Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, which are applied to the technical field of communications, and can be applied to the field of satellite communications, such as NTN. The method comprises: a first apparatus receives a first SSB, the first SSB belonging to a first SSB burst; the first apparatus can determine an index of the first SSB on the basis of the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst, wherein the time domain position of the at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time domain position of the first SSB, and each synchronization signal burst among the at least one synchronization signal burst comprises a PSS and / or an SSS. Since the number of radio frames occupied by the synchronization signal burst whose time domain position is earlier than that of the first SSB is considered, the method can avoid or reduce the impact of the synchronization signal burst on determining the index of the SSB, thereby improving the accuracy of the determined index of the first SSB.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411466347.5, filed on October 18, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] In a wireless communication system, access network equipment can send measurement configuration information to terminals; terminals can then measure synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) blocks (SSBs) based on the measurement configuration information to achieve mobility management.

[0005] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) provide seamless coverage for terminals by deploying access network equipment or part of its functionality on non-terrestrial equipment such as high-altitude platforms or satellites. In NTN communication systems, the access network equipment has a large coverage area and transmits a large number of Service Streaming Buses (SSBs). For example, a satellite may transmit hundreds or even thousands of beams. Since these beams can be used to carry SSBs, the number of SSBs transmitted by a satellite can also be hundreds or even thousands.

[0006] Further research is needed to determine the index of SSB in communication systems such as NTN. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for accurately determining the index of the actual SSB, which can improve communication reliability when the time domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time domain position of the SSB.

[0008] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a first device. The first device may be a terminal, or a device within the terminal (e.g., a module, a communication module, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core), a chip system, or a processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions.

[0009] The method may include: a first device receiving a first SSB, the first SSB belonging to a first SSB burst; the first device determining the index of the first SSB based on the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst; wherein the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB; each synchronization signal burst in the at least one synchronization signal burst includes a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS).

[0010] Currently, the actual SSB index is determined based on the reference SSB index included in the main information block (MIB) and the radio frame number carrying the SSB. However, if the access network device sends SSB bursts in some cycles and synchronization signal bursts in others, and the cycle of sending synchronization signal bursts is earlier than some or all of the cycles of sending SSB bursts, the SSB index determined by the terminal may be incorrect because the synchronization signal bursts also occupy some radio frames. For example, in the first cycle, the access network device sends SSB burst #1 in radio frame 0, which includes SSBs 0 to SSB 3, i.e., SSBs with indices 0 to 3; in the second cycle, the access network device sends a synchronization signal burst in radio frame 2; and in the third cycle, the access network device sends SSB burst #2 in radio frame 4, which includes SSBs 4 to SSB 7. In this case, the terminal may incorrectly determine the SSB indices in SSB burst #2 as 8 to 11.

[0011] Using the method in the first aspect, when the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB, the first device can determine the index of the first SSB based on the number of radio frames occupied by the at least one synchronization signal burst. Since the number of radio frames occupied by synchronization signal bursts whose time-domain positions are earlier than the first SSB is taken into account, this method can avoid or reduce the impact of synchronization signal bursts on determining the SSB index, thereby accurately determining the actual SSB index and improving communication reliability.

[0012] For example, the first SSB includes a reference SSB index. The first device determines the index of the first SSB based on the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst, including: the first device determines the index of the first SSB based on the reference SSB index and the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst.

[0013] Currently, the MIB in an SSB can indicate the reference SSB index using 2 bits, up to indices 0 to 3. However, the number of SSBs transmitted by an access network device in a cell can be much greater than 4. If the actual SSB index is indicated only by the MIB, the number of bits indicating the SSB index in the MIB is large, resulting in high signaling overhead. In this example, when determining the index of the first SSB, the first device considers not only the reference SSB index but also the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst, thereby reducing the number of bits indicating the SSB index in the SSB and lowering signaling overhead. Furthermore, in this example, as with the current standard, the SSB can still indicate the reference SSB index using 2 bits, requiring minimal modification to the standard.

[0014] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a second device. The second device may be an access network device, or a device within the access network device (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system, or processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0015] The method may include: a second device determining a first SSB, the first SSB including a reference SSB index; the second device transmitting the first SSB, the first SSB belonging to a first SSB burst; wherein the reference SSB index and the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst are used to determine the index of the first SSB; the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB, and each synchronization signal burst in the at least one synchronization signal burst includes a PSS and / or an SSS.

[0016] As mentioned earlier, the actual SSB index is currently determined based on the reference SSB index included in the MIB and the radio frame number carrying the SSB. However, if the access network device sends SSB bursts in some periods and synchronization signal bursts in other periods, and the period for sending synchronization signal bursts is earlier than some or all of the periods for sending SSB bursts, then the SSB index determined by the terminal may be incorrect because the synchronization signal bursts also occupy some radio frames.

[0017] Using the method described in the second aspect, when the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB, the index of the first SSB can be determined by referring to the SSB index and the number of radio frames occupied by the at least one synchronization signal burst. Since the number of radio frames occupied by synchronization signal bursts whose time-domain positions are earlier than the first SSB is taken into account, this method can avoid or reduce the impact of synchronization signal bursts on determining the SSB index, thereby accurately determining the actual SSB index and improving communication reliability.

[0018] As mentioned earlier, the MIB in an SSB can indicate the reference SSB index using 2 bits, and can indicate indices from 0 to 3. With technological advancements, the number of SSBs transmitted by access network equipment in a single cell can be far greater than 4. If the actual SSB index is indicated solely by the MIB, the number of bits indicating the SSB index in the MIB is large, resulting in significant signaling overhead. The method described in the second aspect considers not only the reference SSB index but also the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst when determining the index of the first SSB, thereby reducing the number of bits indicating the SSB index in the SSB and lowering signaling overhead. Furthermore, in this example, as with the current standard, the SSB can still indicate the reference SSB index using 2 bits, requiring minimal modification to the standard.

[0019] Optionally, in the first and second aspects, the time-domain location of at least one synchronization signal burst being earlier than the time-domain location of the first SSB can be replaced by any of the following: the location of the time-domain resource carrying at least one synchronization signal burst being earlier than the location of the time-domain resource carrying the first SSB; the time at which the first device receives at least one synchronization signal burst being earlier than the time at which the first device receives the first SSB; or, the time at which the second device transmits at least one synchronization signal burst being earlier than the time at which the second device transmits the first SSB.

[0020] And / or, each of the at least one synchronization signal bursts includes a PSS and / or an SSS, which may be replaced by any of the following: each of the at least one synchronization signal bursts includes only a PSS and / or an SSS; or, each of the at least one synchronization signal bursts includes a PSS and / or an SSS, but does not include a MIB; or, each of the at least one synchronization signal bursts consists of a PSS and / or an SSS. Optionally, each synchronization signal burst may be replaced by each signal in each synchronization signal burst.

[0021] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible design, the first device can determine the index of the first SSB according to (SFN-Y), where SFN is the frame number of the first radio frame, the first radio frame is the radio frame carrying the first SSB, and Y is the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst.

[0022] As mentioned earlier, currently, the actual SSB index is determined based on the reference SSB index included in the MIB and the radio frame number carrying the SSB. However, if the access network device sends SSB bursts in some periods and synchronization signal bursts in others, and the period for sending synchronization signal bursts is earlier than some or all of the periods for sending SSB bursts, the SSB index determined by the terminal may be incorrect because the synchronization signal bursts also occupy some radio frames. This design allows the first device to subtract the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst from the frame number of the radio frame carrying the first SSB when determining the first SSB index. This avoids the impact of synchronization signal bursts on determining the SSB index, thus accurately determining the first SSB index and improving communication reliability.

[0023] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible design, the index of the first SSB satisfies at least one of the following formulas:

[0024] The index of the first SSB = the index of the reference SSB + K*(SFN-Y) / L;

[0025] The index of the first SSB = the index of the reference SSB + K * floor((SFN-Y) / L); or

[0026] The index of the first SSB = the index of the reference SSB + K*(ceiling((SFN-Y) / L)-1);

[0027] Wherein, the reference SSB index is the SSB index included in the first SSB, K is the number of SSBs included in each SSB burst, L is the number of radio frames occupied by each SSB burst, floor() is rounding down, and ceiling() is rounding up.

[0028] This design allows the first device to accurately determine the index of the first SSB. Furthermore, the design demonstrates multiple possible formulas, offering greater flexibility. Additionally, compared to the formulas for determining the SSB index in the current standard, the first formula only requires replacing SFN with (SFN-Y), resulting in minimal changes to the standard. The second and third formulas are applicable not only to scenarios where (SFN-Y) / L is an integer but also to scenarios where (SFN-Y) / L is a decimal, thus broadening their applicability. Moreover, since (SFN-Y) / L in the second and third formulas can be either an integer or a decimal, the second device does not need to ensure that (SFN-Y) / L is an integer during resource scheduling, thereby improving the flexibility of resource scheduling.

[0029] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible design, M1 bits in the first SSB are used to indicate whether the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB, where M1 is a positive integer.

[0030] For example, if the M1 bits are a first value (e.g., 1 or 0), then the M1 bits indicate that the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB; if the M1 bits are a second value (e.g., 0 or 1), then the M1 bits indicate that the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is no earlier than (or later than) the time-domain position of the first SSB. The first value and the second value are different.

[0031] Through this design, the first device can accurately determine, based on M1 bits, whether the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB. Furthermore, in this design, the M1 bits are located within the first SSB, allowing the first device to quickly determine whether the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB upon receiving the first SSB. Moreover, in this design, whether the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB can be indicated by the second device, rather than being fixed. Therefore, the second device can flexibly set the time-domain positions of the synchronization signal burst and the SSB burst, thereby improving the resource scheduling flexibility of the second device.

[0032] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible design, M1 bits are half-frame bits; or, M1 bits are reserved bits. Thus, the first device can accurately determine, based on the half-frame bits or the reserved bits, whether the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB. Furthermore, this design can reuse half-frame bits or utilize reserved bits, thereby improving resource utilization and avoiding resource waste.

[0033] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible design, the second device can transmit broadcast information; correspondingly, the first device can receive broadcast information used to indicate the temporal positional relationship between SSB bursts and synchronization signal bursts.

[0034] Optionally, the broadcast information used to indicate the temporal positional relationship between the SSB burst and the synchronization signal burst can be replaced by any of the following: the broadcast information used to indicate the positional relationship between the temporal resources used to carry the SSB burst and the temporal resources used to carry the synchronization signal burst; the broadcast information used to indicate the temporal order of the temporal resources used to carry the SSB burst and the temporal resources used to carry the synchronization signal burst; the broadcast information used to indicate the transmission order of the SSB burst and the synchronization signal burst; the broadcast information used to indicate the temporal order in which the second device sends the SSB burst and the synchronization signal burst; or, the broadcast information used to indicate the temporal order in which the first device receives the SSB burst and the synchronization signal burst.

[0035] Through this design, the first device can accurately determine whether the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB based on the time-domain positional relationship indicated by the broadcast information. Furthermore, in this design, the time-domain positional relationship can be indicated by the second device, rather than being fixed. Therefore, the second device can flexibly set the time-domain positional relationship between the synchronization signal burst and the SSB burst, thereby improving the flexibility of resource scheduling for the second device.

[0036] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible design, the broadcast information used to indicate the temporal positional relationship between the SSB burst and the synchronization signal burst may include: the broadcast information comprises P1 bits, where P1 is a positive integer, and the P1 bits satisfy at least one of the following:

[0037] 1. The P1 bits are sorted according to the time-domain position of the signal corresponding to each bit. Each of the P1 bits indicates whether the K signals corresponding to that bit belong to an SSB burst or a synchronization burst, where K is a positive integer. Thus, the first device can accurately determine whether the signal corresponding to each bit belongs to an SSB burst or a synchronization burst based on the P1 bits, thereby accurately determining the time-domain positional relationship between SSB bursts and synchronization bursts. Furthermore, this design is applicable to both scenarios where the number of signals in a synchronization burst is fixed and scenarios where the number of signals in a synchronization burst is variable. For example, if the second device transmits 1000 signals that belong to either an SSB burst or a synchronization burst, the second device can use (1000 / 4) = 250 bits to indicate whether each of these 1000 signals belongs to an SSB burst or a synchronization burst.

[0038] 2. The P1 bits are sorted according to the time-domain position of the burst corresponding to each bit. Each bit in the P1 bits is used to indicate whether the one or more bursts corresponding to that bit are SSB bursts or synchronization signal bursts. In this way, the first device can accurately determine whether the burst corresponding to each bit is an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst based on the P1 bits, thereby accurately determining the time-domain position relationship between SSB bursts and synchronization signal bursts. In addition, if this design is applied to a scenario where the number of signals in the synchronization signal burst is fixed, the value of P1 can be reduced, thereby reducing the signaling overhead corresponding to the P1 bits. For example, the second device transmits a total of 1000 signals that belong to either SSB bursts or synchronization signal bursts. If the number of synchronization signal bursts is 25, and the number of signals in each synchronization signal burst is 20, and the number of SSB bursts is 125, and the number of signals in each SSB burst is 4, then the second device can use (25+125)=150 bits to indicate whether the bursts corresponding to these 1000 signals are SSB bursts or synchronization signal bursts.

