Satellite communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a satellite communication method and a related apparatus. The satellite communication method comprises: a network device determining indication information for a beam activation duration of a first beam, the indication information for the beam activation duration being used to indicate a duration during which the first beam provides a service for a terminal, and the terminal being within coverage of the first beam; and, the network device sending the indication information for the beam activation duration to the terminal. A network device is enabled to configure a beam activation duration, thereby improving the functionality of a satellite in terms of activating multiple beams.

Description

Satellite communication methods and related devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411225738.8, filed on August 30, 2024, entitled "Satellite Communication Method and Related Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Satellite communication is a type of non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication. Compared with terrestrial network communication, satellite communication has the advantages of wide coverage, less susceptibility to natural disasters or external damage, and can be used to provide communication services to areas that cannot be covered by terrestrial networks.

[0004] Satellites, a crucial component of satellite communications, operate in space and are powered by solar panels. This means that satellites can only utilize limited energy storage to achieve network coverage during communication. Typically, in satellite communication systems, satellites use high-gain beams to cover the ground, with one beam covering one area. A single satellite can provide thousands of beams to cover a ground area, but due to the limitations of energy storage, a satellite cannot activate all beams simultaneously for communication. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a satellite communication method that can improve the satellite's ability to activate multiple beams. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a satellite communication method and related apparatus, the purpose of which is to improve the satellite's function in activating multiple beams by setting the activation duration of the beams.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0007] The first aspect of this application provides a satellite communication method, comprising: a network device determining indication information of the beam activation duration of a first beam, the indication information of the beam activation duration being used to indicate the duration for which the first beam provides services to a terminal, the terminal being within the coverage area of ​​the first beam; and the network device sending the indication information of the beam activation duration to the terminal.

[0008] As can be seen from the above, the network device determines the indication information of the beam activation duration of the first beam. Since this indication information is used to indicate the duration for which the first beam provides services to the terminal, the network device can set the beam activation duration, thus improving the satellite's functionality in activating multiple beams.

[0009] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the network device determines the beam activation duration indication information of the first beam, including: the network device determines the beam activation duration indication information based on the service type or traffic volume of the service to be transmitted within the coverage area of ​​the first beam. In this implementation, the service type or traffic volume can indicate the terminal's required activation duration of the first beam. The network device's determination of the beam activation duration indication information based on the service type or traffic volume ensures that the activation duration of the first beam meets the terminal's service requirements.

[0010] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the network device determines the beam activation duration indication information based on the service type of the service to be transmitted within the coverage area of ​​the first beam, including: the network device determines the beam activation duration indication information based on the first information carried by the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), the first information being reported by the terminal to the network device, and the first information being used to indicate the service type of the service to be transmitted.

[0011] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the network device determines the beam activation duration indication information based on the traffic volume of the service to be transmitted within the coverage area of ​​the first beam, including: the network device determines the beam activation duration indication information based on the traffic volume of the service to be transmitted indicated by the buffer status report (BSR), wherein the BSR is reported by the terminal to the network device.

[0012] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the network device determines the beam activation duration indication information of the first beam by: the network device receiving a scheduling request (SR) sent by the terminal; and the network device determining the beam activation duration indication information based on the SR.

[0013] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the network device sends beam activation duration indication information to the terminal, including: the network device sending at least one of the following information to the terminal: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, System Information Block (SIB), Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC CE), Group Common Downlink Control Information (GC-DCI), and Downlink Control Information (DCI), wherein at least one of the RRC signaling, SIB, MAC CE, GC-DCI, and DCI indicates beam activation duration indication information.

[0014] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the SIB includes: SIB19.

[0015] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the SIB is characterized by comprising: an SIB associated with a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

[0016] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, before the network device sends the GC-DCI to the terminal, it further includes: the network device indicating, via second information, that the GC-DCI belongs to beam activation information. In this implementation, the network device uses the second information to indicate the purpose of the GC-DCI, so that the terminal can clearly understand the purpose of the GC-DCI.

[0017] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the second information includes the radio frequency network temporary identifier (RNTI).

[0018] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the beam activation duration indication information includes: beam activation duration information, beam activation start time slot and duration, first indication information, or a bitmap; wherein: the first indication information is used to indicate the start time slot and duration of the first beam activation; the bitmap is used to indicate: the beam activation duration information of the first beam, or to indicate: the start time slot and duration of the first beam activation, or to indicate: the start time slot and total duration of the first beam activation, and the interval between the durations before and after the first beam activation.

[0019] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the beam activation duration indication information is used to indicate that the duration for which the first beam provides services to the terminal is a fixed value, an integer multiple of the synchronization signal block (SSB) period, an integer multiple of the synchronization signal block (CD-SSB) period defined by the cell, or an integer multiple of the SSB period corresponding to the cell search.

[0020] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the network device sends beam activation duration indication information to the terminal, including: the network device sends beam activation duration indication information to the terminal based on the first beam.

[0021] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device transmitting indication information of beam activation duration based on at least one second beam, wherein the terminal is not within the coverage range of the second beam.

[0022] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, after the network device sends beam activation duration indication information to the terminal, it further includes: within the duration indicated by the beam activation duration indication information of the first beam, the network device sends the SSB corresponding to the first beam at multiple SSB opportunities within one SSB cycle.

[0023] In this implementation, the network device sends the SSB corresponding to the first beam to the terminal at multiple SSB opportunities within one SSB cycle. In this way, the terminal can perform cell search on different frequency points based on the SSB corresponding to the first beam at multiple SSB opportunities, realizing that the terminal can perform multiple cell searches within one SSB cycle, which speeds up the cell search and alleviates the latency problem of accessing the cell.

[0024] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, multiple SSB opportunities include: all or part of the SSB opportunities in an SSB cycle.

[0025] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, a partial SSB opportunity refers to all SSB opportunities within a half-frame of an SSB period, as well as the SSB opportunity corresponding to the first beam, which is configured by the network device to refer to the opportunity for the network device to transmit the SSB of the first beam based on the first beam.

[0026] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, a partial SSB opportunity refers to all SSB opportunities within a half-frame of an SSB period.

[0027] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the network device sends beam activation duration indication information to the terminal, including: the network device sends beam activation duration indication information and index number of some SSB opportunities to the terminal.

[0028] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the index number of a portion of the SSB opportunity is sent from the network device to the terminal.

[0029] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the network device sends the index number of a portion of the SSB opportunity to the terminal in a manner comprising: the network device sending at least one of the following information to the terminal: Radio Resource Control (RRC), System Information Block (SIB), Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC CE) signaling, Group Common Downlink Control Information (GC-DCI), and Downlink Control Information (DCI), wherein at least one of the RRC, SIB, MAC CE signaling, GC-DCI, and DCI indicates the index number of the portion of the SSB opportunity.

[0030] A second aspect of this application provides a satellite communication method, comprising: a terminal receiving beam activation duration indication information of a first beam sent by a network device, the beam activation duration indication information being used to indicate the duration for which the first beam provides services to the terminal.

[0031] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, it further includes: within the duration indicated by the beam activation duration indication information, the terminal performs any or any combination of the following services, including: RRM measurement, advance measurement, cell search, random access, RRC recovery, transmission of small data, transmission of service data, listening to SIB messages, and listening to physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) messages.

[0032] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, it further includes: the terminal determining that the first beam is turned off based on the indication information of the beam activation duration; during the period when the first beam is turned off, the terminal enters a sleep mode, which includes a light sleep mode, a micro-sleep mode, and a deep sleep mode. During the first beam off period, the terminal enters an insomnia mode to save power.

[0033] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, it further includes: the terminal determines that the first beam is turned off based on the indication information of the beam activation duration; during the period when the first beam is turned off, the terminal does not listen to SIB messages and does not listen to PDCCH messages, or the terminal listens to some SIB messages and / or some PDCCH messages, or the terminal listens to SIB messages and / or PDCCH messages at a specific time, which can reduce the power consumption of the terminal during the period when the first beam is turned off.

[0034] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, it further includes: the terminal receiving an index number of a portion of the SSB opportunities within an SSB cycle sent by the network device.

