Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications. Provided are a communication method and apparatus. In the method, a first access network node to which a terminal is currently connected can instruct a second access network node to send a reference signal to the terminal, and after acquiring resources of a first reference signal, the first access network node instructs the terminal to measure the first reference signal. The first reference signal is used by the terminal to measure the signal quality of a first cell of the second access network node, and the resource of the first reference signal is not a periodic resource, but an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource. Therefore, the method can reduce resource overheads for a first cell to send a reference signal and measurement overheads of a terminal.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411554417.2, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on October 31, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] In communication systems, to ensure service continuity for terminals, access network nodes can switch terminals to target cells before a terminal moves out of the serving cell, so that the target cell can continue to provide services to the terminal.

[0004] Before switching to the target cell, the terminal can periodically measure the reference signal of the candidate cell and report the measurement results to the currently accessed access network node. Then, the access network node can, based on the measurement results reported by the terminal, indicate the beam information to be used when communicating with the candidate cell, enabling the terminal to communicate with the candidate cell with accurate beam direction after switching, thus improving the communication transmission rate. However, in the above measurement process, the resource overhead of the candidate cell transmitting the reference signal is relatively large, and the measurement overhead of the terminal is also relatively large. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce the resource overhead of candidate cells transmitting reference signals and the measurement overhead of terminals.

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

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to the network side, such as a first access network node on the network side, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip or chip system) in the first access network node, or a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first access network node.

[0008] Taking the application of this method to a first access network node as an example, the method includes: sending first information to a second access network node, the first information indicating the sending of a reference signal to the terminal; acquiring a first resource, the first resource being the resource of a first reference signal in a first cell, the first cell belonging to the second access network node, the first reference signal being used by the terminal to measure the signal quality of the first cell, the first resource being an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource, and the first access network node being the access network node currently accessed by the terminal; and sending second information to the terminal, the second information indicating the measurement of the first reference signal.

[0009] Based on the method provided in the first aspect, the first access network node can acquire the resources (i.e., the first resource) of the first reference signal in the first cell and instruct the terminal to measure the first reference signal. Here, the first cell is the cell of the second access network node, and the first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource. Therefore, the method provided in the first aspect can avoid the second access network node frequently transmitting the first reference signal (e.g., periodically transmitting the first reference signal), thereby reducing the transmission power consumption and air interface resource consumption of the second access network node, and also reducing the measurement overhead of the terminal, saving terminal power consumption.

[0010] In one possible implementation, acquiring the first resource includes: receiving third information from a second access network node or a third access network node, the third information indicating the first resource, the third access network node being used to manage the first access network node, and / or the second access network node; and acquiring the first resource based on the third information.

[0011] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can receive third information indicating the first resource from the second access network node or the third access network node, and then obtain / know / determine the first resource based on the third information.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the third information includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of the first resource, indication information for confirming the transmission of the first reference signal, resource type information of the first resource, time information for transmitting the first reference signal, number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal, or indication information for initiating the transmission of the first reference signal; wherein, the resource type information of the first resource indicates that the first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0013] Based on the above possible implementations, the first access network node can obtain one or more of the above information. Specifically, the identification information of the first cell enables the first access network node to determine that the third information is for the first cell. The identification information of the first resource enables the first access network node to identify the first resource. The indication information confirming the transmission of the first reference signal enables the first access network node to determine that the second access network node agrees to transmit the first reference signal. The resource type information of the first resource enables the first access network node to determine the resource type of the first resource. The time information for transmitting the first reference signal enables the first access network node to determine when the second access network node will transmit the first reference signal. The number of times the first reference signal is transmitted enables the first access network node to determine how many times the second access network node will transmit the first reference signal. The time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal enables the first access network node to determine the time interval between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal by the second access network node. The indication information for initiating the transmission of the first reference signal enables the first access network node to determine that the second access network node has initiated the transmission of the first reference signal.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first information includes a first measurement result, which is a measurement result of the terminal on a second reference signal in the first cell, and the second reference signal is associated with the first reference signal.