[0039] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible design, M2 bits in the first SSB are used to indicate the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst, where M2 is a positive integer. Optionally, these M2 bits can be reserved bits in the first SSB, for example, reserved bits in the MIB of the first SSB. With this design, the first device can accurately determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst based on the M2 bits. Furthermore, in this design, the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst is indicated by bits in the first SSB, thus, after receiving the first SSB, the first device can quickly determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst.

[0040] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible design, the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst is preset. With this design, the first device can accurately determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. Furthermore, in this design, information for determining the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst does not need to be transmitted between the second and first devices, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0041] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible design, the second device can transmit broadcast information; correspondingly, the first device can receive broadcast information. The broadcast information is used to indicate the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. For example, the broadcast information can directly indicate the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst, or it can indirectly indicate the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. With this design, the first device can accurately determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst based on the broadcast information. Additionally, in this design, the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst can be indicated by the second device. Since the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst is associated with at least one of the following: the time-domain position of the synchronization signal burst, or the total number of synchronization signal bursts, the second device can flexibly set at least one of the following: the time-domain position of the synchronization signal burst, or the total number of synchronization signal bursts.

[0042] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible design, the broadcast information is used to indicate the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst, comprising: the broadcast information comprising P2 bits, where P2 is a positive integer, and the P2 bits satisfy at least one of the following:

[0043] 1. The P2 bits are sorted according to the time-domain position of the signal corresponding to each bit. Each of the P2 bits indicates whether the K signals corresponding to that bit belong to an SSB burst or a synchronization burst, where K is a positive integer. Thus, the first device can accurately determine whether the signal corresponding to each bit belongs to an SSB burst or a synchronization burst based on the P2 bits, thereby accurately determining the number of at least one synchronization burst, and consequently, the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization burst. Furthermore, this design is applicable to both scenarios where the number of signals in a synchronization burst is fixed and scenarios where the number of signals in a synchronization burst is variable. For example, if the second device transmits 1000 signals that belong to either an SSB burst or a synchronization burst, the second device can use (1000 / 4) = 250 bits to indicate whether each of these 1000 signals belongs to an SSB burst or a synchronization burst.

[0044] 2. The P2 bits are sorted according to the time-domain position of the burst corresponding to each bit. Each bit in the P2 bits is used to indicate whether the one or more bursts corresponding to that bit are SSB bursts or synchronization signal bursts. In this way, the first device can accurately determine whether the burst corresponding to each bit is an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst based on the P2 bits, thereby accurately determining the number of at least one synchronization signal burst, and further accurately determining the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. In addition, if this design is applied to a scenario where the number of signals in the synchronization signal burst is fixed, the value of P2 can be reduced, thereby reducing the signaling overhead corresponding to the P2 bits. For example, the second device transmits a total of 1000 signals that belong to either SSB bursts or synchronization signal bursts. If the number of synchronization signal bursts is 25, and the number of signals in each synchronization signal burst is 20, and the number of SSB bursts is 125, and the number of signals in each SSB burst is 4, then the second device can use (25+125)=150 bits to indicate whether the bursts corresponding to these 1000 signals are SSB bursts or synchronization signal bursts.

[0045] 3. If the time domain position of the synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time domain position of the SSB, or if the time domain resources occupied by the synchronization signal burst are continuous, then the value of P2 bits is associated with the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. In this way, the first device can accurately determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst based on the value of P2 bits. Furthermore, this design can reduce the value of P2, thereby reducing the signaling overhead corresponding to P2 bits. For example, if the second device transmits 1000 signals belonging to either the SSB burst or the synchronization signal burst, and if the number of synchronization signal bursts does not exceed 32, the second device can indicate the synchronization signal burst using a maximum of 5 bits. Moreover, in this design, the value of P2 bits is associated with the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst, so the first device can determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst without complex calculations, thereby reducing the complexity of the first device. For example, this design can reduce the complexity of the first device compared to the first device determining the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst based on the temporal positional relationship between the SSB burst and the synchronization signal burst.

[0046] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device. In some examples, the communication device can be a terminal, or a device within a terminal (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system, or processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. This communication device has the functionality to implement the first aspect described above. In other examples, the communication device can be an access network device, or a device within an access network device (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system, or processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the access network device's functions. This communication device has the functionality to implement the second aspect described above.

[0047] In one possible embodiment, the communication device includes modules, units, or means that perform the operations described in the first or second aspect above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the communication device includes an interface unit and a processing unit. The interface unit can be used to send and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices; the processing unit can be used to perform some internal operations of the communication device. The functions performed by the processing unit and the interface unit can correspond to the operations described in the first or second aspect above.

[0048] In some implementations, the communication device may be the first device of the first aspect. The communication device includes an interface unit and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to: receive a first SSB through the interface unit, the first SSB belonging to a first SSB burst; and determine the index of the first SSB based on the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. Wherein, the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB, and each synchronization signal burst in the at least one synchronization signal burst includes a PSS and / or an SSS.

[0049] For example, the first SSB includes a reference SSB index. The processing unit is specifically configured to: determine the index of the first SSB based on the reference SSB index and the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst.

[0050] In some possible designs, the processing unit is specifically used to: determine the index of the first SSB according to (SFN-Y), where SFN is the frame number of the first radio frame, the first radio frame is the radio frame carrying the first SSB, and Y is the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst.

[0051] For example, the processing unit is specifically configured to: determine the index of a first SSB that satisfies at least one of the following formulas:

[0052] The index of the first SSB = the index of the reference SSB + K*(SFN-Y) / L;

[0053] The index of the first SSB = the index of the reference SSB + K * floor((SFN-Y) / L); or

[0054] The index of the first SSB = the index of the reference SSB + K*(ceiling((SFN-Y) / L)-1);

[0055] Wherein, the reference SSB index is the SSB index included in the first SSB, K is the number of SSBs included in each SSB burst, L is the number of radio frames occupied by each SSB burst, floor() is rounding down, and ceiling() is rounding up.

[0056] Optionally, the processing unit is also used to: receive broadcast information through the interface unit, the broadcast information being used to indicate the temporal positional relationship between SSB bursts and synchronization signal bursts.

[0057] Optionally, the processing unit is also configured to: receive broadcast information via the interface unit, the broadcast information being used to indicate the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst.

[0058] In other implementations, the communication device may be the second device in the second aspect. The communication device includes an interface unit and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to: determine a first synchronization signal and a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) block SSB, the first SSB including a reference SSB index; and transmit the first SSB through the interface unit, the first SSB belonging to a first SSB burst. The reference SSB index and the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst are used to determine the index of the first SSB; the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB, and each synchronization signal burst in the at least one synchronization signal burst includes a PSS and / or an SSS.

[0059] Optionally, the processing unit is also used to: send broadcast information through the interface unit, the broadcast information being used to indicate the temporal positional relationship between the SSB burst and the synchronization signal burst.

[0060] Optionally, the processing unit is also configured to: send broadcast information through the interface unit, the broadcast information being used to indicate the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst.

[0061] In one possible embodiment, the communication device includes a processor. The processor is capable of executing computer programs or instructions, for example, executing computer programs or instructions stored in memory. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the communication device causes it to perform the methods in any of the possible designs described in the first or second aspect above.

[0062] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface, which is either a memory built into the communication device or an external memory connected to the communication device.

[0063] In one possible embodiment, the communication device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and to perform the methods in any of the possible designs in the first or second aspect described above.

[0064] Fourthly, this application provides a communication system that may include a first device and a second device. The first device is capable of executing the communication method provided in the first aspect, and the second device is capable of executing the communication method provided in the second aspect.

[0065] In some possible designs, the first device is a terminal and the second device is an access network device.

[0066] Fifthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions, wherein when the computer program or instructions are executed, the method in any of the possible designs of the first or second aspect described above is implemented.

[0067] Sixthly, this application provides a computer program product including computer program code, wherein when the computer program code is run, the method in any of the possible designs of the first or second aspect described above is implemented.

[0068] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a chip that may include at least one processor for executing computer programs or instructions in memory to implement the methods in any of the possible designs of the first or second aspect described above.

[0069] The technical effects that can be achieved by any of the third to seventh aspects mentioned above can be described with reference to the technical effects that can be achieved by any possible design in the first or second aspect mentioned above. Where there is overlap, no further discussion will be given. Attached Figure Description

[0070] Figures 1A to 1D are architectural diagrams of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an SSB transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams of several application scenarios provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0073] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the application;

[0074] Figures 6A to 6D are schematic diagrams of several transmission SSB bursts and synchronization signal bursts provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0075] Figures 7 and 8 are structural diagrams of several communication devices provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0076] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as the 5G... th This application describes mobile communication systems (such as new radio (NR) systems) or future evolved communication systems, including 5G and 4G mobile communication systems. The methods provided in this application can be applied to terrestrial network communication systems or NTN communication systems. The NTN communication system can be an NTN communication system integrated with 4G, 5G, and any future generation of communication systems. NTN communication systems can be, for example, satellite communication systems, and may also include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), high altitude platform stations (HAPS), and other airborne access network equipment; this application does not limit the scope of these applications.

[0077] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0078] Figure 1A illustrates the architecture of an NTN communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. The communication system may include a terminal, a first access network device, and a second access network device. The communication link between the first and second access network devices is a feedback link (or power supply link); the communication link between the second access network device and the terminal is a service link.

[0079] The first access network device can be a gateway station (also known as a ground station, earth station, signaling station, gateway, or gateway station) or a base station.

[0080] The second access network equipment can be a satellite (or satellite base station) or a high altitude platform station (HAPS), etc. The satellite can include at least one of the following: geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite (or geosynchronous orbit satellite) or non-geostationary earth orbit (NGEO) satellite. The non-geostationary earth orbit satellite can include at least one of the following: medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite or low earth orbit (LEO) satellite. There are no restrictions here.

[0081] In this embodiment, the communication mode of the second access network device may include two types: regenerative mode and transparent mode (also known as transparent mode). When the communication mode of the second access network device is regenerative mode, the second access network device can act as a base station for wireless communication. For example, the second access network device may include a next-generation NodeB (gNB) or a distributed unit (DU), etc. When the communication mode of the second access network device is transparent mode, the second access network device can perform frequency conversion forwarding of signals.

[0082] It should be understood that Figure 1A only shows one first access network device and one second access network device. In actual use, an architecture with multiple first access network devices and / or multiple second access network devices can be adopted as needed. Each second access network device can provide services to one or more terminals, each second access network device can correspond to one or more first access network devices, and each first access network device can correspond to one or more second access network devices. This application does not specifically limit the scope of the application.

[0083] In this application, a terminal may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user apparatus.

[0084] A terminal can be a device that provides wireless communication capabilities, such as handheld devices or in-vehicle devices with wireless connectivity. Currently, some examples of terminals include: mobile phones, satellite mobile terminals, cellular phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, and smart glasses), in-vehicle devices (e.g., cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains), satellite terminals, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, point-of-sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving cars, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. Wireless terminals in the home (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, robotic arms, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, flying devices (e.g., intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), terminals in 5G networks, or terminals in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc., are not limited to these in this application embodiment. As an example and not a limitation, in this application embodiment, the terminal can also be a mobile termination (MT) in an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node. When an IAB node faces its parent node, it can be regarded as a terminal; in this case, the IAB node plays the role of an MT.

[0085] This application does not limit the device form of the terminal. The device used to implement the terminal's functions can be the terminal itself, or it can be any device that supports the terminal in implementing those functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal or used in conjunction with the terminal. In this application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete components.

[0086] In this application, an access network device is a device that provides wireless communication functionality to a terminal, allowing the terminal to communicate with core network equipment. As a node in a radio access network, the access network device can also be referred to as a base station, a radio access network (RAN) node (or device), or an access point (AP). A communication system may include multiple access network devices, which can be nodes of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of the access network device and the terminal are relative. For example, network element #A can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station and access the RAN through network element #B. For terminals accessing the RAN through network element #A, network element #A is a base station; however, for network element #B, network element #A is a terminal.

[0087] In one possible scenario, access network equipment can be a base station, a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a base station in a future mobile communication system, a satellite, an IAB node, a mobile switching center, a high-altitude platform, or a satellite, etc. Access network equipment can be a macro base station, a micro base station or indoor station, a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a cloud RAN (CRAN) scenario. Access network equipment can also function as a base station in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Optionally, access network equipment can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment, etc. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the access network equipment can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0088] In another possible scenario, multiple access network devices collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each access network device performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, access network devices can be central units (CUs), duplexes (DUs), CUs (control planes, CPs), CUs (user planes, UPs), or radio units (RUs). 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 equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). It is understood that access network devices can be CUs, DUs, or devices comprising both CUs and DUs. Furthermore, a CU can be classified as an access network device within the access network or as an access network device within the core network (CN); this is not a limitation.

