Communication apparatus and communication method

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication apparatus and a communication method. By means of configuring the communication apparatus, a downlink spectrum for signal transmission by a radio unit can be partially or fully interconverted with an uplink spectrum for signal reception by the radio unit, such that radio resources can be managed on the basis of the interchangeable uplink spectrum and downlink spectrum. The communication apparatus may be disposed in a remote radio unit (RRU), or the communication apparatus may be used in cooperation with the RRU. By means of the communication apparatus or an RRU in which the communication apparatus is located, an uplink spectrum and a downlink spectrum can be managed, thereby facilitating an improvement in the flexibility of radio resource management.

Description

A communication device and a communication method

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411442400.8, filed on October 15, 2024, with the China National Intellectual Property Administration, entitled “A Communication Device and Communication Method,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Frequency division duplex (FDD) spectrum offers opportunities for both uplink and downlink transmission in each time slot, naturally resulting in lower latency. However, the uplink and downlink bandwidths of FDD spectrum are symmetrical, and maximizing spectrum resource utilization depends on whether uplink and downlink service demands are identical. In actual live networks, the uplink and downlink bands for each spectrum are strictly defined, leading to insufficient flexibility in radio resource management.

[0004] Improving the flexibility of wireless resource management is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication device and a communication method that can convert part or all of the downlink spectrum used for transmitting signals by a wireless unit to the uplink spectrum used for receiving signals by a wireless unit, thereby helping to improve the flexibility of wireless resource management.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a first component, a second component, and an isolation element, wherein the first component is used to transmit uplink signals and the second component is used to transmit downlink signals.

[0007] For example, the first component is used to input the uplink signal, and the second component is used to output the downlink signal.

[0008] In some possible implementations, the isolation element is connected to both the first component and the third component. The isolation element is used to transmit uplink signals to the first component and downlink signals output by the third component.

[0009] For example, after an uplink signal is input to the isolation element, it can be input to the amplifier in the first component through the isolation element, and after a downlink signal output from the third component is input to the isolation element, it can be output through the isolation element.

[0010] Alternatively, in some other possible implementations, the isolation element is connected to the second and third components, with the isolation element used to transmit downlink signals to the second component and uplink signals to the third component.

[0011] For example, after the downlink signal output from the amplifier in the second component is input to the isolation element, it can be output through the isolation element, and after the uplink signal is input to the isolation element, it can be input to the third component through the isolation element.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the communication device also includes a third component.

[0013] For example, the third component may be located inside or outside the communication device. The third component is used to transmit uplink or downlink signals.

[0014] Specifically, in the communication device, an isolation element is provided for transmitting uplink signals to a first component used for transmitting uplink signals, and this isolation element is also used for transmitting downlink signals to a third component; and / or, an isolation element is provided for transmitting downlink signals to a second component used for transmitting downlink signals, and this isolation element is also used for transmitting uplink signals to the third component. The isolation element is used for transmitting both downlink and uplink signals.

[0015] For example, when uplink and downlink service demands do not match the pre-allocated uplink and downlink spectrum resources, a partial or complete conversion between the downlink spectrum used for transmitting signals by the wireless unit and the uplink spectrum used for receiving signals by the wireless unit can be achieved through isolation elements and a third component. This enables a more rational allocation of spectrum resources, which is beneficial for improving network service performance and enhancing the user experience.

[0016] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by setting up an isolation element and a third component for transmitting downlink signals or uplink signals, it is possible to convert part or all of the uplink spectrum into downlink spectrum, or to convert part or all of the downlink spectrum into uplink spectrum. This makes the uplink and downlink bandwidth of each frequency band no longer limited to a pre-fixed range, but can be adjusted, thereby improving the flexibility of wireless resource management and facilitating the optimization of spectrum resource allocation.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the first component includes a first filter and a first amplifier; and / or, the second component includes a second filter and a second amplifier; and / or, the third component includes at least one third filter and a third amplifier.

[0018] Based on the first, second, or third component, the transmitted signal can be either an uplink or downlink signal, and the amplifiers can be set to be power amplifiers (PA) or low noise amplifiers (LNA).

[0019] For example, a first component for transmitting uplink signals may include an LNA and a filter, and a second component for transmitting downlink signals may include a PA and a filter. The filter of the first component and the filter of the second component may constitute an FDD duplexer. A third component for transmitting uplink signals may include an LNA and a filter; and / or, a third component for transmitting downlink signals may include a PA and a filter.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the third filter includes at least one or more of the following: a filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency; a filter with fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency.

[0021] The third filter in the third component may include a filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency, such as a filter with adjustable bandwidth; and / or a filter with fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency, such as a filter with fixed bandwidth.

[0022] Optionally, the third filter in the third component may include at least one filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency; or, the third filter in the third component may include at least one filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency and at least one filter with fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency; or, the third filter in the third component may include at least one or more filters with fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency.

[0023] For example, in the third filter, at least one filter has a variable bandwidth and / or center frequency. Alternatively, in the third filter, at least one filter has a fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency, but whether to connect that filter with a fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency to the circuit is controllable.

[0024] When the third filter in the third component includes at least one filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency, the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the third filter can be adjusted by adjusting the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency. When the third filter in the third component includes at least one filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency and at least one filter with fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency, the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the third filter can be adjusted by adjusting the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency or by controlling whether the filter with fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency is connected to the circuit. When the third filter in the third component includes multiple filters with fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency, the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the third filter can be adjusted by controlling whether one or more of the multiple filters with fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency are connected to the circuit.

[0025] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by setting filters with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency or fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency, the bandwidth and / or center frequency can be adjusted, which can further improve the flexibility of wireless resource management and is conducive to optimizing the allocation of spectrum resources.

[0026] In some possible implementations, the device also includes a load and a switch, with the isolation element connected to a third component or load via the switch.

[0027] For example, when the third component is used to transmit uplink signals, a switch can control the connection between the third component or the load and the isolation element. When uplink signal transmission through the third component is required, the switch controls the connection between the third component and the isolation element; when uplink signal transmission through the third component is not required, the switch controls the connection between the load and the isolation element. Because the signal energy processed by the PA is relatively strong, controlling the connection between the load and the isolation element can prevent downlink signals from leaking into the third component.

[0028] For example, when the third component is used to transmit downlink signals, a switch can control the connection between the first component or the load and the isolation element. When downlink signal transmission through the third component is not required, the switch can control the connection between the first component and the isolation element; when downlink signal transmission through the third component is required, the switch can control the connection between the load and the isolation element. Because the signal energy processed by the PA is relatively strong, controlling the connection between the load and the isolation element can prevent downlink signal leakage into the first component.

[0029] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by setting a load, it is possible to further prevent downlink signals from leaking into the components used to transmit uplink signals.

[0030] In some possible implementations, the third component satisfies at least one of the following: at least one of the third filters is connected to the third amplifier, and the third amplifier is connected to the isolation element; or, at least one of the third filters is connected to the third amplifier and to the isolation element.

[0031] For example, in a third component for transmitting uplink signals, the LNA may be connected to a filter, and the filter may be connected to an isolation element; or, the filter may be connected to the LNA, and the LNA may be connected to an isolation element; or, a portion of the filter may be connected to the LNA, another portion of the filter may be connected to an isolation element, and the LNA may be connected to another portion of the filter.

[0032] For example, in a third component for transmitting downlink signals, the PA can be connected to a filter, and the filter can be connected to an isolation element.

[0033] Secondly, a communication method is provided, applied to a communication device according to the first aspect and any implementation thereof. This communication method can be executed by a communication device (e.g., a network device), by a component within the communication device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device.

[0034] The communication method includes: receiving indication information, the indication information being used to indicate the range of uplink and / or downlink spectrum; and adjusting the bandwidth and / or center frequency of one or more of at least one third filter according to the indication information.

[0035] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by adjusting the bandwidth and / or center frequency of one or more of at least one third filter according to the instruction information, it is possible to convert part or all of the uplink spectrum into downlink spectrum, or to convert part or all of the downlink spectrum into uplink spectrum, so that for each frequency band, its uplink and downlink bandwidth is no longer limited to a pre-fixed range, but can be adjusted, which can improve the flexibility of wireless resource management and is conducive to optimizing the allocation of spectrum resources.

[0036] In some possible implementations, the range of uplink or downlink spectrum is determined based on uplink traffic demand or downlink traffic demand, where uplink traffic demand is determined based on the uplink traffic demand of all cells in the cell set; and / or, downlink traffic demand is determined based on the downlink traffic demand of all cells in the cell set.

[0037] Based on the solution provided in this application, by determining the range of uplink or downlink spectrum according to the uplink or downlink traffic demand of all cells in the cell set, the rationality of wireless resource management can be improved, which is conducive to optimizing the allocation of spectrum resources and improving the user experience.

[0038] In some possible implementations, the cell set satisfies at least one of the following: all cells in the cell set transmit and / or receive signals in the same frequency band; all cells in the cell set are deployed under the same centralized control module; and all cells in the cell set satisfy a spatial isolation degree less than or equal to a threshold.

