point; and sending the first indication information. This second aspect can be executed by a first device, which can be a communication device, a module within the communication device (such as a chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device; there is no limitation thereto.

[0026] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information includes the association between the uplink carrier and the downlink carrier, the association being used to determine the TA reference point of the uplink carrier.

[0027] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information includes a first time point, which is used to determine the TA reference point of the uplink carrier.

[0028] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information may further include the TA indication group to which the uplink carrier belongs, and there is a correspondence between the TA indication group and the value range of TA; or the first indication information may further include the uplink carrier group to which the uplink carrier belongs, and there is a correspondence between the uplink carrier group and the value range of TA.

[0029] In one feasible implementation, the method further includes: sending second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate second TA-related information, the second TA-related information including at least one of the following: second TA quantity, second offset of the TA quantity, second TA reference point, or second reference point offset.

[0030] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information is carried in the uplink carrier configuration signaling and is used to indicate one or more downlink carriers that are associated with the uplink carrier.

[0031] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information is carried in the association signaling, which indicates that there is an association between downlink carriers and at least one uplink carrier, wherein the at least one uplink carrier includes an uplink carrier.

[0032] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, which includes units or modules for performing the possible methods in either the first or second aspect described above.

[0033] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, the communication device including at least one processor coupled to a memory; wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, such that the methods that may be implemented in any of the first or second aspects described above are executed.

[0034] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, which includes a first device and a second device, wherein the second device is used to perform the method described in any one of the first aspects, and the first device is used to perform the method described in any one of the second aspects.

[0035] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, which, when executed, cause the computer to perform the method described in any of the above methods.

[0036] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, the computer program product comprising: computer program code, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in any of the above methods.

[0037] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip coupled to a memory for reading and executing program instructions in the memory, so that the device in which the chip is located implements the method described in any of the above methods. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application are described below.

[0039] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a satellite communication system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another satellite communication system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an IoT communication system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 1E is a schematic diagram of an integrated access and backhaul communication architecture provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 1F is a schematic diagram of a TA provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 1G is a schematic diagram of a TA for multiple UEs provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of uplink and downlink carrier numbering provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 3A is a flowchart of a method for indicating a TA reference point provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0049] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of determining the timing of transmitting a signal on a UL carrier according to an embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 4A is a flowchart of a method for indicating a TA reference point provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of determining the time point for transmitting a signal based on a first time point according to an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Figure 5A is a flowchart of a signal transmission time point update method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0053] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of a process for determining a second time point provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0054] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of another process for determining the second time point provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0055] Figure 5D is a schematic diagram of another process for determining a second time point provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0056] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0057] Figure 7 is a simplified structural diagram of a network device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0058] Figure 8 is a simplified structural diagram of a UE provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. Unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship; for example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of 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, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be one or multiple. Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish between network elements and similar items with essentially the same function. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0060] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in the embodiments described in this application mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0061] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary," "for example," etc., are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the term "exemplary" is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner.

[0062] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "information," "signal," "message," "channel," and "singaling" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, without emphasizing their distinction, their intended meanings are consistent. Similarly, "of," "corresponding (relevant)," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, without emphasizing their distinction, their intended meanings are consistent. Furthermore, the " / " mentioned in this application can be used to indicate an "or" relationship.

[0063] The following detailed embodiments further illustrate the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this application. It should be understood that the following are merely specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made based on the technical solutions of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

[0064] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0065] The system architecture involved in the embodiments of this application is described below.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 1A, which is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system may include a terminal device 101 and a network device 102. The terminal device 101 can be wirelessly connected to the network device 102. From a link perspective, the link for direct communication between terminal devices 101 is a sidelink (SL). The communication link for terminal device 101 to send signals, data, or signaling to network device 102 is an uplink (UL), and the communication link for network device 102 to send signals, data, or signaling to terminal device 101 is a downlink (DL).

[0067] Terminal devices 101 can communicate with each other using some air interface technology (such as NR or LTE). Terminal devices 101 and network devices 102 can also communicate with each other using some air interface technology (such as NR or LTE). Communication between terminal devices 101 and network devices 102, between network devices 102, and between terminal devices 101 can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both. This application does not limit the spectrum resources (frequency domain resources) used by terminal devices 101 and network devices 102.

[0068] It should be noted that the wireless communication systems mentioned in this invention include, but are not limited to: narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), Time Division-Synchronization Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and the three major application scenarios of next-generation 5G mobile communication systems: eMBB, URLLC, and eMTC; integrated sensing and communication systems; frequency division duplex (FDD) communication systems; time division duplex (TDD) communication systems; non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems; wireless projection communication systems; and integrated access and backhaul systems. The following communication systems are allowed: backhaul (IAB) communication systems, public land mobile network (PLMN) communication systems, non-public network (NPN) communication systems, and communication systems evolved after 5G communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), or non-3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) communication systems, without restriction.

[0069] The terminal involved in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a terminal device, UE, etc., and may include various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem with wireless communication functions. The terminal may also be referred to as a mobile station (MS), and may also be a subscriber unit, cellular phone, smartphone, wireless data card, personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, tablet computer, wireless modem, handset, laptop computer, machine type communication (MTC) terminal, etc., and may also be a vehicle-mounted communication module or other embedded communication module, etc.

[0070] Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices worn directly on the body or integrated into a user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices; they achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly defined, wearable smart devices include those with comprehensive functions, large sizes, and the ability to perform complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses. They also include devices focused on a specific application function that require the use of other devices, such as smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0071] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system or a chip, which can be installed in the terminal device. The chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0072] The base station involved in the embodiments of this application can also be referred to as a radio access network device, access network element, radio access network (RAN) node (or device, or network element), access point (AP), network device, small tower, etc. In the embodiments of this application, the RAN device can be a traditional macro base station (eNB) in a traditional universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) or LTE wireless communication system; it can be a micro base station (eNB) in a heterogeneous network (HetNet) scenario; it can be a base band unit (BBU) and a remote radio unit (RRU) in a distributed base station scenario; it can be a base band pool (BBU pool) and an RRU in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario; and it can be a gNB in ​​a future wireless communication system.

[0073] Access network equipment refers to nodes or devices used to support terminal devices in accessing the communication system. In other words, the access network provides access services to terminal devices, enabling them to access the network. Access networks can support both wired and wireless access. The main functions of access network equipment include: managing radio resources, compressing Internet Protocol (IP) headers and encrypting user data streams, selecting the Mobile Management Entity (MME) when a user equipment attaches, routing user plane data to the Service Gateway (SGW), organizing and sending paging messages, organizing and sending broadcast messages, and configuring measurement and reporting for mobility or scheduling purposes. This ultimately facilitates the forwarding of control signals and user data between terminal devices and core network equipment. Access network equipment can be simply referred to as the access network.

[0074] Optionally, the access network consists of multiple AN / RAN nodes. AN / RAN nodes may include, but are not limited to: access points (APs), enhanced node Bs (eNBs), home evolved Node Bs (HNBs), baseband units (BBUs), next-generation node Bs (gNBs), transmission reception points (TRPs), transmission points (TPs), or other access nodes, such as wireless relay nodes or wireless backhaul nodes. AN / RAN nodes may be one or more antenna panels, or network nodes constituting gNBs or transmission points, such as BBUs or distributed units (DUs), or devices performing RAN functions in communication systems such as D2D, V2X, M2M, and U2U. The AN / RAN node can be a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), an access network in a communication system that evolves after 5G communication system, such as xNodeB in 6G communication system, or an access network in a PLMN network that evolves after 5G communication system, etc., without any limitation.

[0075] Optionally, the protocol stack architecture and functions of the access network device can be divided into two parts: one part is called a central unit (CU) and the other part is called a DU. This type of network device can be called a RAN device that includes CU nodes and DU nodes.

[0076] In this embodiment, the core network device can connect to one or more access network devices. The core network device is responsible for maintaining the subscription data of the mobile network, managing the network elements of the mobile network, and providing terminal devices with functions such as session management, mobility management, policy management, and security authentication. For example, when a terminal device attaches, it provides network access authentication; when the terminal device has a service request, it allocates network resources for the terminal device; when the terminal device moves, it updates network resources for the terminal device; when the terminal device is idle, it provides a fast recovery mechanism; when the terminal device detaches, it releases network resources for the terminal device; and when the terminal device has service data, it provides data routing functions, such as forwarding uplink information data to the data network device in a 5G communication system; or forwarding downlink information data received from the data network device to the access network device, so that the access network device can send the downlink information data to the terminal device.

[0077] In different communication systems, core network equipment can correspond to different devices. For example, in a 3G communication system, it can correspond to the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and / or the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN); in a 4G communication system, it can correspond to the Mobility Management Entity (MME) and / or the Serving Gateway (S-GW); and in a 5G communication system, it can include control plane (CP) function network elements and user plane function (UPF) network elements.

[0078] The control plane function network elements can include policy control function (PCF) network elements, unified data management (UDM) network elements, application function (AF) network elements, access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, and location management function (LMF) network elements. These elements primarily perform functions such as access authentication, security encryption, and location registration for terminal devices, and establish, release, and modify user plane transmission paths. The UPF network element is responsible for managing user plane data transmission and quality of service (QoS) control, traffic statistics, etc. It can execute user packet forwarding according to the routing rules of the session management network element, such as sending uplink information data to the data network or other user plane network elements, and forwarding downlink information data to other user plane network elements or (R)AN network elements. Thus, by employing network slicing technology to achieve network function separation, different users or user groups can flexibly and dynamically customize network capabilities according to different application scenarios and needs.

[0079] This application does not limit the distribution of network elements in the core network. Besides the network elements described above, it may also include network elements not described. In this application, network elements may also be referred to as functional network elements, functional entities, nodes, devices, etc. A network element can be a network component implemented on dedicated hardware, a software instance running on dedicated hardware, or an instance of virtualized functionality on a suitable platform. For example, the virtualization platform could be a cloud platform. In future communication systems, the above network elements may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0080] In this embodiment, the data network device is used to provide business services to users. Generally, the client is a terminal device, and the server is the data network device. The data network provided by the data network device may include a private network, such as a local area network (LAN). The data network may also include an external network not controlled by the operator, such as the Internet. The data network may also include a proprietary network jointly deployed by operators, such as a network providing Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) services.

[0081] In some embodiments, the terminal devices, network devices, and various network elements described above can all be referred to as communication devices, which can be general-purpose devices or special-purpose devices. This application does not specifically limit them.

[0082] In this embodiment, the terminal device or network device includes a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also referred to as main memory). The operating system can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, or Windows. The application layer includes applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software. Furthermore, this embodiment does not specifically limit the specific structure of the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment, as long as it can communicate according to the method provided in this embodiment by running a program that records the code of the method provided in this embodiment. For example, the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment can be a terminal device or a network device, or a functional module in the terminal device or network device that can call and execute a program.

[0083] Furthermore, various aspects or features of this application can be implemented as methods, apparatus, or articles of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein encompasses a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or medium. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMs), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). The various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0084] It should be noted that the number and type of network devices and terminal devices included in the network architecture shown in Figure 1A are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. For example, it may also include more or fewer terminal devices communicating with network devices. As another example, it may also include more or fewer core network devices communicating with network devices. For the sake of brevity, they are not described one by one in the accompanying drawings.

[0085] Furthermore, although network devices and terminal devices are shown in the network architecture shown in Figure 1A, the application scenario may not be limited to network devices and terminal devices. For example, it may also include devices for carrying virtualized network functions. These are obvious to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0086] This application does not limit the location of the terminal equipment and network equipment; the terminal equipment and network equipment can be in a fixed state or in a mobile state. The terminal equipment and network equipment can be deployed on land, or on water, in the air, etc.

[0087] In this embodiment, network devices deployed in the air can be referred to as non-terrestrial network devices, and network devices deployed on the ground can be referred to as terrestrial network devices. An NTN communication system includes at least one non-terrestrial network device, while network devices in a terrestrial communication system are all terrestrial network devices. Terrestrial network devices, relative to non-terrestrial network devices, are stationary or move at a relatively slow speed. In other words, non-terrestrial network devices, relative to terrestrial network devices, can be high-speed mobile network devices.

[0088] Non-terrestrial network equipment may include satellites, high-altitude platforms (HAPs), drones, hot air balloons, low-Earth orbit satellites, medium-Earth orbit satellites, high-Earth orbit satellites, etc., without limitation. The term "satellite" in this application can refer to a collection of satellites and other network equipment related to satellite communication; therefore, in this application, the descriptions "satellite" and "satellite network equipment" are equivalent.

[0089] As an example, in an NTN communication system, the RAN node can be a satellite base station or a satellite. The architecture of the NTN communication system will be described below with reference to Figures 1B to 1C.

[0090] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a satellite communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. It is used for communication between a satellite and a terminal or base station. As shown in Figure 1B(a), the communication system includes a satellite base station and terminal device type network elements. The satellite base station provides communication services to the terminal device. The satellite base station transmits downlink data to the terminal device, wherein the data is encoded using channel coding, and the channel-coded data is transmitted to the terminal after constellation modulation; the terminal device transmits uplink data to the satellite base station, and the uplink data can also be encoded using channel coding, and the encoded data is transmitted to the satellite base station after constellation modulation. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1B(b), the satellite base station can also communicate with a base station. The satellite can act as both a base station and a terminal device.

[0091] Satellites can refer to drones, hot air balloons, low-Earth orbit satellites, medium-Earth orbit satellites, high-Earth orbit satellites, etc. Satellites can also refer to non-terrestrial base stations or non-terrestrial equipment.