[0089] 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 open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN) system, CU can also be called open CU (open CU, O-CU), DU can also be called open DU (open DU, O-DU), CU-CP can also be called open CU-CP (open CU-CP, O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called open CU-UP (open CU-UP, O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called open RU (open RU, O-RU). 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 modules and hardware modules.

[0090] In this embodiment, the form of the access network device is not limited. The device used to implement the function of the access network device can be the access network device itself; or it can be a device that supports the access network device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the access network device or used in conjunction with the access network device.

[0091] Access network devices and terminals can be fixed in location or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water; or in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the access network devices and terminals.

[0092] In this application, core network equipment refers to equipment in the core network that provides service support to terminals. Examples of core network equipment include: access and mobility management function (AMF) entities, session management function (SMF) entities, and user plane function (UPF) entities, which are not listed here. The AMF entity is responsible for terminal access management and mobility management; the SMF entity is responsible for session management, such as user session establishment; and the UPF entity can be a user plane functional entity, primarily responsible for connecting to external networks. It should be noted that in this application, entities can also be referred to as network elements or functional entities. For example, an AMF entity can also be called an AMF network element or an AMF functional entity, and similarly, an SMF entity can also be called an SMF network element or an SMF functional entity.

[0093] The satellite communication system shown in this application may have a variety of possible architectures, such as any one of architectures one through three.

[0094] Architecture 1: Figure 1B illustrates a satellite communication system in a transparent transmission mode applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1B, the terminal and the ground base station can communicate via an air interface (e.g., Uu interface). The satellite and the NTN gateway can be considered as the RRU of the ground base station, enabling transparent signal forwarding. The ground base station and the core network can communicate via the NG interface. The satellite supports functions such as radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification; that is, the satellite can act as a Layer 1 relay, regenerating physical layer signals.

[0095] Architecture 2: Figure 1C illustrates a satellite communication system in regenerative mode applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1C, the satellite has some or all of the functions of an access network device and can be referred to as a satellite base station. The satellite can provide wireless access services and schedule wireless resources for terminal devices accessing the network through the satellite. The terminal and the satellite can communicate via an air interface (e.g., Uu interface), the satellite and the NTN gateway can communicate via an NG interface, and the NTN gateway and the core network can communicate via an NG interface. Optionally, there is no inter-satellite link (ISL) between satellites.

[0096] Architecture 3: Figure 1D illustrates another satellite communication system in a regenerative mode applicable to embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 1D, the satellite has some or all of the functions of an access network device and can be referred to as a satellite base station. The satellite can provide wireless access services and schedule wireless resources for terminal devices accessing the network through the satellite. The terminal and the satellite can communicate via an air interface (e.g., Uu interface), the satellite and the NTN gateway can communicate via an NG interface, and the NTN gateway and the core network can communicate via an NG interface. Satellites have an ISL, for example, the ISL is a link on the Xn interface, and satellites can communicate with each other via the Xn interface.

[0097] The communication system and service scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0098] The relevant terms used in the embodiments of this application will be explained below. It should be noted that these explanations are for the purpose of making the embodiments of this application easier to understand, and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0099] 1. SSB:

[0100] Optionally, the SSB may include a synchronization signal (SS) and a MIB.

[0101] The SS (Segment Switch) is used by the terminal for downlink synchronization and to obtain the cell identity (ID). Downlink synchronization can include frequency synchronization and time synchronization. Currently, the SS can include the PSS (Physical Cell Sequence) and the SSS (Segment Switch). The PSS can be used to transmit the cell number, and the SSS can be used to transmit the cell group number. The cell number and the cell group number together determine the physical cell identity (PCI) in the communication system. Once the terminal successfully finds the PSS and SSS, it also knows the PCI corresponding to the SSS.

[0102] The MIB can be used by a terminal to obtain information about the access cell. For example, the MIB can be used to indicate the index of the SSB, which is used to determine the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) of the system information block (SIB1). This SSB1 can be used to configure random access resources. The terminal can then access the cell based on these random access resources.

[0103] SSB can also be expressed in other ways, such as SS / PBCH block or synchronization signal block (SSB). As long as they have the same function, they are all within the scope of protection of this application.

[0104] 2. SSB transmission:

[0105] Access network equipment can transmit different SSBs using different beams at different times. Since different beams cover different areas, the beam in "access network equipment can transmit different SSBs using different beams at different times" can be replaced with the area.

[0106] For example, the access network device can transmit SSBs at a certain period; within each period, the access network device can transmit SSBs for a portion of the duration of that period. For instance, as shown in Figure 2, the access network device transmits SSBs at a period of 20 milliseconds (ms); within each period, the access network device can transmit 4 SSBs through 4 beams within 5ms.

[0107] It should be understood that Figure 2 is only an example, and the period for sending SSBs can also be other values, such as one of the following: 10ms, 40ms, 80ms or 160ms; the duration and number of SSBs sent by the access network device in each period can also be other values, without restriction.

[0108] It should also be understood that the number of SSBs sent by the access network device may be the same or different in different periods, as shown in Figure 2 with the same number as an example.

[0109] 3. Region:

[0110] In this application, the region can be a geographical area, geographical range, administrative region, administrative scope, or wave position, etc. A wave position can be the coverage area of ​​a beam (or the projected range of the beam on the ground). Access network equipment can adjust the antenna weights so that the beams transmitted by the access network equipment can point in different directions, resulting in different coverage areas. For example, a satellite may be configured with 16 beams, each with a different coverage area; each beam's coverage area can be considered a wave position.

[0111] 4. Beam:

[0112] Mobile communication systems (such as 5G mobile communication systems) can employ high-frequency communication, meaning they use high-frequency signals to transmit data. A major problem with high-frequency communication is that signal energy decreases sharply with transmission distance, resulting in short transmission ranges. To overcome this problem, high-frequency communication uses analog beamforming technology. By weighting the antenna array, the signal energy is concentrated within a small angular range, forming a beam-like signal (called an analog beam, or simply a beam), thereby increasing the transmission distance. Access network equipment and terminals can both use beamforming for transmission.

[0113] In protocols (e.g., NR protocol), beams can be referred to as spatial domain filters, spatial filters, spatial domain parameters, spatial parameters, spatial domain settings, spatial settings, quasi-colocation (QCL) information, QCL assumptions, or QCL indications, etc. Beams can also be represented by transmission configuration indicator state parameters or spatial relation parameters. The English terms for transmission configuration indicator state include transmission configuration indicator state (TCI-state), transmission configuration indication state (TCI-state), and transmission configuration index state (TCI-state), etc. Therefore, in this application, "beam" can be replaced by spatial filter, spatial filter, spatial parameter, spatial parameter, spatial setting, spatial setting, QCL information, QCL assumption, QCL indication, TCI-state (e.g., downlink TCI-state, DL TCI-state, and / or uplink TCI-state, UL TCI-state), or spatial relationship, etc. The above terms are also equivalent to each other. "Beam" can also be replaced with other beam-related terms, which are not limited in this application.

[0114] The beam used to transmit signals can be called a transmission beam (Tx beam), a spatial domain transmission filter, a spatial transmission filter, a spatial domain transmission parameter, a spatial transmission parameter, a spatial domain transmission setting, or a spatial transmission setting.

[0115] For uplink communication, the transmit beam can also be referred to as the uplink transmit beam. For example, the uplink transmit beam can be indicated by any of the following: spatial relation, uplink TCI-state, or sounding reference signal (SRS) resource (representing the transmit beam using that SRS). The uplink transmit beam can also be replaced by an SRS resource.

[0116] For downlink communication, the transmit beam can also be referred to as the downlink transmit beam. For example, the downlink transmit beam can be indicated by any of the following: spatial relation, CSI-RS resource, downlink TCI-state, SSB resource, or tracking reference signal (TRS) resource.

[0117] The beam used to receive signals can be called a reception beam (Rx beam), a spatial domain reception filter, a spatial reception filter, a spatial domain reception parameter, a spatial reception parameter, a spatial domain reception setting, or a spatial reception setting.

[0118] The transmitting beam can refer to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space after a signal is transmitted through an antenna, while the receiving beam can refer to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space of a wireless signal received from an antenna.

[0119] Furthermore, the beam can be a wide beam, a narrow beam, or other types of beam. The beamforming technology can be beamforming technology or other technologies. Beamforming technology can be, for example, digital beamforming technology, analog beamforming technology, or hybrid digital / analog beamforming technology, etc.

[0120] Beams are generally associated with resources. For example, during beam measurement, access network devices measure different beams using different resources. The terminal provides feedback on the measured resource quality, allowing the access network device to determine the quality of the corresponding beam. During data transmission, beam information is also indicated through its corresponding resources. For instance, access network devices use the Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) field in the DCI to indicate the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) beam information of the terminal. The English term for Transmission Configuration Indicator can be Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI), Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI), or Transmission Configuration Index (TCI), etc.

[0121] 6. Representation of SSB and radio frames:

[0122] For ease of description, in this application, SSBQ1 can represent the SSB with index Q1, where Q1 is a non-negative integer. For example, SSB0 can represent the SSB with index 0, SSB1 can represent the SSB with index 1, and so on.

[0123] Radio frame Q2 can represent radio frame with radio frame number Q2, where Q2 is a non-negative integer. For example, radio frame 0 can represent radio frame with radio frame number 0, radio frame 1 can represent radio frame with radio frame number 1, and so on.

[0124] 7. Determining the SSB index:

[0125] In communication systems such as NTN, the coverage area of ​​an access network device can include the coverage area of ​​one or more cells, thereby simplifying the complexity of the access network device. Figure 3 illustrates an example where the coverage area of ​​an access network device includes the coverage area of ​​a single cell. The coverage area of ​​a single cell can include P regions, where the indices of the SSBs corresponding to these P regions range from 0 to P-1, where P is an integer greater than 4.

[0126] The index of the SSB corresponding to the P areas can be determined based on the reference SSB index indicated by the MIB and the radio frame number. For example, if the access network device transmits SSBs at a period of 20ms, the index of the SSB corresponding to the P areas can be determined according to formula (1):

[0127] Current SSB index = Reference SSB index + (Maximum index that MIB can indicate + 1) * Radio frame number / 2 (1)

[0128] For example, if the MIB can indicate SSB indices from 0 to 3, the MIB indicates a reference SSB index of 0, and the radio frame number is 0, then the current SSB index is 0. As another example, if the MIB can indicate SSB indices from 0 to 3, the MIB indicates an SSB index of 0, and the radio frame number is 2, then the current SSB index is 4.

[0129] This method allows the SSB index to be determined without increasing the number of bits indicating the SSB index in the MIB.

[0130] 8. SSB burst and synchronization signal burst:

[0131] In communication systems such as NTN, there are areas within the coverage of access network equipment where communication demand is low or the number of terminals served is small, such as deserts, oceans, and the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Therefore, in NTN systems, access network equipment can transmit SSBs in some areas and synchronous signal bursts in others; in other words, the access network equipment transmits SSBs through one beam and synchronous signal bursts through another; or, the access network equipment transmits SSB bursts in one area and synchronous signal bursts in another; or, the access network equipment transmits SSB bursts and synchronous signal bursts at certain intervals, specifically, the access network equipment can transmit SSB bursts in one period and synchronous signal bursts in another.

[0132] An SSB burst may include at least one SSB, and each SSB may include an SS and a MIB. The specific contents of the SS and MIB can be found in the descriptions of SS and MIB in "1. SSB" respectively, and will not be repeated here. Optionally, an SSB burst may include SSBs sent by the access network device within a cycle. For example, if the access network device sends 4 SSBs in a cycle, then an SSB burst may include 4 SSBs.

[0133] A synchronization signal burst may include at least one signal. Each of these at least one signal may include a PSS and / or an SSS; or, each signal may include only a PSS and / or an SSS; or, each signal may consist of a PSS and / or an SSS; or, each signal may include a PSS and / or an SSS, but not a MIB. The specific contents of PSS, SSS, and MIB can be found in the descriptions of PSS, SSS, and MIB in "1. SSB," and will not be repeated here. Optionally, a synchronization signal burst may include signals belonging to a synchronization signal burst transmitted by the access network device within a cycle. For example, if the access network device transmits 20 signals in a cycle, and all 20 signals belong to a synchronization signal burst, then a synchronization signal burst may include 20 signals.

[0134] Optionally, the signal in a synchronization signal burst can have several possible names, such as synchronization signal, simplified SSB, or SSB, without limitation. The synchronization signal burst can also have other names, such as simplified SSB burst, without limitation. Alternatively, the SSB burst can be referred to as a type 1 SSB burst, and the synchronization signal burst as a type 2 SSB burst.