[0015] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can obtain the first resource according to the first information.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the first information may further include one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, resource type information of the suggested terminal-measured reference signal, time information of the suggested transmission of the reference signal, number of times the suggested transmission of the reference signal, or time interval information of the suggested transmission of the reference signal between two adjacent transmissions; wherein the resource type information of the suggested terminal-measured reference signal indicates aperiodic resources or semi-static resources.

[0017] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can obtain one or more of the aforementioned information. Specifically, the identification information of the first cell enables the second access network node to determine that the first information is for the first cell. The suggested resource type information of the reference signal measured by the terminal enables the second access network node to determine the resource type of the reference signal suggested by the first access network node. The suggested transmission time information of the reference signal enables the second access network node to determine the suggested transmission time of the reference signal by the first access network node. The suggested number of reference signal transmissions information enables the second access network node to determine the suggested number of reference signal transmissions by the first access network node. The suggested time interval information between two adjacent reference signal transmissions enables the second access network node to determine the suggested time interval for transmitting the reference signal by the first access network node.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the second reference signal is a synchronization signal; or, the resource of the second reference signal is a periodic resource.

[0019] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can obtain the first resource based on the measurement results of the synchronization signal, or based on the measurement results of the periodic reference signal by the terminal.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of the second resource, resource type information of the second resource, time information for transmitting the third reference signal in the first cell, number of times the third reference signal is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the third reference signal, or indication information for initiating transmission of the reference signal; wherein, the second resource is the resource of the third reference signal, the third reference signal is the reference signal proposed by the first access network node, and the resource type information of the second resource indicates that the second resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0021] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can obtain one or more of the aforementioned information. Specifically, the identification information of the first cell enables the second access network node to determine that the first information is for the first cell. The identification information of the second resource enables the second access network node to determine the reference signal resource suggested by the first access network node. The resource type information of the second resource enables the second access network node to determine the resource type suggested by the first access network node. The time information for transmitting the third reference signal in the first cell enables the second access network node to determine the time suggested by the first access network node for transmitting the third reference signal. The number of times the third reference signal is transmitted enables the second access network node to determine the number of times the third reference signal is suggested by the first access network node. The time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the third reference signal enables the second access network node to determine the time interval suggested by the first access network node between two consecutive transmissions of the third reference signal. The indication information for initiating reference signal transmission enables the second access network node to determine that the first access network node has indicated the transmission of the reference signal.

[0022] Understandably, after receiving the first information, the second access network node may or may not refer to the first information when determining the first resource, without any restriction.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a second measurement result from the terminal, the second measurement result indicating the terminal's measurement result of a fourth reference signal of the first cell, the fourth reference signal being associated with a third reference signal.

[0024] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can obtain the second resource according to the second measurement result.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the fourth reference signal is a synchronization signal; or, the resource of the fourth reference signal is a periodic resource.

[0026] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node obtains the second resource according to the measurement result of the synchronization signal, or according to the measurement result of the periodic reference signal by the terminal.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information indicating that the fourth reference signal is associated with the third reference signal.

[0028] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can obtain the above association relationship, and then obtain the second resource based on the association relationship and the second measurement result.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the first access network node first acquires the first resource, and then sends the first information to the second access network node; the first information indicates that a first reference signal should be sent to the terminal.