[0092] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of another satellite communication system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. Used for communication between satellites, it can also be called an inter-satellite communication system. As shown in Figure 1C, the inter-satellite link communication system can be divided into two main parts: an acquisition pointing and tracking (APT) subsystem and a communication subsystem. The communication subsystem includes a communication module and transceiver antennas, responsible for transmitting inter-satellite information and is the main body of the inter-satellite communication system. The APT subsystem includes an APT module and an APT transmit / receive module, responsible for acquisition, alignment, and positioning between satellites. Determining the direction of the incoming incident signal is acquisition; adjusting the transmitted wave to aim at the receiving direction is alignment; throughout the communication process, continuously adjusting alignment and acquisition is positioning. To minimize the impact of attenuation and interference in the channel, while requiring high security and transmission rate, the APT must be adjusted in real time to continuously adapt to changes.

[0093] It should be understood that current APT systems are all optical systems, which have the disadvantage of being difficult to align and requiring mechanical adjustment of the pointing. Most existing communication subsystems are optical communication systems, with some microwave band systems, and most use a single high-gain antenna. Existing APT systems and communication subsystems are independent systems. The disadvantages are that optical communication is susceptible to vibration and other factors, resulting in unstable data rates; millimeter-wave frequencies are low, communication capacity is low, and the antenna requires mechanical adjustment of its pointing.

[0094] As another implementation, this application can be applied to scenarios where terminal devices communicate with each other, such as IoT communication systems.

[0095] Please refer to Figure 1D, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an IoT communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1D uses a mobile phone and a television as examples of terminal devices. As shown in Figure 1D, the mobile phone and the television establish a network connection. The mobile phone transmits the content that needs to be projected onto the television to the television. After receiving the content transmitted by the mobile phone, the television displays the content on its screen.

[0096] It should be noted that Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of a wireless screen projection architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. In fact, IoT communication systems can also be applied to virtual reality (VR) games, data encoding and decoding in mobile applications (APPs), and other application scenarios, which are not limited here.

[0097] As another implementation, please refer to Figure 1E, which is a schematic diagram of an integrated access and backhaul communication architecture provided by an embodiment of this application. This system addresses both the backhaul link and the access link, employing integrated access and backhaul (IAB). As shown in Figure 1E, it may include an IAB parent node (IAB Doner), IAB nodes, and terminals. The link between the IAB parent node and the IAB nodes is the backhaul link, and the link between the user equipment and the IAB nodes is the access link. This application can be applied to both parties communicating in the backhaul link or the access link. In this scenario, communication in the backhaul link can be viewed as communication between network devices, and communication in the access link can be viewed as communication between a network device and a terminal device.

[0098] It should be understood that the above system application scenarios are only examples, and this application can also be applied to other scenarios, which will not be listed here.

[0099] The prior art of the embodiments of this application is described below.

[0100] 1. Basic Time Unit:

[0101] In New Radio (NR) systems, the basic time unit (also known as the adoption time) is the smallest unit of time used to describe the length of the time domain, as shown in Equation 0 below. c =1 / (Δf) max ·N f (0)

[0102] As shown in Equation 1, T c The basic time unit; Δf maxThe maximum subcarrier spacing (SCS) supported by NR, such as 480 kHz; N f This represents the maximum number of samples (FFT size max) supported by NR, such as 4096. Thus, the basic time unit can be 0.509 nanoseconds (ns).

[0103] 2. Frame structure:

[0104] In NR, each radio frame can contain multiple slots, such as 10, 20, 40, 80, or 160. Each radio frame can contain 10 subframes, and each subframe can also contain one or more slots, such as 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16. Each slot can contain 14 or 12 symbols. Based on this, the frame structure can include parameters describing the symbols within a frame, such as subcarrier spacing, symbol duration, and cyclic prefix (CP) duration. In this embodiment, the cyclic prefix duration can also be referred to as cyclic prefix length, CP length, cyclic shift code length, etc., without limitation.

[0105] NR supports various subcarrier spacings, such as 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz, 120kHz, 240kHz, 480kHz, and 960kHz. The subcarrier spacing determines the length of a symbol in the time domain, or symbol length, which includes symbol duration and cyclic shift code (CP) duration. Symbol duration is also called useful symbol length. CP is mainly used to combat inter-symbol interference and multipath delay in the channel; CP duration is also called cyclic shift code length. Therefore, in NR, different subcarrier spacings correspond to different symbol lengths, and thus different useful symbol lengths and different cyclic shift code lengths.

[0106] Specifically, the subcarrier spacing configuration can be represented as μ, as shown in Table 1.

[0107] Table 1

[0108] The numbering of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol in a time unit, such as a subframe, can be represented as: in, This represents the number of time slots included in a subframe when the subcarrier spacing is μ. This represents the number of symbols included in a time slot when the subcarrier spacing is μ, and the continuous time-domain signal on antenna p. It can be represented as shown in Equations 1-4 below.

[0109] Here, t = 0 can represent the start time of a subframe. This indicates the start time of symbol l when the subcarrier spacing is μ. It can represent the carrier bandwidth of the subcarrier spacing configuration. This can represent the frequency domain starting position of the grid for the subcarrier spacing configuration μ0. This can represent the frequency domain resource size of a resource grid with a subcarrier spacing configuration of μ0. The frequency domain starting position of a resource grid can represent the subcarrier spacing configuration μ. It can represent the frequency domain resource size of a grid with a subcarrier spacing configuration of μ. The subscript x indicates the direction of the transmission link, such as uplink, downlink, sidelink, transmit, or receive. It can represent the number of subcarriers contained in a resource block (RB), such as 12 subcarriers. μ0 can represent the maximum value of μ. It can represent the length of the symbol. To represent the length of useful symbols by the number of reference time units, To represent the length of useful symbols by physical duration, To represent the length of the cyclic shift code by the number of reference time units, The cyclic shift code length is represented by physical duration. k can represent the subcarrier identifier, and l can represent the symbol identifier. It can represent a signal with a subcarrier spacing of μ on the antenna port p of the basic resource unit (k,l).

[0110] and It can also be expressed as shown in Equations 5-6 below.

[0111] Where κ can be 64. It can represent the length of the cyclic shift code of the extended CP. It can represent the cyclic shift code length of a regular CP, which can be the CP of the first symbol in a subframe. It can represent the cyclic shift code length of a regular CP, which can be a CP that is not the first symbol in a subframe.

[0112] It is understandable that for frame structures with the same seed carrier interval, the symbol length of the frame structure is fixed, and the cyclic shift code length of the frame structure is also basically fixed. This results in the symbol length and cyclic shift code length being inflexible, unable to meet differentiated communication needs, and affecting communication performance.

[0113] For example, in scenarios involving the transmission of pilot signals, or reference signals such as channel state information-reference signals (CSI-RS) and sounding reference signals (SRS), or the transmission of measurement information such as channel state information (CSI), the symbol length required for the reference signals or measurement information is typically short. In these cases, a fixed symbol length prevents the transmitter from adjusting the symbol length further, resulting in higher time-domain resource consumption, higher overhead, and greater delay, thus impacting communication performance. Similarly, in scenarios where multipath delay is less significant, the required cyclic shift code length is also typically short. In these situations, a fixed cyclic shift code length prevents the transmitter from adjusting the cyclic shift code length further, leading to higher CP overhead and impacting communication performance.

[0114] It can also be understood that the number of FFT sampling points (or sampling frequency) needs to be greater than or equal to the number of subcarriers to satisfy the Nyquist theorem. NR supports FFT sampling numbers that increase in multiples of 2, such as 512, 1024, 2048, 4096, etc. However, this increasing method may lead to large differences between different FFT sampling numbers, resulting in redundant sampling points. For example, if 520 subcarriers are configured, 512 FFT sampling points are unavailable, and a minimum of 1024 FFT sampling points must be used. In this case, there are 504 redundant sampling points, leading to increased signal processing complexity and processing latency. Here, the number of sampling points can also be referred to as the sampling number; the two can be used interchangeably, and this application does not limit this.

[0115] 3. Definition and uses of TA

[0116] TA refers to the time that the system frame transmitting uplink data by the UE is earlier than the corresponding downlink frame. See Figure 1F for details; Figure 1F is a schematic diagram of a TA provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1F, the transmission time of uplink frame i is earlier than the transmission time of downlink frame i by the TA.

[0117] The timing advance (TA) setting ensures that uplink signals transmitted by the UE arrive at the base station within a specific time window, avoiding signal interference that might occur if uplink signals from different UEs arrive at the base station at different times. This improves signal reception quality and overall system performance. For example, Figure 1G illustrates the TA for multiple UEs. There is a propagation delay d1 between the frame structure of time unit n transmitted by the base station (gNB Tx n) and the frame structure of time unit n received by UE1 (UE1 receiving time unit Rx n), and a propagation delay d2 between the frame structure of time unit n transmitted by the base station and the frame structure of time unit n received by UE2 (UE2 receiving time unit Rx n). To ensure that uplink signals transmitted by different UEs arrive at the base station simultaneously, the UE can set a timing advance when transmitting the uplink signal. For example, the timing advance can be twice the propagation delay. As shown in Figure 1G, TA1 = d1 * 2, TA2 = d2 * 2. UE1 sends uplink signals according to TA1 (UE1 transmission time unit Tx n), and UE2 sends uplink signals according to TA2 (UE2 transmission time unit Tx n). This ensures that the uplink signals of UE1 and UE2 arrive at the base station at the same time, avoiding interference between uplink signals.

[0118] The time unit in this application can be one or more of the following: radio frame, subframe, time slot, sub-time slot, and symbol. For example, time unit n can include one or more subframes, or one or more time slots, or one or more sub-time slots, or one or more symbols, etc.

[0119] 4. Calculation of TA value

[0120] The base station can determine the TA value (or TA quantity, i.e., the TA value and TA quantity are equivalent descriptions in this application embodiment) by measuring the physical random access channel (PRACH) sent by the UE, and notify the UE through the timing advance command (TAC) in the random access response (RAR).

[0121] 5. Determining the open-loop and closed-loop scenarios for TA values

[0122] (1) Open-loop scenario: The value indicated in the TAC is called the TA index (or the index T of the TA quantity). A During random access, the UE uses the TAC in the RAR for initial timing advance adjustment. At this time, the TA index (T) in the TAC... A ) is a 12-bit value, ranging from 0 to 3846, used to calculate the initial N. TA =T A *T c*16*64 / 2^μ (i.e., the TA offset in TAC), or, N TA =T A *16*64 / 2^μ, in units of T c Thus, T is obtained. TA Total lead time, or TA (Total Timing Ahead).

[0123] (2) Closed-loop scenario: After the UE has entered connected mode, the base station continues to maintain timing advance through the TAC in the Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC CE). At this time, the T in the TAC... A The value range is 0 to 63, used to indicate the current N. TA The adjustments that need to be made.

[0124] 6. Applications of TAC

[0125] The UE adjusts the amount of TA (e.g., the index T of the TA) in its uplink transmission based on the received TAC. A For different subcarrier spacings (SCS), the corresponding N for TAC is... TA The actual value will vary because the granularity of TAC depends on the subcarrier spacing.

[0126] 7. TAC Update

[0127] In a closed-loop scenario, the UE will update its N based on the TAC MAC CE sent by the base station. TA Value. N TA,new The value is based on N TA,old The value is calculated by adding the adjustment amount indicated by TAC. That is, N. TA,new =N TA,old +(T A -31)*T c *16*64 / 2^μ. Or, N TA,new =N TA,old +(T A -31)*16*64 / 2^μ, in T c .

[0128] T c *16*64 / 2^μ is equivalent to the adjustment granularity of TAC, and the value of μ is related to the subcarrier spacing.

[0129] 8. Maintenance of TA value

[0130] The base station maintains the uplink timing for each Timing Advance Group (TAG) by setting a timeAlignmentTimer. If the UE does not receive a new TAC before the timeAlignmentTimer expires, it needs to continue transmitting signals based on the current TA value.

[0131] 9. TA adjustment precision

[0132] The timing adjustment performed by the UE needs to have a certain degree of accuracy to ensure that the adjusted timing is consistent with the timing expected by the base station. If there is a large error between the timing adjusted by the UE and the timing required by the network, it may cause problems.

[0133] 10. Inter-range TA offset and TA adjustment

[0134] N TA,offset (Or it can also be called cell-level TA offset) is a cell-level parameter, determined by parameters in system information block 1 (SIB1); N TA The determination of N depends on the specific scenario. If the serving cell where the UE is currently camped has two UL carriers configured, then these two carriers can use the same N. TA,offset Value. For example, T. TA =N TA +N TA,offset .

[0135] Optionally, the network device can configure TA adjustment parameters for the terminal device. These TA adjustment parameters may include common TA adjustment parameters and / or UE-specific TA adjustment parameters. or, The unit is T c .

[0136] for example, The common TA offset configured for the higher-level signaling ta-common; if not configured, then...

[0137] for example, The TA offset for the user-level UE is configured for higher-layer signaling; if not configured, then...

[0138] 11. TAC taking effect

[0139] For random access, the TAC received by the UE in the RAR becomes effective from the transmission of Msg3. The time between receiving the RAR and transmitting Msg3 has already taken into account the time required for decoding the physical downlink share channel (PDSCH) and preparing the physical uplink share channel (PUSCH).

[0140] 12. Cell and carrier

[0141] A cell can be understood as a coverage area of ​​a wireless signal identified by a network device identification code or a global cell identification code. A cell is a unit for managing wireless communication resources. The frequency domain resources of a cell include at least one carrier, which is a continuous frequency domain resource used to carry information. The information in this application may include one or more of control information, service data, and reference signals. A carrier is characterized by its carrier frequency and carrier bandwidth. A cell includes at least one downlink carrier and one or more uplink carriers. The downlink carrier is used to carry wireless signals transmitted from the network device to the terminal device and is also called the receive carrier. The uplink carrier is used to carry wireless signals transmitted from the terminal device to the network and is also called the transmit carrier. Depending on the duplex mode, for example, when a cell uses frequency division duplex (FDD), the downlink and uplink carriers of a cell can be different, meaning uplink and downlink transmissions are performed on different frequency bands. When a cell uses time division duplex (TDD), the downlink and uplink carriers of a cell can be the same, meaning uplink and downlink transmissions are performed on one frequency band.

