Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus, relating to the field of communications. The method comprises: communicating with a terminal by means of P first cells; when the load of the P first cells is less than a first threshold, communicating with a terminal by means of M second cells, and N first cells among the P first cells, wherein M+N=P, and the beam width of the second cells is greater than the beam width of the first cells; when a terminal within the coverage of the N first cells is handed over to a target cell, communicating with the terminal by means of the M second cells, wherein N first weight values corresponding to the N first cells are 0. The method described above can take into account both user experience and energy saving.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411215557.7, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on August 31, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Sector splitting (cell splitting) technology includes two types: soft splitting and hard splitting. Soft splitting increases the number of cells in a base station by adjusting the phase weights of the antenna array, thus enabling network expansion. Compared to non-sector splitting scenarios, power consumption varies under different load conditions in sector splitting scenarios. Specifically, in heavy-load scenarios, the available time-frequency resources of split sectors increase several times compared to non-splitting scenarios, resulting in a significant increase in capacity while maintaining lower power consumption. In medium-load scenarios, based on Shannon's theorem, with the same traffic, more bandwidth resources lead to lower transmission power and lower power consumption. In light-load scenarios, the probability of simultaneously scheduling multiple split cells is low, making the splitting advantage less significant, but the power overhead of the common channel and reference signal is higher than in non-splitting scenarios. To reduce power consumption in light-load scenarios, some radio frequency channels can be shut down, but this significantly degrades the user experience. How to balance user experience and power consumption in light-load scenarios is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and a communication device, aiming to provide a solution that balances user experience and power consumption in a cell splitting scenario.

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a network device, or by a component of the network device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0006] The method includes: communicating with a terminal through P first cells, where P > 1, wherein the P first cells are obtained by beamforming an antenna array using P first weights; when the load of the P first cells is less than a first threshold, communicating with the terminal through M second cells and N first cells from the P first cells, where M + N = P, wherein the M second cells are obtained by beamforming an antenna array using M second weights, and the beamwidth of the second cells is greater than the beamwidth of the first cells; when a terminal within the coverage area of ​​the N first cells switches to a target cell, communicating with the terminal through the M second cells, wherein the N first weights corresponding to the N first cells are 0.

[0007] According to the communication method provided in this application, when the load decreases to a certain level, some cells with smaller beamwidths (i.e., the first cell) can be transformed into cells with larger beamwidths (i.e., the second cell) through weight changes. Then, terminals within the coverage area of ​​the first cell can be switched to the target cell. After the terminals within the coverage area of ​​the first cell are switched to the target cell, the first cell is then shut down, and communication is conducted through the second cell. This method saves power by shutting down some cells with smaller beamwidths. Furthermore, by switching users within the coverage area of ​​these smaller cells to the target cell before shutting them down, the problem of users losing connection with network equipment due to directly shutting down these smaller cells can be avoided, thus improving user experience. In summary, the communication method provided in this application can balance user experience and energy saving.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the target cells are the M second cells. Based on this scheme, user churn in the N first cells can be avoided.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the method further includes increasing the available power of the M second cells. For example, the available power of the M second cells is increased to twice the original value.

[0010] Based on the above scheme, since the beamwidth of the second cell is greater than that of the first cell, the coverage will shrink. However, by increasing the available power of M second cells, downlink coverage compensation can be achieved.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: when the load of the M second cells is less than a second threshold, communicating with the terminal through M third cells, the second threshold being less than a first threshold, wherein the M third cells are obtained by beamforming the R columns of antennas in the antenna array using M third weights, the antenna array comprising W columns of antennas, where R < W.

[0012] Based on this scheme, power consumption can be further saved by turning off a portion of the antennas in the antenna array column by column when the load is further reduced.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: when the load of the M third cells is less than a third threshold, communicating with the terminal through M fourth cells, the third threshold being less than the second threshold, wherein the M fourth cells are obtained by beamforming the antennas in the same polarization direction of the R columns of antennas using M fourth weights.