[0030] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can determine the first resource and indicate the first resource to the second access network node.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of the first resource, resource type information of the first resource, time information for transmitting the first reference signal, number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal, or indication information for initiating transmission of the first reference signal; wherein, the resource type information of the first resource indicates that the first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0032] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can obtain one or more of the aforementioned information. Specifically, the identification information of the first cell enables the second access network node to determine that the first information is for the first cell. The identification information of the first resource enables the second access network node to determine whether to send a reference signal on the first resource. The resource type information of the first resource enables the second access network node to determine the resource type of the first resource. The time information for sending the first reference signal enables the second access network node to determine when to send the first reference signal. The number of times the first reference signal is sent enables the second access network node to determine how many times the first reference signal will be sent. The time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal enables the second access network node to determine the interval between transmissions of the first reference signal. The indication information for initiating the transmission of the first reference signal enables the second access network node to determine whether to initiate the transmission of the first reference signal.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first configuration information from a second access network node, the first configuration information indicating at least one resource, the at least one resource being a resource of a reference signal of a first cell, the at least one resource including aperiodic resources or semi-static resources, and the first resource belonging to at least one resource.

[0034] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can learn about at least one of the above resources so as to subsequently obtain the first resource from at least one resource.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a second indication message to a second access network node, the second indication message indicating to stop sending the first reference signal.

[0036] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can stop sending the first reference signal according to the instruction of the first access network node, thereby reducing the overhead of the second access network node sending the reference signal.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first timing information, the first timing information indicating the synchronization deviation between the first access network node and the second access network node.

[0038] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can know the synchronization deviation between the first access network node and the second access network node, so as to determine the accurate time when the second access network node sends the first reference signal, thereby sending the second information to the terminal at an appropriate time, and / or making the time information included in the first information more accurate.

[0039] Secondly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the network side, such as a second access network node on the network side, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip or chip system) in the second access network node, or a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second access network node.

[0040] Taking the application of this method to a second access network node as an example, the method includes: receiving first information from a first access network node, the first information indicating to send a reference signal to the terminal; acquiring a first resource, the first resource being a resource of the first reference signal in a first cell, the first cell belonging to the second access network node, the first reference signal being used by the terminal to measure the signal quality of the first cell, the first resource being an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource, the first access network node being the access network node currently accessed by the terminal; and sending the first reference signal on the first resource.

[0041] Based on the method provided in the second aspect above, the second access network node can acquire the resource (i.e., the first resource) of the first reference signal in the first cell according to the instruction of the first access network node, and transmit the first reference signal on the first resource. Here, the first cell is the cell of the second access network node, and the first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource. Therefore, the method provided in the second aspect can avoid the second access network node frequently transmitting the first reference signal (e.g., periodically transmitting the first reference signal), thereby reducing the transmission power consumption and air interface resource consumption of the second access network node, and also reducing the measurement overhead of the terminal, saving terminal power consumption.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending third information to a first access network node, the third information indicating a first resource.

[0043] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can indicate the first resource to the first access network node so that the first access network node can instruct the terminal to measure the first reference signal.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the third information includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of the first resource, indication information for confirming the transmission of the first reference signal, resource type information of the first resource, time information for transmitting the first reference signal, number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal, or indication information for initiating the transmission of the first reference signal; wherein, the resource type information of the first resource indicates that the first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0045] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can obtain one or more of the aforementioned information. Specifically, the identification information of the first cell enables the first access network node to determine that the third information pertains to the first cell. The identification information of the first resource enables the first access network node to identify the first resource. The indication information confirming the transmission of the first reference signal enables the first access network node to determine that the second access network node agrees to transmit the first reference signal. The resource type information of the first resource enables the first access network node to determine the resource type of the first resource. The time information for transmitting the first reference signal enables the first access network node to determine when the second access network node will transmit the first reference signal. The number of times the first reference signal is transmitted enables the first access network node to determine how many times the second access network node will transmit the first reference signal. The time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal enables the first access network node to determine the time interval between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal by the second access network node. The indication information for initiating the transmission of the first reference signal enables the first access network node to determine that the second access network node has initiated the transmission of the first reference signal.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the first information includes a first measurement result, which is the measurement result of the terminal on a second reference signal in the first cell, and the second reference signal is associated with the first reference signal; the above-mentioned acquisition of the first resource includes: acquiring the first resource based on the first information.