[0035] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, it further includes: the terminal determining the SSB opportunity for the network device to transmit the SSB corresponding to the first beam based on the index number of a portion of the SSB opportunities within an SSB cycle; and performing cell search and / or measurement based on the SSB of the first beam transmitted by the network device within the duration indicated by the beam activation duration indication information of the first beam, and within the SSB opportunity of the SSB corresponding to the first beam.

[0036] A third aspect of this application provides a communication device, comprising: a memory and at least one processor. The memory is used to store a program, and the at least one processor is used to run the program, such that the communication device implements the satellite communication method provided in the first or second aspect of this application.

[0037] The fourth aspect of this application is a computer storage medium for storing a computer program, which, when executed, is used to implement the satellite communication method provided in the first or second aspect of this application.

[0038] The fifth aspect of this application is a computer program product that stores instructions that, when the computer program product is run on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to implement the satellite communication method provided in the first or second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 shows an example of a communication scenario between a base station and a terminal;

[0040] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a satellite communication method disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a satellite communication method disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the network device transmitting beam activation duration indication information disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a satellite communication method disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the SSB opportunity for the network device to transmit the SSB corresponding to the first beam in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the SSB opportunity for the network device to transmit the SSB corresponding to the fifth beam, as disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 8 is a structural example diagram of a communication device disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 9 is a structural example diagram of another communication device disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terminology used in the following embodiments is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to be a limitation of this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more," unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "one or more" refers to one, two, or more; "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0049] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification 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.

[0050] The "multiple" mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to two or more. It should be noted that in the description of the embodiments of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying order.

[0051] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the concepts involved in this embodiment will be explained first.

[0052] 1. Satellite communication

[0053] Satellite communication currently mainly includes two mainstream communication modes: relay mode and regeneration mode. In relay mode, the satellite is responsible for relaying uplink data from the terminal to the base station, or relaying downlink data from the base station to the terminal, without involving encoding / decoding or related operations. In regeneration mode, some functions of the base station are carried over to the satellite, meaning the satellite undertakes some of the base station's functions, such as encoding / decoding. After receiving uplink data from the terminal, the satellite performs encoding / decoding operations. In the following text, satellites and base stations that possess all or some of the functions of a base station can be collectively referred to as network equipment.

[0054] 2. Beamforming

[0055] Network devices can interact with terminals using beamforming technology. Network devices typically form multiple downlink (DL) transmission beams. By using one or more DL transmission beams, downlink signals can be sent to terminals within the beam's coverage area. Terminals within the beam's coverage area can then receive the downlink signals through the beam.

[0056] 3. SSB, SSB opportunity, slot, half frame, SSB period

[0057] In an NR system, a synchronization signal block (SS / PBCH block, SSB) includes a primary synchronous signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), used for initial cell access, time-frequency synchronization, and measurement functions. Transmitting an SSB consumes a certain number of time-domain symbols; therefore, the resources used to transmit an SSB are called a candidate SSB opportunity, or simply an SSB opportunity.

[0058] A time slot can include multiple sets of time-domain symbols, and each set of time-domain symbols can include multiple time-domain symbols. A slot can support a maximum of two SSBs, which are located on different sets of time-domain symbols within the slot. In other words, a slot can include a maximum of two SSB opportunities.

[0059] A half-frame, also known as an SSB time window, includes a maximum of L SSB opportunities, meaning that one SSB time window supports a maximum of L SSBs, where L is a positive integer. Different beams can be used to transmit SSBs on different SSB opportunities, allowing multiple terminals to receive SSBs.

[0060] Network devices can periodically send SSBs, meaning the SSB time window can appear periodically. The network device sends SSBs periodically with a configured time length, and only within the SSB time window of the SSB sending cycle. This configured time length can be called the SSB sending cycle length, and is the distance between the start of one cycle and the start of the next cycle, or simply the SSB cycle. Within the SSB time window of each SSB cycle, the network device sends the SSBs for that cycle. The length of the SSB time window is less than or equal to the SSB cycle.

[0061] The descriptions of satellite communication, beamforming, SSB, SSB opportunity, slot, half frame, SSB period, etc., are only for the purpose of understanding the technical solution of this application and do not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0062] The technical solution of this application can be applied to non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems such as satellite communication systems, high altitude platform station (HAPS) communications, air-to-ground (A2G) communications, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Examples include integrated communication and navigation (ICaN) systems and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS).

[0063] Satellite communication systems can be integrated with traditional mobile communication systems. For example, mobile communication systems can be fourth-generation (4G) communication systems (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, fifth-generation (5G) communication systems (e.g., new radio (NR) systems), and future mobile communication systems.

[0064] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0065] As shown in Figure 1, the network device provides network coverage for multiple terminals on the ground. Terminals within the coverage area of ​​the network device can receive downlink data sent by the network device and can also send uplink data to the network device.

[0066] Because path loss is very severe in high-frequency communication, beamforming technology is typically used to concentrate the signal in one direction for transmission, thereby compensating for the severe path loss. Taking Figure 1 as an example, the network device transmits beams B1, B2, and B3 in different directions, each covering a different ground area. The area covered by any single beam can include one or more cells. In Figure 1, each cell is represented by a hexagon.

[0067] In practice, to meet the need for covering large areas, each satellite provides thousands of beams. Unlike ground base stations, satellites are mainly powered by solar energy. This power supply method limits the available energy of satellites, so it is impossible to activate too many beams at the same time.

[0068] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a satellite communication method that can improve the satellite's ability to activate multiple beams.

[0069] The network equipment in this application embodiment can be network-side equipment mounted on a satellite, that is, a satellite and base station with all or part of the functions of a base station. The base station can refer to an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE; or a base station in a 5G network or a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), a broadband network gateway (BNG), an aggregation switch, or a non-3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) access device, etc. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0070] Base stations can also include various forms, such as: macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, next-generation base stations (gNodeB, gNB), baseband units (BBU), transmitting and receiving points (TRP), transmitting points (TP), mobile switching centers, etc., which are not specifically limited in this application.

[0071] In the embodiments provided in this application, the terminal can take various forms, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, vehicle-mounted terminal device, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, wearable terminal device, etc. The terminal may also be referred to as terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), access terminal equipment, vehicle-mounted terminal, industrial control terminal, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal device, mobile device, UE terminal device, wireless communication device, UE agent, or UE device, etc. The terminal can also be a fixed terminal or a mobile terminal.

[0072] Figure 2 illustrates the flow chart of a satellite communication method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0073] As shown in Figure 2, this satellite communication method includes:

[0074] S101. The network device determines the beam activation duration indication information of the first beam, which is used to indicate the duration for which the first beam provides services to the terminal.

[0075] The first beam is the beam emitted by the network device, and it can provide communication services to the terminal. The network device emitting the first beam can also be understood as the network device activating or lighting up the first beam.

[0076] After the network device activates the first beam, in order to ensure that terminals within the coverage area of ​​the first beam can continuously execute multiple services based on the first beam, the network device needs to determine the beam activation duration. Thus, the network device activates the first beam throughout its activation duration, allowing terminals within the coverage area to communicate with the network device and execute multiple services based on the first beam during that duration.

[0077] The beam activation duration of the first beam can be indicated by beam activation duration indication information. The following sections introduce the beam activation duration indication information for different implementations.

[0078] (1) The network device determines the beam activation duration as the beam activation duration itself, i.e., the duration of the first beam activation. In some implementations, the network device activates the beam based on the Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Block (SSB) period. Based on this, the network device can set the beam activation duration based on the SSB period.

[0079] In some embodiments, the network device sets the beam activation duration to a fixed value. This fixed value can be set based on the SSB period value. For example, if the SSB period is 20ms, the network device sets the beam activation duration to 20ms; if the SSB period is 80ms, the network device sets the beam activation duration to 80ms; and as another example, if the SSB period is 640ms, the network device sets the beam activation duration to 640ms.

[0080] In some embodiments, the network device sets the beam activation duration to n times the SSB period, where n is a positive integer. For example, if the SSB period is 80ms and the network device sets the beam activation duration to twice the SSB period, then the beam activation duration of the first beam determined by the terminal is 160ms.