[0135] For example, in Figure 4, the access network device can transmit SSB bursts and synchronization signal bursts with a period of 20ms. In the first period, the access network device can transmit SSB burst #1 in radio frame 0, which includes SSB0 to SSB3, i.e., SSBs with indices 0 to 3. In the second period, the access network device can transmit synchronization signal burst #1 in radio frame 2, which can include 20 signals. In the third period, the access network device can transmit SSB burst #2 in radio frame 4, which includes SSB4 to SSB7, i.e., SSBs with indices 4 to 7.

[0136] By transmitting SSBs in some areas and synchronization bursts in others, access network devices can quickly scan their coverage area. For example, suppose an access network device has 256 areas within a cell. If the device transmits SSBs in every area with a transmission period of 20ms and transmits 4 SSBs per period, the time to scan the cell's coverage area once is (256 / 4)*20 = 1280ms. However, if the device transmits SSBs in 96 areas and synchronization bursts in 160 areas with a transmission period of 20ms, transmitting 4 SSBs per period and 20 synchronization bursts per period, the time to scan the cell's coverage area once is (96 / 4 + 160 / 20)*20 = (24 + 8)*20 = 640ms. This significantly reduces the scanning time and increases the scanning speed.

[0137] As previously shown, access network devices can transmit SSBs in some areas and signals belonging to synchronization bursts in others. For areas transmitting SSBs, the access network device can reserve random access resources, such as reserving random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) resources in the radio frame carrying the SSB; terminals can quickly access the network through RO resources. For areas transmitting signals belonging to synchronization bursts, the access network device can reserve a small amount of resources, such as reserving wake-up resources in the radio frame carrying the synchronization burst; terminals can send activation signals (e.g., wake-up signals (WUS)) through wake-up resources. In areas receiving activation signals, the access network device can be woken up to perform corresponding operations, such as transmitting SSBs in that area.

[0138] Because there is a correspondence between the signal and beam in an SSB burst, an SSB burst can be replaced by a signal burst carried by beams in a first type of beamset. The beams in the first type of beamset can be used to carry an SSB including both SS and MIB. Similarly, because there is a correspondence between the signal and beam in a synchronization signal burst, a synchronization signal burst can be replaced by a signal burst carried by beams in a second type of beamset. The beams in the second type of beamset can be used to carry signals including PSS and / or SSS; or signals including only PSS and / or SSS; or signals composed of PSS and / or SSS; or signals including PSS and / or SSS but excluding MIB.

[0139] The first type of beam set may also have other names, such as active beam set, without restriction; the second type of beam set may also have other names, such as inactive beam set, without restriction. Beam sets may also have other names, such as beam cluster, beam group, or beam family, without restriction.

[0140] In this application, burst can be replaced by any of the following: set, cluster, group, or family.

[0141] 9. Sudden interruption of radio frames:

[0142] The radio frames occupied by a burst can be any radio frames included in the period in which the burst occurs. Taking Figure 4 as an example, in the first period, the access network device can transmit SSB burst #1 in radio frame 0. The first period includes radio frames 0 and 1; therefore, the radio frames occupied by SSB burst #1 can include radio frames 0 and 1. In the second period, the access network device can transmit synchronization signal burst #1 in radio frame 2. The first period includes radio frames 2 and 3; therefore, the radio frames occupied by synchronization signal burst #1 can include radio frames 2 and 3.

[0143] 10. In this application, "instruction" or "for instruction" may include explicit instruction (or direct instruction) and implicit instruction (or indirect instruction). When describing information for instructing A, it may include whether the information explicitly instructs A or implicitly instructs A, but does not necessarily mean that the information carries A.

[0144] The indication methods involved in the embodiments of this application should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately. Moreover, the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different, without limitation.

[0145] In the embodiments of this application, "information" can be an explicit indication, that is, a direct indication through signaling, or obtained by combining other rules or parameters with parameters indicated by signaling, or by deduction. It can also be an implicit indication, that is, obtained based on rules or relationships, or based on other parameters, or by deduction. No limitation is imposed.

[0146] 11. In this application, communication between different devices can refer to direct communication between different devices (i.e., without the need for relaying or forwarding by other devices), or communication between different devices through other devices (i.e., requiring relaying or forwarding by other devices), or communication between a functional unit within a device and other devices through another functional unit. For example, "sending information to…(terminal)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal, and may include sending information directly or indirectly to the terminal. "Receiving information from…(terminal)" can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal, and may include receiving information directly or indirectly from the terminal. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination ends, such as format changes, digital-to-analog conversion, amplification, filtering, etc., but the destination end can understand the valid information from the source end. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0147] 12. In this application, the words "exemplarily," "for example," "for instance," and "example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. It should be understood that the examples in this application may also be implemented in other ways.

[0148] 13. In this application, any two of the programs, instructions and code may be substituted for one another.

[0149] 14. In this application, wireless frames and system frames can be interchanged.

[0150] 15. In this application, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, and “if…” can have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.

[0151] 16. In this application, broadcast information may also have other names, such as broadcast message, etc. For example, broadcast information may be system information block 1 (SIB1).

[0152] As shown above, in communication systems such as NTN, the index of the SSB corresponding to the P areas can be determined based on the reference SSB index indicated by the MIB and the radio frame number. For example, it can be determined by formula (1) above.

[0153] However, this method is not applicable to the following scenario: the access network device sends SSB bursts in one period and synchronization signal bursts in another period. Taking Figure 4 as an example, in the third period, the access network device can send SSB burst #2 in radio frame 4. SSB burst #2 includes SSB4 to SSB7, that is, it includes SSBs with indices 4 to 7. However, according to formula (1) above, the terminal will incorrectly determine the indices of the SSBs in SSB burst #2 as 8 to 11.

[0154] Further research is needed to determine the index of SSB in communication systems such as NTN.

[0155] This application provides a communication method. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application. Figure 5 uses a first device and a second device as examples of the execution entities in this interaction to illustrate the method. The first device can be a terminal or a device within a terminal (e.g., a module, circuit, chip (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), a chip system, or a processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software that implements all or part of the terminal's functions. The second device can be an access network device or a device within an access network device (e.g., a module, circuit, chip (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), a chip system, or a processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software that implements all or part of the access network device's functions.

[0156] As shown in Figure 5, the method includes:

[0157] S501: The second device determines (or generates or acquires) the first SSB.

[0158] The first SSB includes a reference SSB index; or, the first SSB indicates a reference SSB index. For example, the MIB in the first SSB includes (or indicates) a reference SSB index. For instance, two bits in the MIB of the first SSB are used to indicate the reference SSB index. If the value of these two bits is 00, it indicates that the reference SSB index is 0; if the value of these two bits is 01, it indicates that the reference SSB index is 1; if the value of these two bits is 10, it indicates that the reference SSB index is 2; if the value of these two bits is 11, it indicates that the reference SSB index is 3. It should be understood that the MIB in the first SSB can also indicate the reference SSB index in other ways, without limitation.

[0159] The reference SSB index can also be replaced with other descriptive methods, such as: the first SSB includes (or indicates) an index, the first SSB includes (or indicates) an SSB index, the MIB in the first SSB includes (or indicates) an index, or the MIB in the first SSB includes (or indicates) an SSB index, as long as they have the same function, they are all within the scope of protection of this application.

[0160] S501 is an optional step.

[0161] S502: The second device sends the first SSB; correspondingly, the first device receives the first SSB.

[0162] The first SSB can be a first SSB burst. As explained in the glossary section on SSB bursts, an SSB burst can include at least one SSB, and each SSB can include an SS and a MIB; therefore, the statement that the first SSB belongs to the first SSB burst can be replaced with: the first SSB includes an SS and a MIB. The specific contents of the SS and MIB can be found in the glossary section above, and will not be repeated here.

[0163] S503: The first device determines the index of the first SSB based on the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst.

[0164] Wherein, the time-domain position of the at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB. Accordingly, S503 can be understood as follows: when the time-domain position of the at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB, the first device determines the index of the first SSB based on the number of radio frames occupied by the at least one synchronization signal burst.

[0165] Optionally, the time-domain location of at least one synchronization signal burst being earlier than the time-domain location of the first SSB can be replaced by any of the following: the location of the time-domain resource carrying at least one synchronization signal burst being earlier than the location of the time-domain resource carrying the first SSB; the time at which the first device receives at least one synchronization signal burst being earlier than the time at which the first device receives the first SSB; or, the time at which the second device sends at least one synchronization signal burst being earlier than the time at which the second device sends the first SSB.

[0166] Each of the at least one synchronization signal burst includes a PSS and / or an SSS; or, each of the at least one synchronization signal burst includes only a PSS and / or an SSS; or, each of the at least one synchronization signal burst includes a PSS and / or an SSS, but excludes a MIB; or, each of the at least one synchronization signal burst consists of a PSS and / or an SSS. Optionally, each synchronization signal burst may be replaced by each signal in each synchronization signal burst.

[0167] It should be understood that at least one synchronization signal burst can be one or more synchronization signal bursts. When the at least one synchronization signal burst is multiple synchronization signal bursts, the time-domain resources (e.g., radio frames) occupied by the multiple synchronization signal bursts can be continuous or discontinuous. In addition, the time-domain position of the at least one synchronization signal burst can be earlier than the time-domain position of some or all of the SSBs. The following example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates the point that "the time-domain position of the at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB".

[0168] For example, as shown in Figure 4, if the time-domain location of the first SSB is radio frame 4, then the time-domain location of at least one synchronization signal burst can be radio frame 2. In other words, the at least one synchronization signal burst can be a synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 2. It should be understood that Figure 4 illustrates one synchronization signal burst as an example, and at least one synchronization signal burst can include more synchronization signal bursts without limitation.

[0169] For example, as shown in Figure 6A, the second device can transmit SSB bursts and synchronization signal bursts with a period of 20ms. In the first period, the second device can transmit a synchronization signal burst in radio frame 0; in the second period, the second device can transmit an SSB burst in radio frame 2; in the third period, the second device can transmit a synchronization signal burst in radio frame 4; and in the fourth period, the second device can transmit an SSB burst in radio frame 6. If the time domain location of the first SSB is radio frame 6, then the time domain location of at least one synchronization signal burst can include radio frames 0 and 4. If the time domain location of the first SSB is radio frame 2, then the time domain location of at least one synchronization signal burst can be radio frame 0. It should be understood that Figure 6A illustrates two synchronization signal bursts with discontinuous time domain resources, and at least one synchronization signal burst can include more synchronization signal bursts with discontinuous time domain resources, without limitation.

[0170] For example, as shown in Figure 6B, the second device can transmit SSB bursts and synchronization signal bursts with a period of 20ms. In the first period, the second device can transmit an SSB burst in radio frame 0; in the second period, it can transmit a synchronization signal burst in radio frame 2; in the third period, it can transmit a synchronization signal burst in radio frame 4; and in the fourth period, it can transmit an SSB burst in radio frame 6. If the time domain location of the first SSB is radio frame 6, then the time domain locations of at least one synchronization signal burst can include radio frames 2 and 4. It should be understood that Figure 6B illustrates two consecutive synchronization signal bursts occupying time domain resources, and at least one synchronization signal burst can include more consecutive synchronization signal bursts occupying time domain resources without limitation.

[0171] For example, as shown in Figure 6C, the second device can transmit SSB bursts and synchronization signal bursts with a period of 20ms. In the first period, the second device can transmit a synchronization signal burst in radio frame 0; in the second period, the second device can transmit an SSB burst in radio frame 2; and in the third period, the second device can transmit an SSB burst in radio frame 4. If the time domain location of the first SSB is radio frame 2 or radio frame 4, then the time domain location of at least one synchronization signal burst can be radio frame 0.

[0172] For example, as shown in Figure 6D, the second device can transmit SSB bursts and synchronization signal bursts with a period of 20ms. In the first period, the second device can transmit a synchronization signal burst in radio frame 0; in the second period, the second device can transmit a synchronization signal burst in radio frame 2; and in the third period, the second device can transmit an SSB burst in radio frame 4. If the time domain location of the first SSB is radio frame 4, then the time domain locations of at least one synchronization signal burst can include radio frames 0 and 2.

[0173] Optionally, in the scenarios shown in Figure 6C or Figure 6D, the time-domain position of the synchronization signal burst can be earlier than the time-domain position of the SSB burst. Figures 6C and 6D illustrate one and two synchronization signal bursts, respectively, and at least one synchronization signal burst can include more synchronization signal bursts without limitation.

[0174] In some implementations, the index of the first SSB can be used to determine the location of the time-domain resource of the common control message corresponding to the first SSB; correspondingly, the first device can determine the location of the time-domain resource of the common control message corresponding to the first SSB based on the index of the first SSB, and the specific method of determination is not limited, for example, it can be determined in a way specified by the protocol.

[0175] As mentioned above, the first device determines the index of the first SSB based on the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst; in other words, the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst can be used to determine the index of the first SSB. Optionally, the first device can determine the index of the first SSB based on a reference SSB index and the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst; in other words, the reference SSB index and the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst can be used to determine the index of the first SSB. The specific method of determination is, for example, by at least one of the formulas (2) to (4) below, which will not be elaborated here.