[0142] A cell's carrier, acting as both a frequency domain resource and a time domain resource, constitutes the cell's time-frequency resources. Alternatively, it can be understood that the carrier's carrier evolves into time-frequency resources over time. The information transmitted by network devices and terminal devices within this cell is carried on these time-frequency resources. Specifically, the downlink carrier and time domain resources constitute the cell's downlink time-frequency resources, while the uplink carrier and time domain resources constitute the cell's uplink time-frequency resources.

[0143] In this embodiment, the network device sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal device, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal device sends uplink signals or uplink information to the network device, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. To communicate with the network device, the terminal device can establish a wireless connection with a cell controlled by the network device. The cell with which the terminal device has established a wireless connection is called the serving cell of the terminal device. The configuration of the serving cell includes uplink configuration and downlink configuration, and the uplink configuration and downlink configuration correspond to each other.

[0144] It is understood that the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH), Physical Multicast Channel (PMCH), Physical Control Format Indicator Channel (PCFICH), Physical Hybrid Automatic Repeat Query (ARQ) Indicator Channel (PHICH), Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), and Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) in the embodiments of this application are only examples of downlink data channels and downlink control channels. The Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH), Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), and Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) are examples of uplink data channels and uplink control channels in the embodiments of this application. In different systems and different scenarios, data channels and control channels may have different names, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0145] For example, the Physical Reception Link Shared Channel (PRxSCH). PRxSCH is a physical layer data channel. Generally, standard protocols (such as 3GPP standard protocols) describe it from the perspective of the terminal device, that is, the physical layer data channel received by the terminal device. The function of this channel is similar to that of PDSCH in LTE and 5G communication systems. PRxSCH may be a physical layer data channel newly introduced in future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems). Of course, future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems) may still use PDSCH to represent the physical downlink data channel or receive data channel of the terminal device, or other channel names may be used.

[0146] For example, there's the Physical Transmission Link Shared Channel (PTxSCH). PTxSCH is a physical layer data channel. Generally, standard protocols describe it from the perspective of the terminal device, that is, the physical layer data channel transmitted by the terminal device. This channel functions similarly to the PUSCH in LTE and 5G communication systems. PTxSCH could be a newly introduced physical layer data channel in future communication systems (such as 6G). Of course, future communication systems (such as 6G) may still use PUSCH to represent the physical uplink data channel or transmission data channel of the terminal device, or they may use other channel names.

[0147] Based on the foregoing description, assuming a fixed correlation between uplink carrier 1 and downlink carrier 1, the terminal device transmits and receives signals via the correlated uplink carrier 1 and downlink carrier 1, respectively. The time point for receiving the signal on downlink carrier 1 is Td, and with Td as the TA reference point for uplink carrier 1, the time point Tu for transmitting the signal on uplink carrier 1 can be determined as Tu = Td - TA.

[0148] When there is no fixed correlation between the uplink and downlink carriers, the terminal device cannot determine the specific time point at which it transmits the uplink signal on the uplink carrier. Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a method for determining the TA value.

[0149] It should be understood that the embodiments shown below do not particularly limit the specific structure of the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of this application, as long as it is possible to communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example, the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of this application can be a terminal-side device (such as a terminal device) or a network-side device (such as a network device), or a functional module in the terminal-side device or network-side device that can call and execute a program.

[0150] It should also be understood that the embodiments of this application can be applied to communication between network-side devices and terminal-side devices, as well as communication between terminal-side devices and between network-side devices, and this application does not limit them in this regard.

[0151] This method is applicable to application scenarios involving uplink communication, downlink communication, or sidelink communication.

[0152] The following examples use network devices and terminal devices as examples for illustration.

[0153] Please refer to Figure 2A, which is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication devices involved in this method may include terminal devices and network devices, and can be described with reference to the network architecture shown in Figures 1A to 1E. In this embodiment, the functions performed by the terminal device may be performed by a device in the terminal device (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit), or a device that can be used in conjunction with the terminal device. The network device in this embodiment may be the network device in the network architecture shown in Figure 2A. In this embodiment, the functions performed by the network device may be performed by a device in the network device (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit), or a device that can be used in conjunction with the network device. The method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps 201 to 204, wherein:

[0154] 201. The first device acquires first indication information, which is used to indicate information related to the timing advance TA reference point.

[0155] For example, the first indication information is used to indicate information related to the TA reference point, and can also be described as: the first indication information is used to indicate the TA reference point.

[0156] Optionally, the first indication information is used to determine the TA reference point.

[0157] TA reference point information is used to determine the TA reference point. For example, TA reference point information can be the TA reference point itself, or it can be a related value of the TA reference point. The communication device can calculate the TA reference point based on the related value.

[0158] Alternatively, the first device acquiring the first instruction information can be replaced by: the first device determining the first instruction information.

[0159] Optionally, the first device may be a network device or a terminal device. The second device may be a network device or a terminal device.

[0160] For example, the first device in this application embodiment is a device for transmitting downlink signals on a downlink carrier. Specifically, it can be a satellite, satellite base station, ground base station, projected device, IAB node, etc., as described in Figures 1A-1E. The second device can be a device for transmitting uplink signals on an uplink carrier. Specifically, it can be a satellite, satellite terminal, ground terminal, projected device, terminal in IAB, etc., as described in Figures 1A-1E.

[0161] In the following specific examples, the first device is described in terms of a network device, and the second device is described in terms of a terminal device.

[0162] The first device acquires first indication information, which is used to indicate the TA reference point.

[0163] Optionally, the TA reference point can refer to the relative time point at which the second device advances the timing when sending a signal.

[0164] Optionally, the carrier of the signal transmitted by the second device can be an uplink carrier, a downlink carrier, a sidelink carrier, a satellite communication carrier, or other types of carriers. This application does not limit this.

[0165] The following example illustrates the use of an uplink carrier.

[0166] Optionally, the TA reference point can refer to the relative time point at which the second device advances its timing when transmitting signals on the uplink carrier.

[0167] Optionally, the first device may determine the first indication information based on the carrier configuration of the second device.

[0168] For example, the network device configures a cell for the terminal device. A cell may include n uplink carriers (transmit carriers, hereinafter referred to as UL carriers) and m downlink carriers (receive carriers, hereinafter referred to as DL carriers), where n and m are integers and n+m>=1.

[0169] Multiple UL carriers form a UL carrier resource pool, and multiple DL carriers form a DL carrier resource pool. Each UL carrier resource pool and DL carrier resource pool can correspond to a single physical cell identifier. Alternatively, multiple UL carriers and multiple DL carriers can form a carrier resource pool. Each carrier resource pool corresponds to a single physical cell identifier.

[0170] The carrier includes a bandwidth part (BWP) configuration; the DL carrier configures the downlink BWP, and the UL carrier configures the uplink BWP. The DL carrier can be configured with synchronization signal and PBCH block (SSB) resources, while the UL carrier can be configured with random access channel (RACH) resources.

[0171] The uplink and downlink carrier numbers of a cell can include the following two types:

[0172] (1) UL carriers and DL carriers are numbered independently.

[0173] Referring to Figure 2B(a), a cell includes independently numbered UL carriers 0, 1, 2, and also independently numbered DL carriers 0, 1, 2.

[0174] (2) Joint numbering of UL carrier and DL carrier.

[0175] Refer to Figure 2B(b). A cell includes uplink and downlink carriers 0 to 5 with joint numbering, where numbers 0, 3, and 5 are DL carriers and numbers 1, 2, and 4 are UL carriers.

[0176] Multiple DL carriers are equal, with no distinction between primary and secondary; multiple UL carriers are equal, with no distinction between primary and secondary.

[0177] For terminal equipment, the DL carrier can receive signals such as the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), PDSCH, channel status information-reference signal (CSI-RS), and SSB, while the UL carrier can transmit signals such as the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), PUSCH, sounding reference signal (SRS), and RACH.

[0178] Multiple carriers in a cell can be viewed as a single carrier (a virtual carrier), such as a virtual DL carrier and / or a virtual UL carrier.

[0179] A virtual carrier allows for dynamic spectrum sharing, spectrum access, and spectrum switching. For example, it can flexibly switch carriers based on requirements such as latency, throughput, energy consumption, and coverage, always selecting the carrier with the best performance to improve communication performance.

[0180] In response to the above scenario, the carrier identifier in this application embodiment can also be replaced with the BWP identifier of the BWP in the carrier, or the frequency band identifier of the frequency band in the carrier, or the block identifier of the block in the carrier.

[0181] In this embodiment, the UL carrier and DL carrier do not have a fixed matching association. Therefore, the terminal device cannot obtain the TA reference point of its corresponding UL carrier through the DL carrier. In this case, the network device can determine the association relationship between the UL carrier and the DL carrier, and then the network device indicates the association relationship between the UL carrier and the DL carrier through the first indication information. In this way, the terminal device can determine the TA reference point of the corresponding UL carrier based on the association relationship between the UL carrier and the DL carrier, as well as the time point of the DL carrier (such as the frame structure of the DL carrier or the reception time of the DL carrier signal).

[0182] Alternatively, the network device can determine a first time point, and then the network device can indicate the first time point through first indication information, which corresponds to the TA reference point of the UL carrier of the terminal device.

[0183] Optionally, step 401 can also be omitted, that is, step 201 can be the implementation behavior of the first device, and this application does not limit it.

[0184] 202. The first device sends a first instruction message. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first instruction message.

[0185] For example, the second device receives the first instruction information and determines the TA reference point based on the first instruction information.

[0186] The first device sends first indication information to the second device, and the second device obtains the indicated TA reference point by receiving the first indication information. This includes TA reference points indicated by the association between the UL carrier and the DL carrier, or by a first time point, etc.

[0187] Specifically, assuming that the first indication information indicates the association between the UL carrier and the DL carrier, and the association includes (DL carrier 1, UL carrier 0), then when the terminal needs to send a signal through UL carrier 0, it can obtain the time point when the TA reference point corresponding to UL carrier 0 is DL carrier 1.

[0188] Assuming the first indication information indicates the first time point Time1, when the terminal needs to send a signal through UL carrier i, it can obtain the TA reference point of UL carrier i, which is Time1, or the value obtained by conversion based on Time1 (e.g., unit conversion).

[0189] 203. The second device determines the time point for transmitting the uplink signal on the UL carrier based on the TA reference point indicated by the first instruction information.

[0190] Optionally, step 203 can also be replaced by: the second device determining the time point for transmitting the signal based on the TA reference point indicated by the first instruction information.

[0191] Optionally, the time point at which the signal is transmitted can also be called the timing reference point for transmitting the signal.

[0192] For example, the second device determines the time point for transmitting the signal based on the TA reference point indicated by the first indication information, which may be: the second device determines the time point for transmitting the downlink signal on the DL carrier based on the TA reference point indicated by the first indication information; or, the second device determines the time point for transmitting the sidelink signal on the sidelink carrier based on the TA reference point indicated by the first indication information; or, the second device determines the time point for transmitting the return signal on the return carrier based on the TA reference point indicated by the first indication information; or, the second device determines the time point for transmitting the uplink signal on the uplink carrier based on the TA reference point indicated by the first indication information.

[0193] Optionally, step 203 can also be replaced by: the second device determining the time point for transmitting the signal based on the TA reference point determined by the first instruction information.

[0194] For example, the second device determining the time point for transmitting the signal based on the TA reference point determined by the first indication information can be: the second device determining the time point for transmitting the downlink signal on the DL carrier based on the TA reference point determined by the first indication information; or, the second device determining the time point for transmitting the sidelink signal on the sidelink carrier based on the TA reference point determined by the first indication information; or, the second device determining the time point for transmitting the return signal on the return carrier based on the TA reference point determined by the first indication information; or, the second device determining the time point for transmitting the uplink signal on the uplink carrier based on the TA reference point determined by the first indication information.

[0195] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, "transmitting a signal on carrier xx" can also be replaced with "transmitting a signal via carrier xx", or "transmitting a signal on carrier xx", or "transmitting a signal on carrier xx", or "transmitting a signal carrying carrier xx". Here, xx can be an uplink, downlink, sidelink, backhaul, transmit, receive, or other communication link.

[0196] For example, the second device determines the time point for transmitting the signal based on the TA reference point indicated by the first indication information, which can be: the second device determines the time point for transmitting the signal based on the TA reference point and the TA quantity.

[0197] For example, step 203 can also be replaced by: the second device determining the TA reference point according to the first instruction information, and the second device determining the time point for transmitting the signal according to the TA reference point and the TA quantity.

[0198] The TA quantity can be 0, or it can be indicated by the first device; this application does not limit this.

[0199] Optionally, the method in this embodiment may further include: a second device determining the TA quantity.

[0200] Optionally, the second device can determine the TA quantity based on the instructions from the network device. For example, the TA quantity indicated by the TAC, or the TA quantity in the RAR.

[0201] For example, the second device determines the TA amount based on the TA reference point, or the TA amount is relative to the TA reference point.

[0202] Alternatively, in one implementation, the second device determines the TA quantity based on the TA reference point. When the TA reference point is the time point at which the signal is transmitted, the TA quantity is 0.

[0203] Optionally, the second device obtains a TA reference point and determines the TA amount relative to the TA reference point (e.g., T as described in the prior art). TA or N TA Alternatively, the TA value can be maintained and updated. Finally, the timing for the terminal device to transmit the uplink signal on the UL carrier is determined by combining the TA reference point and the TA value.

[0204] Among them, TA quantity can refer to the timing advance relative to the TA reference point, and TA quantity can also be called TA value.