[0014] Based on this scheme, with a further reduction in load, power consumption can be further saved by further shutting down antennas in the same polarization direction.

[0015] In one possible implementation, when communicating with the terminal through M second cells and N first cells out of P first cells, the time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources corresponding to the M second cells and the N first cells are different.

[0016] Based on the above scheme, by making the time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources corresponding to the M second cells and the N first cells different, the interference between the M second cells and the N first cells can be reduced.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the communication with the terminal via M second cells and N first cells out of P first cells includes: the M second cells and N narrow beams receiving signals using an uplink joint reception method.

[0018] Specifically, for any one of the M second cells, that second cell can perform uplink joint reception with the first cell among the N first cells that has the largest overlap area with it. The above scheme, by employing uplink joint reception, can compensate for uplink coverage loss.

[0019] Secondly, a communication device is provided. In one possible design, the communication device has the functions described in the first aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first aspect above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0020] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device including an interface circuit and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled to a memory. The memory stores part or all of the necessary computer program or instructions for implementing the functions described in the first aspect. The one or more processors can execute the computer program or instructions, causing the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect. The interface circuit is used to implement the communication functions within the communication device and / or the communication functions between the communication device and other devices or components.

[0021] In one possible design, the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0022] In one possible design, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0023] The aforementioned communication device may be a network device, a communication module in a network device, or a chip in a network device that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a system-on-chip (SoC) or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem module.

[0024] Fourthly, this application provides a communication system including a terminal and a network device. The network device may be the communication apparatus provided in the second or third aspect. The network device can perform the method provided in the first aspect.

[0025] Fifthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions, which, when read and executed by a computer, cause the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect to be executed.

[0026] Sixthly, this application provides a computer program product that, when read and executed by a computer, causes the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect to be executed.

[0027] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor that, when executing a program or instructions, causes the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect to be executed.

[0028] Eighthly, a chip is provided, including a processor for calling and running a computer program from memory, such that the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect is executed. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a sector splitting scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram comparing the power consumption of different loads under sector splitting and non-sector splitting scenarios provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an antenna array and a cell provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an antenna with partial antenna turn-off per column provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of frequency division scheduling provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a time-division scheduling provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of cell adjustment according to the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a cell handover provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a cell handover provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of an antenna with partial antenna turn-off per column provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a partially turned-off antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 14 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 17 is a schematic structural diagram of a network device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in this application describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Additionally, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the words "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or the order of execution, and that the words "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0048] In the various method embodiments of this application, the order of the sequence numbers does not imply the order of execution. The execution order should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0049] It is understood that in this application, descriptions such as "under the circumstances," "if," "when," and "if..." can be used interchangeably. Furthermore, these descriptions all refer to a corresponding action being taken under certain objective circumstances, not a time limit, nor do they require a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations. In the embodiments of this application, "less than" can also be replaced with "less than or equal to," and "greater than or equal to" can also be replaced with "greater than."

[0050] It is understood that in this application, the information indicated by the instruction information / information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as using the instruction information / information as an index to the information to be instructed. It can also indirectly instruct the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also instruct a portion of the information to be instructed, while the other portions are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent.

[0051] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0052] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment can be combined according to their inherent logical relationships to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches. The embodiments described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0053] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can also be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th Generation (5G) systems, New Radio (NR) systems, or future communication systems. It should be understood that the communication systems applicable to this application described above are merely illustrative examples, and the communication systems applicable to this application are not limited thereto.

[0054] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0055] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future-oriented evolution systems. RAN 100 can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0056] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0057] In one possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a transmission point (TP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. The RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the RAN node in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node can also be equipped with communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The RAN node can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions, as well as corresponding program instructions. The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node's functions.

[0058] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0059] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0060] It should be understood that the RAN node can be referred to in different ways in different communication systems or technologies. For example, in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, the RAN node can be called an access point (AP). Unless otherwise specified in this application, the term "network device" will be used throughout.