[0039] For example, the cells in a cell set need to meet at least one of the above conditions. Cells that meet at least one of the above conditions can be considered to have low spatial isolation. Grouping cells with low spatial isolation into a cell set facilitates unified management and allocation of radio resources, and can prevent mutual interference between cells with low spatial isolation due to differences in uplink or downlink spectrum ranges.

[0040] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by restricting the conditions that all cells in the cell set need to meet, it is beneficial to manage and control the radio resources configured for the cell set, and can improve the rationality of radio resource management.

[0041] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, applied to a first cell. This communication method can be specifically used to determine a set of cells. The communication method can be executed by a communication device (e.g., a network device), or by components within the communication device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device.

[0042] The communication method includes: receiving a first signal transmitted by a second cell; determining the energy of the first signal when it is received and the energy of the first signal when it is transmitted, wherein the difference between the energy of the first signal when it is received and the energy of the first signal when it is transmitted is less than or equal to a threshold, and the cell set includes the first cell and the second cell.

[0043] For example, the second cell can transmit a first signal. The transmission energy of the second cell when transmitting the first signal can be preset or determined through negotiation with the first cell. The first cell can determine the transmission energy of the first signal through this preset or negotiated setting. When the first cell receives the first signal, it can also determine the reception energy of the first signal. The first cell can determine the difference between the transmission energy and the reception energy of the first signal, and determine the relationship between this difference and a threshold. When the difference is less than or equal to the threshold, it can be considered that the first signal has suffered less loss during transmission. Furthermore, it can be considered that the spatial isolation between the first cell and the second cell is small, and the first cell and the second cell are easily affected by the signals transmitted by each other.

[0044] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, the cells in the cell set are determined according to the spatial isolation degree, which can improve the rationality of wireless resource management.

[0045] In some possible implementations, the temporal location of the first signal is related to the physical cell identifier (PCI) of the second cell; the frame number of the first cell and the frame number of the second cell are aligned; the subframe number of the first cell and the subframe number of the second cell are aligned; the method further includes: determining the PCI of the second cell based on the frame number and subframe number of the frame in which the first signal is located.

[0046] For example, the first cell can detect / monitor the signal energy intensity of the spectrum range used to transmit / receive the first signal, and determine the PCI of the cell transmitting the first signal based on the frame number and subframe number where the signal with greater intensity appears.

[0047] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by sending a first signal according to the PCI of the cell, it is possible to distinguish the cell that sent the first signal according to the frame number and subframe number of the frame in which the received signal is located.

[0048] In some possible implementations, the first signal is transmitted at a first frequency domain location, which is determined by negotiation between the first cell and the second cell; and / or, the first signal is transmitted at a first time domain location, which is determined based on the PCI of the second cell.

[0049] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit receives indication information indicating the range of uplink and / or downlink spectrum. The processing unit adjusts the bandwidth and / or center frequency of one or more of at least one third filter according to the indication information.

[0050] In some possible implementations, the range of uplink or downlink spectrum is determined based on uplink traffic demand or downlink traffic demand, where uplink traffic demand is determined based on the uplink traffic demand of all cells in the cell set; and / or, downlink traffic demand is determined based on the downlink traffic demand of all cells in the cell set.

[0051] In some possible implementations, the cell set satisfies at least one of the following: all cells in the cell set transmit and / or receive signals in the same frequency band; all cells in the cell set are deployed under the same centralized control module; and all cells in the cell set satisfy a spatial isolation degree less than or equal to a threshold.

[0052] In some possible implementations, the processing unit includes a processor.

[0053] In some possible implementations, the processing unit includes the RRU described in the first aspect and any implementation thereof.

[0054] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit includes a transceiver.

[0055] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit includes a transmission channel.

[0056] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is used to receive a first signal transmitted by a second cell. The processing unit is used to determine the energy of the first signal when it is received and the energy of the first signal when it is transmitted, wherein the difference between the energy of the first signal when it is received and the energy of the first signal when it is transmitted is less than or equal to a threshold, and the cell set includes a first cell and a second cell.

[0057] In some possible implementations, the time-domain location of the first signal is related to the PCI of the second cell; the frame number of the first cell and the frame number of the second cell are aligned; the subframe number of the first cell and the subframe number of the second cell are aligned; the processing unit is also used to: determine the PCI of the second cell based on the frame number and subframe number of the frame in which the first signal is located.

[0058] In some possible implementations, the first signal is transmitted at a first frequency domain location, which is determined by negotiation between the first cell and the second cell; and / or, the first signal is transmitted at a first time domain location, which is determined based on the PCI of the second cell.

[0059] In some possible implementations, the processing unit includes a processor.

[0060] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit includes a transceiver.

[0061] In some possible implementations, the processing unit includes processing circuitry.

[0062] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit includes transceiver circuitry.

[0063] A sixth aspect provides a base station including an RRU as described in the first aspect and any implementation thereof, and an antenna connected to the RRU.

[0064] In a seventh aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system including a network device for performing the communication methods in any of the possible implementations of the second to third aspects described above.

[0065] For example, a network device may refer to the network device itself, or to a chip or circuit in the network device, or a central unit (CU) or distributed unit (DU) in the network device, or a functional module in the network device that can call and execute a program.

[0066] In some possible implementations, the communication system includes a base station as described in the sixth aspect.

[0067] Eighthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device may be the communication device described in the first aspect; or, it may be the communication equipment described in the fourth or fifth aspect.

[0068] The communication device includes a processor for retrieving a computer program from a memory and running the computer program, causing the communication device to perform the communication methods in any of the possible implementations of the second to third aspects described above.

[0069] Optionally, the communication device further includes a transceiver and a memory. The processor controls the transceiver to send and receive signals, and the memory stores computer programs. The memory can be integrated into the processor or set up independently.

[0070] Optionally, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0071] Alternatively, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory can be set up separately from the processor.

[0072] Optionally, the transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver.

[0073] Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface coupled to the processor, which is used for inputting and / or outputting information.

[0074] A ninth aspect provides a communication device including a communication interface and a circuit, the communication interface being configured to receive a signal to be processed and transmit the signal to the circuit; the circuit being configured to process the signal to perform a communication method as described in any of the possible implementations of the second to third aspects.

[0075] Optionally, the communication interface is also used to output the signal processed by the circuit. As an example, the communication interface may be a transceiver, hardware circuit, bus, module, pin, or other type of communication interface. The signal includes information and / or data.

[0076] Optionally, the communication device may be a chip.

[0077] A tenth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium stores computer program code or instructions to implement the communication methods in any of the possible implementations of the second to third aspects described above. For example, when the computer program code or instructions are executed, the communication methods in any of the possible implementations of the second to third aspects described above are implemented.

[0078] Eleventhly, a computer program product is provided. This computer program product includes computer program code or instructions to cause the communication methods in any of the possible implementations of the second to third aspects to be implemented. For example, when a computer reads and executes the computer program product, the communication methods in any of the possible implementations of the second to third aspects are implemented.

[0079] In a twelfth aspect, a chip (or chip system) is provided, including at least one processor for running a computer program that causes a device on which the chip is mounted to perform the communication methods described in the second to third aspects and any of their possible implementations.

[0080] The beneficial effects of the sixth to twelfth aspects mentioned above can be referred to the first to fifth aspects mentioned above and any of their possible implementation methods, which will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0081] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to this application.

[0082] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an antenna system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0083] Figure 3(a) is a schematic diagram of the spectrum applicable to frequency division duplex.

[0084] Figure 3(b) is a schematic diagram applicable to carrier aggregation.

[0085] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0086] Figure 5(a) and Figure 5(b) are schematic diagrams of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0087] Figures 6(a), 6(b), 6(c), and 6(d) are schematic diagrams of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0088] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication method applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0089] Figure 8 is another schematic diagram of a communication method applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0090] Figure 9 is another schematic diagram of a communication method applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0091] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a cell set applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0092] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the spectrum adjustment provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0093] Figure 12 is another schematic diagram applicable to the spectrum adjustment provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0094] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of a signal transmission device 1300 provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0095] To facilitate understanding of the above embodiments provided in this application, the following points are made:

[0096] 1) In this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms 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.

[0097] 2) In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or, b, or, c, or, a and b, or, a and c, or, b and c, or, a, b, and c. Here, a, b, and c can each be single or multiple.

[0098] 3) In this application, the terms "first," "second," and various designations (e.g., #1, #2, #A, #B, etc.) indicate distinctions made for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they distinguish different messages, rather than describing a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such descriptions can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0099] 4) In this application, the descriptions such as “when…”, “when…”, “under the circumstances of…”, “if”, and “if” all refer to the fact that the device will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when it is implemented, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0100] 5) In this application, "instruction" or "for instruction" can include both direct and indirect instruction. When describing an instruction as being used to instruct A, it may include whether the instruction directly instructs A or indirectly instructs A, but does not necessarily mean that the instruction carries A.

[0101] 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. This application does not limit the sending method, for example.