[0081] In some embodiments, the network device sets the beam activation duration to the cell-defined synchronization signal block (CD-SSB) period, or m times the SSB period corresponding to cell search, where m is a positive integer. The cell-defined SSB period can also be referred to as the SSB period corresponding to cell search. The CD-SSB period and the SSB period have the same value; therefore, the network device can set the beam activation duration based on the CD-SSB period. For example, if the CD-SSB period is 80ms, and the network device sets the beam activation duration to twice the CD-SSB period, then the beam activation duration of the first beam determined by the terminal is 160ms.

[0082] In the above embodiments, n and m have no numerical relationship.

[0083] When the beam activation duration indication information determined by the network device is the beam activation duration, the network device and the terminal can use the default time as the start time of the continuous activation of the first beam, and determine the duration of continuous activation of the first beam starting from this start time. The start time of the continuous activation of the first beam can also be understood as the effective time of the continuous activation of the first beam.

[0084] (2) The beam activation duration indication information determined by the network device is the beam activation start time slot and duration. The beam activation start time slot (slot) can also be called the beam activation start position, which is used to indicate the effective slot of the first beam continuous activation. The duration indicates the activation duration, activation duration or lighting duration of the first beam.

[0085] Network equipment determines the starting time slot and duration of beam activation, which has the advantage of flexibly controlling the starting slot of the first beam activation.

[0086] (3) The network device determines the indication information for the beam activation duration as first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate the start time slot and duration of the first beam activation. The start time slot of the first beam activation indicates the effective slot of the first beam activation, i.e., the starting slot, which can also be called the starting position. The duration is used to indicate the duration of the first beam activation. In some embodiments, the first indication information is a Start and Length Indicator Value (SLIV).

[0087] SLIV is an encoded value representing the start symbol and the number of symbols. The letter "S" in SLIV defines the start symbol, while "L" defines the number of consecutive symbols used for time-domain resource allocation. Thus, network devices can use SLIV to indicate the starting timeslot and duration of the first beam activation.

[0088] After receiving the information carrying SLIV, the terminal can calculate the starting time slot and duration of the first beam activation based on the SLIV calculation formula. The SLIV calculation formula can be found in the relevant protocols, and will not be described in this embodiment.

[0089] (4) The network device determines the indication information of the beam activation duration as a bit map. The bit map is used to indicate: the beam activation duration information of the first beam, or to indicate: the start time slot and duration of the first beam activation, or to indicate: the start time slot and total duration of the first beam activation, and the interval between the durations before and after the first beam activation.

[0090] The basic principle of a bitmap is to use a bit array to represent the presence or absence of data elements. Each bit represents the state of a data element, typically 0 for absence and 1 for presence. When a network device continuously activates the first beam, it uses bits in the bitmap to indicate the duration of beam activation, or the start time slot and duration. When a network device does not continuously activate the first beam, it uses bits in the bitmap to indicate the start time slot and total duration, as well as the interval between the durations of the first beam activation and subsequent activations.

[0091] The definitions of beam activation duration information, starting time slot, total duration, and the interval between the durations before and after the first beam activation can be found in the aforementioned content.

[0092] When network devices use bits in a bitmap to indicate the duration of beam activation, network devices and terminals can determine the start time slot of beam activation indicated by the configuration rules.

[0093] Network devices can indicate the start time slot and duration of activation based on different bitmaps, or based on a single bitmap, with the values ​​of different bits indicating the start time slot and duration of activation. The duration may include the total duration of continuous activation of the first beam, or the total duration of the first beam and the interval between consecutive durations when the first beam is not activated.

[0094] For example, the bitmap shown in Table 1 includes 10 bits, where a 1 in a bit indicates that the first beam is active during the corresponding time period, and a 0 in a bit indicates that the first beam is off during the corresponding time period. This time period can be a subframe or a slot, etc. The bitmap shown in Table 1 indicates that the first beam is not continuously active. Network devices and terminals can determine, based on configuration rules, to activate or deactivate the first beam according to the values ​​of each bit in the bitmap after the transmission slot.

[0095] Table 1

[0096] S102. The network device sends an indication of the beam activation duration to the terminal.

[0097] Among them, network devices can send beam activation duration indication information to terminals based on various information.

[0098] In some embodiments, the network device sends at least one of the following information to the terminal: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, System Information Block (SIB), Media Access Control Control Element (MAC CE), Group Common Downlink Control Information (GC-DCI), and Downlink Control Information (DCI); wherein at least one of the RRC signaling, SIB, MAC CE, GC-DCI, and DCI indicates beam activation duration.

[0099] In some embodiments, where the network device sends an SIB to the terminal, which indicates the beam activation duration, the network device also sends an SIB19 to the terminal. The SIB19 carries the beam activation duration indication information. The definition and timing of the SIB19 can be found in relevant protocols, and will not be described further in this embodiment.

[0100] In other embodiments, the network device sends a non-terrestrial network (NTN) related SIB to the terminal. This NTN-related SIB carries indication information about the beam activation duration. The non-terrestrial network (NTN) related SIB can be understood as an SIB used to implement NTN communication. For example, SIB19 is one type of NTN-related SIB.

[0101] Step S101 introduces five types of beam activation duration indication information. The network device can send beam activation duration indication information to the terminal based on different information according to the different types of beam activation duration indication information. The following describes the five implementation methods respectively.

[0102] In the first implementation, the beam activation duration indication information is the beam activation duration. The network device sends at least one of the following information to the terminal: RRC signaling, SIB, MAC CE, GC-DCI, and DCI. The beam activation duration is indicated by at least one of these information. The definitions and transmission timing of RRC signaling, SIB, MAC CE, GC-DCI, and DCI can be found in relevant protocols, and will not be elaborated upon in this embodiment.

[0103] Taking RRC signaling sent by a network device as an example, the network device sends RRC signaling to the terminal. This RRC signaling carries the beam activation duration, that is, the RRC signaling carries the beam activation duration. The beam activation duration is a fixed value, and the RRC signaling carries this fixed value. The beam activation duration is n times the SSB period, m times the CD-SSB period or the SSB period corresponding to cell search, and the RRC signaling carries n or m.

[0104] In some embodiments, the network device sends an SIB to the terminal, the SIB carrying the beam activation duration; that is, the SIB carries the beam activation duration, and the specific type of the SIB can be found in the foregoing. Furthermore, when the network device sends an SIB carrying the beam activation duration to the terminal, the network device can also send the beam activation duration to the terminal based on at least one of RRC signaling, MAC CE, GC-DCI, and DCI. That is, the network device sends the beam activation duration to the terminal in the form of a combination of an SIB and at least one of RRC signaling, MAC CE, GC-DCI, and DCI.

[0105] Network devices can choose either GC-DCI or DCI to carry beam activation duration; they will not choose to carry beam activation duration for both GC-DCI and DCI. When a network device selects GC-DCI to carry beam activation duration, it sends GC-DCI to multiple terminals, and this GC-DCI carries the beam activation duration. This allows multiple terminals to obtain the beam activation duration through GC-DCI, and these terminals can be located in the same cell. Alternatively, when a network device selects DCI to carry beam activation duration, it sends DCI to a single terminal, and the DCI carries the beam activation duration.

[0106] Network devices can send beam activation duration to terminals based on RRC signaling, MAC CE, GC-DCI, or DCI. This allows terminals in RRC connected state to receive RRC signaling, MAC CE, GC-DCI, or DCI and obtain the beam activation duration. Alternatively, network devices can send beam activation duration to terminals based on SIB. This allows terminals in RRC connected, RRC inactive, and RRC idle states to obtain the beam activation duration via SIB.

[0107] The network device sends information carrying the beam activation duration to the terminal. After receiving this information, the terminal can determine that the first beam will remain active (or continuously activated) for the specified duration after the activation start time. The terminal can determine the activation start time of the first beam in the following ways: the terminal is configured with a rule that instructs the terminal to use the slot in which it receives the information carrying the beam activation duration as the activation start time; or it instructs the terminal to use the active slot in which the information carrying the beam activation duration is received as the activation start time; or it instructs the terminal to use the slot in which it receives the information carrying the beam activation duration as the starting slot, and then use the time after offsetting one or more slots as the activation start time.