[0205] Alternatively, the second device may determine the TA amount according to the method described in the prior art.

[0206] In this method, the second device can determine the timing of transmitting the uplink signal on the UL carrier based on the TA reference point and TA value of the UL carrier.

[0207] Optionally, the time point at which the uplink signal is transmitted on the UL carrier can also be called the uplink timing reference point of the UL carrier, or the timing reference point of the UL carrier, or the uplink time point of the UL carrier, or the time point of the UL carrier.

[0208] Optionally, the timing reference point of the UL carrier = TA reference point - TA quantity.

[0209] For example, when the TA value is positive, that is, when the timing reference point of the UL carrier is TA amount ahead of the TA reference point (i.e., the timing reference point is earlier than the TA reference point), then the timing reference point of the UL carrier = TA reference point - TA amount.

[0210] For example, when the TA value is negative, that is, when the timing reference point of the UL carrier is backed by TA amount relative to the TA reference point (i.e., the timing reference point is later than the TA reference point), then the timing reference point of the UL carrier = TA reference point + TA amount.

[0211] Optionally, the timing reference point of the UL carrier = TA reference point + TA quantity.

[0212] For example, when the TA value is negative, that is, when the timing reference point of the UL carrier is TA ahead of the TA reference point (i.e., the timing reference point is earlier than the TA reference point), then the timing reference point of the UL carrier = TA reference point + TA value.

[0213] For example, when the TA value is positive, that is, when the timing reference point of the UL carrier is backed by the TA reference point by the TA amount (i.e., the timing reference point is later than the TA reference point), then the timing reference point of the UL carrier = TA reference point + TA amount.

[0214] As can be seen, in this embodiment of the application, the first device indicates the TA reference point to the second device so that, in the case that the UL carrier and DL carrier do not have a fixed association, the second device can determine the time point for transmitting the signal according to the TA reference point indicated by the first device, thus ensuring the communication quality between the first device and the second device.

[0215] Optionally, the method in this application embodiment may further include:

[0216] 204. The second device transmits an uplink signal on the UL carrier according to the time point at which the uplink signal is transmitted on the UL carrier.

[0217] Optionally, step 204 can be replaced by: the second device transmitting a signal according to the determined time point for transmitting the signal.

[0218] For example, the second device transmits a downlink signal on the DL carrier according to the time point at which it transmits a downlink signal on the DL carrier; or, the second device transmits a sidelink signal on the sidelink carrier according to the time point at which it transmits a sidelink signal on the sidelink carrier; or, the second device transmits a return signal on the return carrier according to the time point at which it transmits a return signal on the return carrier; or, the second device transmits an uplink signal on the uplink carrier according to the time point at which it transmits an uplink signal on the uplink carrier.

[0219] For example, after determining the TA value, the second device can determine the time point for transmitting the UL signal on the UL carrier based on the TA value. For instance, the second device can transmit an uplink signal to the first device at that time point. Optionally, the uplink signal in this application may include at least one of the following: uplink data, uplink control signal, uplink reference signal, sensing signal, PRACH, SRS, etc.

[0220] Optionally, the downlink signal in this application may include at least one of the following: downlink data, downlink control signal, downlink reference signal, synchronization information block, sensing signal, channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), etc.

[0221] Optionally, the sidelink signal in this application may include at least one of the following: sidelink data, sidelink control signal, sidelink reference signal, sensing signal, etc.

[0222] For example, the first device can determine the TA value corresponding to the second device based on the PRACH sent by the second device, and indicate the TA value to the second device. The second device can then send an uplink signal to the first device on the UL carrier based on the TA value.

[0223] Optionally, the first device receives the uplink signal sent by the second device. This process improves the uplink transmission between the first and second devices.

[0224] Optionally, the first device receiving the uplink signal sent by the second device can be replaced by the first device receiving the signal sent by the second device.

[0225] The above embodiments only briefly describe the specific method by which the first device indicates the TA reference point. The following provides a detailed description of the specific method for indicating the TA reference point.

[0226] Referring to Figure 3A, which is a flowchart of a method for indicating a TA reference point according to an embodiment of this application, that is, a method for indicating a TA reference point by indicating the correlation between uplink and downlink carriers. As shown in Figure 3A, the method includes the following steps:

[0227] 301. The first device acquires first indication information, which is used to indicate the association relationship between the UL carrier and the DL carrier.

[0228] Optionally, step 301 can also be replaced by: the first device determining the first instruction information.

[0229] In this embodiment, a first device sends a first indication message to indicate the association relationship between the UL carrier and the DL carrier. The first device can update the association relationship between the UL carrier and the DL carrier by retransmitting the indication message. Therefore, the association relationship between the UL carrier and the DL carrier is configurable or updatable.

[0230] Optionally, step 301 can also be omitted, that is, step 301 can be an implementation behavior of the first device, and this application does not limit it.

[0231] 302. The first device sends a first instruction message. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first instruction message.

[0232] For example, the first indication information is used to indicate the association relationship between the first carrier and the second carrier. The first carrier can be one or more of a UL carrier, a downlink carrier, a sidelink carrier, and a backhaul carrier, and the second carrier can be one or more of a UL carrier, a downlink carrier, a sidelink carrier, and a backhaul carrier.

[0233] The following example illustrates the situation with the first carrier being a UL carrier and the second carrier being a DL carrier.

[0234] For example, the first device sends first indication information to the second device, from which the second device obtains the association between the UL carrier and the DL carrier.

[0235] Optionally, the first indication information is carried in the first carrier configuration signaling and is used to indicate one or more second carriers that are associated with the first carrier.

[0236] The following example illustrates the situation with the first carrier being a UL carrier and the second carrier being a DL carrier.

[0237] For example, the first indication information is carried in the UL carrier configuration signaling to indicate one or more DL carriers that are associated with the UL carrier.

[0238] For example, suppose the network device sends configuration signaling for UL carrier 2 to the UE, which indicates DL carrier 1 and DL carrier 3. This means that there is a relationship between (UL carrier 2, DL carrier 1) and (UL carrier 2, DL carrier 3).

[0239] Assuming the network device configures UL carrier 1 for the UE, which indicates DL carrier 1 and DL carrier 2, then the relationships are (UL carrier 1, DL carrier 1) and (UL carrier 1, DL carrier 2).

[0240] Optionally, the first indication information carries the association signaling, which indicates the existence of an association between the first carrier and the second carrier.

[0241] The following example illustrates the situation with the first carrier being a UL carrier and the second carrier being a DL carrier.

[0242] For example, the first indication information is carried in the association signaling to indicate that there is an association between the DL carrier and at least one UL carrier.

[0243] That is, the first device sends a signaling message to the second device to indicate the association relationship, for carrying at least one UL carrier that is associated with the DL carrier. This signaling message may be called an association relationship signaling message, or it may be called other signaling messages, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0244] For example, the DL carrier mentioned in the signaling can refer to the DL carrier used by the first device to transmit association signaling. For example, DL carrier 1. Among at least one UL carrier associated with DL carrier 1, there is a UL carrier configured by the network device for the terminal device, or if the network device configures multiple UL carriers for the terminal device, there is a UL carrier used by the terminal device for transmitting the uplink signal in this instance. Specifically, for example, UL carrier 2. That is, the associated carriers include (DL carrier 1, UL carrier 2).

[0245] 303. The second device determines the TA reference point of the UL carrier based on the DL carrier associated with the UL carrier as indicated by the first instruction information.

[0246] Optionally, step 303 can be replaced by: the second device determining the TA reference point of the first carrier based on the second carrier that is associated with the first carrier as indicated by the first instruction information.

[0247] Optionally, the first carrier can be one or more of a UL carrier, a downlink carrier, a sidelink carrier, and a backhaul carrier, and the second carrier can be one or more of a UL carrier, a downlink carrier, a sidelink carrier, and a backhaul carrier.

[0248] The following example illustrates the situation with the first carrier being a UL carrier and the second carrier being a DL carrier.

[0249] For example, the first device sends the first indication information to the second device, the second device obtains the association between the UL carrier and the DL carrier from it, and determines the TA reference point of the UL carrier based on the DL carrier.

[0250] Optionally, determining the TA reference point of the UL carrier based on the DL carrier can mean determining the TA reference point of the UL carrier based on the time point of the DL carrier, wherein the time point of the DL carrier includes at least one of the following methods:

[0251] Method 1: The time point of the DL carrier is the frame structure of the DL carrier.

[0252] Optionally, the TA reference point of the UL carrier can be determined based on the frame structure of the DL carrier.

[0253] The frame structure of a DL carrier can refer to the frame structure of at least one time unit among radio frames, subframes, time slots, sub-time slots, and symbols of a DL carrier.

[0254] Specifically, the TA reference point of the UL carrier is determined based on the frame structure of the DL carrier. This can be done by determining the TA reference point of the UL carrier based on the boundary or start time point of the frame structure of the DL carrier.

[0255] Method 2: The time point of the DL carrier is the time point of receiving the DL carrier signal.

[0256] Optionally, the TA reference point of the UL carrier can be determined based on the reception time of the DL carrier signal.

[0257] The reception time of the DL carrier signal can refer to the reception time of at least one time unit among the radio frames, subframes, time slots, sub-time slots, and symbols of the DL carrier.

[0258] For example, suppose the carrier that the second device (such as the terminal device) will use to transmit the signal is UL carrier 2. The second device (such as the terminal device) determines that the carriers that are related are UL carrier 2 and DL carrier 1 according to the first indication information. Then, the time point Tu1 of DL carrier 1 can be obtained as the TA reference point of the second device (such as the terminal device).

[0259] For example, suppose the carrier used by the second device (e.g., terminal device) to transmit signals is UL carrier 1, and the second device (e.g., terminal device) determines, according to the first indication information, that the downlink carriers associated with UL carrier 1 include DL carrier 1 and DL carrier 2. However, the carrier used by the second device (e.g., terminal device) to receive signals is DL carrier 2. Then the second device (e.g., terminal device) can obtain the time point Tu2 of DL carrier 2 as the TA reference point of the second device (e.g., terminal device).

[0260] As can be seen, in the application embodiment, sending the association relationship between the UL carrier and the DL carrier through the configuration signaling of the UL carrier can send the association relationship within the existing signaling, reducing the number of signaling interactions. Furthermore, sending the association relationship between the UL carrier and the DL carrier through the association signaling allows the associated UL carrier to be sent within the DL carrier, enabling the second device to quickly determine the TA reference point based on the time point of the DL carrier, thus improving the efficiency of determining the TA reference point.

[0261] Optionally, the method may include step 304.

[0262] 304. The second device determines the timing of transmitting the uplink signal on the UL carrier based on the TA reference point.

[0263] Optionally, step 304 can also be replaced by: the second device determining the time point for transmitting the signal based on the TA reference point.

[0264] For example, the second device determines the time point for transmitting the signal based on the TA reference point, which can be: the second device determines the time point for transmitting the downlink signal on the DL carrier based on the TA reference point; or, the second device determines the time point for transmitting the sidelink signal on the sidelink carrier based on the TA reference point; or, the second device determines the time point for transmitting the return signal on the return carrier based on the TA reference point; or, the second device determines the time point for transmitting the uplink signal on the uplink carrier based on the TA reference point.

[0265] Optionally, the method in this embodiment may further include: a second device determining the TA quantity.

[0266] For example, the second device determines the TA amount based on the TA reference point, or the TA amount is relative to the TA reference point.

[0267] Optionally, the second device determines the TA reference point, and by combining the TA value, the timing point for transmitting the uplink signal on the UL carrier (or the UL carrier of the terminal device) can be determined.

[0268] For example, refer to Figure 3B, which is a schematic diagram of determining the time point for transmitting a signal on the UL carrier according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3B, the DL carrier 2 and the UL carrier 1 are related. Assuming that the terminal device determines the TA reference point of the UL carrier 1 as the time point of the DL carrier 2, such as Td2 in the figure (e.g., the reception time point of system frame number (SFN) 0 of the DL carrier 2), and the terminal device determines the TA quantity of the UL carrier 1 as T_TA, then the time point at which the terminal device transmits the uplink signal on the UL carrier 1 (e.g., the transmission time point of system frame number 0 of the UL carrier 1) is T_TA. d-u1 =Td2-T_TA.

[0269] As can be seen, in this embodiment, the first device indicates the association relationship between the UL carrier and the DL carrier, and indicates the TA reference point of the DL carrier. This allows the second device to obtain the TA reference point based on the indication information, determine the TA value, and then determine the timing for transmitting the uplink signal on the UL carrier based on the TA reference point and the TA value. In other words, this indicates the association relationship for uplink and downlink carriers that do not have a fixed association relationship. This indication method is highly accurate and applicable to multiple UL carriers. This process ensures flexible correspondence between uplink and downlink carriers while determining the timing of signal transmission, thereby guaranteeing the communication quality between the first and second devices.

[0270] Referring to Figure 4A, which is a flowchart of a method for indicating a TA reference point according to an embodiment of this application, namely, a method for indicating a TA reference point by indicating a first time point. As shown in Figure 4A, the method includes the following steps:

[0271] 401. The first device acquires first indication information, which is used to indicate a first time point.

[0272] Optionally, step 401 can also be replaced by: the first device determining the first instruction information.

[0273] For example, the first device configures one or more UL carriers for the second device. The first device can indicate a first time point for each UL carrier, or it can indicate the same first time point for multiple UL carriers. For example, the first device indicates the same first time point for UL carriers associated with the same DL carrier.

[0274] Optionally, the first time point corresponds to the first carrier, or the first time point and the first carrier are related. That is, the first time point is the TA reference point of the first carrier.

[0275] Optionally, the first carrier corresponds to the first time point Time1, and the second carrier corresponds to the first time point Time2.