[0061] A terminal can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, transportation vehicles with wireless communication capabilities, communication modules, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal. A terminal typically contains a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication function. The terminal can also be configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0062] Soft splitting technology increases system capacity by splitting a single cell (also known as a sector) into multiple cells. Cells obtained through soft splitting technology are called split cells. It should be understood that in some scenarios, split cells may also be called split sectors, split beams, etc. For the sake of brevity, this application will simply refer to split cells as cells.

[0063] For example, Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a sector splitting scenario. Referring to Figure 2(a), one cell can be split into four cells. Referring to Figure 2(b), one cell can be split into two cells.

[0064] Compared to the non-sector splitting scenario, the power consumption performance varies under different load conditions in the sector splitting scenario. For example, referring to the schematic diagram of the power consumption comparison under different loads in the sector splitting and non-sector splitting scenarios shown in Figure 3, it can be seen that: (1) In the heavy load scenario, the available time-frequency resources of the split cells are increased several times compared to the non-sector splitting scenario, the capacity is significantly increased, and the power consumption is lower; (2) In the medium load scenario, when the traffic is the same, based on Shannon's theorem, the more bandwidth resources there are, the lower the transmission power and the lower the power consumption; (3) In the light load scenario, the probability of scheduling multiple cells obtained by splitting at the same time is low, and the splitting advantage is not obvious. However, since the power overhead of the common channel and reference signal is higher than that of the non-sector splitting scenario, the power consumption in the sector splitting scenario is higher under the same traffic.

[0065] To reduce power consumption in lightly loaded scenarios, one approach is to disable some ports (e.g., cell-specific reference signals (CRS) or channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS)). Another approach is to disable some antennas. The following example illustrates these two methods by splitting one or two cells into four.

[0066] Referring to Figure 4, which shows the antenna array and cell diagram, the antenna array comprises 32 antennas, corresponding to 4 ports: port 0, port 1, port 2, and port 3. Ports 0 and 2 correspond to antennas 0-15, while ports 1 and 3 correspond to antennas 16-31. Ports 0 and 1 are the ports that affect cell coverage or reference signal coverage. By applying beamforming to the antenna array using four different weights, four cells can be obtained: cell #0, cell #1, cell #2, and cell #3.

[0067] In lightly loaded scenarios, one approach is to disable ports 2 and 3 by changing their weights, which will not affect cell coverage. However, since all 32 antennas are not turned off, the energy-saving benefits are relatively small.

[0068] In another approach, as shown in Figure 5, antennas can be partially shut down column by column, such as shutting down the five columns of antennas on the right. In this scenario, the beamwidth widens and cell coverage may even overlap, resulting in severe interference and a significant deterioration in user experience. This deterioration in user experience leads to increased user scheduling time, further diminishing the benefits of symbol shutdown and thus negating the effectiveness of energy-saving improvements.

[0069] In view of this, this application provides a communication method that can balance user experience and power consumption in light-load scenarios with sector splitting.

[0070] The method provided in this application can be applied to network devices. For example, the method can be executed by the network device, by a component of the network device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the network device.

[0071] The antenna in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a physical antenna, radio frequency channel, or channel, etc. The weights in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as antenna weights or beam weights, etc.

[0072] The method provided in this application is described below.

[0073] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in this application. The method 600 may include steps S610 to S630, which are described below.

[0074] S610 communicates with the terminal through P first cells.

[0075] Specifically, network devices can receive signals from or send signals to terminals through P first cells. These P first cells are split cells, where P > 1. Specifically, these P first cells can be obtained by beamforming the antenna array using P first weights, and each of the P first weights is different.

[0076] Assuming the antenna array comprises K antennas, each corresponding to a Q port, the first weight is a K*Q matrix, where each element is a complex number representing the weight of the q-th port on the k-th antenna. The range of q is 1 ≤ q ≤ Q, and the range of k is 1 ≤ k ≤ K, Q ≤ K.

[0077] S620, when the load of the P first cells is less than the first threshold, communication is established with the terminal through the M second cells and N first cells among the P first cells.