[0108] For example, the network device sends a GC-DCI to the terminal, which carries an 80ms beam activation duration. After receiving the GC-DCI, the terminal determines, based on rules, that the slot in which the GC-DCI is received is the starting slot, and the time 5 slots after the offset is the activation start time, and the first beam is continuously activated for 80ms.

[0109] In the second implementation, the beam activation duration indication information includes the start time slot and duration of beam activation. The network device can also send at least one of the following information to the terminal: RRC signaling, SIB, MAC CE, GC-DCI, and DCI. This information indicates the start time slot and duration of beam activation.

[0110] In some embodiments, the network device may use RRC signaling, in combination with one of GC-DCI and DCI, to send the start time slot and duration of beam activation to the terminal.

[0111] The network device sends RRC signaling to the terminal. This RRC signaling carries a table of start timeslots and durations. The table includes multiple combinations of start timeslots and durations, each of which can be indicated by an index number. Each combination in the table is unique and non-repeating. Furthermore, the network device sends GC-DCI or DCI to the terminal, which carries the index number of one of the combinations from the aforementioned table.

[0112] Thus, after receiving RRC signaling and either GC-DCI or DCI, the terminal can look up the combination item in the table based on the index number of the combination item, obtain the combination item corresponding to the index number in the table, and then obtain the start time slot and duration of the combination item.

[0113] For the differences and effects of network devices sending GC-DCI and sending DCI, please refer to the aforementioned content.

[0114] To meet the needs of terminals in RRC idle state to obtain the start time slot and duration of beam activation, network devices can also send the start time slot and duration to the terminal based on SIB. That is, the network device sends an SIB to the terminal, and the SIB carries the start time slot and duration of beam activation. The specific type of this SIB can be found in the foregoing.

[0115] In the third implementation, the beam activation duration indication information is the first indication information, which indicates the start time slot and total duration of the first beam activation. The network device can also send at least one of RRC signaling, SIB, MAC CE, GC-DCI, and DCI to the terminal. At least one of these information indicates the first indication information. The definitions and transmission timing of RRC signaling, SIB, MAC CE, GC-DCI, and DCI can be found in relevant protocols and will not be elaborated upon in this embodiment.

[0116] In some embodiments, the network device sends GC-DCI or DCI to the terminal. GC-DCI or DCI carries first indication information, which can ensure the configuration flexibility and low latency of the first indication message. The differences and effects of the network device sending GC-DCI and sending DCI can be found in the foregoing.

[0117] The network device sends the first indication information to the terminal based on the SIB, so that the terminal in the RRC connected state, RRC inactive state and RRC idle state can all obtain the first indication information through the SIB. The specific type of the SIB can be found in the foregoing.

[0118] In the fourth implementation, the beam activation duration indication information is a bitmap. The bitmap indicates: the duration of beam activation for the first beam, or the start time slot and duration of the first beam activation, or the start time slot and total duration of the first beam activation, and the interval between the durations before and after the first beam activation. The network device can also send at least one of RRC signaling, SIB, MAC CE, GC-DCI, and DCI to the terminal, along with a bitmap indicating at least one of these information. The definitions and transmission timing of RRC signaling, SIB, MAC CE, GC-DCI, and DCI can be found in relevant protocols and will not be elaborated upon in this embodiment.

[0119] Taking GC-DCI sent by a network device as an example, the network device sends GC-DCI to the terminal. GC-DCI carries a bitmap, that is, it carries a bitmap. The written values ​​of the bits in the bitmap are used as the written values ​​of some bits in GC-DCI.

[0120] As described in step S101 above, when the bits in the bitmap indicate the duration of beam activation, network devices and terminals can determine the start time slot of beam activation indicated by the configuration rules.

[0121] In some embodiments, the rule may instruct the terminal to use the GC-DCI receive slot as the starting slot, and determine that after the starting slot, the network device activates or deactivates the first beam according to the value of a portion of the GC-DCI bits.

[0122] In other embodiments, the rules may also instruct the terminal to use the active slot of GC-DCI as the starting slot, and determine that after the starting slot, the network device activates or deactivates the first beam according to the value of a portion of the bits in GC-DCI. Of course, a portion of the bits refers to the bits whose values ​​are the written values ​​of the bits in the bit map.

[0123] Network devices send bitmaps to terminals based on SIBs, enabling terminals in RRC connected, RRC inactive, and RRC idle states to obtain bitmaps via SIBs. By parsing the bitmaps, terminals can obtain the beam activation duration of the first beam, or the start time slot and duration of the first beam activation, or the start time slot, total duration, and interval between the durations before and after the first beam activation.

[0124] In some embodiments, before the network device sends GC-DCI to the terminal, the network device may also indicate that GC-DCI belongs to beam activation information through second information.

[0125] In some embodiments, the network device may scramble the GC-DCI with second information, which is used to indicate that the GC-DCI belongs to beam activation information. Thus, when the terminal receives the GC-DCI with the second information scrambled, it can descramble it to obtain the second information and the GC-DCI. By parsing the second information, it can determine that the GC-DCI belongs to beam activation information. It can be understood that indicating that the GC-DCI belongs to beam activation information by scrambling the second information could be to indicate that the purpose of the GC-DCI is to notify beam activation information, or to have the function of notifying beam activation information.

[0126] In some embodiments, the second information includes a Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI).

[0127] In this embodiment, the network device determines indication information for the beam activation duration of the first beam. This indication information indicates the duration for which the first beam provides service. Therefore, the network device can obtain the activation durations of multiple beams, enabling the switching and activation of multiple beams and clearly defining the activation duration of each beam, thus improving the satellite's functionality in activating multiple beams. Furthermore, the terminal, upon receiving the indication information for the beam activation duration of the first beam, can also clearly define the activation duration of the first beam through this information, facilitating the execution of services during the activation period of the first beam.

[0128] In other embodiments of this application, the network device may determine the indication information of the beam activation duration of the first beam in the following ways:

[0129] The network device determines the indication information for the beam activation duration based on the service type or volume of the services to be transmitted within the coverage area of ​​the first beam. The service type or volume of the services to be transmitted can be reported to the network device by the terminal.

[0130] The network device determines the beam activation duration indication information of the first beam based on the service type or service volume reported by the terminal, which has the advantage of flexibly setting the beam activation duration according to the service needs of the terminal.

[0131] The network device activates multiple beams using a beam polling method. After the network device activates the first beam at the designated activation time, terminals within the coverage area of ​​the first beam can communicate with the network device and report information based on the first beam.

[0132] In some embodiments, the terminal reports a Buffer Status Report (BSR) to the network device. The BSR indicates the amount of traffic to be transmitted stored in the terminal's buffer. The network device receives the BSR, parses it to obtain the amount of traffic to be transmitted, and determines the indication information for the beam activation duration of the first beam based on the traffic amount. The rule for the network device to determine the indication information for the beam activation duration is that the activation duration indicated by the beam activation duration indication information is greater than or equal to the transmission requirement duration of the traffic to be transmitted.

[0133] In some application scenarios, the coverage area of ​​the first beam includes multiple terminals. These terminals report BSRs to the network device, which then comprehensively evaluates the beam activation duration indication information of the first beam based on the traffic volume indicated by the multiple BSRs. This ensures that the activation duration indicated by the indication information is sufficient to guarantee that the multiple terminals can complete the transmission of their respective traffic volumes.

[0134] In other embodiments, the terminal reports first information to the network device via the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), the first information indicating the service type of the service to be transmitted by the terminal. Based on the service type indicated by the first information, the network device determines the execution time of the service of that type, and based on the execution time, determines the beam activation duration indication information of the first beam. The rule for the network device to determine the beam activation duration indication information is that the activation duration indicated by the beam activation duration indication information is greater than or equal to the execution time.

[0135] In some scenarios, the coverage area of ​​the first beam includes multiple terminals. All terminals report first information to the network device through PUCCH. The network device then comprehensively evaluates the beam activation duration indication information of the first beam based on the service types indicated by the multiple first information, so that the activation duration indicated by the indication information is sufficient to ensure that the multiple terminals can complete their own services.