[0276] For example, the first time point can be at least one of the following: y1 h (hour), y2 min (minute), y3 s (second), y4 ms (millisecond), y5 us (microsecond), y6 ns (nanosecond), etc. For example, the first time point can be a combination of the aforementioned time points, such as y1 hour, y2 minute, y3 second, etc.

[0277] Optionally, step 401 can also be omitted.

[0278] 402. The first device sends a first instruction message. Correspondingly, the second device receives the first instruction message.

[0279] For example, the first indication information is used to indicate a first time point.

[0280] Consistent with the embodiments described in Figures 3A and 3B above, the first device can send the first indication information via first carrier configuration signaling or reference point indication signaling, indicating a first time point. The second device obtains the first time point from the first indication information by receiving relevant signaling.

[0281] 403. The second device determines the TA reference point of the UL carrier based on the first time point indicated by the first instruction information.

[0282] Optionally, step 403 can also be replaced by: the second device determining the TA reference point based on the first time point indicated by the first instruction information.

[0283] For example, the second device determining the TA reference point according to the first time point indicated by the first indication information can be: the second device determining the TA reference point of the DL carrier according to the first time point indicated by the first indication information; or, the second device determining the TA reference point of the sidelink carrier according to the first time point indicated by the first indication information; or, the second device determining the TA reference point of the return carrier according to the first time point indicated by the first indication information; or, the second device determining the TA reference point of the UL carrier according to the first time point indicated by the first indication information.

[0284] Optionally, the method may include step 404.

[0285] 404. The second device determines the timing of transmitting the uplink signal on the UL carrier based on the TA reference point.

[0286] Optionally, step 404 can also be replaced by: the second device determining the time point for transmitting the signal based on the TA reference point.

[0287] For example, the second device determines the time point for transmitting the signal based on the TA reference point, which can be: the second device determines the time point for transmitting the downlink signal on the DL carrier based on the TA reference point; or, the second device determines the time point for transmitting the sidelink signal on the sidelink carrier based on the TA reference point; or, the second device determines the time point for transmitting the return signal on the return carrier based on the TA reference point; or, the second device determines the time point for transmitting the uplink signal on the uplink carrier based on the TA reference point.

[0288] Optionally, the method in this embodiment may further include: a second device determining the TA quantity.

[0289] For example, the second device determines the TA amount based on the TA reference point, or the TA amount is relative to the TA reference point.

[0290] Optionally, the second device determines the TA reference point, and by combining the TA value, the timing point for transmitting the uplink signal on the UL carrier (or the UL carrier of the terminal device) can be determined.

[0291] Referring to Figure 4B, which is a schematic diagram of determining the time point of signal transmission based on a first time point according to an embodiment of this application, as shown in Figure 4B, for UL carrier 1, the network device indicates the first time point 1, and the terminal device can determine that the TA reference point of UL carrier 1 is the first time point 1 (e.g., time1). Then, the time point Td-u1 when the terminal device transmits the uplink signal on UL carrier 1 is time1-TA amount 1.

[0292] For UL carrier 2, the network device indicates the first time point 2. The terminal device can determine that the TA reference point of UL carrier 2 is the first time point 2 (e.g., time2). Then, the time point Td-u2 when the terminal device sends the uplink signal on UL carrier 2 is time2-TA amount 2.

[0293] Optionally, the TA value in this application can be positive or negative, and this application does not limit this. Alternatively, in the calculation formula, the TA value can be preceded by "+" (plus sign) or "-" (minus sign). These two expressions have equivalent meanings, and will not be elaborated further in subsequent embodiments.

[0294] As can be seen, in this embodiment, the first device indicates the TA reference point of the DL carrier by indicating a first time point, so that the second device can obtain the TA reference point and determine the TA quantity relative to the TA reference point. The second device determines the time point for transmitting the uplink signal on the UL carrier based on the TA reference point and the TA quantity. This indication method is flexible and convenient, and in this process, the TA reference point is indicated for the UL carrier, which does not have a fixed association with the DL carrier. This ensures flexible correspondence between the uplink and downlink carriers while realizing the determination of the time point for transmitting the signal, thereby ensuring the communication quality between the first and second devices.

[0295] As can be seen from the foregoing embodiments, the process of determining the timing of uplink signal transmission on the UL carrier involves determining the TA reference point and the TA quantity. The above embodiments describe the process of determining the TA reference point; the following embodiments will further describe the process of determining the TA quantity.

[0296] As one implementation method, determining the timing for transmitting uplink signals on the UL carrier based on the TA reference point may specifically include the following steps:

[0297] A1. Obtain the index information of the TA quantity;

[0298] B1. Determine the TA value of the UL carrier based on the index information of the TA value and the range of TA values;

[0299] C1. Determine the timing for transmitting the uplink signal on the UL carrier based on the TA value and the TA reference point of the UL carrier.

[0300] In this application, the index information of the TA quantity can also be called the index information of TA, or the index information of the TA value.

[0301] As described in the prior art, the formula for calculating the TA quantity can be: T TA =N TA +N TA,offset (7-1)

[0302] Where T TA N represents the final amount of TA obtained. TA N represents the TA offset in TAC. TA,offset This indicates the cell-level TA offset.

[0303] As described in the prior art, the formula for calculating the TA quantity can be:

[0304] or,

[0305] Where, N TAThe calculation formula can be: N TA,new =N TA,old +(T A -31)*16*64 / 2^μ (8-1)

[0306] Or, N TA,new =N TA,old +(T A -31)*16*64 / 2^μ*T c (8-2)

[0307] Where T A Indicates the index of the TA quantity indicated in the TAC.

[0308] In this embodiment of the application, there may be significant frequency differences between associated UL carriers and DL carriers, or significant frequency differences among multiple UL carriers associated with the same DL carrier. For example, the DL carrier of the terminal device has a frequency of 10 GHz, UL carrier 1 has a frequency of 700 MHz, and UL carrier 2 has a frequency of 9 GHz. The existing range of TA values ​​results in insufficient flexibility of TA, a limited range of indication, and a loss of transmission performance.

[0309] Therefore, in this embodiment, there are at least two ranges of TA values, and the range of TA values ​​corresponds to the frequency point or frequency band of the UL carrier.

[0310] Optionally, the range of values ​​for TA corresponds to the frequency point or frequency band of the UL carrier. The terminal device can determine the range of values ​​for TA based on the frequency point or frequency band of the UL carrier.

[0311] Optionally, the range of values ​​for the TA quantity index corresponds to the frequency point or frequency band of the UL carrier. The terminal device can determine the range of values ​​for the TA quantity index based on the frequency point or frequency band of the UL carrier.

[0312] Optionally, the meaning of the TA quantity index corresponds to the frequency point or frequency band of the UL carrier. The terminal device can determine the meaning of the TA quantity index based on the frequency point or frequency band of the UL carrier.

[0313] The index of a TA quantity can refer to the value of the TA corresponding to that index.

[0314] Optionally, the network device can indicate the range of values ​​for TA to the terminal through the first indication information.

[0315] Optionally, the range of values ​​for TA can be predefined by the protocol, and the network device instructs the terminal device which range of values ​​for TA to use.

[0316] Optionally, the range of values ​​for TA can be indicated by the network device to the terminal device; specifically, this application does not limit this range.

[0317] When the range of values ​​for TA is different, N in the aforementioned formula (7-2) or (8-2) will change. TA or T A If the value of N is different, then the obtained N TA The differences ultimately lead to different amounts of TA obtained.

[0318] Specifically, instructions can be given in the following two ways:

[0319] (1) The first indication information includes the TA indication group to which the UL carrier belongs, and there is a corresponding relationship between the TA indication group and the value range of TA.

[0320] Specifically, the correspondence between the TA indicator group and the value range of TA can be shown in at least one row of Table 1-1, as shown in Table 1-1:

[0321] Table 1-1

[0322] Where N is a positive integer, and y11 to yn2 are real numbers. The units of y11 to yn2 can be one or more of s, ms, ns, and us.

[0323] For example, at least one row from Table 1-2 below:

[0324] Table 1-2

[0325] The first device configures a UL carrier for the second device, and the first device can indicate the TA indication group corresponding to the UL carrier. Then, the second device can determine the value range of the TA for the UL carrier through the correspondence between the TA indication group and the value range of TA.

[0326] (2) The first indication information includes the UL carrier group to which the UL carrier belongs, and there is a corresponding relationship between the UL carrier group and the value range of TA.

[0327] Specifically, the correspondence between the UL carrier group and the TA value range can be shown in at least one row of Table 2-1, as shown in Table 2-1:

[0328] Table 2-1

[0329] Where M is a positive integer, and z11 to zm2 are real numbers. For example, see at least one row in Table 2-2 below:

[0330] Table 2-2

[0331] The first device can indicate to the second device the carrier group to which the UL carrier configured for the second device belongs. Then, the second device can determine the value range of the TA for the UL carrier by means of the correspondence between the UL carrier group and the value range of TA.

[0332] In addition, the first device can also indicate the range of values ​​for the index of the TA quantity by indicating the TA indicator group or the UL carrier group.

[0333] Optionally, there is a correspondence between the TA indicator group and the value range of the TA quantity index.

[0334] Optionally, there is a correspondence between the index range of the UL carrier group and the TA quantity.

[0335] Optionally, the correspondence between the TA indicator group and the value range of the TA quantity index is specified in at least one row of Table 3-1 below, as shown in Table 3-1:

[0336] Table 3-1

[0337] Where p11 to pn2 are integers.

[0338] For example, at least one row in Table 3-2 below:

[0339] Table 3-2

[0340] Optionally, the value ranges of the UL carrier group and the TA quantity index can have a separate correspondence, as shown in at least one row of Table 3-3 below:

[0341] Table 3-3

[0342] Where q11~qm2 are integers.

[0343] For example, at least one row in Table 3-4 below:

[0344] Table 3-4

[0345] Table 3-1 or Table 3-2 above provides an example of the correspondence between the index values ​​of TA indicator groups and TA quantities. Table 3-3 or Table 3-4 above provides an example of the correspondence between the index values ​​of UL carrier groups and TA quantities.

[0346] For example, when the range of values ​​for the index of TA is different, T in the aforementioned formula (8-1) or (8-2) will be different. A If the value of N is different, then the obtained N TA,newThe differences ultimately lead to different amounts of TA obtained.

[0347] Optionally, the TA indicator group or UL carrier group and the TA value range, as well as the value range of the TA quantity index, can have a corresponding relationship.

[0348] For example, the TA indicator group and the value range of TA, as well as the value range of the TA quantity index, can have a corresponding relationship. For example, at least one row in Table 4-1; see Table 4-1 for details:

[0349] Table 4-1

[0350] For example, at least one row in Table 4-2 below:

[0351] Table 4-2

[0352] For example, the value ranges of UL carrier groups and TA, as well as the value ranges of TA indexes, can have a corresponding relationship. For example, at least one row in Table 4-3; see Table 4-3 for details:

[0353] Table 4-3

[0354] For example, at least one row in Table 4-4 below:

[0355] Table 4-4

[0356] As shown in Tables 4-1 and 4-2, the same TA indicator group can correspond to both a certain range of TA values ​​and the range of values ​​for the TA quantity index. That is, the range of TA values ​​and the range of values ​​for the TA quantity index also have a corresponding relationship.

[0357] As shown in Tables 4-3 and 4-4, the same UL carrier group can correspond to both a certain range of TA values ​​and a range of TA index values. That is, the range of TA values ​​and the range of TA index values ​​also have a corresponding relationship.

[0358] The table above is only one representation of the correspondence between the TA indicator group or UL carrier group and the TA value range. This correspondence can also be represented in other forms, such as array form, text form, etc. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0359] Optionally, the above table may be predefined by the protocol or may be communicated to the terminal device by the network device through signaling; this application does not limit this.

[0360] Optionally, the first device may indicate information related to the value range of TA through the first indication information, or it may indicate information through other indication information. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0361] Optionally, the first device may indicate information related to the value range of the index of the TA quantity through the first indication information, or it may indicate information through other indication information. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0362] Optionally, the network device indicates the index information of the TA quantity of the UL carrier to the terminal device, and the terminal device determines the TA quantity of the UL carrier based on the index information of the TA quantity.

[0363] For example, the network device indicates the index 1 of the TA quantity for UL carrier 1, the TA indication group of UL carrier 1 is group 1, or the UL carrier group of UL carrier 1 is group 1. The terminal device determines the TA quantity 1 of UL carrier 1 based on the index 1 of the TA quantity and the value range of the TA corresponding to group 1.

[0364] For example, the network device indicates the index 2 of the TA quantity for UL carrier 2, the TA indication group of UL carrier 2 is group 2, or the UL carrier group of UL carrier 2 is group 2. The terminal device determines the TA quantity 2 of UL carrier 2 based on the index 2 of the TA quantity and the value range of the TA corresponding to group 2.

[0365] As another implementation method, determining the timing of signal transmission on the UL carrier based on the TA reference point may specifically include the following steps:

[0366] A2. Obtain the offset of the TA quantity;

[0367] B2. Obtain the index information of the TA quantity;

[0368] C2. Determine the TA value of the UL carrier based on the index information of the TA value, the range of TA values, and the offset of the TA value;

[0369] D2. Determine the timing of transmitting signals on the UL carrier based on the TA value and the TA reference point of the UL carrier.

[0370] Steps A2 and B2 can be obtained in any order, and can be obtained simultaneously; this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0371] In this case, the first device indicates to the second device the index of the TA quantity of the UL carrier and the offset of the TA quantity.

[0372] Optionally, the offset of the TA quantity in this application may also be referred to as the adjustment amount of the TA quantity, or simply the adjustment amount of TA.

[0373] Optionally, the offset of the TA quantity in this application may be simply referred to as the offset of TA.