[0102] The "instruction information" in the embodiments of this application can be an explicit instruction, that is, a direct instruction through signaling, or an instruction obtained by combining other rules or parameters with the parameters indicated by the signaling, or by deduction. It can also be an implicit instruction, that is, an instruction obtained based on rules or relationships, or based on other parameters, or by deduction. This application does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0103] 6) In this application, "protocol" can refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, such as 5th generation (5G) protocols, new radio (NR) protocols, and related protocols applied to future communication systems. This application does not limit this term. "Predefined" can include predefined terms, such as protocol definitions. "Preconfiguration" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device. This application does not limit the implementation method, for example.

[0104] 7) In this application, "communication" can also be described as "data transmission", "information transmission", "data processing", etc. "Transmission" includes "sending" and / or "receiving".

[0105] 8) In this application, "sending information to XX (device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being that device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to that device. "Receiving information from XX (device), or receiving information from XX (device)" can be understood as the source of the information being that device, and can include receiving information directly or indirectly from that device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0106] 9) In this application, the terms "exemplarily," "for example," etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the term "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0107] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0108] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, 5G systems, or New Radio (NR) and future communication systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems.

[0109] Furthermore, the embodiments of this application are applicable to both homogeneous and heterogeneous network scenarios, and there are no restrictions on the transmission points. They can be applied to systems such as multi-point collaborative transmission between macro base stations, micro base stations, and macro base stations. The embodiments of this application are applicable to both low-frequency and high-frequency scenarios, including terahertz and optical communications.

[0110] In a communication system, a device can send signals to or receive signals from another device. These signals may include reference signals, information, signaling, or data. In this application, "device" can be replaced by an entity, network entity, communication equipment, communication module, node, or communication node.

[0111] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network devices in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0112] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as a 4G mobile communication system, a 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0113] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as network equipment, access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0114] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. A RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, a RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in V2X technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0115] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control planes (CU-CPs), CU-user planes (CU-UPs), radio units (RUs), or CU-radio units (CU-RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be configured separately 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).

[0116] In different systems, CU (including open CU-CP (O-CU-CP) and open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open central unit (O-CU), DU can also be called an open distributed unit (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0117] Terminal 120 can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. A terminal can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, user device, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, terminal device, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. A terminal typically contains a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication functions. The terminal may also be configured with program instructions for performing these communication functions.

[0118] For example, the terminal in this application embodiment can be a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a drone, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, an Internet of Things (IoT) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home (e.g., game consoles, smart TVs, smart speakers, smart refrigerators, and fitness equipment), a transport vehicle with wireless communication capabilities, a communication module, or a roadside unit (RSU) with terminal capabilities.

[0119] RAN 100 and terminal 120 can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the scenarios in which RAN 100 and terminal 120 are located.

[0120] Communication between access network devices and terminal devices follows a specific protocol layer structure. This protocol layer may include a control plane protocol layer and a user plane protocol layer. The control plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control / medium access control (MAC) layer, or physical (PHY) layer, etc. The user plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, or physical layer, etc.

[0121] The correspondence between network elements and their achievable protocol layer functions in the ORAN system can be found in Table 1 below.

[0122] Table 1

[0123] CN 200 can be a 5G core network or an evolved 5G core network. Taking a 5G core network as an example, CN 200 includes access and mobility management (AMF) network elements responsible for mobility management and access management services; session management (SMF) network elements responsible for session management; user plane (UPF) network elements responsible for user plane packet routing and forwarding and quality of service (QoS) control; and policy control (PCF) network elements. These core network elements can operate independently or be combined to implement certain control functions; for example, AMF, SMF, and PCF can be combined into a single core network device.

[0124] It should be understood that the above naming is defined solely for the purpose of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of using other naming conventions in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in future networks, some or all of the above-mentioned network elements may use the terminology from 5G, or they may use other names, etc.

[0125] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an antenna system according to an embodiment of this application. The antenna system may include components such as an antenna 201, a feed line 203, a mast 204, an RRU 202, and a grounding device 205. The antenna 201 can be fixed to the mast 204 via an adjusting bracket or the like, and can be connected to the RRU 202 via the feed line 203 for signal transmission. The antenna 201 can also be connected to the grounding device 205.

[0126] Furthermore, antenna 201 can also be co-located with RRU, for example, antenna 201 and RRU can be part of an active antenna unit (AAU). Alternatively, antenna 201 can be part of a radio unit (RU), and this application is not limiting.

[0127] The antenna can also be an antenna in a passive antenna system. In this example, the antenna can also be connected to a baseband unit (BBU). The connection between the antenna and the BBU can be direct or indirect. For example, the antenna can be connected to an RRU, which in turn is connected to the BBU.

[0128] It is understood that Figure 1 or Figure 2 is merely an example and does not limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0129] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the basic concepts involved in this application will be explained first.

[0130] 1. Spectrum: It is a family of electromagnetic waves arranged continuously according to their wavelength (or frequency). (The frequency is continuous, not discrete, and similar frequencies are prone to mutual interference.)

[0131] Figure 3(a) is a schematic diagram of the spectrum applicable to FDD. Common duplex modes in traditional wireless communication include FDD and TDD. For FDD, the 3GPP protocol specifies the corresponding uplink and downlink spectrum ranges for each band. For example, for Band 8, as shown in Figure 3(a), 880MHz to 915MHz is the spectrum used for uplink transmission, totaling 35MHz; 925MHz to 960MHz is the spectrum used for downlink transmission, totaling 35MHz.

[0132] For each time slot, FDD spectrum offers opportunities for both uplink and downlink transmission, naturally resulting in lower latency. However, the uplink and downlink bandwidths of FDD spectrum are symmetrical. To maximize spectrum resource utilization, uplink and downlink service demands need to be equal. In reality, however, uplink and downlink service demands can be unequal in different scenarios and at different times in existing networks.

[0133] For example, in scenarios such as video viewing and file downloading, downlink traffic significantly exceeds uplink traffic. In scenarios such as major gatherings, sporting events, and celebrations, uplink traffic significantly exceeds downlink traffic due to viewers uploading numerous photos and videos. In live streaming scenarios, the streamer generates a large amount of uplink traffic demand, while viewers generate a large amount of downlink traffic demand.

[0134] In real-world networks, the uplink and downlink bands of each spectrum are strictly defined, resulting in insufficient flexibility in radio resource management. If the uplink and downlink spectrum of FDD cannot adapt to real-time network traffic demands, it may lead to wasted spectrum resources or untimely traffic scheduling.

[0135] Figure 3(b) is a schematic diagram applicable to carrier aggregation (CA).

[0136] In Shannon's formula, that is, C represents the channel capacity, B represents the channel bandwidth, S represents the signal power, and N represents the noise power. It can be concluded that in a communication system, wider bandwidth leads to greater channel capacity, thereby providing a better uplink / downlink communication experience.

[0137] In mid-to-high frequency communication systems, carrier aggregation (CA) technology can improve channel capacity. CA technology allows users to increase their data rate by adding several secondary cells (SCells) to a primary cell (PCell) while the user is stationed in that cell. However, as shown in Figure 3(b), due to limitations in the current industry chain, the downlink carrier aggregation capability of terminal equipment (supporting up to 8 carriers) is significantly higher than the uplink carrier aggregation capability (typically a maximum of 2 carriers). Therefore, CA technology is mainly suitable for scenarios where downlink traffic demand exceeds uplink traffic demand. Furthermore, CA technology requires the network side to deploy multiple carriers simultaneously, which increases operator investment and may be difficult to meet in actual live networks.

[0138] Utilizing supplementary downlink (SDL) or supplementary uplink (SUL) bands can provide additional downlink or uplink capabilities. However, SDL and SUL bands cannot operate independently and must rely on other normal carriers. Furthermore, SDL or SUL bands contain only downlink or only uplink bands (as shown in Table 2), limiting their application scope. In addition, SDL or SUL also require operators to deploy multiple carriers, increasing investment costs and restricting application scenarios.

[0139] Table 2

[0140] 2. Duplexer: Also known as an antenna sharer, the main function of a duplexer is to allow simultaneous transmission and reception operations on different frequency bands in an FDD system without conflict, or to allow transmission and reception operations on the same frequency band at different times without conflict in a TDD system. In an FDD system, a duplexer can consist of two sets / two bandpass filters of different frequencies. One set / one filter blocks signals at the transmit frequency from reaching the receive path, while the other set / one filter blocks signals at the receive frequency from reaching the transmit path, preventing the transmitter's own signal from reaching the receiver, thus achieving the function of a shared transmit / receive antenna. In a TDD system, a duplexer can consist of a circulator or a switch, controlling the transmitter and receiver operations of the device to occur at different times, achieving the function of a shared transmit / receive antenna.

[0141] 3. Power amplifiers (PA)

[0142] A power amplifier (PA) is used to amplify the transmitted signal, ensuring that the amplified signal has sufficient power to be effectively radiated into the air through the antenna. PAs are typically located in the transmit link and are designed to provide high efficiency and high output power while minimizing noise and distortion.