[0136] In other embodiments, when a terminal needs to send uplink data to the network device but lacks uplink resources, it can send a Scheduling Request (SR) via PUCCH to request uplink scheduling from the network device. Based on this, the network device, upon receiving the SR, can determine indication information for the beam activation duration of the first beam. In some embodiments, the network device can determine, based on the SR, that the indication information indicates the activation duration of the first beam is a default value. For example, this default value can be the SSB period.

[0137] The following section, in conjunction with Figure 2, describes the process of satellite communication by the first terminal, the second terminal, and network equipment in an application scenario where the first beam coverage includes both the first and second terminals.

[0138] As shown in Figure 2, the satellite communication method provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0139] S201. The first terminal and the network device establish an RRC connection.

[0140] After the first terminal completes the random access process, it can transmit uplink and downlink data normally. In order to enable service transmission with the network device, the first terminal and the network device need to establish an RRC connection. After the first terminal establishes the RRC connection, it is in the RRC connected state.

[0141] The process of establishing an RRC connection between a network device and a first terminal includes:

[0142] Step 1: The first terminal sends an RRC connection request (RRCConnectionRequest) to the network device.

[0143] Step 2: The network device allows the first terminal to access the network and sends an RRC Connection Setup message to the first terminal.

[0144] Step 3: After receiving the RRC connection setup message, the first terminal sends an RRC connection complete (RRCConnectionSetupComplete) message to the network device to confirm that the connection has been successfully established.

[0145] After the first terminal establishes an RRC connection with the network device, it can transmit services with the network device. The following description uses the example of the first terminal reporting an SR to the network device to request uplink scheduling, and the network device determining the beam activation duration of the first beam based on the SR.

[0146] S202, The first terminal reports a scheduling request (SR) to the network device.

[0147] When the first terminal performs service transmission, that is, when there is a need to request uplink scheduling from the network device, it can send SR to the network device through PUCCH.

[0148] S203. The network device determines the beam activation duration indication information 1 of the first beam based on SR. The beam activation duration indication information 1 is used to indicate the duration for which the first beam provides services to the terminal.

[0149] The network device receives the SR and determines that the indicator information 1 for the beam activation duration of the first beam is the default value.

[0150] S204. The network device sends an SIB message to the first terminal and the second terminal. The SIB message indicates the beam activation duration indication information 1.

[0151] As shown in Figure 2, the second terminal has not established an RRC connection with the network device and is in the RRC idle state. In order to determine that both the first terminal and the second terminal can receive the beam activation duration indication information 1, the network device broadcasts an SIB message. The SIB message carries the beam activation duration indication information 1, and both the first terminal and the second terminal can receive the SIB message.

[0152] The type of the SIB message carrying the beam activation duration indication information 1, and the type of the beam activation duration indication information 1, can be found in the embodiment corresponding to Figure 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0153] Within the duration indicated by instruction information 1, the network device activates the first beam, and the first terminal and the second terminal can perform services based on the first beam. The following steps S205, 206a, 206c and 206c describe the types of services that the first terminal and the second terminal can perform, but this does not constitute a restriction on the types of services that the first terminal and the second terminal can perform.

[0154] The first terminal and the second terminal can also determine the activation start time slot of the first beam according to the rules or the indication information 1 based on the beam activation duration. The implementation method can also be found in the embodiment of Figure 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0155] S205. Within the duration indicated by indication information 1, the second terminal performs RRM measurement, cell search, or random access.

[0156] The second terminal, in RRC idle state, can perform services such as RRM measurement, cell search, or random access within the duration indicated by indication information 1, i.e., during the activation period of the first beam. It can also perform services supported by RRC idle state, such as listening to SIB messages. The second terminal performing RRM measurement can quickly configure a secondary cell (SCell) or secondary cell group. The implementation methods for the second terminal performing RRM measurement, cell search, or random access services can be found in relevant protocols, and will not be described further in this embodiment.

[0157] In some embodiments, the second terminal can also establish an RRC connection with the network device and enter the RRC connection state during the activation of the first beam. The following description uses the second terminal entering the RRC connection state as an example.

[0158] 206a. During the duration indicated by instruction information 1, the first terminal listens for SIB messages.

[0159] When the first terminal is in RRC connected state, during the duration indicated by indication information 1 (i.e., the active period of the first beam), it can listen to SIB messages broadcast by network devices. These SIB messages can include various types of SIB messages, such as SIB2 to SIB10. The first terminal can also perform related services based on the listened SIB messages.

[0160] 206b. During the duration indicated by indication information 1, the first terminal listens to Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) messages.

[0161] When the first terminal is in RRC connection state, it can listen to messages sent by network devices via PDCCH during the duration indicated by indication information 1, i.e., the activation period of the first beam.

[0162] 206c. Within the time period indicated by instruction information 1, the first terminal transmits service data to the network device.

[0163] As described in step S202, the first terminal sends an SR to the network device, indicating that the first terminal may have a need to transmit service data to the network device. Therefore, during the activation period of the first beam, the first terminal can also transmit service data to the network device based on the first beam. The type of this service is not limited in this embodiment.

[0164] In some application scenarios, the first terminal transmits service data to the network device. During the activation period of the first beam, the service data is not fully transmitted. In this case, if the first terminal needs to request that the activation of the first beam be delayed, the first terminal can report the service volume of the service to be transmitted to the network device through the following step S207.

[0165] S207. The first terminal reports a BSR to the network device, and the BSR carries the service volume of the service to be transmitted.

[0166] The specific implementation of step S207 can be found in the aforementioned content and will not be repeated here.

[0167] S208. The network device determines the beam activation duration indication information 2 of the first beam based on the BSR. The beam activation duration indication information 2 is used to indicate the duration for which the first beam provides services to the terminal.

[0168] The type of beam activation duration indication information 2 can be found in the embodiment corresponding to Figure 1, and will not be repeated here. The specific implementation method of the network device determining the beam activation duration indication information 2 of the first beam based on BSR can also be found in the foregoing content, and will not be repeated here.

[0169] S209. The network device sends GC-DCI to the first terminal and the second terminal. GC-DCI indicates the beam activation duration.

[0170] As can be seen from the foregoing, both the first and second terminals are in RRC connection state. The network device can send at least one of RRC signaling, MAC CE, GC-DCI, and DCI information, including indication information 2 indicating the beam activation duration. This embodiment uses GC-DCI as an example for illustration.

[0171] The first terminal and the second terminal are within the coverage area of ​​the first beam, and the first terminal and the second terminal are also located in the same cell. Based on this, the network device can send GC-DCI to the first terminal and the second terminal. The GC-DCI carries beam activation duration indication information 2, that is, it carries beam activation duration indication information 2.

[0172] S210. Within the time period indicated by instruction information 2, the first terminal transmits service data to the network device.

[0173] As described in step S206c, the first terminal can continue to transmit services within the duration indicated by the indication information 2, that is, the period during which the first beam is continuously activated.

[0174] In some application scenarios, after the first terminal completes the transmission of business data, the first terminal can enter the RRC inactive state and execute the following steps S211 and S212.

[0175] S211. Within the time period indicated by instruction information 2, the first terminal transmits small data packets to the network device.

[0176] The first terminal is in the RRC inactive state. Within the time period indicated by indication information 2, it can directly send small data packets to the network device through the four-step random access process of Small Data Transmission (SDT) without entering the connected state, thus completing the uplink data transmission. In some embodiments, SDT may refer to RA-SDT or CG-SDT.

[0177] S212. Within the duration indicated by instruction information 2, the first terminal performs advance measurement.

[0178] When the first terminal is in the RRC inactive state, it can perform advance measurement for quick configuration of SCell or SCG, or perform signaling transmission related to the RRC recovery process within the time period indicated by indication information 2.

[0179] The first terminal and the second terminal can also determine whether the first beam is turned off or stopped from activating based on the beam activation duration indication information 2. After determining that the first beam is turned off, the first terminal can execute the following steps S213a or S213b. Similarly, after determining that the first beam is turned off, the second terminal can execute the following steps S214a or S214b.