[0078] Where M + N = P, N ≥ 1. Both the M second cells and the P first cells are split cells. Specifically, the M second cells can be obtained by beamforming the antenna array using M second weights. Each of the M second weights is different, and each second weight is different from the first weight. Furthermore, the beamwidth of the second cell is greater than the beamwidth of the first cell.

[0079] It should be understood that if the first weight is a matrix of K*Q, then the second weight is also a matrix of K*Q, and the meaning of the elements in the second weight is the same as the meaning of the elements in the first weight.

[0080] It should also be understood that beamwidth refers to the angular range formed by an antenna array in a specific direction when radiating. This angular range measures the width of the energy or signal distribution of the antenna array in space. Beamwidth can be divided into horizontal beamwidth and vertical beamwidth. Horizontal beamwidth represents the angular range of the antenna array's radiation in the horizontal direction; vertical beamwidth represents the angular range of the antenna array's radiation in the vertical direction. A smaller beamwidth results in more concentrated energy radiation, stronger directionality, and typically higher gain. A larger beamwidth results in a wider energy distribution, covering a larger area.

[0081] For example, the first threshold could be an average utilization rate of 20% for the physical resource blocks (PRBs) of the P first cells. Then, when the average utilization rate of the downlink PRBs of the P first cells is 20%, the network device can communicate with the terminal through M second cells and the N first cells by changing the weights.

[0082] In one implementation, in S620, signals can be received using an uplink joint reception method in the M second cells and the N first cells.

[0083] Uplink joint reception is joint interference rejection combining (JIRC). In this embodiment, for any one of the M second cells, the second cell can perform uplink joint reception with the first cell among the N first cells that has the largest overlap area with the second cell. By jointly receiving uplink signals from the same terminal through two cells and performing signal combining processing, the signal-to-noise ratio and reception performance of the uplink can be improved.

[0084] The above scheme can compensate for uplink coverage loss by using an uplink joint reception method to receive signals.

[0085] In one implementation, in S620, the time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources corresponding to the M second cells and the N first cells are different. For example, the M second cells and the N first cells can be scheduled using frequency division or time division.

[0086] For example, referring to Figure 7, the M second cells can only schedule PRB1-PRB50, but not PRB51-PRB100, and the N first cells can only schedule PRB51-PRB100, but not PRB1-PRB50. Here, PRB stands for Physical Resource Block.

[0087] For example, referring to Figure 8, the M second cells and the N first cells can be scheduled with full bandwidth, but the M second cells can only use a portion of the time domain resources, and the N first cells can only use another portion of the time domain resources.

[0088] Based on the above scheme, by making the time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources corresponding to the M second cells and the N first cells different, the interference between the M second cells and the N first cells can be reduced.

[0089] S630, when a terminal within the coverage area of ​​the N first cells switches to the target cell, communication is conducted with the terminal through the M second cells, wherein the N first weights corresponding to the N first cells are 0.

[0090] Specifically, when a terminal within the coverage area of ​​the N first cells switches to the target cell, the N first weights corresponding to the N first cells can be set to 0, that is, the N first cells are turned off, so that communication with the terminal is only conducted through the M second cells.

[0091] According to the communication method provided in this application, when the load decreases to a certain level, some cells with smaller beamwidths (i.e., the first cell) can be transformed into cells with larger beamwidths (i.e., the second cell) through weight changes. Then, terminals within the coverage area of ​​the first cell can be switched to the target cell. After the terminals within the coverage area of ​​the first cell are switched to the target cell, the first cell is then shut down, and communication is conducted through the second cell. This method saves power by shutting down some cells with smaller beamwidths. Furthermore, by switching users within the coverage area of ​​these smaller cells to the target cell before shutting them down, the problem of users losing connection with network equipment due to directly shutting down these smaller cells can be avoided, thus improving user experience. In summary, the communication method provided in this application can balance user experience and energy saving.