[0176] In some possible approaches, the first device may determine the index of the first SSB based on (SFN-Y); in other words, (SFN-Y) can be used to determine the index of the first SSB. Here, SFN is the frame number of the first radio frame, which is the radio frame carrying the first SSB; and Y is the number of radio frames occupied by the at least one synchronization signal burst.

[0177] For example, as shown in Figure 4, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 4, and the at least one synchronization signal burst is the synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 2, then the first radio frame is radio frame 4, the SFN is 4, and Y is (1*2) = 2. The first device can determine the index of the first SSB based on (4-2) = 2.

[0178] For example, as shown in Figure 6A, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 2, and at least one synchronization signal burst is a synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 0, then the first radio frame is radio frame 2, SFN is 2, and Y is (1*2) = 2. The first device can determine the index of the first SSB based on (2-2) = 0. If the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 6, and at least one synchronization signal burst includes: a synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 0 and a synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 4, then the first radio frame is radio frame 6, SFN is 6, and Y is (2*2) = 4. The first device can determine the index of the first SSB based on (6-4) = 2.

[0179] For example, as shown in Figure 6B, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 6, and at least one synchronization signal burst includes: a synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 2 and a synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 4, then the first radio frame is radio frame 6, the SFN is 6, and Y is (2*2) = 2. The first device can determine the index of the first SSB based on (6-4) = 2.

[0180] For example, as shown in Figure 6C, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 2, and at least one synchronization signal burst is a synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 0, then the first radio frame is radio frame 2, the SFN is 2, and Y is (1*2) = 2. The first device can determine the index of the first SSB based on (2-2) = 0. If the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 4, and at least one synchronization signal burst is a synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 0, then the first radio frame is radio frame 4, the SFN is 4, and Y is (1*2) = 2. The first device can determine the index of the first SSB based on (4-2) = 2.

[0181] For example, as shown in Figure 6D, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 4, and at least one synchronization signal burst includes: the synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 0 and the synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 2, then the first radio frame is radio frame 4, the SFN is 4, and Y is (2*2) = 4. The first device can determine the index of the first SSB based on (4-4) = 0.

[0182] As mentioned earlier, the actual SSB index is currently determined based on the reference SSB index included in the MIB and the radio frame number carrying the SSB. However, if the access network device sends SSB bursts in some periods and synchronization signal bursts in others, and the period for sending synchronization signal bursts is earlier than some or all of the periods for sending SSB bursts, the SSB index determined by the terminal may be incorrect because the synchronization signal bursts also occupy some radio frames. By using this method, when determining the index of the first SSB, the first device can subtract the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst from the frame number of the radio frame carrying the first SSB, thereby avoiding the influence of synchronization signal bursts on determining the SSB index and thus accurately determining the index of the first SSB, improving communication reliability.

[0183] Optionally, the index of the first SSB satisfies at least one of the following formulas (2) to (4); correspondingly, the first device can determine the index of the first SSB according to at least one of the following formulas (2) to (4):

[0184] The index of the first SSB = the index of the reference SSB + K*(SFN-Y) / L (2)

[0185] The index of the first SSB = the index of the reference SSB + K*floor((SFN-Y) / L) (3)

[0186] The index of the first SSB = the index of the reference SSB + K*(ceiling((SFN-Y) / L)-1) (4)

[0187] The reference SSB index may be the SSB index included (or indicated) by the first SSB. For details, please refer to the description of the reference SSB index in S501, which will not be repeated here.

[0188] K is the number of SSBs included in each SSB burst; or, K is the maximum index that the first SSB can include (or indicate) plus 1; or, K is the maximum index that the MIB in the first SSB can include (or indicate) plus 1; or, K is the maximum index that the MIB can include (or indicate) plus 1. For example, K is 4. The value of K can be preset, for example, specified by the protocol; or it can be indicated to the first device by other devices (e.g., a second device or core network equipment); or it can be determined by the first device.

[0189] L is the number of radio frames occupied by each SSB burst; or, L is the number of radio frames occupied by each synchronization signal burst; or, L is the number of radio frames occupied by each SSB burst or synchronization signal burst. For example, L is 2. The value of L can be preset, for example, specified by the protocol; or it can be indicated to the first device by other devices (e.g., a second device or core network equipment); or it can be determined by the first device.

[0190] floor() rounds down, while ceiling() rounds up.

[0191] It should be understood that the above formulas (2) to (4) are merely examples, and there may be other formulas for determining the index of the first SSB, without limitation.

[0192] The following example, using formula (2) and the accompanying drawings, illustrates how the first device determines the index of the first SSB. In the example below, K is 4 and L is 2.

[0193] For example, as shown in Figure 4, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 4, and the at least one synchronization signal burst is the synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 2, then (SFN-Y) = (4-2) = 2. If the reference SSB index is 0, then the index of the first SSB = 0 + 4 * 2 / 2 = 4. If the reference SSB index is 1, then the index of the first SSB = 1 + 4 * 2 / 2 = 5. If the reference SSB index is 2, then the index of the first SSB = 2 + 4 * 2 / 2 = 6. If the reference SSB index is 3, then the index of the first SSB = 3 + 4 * 2 / 2 = 7.

[0194] For example, as shown in Figure 6A, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 2, and at least one synchronization signal burst is a synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 0, then (SFN-Y) = (2-2) = 0. If the reference SSB index is 0, then the index of the first SSB = 0 + 4 * 0 / 2 = 0. If the reference SSB index is 1, then the index of the first SSB = 1 + 4 * 0 / 2 = 1. If the reference SSB index is 2, then the index of the first SSB = 2 + 4 * 0 / 2 = 2. If the reference SSB index is 3, then the index of the first SSB = 3 + 4 * 0 / 2 = 3.

[0195] For example, as shown in Figure 6A, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 6, and at least one synchronization signal burst includes: the synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 0 and the synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 4, then (SFN-Y) = (6-4) = 2. If the reference SSB index is 0, then the index of the first SSB = 0 + 4 * 2 / 2 = 4. If the reference SSB index is 1, then the index of the first SSB = 1 + 4 * 2 / 2 = 5. If the reference SSB index is 2, then the index of the first SSB = 2 + 4 * 2 / 2 = 6. If the reference SSB index is 3, then the index of the first SSB = 3 + 4 * 2 / 2 = 7.

[0196] For example, as shown in Figure 6B, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 6, and at least one synchronization signal burst includes: the synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 2 and the synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 4, then (SFN-Y) = (6-4) = 2. If the reference SSB index is 0, then the index of the first SSB = 0 + 4 * 2 / 2 = 4. If the reference SSB index is 1, then the index of the first SSB = 1 + 4 * 2 / 2 = 5. If the reference SSB index is 2, then the index of the first SSB = 2 + 4 * 2 / 2 = 6. If the reference SSB index is 3, then the index of the first SSB = 3 + 4 * 2 / 2 = 7.

[0197] For example, as shown in Figure 6C, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 2, and at least one synchronization signal burst is a synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 0, then (SFN-Y) = (2-2) = 0. If the reference SSB index is 0, then the index of the first SSB = 0 + 4 * 0 / 2 = 0. If the reference SSB index is 1, then the index of the first SSB = 1 + 4 * 0 / 2 = 1. If the reference SSB index is 2, then the index of the first SSB = 2 + 4 * 0 / 2 = 2. If the reference SSB index is 3, then the index of the first SSB = 3 + 4 * 0 / 2 = 3.

[0198] For example, as shown in Figure 6C, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 4, and at least one synchronization signal burst is a synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 0, then (SFN-Y) = (4-2) = 2. If the reference SSB index is 0, then the index of the first SSB = 0 + 4 * 2 / 2 = 4. If the reference SSB index is 1, then the index of the first SSB = 1 + 4 * 2 / 2 = 5. If the reference SSB index is 2, then the index of the first SSB = 2 + 4 * 2 / 2 = 6. If the reference SSB index is 3, then the index of the first SSB = 3 + 4 * 2 / 2 = 7.

[0199] For example, as shown in Figure 6D, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 4, and at least one synchronization signal burst includes: the synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 0 and the synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 2, then (SFN-Y) = (4-4) = 0. If the reference SSB index is 0, then the index of the first SSB = 0 + 4 * 0 / 2 = 0. If the reference SSB index is 1, then the index of the first SSB = 1 + 4 * 0 / 2 = 1. If the reference SSB index is 2, then the index of the first SSB = 2 + 4 * 0 / 2 = 2. If the reference SSB index is 3, then the index of the first SSB = 3 + 4 * 0 / 2 = 3.

[0200] Using formulas (2) to (4) above, the first device can accurately determine the index of the first SSB. Furthermore, this method demonstrates multiple possible formulas, offering greater flexibility. Additionally, compared to the formulas for determining the SSB index in the current standard, formula (2) only requires replacing SFN with (SFN-Y), resulting in minimal changes to the standard. Formulas (3) and (4) are applicable not only to scenarios where (SFN-Y) / L is an integer but also to scenarios where (SFN-Y) / L is a decimal, thus having a wider range of applications. Moreover, since (SFN-Y) / L in formulas (3) and (4) can be either an integer or a decimal, the second device does not need to ensure that (SFN-Y) / L is an integer during resource scheduling, thereby improving the flexibility of resource scheduling.

[0201] As previously stated, in the method shown in Figure 5, the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB. The first device can determine whether the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB in various ways, for example, at least one of methods a1 to a3.

[0202] Method a1: M1 bits in the first SSB are used to indicate whether the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB, where M1 is a positive integer. Accordingly, the first device can determine whether the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB based on these M1 bits.

[0203] Optionally, if the M1 bits are a first value (e.g., 1 or 0), then the M1 bits may indicate that the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB; if the M1 bits are a second value (e.g., 0 or 1), then the M1 bits may indicate that the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is no earlier than (or later than) the time-domain position of the first SSB. The first value and the second value are different.

[0204] For example, M1 is 1, the first value is 1, and the second value is 0. In this case, (SFN-Y) in formulas (2) to (4) can be replaced with (SFN-Y*M1 bits).

[0205] In some implementations, the M1 bits can be half-frame bits or reserved bits. This allows the first device to accurately determine, based on the half-frame bits or reserved bits, whether the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB. Furthermore, this implementation can reuse half-frame bits or utilize reserved bits, thereby improving resource utilization and avoiding resource waste.

[0206] Optionally, if the M1 bits are half-frame bits, they can be pre-configured, for example, by a protocol specifying that the SSB burst can be carried in the first half-frame of the first radio frame; in other words, they can be pre-configured, for example, by a protocol specifying that the second device can transmit the first SSB burst in the first half-frame of the first radio frame; or, they can be pre-configured, for example, by a protocol specifying that the first device can receive the SSB burst in the first half-frame of the first radio frame. Alternatively, they can be pre-configured, for example, by a protocol specifying that the SSB burst can be carried in the second half-frame of the first radio frame; in other words, they can be pre-configured, for example, by a protocol specifying that the second device can transmit the SSB burst in the second half-frame of the first radio frame; or, they can be pre-configured, for example, by a protocol specifying that the first device can receive the SSB burst in the second half-frame of the first radio frame.

[0207] In method a1, the first device can accurately determine, based on M1 bits, whether the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB. Furthermore, in this method, the M1 bits are located within the first SSB, allowing the first device to quickly determine whether the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB after receiving the first SSB. Moreover, in this method, whether the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB can be indicated by the second device, rather than being fixed. Therefore, the second device can flexibly set the time-domain positions of the synchronization signal burst and the SSB burst, thereby improving the resource scheduling flexibility of the second device.

[0208] Method a2: Pre-set (e.g., protocol-specified) or default: The time domain position of the synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time domain position of the SSB burst. Accordingly, the first device can determine that the time domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time domain position of the first SSB.

[0209] For example, as shown in Figure 6C, there is a synchronization signal burst whose time domain position is earlier than that of the SSB burst.

[0210] For example, as shown in Figure 6D, there are two synchronization signal bursts, and the time domain positions of these two different signal bursts are both earlier than the time domain position of the SSB burst.

[0211] Optionally, in mode a2, the location of the time-domain resource for the second device to perform burst scheduling of the synchronization signal is earlier than the location of the time-domain resource for the second device to perform burst scheduling of the SSB, and the specific scheduling method is not limited.

[0212] In method a2, the first device can accurately determine that the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB. Furthermore, in this method, the second device does not need to send information to the first device indicating whether the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0213] Method a3: The second device can transmit broadcast information; correspondingly, the first device can receive broadcast information. This broadcast information can be used to indicate the temporal positional relationship between the SSB burst and the synchronization signal burst. Accordingly, the first device can determine, based on this temporal positional relationship, whether the temporal position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the temporal position of the first SSB; in other words, this temporal positional relationship can be used to determine whether the temporal position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the temporal position of the first SSB.