[0374] Optionally, the range of values ​​for the index of the TA quantity and / or the range of values ​​for TA can adopt the index of the TA quantity and the range of values ​​for TA in the prior art.

[0375] Optionally, the range of values ​​for the index of the TA quantity and / or the range of values ​​for TA can be the same as the range of values ​​for the TA quantity in the previous implementation. Specifically, this application does not limit this.

[0376] Similarly, there may be significant frequency differences between uplink and downlink carriers that are related, or between multiple UL carriers associated with the same DL carrier. For different UL carriers, it may not be sufficient to indicate the TA offset in the TAC by indicating the index of the TA quantity of each UL carrier (with the same value range); it is also necessary to indicate the offset of the TA quantity for the UL carrier.

[0377] Optionally, the network device indicates the index information of the TA quantity of the UL carrier and the offset of the TA quantity to the terminal device, and the terminal device determines the TA quantity of the UL carrier based on the index information of the TA quantity and the offset of the TA quantity.

[0378] For example, the network device sends indication information to the terminal device, which indicates the offset of the TA quantity corresponding to the UL carrier. This allows the UE to determine the TA quantity based on the index information of the TA quantity and the offset of the TA quantity.

[0379] The index information and offset of the TA quantity can be the same or different indication information, and this application does not limit this.

[0380] For example, the network device indicates the index 1 of the TA quantity and the offset 1 of the TA quantity for UL carrier 1. The terminal device determines the TA quantity 1 based on the index 1 of the TA quantity and determines the TA quantity N_TA1 of UL carrier 1 as TA quantity 1 + TA quantity offset 1 based on the offset 1 of the TA quantity corresponding to UL carrier 1.

[0381] For example, a network device indicates the index 2 of the TA quantity and the offset 2 of the TA quantity for UL carrier 2. The terminal device determines the TA quantity 2 based on the index 2 of the TA quantity and determines the TA quantity N_TA2 of UL carrier 2 as TA quantity N_TA2 = TA quantity 2 + TA quantity offset 2 based on the offset 2 of the TA quantity corresponding to UL carrier 2. Exemplarily, the indication information of the TA quantity offset can be carried in RAR or higher-layer signaling (such as MAC signaling or RRC signaling), or physical layer signaling (such as downlink control information (DCI) etc.).

[0382] Optionally, the offset of the TA quantity can be expressed as the number of offset system frames, the number of offset subframes, the number of offset time slots, the number of offset symbols, or one or more of the offset TA quantity.

[0383] For example, the TA offset of UL carrier 1 is 0 system frames, 1 subframe, 1 time slot, and 3 symbols. The time corresponding to the TA offset can then be calculated as (1 + 1 / 2^u + 3 * (1 / 2^u / Ns)) ms. Ns is the number of symbols included in one time slot, such as 14.

[0384] Optionally, the offset of the TA quantity can be an absolute time, such as x1 ms, x2us, x3ns, etc., where x1, x2, and x3 are real numbers.

[0385] As another implementation method, determining the timing of signal transmission on the UL carrier based on the TA reference point may specifically include the following steps:

[0386] A3. Obtain the offset of the TA quantity;

[0387] B3. Obtain the index information of the TA quantity;

[0388] C3. Determine the TA value of the UL carrier based on the index information of the TA value, the range of TA values, and the offset of the TA value;

[0389] D3. Determine the timing of transmitting signals on the UL carrier based on the TA value and the TA reference point of the UL carrier.

[0390] Steps A3 and B3 can be obtained in any order, and can be obtained simultaneously; this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0391] In this case, step C3 can also be replaced by: determining the TA quantity of the UL carrier based on the index information of the TA quantity and the offset of the TA quantity;

[0392] Methods A3 to D3 are described in the same way as methods A2 to D2, except that in this case, the index information of the TA quantity indicated by the first device to the second device is the index information of the TA quantity common to the UL carrier, and the offset of the TA quantity of each UL carrier.

[0393] Among them, the index information of the common TA quantity refers to the index of the TA quantity being effective for one or more UL carriers, that is, the index information of the same TA quantity corresponding to the one or more UL carriers.

[0394] Optionally, in this embodiment, there may be only one range of values ​​for TA and one range of values ​​for the index of the TA quantity.

[0395] Optionally, the range of values ​​for the index of the TA quantity and / or the range of values ​​for TA can adopt the existing technology for the index of the TA quantity and the range of values ​​for TA.

[0396] Optionally, the range of values ​​for the index of the TA quantity and / or the range of values ​​for TA can be the same as the range of values ​​for the TA quantity in the previous implementation. Specifically, this application does not limit this.

[0397] In other words, when the first device indicates the index of the TA quantity of the UL carrier, it indicates a common index of the TA quantity for all UL carriers, regardless of which UL carrier the UE specifically uses to transmit the signal.

[0398] Optionally, the network device indicates the index information of the TA quantity and the offset of the TA quantity of the UL carrier to the terminal device, and the terminal device determines the TA quantity of the UL carrier based on the index information of the TA quantity and the offset of the TA quantity.

[0399] For example, the network device sends indication information indicating the offset of the TA quantity corresponding to the UL carrier. This allows the UE to determine the TA quantity based on the TA quantity index information and the TA quantity offset.

[0400] For example, the network device indicates the index 1 of the TA quantity, the offset 1 of the TA quantity for UL carrier 1, and the offset 2 of the TA quantity for UL carrier 2. Then, the terminal device determines TA quantity 1 based on the index 1 of the TA quantity, and determines the TA quantity N_TA1 of UL carrier 1 (TA quantity 1 + TA quantity offset 1) based on the offset 1 of the TA quantity corresponding to UL carrier 1. Similarly, the terminal device determines TA quantity 1 based on the index 1 of the TA quantity, and determines the TA quantity N_TA2 of UL carrier 2 (TA quantity 1 + TA quantity offset 2) based on the offset 2 of the TA quantity corresponding to UL carrier 2.

[0401] Alternatively, assuming that a certain UL carrier does not have an offset of TA quantity, the network device may not send indication information indicating the offset of TA quantity for that UL carrier.

[0402] In summary, for situations where there are significant differences in uplink and downlink carrier frequencies, or significant differences in frequencies among multiple UL carriers associated with the same DL carrier, different TA value ranges or different TA quantity index ranges (referred to as different value ranges) can be used to indicate different TA quantities. Alternatively, different TA quantities can be indicated by indicating TA quantity offsets. Regarding the TA offset indication method, the corresponding TA quantity index portion can be indicated using different value ranges, the same value range, or even the same TA quantity index. This application does not specifically limit this aspect.

[0403] As can be seen, in this embodiment of the application, by instructing the second device with relevant information about the TA quantity, including the range of TA values, the range of TA index values, or the offset of the TA quantity, the second device can accurately obtain the TA quantity through the relevant information about the TA quantity indicated by the first device, thus ensuring communication quality, even in the face of problems such as large differences between uplink and downlink frequencies or large differences between the frequencies of multiple UL carriers corresponding to the same DL carrier.

[0404] The above embodiments describe the process of determining the TA reference point or TA quantity in order to ultimately determine the timing of the second device transmitting a signal. In some cases, TA-related information (including any one or more of the TA reference point or TA quantity) will be updated, which will also cause the timing of the second device transmitting a signal to be updated. The following describes embodiments that lead to an update in the timing of the second device transmitting a signal.

[0405] Referring to Figure 5A, which is a flowchart of a signal transmission time point update method provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown in Figure 5A, the method may include the following steps:

[0406] 205. The first device sends second indication information, which is used to indicate second TA-related information of the UL carrier. Correspondingly, the second device receives the second indication information.

[0407] In some cases, the TA-related information of the second device will be updated based on the previous communication, including TA reference point updates, TA quantity updates, or both. The updated TA-related information is called the second TA-related information. The first device can indicate the second TA-related information to enable the second device to determine the timing of transmitting the updated uplink signal.

[0408] Optionally, step 205 can be replaced by: the first device sending second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate second TA-related information. Accordingly, the second device receiving the second indication information.

[0409] For example, the second indication information is used to indicate the second TA related information of the downlink carrier, or the second indication information is used to indicate the second TA related information of the sidelink carrier, or the second indication information is used to indicate the second TA related information of the backhaul carrier, or the second indication information is used to indicate the second TA related information of the uplink carrier.

[0410] Optionally, the second TA-related information may include any one or more of the following: the second TA quantity, the second offset of the TA quantity, the second TA reference point, or the second reference point offset.

[0411] 206. The second device determines the second time point for transmitting a signal on the UL carrier based on the second TA-related information indicated by the second instruction information.

[0412] Optionally, step 206 can be replaced by: the second device determining the second time point for transmitting the signal based on the second TA-related information indicated by the second instruction information.

[0413] For example, the second device determining the second time point for transmitting the signal based on the second TA-related information indicated by the second indication information can be: the second device determining the second time point for transmitting the signal on the downlink carrier based on the second TA-related information indicated by the second indication information; or, the second device determining the second time point for transmitting the signal on the sidelink carrier based on the second TA-related information indicated by the second indication information; or, the second device determining the second time point for transmitting the signal on the return carrier based on the second TA-related information indicated by the second indication information; or, the second device determining the second time point for transmitting the signal on the uplink carrier based on the second TA-related information indicated by the second indication information.

[0414] Optionally, the method further includes: a second device determining a second time point.

[0415] For example, the second device determining the second time point based on the second TA-related information indicated by the second indication information can be: the second device determining the second time point of the downlink carrier based on the second TA-related information indicated by the second indication information; or, the second device determining the second time point of the sidelink carrier based on the second TA-related information indicated by the second indication information; or, the second device determining the second time point of the backhaul carrier based on the second TA-related information indicated by the second indication information; or, the second device determining the second time point of the uplink carrier based on the second TA-related information indicated by the second indication information.

[0416] For example, the second device receives the second instruction information, obtains the second TA related information from it, and determines the second time point based on the second TA related information, which is the time point of the second device's updated transmission signal.

[0417] Optionally, the second device determines the second time point for transmitting the signal based on the second TA related information and the time point of the transmitted signal (before the second device updates).

[0418] For example, the second device determines the second time point for transmitting the signal based on the second TA related information and the time point of the transmission signal. This can be: the second device determines the second time point for transmitting the downlink signal on the DL carrier based on the second TA related information and the time point of the transmission signal; or, the second device determines the second time point for transmitting the sidelink signal on the sidelink carrier based on the second TA related information and the time point of the transmission signal; or, the second device determines the second time point for transmitting the return signal on the return carrier based on the second TA related information and the time point of the transmission signal; or, the second device determines the second time point for transmitting the uplink signal on the uplink carrier based on the second TA related information and the time point of the transmission signal.

[0419] Optionally, the second device determines the second time point for transmitting the signal based on the second TA related information and the TA reference point.

[0420] For example, the second device determining the second time point for transmitting the signal based on the second TA related information and the TA reference point can be: the second device determining the second time point for transmitting the downlink signal on the DL carrier based on the second TA related information and the TA reference point; or, the second device determining the second time point for transmitting the sidelink signal on the sidelink carrier based on the second TA related information and the TA reference point; or, the second device determining the second time point for transmitting the return signal on the return carrier based on the second TA related information and the TA reference point; or, the second device determining the second time point for transmitting the uplink signal on the uplink carrier based on the second TA related information and the TA reference point.

[0421] The following examples illustrate the method for determining the second time point in three scenarios:

[0422] Scenario 1: Downlink (DL) timed reference point update.

[0423] The downlink timing reference point refers to the point in time when the second device receives the DL signal.

[0424] Optionally, the downlink (DL) timing reference point is used to determine downlink timing, including frame structure, signal transmission and reception times, etc.

[0425] Optionally, the uplink (UL) timing reference point is used to determine uplink timing, including frame structure, signal transmission and reception times, etc.

[0426] The uplink timing reference point refers to the point in time when the second device sends the UL signal.

[0427] Optionally, the downlink timing reference point and the uplink timing reference point are correlated.

[0428] For example, when the downlink timing reference point shifts by t1, the uplink timing reference point also shifts by t1.

[0429] Optionally, the TA reference point and the timing reference point are correlated.

[0430] For example, the TA reference point of the UL carrier can be the downlink timing reference point of the DL carrier.

[0431] In one implementation, the first device uses the second TA-related information indicated by the second instruction information as the second TA reference point.

[0432] In this method, the terminal device determines the second time point for transmitting the signal based on the second TA reference point and the TA quantity.

[0433] By using this indication method to indicate the second TA related information, the second device can directly update the TA reference point based on the second TA reference point, thereby quickly obtaining the second time point and improving the efficiency of the second device in determining the updated second reference point.

[0434] In this context, the second TA reference point can refer to the downlink timing reference point. For example, when the second device acquires the second TA reference point, it can calculate the second time point based on the previously determined TA quantity and the second TA reference point. That is, the second time point = second TA reference point - TA quantity.

[0435] Optionally, the second TA reference point can refer to the uplink timing reference point.

[0436] Optionally, when the second indication information indicates that the second TA reference point is uplink timing reference point 1, the terminal device transmits a UL signal on the UL carrier according to uplink timing reference point 1. That is, the second time point = uplink timing reference point 1. In this case, the terminal device can consider that there is no TA quantity, or the TA quantity is 0.

[0437] Optionally, the second indication information can indicate the second TA reference point by indicating a third time point.

[0438] In other words, the second TA reference point is an absolute time point, which can specifically include information such as year, month, day, hour, minute, second, nanosecond, or millisecond.

[0439] As another implementation, the first device uses the second TA-related information indicated by the second instruction information as the second reference point offset.

[0440] In this method, the terminal device determines the second time point based on the TA reference point, the second reference point offset, and the TA quantity.

[0441] By using this indication method to indicate the second TA related information, the second device can determine the offset required to transmit the UL carrier based on the offset of the second reference point, which facilitates the second device to adjust the timing of the UL carrier.