[0092] Figure 9 is an example of cell adjustment according to the method shown in Figure 6. Referring to Figure 9(a), cells #0-#3 are the P first cells, and each cell in cells #0-#3 corresponds to a first weight, which can be, for example, the weight of the antenna array shown in Figure 4. When the load of cells #0-#3 shown in Figure 9(a) is less than the first threshold, referring to Figure 9(b), the network device will communicate with the terminal through cells #1, #3, #4, and #5. Cells #4 and #5 each correspond to a second weight, which can be, for example, the weight of the antenna array shown in Figure 4. When the terminal within the coverage area of ​​cells #1 and #3 shown in Figure 9(b) switches to the target cell, referring to Figure 9(c), the network device will communicate with the terminal only through cells #4 and #5.

[0093] For example, the target cell could be one of the M second cells.

[0094] For example, referring to Figure 10, a terminal within the coverage area of ​​cell #1 can switch to the coverage area of ​​cell #4. A terminal within the coverage area of ​​cell #3 can switch to the coverage area of ​​cell #5.

[0095] Based on this scheme, user migration from the first cell to the second cell can be achieved through same-frequency handover, ensuring that users are not lost as much as possible.

[0096] For example, the target cell can also be a cell with different frequencies / systems.

[0097] For example, referring to Figure 11, the frequencies corresponding to cell #1 and cell #3 are F1. Terminals within the coverage area of ​​cell #1 and cell #3 can be switched to cells with frequencies other than F1, such as F2.

[0098] For example, if cell #1 and cell #3 are based on the LTE standard, terminals within the coverage area of ​​cell #1 and cell #3 can be switched to cells based on the NR, GSM, or UMTS standards.

[0099] In some embodiments, when communication is conducted solely through M second cells, the available power of the M second cells can be increased.

[0100] For example, the available power of the N first cells in S620 can be shared with the M second cells. That is, in S630, the available power of the N first cells is 0, and the available power of the M second cells is twice the available power of the N first cells in S620.

[0101] Based on the above scheme, since the beamwidth of the second cell is greater than that of the first cell, the coverage will shrink. However, by increasing the available power of M second cells, downlink coverage compensation can be achieved.

[0102] In some embodiments, the method 600 may further include:

[0103] S640, if the load of the M second cells is less than the second threshold, communicate with the terminal through the M third cells.

[0104] The second threshold is less than the first threshold. For example, the second threshold could be an average downlink PRB utilization rate of 15% for the M second cells. The M third cells are obtained by beamforming the R columns of antennas in the antenna array using M different third weights. The antenna array includes W columns of antennas, where R < W. For example, R = W / 2.

[0105] Specifically, when the load of the M second cells is less than the second threshold, i.e., when the load of the M second cells further decreases, a portion of the antennas in the antenna array can be shut down column by column. Furthermore, beamforming is performed on another portion of the antennas in the antenna array using M third weights to obtain M third cells, through which communication with the terminal can be achieved. It should be understood that the weighting value of each port on the remaining WR antennas in the antenna array is 0. These remaining WR antennas can correspond to ports that do not affect cell coverage or reference signal coverage; for example, these remaining WR antennas can correspond to ports 2 and 3.

[0106] For example, the antenna array and its correspondence with the ports are shown in Figure 4. Referring to Figure 12, when the load of the M second cells is less than the second threshold, some antennas can be turned off column by column, such as turning off the four right-hand columns. It should be understood that the four left-hand columns or the four middle columns can also be turned off. Alternatively, two or six columns of antennas can also be turned off, etc.

[0107] Based on this scheme, power consumption can be further reduced by turning off a portion of the antennas in the antenna array column by column.

[0108] In some embodiments, the method 500 may further include:

[0109] S650, when the load of the M third cells is less than the third threshold, communicates with the terminal through the M fourth cells.