[0214] In some implementations, the second device may send broadcast information according to a reference SSB index; correspondingly, the first device may receive broadcast information according to a reference SSB index. Optionally, the reference SSB index may be used to determine parameters of the time-domain search space, which are used to determine the search space carrying control information (e.g., common control information) that is used to schedule broadcast information; in other words, the control information is used to indicate the resources carrying broadcast information. This application does not limit the manner in which the parameters of the time-domain search space are used to determine the search space carrying control information, nor does it limit the manner in which the control information is used to schedule broadcast information.

[0215] For example, the reference SSB index can be used to determine the parameter n0 of the time-domain search space via formula (5):

[0216] Here, n0 is the first time slot corresponding to the search space carrying control information. There is a correspondence between μ and the subcarrier spacing (SCS) (hereinafter referred to as the first correspondence), exemplarily shown in Table 1. i is the reference SSB index. O and M are parameters that correspond to the reference SSB index, which can be obtained by looking up the correspondence table between O, M, and the reference SSB index. This correspondence table can, for example, be specified by the protocol. The number of time slots contained in a radio frame under the current μ.

[0217] Table 1

[0218] In some implementations, the control information can be carried on a first time-domain resource; in other words, the second device can transmit control information on the first time-domain resource, and correspondingly, the first device can receive control information on the first time-domain resource. The first time-domain resource belongs to the time-domain resource corresponding to the first SSB; or, the first time-domain resource belongs to the time-domain resource corresponding to the first SSB burst. The time-domain resource corresponding to the first SSB can be understood as at least one of the following: the time-domain resource in the period in which the first SSB is located, or the time-domain resource in the period in which the first SSB is located used to carry the control channel and / or data channel. For example, as shown in Figure 4, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 4, then the first time-domain resource can be radio frame 4 and radio frame 5, or the first time-domain resource can be the time-domain resources in radio frames 4 and 5 excluding those carrying SSBs 4 to 7. This implementation avoids frame position misalignment.

[0219] Optionally, when the control information is carried on the first time-domain resource, the control information and the first SSB have the same reception parameters. These reception parameters include, for example, at least one of the following: transmission direction, or signal processing method. The fact that the control information and the first SSB have the same reception parameters can also be understood as the control information and the first SSB sharing the same address. In this way, the first device can accurately receive the control information based on the reception parameters of the first SSB.

[0220] As previously stated, the broadcast information is used to indicate the temporal positional relationship between the SSB burst and the synchronization signal burst. Optionally, the broadcast information used to indicate the temporal positional relationship between the SSB burst and the synchronization signal burst can be replaced by any of the following: the broadcast information is used to indicate the positional relationship between the temporal resources used to carry the SSB burst and the temporal resources used to carry the synchronization signal burst; the broadcast information is used to indicate the temporal order of the temporal resources used to carry the SSB burst and the temporal resources used to carry the synchronization signal burst; the broadcast information is used to indicate the transmission order of the SSB burst and the synchronization signal burst; the broadcast information is used to indicate the temporal order in which the second device sends the SSB burst and the synchronization signal burst; or, the broadcast information is used to indicate the temporal order in which the first device receives the SSB burst and the synchronization signal burst.

[0221] Optionally, the broadcast information may include P1 bits, where P1 is a positive integer. These P1 bits can be used to indicate the temporal positional relationship between the SSB burst and the synchronization signal burst, and the indication can be in various ways, such as mode b1 or mode b2.

[0222] Method b1: The P1 bits are sorted according to the time-domain position of the signal corresponding to each bit. Each of the P1 bits is used to indicate whether the K signals corresponding to that bit belong to an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst. Here, K is a positive integer, for example, K is 4.

[0223] Optionally, the P1 bits are sorted from front to back according to the time-domain position of the signal corresponding to each bit; or, the P1 bits are sorted from back to front according to the time-domain position of the signal corresponding to each bit. The following explanation uses the example of sorting the P1 bits from front to back according to the time-domain position of the signal corresponding to each bit.

[0224] As previously shown, each of the P1 bits indicates whether the K signals corresponding to that bit belong to an SSB burst or a synchronization burst. For example, if a bit in the P1 bits takes the third value (e.g., 1 or 0), it indicates that the K signals corresponding to that bit belong to an SSB burst; if a bit in the P1 bits takes the fourth value (e.g., 0 or 1), it indicates that the K signals corresponding to that bit belong to a synchronization burst. The third and fourth values ​​are different. The following explanation uses an example where the third value is 1 and the fourth value is 0.

[0225] For example, the second device sends 32 signals; P1 bits are 8 bits, and each bit can indicate whether 4 signals belong to an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst. If the value of the P1 bits is 11000001, it means that signals 1 to 8 belong to an SSB burst, signals 9 to 28 belong to a synchronization signal burst, and signals 29 to 32 belong to an SSB burst. Thus, if the first SSB belongs to signals 29 to 32, the first device can determine that the time domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time domain position of the first SSB.

[0226] Using method b1, the first device can accurately determine whether the signal corresponding to each bit belongs to an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst based on P1 bits, thereby accurately determining the temporal positional relationship between the SSB burst and the synchronization signal burst. Furthermore, this method is applicable to both scenarios where the number of signals in a synchronization signal burst is fixed and scenarios where the number of signals in a synchronization signal burst is variable. For example, if the second device transmits a total of 1000 signals that belong to either an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst, the second device can use (1000 / 4) = 250 bits to indicate whether each of these 1000 signals belongs to an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst.

[0227] Method b2: The P1 bits are sorted according to the time domain position of the burst corresponding to each bit. Each bit in the P1 bits is used to indicate whether the one or more bursts corresponding to that bit are SSB bursts or synchronization signal bursts.

[0228] Optionally, the P1 bits are sorted from front to back according to the temporal position of the burst corresponding to each bit; or, the P1 bits are sorted from back to front according to the temporal position of the burst corresponding to each bit. The following explanation uses the example of sorting the P1 bits from front to back according to the temporal position of the burst corresponding to each bit.

[0229] As previously shown, each of the P1 bits indicates whether the one or more bursts corresponding to that bit are SSB bursts or synchronization signal bursts. For example, if a bit in the P1 bits takes the fifth value (e.g., 1 or 0), it indicates that the one or more bursts corresponding to that bit are SSB bursts; if a bit in the P1 bits takes the sixth value (e.g., 0 or 1), it indicates that the one or more bursts corresponding to that bit are synchronization signal bursts. The fifth and sixth values ​​are different. The following explanation uses an example where the fifth value is 1 and the sixth value is 0.

[0230] For example, the second device sends 32 signals, which belong to 4 bursts. Each SSB burst includes 4 signals (i.e., 4 SSBs), and each synchronization signal burst includes 20 signals. P1 bits are 4 bits, each indicating whether a burst is an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst. If the value of these P1 bits is 1101, it indicates that the first and second bursts are SSB bursts, the third burst is a synchronization signal burst, and the fourth burst is an SSB burst. Thus, if the first SSB belongs to the fourth burst, the first device can determine that the time domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time domain position of the first SSB.

[0231] Using method b2, the first device can accurately determine whether each bit's corresponding burst is an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst based on P1 bits, thus accurately determining the temporal positional relationship between SSB bursts and synchronization signal bursts. Furthermore, if this method is applied to scenarios where the number of signals in a synchronization signal burst is fixed, the value of P1 can be reduced, thereby reducing the signaling overhead corresponding to P1 bits. For example, the second device transmits a total of 1000 signals belonging to either SSB bursts or synchronization signal bursts. If the number of synchronization signal bursts is 25, and each synchronization signal burst contains 20 signals, and the number of SSB bursts is 125, and each SSB burst contains 4 signals, then the second device can use (25+125) = 150 bits to indicate whether the bursts corresponding to these 1000 signals are SSB bursts or synchronization signal bursts.

[0232] Optionally, before determining the index of the first SSB, the first device may determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst, and the determination may be made in a variety of ways, such as at least one of modes c1 to c4.

[0233] Method c1: M2 bits in the first SSB are used to indicate the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst, where M2 is a positive integer. Accordingly, the first device can determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst based on these M2 bits.

[0234] This application does not restrict the specific manner in which the M2 bits indicate the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst.

[0235] Optionally, the M2 bits can be reserved bits in the first SSB, for example, reserved bits in the MIB of the first SSB.

[0236] In method c1, the first device can accurately determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst based on M2 bits. Furthermore, in this method, the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst is indicated by bits in the first SSB, thus allowing the first device to quickly determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst after receiving the first SSB.

[0237] Method c2: The second device can transmit broadcast information; correspondingly, the first device can receive broadcast information. The broadcast information is used to indicate the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst.

[0238] The methods by which the second device sends broadcast information and the first device receives broadcast information can be referred to in method a3 for the explanation of "the second device can send broadcast information; correspondingly, the first device can receive broadcast information", and will not be repeated here.

[0239] As previously shown, broadcast information is used to indicate the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. For example, broadcast information may directly indicate the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst, or may indirectly indicate the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst.

[0240] Optionally, the broadcast information includes P2 bits, where P2 is a positive integer. These P2 bits can be used to indicate the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst, and the indication can be made in various ways, such as at least one of modes d1 to d4.

[0241] Method d1: The P2 bits are sorted according to the time-domain position of the signal corresponding to each bit. Each of the P2 bits is used to indicate whether the K signals corresponding to that bit belong to an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst, where K is a positive integer. These P2 bits can be used to determine the number of at least one synchronization signal burst, and the number of at least one synchronization signal burst is used to determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. Accordingly, the first device can determine the number of at least one synchronization signal burst based on the P2 bits, and determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst based on the number of at least one synchronization signal burst.

[0242] The specific details regarding "P2 bits are ordered according to the time-domain position of the signal corresponding to each bit, and each of the P2 bits is used to indicate whether the K signals corresponding to that bit belong to an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst" can be found in method b1, except that P1 is replaced with P2, and the repetitive parts will not be repeated. Optionally, when methods d1 and b1 are combined, P1 bits and P2 bits refer to the same bits.

[0243] For example, the second device transmits 32 signals; P2 bits are 8 bits, each bit indicating whether 4 signals belong to an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst. If the value of the P2 bits is 11000001, it indicates that signals 1 to 8 belong to an SSB burst, signals 9 to 28 belong to a synchronization signal burst, and signals 29 to 32 belong to an SSB burst. If each SSB burst includes 4 SSBs (i.e., 4 signals), and each synchronization signal burst includes 20 signals, and the first SSB belongs to signals 29 to 32, then the first device can determine that at least one synchronization signal burst includes the synchronization signal burst to which signals 9 to 28 belong, thereby determining that the number of at least one synchronization signal burst is 1. If each synchronization signal burst occupies 2 radio frames, then the first device can determine that at least one synchronization signal burst occupies 2 radio frames.

[0244] By using method d1, the first device can accurately determine whether the signal corresponding to each bit belongs to an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst based on P2 bits, thereby accurately determining the number of at least one synchronization signal burst, and further accurately determining the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst.

[0245] Furthermore, this method is applicable to both scenarios where the number of signals in a synchronization signal burst is fixed and scenarios where the number of signals in a synchronization signal burst is variable. For example, if the second device sends a total of 1000 signals that belong to either an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst, the second device can use (1000 / 4) = 250 bits to indicate whether each of these 1000 signals belongs to an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst.

[0246] Method d2: The P2 bits are sorted according to the time-domain position of the burst corresponding to each bit. Each bit in the P2 bits is used to indicate whether the one or more bursts corresponding to that bit are SSB bursts or synchronization signal bursts. The P2 bits can be used to determine the number of at least one synchronization signal burst, and the number of at least one synchronization signal burst is used to determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst; accordingly, the first device can determine the number of at least one synchronization signal burst based on the P2 bits, and determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst based on the number of at least one synchronization signal burst.

[0247] The specific details regarding "P2 bits are ordered according to the time-domain position of the burst corresponding to each bit, and each bit in P2 bits is used to indicate whether one or more bursts corresponding to that bit are SSB bursts or synchronization signal bursts" can be found in method b2, except that P1 is replaced with P2, and the repetitive parts will not be repeated. Optionally, when methods d2 and b2 are combined, P1 bits and P2 bits can refer to the same bit.

[0248] For example, the second device transmits 32 signals, which belong to 4 bursts. Each SSB burst includes 4 signals (i.e., 4 SSBs), and each synchronization signal burst includes 20 signals. P1 bits are 4 bits, each indicating whether a burst is an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst. If the value of the P1 bits is 1101, it indicates that the first and second bursts are SSB bursts, the third burst is a synchronization signal burst, and the fourth burst is an SSB burst. Thus, if the first SSB belongs to the fourth burst, the first device can determine that at least one synchronization signal burst is the third burst, thereby determining that the number of at least one synchronization signal burst is 1. If each synchronization signal burst occupies 2 radio frames, the first device can determine that at least one synchronization signal burst occupies 2 radio frames.

[0249] By means of method d2, the first device can accurately determine whether the burst corresponding to each bit is an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst based on P2 bits, thereby accurately determining the number of at least one synchronization signal burst, and further accurately determining the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst.