[0442] Optionally, the second reference point offset can refer to the offset of the downlink timing reference point. The second device, having acquired the second reference point offset, can calculate the second time point based on the previously determined TA value, the previously determined TA reference point, and the second reference point offset. That is, the second time point = TA reference point ± downlink timing reference point offset - TA value. When the downlink timing reference point offset is an offset of time advancement, the ± sign is "-". When the second reference point offset is an offset of time delay, the ± sign is "+".

[0443] Optionally, the second reference point offset can refer to the offset of the uplink timing reference point.

[0444] Optionally, when the second device obtains the second reference point offset as the uplink timing reference point offset 1, it can determine that the UL's uplink timing reference point 2 (second time point) = uplink timing reference point 0 ± uplink timing reference point offset 1 (uplink timing reference point 2 is the uplink timing reference point updated according to the second indication information, and uplink timing reference point 0 is the uplink timing reference point before the update. At this time, the terminal device can consider that there is no TA quantity, or the TA quantity is 0). When the uplink timing reference point offset 1 is the offset of time advancement, the ± (addition / subtraction) sign takes the "+" sign. When the uplink timing reference point offset 1 is the offset of time delay, the ± (addition / subtraction) sign takes the "-" sign.

[0445] Optionally, the second indication information can indicate the offset of the second reference point by indicating the subframe number and the fourth time point.

[0446] For example, the second indication information indicates that the second reference point offset is the subframe number (e.g., SFN3) and the fourth time point (e.g., time point 3), meaning that when the second device transmits the uplink signal SFN3, the TA reference point is offset by time point 3. Time point 3 may specifically include information such as year, month, day, hour, minute, second, nanosecond, or millisecond.

[0447] Optionally, the second indication information can indicate the offset of the second reference point by indicating the number of sampling points.

[0448] For example, the second indication information indicates the number of sampling points Noffset, and the second device can obtain the TA reference point offset of the UL carrier as Noffset*Tc.

[0449] As another implementation, the first device indicates the second TA related information by configuring the timing association between the UL carrier and the DL carrier.

[0450] In this method, the second device determines the relevant information of the second TA based on the timing correlation.

[0451] For example, the timing correlation between the UL carrier and the DL carrier means that if the timing reference point of the DL carrier changes, the timing reference point of the UL carrier will also change.

[0452] For example, the second device determines the second TA reference point, or the second reference point offset, based on the timing correlation.

[0453] For example, as described above, when the downlink timing reference point shifts by t1, the uplink timing reference point also shifts by t1. Therefore, when the first device configures the timing association between the UL carrier and the DL carrier, the second device can determine the timing reference point update of the UL carrier based on the timing reference point update of the DL carrier, and thus determine the second time point.

[0454] Using this indication method to indicate information related to the second TA can reduce signaling overhead and improve communication efficiency.

[0455] Referring to Figure 5B, which is a schematic diagram of a process for determining a second time point according to an embodiment of this application, as shown in Figure 5B, the UL carrier (UL in the figure) and the DL carrier (DL in the figure) have a timing correlation. When the network device transmits SFN0 of the DL carrier, the terminal device receives SFN0 and determines the downlink timing reference point as downlink timing reference point 0. When the terminal device transmits SFN0 of the UL carrier, its uplink timing reference point is uplink timing reference point 0. The time point at which the terminal device transmits the UL signal on the UL carrier is calculated based on the downlink timing reference point 0 - TA, that is, the uplink timing reference point 0 is determined to be equal to the downlink timing reference point 0 - TA. At this time, the TA reference point of the UL carrier is the downlink timing reference point 0 of the DL carrier. In other words, the uplink timing reference point of the UL carrier and the downlink timing reference point of the DL carrier are bound together. When the network device transmits SFN3 on the DL carrier, the downlink timing reference point is updated to downlink timing reference point 1. Correspondingly, when the UE transmits SFN3 on the UL carrier, the uplink timing reference point is also updated to uplink timing reference point 1. The TA reference point is also updated to downlink timing reference point 1 on the DL carrier.

[0456] For example, the first device can indicate the downlink timing reference point 1 of the DL carrier to the second device through the second indication information. Then the time point at which the terminal device sends SNF3 (i.e., the second time point) = downlink timing reference point 1 - TA amount.

[0457] For example, the first device can indicate the uplink timing reference point 1 of the UL carrier to the second device through the second indication information. Then the second time point = uplink timing reference value 1.

[0458] Alternatively, for example, the first device can indicate the offset of the downlink timing reference point to the second device via the second indication information (in the figure, it is offset by C0 in advance). Then the second time point = downlink timing reference point 0 - C0 - TA amount.

[0459] For example, the first device can indicate the offset of the uplink timing reference point to the second device via the second indication information (in the figure, it is offset by C0 in advance). Then the second time point = uplink timing reference point 0 - C0. The disclosure document provides three methods for determining the TA reference point based on the timing reference point.

[0460] The example described illustrates a scenario where the TA reference point of the UL carrier is updated based on the timing reference point update of its associated DL carrier. It should be noted that the TA reference point of the UL carrier before the update can be determined by a first time point indicated by the first device, as described above. Alternatively, it can be determined by the association relationship between the UL carrier and the DL carrier indicated by the first device. However, in some cases, the embodiments of this application may not be combined with any of the embodiments shown in Figures 2A to 5A. That is, the TA reference point of the UL carrier before the update can be determined in other ways, such as by DL carriers with a fixed association relationship. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0461] Scenario 2: TA volume update

[0462] As one implementation method, the second TA-related information is the second TA quantity, and the terminal device determines the second time point based on the TA reference point and the second TA quantity.

[0463] Optionally, when the second device obtains the second TA quantity from the second indication information, it can calculate the second time point based on the previously determined TA reference point and the second TA quantity. For example, the second time point = TA reference point - second TA quantity.

[0464] Optionally, the first device can indicate the second TA quantity by indicating a first time (e.g., T1). For example, the second time point = TA reference point - T1.

[0465] For example, the first time can be an absolute time, such as at least one of the following: x1 ms, x2us, x3ns, etc., where x1, x2, and x3 are real numbers.

[0466] As one implementation, the second TA-related information is the second offset of the TA quantity, and the terminal device determines the second time point based on the TA reference, the TA quantity, and the second offset of the TA quantity.

[0467] Optionally, when the second device obtains the second offset of the TA quantity from the second indication information, it can calculate the second time point based on the TA reference point previously determined by the first device, the previously determined TA quantity, and the second offset of the TA quantity. For example, the second time point = TA reference point - TA quantity - second offset of the TA quantity. Optionally, the first device can use the indication T... A This indicates the second offset of the TA quantity.

[0468] For example, the second instruction information indicates T A Then the second device can be based on T A Update N in the aforementioned formula (8-1) or (8-2) TA,new This leads to the updated second TA quantity.

[0469] For example, N TA,new =N TA,old +(T A -31)*16*64 / 2^μ.

[0470] Alternatively, the first device can indicate a second offset of the TA quantity by indicating the number of sampling points.

[0471] For example, the second indication information indicates the number of sampling points N. offset Then the second device can be based on N offset Update N TA,new This leads to the updated second TA quantity.

[0472] For example, N TA,new =N TA,old +N offset *T c .

[0473] Alternatively, the first device may indicate a second offset of the TA quantity by indicating a second time (e.g., T2).

[0474] For example, the second time can be an absolute time, such as at least one of the following: y1 ms, y2us, y3ns, etc., where y1, y2, and y3 are real numbers.

[0475] For example, N TA,new =N TA,old +T2.

[0476] Optionally, the offset of the TA quantity in this application can be positive or negative, and this application does not limit this. Alternatively, in the calculation formula, the offset of the TA quantity can be preceded by "+" or "-". These two expressions have equivalent meanings, and will not be elaborated further in subsequent embodiments.

[0477] Referring to Figure 5C, which is a schematic diagram of another process for determining the second time point provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5C, the UL carrier and the DL carrier are correlated. The timing reference point of the DL carrier is the downlink timing reference point 0. The timing reference point of the UL carrier is the uplink timing reference point 0. When transmitting SFN0, the TA amount of the UL carrier relative to the DL carrier is TA1. That is, the second time point of the UL carrier (uplink timing reference point 0) = downlink timing reference point 0 - TA1.

[0478] For example, when SFN3 is sent, the second indication information indicates that the TA value of the UL carrier relative to the DL carrier is updated to TA2 (second TA value), then the second time point (uplink timing reference point 1) = downlink timing reference point 0 - TA2.

[0479] For example, when SFN3 is transmitted, the second indication information indicates that the TA amount of the UL carrier relative to the DL carrier has changed by T. A1-1 If the offset (the second offset of the TA quantity) is advanced, then the second time point = downlink timing reference point 0 - TA1 - T A1-1 .

[0480] For example, when SFN3 is sent, the second indication information indicates that the TA quantity has changed to T. A1-1 If the offset (the second offset of the TA quantity) is advanced, then the second time point = the uplink timing reference point 0 - T. A1-1 .

[0481] Optionally, the second TA-related information indicated by the first device through the second indication information can be TA2 or T. A1-1 .

[0482] In the example of Figure 5C above, the TA reference point can be determined based on the first time point indicated by the network device, or it can be determined based on the association relationship between the UL carrier and the DL carrier. That is, this embodiment can be combined with any of the embodiments of Figures 2A to 5A above. Alternatively, this embodiment may not be combined with the foregoing embodiments, for example, the TA reference point may be determined based on the DL carrier and the UL carrier with a fixed association relationship, etc., and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0483] The first device indicates how much the TA quantity has deviated by indicating a first absolute time.

[0484] Scenario 3: Downlink timing reference point and TA quantity are both updated

[0485] As one implementation method, the second TA-related information is the second reference point and the second TA quantity.

[0486] In this method, the terminal device determines the second time point based on the second reference point and the second TA quantity.

[0487] Optionally, after the second device obtains the second TA reference point and the second TA quantity from the second indication information, it can combine the two to obtain the second time point. For example, the second time point = the second TA reference point - the second TA quantity.

[0488] As another implementation, the second TA-related information is the second reference point offset and the second TA quantity.

[0489] In this method, the terminal device determines the second time based on the already determined TA reference point, the second reference point offset (uplink timing reference point offset, or downlink timing reference point offset), and the second TA quantity.

[0490] Optionally, after the second device obtains the second reference point offset and the second TA value from the second indication information, it can determine the second time point by combining the TA reference point. For example, the second time point = TA reference point ± second reference point offset - second TA value.

[0491] As another implementation, the second TA-related information is the second reference point and the second offset of the TA quantity.

[0492] In this method, the terminal device determines the second time point based on the second reference point and the second offset of the TA quantity.

[0493] Optionally, after the second device obtains the second TA reference point and the second offset of the TA quantity from the second indication information, it can combine these two and the TA quantity to obtain the second time point. For example, the second time point = second TA reference point - second TA quantity ± second offset of the TA quantity.

[0494] As another implementation, the second TA-related information is the second reference point offset and the second offset of the TA quantity.

[0495] In this method, the terminal device determines the second time point based on the already determined TA reference point and the offset of the second reference point, as well as the already determined TA amount and the offset of the second reference point.

[0496] Optionally, after the second device obtains the second reference point offset and the second offset of the TA quantity from the second indication information, it can combine the TA reference point and TA quantity from the first indication information, and obtain the second time point. For example, the second time point = TA reference point ± second reference point offset - TA quantity ± second offset of the TA quantity.

[0497] Figure 5D is a schematic diagram of another process for determining the second time point provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5D, the UL carrier and the DL carrier are associated. The timing reference point of the DL carrier is the downlink timing reference point 0, and the timing reference point of the UL carrier is the uplink timing reference point 0. When transmitting SFN0, the TA value of the UL carrier relative to the DL carrier is TA1. That is, the time point of the transmitted signal on the UL carrier (uplink timing reference point 0) = downlink timing reference point 0 (TA reference point 0) - TA1. When transmitting SFN3, the second indication information indicates that the timing reference point of the DL carrier is updated to the downlink timing reference point 1, and the TA value is updated to TA2. That is, the second reference point offset of the downlink timing reference point is C1, and the second offset of the TA value is T2. This causes the timing reference point of the UL carrier to be updated to the uplink timing reference point 1 (the second time point of the transmitted signal on the UL carrier).

[0498] For example, the second indication information sent by the first device can indicate downlink timing reference point 1 and TA2. That is, in this method, the second indication information is used to indicate the second TA reference point and the second TA quantity, such as the second time point = downlink timing reference point 1 - TA2.

[0499] For example, the second indication information sent by the first device can indicate C1 and TA2. That is, in this method, the second indication information is used to indicate the second reference point offset and the second TA amount, such as the second time point = downlink timing reference point 0 - C1 - TA2.

[0500] For example, the second indication information sent by the first device can indicate downlink timing reference point 1 and T2. That is, in this method, the second indication information is used to indicate the second TA reference point and the second offset of the TA quantity, such as the second time point = downlink timing reference point 1 - TA1 - T2.

[0501] For example, the second indication information sent by the first device can indicate C1 and T2. That is, in this method, the second indication information is used to indicate the second offset of the second reference point offset and the second offset of the TA amount, such as the second time point = downlink timing reference point 0-C1-TA1-T2.

[0502] Regarding the second TA information in this embodiment, please refer to the aforementioned Scenario 1 and Scenario 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0503] Optionally, after determining the second time point, the method may further include the following steps (see Figure 5A above for details):

[0504] 207. The second device transmits an uplink signal according to the second time point at which the signal is transmitted on the UL carrier.

[0505] Alternatively, step 207 can be replaced by: the second device sending a signal according to the second time point.