[0110] The third threshold is less than the second threshold. For example, the second threshold could be an average PRB utilization rate of 10% for the M third cells in the downlink. The M fourth cells are obtained by beamforming antennas in the same polarization direction in the R columns of antennas using M fourth weights. It should be understood that if the M fourth cells are obtained by beamforming antennas in the first polarization direction in the R columns of antennas using M fourth weights, then the weighting value of each port on the antennas in the second polarization direction in the R columns of antennas in the antenna array is 0. For example, the first polarization direction can be a horizontal polarization direction, and the second polarization direction can be a vertical polarization direction. In addition, the ports corresponding to the antennas in the second polarization direction in the antenna array do not affect cell coverage or reference signal coverage. For example, the antennas in the second polarization direction can correspond to ports 2 and 3.

[0111] For example, referring to Figure 13, when the load of the M third cells is less than the third threshold, antennas 0-3 and 8-11 can be turned off.

[0112] Based on this scheme, power consumption can be further reduced by further shutting down antennas with the same polarization direction.

[0113] The above describes a solution for adjusting cell weights to accommodate user experience and power consumption when the load decreases. It should be understood that when the load increases, the reverse process can be used: gradually activating the antenna, activating the cell, and reducing the cell's beamwidth.

[0114] For example, Figure 14 shows a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in this application. Method 1400 is the reverse flow of method 600 shown in Figure 6.

[0115] S1410 communicates with the terminal through M fourth cells. For details on the fourth cells, please refer to the relevant description in S650; it will not be repeated here.

[0116] S1420: If the load of the M fourth cells is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold and less than the fifth threshold, communication with the terminal is achieved through the M third cells. For details regarding the third cells, please refer to the relevant description in S640; it will not be repeated here.

[0117] For example, the fourth threshold can be equal to the third threshold, and the fifth threshold can be equal to the second threshold. Alternatively, the fourth threshold can be greater than the third threshold, and the fifth threshold can be greater than the second threshold.

[0118] S1430: If the load of the M fourth cells is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold and less than the sixth threshold, communication with the terminal is carried out through the M second cells. For details regarding the second cells, please refer to the relevant description in S630; it will not be repeated here.

[0119] For example, the sixth threshold can be equal to the first threshold, or the sixth threshold can be greater than the first threshold.

[0120] S1440: If the load of the M second cells is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold, communication with the terminal is established through the M second cells and N first cells. The description of the N first cells can be found in S620 and will not be repeated here.

[0121] S1450: When a terminal within the coverage area of ​​the M second cells switches to the target cell, communication with the terminal is achieved through the P first cells. The relevant description of the P first cells can be found in S610, and will not be repeated here.

[0122] It should be understood that S1410 and S1420 above are optional steps.

[0123] According to the communication method provided in this application, when the load increases to a certain extent, some cells with larger beamwidths can be transformed into cells with smaller beamwidths (i.e., second cells) by changing the weights, thereby improving the system capacity.

[0124] The method provided in this application has been described above; the apparatus provided in this application will be described below.

[0125] Figure 15 shows a possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 15, the communication device 2000 may include modules or units for implementing the method embodiments described above. In one possible design, the communication device 2000 includes a communication unit 2100. Optionally, the communication device 2000 may further include a processing unit 2200. Optionally, the communication device 2000 may further include a storage unit 2300 for storing device program code and / or data.

[0126] In one possible design, the communication device 2000 can be a network device side device in the above embodiments, such as network device 2200 or a communication module in a network device, or a circuit or chip in a network device responsible for communication functions.

[0127] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 2100 is used to: communicate with the terminal through P first cells, where P > 1, the P first cells being obtained by beamforming an antenna array using P first weights; when the load of the P first cells is less than a first threshold, communicate with the terminal through M second cells and N first cells among the P first cells, where M + N = P, the M second cells being obtained by beamforming the antenna array using M second weights, the beamwidth of the second cells being greater than the beamwidth of the first cells; when the terminal within the coverage area of ​​the N first cells switches to the target cell, communicate with the terminal through the M second cells, wherein the N first weights corresponding to the N first cells are 0.

[0128] Optionally, the processing unit 2200 is used to increase the available power of the M second cells.