[0250] Furthermore, if this method is applied to scenarios where the number of signals in a synchronization signal burst is fixed, the value of P2 can be reduced, thereby reducing the signaling overhead corresponding to P2 bits. For example, the second device sends a total of 1000 signals belonging to either an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst. If the number of synchronization signal bursts is 25, and the number of signals in each synchronization signal burst is 20, and the number of SSB bursts is 125, and the number of signals in each SSB burst is 4, then the second device can use (25+125) = 150 bits to indicate whether the burst corresponding to these 1000 signals is an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst.

[0251] Method d3: If the time domain position of the synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time domain position of the SSB, then the values ​​of the P2 bits are associated with the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. Accordingly, the first device can determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst based on the values ​​of the P2 bits.

[0252] Optionally, the time domain position of the synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time domain position of the SSB. This can be: pre-set (e.g., specified by the protocol) or default: the time domain position of the synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time domain position of the SSB burst. For details, please refer to method a2 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0253] As previously shown, the values ​​of P2 bits are associated with the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. Optionally, the association of the values ​​of P2 bits with the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst can be replaced by at least one of the following: the values ​​of P2 bits are used to determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst; the values ​​of P2 bits are associated with the period corresponding to at least one synchronization signal burst; or, the values ​​of P2 bits are used to determine the period corresponding to at least one synchronization signal burst. Wherein, the period corresponding to at least one synchronization signal burst can be used to determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. For example, the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst = the period corresponding to at least one synchronization signal burst * L, the specific content of L can be referred to the explanation of L in formulas (2) to (4), and will not be repeated here.

[0254] In some examples, the decimal value of P2 bits represents the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. For example, if P2 bits are 11111, which corresponds to a decimal value of 32, it means that at least one synchronization signal burst occupies 32 radio frames.

[0255] In other examples, the sum of the P2 bits in decimal and the first offset represents the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. The first offset can be positive, 0, or negative. The first offset can be preset, such as as specified by a protocol; or it can be indicated to the first device by another device (e.g., a second device or core network equipment); or it can be determined by the first device. For example, if the P2 bits are 1111, corresponding to a decimal value of 16, and the first offset is 4, then it indicates that the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst is (16+4) = 20.

[0256] In some other examples, the decimal value of P2 bits multiplied by L represents the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. The specific content of L can be found in the explanation of L in formulas (2) to (4), and will not be repeated here. For example, if P2 bits are 11111, corresponding to a decimal value of 32, and L is 2, then the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst is (32*2) = 64.

[0257] Using method d3, the first device can accurately determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst based on the values ​​of P2 bits. Furthermore, when this method is combined with method a2 above, the value of P2 can be reduced, thereby reducing the signaling overhead corresponding to P2 bits. For example, the second device transmits 1000 signals belonging to either SSB bursts or synchronization signal bursts. If the number of synchronization signal bursts does not exceed 32, the second device can indicate the synchronization signal bursts using a maximum of 5 bits. Moreover, in this method, the values ​​of P2 bits are associated with the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. Thus, the first device can determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst without complex calculations, thereby reducing the complexity of the first device. For example, compared to the first device determining the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst based on the temporal positional relationship between SSB bursts and synchronization signal bursts, this design reduces the complexity of the first device.

[0258] Method d4: If the time-domain resources (e.g., radio frames) occupied by the synchronization signal burst are continuous, then the values ​​of P2 bits are associated with the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. Accordingly, the first device can determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst based on the values ​​of P2 bits.

[0259] For example, as shown in Figure 6B, the synchronization signal burst occupies radio frames 2 to 5. The values ​​of P2 bits can be associated with the number of radio frames in radio frames 2 to 5.

[0260] For details on the relationship between the values ​​of P2 bits and the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst, please refer to the explanation of "the relationship between the values ​​of P2 bits and the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst" in method d3, which will not be repeated here.

[0261] By using method d4, the first device can accurately determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst based on the values ​​of P2 bits. Furthermore, this method reduces the value of P2, thereby reducing the signaling overhead corresponding to P2 bits. For example, the second device transmits 1000 signals belonging to either SSB bursts or synchronization signal bursts. If the number of synchronization signal bursts does not exceed 32, the second device can indicate the synchronization signal bursts using a maximum of 5 bits. Moreover, in this method, the values ​​of P2 bits are associated with the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. Thus, the first device can determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst without complex calculations, thereby reducing the complexity of the first device. For example, compared to the first device determining the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst based on the temporal positional relationship between SSB bursts and synchronization signal bursts, this design reduces the complexity of the first device.

[0262] Method c3: The number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst is preset, for example, as specified in the protocol.

[0263] For example, the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst is pre-set (as specified in the protocol) to be 32.

[0264] In method c3, the first device can accurately determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. Furthermore, in this method, the second device and the first device do not need to transmit information for determining the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0265] Method c4: The first device determines the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst based on the number of at least one synchronization signal burst received.

[0266] For example, as shown in Figure 4, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 4, and the first device receives an SSB burst in radio frame 0 and a synchronization signal burst in radio frame 2, then the first device can determine that at least one synchronization signal burst is a synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 2, and thus determine that the number of at least one synchronization signal burst is 1. If each synchronization signal burst occupies 2 radio frames, then the first device can determine that at least one synchronization signal burst occupies 2 radio frames.

[0267] For example, as shown in Figure 6A, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 2, and the first device receives a synchronization signal burst in radio frame 0, then the first device can determine that at least one synchronization signal burst is a synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 0, thereby determining that the number of at least one synchronization signal burst is 1. If each synchronization signal burst occupies 2 radio frames, then the first device can determine that at least one synchronization signal burst occupies 2 radio frames.

[0268] For example, as shown in Figure 6A, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 4, and the first device receives a synchronization signal burst in radio frame 0, an SSB burst in radio frame 2, and a synchronization signal burst in radio frame 4, then the first device can determine that at least one synchronization signal burst includes both the synchronization signal burst carried in radio frame 0 and the synchronization signal burst carried in radio frame 4, thus determining that the number of at least one synchronization signal burst is 2. If each synchronization signal burst occupies 2 radio frames, then the first device can determine that at least one synchronization signal burst occupies 4 radio frames.

[0269] For example, as shown in Figure 6B, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 6, and the first device receives an SSB burst in radio frame 0, a synchronization signal burst in radio frame 2, and a synchronization signal burst in radio frame 4, then the first device can determine that at least one synchronization signal burst includes both the synchronization signal burst carried in radio frame 2 and the synchronization signal burst carried in radio frame 4, thus determining that the number of at least one synchronization signal burst is 2. If each synchronization signal burst occupies 2 radio frames, then the first device can determine that at least one synchronization signal burst occupies 4 radio frames.

[0270] For example, as shown in Figure 6C, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 2 or radio frame 4, and the first device receives a synchronization signal burst in radio frame 0, then the first device can determine that at least one synchronization signal burst is a synchronization signal burst carried by radio frame 0, and thus determine that the number of at least one synchronization signal burst is 1. If each synchronization signal burst occupies 2 radio frames, then the first device can determine that at least one synchronization signal burst occupies 2 radio frames.

[0271] For example, as shown in Figure 6D, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 4, and the first device receives a synchronization signal burst in radio frame 0 and another synchronization signal burst in radio frame 2, then the first device can determine that at least one synchronization signal burst includes both the synchronization signal burst carried in radio frame 0 and the synchronization signal burst carried in radio frame 2, thus determining that the number of at least one synchronization signal burst is 2. If each synchronization signal burst occupies 2 radio frames, then the first device can determine that at least one synchronization signal burst occupies 4 radio frames.

[0272] In method c4, the first device can accurately determine the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. Furthermore, in this method, the second device and the first device do not need to transmit information for determining the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0273] As previously stated, the actual SSB index is determined based on the reference SSB index included in the MIB and the radio frame number carrying the SSB. However, if the access network device sends SSB bursts in some periods and synchronization signal bursts in others, and the period in which the synchronization signal bursts are sent is earlier than some or all of the periods in which the SSB bursts are sent, then the SSB index determined by the terminal may be incorrect because the synchronization signal bursts also occupy some radio frames.

[0274] Using the method shown in Figure 5, when the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB, the first device can determine the index of the first SSB based on the number of radio frames occupied by the at least one synchronization signal burst. By considering the number of radio frames occupied by synchronization signal bursts whose time-domain positions are earlier than the first SSB, this method can avoid or reduce the impact of synchronization signal bursts on determining the SSB index, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the determined first SSB index and improving communication reliability.

[0275] Furthermore, currently, the MIB in an SSB can indicate the reference SSB index using 2 bits, up to an index of 0 to 3. However, the number of SSBs transmitted by access network equipment in a single cell can be much greater than 4. If the actual SSB index is indicated only by the MIB, the number of bits indicating the SSB index in the MIB is large, resulting in significant signaling overhead. This method, when determining the index of the first SSB, considers not only the reference SSB index but also the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst, thereby reducing the number of bits indicating the SSB index in the SSB and lowering signaling overhead. Moreover, in this method, as with the current standard, the SSB can still indicate the reference SSB index using 2 bits, requiring minimal modification to the standard.

[0276] Optionally, in the method shown in Figure 5, if the time-domain position of the at least one synchronization signal burst is not earlier than (or later than) the time-domain position of the first SSB, in other words, if the time-domain position of the first SSB is earlier than the time-domain position of any synchronization signal burst, then the first device can determine the index of the first SSB based on the reference SSB index and the frame number of the radio frame carrying the first SSB. For example, the first device can determine the index of the first SSB according to formula (1) above. An example is given below.

[0277] For example, as shown in Figure 4, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 0, and the SSB index that the MIB can indicate is 0 to 3, then the index of the first SSB = reference SSB index + (3+1)*0 / 2. If the reference SSB index is 0, then the index of the first SSB = 0 + 4*0 / 2 = 0. If the reference SSB index is 1, then the index of the first SSB = 1 + 4*0 / 2 = 1. If the reference SSB index is 2, then the index of the first SSB = 2 + 4*0 / 2 = 2. If the reference SSB index is 3, then the index of the first SSB = 3 + 4*0 / 2 = 3.

[0278] For example, as shown in Figure 6B, if the radio frame carrying the first SSB is radio frame 0, and the SSB index that the MIB can indicate is 0 to 3, then the index of the first SSB = reference SSB index + (3+1)*0 / 2. If the reference SSB index is 0, then the index of the first SSB = 0 + 4*0 / 2 = 0. If the reference SSB index is 1, then the index of the first SSB = 1 + 4*0 / 2 = 1. If the reference SSB index is 2, then the index of the first SSB = 2 + 4*0 / 2 = 2. If the reference SSB index is 3, then the index of the first SSB = 3 + 4*0 / 2 = 3.

[0279] Using the above method, the first device can accurately determine the index of the first SSB when the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is no earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB.

[0280] Based on the same technical concept as the above-described method embodiments, this application provides a corresponding communication device that can be used to perform the functions of the relevant steps in the above-described method embodiments. This function can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. The communication device can be a terminal or access network device, or a device within the terminal or access network device (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system, or processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal or access network device.

[0281] In one possible implementation, the communication device provided in this application embodiment has the structure shown in FIG7, including a processing unit 702. Optionally, the communication device further includes an interface unit 701. The functions of each unit in the communication device 700 are described below.

[0282] Interface unit 701 is used for inputting and / or outputting information. Input information can be replaced by received information, and output information can be replaced by transmitted information. When outputting information, interface unit 701 can output information to other devices outside of communication device 700, or to other units within communication device 700. In some embodiments, interface unit 701 can be implemented through at least one of a physical interface, a communication module, a communication interface, and an input / output interface. In other embodiments, interface unit 701 can be implemented through interface circuitry, such as a mobile communication module. The mobile communication module may include one or more of at least one antenna, at least one filter, a switch, a power amplifier, a low-noise amplifier (LNA), etc. Interface unit 701 is used to perform the receiving and transmitting operations in the above method embodiments.

[0283] In this application, the interface unit 701 may also have other names, such as a transceiver unit or a communication unit. Optionally, the interface unit 701 may include a receiving unit and / or a sending unit, used for inputting information and outputting information, respectively. The receiving unit is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments. The sending unit is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments.

[0284] The processing unit 702 can be used to support the communication device 700 in performing the processing actions in the above method embodiments. The processing unit 702 can be implemented by one or more processors. For example, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microprocessors (MCUs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The processing unit 702 is used to perform processing-related operations in the above method embodiments, for example, to instruct operations other than receiving and transmitting operations in the above method embodiments.

[0285] In one embodiment, the communication device 700 is applied to the first device in the embodiment of this application shown in FIG5. The specific functions of the processing unit 702 in this embodiment will be described below.

[0286] Processing unit 702 is configured to: receive a first SSB through interface unit 701, the first SSB belonging to a first SSB burst; and determine the index of the first SSB based on the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. The time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB, and each synchronization signal burst in the at least one synchronization signal burst includes a PSS and / or an SSS.