[0180] S213a, the first terminal determines that the first beam is off based on the indication information 2 of the beam activation duration of the first beam, and then enters sleep mode.

[0181] When the first terminal enters sleep mode, it may not report data to the network device, nor may it listen to the network device's information, or it may listen to the information sent by the network device in a limited way. For example, it may be woken up at a specific time to listen to whether the network device is sending information. If no information is received from the network device, it may continue to enter sleep mode; otherwise, it will remain awake and continue to receive information sent by the network device.

[0182] In some embodiments, the sleep mode may include a micro-sleep mode, a light sleep mode, and a deep sleep mode. When the first terminal is in a micro-sleep mode, a light sleep mode, or a deep sleep mode, it can avoid listening to information from the network device and can also avoid transmitting data to the network device. The three sleep modes are ordered according to the length of time required to enter and exit the sleep mode: deep sleep mode is the longest, light sleep mode is in the middle, and micro-sleep mode is the shortest.

[0183] S213b, if the first terminal determines that the first beam is off based on the indication information 2 of the beam activation duration of the first beam, then it will not listen to SIB messages and / or PDCCH messages, or it will listen to SIB messages and / or PDCCH messages at a specific time.

[0184] The first terminal not listening to SIB messages may include not listening to all types of SIB messages, or only listening to some types of SIB messages; similarly, the first terminal not listening to PDCCH messages may include not listening to all PDCCH messages, or only listening to some PDCCH messages.

[0185] S214a, the second terminal determines that the first beam is off based on the indication information 2 of the beam activation duration of the first beam, and then enters sleep mode.

[0186] The implementation method of S214a can be found in step S213a, and will not be repeated here.

[0187] S214b, if the second terminal determines that the first beam is off based on the indication information 2 of the beam activation duration of the first beam, then it will not listen to SIB messages and / or will not listen to PDCCH messages, or it will listen to SIB messages and PDCCH messages at a specific time.

[0188] The implementation method of S214b can be found in step S213b, and will not be repeated here.

[0189] In some other embodiments of this application, the network device determines indication information for the beam activation duration of the first beam. Therefore, the network device sending the beam activation duration indication information to the terminal can mean that the network device sends the beam activation duration indication information to the terminal based on the first beam. Terminals within the coverage area of ​​the first beam can perform services based on the first beam during its activation period. The duration of the first beam's activation period can be indicated by the beam activation duration indication information.

[0190] In other embodiments of this application, the network device sending an indication of the activation beam duration to the terminal may also refer to:

[0191] The network device sends beam activation duration indication information to a terminal based on a first beam, where the terminal refers to a terminal within the coverage area of ​​the first beam, such as the first terminal and the second terminal shown in Figure 3; and the network device sends beam activation duration indication information to a terminal based on at least one second beam, where the terminal refers to a terminal within the coverage area of ​​the second beam, such as the third terminal, etc. The second beam does not completely overlap with the first beam.

[0192] For example, the beam activation duration indication information is carried by the SIB. In this example, as shown in Figure 4, the network device sends the SIB to the first terminal and the second terminal based on the first beam, and sends the SIB to the third terminal based on the second beam. The SIB carries the beam activation duration indication information.

[0193] The first and second terminals parse the SIB to obtain the indication information of the beam activation duration. During the activation period of the first beam indicated by the indication information, neighbor measurement services can be performed.

[0194] A single satellite typically requires thousands of beams to cover its coverage area. Due to energy constraints, satellites can only provide coverage by rotating beams. Thus, during a single Service Segment Bus (SSB) cycle, network devices activate different beams for SSB transmission at different SSB opportunities, introducing access latency for terminals accessing the cell within the beam's coverage area. This latency issue becomes even more severe when SSB cycles extend to lengths such as 80ms or 640ms.

[0195] For example, the SSB period is 80ms. The first terminal is within the coverage area of ​​the first beam and performs cell search based on three frequency points. In this example, during the activation period of the first beam (e.g., multiple SSB periods), at the first SSB opportunity of an SSB period, the network device sends the SSB corresponding to the first beam to the first terminal. The first terminal first performs cell search on the first frequency point based on the SSB corresponding to the first beam. If the first terminal fails to perform cell search on the first frequency point, it needs to wait for the network device to send the SSB corresponding to the first beam at the first SSB opportunity of the next SSB period before performing cell search on the second frequency point based on the SSB corresponding to the first beam. Similarly, if the first terminal fails to perform cell search on the second frequency point again, it needs to wait for the network device to send the SSB corresponding to the first beam at the first SSB opportunity of the next SSB period before performing cell search on the third frequency point based on the sent SSB corresponding to the first beam. Thus, the first terminal waits 240ms (80ms × 3) to complete the cell search, making the cell access latency problem even more severe.

[0196] Based on this, the embodiments of this application provide another satellite communication method that can alleviate the latency problem of the terminal when accessing the cell.

[0197] Figure 5 illustrates the satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0198] As shown in Figure 5, this satellite communication method includes:

[0199] S301. The network device determines the beam activation duration indication information of the first beam, which is used to indicate the duration for which the first beam provides services to the terminal.

[0200] For details on the implementation of step S301, please refer to the content of step S101 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0201] S302. The network device sends an indication of the beam activation duration of the first beam to the terminal.

[0202] For details on the implementation of step S302, please refer to the content of step S102 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0203] S303. Within the duration indicated by the beam activation duration indication information of the first beam, the network device may send the SSB corresponding to the first beam to the terminal during multiple SSB opportunities within one SSB cycle.

[0204] In this embodiment, the network device sends the SSB corresponding to the first beam to the terminal during the indicated duration of the beam activation duration of the first beam. This is in contrast to the traditional technology where the network device sends the SSB corresponding to the first beam to the terminal during one SSB cycle. In this embodiment, the network device sends the SSB corresponding to the first beam to the terminal during multiple SSB cycles. As a result, the terminal can perform cell searches on different frequency points based on the SSB corresponding to the first beam during multiple SSB cycles, enabling the terminal to perform multiple cell searches within one SSB cycle, thus speeding up the cell search and alleviating the latency problem of cell access.

[0205] In some embodiments, the network device may send multiple SSBs corresponding to the first beam to the terminal within one SSB cycle. That is, the network device sends multiple SSBs corresponding to the first beam within one SSB cycle. The multiple SSBs corresponding to the first beam may be the same or may be different. The differences between the multiple SSBs corresponding to the first beam may be due to differences in the combining gain of at least one of the following: the primary synchronization signal, the secondary synchronization signal, and the broadcast channel.

[0206] In some embodiments, multiple SSB opportunities include: all SSB opportunities in an SSB cycle.

[0207] As explained above, an SSB time window, or half-frame, within an SSB cycle includes L SSB opportunities, where L is a positive integer. Therefore, it can be determined that an SSB cycle includes at least L SSB opportunities, i.e., multiple SSB opportunities. Within the duration indicated by the beam activation duration indication information of the first beam, the network device sends the SSB corresponding to the first beam to the terminal for each SSB opportunity within an SSB cycle.

[0208] For example, an SSB cycle is 80ms, containing 16 SSB opportunities. The network device sends the SSB corresponding to the first beam to the terminal during each of the 16 SSB opportunities. Thus, the terminal can perform cell search at different frequency points based on the SSB corresponding to the first beam during these 16 SSB opportunities. However, because there are a large number of SSB opportunities in an SSB cycle, sending the SSB corresponding to the first beam for each SSB opportunity results in significant resource overhead and is detrimental to energy saving by the network device.

[0209] In other embodiments, multiple SSB opportunities include: a portion of SSB opportunities within an SSB cycle. Each SSB opportunity is configured with a unique index number to indicate that SSB opportunity.

[0210] Among them, the index number of a portion of the SSB opportunities in an SSB cycle is sent from the network device to the terminal.

[0211] Network devices can send to terminals, based on the same information, an indication of the beam activation duration of the first beam and an index number of a portion of the SSB opportunities within an SSB cycle. That is, the same information carries both the indication of the beam activation duration of the first beam and the index number of a portion of the SSB opportunities within an SSB cycle. This information can refer to at least one of the following: RRC signaling, SIB, MAC CE, GC-DCI, and DCI.