[0143] 4. Low noise amplifiers (LNA)

[0144] An LNA (Lower-Noise Amplifier) ​​is used to amplify the received signal while minimizing introduced noise. The design goal of an LNA is to provide a low noise figure to maintain the quality of the received signal. LNAs are typically located at the beginning of the receive link, close to the antenna, to ensure that the signal is amplified before being transmitted to subsequent processing circuitry.

[0145] 5. Physical Cell Identifier (PCI)

[0146] PCI can be used as part of a scrambling code to distinguish different cells. For example, in an LTE system, terminal devices can use PCI to differentiate radio signals from different cells. LTE systems can provide 504 PCIs. The gateway configures the base station with a number between 0 and 503 for each cell. Terminal devices can obtain the physical cell identifier by combining the three possible identifiers carried in the primary synchronization sequence and the 336 or 168 group numbers carried in the secondary synchronization sequence through the LTE cell search procedure.

[0147] 6. Digital-to-analog converter (DAC)

[0148] A DAC is an electronic device or circuit used to convert digital signals into corresponding analog signals.

[0149] 7. Analog-to-digital converter (ADC)

[0150] An ADC is a device that converts analog signals into digital signals. For example, an ADC can convert a continuously changing analog voltage on a pin into a digital variable stored in memory.

[0151] This application provides a communication device and a communication method. By configuring the communication device, a portion or all of the downlink spectrum used for transmitting signals by a wireless unit and the uplink spectrum used for receiving signals by a wireless unit can be mutually converted, thereby managing wireless resources based on the convertible uplink and downlink spectrum. The communication device can be installed in a remote radio unit (RRU) or used in conjunction with the RRU. Through this communication device or the RRU in which it is located, uplink and downlink spectrum management can be achieved, contributing to improved flexibility in wireless resource management.

[0152] The communication device 400 provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0153] As shown in Figure 4, the communication device includes: a first component, a second component, and an isolation element. The first component is used to transmit uplink signals, and the second component is used to transmit downlink signals.

[0154] For example, the first component is used to input the uplink signal, and the second component is used to output the downlink signal.

[0155] In some possible implementations, the isolation element is connected to both the first component and the third component. The isolation element is used to transmit uplink signals to the first component and downlink signals output by the third component.

[0156] For example, the isolation element is connected to the third component, and also to the filter and amplifier of the first component (as shown by the dashed lines formed by dots in Figure 4). The uplink signal, after passing through the filter of the first component and entering the isolation element, can then be input to the amplifier in the first component. Similarly, the downlink signal output from the third component, after entering the isolation element, can be input to the filter of the first component. In this configuration, both the third component and the second component in the communication device are used to transmit downlink signals, the amplifier of the first component is used to input uplink signals, and the filter of the first component can be used to transmit both uplink and downlink signals.

[0157] Alternatively, in some other possible implementations, the isolation element is connected to the second and third components, with the isolation element used to transmit downlink signals to the second component and uplink signals to the third component.

[0158] For example, the isolation element is connected to the third component, and also to the filter and amplifier of the second component (as shown by the dashed lines composed of dots and lines in Figure 4). The downlink signal output from the amplifier in the second component is input to the isolation element, and can then be input to the filter in the second component through the isolation element; and the uplink signal, after passing through the filter of the second component, is input to the isolation element, and can then be input to the third component through the isolation element. In this case, both the third component and the first component in the communication device are used to transmit uplink signals, the amplifier of the second component is used to output downlink signals, and the filter of the second component can be used to transmit both uplink and downlink signals.

[0159] In some possible implementations, the communication device also includes a third component.

[0160] For example, the third component may be located inside or outside the communication device.

[0161] The third component is used to transmit uplink or downlink signals.

[0162] For example, when the isolation element is connected to both the first and third components, the first component is used to transmit uplink signals, and the third component is used to transmit downlink signals. The uplink signal received by the antenna is filtered by the first component and then input to the isolation element. The uplink signal after passing through the isolation element is then input to the amplifier of the first component. The downlink signal output from the third component is input to the isolation element, and after passing through the isolation element, the downlink signal can be transmitted through the antenna.

[0163] For example, when the isolation element is connected to both the second and third components, the third component is used to transmit uplink signals, and the second component is used to transmit downlink signals. Downlink signals that need to be transmitted via the antenna are input to the isolation element. After passing through the isolation element, the downlink signals are input to the filter of the second component and can then be transmitted via the antenna. Uplink signals received by the antenna are filtered by the second component and then input to the isolation element. The uplink signals after passing through the isolation element are then input to the amplifier of the third component.

[0164] Specifically, in the communication device, an isolation element is provided for transmitting uplink signals to a first component used for transmitting uplink signals, and this isolation element is also used for transmitting downlink signals to a third component; and / or, an isolation element is provided for transmitting downlink signals to a second component used for transmitting downlink signals, and this isolation element is also used for transmitting uplink signals to the third component. The isolation element is used for transmitting both downlink and uplink signals.

[0165] For example, when uplink and downlink service demands do not match the pre-allocated uplink and downlink spectrum resources, a partial or complete conversion between the downlink spectrum used for transmitting signals by the wireless unit and the uplink spectrum used for receiving signals by the wireless unit can be achieved through isolation elements and a third component. This enables a more rational allocation of spectrum resources, which is beneficial for improving network service performance and enhancing the user experience.

[0166] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by setting up an isolation element and a third component for transmitting downlink signals or uplink signals, it is possible to convert part or all of the uplink spectrum into downlink spectrum, or to convert part or all of the downlink spectrum into uplink spectrum. This makes the uplink and downlink bandwidth of each frequency band no longer limited to a pre-fixed range, but can be adjusted, thereby improving the flexibility of wireless resource management and facilitating the optimization of spectrum resource allocation.

[0167] In some possible implementations, the first component includes a first filter and a first amplifier; and / or, the second component includes a second filter and a second amplifier; and / or, the third component includes at least one third filter and a third amplifier.

[0168] Based on the first, second, or third component, the transmitted signal can be either an uplink or downlink signal, and the amplifier can be set to PA or LNA.

[0169] For example, a first component for transmitting uplink signals may include an LNA and a filter, and a second component for transmitting downlink signals may include a PA and a filter. The filter of the first component and the filter of the second component may constitute an FDD duplexer. A third component for transmitting uplink signals may include an LNA and a filter; and / or, a third component for transmitting downlink signals may include a PA and a filter.

[0170] Optionally, the first component may also include an ADC; or the second component may also include a DAC; or the third component may also include an ADC or a DAC.

[0171] In some possible implementations, the third filter includes at least one or more of the following: a filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency; a filter with fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency.

[0172] The third filter in the third component may include a filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency, such as a filter with adjustable bandwidth; and / or a filter with fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency, such as a filter with fixed bandwidth.

[0173] Optionally, the third filter in the third component may include at least one filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency; or, the third filter in the third component may include at least one filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency and at least one filter with fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency; or, the third filter in the third component may include at least one or more filters with fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency.

[0174] For example, in the third filter, at least one filter has a variable bandwidth and / or center frequency. Alternatively, in the third filter, at least one filter has a fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency, but whether to connect that filter with a fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency to the circuit is controllable.

[0175] When the third filter in the third component includes at least one filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency, the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the third filter can be adjusted by adjusting the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency. When the third filter in the third component includes at least one filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency and at least one filter with fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency, the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the third filter can be adjusted by adjusting the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency or by controlling whether the filter with fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency is connected to the circuit. When the third filter in the third component includes multiple filters with fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency, the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the third filter can be adjusted by controlling whether one or more of the multiple filters with fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency are connected to the circuit.

[0176] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by setting filters with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency or fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency, the bandwidth and / or center frequency can be adjusted, which can further improve the flexibility of wireless resource management and is conducive to optimizing the allocation of spectrum resources.

[0177] In some possible implementations, the device also includes a load and a switch, with the isolation element connected to a third component or load via the switch.

[0178] For example, when the third component is used to transmit uplink signals, a switch can control the connection between the third component or the load and the isolation element. When uplink signal transmission through the third component is required, the switch controls the connection between the third component and the isolation element; when uplink signal transmission through the third component is not required, the switch controls the connection between the load and the isolation element. Because the signal energy processed by the PA is relatively strong, controlling the connection between the load and the isolation element can prevent downlink signals from leaking into the third component.

[0179] For example, when the third component is used to transmit downlink signals, a switch can control the connection between the first component or the load and the isolation element. When downlink signal transmission through the third component is not required, the switch can control the connection between the first component and the isolation element; when downlink signal transmission through the third component is required, the switch can control the connection between the load and the isolation element. Because the signal energy processed by the PA is relatively strong, controlling the connection between the load and the isolation element can prevent downlink signal leakage into the first component.

[0180] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by setting a load, it is possible to further prevent downlink signals from leaking into the components used to transmit uplink signals.

[0181] In some possible implementations, the third component satisfies at least one of the following: at least one of the third filters is connected to the third amplifier, and the third amplifier is connected to the isolation element; or, at least one of the third filters is connected to the third amplifier and to the isolation element.