[0287] In another embodiment, the communication device 700 is applied to the second device in the embodiment of this application shown in FIG5. The specific functions of the processing unit 702 in this embodiment will be described below.

[0288] Processing unit 702 is configured to: determine a first synchronization signal and a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) block SSB, wherein the first SSB includes a reference SSB index; and transmit the first SSB through interface unit 701, wherein the first SSB belongs to a first SSB burst. The reference SSB index and the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst are used to determine the index of the first SSB; the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB, and each synchronization signal burst in the at least one synchronization signal burst includes a PSS and / or an SSS.

[0289] In one possible design, when the communication device 700 is a communication equipment or a communication module within a communication equipment, the functionality of the processing unit 702 can be implemented by one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core. The functionality of the interface unit 701 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0290] In one possible design, when the communication device 700 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a communication device, such as a modem chip or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 702 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the interface unit 701 can be implemented by the interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0291] The communication device can be a terminal or an access network device.

[0292] A more detailed description of the processing unit 702 and the interface unit 701 can be obtained directly from the relevant description in the method embodiment shown in Figure 5, and will not be repeated here.

[0293] It should be noted that the module division in the above embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, exist as separate physical units, or have two or more units integrated into one unit. The integrated units can be implemented in hardware, as software functional units, or in a combination of hardware and software. 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 each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0294] For 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 ASICs, one or more CPUs, one or more MCUs, one or more DSPs, or one or more FPGAs, or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0295] If the integrated units described above are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0296] In one possible implementation, the communication device provided in this application embodiment is shown in FIG8. The communication device 800 includes a processor 802. Optionally, the communication device 800 further includes an interface circuit 801 and a memory 803. The interface circuit 801, the processor 802, and the memory 803 are coupled to each other.

[0297] Optionally, the interface circuit 801, processor 802, and memory 803 are coupled to each other via bus 804. Bus 804 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Buses can be divided into address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 8, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0298] Interface circuit 801 is used for inputting and / or outputting information. Input information can be replaced by received information, and output information can be replaced by transmitted information. When outputting information, interface circuit 801 can output information to other devices outside of communication device 800, or to other units within communication device 800. For example, interface circuit 801 can be implemented through at least one of a physical interface, a communication module, a communication interface, an input / output interface, and a mobile communication module. The mobile communication module may include one or more of at least one antenna, at least one filter, a switch, a power amplifier, an LNA, etc. Interface circuit 801 is used to perform the receiving and transmitting operations in the above method embodiments.

[0299] Interface circuit 801 may be one of the following: a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, a communication circuit, an interface, a communication interface, or an input / output interface (e.g., a chip's input / output interface). Interface circuit 801 may include input interface circuitry and output interface circuitry, used for inputting information and outputting information, respectively. The input interface circuitry is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments. The output interface circuitry is used to perform the transmitting operation in the above method embodiments.

[0300] The transceiver can be used for communication with other communication devices. For example, if communication device 800 is a terminal, the transceiver can be used to communicate with access network equipment or with another terminal. As another example, if communication device 800 is an access network device, the transceiver can be used to communicate with a terminal or with another access network device.

[0301] Optionally, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter. The receiver is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments. The transmitter is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments.

[0302] Optionally, the transceiver can be integrated with the processor 802 or exist independently and be coupled to the processor 802 through the interface circuit of the communication device 800. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0303] Processor 802 can be used to support communication device 800 in performing the processing actions in the above method embodiments. When communication device 800 is used to implement the above method embodiments, processor 802 can also be used to implement the functions of processing unit 702. Processor 802 can be a CPU, or other general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. General-purpose processors can be microprocessors or any conventional processor. Processor 802 is used to perform processing-related operations in the above method embodiments, for example, to instruct operations other than receiving and sending operations in the above method embodiments.

[0304] In one embodiment, the communication device 800 is applied to the first device in the embodiment of this application shown in FIG5. The specific functions of the processor 802 in this embodiment are described below.

[0305] Processor 802 is configured to: receive a first SSB via interface circuit 801, the first SSB belonging to a first SSB burst; and determine the index of the first SSB based on the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst. The time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB, and each synchronization signal burst in the at least one synchronization signal burst includes a PSS and / or an SSS.

[0306] In another embodiment, the communication device 800 is applied to the second device in the embodiment of this application shown in FIG5. The specific functions of the processor 802 in this embodiment are described below.

[0307] Processor 802 is configured to: determine a first synchronization signal and a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) block SSB, wherein the first SSB includes a reference SSB index; and transmit the first SSB via interface circuit 801, wherein the first SSB belongs to a first SSB burst. The reference SSB index and the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst are used to determine the index of the first SSB; the time-domain position of at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time-domain position of the first SSB, and each synchronization signal burst in the at least one synchronization signal burst includes a PSS and / or an SSS.

[0308] The specific functions of processor 802 can be found in the descriptions of the communication methods provided in the embodiments and examples of this application above, as well as the specific functional descriptions of communication device 700 in the embodiments of this application shown in FIG7, which will not be repeated here.

[0309] Memory 803 is used to store program instructions and / or data. Specifically, program instructions may include program code, which includes computer operation instructions. Memory 803 may include RAM and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device. Processor 802 executes the program instructions stored in memory 803 and uses the data stored in memory 803 to implement the above-mentioned functions, thereby realizing the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. Memory 803 may be integrated with processor 802 or may be a memory outside the communication device.

[0310] It is understood that the memory 803 in Figure 8 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 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 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 of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0311] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer program product including computer-executable instructions, which, when run, causes the methods provided in the above embodiments to be executed.

[0312] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0313] The storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access. For example, but not limited to, a computer-readable medium can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0314] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a chip for reading a computer program stored in a memory and implementing the method provided in the above embodiments.

[0315] Based on the above embodiments, this application provides a chip system including a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing the functions involved in the devices in the above embodiments. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing necessary programs and data of the computer device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0316] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0317] 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.

[0318] 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.

[0319] 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.

[0320] In this application, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably. "At least one item" refers to one or more items, and "more than one item" refers to two or more items. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0321] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0322] 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, Applied to the first device, comprising: Receive the first synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel PBCH block SSB, wherein the first SSB belongs to the first SSB burst; The index of the first SSB is determined based on the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst; Wherein, the time domain position of the at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time domain position of the first SSB, and each synchronization signal burst in the at least one synchronization signal burst includes a primary synchronization signal PSS and / or a secondary synchronization signal SSS.

2. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second device, comprising: The first synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel PBCH block SSB are determined, wherein the first SSB includes a reference SSB index; Send the first SSB, which belongs to the first SSB burst; The reference SSB index and the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst are used to determine the index of the first SSB; the time domain position of the at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time domain position of the first SSB, and each synchronization signal burst in the at least one synchronization signal burst includes a primary synchronization signal PSS and / or a secondary synchronization signal SSS.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The index of the first SSB is determined based on the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst, including: The index of the first SSB is determined according to (SFN-Y), where SFN is the frame number of the first radio frame, the first radio frame is the radio frame carrying the first SSB, and Y is the number of radio frames occupied by the at least one synchronization signal burst.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Based on (SFN-Y), the index of the first SSB is determined, including: The index of the first SSB satisfies at least one of the following formulas: The index of the first SSB = the index of the reference SSB + K*(SFN-Y) / L; The index of the first SSB = the reference SSB index + K*floor((SFN-Y) / L); or The index of the first SSB = the index of the reference SSB + K*(ceiling((SFN-Y) / L)-1); Wherein, the reference SSB index is the SSB index included in the first SSB, K is the number of SSBs included in each SSB burst, L is the number of radio frames occupied by each SSB burst, floor() is rounding down, and ceiling() is rounding up.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The M1 bits in the first SSB are used to indicate whether the time domain position of the at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time domain position of the first SSB, where M1 is a positive integer.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The M1 bits are half-frame bits; or The M1 bits are reserved bits.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 4, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive broadcast information, which is used to indicate the temporal positional relationship between SSB bursts and synchronization signal bursts.

8. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A broadcast message is sent, which is used to indicate the temporal positional relationship between the SSB burst and the synchronization signal burst.

9. The method as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The broadcast information is used to indicate the temporal positional relationship between SSB bursts and synchronization signal bursts, including: The broadcast information comprises P1 bits, where P1 is a positive integer, and the P1 bits satisfy at least one of the following: The P1 bits are sorted according to the time-domain position of the signal corresponding to each bit. Each of the P1 bits is used to indicate whether the K signals corresponding to that bit belong to an SSB burst or a synchronization signal burst, where K is a positive integer; or The P1 bits are sorted according to the time-domain position of the burst corresponding to each bit. Each bit in the P1 bits is used to indicate whether one or more bursts corresponding to that bit are SSB bursts or synchronization signal bursts.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 7, 9, characterized in that, The M2 bits in the first SSB are used to indicate the number of radio frames occupied by the at least one synchronization signal burst, where M2 is a positive integer; or The method further includes: receiving broadcast information, the broadcast information being used to indicate the number of radio frames occupied by the at least one synchronization signal burst; or The number of radio frames occupied by the at least one synchronization signal burst is preset.

11. The method according to any one of claims 2, 5, 6, 8 and 9, characterized in that, The M2 bits in the first SSB are used to indicate the number of radio frames occupied by the at least one synchronization signal burst, where M2 is a positive integer; or The method further includes: sending broadcast information, the broadcast information being used to indicate the number of radio frames occupied by the at least one synchronization signal burst; or The number of radio frames occupied by the at least one synchronization signal burst is preset.

12. The method as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The broadcast information is used to indicate the number of radio frames occupied by the at least one synchronization signal burst, including: The broadcast information comprises P2 bits, where P2 is a positive integer, and the P2 bits satisfy at least one of the following: The P2 bits are sorted according to the time domain position of the signal corresponding to each bit. Each bit in the P2 bits is used to indicate whether the K signals corresponding to that bit belong to the SSB burst or the synchronization signal burst, where K is a positive integer. The P2 bits are ordered according to the time-domain position of the burst corresponding to each bit, and each bit in the P2 bits is used to indicate whether the one or more bursts corresponding to that bit are SSB bursts or synchronization signal bursts; or If the time domain position of the synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time domain position of the SSB, or if the time domain resources occupied by the synchronization signal burst are continuous, then the value of the P2 bits is related to the number of radio frames occupied by the at least one synchronization signal burst.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, include: An interface unit and a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is used for: The interface unit receives a first synchronization signal and a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) block SSB, wherein the first SSB belongs to a first SSB burst. The index of the first SSB is determined based on the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst; Wherein, the time domain position of the at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time domain position of the first SSB, and each synchronization signal burst in the at least one synchronization signal burst includes a primary synchronization signal PSS and / or a secondary synchronization signal SSS.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, include: An interface unit and a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is used for: The first synchronization signal and the physical broadcast channel PBCH block SSB are determined, wherein the first SSB includes a reference SSB index; The first SSB is sent through the interface unit, and the first SSB belongs to the first SSB burst. The reference SSB index and the number of radio frames occupied by at least one synchronization signal burst are used to determine the index of the first SSB. The time domain position of the at least one synchronization signal burst is earlier than the time domain position of the first SSB, and each synchronization signal burst in the at least one synchronization signal burst includes a primary synchronization signal PSS and / or a secondary synchronization signal SSS.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The processing unit is specifically used for: The index of the first SSB is determined according to (SFN-Y), where SFN is the frame number of the first radio frame, the first radio frame is the radio frame carrying the first SSB, and Y is the number of radio frames occupied by the at least one synchronization signal burst.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The processing unit is specifically used for: Determine the index of the first SSB that satisfies at least one of the following formulas: The index of the first SSB = the index of the reference SSB + K*(SFN-Y) / L; The index of the first SSB = the reference SSB index + K*floor((SFN-Y) / L); or The index of the first SSB = the index of the reference SSB + K*(ceiling((SFN-Y) / L)-1); Wherein, the reference SSB index is the SSB index included in the first SSB, K is the number of SSBs included in each SSB burst, L is the number of radio frames occupied by each SSB burst, floor() is rounding down, and ceiling() is rounding up.

17. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 13, 15 to 16, characterized in that, The processing unit is also used for: Broadcast information is received through the interface unit, and the broadcast information is used to indicate the temporal positional relationship between SSB bursts and synchronization signal bursts.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, The processing unit is also used for: Broadcast information is sent through the interface unit, and the broadcast information is used to indicate the temporal positional relationship between SSB bursts and synchronization signal bursts.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13, 15 to 17, characterized in that, The processing unit is also used for: Broadcast information is received through the interface unit, and the broadcast information is used to indicate the number of radio frames occupied by the at least one synchronization signal burst.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14 or 18, characterized in that, The processing unit is also used for: Broadcast information is sent through the interface unit, the broadcast information being used to indicate the number of radio frames occupied by the at least one synchronization signal burst.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor for executing computer programs or instructions that cause the apparatus to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-12.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-12.

23. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: computer program code, wherein when the computer program code is run, the method as described in any one of claims 1-12 is implemented.

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