[0212] Network devices can also send to the terminal, based on different information, an indication of the beam activation duration of the first beam and an index number of a portion of the SSB opportunities in an SSB cycle. The indication of the beam activation duration of the first beam and the index number of a portion of the SSB opportunities in an SSB cycle are carried by different information.

[0213] It is understandable that different information can refer to the same type, but information sent at different times can refer to different types of information. For example, a network device sends an indication of the beam activation duration of the first beam to the terminal based on GC-DCI, and sends an index number of a portion of the SSB opportunities for one SSB cycle to the terminal based on SIB.

[0214] After receiving the index number of a portion of the SSB opportunities carrying one SSB cycle, the terminal parses the information to obtain the index number of the portion of the SSB opportunities for that SSB cycle. It then determines that the network device will send the SSB corresponding to the first beam at the SSB opportunity corresponding to that index number. The terminal can then perform cell search on the frequency point based on the SSB corresponding to the first beam at the SSB opportunity corresponding to that index number.

[0215] In some embodiments, a partial SSB opportunity refers to all SSB opportunities within a half-frame of an SSB period.

[0216] As mentioned above, a half-frame includes L SSB opportunities, where L is a positive integer. The network device sends the SSB corresponding to the first beam to the terminal during all L SSB opportunities within a half-frame of an SSB cycle.

[0217] For example, an SSB period is 80ms, containing 16 SSB opportunities. Each 20ms period contains 4 SSB opportunities, and the time-frequency domain location corresponding to each SSB opportunity is based on existing protocol specifications. That is, the first half-frame of the 20ms period contains 4 SSB opportunities. The network device then sends the SSB corresponding to the first beam to the terminal during these 4 SSB opportunities. The terminal can then perform cell search on four frequency points based on the SSB corresponding to the first beam during these 4 SSB opportunities. This speeds up cell search, alleviates access latency issues, and saves network device resources.

[0218] In other embodiments, a portion of SSB opportunities refers to all SSB opportunities within a half-frame of an SSB period, as well as the SSB opportunities corresponding to the first beam.

[0219] In traditional technologies, network devices transmit multiple beams, and each beam's corresponding SSB is transmitted within one SSB opportunity. Therefore, each beam corresponds to one SSB opportunity, and each beam is also configured with a unique index number to indicate that beam.

[0220] For example, as shown in Figure 6, the SSB corresponding to the first beam (index number can be 1) is transmitted at position SSB opportunity 1 (index number SSB1) within 80ms. That is, the SSB opportunity corresponding to the first beam is the SSB opportunity with index number SSB1. In a typical 80ms SSB cycle, the four SSB opportunities are located in the first half-frame.

[0221] In this example, as shown in Figure 6, for the first beam, the network device transmits all SSB opportunities within the first half-frame of one SSB period during the activation period of the first beam, that is, the SSB opportunities with index numbers SSB1, SSB2, SSB3 and SSB4 transmit the SSB corresponding to the first beam. Since the index number of the SSB opportunity corresponding to the first beam is also SSB1 (the SSB opportunity with index number SSB1 in the SSB opportunity corresponding to cell search shown in Figure 6), the SSB opportunities for the network device to transmit the SSB corresponding to the first beam include: the SSB opportunities with index numbers SSB1, SSB2, SSB3 and SSB4.

[0222] As another example, as shown in Figure 7, the SSB corresponding to the fifth beam (index number 5) sends SSB opportunity 5 (index number SSB4) within 80ms, that is: the SSB opportunity corresponding to the fifth beam is the SSB opportunity with index number SSB5.

[0223] In this example, as shown in Figure 7, for the fifth beam, the network device determines that its corresponding SSB opportunity is the SSB opportunity with index number SSB5 among the SSB opportunities corresponding to cell search. Combined with all the SSB opportunities in the first half-frame within one SSB period during the activation period of the first beam, that is, the SSB opportunities with index numbers SSB1, SSB2, SSB3 and SSB4, the SSB opportunities for the network device to send the SSB corresponding to the fifth beam include: the SSB opportunities with index numbers SSB4, SSB1, SSB2, SSB3 and SSB4.

[0224] Figure 8 illustrates an example of the composition of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device can be a terminal, including but not limited to mobile phones, smart wearable devices (such as smartwatches), and other electronic devices. Taking a mobile phone as an example, the communication device may include a processor 110, internal memory 120, display screen 130, antenna 1, antenna 2, mobile communication module 140, and wireless communication module 150, etc.

[0225] It is understood that the structure illustrated in this embodiment does not constitute a specific limitation on the communication device. In other embodiments, the communication device may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0226] Processor 110 may include one or more processing units, such as application processor (AP), modem processor, graphics processing unit (GPU), image signal processor (ISP), controller, video codec, digital signal processor (DSP), baseband processor, and / or neural network processing unit (NPU). These different processing units may be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors.

[0227] Internal memory 120 can be used to store executable program code, including instructions. Processor 110 executes various functional applications and data processing of the electronic device by running the instructions stored in internal memory 120. Internal memory 120 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. Furthermore, internal memory 120 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, universal flash storage (UFS), etc. Processor 110 executes various functional applications and data processing of the electronic device by running instructions stored in internal memory 120 and / or instructions stored in memory disposed within the processor.

[0228] The wireless communication function of electronic devices can be realized through antenna 1, antenna 2, mobile communication module 140, wireless communication module 150, modem processor, and baseband processor.

[0229] Antenna 1 and antenna 2 are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic wave signals. Each antenna in the electronic device can be used to cover one or more communication frequency bands. Different antennas can also be reused to improve antenna utilization. For example, antenna 1 can be reused as a diversity antenna for a wireless local area network. In some other embodiments, the antennas can be used in conjunction with a tuning switch.

[0230] The mobile communication module 140 can provide solutions for wireless communication applications including 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G in electronic devices. The mobile communication module 140 may include at least one filter, switch, power amplifier, low noise amplifier (LNA), etc. The mobile communication module 140 can receive electromagnetic waves via antenna 1, and perform filtering, amplification, and other processing on the received electromagnetic waves before transmitting them to a modem processor for demodulation. The mobile communication module 140 can also amplify the signal modulated by the modem processor and convert it into electromagnetic waves for radiation via antenna 1. In some embodiments, at least some functional modules of the mobile communication module 140 may be housed in processor 110. In some embodiments, at least some functional modules of the mobile communication module 140 and at least some modules of processor 310 may be housed in the same device.

[0231] The wireless communication module 150 can provide solutions for wireless communication applications in electronic devices, including wireless local area networks (WLANs) (such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks), Bluetooth (BT), global navigation satellite system (GNSS), frequency modulation (FM), near field communication (NFC), and infrared (IR) technologies. The wireless communication module 150 can be one or more devices integrating at least one communication processing module. The wireless communication module 150 receives electromagnetic waves via antenna 2, performs frequency modulation and filtering of the electromagnetic wave signals, and sends the processed signal to processor 110. The wireless communication module 150 can also receive signals to be transmitted from processor 110, perform frequency modulation and amplification, and convert them into electromagnetic waves for radiation via antenna 2.

[0232] In addition, an operating system runs on top of the aforementioned components. Examples include iOS, Android, and Windows. Applications can be installed and run on this operating system.

[0233] Figure 9 illustrates another example of the composition of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device can be a network device, such as a satellite. Figure 9 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a network device. The network device includes: at least one processor 210, at least one memory 220, at least one transceiver 230, at least one network interface 240, and one or more antennas 250. The processor 210, memory 220, transceiver 230, and network interface 240 are connected, for example, via a bus. In this embodiment, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment is not limited in this respect. The antenna 250 is connected to the transceiver 230. The network interface 240 is used to enable a network element to connect to other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 240 may include a network interface between a network element and network elements in the core network, such as an S1 interface. The network interface may also include a network interface between a network element and other network elements, such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0234] The processor 210 shown in Figure 9 can specifically perform the network device processing actions in the above-mentioned satellite communication method, the memory 220 can perform the storage actions in the above-mentioned satellite communication method, the transceiver 230 and the antenna 250 can perform the transmission and reception actions in the above-mentioned satellite communication method, and the network interface 240 can perform the interaction actions between the network device and the terminal in the above-mentioned method.