[0182] For example, in a third component for transmitting uplink signals, the LNA may be connected to a filter, and the filter may be connected to an isolation element; or, the filter may be connected to the LNA, and the LNA may be connected to an isolation element; or, a portion of the filter may be connected to the LNA, another portion of the filter may be connected to an isolation element, and the LNA may be connected to another portion of the filter.

[0183] For example, in a third component for transmitting downlink signals, the PA can be connected to a filter, and the filter can be connected to an isolation element.

[0184] The following sections, in conjunction with Figures 5 to 13, detail possible implementations of the communication device and communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0185] As shown in Figure 5, Figure 5(a) and Figure 5(b) are schematic diagrams of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0186] For example, the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below using the communication device shown in Figure 5(a) or Figure 5(b) as an example of an RRU and an antenna.

[0187] In Figure 5(a) or Figure 5(b), the antenna can be used to receive uplink signals and / or transmit downlink signals. The RRU connected to the antenna can convert the baseband digital signal into radio waves and transmit them through the antenna; alternatively, the RRU can convert the analog signal received by the antenna into a digital signal to achieve information exchange with the core network. In the RRU, the duplexer suitable for FDD can consist of two filters (the specific structure or implementation of the duplexer can be found in relevant technologies and will not be elaborated here).

[0188] As shown in Figure 5(a), the uplink signal received by the antenna can pass through filter #1, LNA 500 and ADC 505 in sequence; the downlink signal that needs to be transmitted through the antenna can pass through DAC 525, PA 520 and filter #2 in sequence before reaching the antenna.

[0189] In some possible implementations, the uplink signal can pass through filter #2 and ADC 545, and the downlink signal can pass through DAC 525 and filter #2. After passing through filter #2 and before reaching ADC 545, or after passing through DAC 525 and before reaching filter #2, the uplink signal can pass through an isolation element 510 for isolating the output signal and the input signal. This isolation element 510 can achieve irreversible unidirectional transmission (i.e., the isolation element 510 can achieve signal transmission in one direction and can block the transmission of signals in other directions).

[0190] Taking the isolation element 510 with three ports as an example, the signal input through port 510c can only be output through port 510a, and the signal input through port 510b can only be output through port 510c. The isolation element 510 can be connected to the load 531 through switch 530, or the isolation element 510 can be connected to filter #3, LNA 540 and ADC 545 through switch 530.

[0191] For example, one possible implementation of the isolation element 510 is a circulator.

[0192] For example, filter #2, PA 520, and DAC 525 shown in Figure 5(a) can be a possible implementation of the second component shown in Figure 4; filter #3, LNA 540, and ADC 545 shown in Figure 5(a) can be a possible implementation of the third component shown in Figure 4. Isolation element 510 can be a possible implementation of the isolation element shown in Figure 4.

[0193] It should be understood that the connection relationship between filter #3, LNA 540, and ADC 545 in Figure 5(a) is merely an example. In the solution provided by the embodiments of this application, LNA 540 can be connected to ADC 545 and also to filter #3, and filter #3 can be connected to switch 530; or, filter #3 can be connected to LNA 540 and also to ADC 545, and LNA 540 can be connected to switch 530; or, filter #3 can include multiple filters, a portion of filter #3 can be connected to switch 530, and a portion of filter #3 can be connected to LNA 540, LNA 540 can also be connected to another portion of filter #3, and another portion of filter #3 can be connected to ADC 545. The embodiments of this application do not impose any limitations on this.

[0194] Correspondingly, the uplink signal received by the antenna can pass through filter #2, isolation element 510, switch 530, filter #3, LNA 540 and ADC 545 in sequence; or, the uplink signal received by the antenna can pass through filter #2, isolation element 510, switch 530, LNA 540, filter #3 and ADC 545 in sequence; or, the uplink signal received by the antenna can pass through filter #2, isolation element 510, switch 530, a portion of the filters in filter #3, LNA 540, another portion of the filters in filter #3 and ADC 545 in sequence.

[0195] The connection status of switch 530 can be used to set whether the uplink signal is transmitted through filter #2. For example, when the uplink signal is transmitted through filter #2, isolation element 510 can be connected to filter #3, LNA 540 and ADC 545 through switch 530; when the uplink signal is not transmitted through filter #2, isolation element 510 can be disconnected from filter #3, LNA 540 and ADC 545 through switch 530.

[0196] Furthermore, load 531 can also be configured. When the uplink signal is not transmitted through filter #2, isolation element 510 can be connected to load 531 via switch 530. The downlink signal strength after processing by PA 520 is relatively strong, and isolation element 510 can be connected to load 531 via switch 530 to further prevent downlink signal leakage into the receiving path.

[0197] Optionally, the switch 530 and load 531 shown in Figure 5(a) can also be implemented together with filter #3, LNA 540 and ADC 545 as a third component shown in Figure 4.

[0198] As shown in Figure 5(b), the uplink signal received by the antenna can pass through filter #1, LNA 570 and ADC 575 in sequence; the downlink signal that needs to be transmitted through the antenna can pass through DAC 555, PA 550 and filter #2 in sequence before reaching the antenna.

[0199] In some other possible implementations, the uplink signal can pass through filter #1 and ADC 575, and the downlink signal can pass through DAC 595 and filter #1. After passing through filter #1 and before reaching ADC 575, or after passing through DAC 595 and before reaching filter #1, the uplink signal can pass through an isolation element 560 for isolating the output signal and the input signal. This isolation element 560 can achieve irreversible unidirectional transmission (i.e., the isolation element 560 can achieve signal transmission in one direction and can block the transmission of signals in other directions).

[0200] Taking the isolation element 560 with three ports as an example, the signal input through port 560c can only be output through port 560a, and the signal input through port 560b can only be output through port 560c.

[0201] For example, one possible implementation of the isolation element 560 is a circulator.

[0202] For example, filter #1, LNA 570, and ADC 575 shown in Figure 5(b) can be a possible implementation of the first component shown in Figure 4; filter #4, PA 590, and DAC 595 shown in Figure 5(b) can be a possible implementation of the third component shown in Figure 4. Isolation element 560 can be a possible implementation of the isolation element shown in Figure 4.

[0203] The uplink signal received by the antenna can pass through filter #1, isolation element 560, switch 580, LNA 570 and ADC 575 in sequence. The downlink signal that needs to be transmitted through the antenna can pass through DAC 595, PA 590, filter #4, isolation element 560 and filter #1 in sequence.

[0204] The connection status of switch 580 can be used to control whether the downlink signal is transmitted through filter #1. For example, when the downlink signal is transmitted through filter #1, isolation element 560 can be disconnected from LNA 470 and ADC 575 through switch 580; when the downlink signal is not transmitted through filter #1, isolation element 560 can be connected to LNA 470 and ADC 575 through switch 580.

[0205] Furthermore, load 581 can be configured. When transmitting downlink signals through filter #1, isolation element 560 can be connected to load 581 via switch 580. The configuration of load 581 further prevents the downlink signal processed by PA 590 from leaking into the receiving path.

[0206] Alternatively, the switch 580 and load 581 shown in Figure 5(b) can also be used together with filter #1, LNA 570 and ADC 575 as a possible implementation of the first component shown in Figure 4.

[0207] It is understandable that the schemes shown in Figure 5(a) and Figure 5(b) can be combined. For example, in the RRU, the uplink signal can pass through filter #2, isolation element 510 and ADC 545 in sequence; and / or, the downlink signal can pass through DAC 595, isolation element 560 and filter #1 in sequence.

[0208] It is understood that Figure 5(a) or Figure 5(b) is merely an example for the purpose of providing a detailed introduction to this solution. The RRU provided in this application embodiment may include more elements (e.g., more filters, etc.) than those shown in the figure, and may also include other types of elements not shown in Figure 5(a) or Figure 5(b). This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0209] Figures 6(a), 6(b), 6(c), and 6(d) are schematic diagrams of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0210] Figure 6(a) or Figure 6(b) may be a schematic diagram of one possible implementation of Figure 5(a), and Figure 6(c) or Figure 6(d) may be a schematic diagram of one possible implementation of Figure 5(b).

[0211] As shown in Figure 6(a) or Figure 6(b), the uplink signal received by the antenna can be transmitted to the ADC after passing through a filter (which can be one of the two filters that make up the duplexer) and then through a circulator.

[0212] In some possible implementations, the uplink signal may pass through an LNA and at least one filter after passing through the circulator and before reaching the ADC. This at least one filter may be a filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency; for example, it may include a filter with adjustable bandwidth.

[0213] ●The following description uses the example of at least one filter including a filter with adjustable bandwidth.

[0214] For example, the at least one filter may include a bandwidth-adjustable filter #1, with the uplink signal passing sequentially through a circulator, a switch, the bandwidth-adjustable filter #1, an LNA, and an ADC; or, the at least one filter may include a bandwidth-adjustable filter #2, with the uplink signal passing sequentially through a circulator, a switch, an LNA, the bandwidth-adjustable filter #2, and an ADC; or, the at least one filter may include both a bandwidth-adjustable filter #1 and a bandwidth-adjustable filter #2, with the uplink signal passing sequentially through a circulator, a switch, the bandwidth-adjustable filter #1, an LNA, the bandwidth-adjustable filter #2, and an ADC.