[0506] For example, the second device transmitting a signal according to a second time point can be: the second device transmitting a downlink signal according to a determined time point for transmitting a downlink signal on the DL carrier; or, the second device transmitting a sidelink signal according to a determined time point for transmitting a sidelink signal on the sidelink carrier; or, the second device transmitting a backhaul signal according to a determined time point for transmitting a backhaul signal on the backhaul carrier; or, the second device transmitting an uplink signal according to a determined time point for transmitting an uplink signal on the uplink carrier.

[0507] For example, the second device sends a UL signal according to the updated second time point so that the UL signal of the UL carrier can meet the reception requirements of the first device.

[0508] As can be seen, in this embodiment, the first device sends second indication information to indicate any one or more of the following: a second TA reference point, a second reference point offset, a second TA quantity, or a second offset of the TA quantity. This allows the second device, upon receiving the second indication information, to update and obtain the second TA reference point and / or the second TA quantity, and subsequently update and obtain the second time point at which the second device transmits the signal. This improves the flexibility and accuracy of the signal transmission process.

[0509] Please refer to Figure 6, which is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device can be used to execute any of the methods in the foregoing embodiments.

[0510] As shown in Figure 6, the communication device includes a processing module 1501 and a transceiver module 1502. The processing module 1501 may be one or more processors, and the transceiver module 1502 may be a transceiver or a communication interface. This communication device can be used to implement the functions of the first and second devices involved in any of the above method embodiments. These devices may be hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). Optionally, the communication device may also include a storage module 1503 for storing the program code and data of the communication device.

[0511] In a first example, the communication device can function as the second device or a chip within the second device shown in Figures 2A-5D, and execute the steps performed by the second device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 1502 supports communication with the first device, etc. The processing module 1501 can be used to support the execution of actions performed by the second device in the above method embodiments, excluding sending and receiving.

[0512] Specifically, the transceiver module 1502 is used to receive the first indication information, which is used to indicate the timing advance TA reference point;

[0513] Processing module 1501 is used to determine the timing of transmitting uplink signals on the uplink carrier based on the TA reference point.

[0514] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information includes the correlation between uplink carriers and downlink carriers, and the processing module 1501 is specifically used to: determine the TA reference point of the uplink carrier based on the downlink carrier that is correlated with the uplink carrier.

[0515] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information includes a first time point, and the processing module 1501 is specifically used to: determine the TA reference point of the uplink carrier based on the first time point.

[0516] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information may further include the TA indication group to which the uplink carrier belongs, and there is a correspondence between the TA indication group and the value range of TA; or the first indication information may further include the uplink carrier group to which the uplink carrier belongs, and there is a correspondence between the uplink carrier group and the value range of TA.

[0517] In one feasible implementation, determining the time point for transmitting a signal on the uplink carrier based on the TA reference point includes: acquiring index information of the TA quantity; determining the TA quantity of the uplink carrier based on the index information of the TA quantity and the value range of TA; and determining the time point for transmitting a signal on the uplink carrier based on the TA quantity of the uplink carrier and the TA reference point of the uplink carrier.

[0518] In one feasible implementation, the processing module 1501 is further configured to: obtain the offset of the TA quantity; determine the TA quantity of the uplink carrier according to the index information of the TA quantity and the value range of the TA, including: determining the TA quantity of the uplink carrier according to the index information of the TA quantity, the value range of the TA, and the offset of the TA quantity.

[0519] In one feasible implementation, the transceiver module 1502 is further configured to: receive second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate second TA-related information of the uplink carrier; the processing module 1501 is further configured to: obtain a second time point for transmitting a signal on the uplink carrier based on the second TA-related information.

[0520] In one feasible implementation, the second TA-related information includes a second TA quantity and / or a second offset of the TA quantity. Obtaining a second time point for transmitting a signal on the uplink carrier based on the second TA-related information includes: obtaining the second time point based on the second TA quantity and / or the second offset of the TA quantity, and the TA reference point of the uplink carrier.

[0521] In one feasible implementation, the second indication information includes a second TA reference point or a second reference point offset. Obtaining a second time point for transmitting a signal on the uplink carrier based on the second TA related information includes: obtaining the second time point based on the second TA reference point or the second reference point offset and the TA amount of the uplink carrier.

[0522] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information is carried in the uplink carrier configuration signaling and is used to indicate one or more downlink carriers that are associated with the uplink carrier.

[0523] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information is carried in the association signaling, which indicates that there is an association between downlink carriers and at least one uplink carrier, wherein the at least one uplink carrier includes an uplink carrier.

[0524] In one feasible implementation, the offset of the TA quantity is indicated by at least one of the following: offset system frame number, offset subframe number, offset time slot number, offset symbol number, or offset TA quantity.

[0525] In a second example, the communication device can function as the first device in Figures 2A-5D or as a chip within the first device, and execute the steps performed by the first device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 1502 supports communication with the second device. The processing module 1501 can be used to support the execution of actions performed by the first device in the above method embodiments, other than sending and receiving.

[0526] Specifically, the processing module 1501 is used to obtain first indication information, which is used to indicate the timing advance TA reference point;

[0527] The transceiver module 1502 is used to send the first instruction information.

[0528] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information includes the association between the uplink carrier and the downlink carrier, the association being used to determine the TA reference point of the uplink carrier.

[0529] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information includes a first time point, which is used to determine the TA reference point of the uplink carrier.

[0530] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information may further include the TA indication group to which the uplink carrier belongs, and there is a correspondence between the TA indication group and the value range of TA; or the first indication information may further include the uplink carrier group to which the uplink carrier belongs, and there is a correspondence between the uplink carrier group and the value range of TA.

[0531] In one feasible implementation, the transceiver module 1502 is further configured to transmit second indication information, which is used to indicate second TA-related information of the uplink carrier. The second TA-related information includes at least one of the following: second TA amount, second offset of TA amount, second TA reference point, or second reference point offset.

[0532] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information is carried in the uplink carrier configuration signaling and is used to indicate one or more downlink carriers that are associated with the uplink carrier.

[0533] In one feasible implementation, the first indication information is carried in the association signaling, which indicates that there is an association between downlink carriers and at least one uplink carrier, wherein the at least one uplink carrier includes an uplink carrier.

[0534] The processing module 1501 may be a processor that can execute computer execution instructions stored in the storage module to cause the chip to perform the methods involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0535] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a simplified structural diagram of a network device provided in an embodiment of this application, and can be used as an implementation of the first device of this application.

[0536] The network device includes a radio frequency (RF) signal transceiver and conversion section and a baseband section 42. The RF signal transceiver and conversion section further includes a receiving module 41 and a transmitting module 43 (which can also be collectively referred to as transceiver modules). The RF signal transceiver and conversion section is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals and converting RF signals to baseband signals. The baseband section 42 is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling the network device. The receiving module 41 can also be called a receiver, receiver circuit, etc., and the transmitting module 43 can also be called a transmitter, transmitter, transmitter circuit, etc. The baseband section 42 is usually the control center of the network device, and can also be called a processing module, used to execute the steps performed by the network device in any of the above methods. See the description of the relevant sections above for details. The transmitting module 43 may include an antenna and RF circuitry. The RF circuitry is mainly used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves.

[0537] The baseband section 42 may include one or more boards, each board may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processors are used to read and execute programs in the memories to implement baseband processing functions and control network devices. If multiple boards exist, they can be interconnected to increase processing power. As an optional implementation, multiple boards may share one or more processors, multiple boards may share one or more memories, or multiple boards may simultaneously share one or more processors.

[0538] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a simplified structural diagram of a UE provided in an embodiment of this application, as an implementation of the second device in this application.

[0539] For ease of understanding and illustration, Figure 8 uses a mobile phone as an example of a UE. As shown in Figure 8, the UE includes at least one processor, and may also include radio frequency (RF) circuitry, an antenna, and input / output devices. The processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, as well as to control the UE, execute software programs, and process data from those programs. The UE may also include a memory, primarily used to store software programs and data. These programs can be loaded into the memory at the time of manufacture or added later when needed. The RF circuitry is mainly used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are mainly used to receive user input data and output data to the user. It should be noted that some types of UEs may not have input / output devices.

[0540] When a signal needs to be transmitted, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then processes the baseband signal and transmits it outward as an electromagnetic wave through the antenna. When data is sent to the UE, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts it into a baseband signal, and outputs it to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal back into data and processes it. For ease of explanation, Figure 8 only shows one memory and one processor. In actual UE products, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be set up independently of the processor or integrated with the processor; this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0541] In this embodiment, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver functions can be regarded as the receiving unit and transmitting unit of the UE (or collectively referred to as the transceiver unit), and the processor with processing functions can be regarded as the processing unit of the UE. As shown in Figure 8, the UE includes a receiving module 31, a processing module 32, and a transmitting module 33. The receiving module 31 can also be referred to as a receiver, receiver circuit, etc., and the transmitting module 33 can also be referred to as a transmitter, transmitter, transmitter circuit, etc. The processing module 32 can also be referred to as a processor, processing board, processing device, etc.

[0542] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0543] Optionally, the memory may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together. The memory may be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it may be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). In the embodiments of this application, the processor may also be flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

[0544] Optionally, the UE may include instructions (sometimes referred to as code or program) that can be executed on the processor.

[0545] Optionally, the UE may also include a transceiver and an antenna. The transceiver may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver module, transceiver, transceiver circuit, transceiver, input / output interface, etc., and is used to realize the UE's transmission and reception functions through the antenna.

[0546] This application provides a communication system, which includes the first device and the second device described above.

[0547] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, which, when executed, cause the computer to perform the method described in any of the above methods.

[0548] This application provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code. When the computer program code is run, it causes the computer to perform the method described in any of the above methods.

[0549] This application provides a chip coupled to a memory for reading and executing program instructions in the memory, so that the device containing the chip implements the method described in any of the above methods.

[0550] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have their own emphasis. Parts not described in detail in a particular embodiment can be found in the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, as some steps may be performed in other orders or simultaneously according to this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0551] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of the units described above 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 devices or units may be electrical or other forms.

[0552] The units described above 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.

[0553] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate timed advance TA reference point related information, the TA reference point related information being used to determine the TA reference point; The timing for transmitting the uplink signal on the uplink carrier is determined based on the TA reference point.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first indication information includes the association between the uplink carrier and the downlink carrier, and the method includes: The TA reference point of the uplink carrier is determined based on the downlink carrier that is associated with the uplink carrier.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first indication information includes a first time point, and the method includes: The TA reference point of the uplink carrier is determined based on the first time point.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first indication information also includes the TA indication group to which the uplink carrier belongs, and the TA indication group corresponds to the value range of TA; or The first indication information also includes the uplink carrier group to which the uplink carrier belongs, and there is a corresponding relationship between the uplink carrier group and the value range of TA.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Determining the time point for transmitting the uplink signal on the uplink carrier based on the TA reference point includes: Retrieve index information for TA quantities; The uplink carrier's TA value is determined based on the index information of the TA value and the TA value range. The timing of transmitting the uplink signal on the uplink carrier is determined based on the TA value of the uplink carrier and the TA reference point of the uplink carrier.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Get the offset of the TA quantity; Determining the TA value of the uplink carrier based on the index information of the TA value and the range of TA values ​​includes: The TA value of the uplink carrier is determined based on the index information of the TA value, the value range of the TA, and the offset of the TA value.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate second TA-related information of the uplink carrier; The second time point at which the uplink signal is transmitted on the uplink carrier is obtained based on the second TA-related information.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second TA-related information includes a second TA value and / or a second offset of the TA value. Obtaining the second time point of signal transmission on the uplink carrier based on the second TA-related information includes: The second time point is obtained based on the second TA quantity and / or the second offset of the TA quantity, and the TA reference point of the uplink carrier.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The second indication information includes a second TA reference point or a second reference point offset. Obtaining the second time point of signal transmission on the uplink carrier based on the second TA related information includes: The second time point is obtained based on the second TA reference point or the second reference point offset, and the TA amount of the uplink carrier.

10. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first indication information is carried in the uplink carrier configuration signaling. Used to indicate one or more downlink carriers that are associated with the uplink carrier.

11. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first indication information is carried in the association signaling and is used to indicate that there is an association between downlink carriers and at least one uplink carrier, wherein the at least one uplink carrier includes the uplink carrier.

12. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The offset of the TA quantity is indicated by at least one of the following: offset system frame number, offset subframe number, offset time slot number, offset symbol number, or offset TA quantity.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain first indication information, which is used to indicate information related to the timing advance TA reference point; Send the first instruction information.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first indication information includes the correlation between the uplink carrier and the downlink carrier, and the correlation is used to determine the TA reference point of the uplink carrier.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first indication information includes a first time point, which is used to determine the TA reference point of the uplink carrier.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The first indication information also includes the TA indication group to which the uplink carrier belongs, and the TA indication group corresponds to the value range of TA; or The first indication information also includes the uplink carrier group to which the uplink carrier belongs, and there is a corresponding relationship between the uplink carrier group and the value range of TA.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13-16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second indication message, which is used to indicate the second TA related information of the uplink carrier. The second TA related information includes at least one of the following: a second TA amount, a second offset of the TA amount, a second TA reference point, or a second reference point offset.

18. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first indication information is carried in the uplink carrier configuration signaling. Used to indicate one or more downlink carriers that are associated with the uplink carrier.

19. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first indication information is carried in the association signaling and is used to indicate that there is an association between downlink carriers and at least one uplink carrier, wherein the at least one uplink carrier includes the uplink carrier.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, Used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that, The device includes user equipment or a chip.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, Used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 19.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that, The device includes network equipment or a chip.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes at least one processor coupled to a memory; The at least one processor is configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, such that the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 is implemented, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 19 is implemented.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 to be implemented, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 19 to be implemented.

26. A computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is run, it causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 to be implemented, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 19 to be implemented.

27. A chip, characterized in that, Includes a processor configured to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 19.

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