[0129] Optionally, the communication unit 2100 is further configured to communicate with the terminal through M third cells when the load of the M second cells is less than a second threshold, wherein the second threshold is less than a first threshold, and the M third cells are obtained by beamforming R columns of antennas in the antenna array using M third weights, wherein the antenna array includes W columns of antennas, where R < W.

[0130] Optionally, the communication unit 2100 is further configured to communicate with the terminal through M fourth cells when the load of the M third cells is less than a third threshold, wherein the third threshold is less than the second threshold, and the M fourth cells are obtained by beamforming the antennas in the same polarization direction of the R columns of antennas using M fourth weights.

[0131] Optionally, when communicating with the terminal through M second cells and N first cells out of P first cells, the time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources corresponding to the M second cells and the N first cells are different.

[0132] Optionally, the target cell is one of the M second cells.

[0133] Optionally, the communication unit 2100 is specifically used to receive signals in the M second cells and N narrow beams using an uplink joint reception method.

[0134] It is understood that the division of units in the above-described device is a logical functional division. One function can correspond to one functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional unit. In actual implementation, all or some units can be integrated into one physical entity, or distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional units can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Whether a function is executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for specific applications, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0135] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0136] In one example, storage unit 2300 may include random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory and / or registers, etc.

[0137] Figure 16 shows a schematic block diagram of another communication device 3000 provided in an embodiment of this application. This device 3000 can be a network device, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing the above methods. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0138] The device 3000 may include one or more processors 3100, which may also be referred to as processing units, and can implement certain control functions. The processor 3100 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control communication devices (such as base stations, baseband chips, users, user chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0139] In an alternative design, the processor 3100 may also store instructions and / or data that can be executed by the processor 3100 to cause the device 3000 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0140] In another alternative design, the device 3000 may include a communication interface 3200 for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the communication interface 3200 may be a transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for reading and writing code / data, or it may be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0141] Optionally, the device 3000 may include one or more memories 3300, which may store instructions that can be executed on the processor 3100, causing the device 3000 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 3300 may also store data. Optionally, the processor 3100 may also store instructions and / or data. The processor 3100 and the memory 3300 may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0142] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device 4000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The aforementioned communication device 2000 can be configured in the network device 4000. Alternatively, the communication device 2000 itself can be the network device 4000. Alternatively, the network device 4000 can perform the actions performed by the network device in the above method embodiment.

[0143] As shown in Figure 17, the network device 4000 may include one or more DU 4010s and one or more CU 4020s. CU 4020s can communicate with the NG core (Next Generation Core, NC). Each DU 4010 may include at least one antenna 4011, at least one radio frequency unit 4012, at least one processor 4013, and at least one memory 4014. The DU 4010 is primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals, converting radio frequency signals to baseband signals, and performing some baseband processing. Each CU 4020 may include at least one processor 4022 and at least one memory 4021. The CU 4020 and DU 4010 can communicate via an interface, where the control plane (CP) interface can be Fs-C, such as F1-C, and the user plane (UP) interface can be Fs-U, such as F1-U.

[0144] The CU 4020 is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling the network device 4000. The DU 4010 and CU 4020 can be physically installed together or separately, i.e., a distributed base station. The CU 4020 is the control center of the network device 4000, also known as a processing unit, and is mainly used to complete baseband processing functions. For example, the CU 4020 can be used to control the network device 4000 to execute the operation procedures related to the first or second network device in the above method embodiments.

[0145] Specifically, the baseband processing on the CU and DU can be divided according to the protocol layers of the wireless network. For example, the functions of the PDCP layer and above are set in the CU, while the functions of the protocol layers below PDCP, such as the RLC layer and MAC layer, are set in the DU. For another example, the CU implements the functions of the RRC layer and PDCP layer, while the DU implements the functions of the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer.

[0146] Alternatively, the network device 4000 may include one or more radio frequency units (RUs), one or more DUs, and one or more CUs. A DU may include at least one processor 4013 and at least one memory 4014, an RU may include at least one antenna 4011 and at least one radio frequency unit 4012, and a CU may include at least one processor 4022 and at least one memory 4021.