[0215] For example, the aforementioned bandwidth-adjustable filter #1 or bandwidth-adjustable filter #2 may include at least one bandwidth-fixed filter #A and at least one bandwidth-adjustable filter #A (not shown in the figure). When including at least one bandwidth-fixed filter #A and at least one bandwidth-adjustable filter #A, the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the bandwidth-adjustable filter #1 or bandwidth-adjustable filter #2 can be made variable by controlling whether it is connected to the bandwidth-adjustable filter #A or the bandwidth-fixed filter #A, and / or by controlling the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the bandwidth-adjustable filter #A.

[0216] For example, as one possible implementation, the bandwidth-adjustable filter #1 or bandwidth-adjustable filter #2 described above may include a varactor diode filter.

[0217] For example, the aforementioned bandwidth-adjustable filter #1 or bandwidth-adjustable filter #2 may include multiple filters with fixed bandwidths. By controlling switches that can be connected to the multiple fixed-bandwidth filters respectively, the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the bandwidth-adjustable filter #1 or bandwidth-adjustable filter #2 can be made variable.

[0218] For example, the bandwidth-adjustable filter #1, LNA, bandwidth-adjustable filter #2, ADC, switch and load shown in Figure 6(a) can be one possible implementation of the third component shown in Figure 4; the circulator can be one possible implementation of the isolation element shown in Figure 4.

[0219] ●The following description uses one or more filters, including multiple fixed-bandwidth filters, as examples of at least one filter.

[0220] For example, taking Figure 6(b) as an example, the bandwidth-adjustable filter #1 described above may include multiple filters with fixed bandwidths. For instance, the bandwidth-adjustable filter #1 may include a fixed-bandwidth filter #1, a fixed-bandwidth filter #2, and a fixed-bandwidth filter #3. Switches #1 and #2 can control which of the fixed-bandwidth filters (#1, #2, or #3) the circulator is connected to, i.e., the connection relationship between the circulator and the fixed-bandwidth filters. The bandwidths and / or center frequencies of the fixed-bandwidth filters #1, #2, and #3 may be different, and thus, the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the bandwidth-adjustable filter #1 can be varied through the connection relationship controlled by switches #1 and #2.

[0221] For example, taking Figure 6(b) as an example, the bandwidth-adjustable filter #2 described above may include multiple filters with fixed bandwidths. For instance, the bandwidth-adjustable filter #2 may include filters with fixed bandwidths #4, #5, and #6. Switches #3 and #4 can control which of these filters the ADC is connected to, i.e., the connection relationship between the ADC and the fixed-bandwidth filters. The bandwidths and / or center frequencies of the fixed-bandwidth filters #4, #5, and #6 may be different, thus allowing the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the bandwidth-adjustable filter #2 to be variable through the connection relationship controlled by switches #3 and #4.

[0222] For example, the fixed-bandwidth filter #1, fixed-bandwidth filter #2, fixed-bandwidth filter #3, LNA, fixed-bandwidth filter #4, fixed-bandwidth filter #5, fixed-bandwidth filter #6, ADC, switch, switch #1, switch #2, switch #3, switch #4 and load shown in Figure 6(b) can be one possible implementation of the third component shown in Figure 4; the circulator can be one possible implementation of the isolation element shown in Figure 4.

[0223] It should be understood that the aforementioned fixed-bandwidth filters #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, or #6 may include multiple fixed-bandwidth filters #B (not shown in the figures). This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0224] As shown in Figure 6(c) or Figure 6(d), the downlink signal that needs to be transmitted through the antenna can pass through the DAC and then through the circulator to the filter (which can be one of the two filters that make up the duplexer).

[0225] In some possible implementations, the downlink signal may pass through a PA and at least one filter after passing through the DAC and before reaching the circulator. This at least one filter may be a filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency; for example, it may include a filter with adjustable bandwidth.

[0226] ●The following example uses the fact that at least one filter includes a filter with adjustable bandwidth.

[0227] For example, the at least one filter may include a bandwidth-adjustable filter #3, and the downlink signal may pass sequentially through a DAC, a PA, the bandwidth-adjustable filter #3, a switch, and a circulator.

[0228] For example, the bandwidth-adjustable filter #3 described above may include at least one fixed-bandwidth filter #C and at least one bandwidth-adjustable filter #C (not shown in the figure). When it includes at least one fixed-bandwidth filter #C and at least one bandwidth-adjustable filter #C, the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the bandwidth-adjustable filter #3 can be made variable by controlling whether it is connected to the bandwidth-adjustable filter #C / the fixed-bandwidth filter #C, or by controlling the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the bandwidth-adjustable filter #C.

[0229] For example, as one possible implementation, the bandwidth-adjustable filter #3 described above may include a varactor diode filter.

[0230] For example, the bandwidth-adjustable filter #3 described above may include multiple filters with fixed bandwidths. By controlling switches that can be connected to the multiple filters with fixed bandwidths respectively, the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the bandwidth-adjustable filter #3 can be made variable.

[0231] For example, the bandwidth-adjustable filter #3, PA, and DAC shown in Figure 6(c) can be one possible implementation of the third component shown in Figure 4; the circulator can be one possible implementation of the isolation element shown in Figure 4.

[0232] ●The following example uses one or more filters, including multiple fixed-bandwidth filters, as examples.

[0233] For example, taking Figure 6(d) as an example, the bandwidth-adjustable filter #3 described above may include multiple filters with fixed bandwidths. For instance, the bandwidth-adjustable filter #3 may include filters with fixed bandwidths #7, #8, and #9. Switches #5 and #6 can control which of these filters (#7, #8, or #9) the circulator is connected to, i.e., the connection relationship between the circulator and the fixed-bandwidth filters. The bandwidths and / or center frequencies of the fixed-bandwidth filters #7, #8, and #9 may be different, and thus, the bandwidth and / or center frequency of the bandwidth-adjustable filter #3 can be varied by controlling the connection relationship through switches #5 and #6.

[0234] For example, the fixed-bandwidth filter #7, fixed-bandwidth filter #8, fixed-bandwidth filter #9, PA, switch #5, switch #6 and DAC shown in Figure 6(d) can be a possible implementation of the third component shown in Figure 4; the circulator can be a possible implementation of the isolation element shown in Figure 4.

[0235] It should be understood that the aforementioned fixed-bandwidth filters #7, #8, or #9 may include multiple fixed-bandwidth filters #D (not shown in the figure). This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0236] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 700 applicable to an embodiment of this application. This communication method 700 can be applied to the RRU shown in Figure 5 or Figure 6 (the RRU includes the part of the device shown in Figure 5 or Figure 6 excluding the antenna). Steps S710 to S730 can be used to determine a cell set, and the communication method including steps S710 to S730 can also be called a method for determining a cell set. For ease of description, the method including steps S710 to S750 will be referred to as communication method 700 below. It should be understood that this does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application.

[0237] Method 700 may include:

[0238] S710, the first cell receives the first signal sent by the second cell.

[0239] S720a, the energy of the first cell when the first signal is received.

[0240] S720b, the energy of the first cell when the first signal is transmitted.

[0241] Wherein, when the difference between the energy when the first signal is received and the energy when the first signal is transmitted is less than or equal to a threshold, the cell set includes the first cell and the second cell.

[0242] For example, a second cell can transmit a first signal. The transmission energy of the second cell when transmitting the first signal can be preset or determined through negotiation with the first cell. The first cell can determine the transmission energy of the first signal through this preset or negotiated setting. When the first cell receives the first signal, it can also determine the reception energy of the first signal. The first cell can determine the difference between the transmission energy and the reception energy of the first signal, and determine the relationship between this difference and a threshold. When the difference is less than or equal to the threshold, it can be considered that the first signal has a small loss during transmission. Furthermore, it can be considered that the spatial isolation between the first cell and the second cell is small (i.e., the spatial isolation between the first cell and the second cell is less than or equal to the threshold), and the first cell and the second cell are easily affected by the signals transmitted by each other. A set of multiple cells with small spatial isolation can be defined as a cell set.

[0243] The first cell can also receive first signals from other cells besides the second cell, and determine whether to add the other cell to the cell set based on the energy of the first signal transmitted and received by that other cell; the first cell can also transmit the first signal based on the energy determined in advance or through negotiation.

[0244] In this embodiment of the application, "the first cell receiving the first signal" can refer to the base station or access network equipment of the first cell receiving the first signal. "The second cell transmitting the first signal" can refer to the base station or access network equipment of the second cell transmitting the first signal.

[0245] S720a and S720b can be executed simultaneously; or S720a can be executed before S720b; or S720b can be executed before S720a. This application does not limit this.

[0246] Figure 8 is another schematic diagram of a communication method applicable to embodiments of this application. This communication method can be used to determine a cell set.