[0235] Processor 210 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), or an artificial intelligence processor, etc., which are various computing devices that run software. Each computing device may include one or more cores for executing software instructions to perform calculations or processing. The processor may be a standalone semiconductor chip or integrated with other circuits into a single semiconductor chip. For example, it may form a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) with other circuits (such as encoding / decoding circuits, hardware acceleration circuits, or various bus and interface circuits), or it may be integrated as a built-in processor within an ASIC. The ASIC with the integrated processor may be packaged separately or together with other circuits. In addition to the cores for executing software instructions to perform calculations or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0236] The memory 220 may include at least one of the following types, but is not limited to: read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable-only memory (EEPROM).

[0237] Transceiver 230 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency (RF) signals between network elements and other devices. Transceiver 230 can be connected to antenna 250. Transceiver 230 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 250 can receive RF signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 230 is used to receive RF signals from the antennas, convert the RF signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency (IF) signals, and provide the digital baseband signals or IF signals to processor 210 so that processor 210 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or IF signals, such as demodulation and decoding. In addition, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 230 is also used to receive modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals from processor 210, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals into RF signals, and transmit the RF signals through one or more antennas 250. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of downmixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the radio frequency signal to obtain a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The order of the downmixing and IF processing is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of upmixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband or digital IF signal to obtain a radio frequency signal. The order of the upmixing and IF processing is also adjustable. Digital baseband signals and digital IF signals can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0238] It should be understood that Figure 9 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the network devices described above, including processors, memory, and transceivers, may not depend on the structure shown in Figure 9.

[0239] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant content in any of the communication devices provided above can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0240] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to perform the satellite communication method described in the above embodiments.

[0241] Computer-readable storage media can be non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage devices.

[0242] This application also provides a computer program product. When executed by one or more computing devices, the computer program product enables the computing devices to execute any of the aforementioned satellite communication methods. The computer program product can be a software installation package. When any of the aforementioned satellite communication methods needs to be used, the computer program product can be downloaded and executed on a computer.

Claims

A satellite communication method, characterized in that, include: The network device determines the beam activation duration indication information of the first beam, which is used to indicate the duration for which the first beam provides services to the terminal, and the terminal is within the coverage area of ​​the first beam. The network device sends the beam activation duration indication information to the terminal. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network device determines the indication information for the beam activation duration of the first beam, including: The network device determines the indication information of the beam activation duration based on the service type or service volume of the service to be transmitted within the coverage area of ​​the first beam. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The network device determines the indication information of the beam activation duration based on the service type of the service to be transmitted within the coverage area of ​​the first beam, including: The network device determines the beam activation duration indication information based on the first information carried by the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH). The first information is reported by the terminal to the network device and is used to indicate the service type of the service to be transmitted. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The network device determines the indication information of the beam activation duration based on the traffic volume of the services to be transmitted within the coverage area of ​​the first beam, including: The network device determines the beam activation duration indication information based on the traffic volume of the pending service indicated by the Buffer Status Report (BSR), and the BSR is reported by the terminal to the network device. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network device determines the indication information for the beam activation duration of the first beam, including: The network device receives the scheduling request (SR) sent by the terminal; The network device determines the indication information of the beam activation duration based on the SR. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The network device sends the beam activation duration indication information to the terminal, including: The network device sends at least one of the following information to the terminal: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, System Information Block (SIB), Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC CE), Group Common Downlink Control Information (GC-DCI), and Downlink Control Information (DCI), wherein at least one of the RRC signaling, the SIB, the MAC CE, the GC-DCI, and the DCI indicates the beam activation duration. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The SIB includes: SIB19. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The SIBs include: SIBs related to non-terrestrial networks (NTN). The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Before the network device sends the GC-DCI to the terminal, it also includes: The network device indicates through the second information that the GC-DCI belongs to beam activation information. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second information includes the Radio Frequency Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The beam activation duration indication information includes: beam activation duration information, beam activation start time slot and duration, first indication information, or bitmap. Wherein: the first indication information is used to indicate the start time slot and duration of the first beam activation; the bit map is used to indicate: the time length information of the first beam activation, or to indicate: the start time slot and duration of the first beam activation, or to indicate: the start time slot and total duration of the first beam activation, and the interval time between the durations before and after the first beam activation. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The beam activation duration indication information is used to indicate that the duration for which the first beam provides services to the terminal is a fixed value, an integer multiple of the synchronization signal block (SSB) period, an integer multiple of the synchronization signal block (CD-SSB) period defined by the cell, or an integer multiple of the SSB period corresponding to cell search. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The network device sends the beam activation duration indication information to the terminal, including: The network device sends an indication of the beam activation duration to the terminal based on the first beam. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Also includes: The network device transmits indication information of the beam activation duration based on at least one second beam, and the terminal is not within the coverage range of the second beam. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, After the network device sends the beam activation duration indication information to the terminal, it also includes: Within the duration indicated by the beam activation duration indication information of the first beam, the network device sends the SSB corresponding to the first beam at multiple SSB opportunities within one SSB cycle. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The multiple SSB opportunities include: all or part of the SSB opportunities in an SSB cycle. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The "partial SSB opportunity" refers to all SSB opportunities within a half-frame of an SSB period, as well as the SSB opportunity corresponding to the first beam. The SSB opportunity corresponding to the first beam is configured by the network device and refers to the opportunity for the network device to transmit the SSB of the first beam based on the first beam. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The term "partial SSB opportunity" refers to all SSB opportunities within a half-frame of a single SSB period. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, The network device sends the beam activation duration indication information to the terminal, including: The network device sends the beam activation duration indication information and the index number of the partial SSB opportunity to the terminal. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, The index number of the SSB opportunity is sent from the network device to the terminal. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The network device sends the index number of a portion of the SSB opportunity to the terminal in the following ways: The network device sends at least one of the following information to the terminal: Radio Resource Control (RRC), System Information Block (SIB), Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC CE) signaling, Group Common Downlink Control Information (GC-DCI), and Downlink Control Information (DCI), wherein at least one of the RRC, SIB, MAC CE signaling, GC-DCI, and DCI indicates the index number of the partial SSB opportunity. A satellite communication method, characterized in that, include: The terminal receives beam activation duration indication information of the first beam sent by the network device. The beam activation duration indication information is used to indicate the duration for which the first beam provides services to the terminal. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, Also includes: Within the duration indicated by the beam activation duration indication information, the terminal performs any or any combination of the following services, which include: RRM measurement, advance measurement, cell search, random access, RRC recovery, transmission of small data, transmission of service data, listening to SIB messages, and listening to Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) messages. The method according to claim 22 or 23 is characterized in that, Also includes: The terminal determines that the first beam is turned off based on the indication information of the beam activation duration; During the period when the first beam is turned off, the terminal enters a sleep mode, which includes a light sleep mode, a microsleep mode, and a deep sleep mode. The method according to claim 22 or 23 is characterized in that, Also includes: The terminal determines that the first beam is turned off based on the indication information of the beam activation duration; During the period when the first beam is off, the terminal does not listen to SIB messages and does not listen to PDCCH messages, or the terminal listens to some SIB messages and / or some PDCCH messages, or the terminal listens to SIB messages and / or PDCCH messages at a specific time. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that, Also includes: The terminal receives the index number of a portion of the SSB opportunities within one SSB cycle sent by the network device. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, Also includes: The terminal determines the SSB opportunity for the network device to transmit the SSB corresponding to the first beam based on the index number of a portion of the SSB opportunities within the SSB cycle. Within the duration indicated by the beam activation duration indication information of the first beam, and during the SSB opportunity of the SSB corresponding to the first beam, cell search and / or measurement are performed based on the SSB of the first beam sent by the network device. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Memory, used to store computer instructions; A processor is configured to execute a computer program or computer instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to perform the satellite communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 27. A computer storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store a computer program, which, when executed, is used to implement the satellite communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 27. A computer program product, characterized in that, It stores instructions that, when the computer program product is run on the electronic device, cause the electronic device to implement the satellite communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 27.

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