[0147] In one example, the CU 4020 can be composed of one or more single boards. Multiple single boards can collectively support a single access-indicating wireless access network (such as a 5G network), or they can each support wireless access networks with different access standards (such as LTE, 5G, or other networks). The memory 4021 and processor 4022 can serve one or more single boards. That is, each single board can have its own memory and processor, or multiple single boards can share the same memory and processor. Furthermore, each single board can also have necessary circuitry. Similarly, the DU 4010 can be composed of one or more single boards. Multiple single boards can collectively support a single access-indicating wireless access network (such as a 5G network), or they can each support wireless access networks with different access standards (such as LTE, 5G, or other networks). The memory 4014 and processor 4013 can serve one or more single boards. That is, each single board can have its own memory and processor, or multiple single boards can share the same memory and processor. Furthermore, each single board can also have necessary circuitry.

[0148] It should be understood that the network device 4000 shown in Figure 17 can implement the various processes of the actions performed by the network device in the above method embodiments. The operation and / or function of each module in the network device 4000 are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0149] It should be understood that the network device 4000 shown in Figure 17 is only one possible architecture for network devices and should not be construed as limiting this application in any way. The method provided in this application can be applied to network devices with other architectures, such as network devices including CU, DU, and AAU. This application does not limit the specific architecture of the network device.

[0150] The processor, processor system, application processor, baseband processor, processor circuit, or processor core involved in the embodiments of this application can be collectively referred to as a processor. The processor may include one or more of the following: central processing unit (CPU), digital signal processor (DSP), microprocessor unit (MPU), microcontroller unit (MCU), graphics processing unit (GPU), field programmable gate array (FPGA), artificial intelligence processor (AI processor), or neural processing unit (NPU).

[0151] The memory involved in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0152] This application also provides a computer program product, including computer program instructions that, when executed, cause the various steps or processes performed by the network device in any of the above method embodiments to be executed.

[0153] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, which, when executed, causes the various steps or processes performed by the network device in any of the above method embodiments to be executed.

[0154] This application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling and running a computer program or instructions from memory, such that the various steps or processes performed by the network device in any of the above method embodiments are executed.

[0155] This application also provides a communication system that includes at least one of a terminal and a network device.

[0156] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0157] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0158] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0159] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0160] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The terminal communicates through P first cells, where P > 1. The P first cells are obtained by beamforming the antenna array using P first weights. When the load of the P first cells is less than a first threshold, the terminal communicates through M second cells and N first cells among the P first cells, where M+N=P. The M second cells are obtained by beamforming the antenna array using M second weights, and the beamwidth of the second cells is greater than the beamwidth of the first cells. When a terminal within the coverage area of ​​the N first cells switches to the target cell, it communicates with the terminal through the M second cells, wherein the N first cells correspond to N first weights of 0.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Increase the available power of the M second cells.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the load of the M second cells is less than the second threshold, communication with the terminal is carried out through the M third cells. The second threshold is less than the first threshold. The M third cells are obtained by beamforming the R columns of antennas in the antenna array using M third weights. The antenna array includes W columns of antennas, where R < W.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the load of the M third cells is less than the third threshold, communication with the terminal is carried out through the M fourth cells. The third threshold is less than the second threshold. The M fourth cells are obtained by beamforming the antennas in the same polarization direction of the R columns of antennas using M fourth weights.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, When communicating with the terminal through M second cells and N first cells out of P first cells, the time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources corresponding to the M second cells and the N first cells are different.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The target cell is the M second cells.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The communication with the terminal through M second cells and N first cells out of P first cells includes: The M second cells and N narrow beams receive signals using an uplink joint reception method.

8. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes units for performing the various steps of the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

10. A readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed, the method as described in any one of claims 1-7 is performed.

11. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer program instructions, which, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-7 to be performed.

12. A chip, characterized in that, Includes a processor for calling and running a computer program from memory, such that the method as described in any one of claims 1-7 is performed.

13. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a terminal and a network device, the network device communicating with the terminal, and the network device being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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