[0247] As shown in Figure 8, after the first cell receives the first signal sent by other cells, it can determine the cell corresponding to the first signal with higher energy (i.e., the high-energy cell shown in Figure 8) based on the energy of the received signal. If the energy of the first signal corresponding to the high-energy cell is greater than or equal to the threshold #A when received, or if the energy difference between the energy of the first signal corresponding to the high-energy cell when received and when sent is less than or equal to the threshold #B, then the high-energy cell can be added to the cell set.

[0248] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, the cells in the cell set are determined according to the spatial isolation degree, which can improve the rationality of wireless resource management.

[0249] In some possible implementations, the time-domain location of the first signal is related to the PCI of the second cell; the frame number of the first cell and the frame number of the second cell are aligned; the subframe number of the first cell and the subframe number of the second cell are aligned; the method 700 may further include:

[0250] S730, the first cell determines the PCI of the second cell based on the frame number and subframe number of the frame in which the first signal is located.

[0251] For example, the first cell can detect / monitor the signal energy intensity of the spectrum range used to transmit / receive the first signal, and determine the PCI of the cell transmitting the first signal based on the frame number and subframe number where the signal with greater intensity appears.

[0252] The first cell detection / monitor is used to transmit / receive the spectrum range of the first signal, which can be the range to which the first frequency domain location belongs.

[0253] Before transmitting the first signal, the cell transmitting the first signal can align its frame number and subframe number with the first cell. To distinguish the cell transmitting the first signal, the second cell can transmit the signal based on its PCI. Since different cells have different PCIs, it is possible to determine the cell transmitting the first signal based on the received first signal.

[0254] Based on the scheme provided in the embodiments of this application, by sending the first signal through the PCI of the cell, it is possible to distinguish the cell that sent the first signal according to the frame number and subframe number of the frame in which the received signal is located.

[0255] In some possible implementations, the first signal is transmitted at a first frequency domain location, which is determined by negotiation between the first cell and the second cell; and / or, the first signal is transmitted at a first time domain location, which is determined based on the PCI of the second cell.

[0256] For example, the frequency domain location for transmitting the first signal can be determined through negotiation between the first cell and the second cell.

[0257] In some possible implementations, the first frequency domain location is within the frequency domain guard band.

[0258] For example, a cell can transmit and / or receive the first signal within a certain spectrum range at the outermost edge of the spectrum protection band.

[0259] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, transmitting and / or receiving the first signal within the frequency domain guard band can avoid mutual interference between the first signal and other signals.

[0260] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, transmitting and / or receiving the first signal within a certain spectrum range at the outermost edge of the spectrum protection band can further avoid mutual interference between the first signal and other signals.

[0261] For example, the second cell can determine the time slot for transmitting the first signal based on the second cell's PCI.

[0262] For example, the time slot position for the second cell to transmit the first signal can satisfy the PCI of the second cell, or the time slot position for the second cell to transmit the first signal can satisfy the PCI+1 of the second cell, or the time slot position for the second cell to transmit the first signal can satisfy the PCI-1 of the second cell.

[0263] The second cell can periodically send the first signal, and the sending period of the first signal by the second cell can be determined according to the maximum PCI defined in the protocol.

[0264] For example, the transmission period T of the second cell transmitting the first signal can satisfy: T = Max PCI; or, T = Q Max PCI, where Q is a positive integer; or, T > Max PCI.

[0265] Figure 9 is another schematic diagram of a communication method applicable to an embodiment of this application. Specifically, this communication method can be used to determine a cell set.

[0266] As shown in Figure 9(a), the unfilled rectangles represent frequency domain locations where no signals are transmitted or received, the dotted rectangles represent frequency domain locations where the first signal is transmitted or received, and the cross-line filled rectangles represent frequency domain locations used for service signal transmission. The second cell can transmit the first signal in a frequency domain location outside the passband spectrum occupied by the service signal transmission (i.e., the guard band shown in the figure). The first cell can detect the presence of the first signal in the frequency domain location outside the passband spectrum occupied by the service signal transmission (i.e., the guard band shown in the figure) through energy monitoring.

[0267] It is understood that the frequency domain position of the detection signal transmission / reception / detection is only an example. The detection signal can be transmitted / received / detected at 100kHz, or at 50kHz or other values. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0268] As shown in Figure 9(b), the unfilled rectangles represent time-domain locations where the first signal has not been transmitted / received, and the dot-filled rectangles represent time-domain locations where the first signal has been transmitted / received. The second cell can periodically transmit the first signal according to the PCI of the second cell.

[0269] In some possible implementations, the cell set satisfies at least one of the following: all cells in the cell set transmit and / or receive signals in the same frequency band; all cells in the cell set are deployed under the same centralized control module; and all cells in the cell set satisfy a spatial isolation degree less than or equal to a threshold.

[0270] Specifically, a cell set can be a set of cells with relatively low spatial isolation; a cell set can also be a set of cells that occupy the same frequency band for transmitting and / or receiving signals; or a cell set can be a set of cells deployed under the same centralized control module.

[0271] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a cell set applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0272] As shown in Figure 10, all cells deployed under a centralized control module (e.g., CRAN structure) can be considered as a network collaboration set. For example, cells 1, 2...N-1 and N deployed under centralized management module 1 can form a cell set; or cells N+1, N+2...M-1 and M deployed under centralized management module n can form a cell set.

[0273] For example, the cells in a cell set need to meet at least one of the above conditions. Cells that meet at least one of the above conditions can be considered to have low spatial isolation. Grouping cells with low spatial isolation into a cell set facilitates unified management and allocation of radio resources, and can prevent mutual interference between cells with low spatial isolation due to differences in uplink or downlink spectrum ranges.

[0274] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by restricting the conditions that all cells in the cell set need to meet, it is beneficial to manage and control the radio resources configured for the cell set, and can improve the rationality of radio resource management.

[0275] In some possible implementations, the method 700 may also include:

[0276] S740, RRU receives indication information, which is used to indicate the range of uplink and / or downlink spectrum.

[0277] S750, RRU adjusts the bandwidth and / or center frequency of one or more of at least one third filter according to the instruction information.

[0278] For example, the RRU can adjust the bandwidth and / or center frequency of one or more of at least one third filter according to the indication information sent by the received baseband network, so as to realize partial or complete mutual conversion between the downlink spectrum for the wireless unit to transmit signals and the uplink spectrum for the wireless unit to receive signals.

[0279] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by adjusting the bandwidth and / or center frequency of one or more of at least one third filter according to the instruction information, it is possible to convert part or all of the uplink spectrum into downlink spectrum, or to convert part or all of the downlink spectrum into uplink spectrum, so that for each frequency band, its uplink and downlink bandwidth is no longer limited to a pre-fixed range, but can be adjusted, which can improve the flexibility of wireless resource management and is conducive to optimizing the allocation of spectrum resources.

[0280] In some possible implementations, the range of uplink or downlink spectrum is determined based on uplink traffic demand or downlink traffic demand, where uplink traffic demand is determined based on the uplink traffic demand of all cells in the cell set; and / or, downlink traffic demand is determined based on the downlink traffic demand of all cells in the cell set.

[0281] For example, the range of uplink and / or downlink spectrum can be determined by the baseband network based on the uplink or downlink traffic demand of the cells in the cell set.

[0282] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the spectrum adjustment provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0283] As shown in Figure 11, after the baseband network determines the range of uplink and / or downlink spectrum based on the uplink or downlink traffic demand of the cells in the cell set, it can send indication information to the RRU. The RRU can adjust the bandwidth and / or center frequency of at least one third filter according to the indication information to adjust the range of uplink and / or downlink spectrum. The newly added filter (i.e., at least one third filter) can provide the dynamic range of the spectrum. The basic mode corresponds to the basic spectrum. When a portion of the uplink spectrum is converted to the downlink spectrum (or a portion of the downlink spectrum is converted to the uplink spectrum), the converted portion corresponds to the extended spectrum. In the basic mode, the uplink (UL) spectrum and downlink (DL) spectrum range of FDD are equal. When downlink is under high load, the downlink traffic demand is greater than the uplink traffic demand. By adjusting the bandwidth and / or center frequency of at least one third filter, the UL spectrum range of FDD can be made smaller than the downlink DL spectrum range. When uplink is under high load, the uplink traffic demand is greater than the downlink traffic demand. By adjusting the bandwidth and / or center frequency of one less third filter, the UL spectrum range of FDD can be made larger than the downlink DL spectrum range.

[0284] For example, a baseband network can statistically analyze the uplink and downlink demands of all users in all cells of a cell set and determine the allocation ratio of uplink and downlink spectrum using a maximum matching method. For instance, if the ratio of uplink demand to downlink demand for all users in all cells of a cell set is 7:3, then 40% of the original downlink spectrum can be allocated to the uplink spectrum.

[0285] The uplink and downlink demands of all users in all cells within the cell set statistically analyzed by the baseband network can be obtained by collecting real-time information from all users, collecting historical information from all users, or by partially sampling the real-time or historical information from all users. This application does not limit this approach.

[0286] After the RRU adjusts the bandwidth and / or center frequency of at least one third filter, the antenna can receive / transmit signals within the adjusted uplink and downlink spectrum.

[0287] Based on the solution provided in this application, by determining the range of uplink or downlink spectrum according to the uplink or downlink traffic demand of all cells in the cell set, the rationality of wireless resource management can be improved, which is conducive to optimizing the allocation of spectrum resources and improving the user experience.

[0288] Figure 12 is another schematic diagram applicable to the spectrum adjustment provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0289] As shown in Figure 12, for a network with both FDD low-frequency and TDD high-frequency, as the distance between the user and the antenna increases, the downlink rate is relatively high in the peak area; in the normal service area, the downlink rate gradually decreases until the uplink-limited area, where the uplink performance is limited and insufficient to support downlink return packets, thus resulting in a limited downlink rate; in the no-coverage area, the downlink rate is 0 due to the limited uplink performance, at which point the network has no coverage.

[0290] If the RRU provided in this application is applied, when uplink performance is limited, the bandwidth and / or center frequency of at least one third filter can be adjusted to convert part of the downlink spectrum into uplink spectrum, thereby expanding the uplink spectrum. Therefore, in the original uplink-limited area, due to the uplink spectrum expansion, the uplink performance can support downlink return packets (e.g., support TDD downlink), fully leveraging the uplink coverage advantage of FDD. By increasing the FDD uplink spectrum, FDD uplink performance is enhanced, and in conjunction with TDD downlink, the user experience at the network edge is improved.

[0291] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of a signal transmission device 1300 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in the figure, the signal transmission device 1300 may include: a communication unit 1310, a control unit 1320, a processing unit 1330, and a transmission channel 1340.

[0292] Specifically, the communication unit 1310 may include the RRU shown in FIG5 or FIG6 (the RRU includes the part of the device shown in FIG5 or FIG6 excluding the antenna), the control unit 1320 may be used to adjust the bandwidth and / or center frequency of at least one third filter according to the indication information; the processing unit may be used to determine the range of the uplink spectrum or downlink spectrum according to the uplink traffic demand or downlink traffic demand; the transmission channel 1340 may be used to transmit the real-time information of all the above-mentioned users, the historical information of all users; or, indication information for indicating the range of the uplink spectrum and / or downlink spectrum.

[0293] Each unit and the other operations and / or functions described above are for implementing the corresponding flow of method 700 in Figure 7. It should be understood that the specific process by which each unit performs the corresponding steps described above has been explained in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0294] This application embodiment also provides an access network device, which may include any of the communication devices described in FIG5 or FIG6, and the communication device may be applied in an RRU.

[0295] This application also provides a communication system, which may include one or more of the above-described access network devices, and the multiple access network devices may be used to receive or transmit signals.

[0296] In addition, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause operations and / or processes performed by a network device in the various method embodiments of this application to be executed.

[0297] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the operations and / or processes performed by a network device in the various method embodiments of this application to be executed.

[0298] This application also provides a chip including a processor, and a memory for storing a computer program disposed independently of the chip. The processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that operations and / or processes performed by a network device in any method embodiment are executed. Further, the chip may also include a communication interface. The communication interface may be an input / output interface or an interface circuit, etc. Further, the chip may also include a memory.

[0299] This application also provides a chip, which may include circuitry and an input / output interface. The circuitry may be logic circuitry, integrated circuits, etc., and exemplaryly, the circuitry may be one or more processors, or all or part of the circuitry in one or more processors used to implement one or more processing, control, or computing functions. The input / output interface may also be an input / output circuit, or an interface circuit, capable of inputting information (or receiving information) and / or outputting information (or sending information). The chip may include a chip system. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. The chip can be used to execute the methods implemented by or network devices in the various embodiments of this application. Optionally, the chip may be a baseband chip, also known as a modem.

[0300] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0301] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0302] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0303] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0304] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0305] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0306] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication device, characterized in that, include: First component, second component, isolation element The first component is used to transmit uplink signals; The second component is used to transmit downlink signals; The isolation element is connected to the first component and the third component. The isolation element is used to transmit the uplink signal to the first component and the downlink signal output by the third component. or, The isolation element is connected to the second component and the third component. The isolation element is used to transmit the downlink signal to the second component and the uplink signal to the third component.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first component includes a first filter and a first amplifier; and / or, The second component includes a second filter and a second amplifier; and / or, The third component includes at least one third filter and a third amplifier.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The third filter includes at least one or more of the following: a filter with variable bandwidth and / or center frequency; a filter with fixed bandwidth and / or center frequency.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The device also includes a load and a switch, and the isolation element is connected to the third component or the load via the switch.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The third component satisfies at least one of the following: one of the at least one third filter is connected to the third amplifier, and the third amplifier is connected to the isolation element; or, one of the at least one third filter is connected to the third amplifier and is also connected to the isolation element.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a communication device as described in any one of claims 2 to 5, the method comprises: Receive indication information, which indicates the range of uplink and / or downlink spectrum; Adjust the bandwidth and / or center frequency of one or more of the at least one third filter according to the indicated information.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The range of the uplink spectrum or the downlink spectrum is determined based on the uplink traffic demand or the downlink traffic demand; The uplink traffic demand is determined based on the uplink traffic demand of all cells within the cell set; and / or, The downlink traffic demand is determined based on the downlink traffic demand of all cells within the cell set.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cell set satisfies at least one of the following: All cells in the cell set use the same frequency band for transmitting and / or receiving signals; All cells in the cell set are deployed under the same centralized control module; All cells in the cell set satisfy the condition that the spatial isolation degree is less than or equal to the threshold.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first cell, the method includes: Receive the first signal sent by the second cell; The energy at the time of receiving the first signal and the energy at the time of transmitting the first signal are determined, wherein when the difference between the energy at the time of receiving the first signal and the energy at the time of transmitting the first signal is less than or equal to a threshold, the cell set includes the first cell and the second cell.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The time-domain location of the first signal is related to the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) of the second cell; The frame numbers of the first cell and the second cell are aligned; The subframe numbers of the first cell and the second cell are aligned; The method further includes: The PCI of the second cell is determined based on the frame number and subframe number of the frame in which the first signal is located.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first signal is transmitted at a first frequency domain location, which is determined through negotiation between the first cell and the second cell; and / or, the first signal is transmitted at a first time domain location, which is determined based on the PCI of the second cell.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Transceiver unit and processing unit, The transceiver unit is used to receive indication information, which is used to indicate the range of uplink spectrum and / or downlink spectrum. The processing unit is used to adjust the bandwidth and / or center frequency of one or more of at least one third filter according to the indication information.

13. The communication device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The range of the uplink spectrum or the downlink spectrum is determined based on the uplink traffic demand or the downlink traffic demand; The uplink traffic demand is determined based on the uplink traffic demand of all cells within the cell set; and / or, The downlink traffic demand is determined based on the downlink traffic demand of all cells within the cell set.

14. The communication device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The cell set satisfies at least one of the following: All cells in the cell set use the same frequency band for transmitting and / or receiving signals; All cells in the cell set are deployed under the same centralized control module; All cells in the cell set satisfy the condition that the spatial isolation degree is less than or equal to the threshold.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, Applied to the first cell, it includes: a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is used to receive the first signal transmitted by the second cell; The processing unit is used to determine the energy when the first signal is received and the energy when the first signal is transmitted, wherein when the difference between the energy when the first signal is received and the energy when the first signal is transmitted is less than or equal to a threshold, the cell set includes the first cell and the second cell.

16. The communication device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The time-domain location of the first signal is related to the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) of the second cell; The frame numbers of the first cell and the second cell are aligned; The subframe numbers of the first cell and the second cell are aligned; The processing unit is further configured to determine the PCI of the second cell based on the frame number and subframe number of the frame in which the first signal is located.

17. The communication device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first signal is transmitted at a first frequency domain location, which is determined through negotiation between the first cell and the second cell; and / or, the first signal is transmitted at a first time domain location, which is determined based on the PCI of the second cell.

18. A base station, characterized in that, include: The device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, and the antenna connected to said device.

19. A system, characterized in that, It includes at least one base station as described in claim 18; or, it includes a network device for implementing the communication method as described in any one of claims 6 to 8 or the communication method as described in any one of claims 9 to 11.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor configured to retrieve a computer program from a memory and run the computer program, causing the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 6 to 8 or the communication method as described in any one of claims 9 to 11.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a communication interface and a circuit. The communication interface is used to receive a signal to be processed and transmit the signal to the circuit. The circuit is used to process the signal to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 6 to 8 or the communication method as described in any one of claims 9 to 11.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer program code or instructions to enable the communication method as described in any one of claims 6 to 8 or any one of claims 9 to 11 to be implemented.

23. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer program code or instructions to enable the communication method as described in any one of claims 6 to 8 or as described in any one of claims 9 to 11 to be implemented.

24. A chip, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor for running a computer program to enable the communication method as described in any one of claims 6 to 8 or any one of claims 9 to 11 to be implemented.

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