[0047] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can obtain the first resource according to the first information.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the first information may further include one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, resource type information of the suggested terminal-measured reference signal, time information of the suggested transmission of the reference signal, number of times the suggested transmission of the reference signal, or time interval information of the suggested transmission of the reference signal between two adjacent transmissions; wherein the resource type information of the suggested terminal-measured reference signal indicates aperiodic resources or semi-static resources.

[0049] Based on the above possible implementations, the second access network node can obtain one or more of the aforementioned information. Specifically, the identification information of the first cell enables the second access network node to determine that the first information is for the first cell. The suggested resource type information of the reference signal measured by the terminal enables the second access network node to determine the resource type of the reference signal suggested by the first access network node. The suggested transmission time information of the reference signal enables the second access network node to determine the suggested transmission time of the reference signal by the first access network node. The suggested number of reference signal transmissions information enables the second access network node to determine the suggested number of reference signal transmissions by the first access network node. The suggested time interval information between two adjacent reference signal transmissions enables the second access network node to determine the suggested time interval for transmitting the reference signal by the first access network node.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the second reference signal is a synchronization signal; or, the resource of the second reference signal is a periodic resource.

[0051] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node obtains the first resource according to the measurement result of the synchronization signal, or according to the measurement result of the periodic reference signal by the terminal.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of the second resource, resource type information of the second resource, time information for transmitting the third reference signal in the first cell, number of times the third reference signal is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the third reference signal, or indication information for initiating transmission of the reference signal; wherein, the second resource is the resource of the third reference signal, the third reference signal is the reference signal proposed by the first access network node, and the resource type information of the second resource indicates that the second resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0053] Based on the above possible implementations, the second access network node can obtain one or more of the aforementioned information. Specifically, the identification information of the first cell enables the second access network node to determine that the first information is for the first cell. The identification information of the second resource enables the second access network node to determine the reference signal resource suggested by the first access network node. The resource type information of the second resource enables the second access network node to determine the resource type suggested by the first access network node. The timing information for transmitting the third reference signal in the first cell enables the second access network node to determine the timing for transmitting the third reference signal suggested by the first access network node. The number of times the third reference signal is transmitted enables the second access network node to determine the number of times the third reference signal is transmitted suggested by the first access network node. The time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the third reference signal enables the second access network node to determine the time interval between two consecutive transmissions of the third reference signal suggested by the first access network node. The indication information for initiating reference signal transmission enables the second access network node to determine that the first access network node has indicated the transmission of the reference signal.

[0054] Understandably, after receiving the first information, the second access network node may or may not refer to the first information when determining the first resource, without any restriction.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending first indication information to a first access network node, the first indication information indicating that a fourth reference signal in the first cell is associated with a third reference signal.

[0056] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can obtain the above association relationship, and then obtain the second resource based on the association relationship and the second measurement result.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the fourth reference signal is a synchronization signal; or, the resource of the fourth reference signal is a periodic resource.

[0058] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node obtains the second resource according to the measurement result of the synchronization signal, or according to the measurement result of the periodic reference signal by the terminal.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates sending a first reference signal to the terminal; acquiring the first resource includes: acquiring the first resource based on the first information.

[0060] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can obtain the first resource according to the first information.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of the first resource, resource type information of the first resource, time information for transmitting the first reference signal, number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal, or indication information for initiating transmission of the first reference signal; wherein, the resource type information of the first resource indicates that the first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0062] Based on the above possible implementations, the second access network node can obtain one or more of the aforementioned information. Specifically, the identification information of the first cell enables the second access network node to determine that the first information is for the first cell. The identification information of the first resource enables the second access network node to determine whether to send a reference signal on the first resource. The resource type information of the first resource enables the second access network node to determine the resource type of the first resource. The time information for sending the first reference signal enables the second access network node to determine when to send the first reference signal. The number of times the first reference signal is sent enables the second access network node to determine how many times the first reference signal will be sent. The time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal enables the second access network node to determine the interval between transmissions of the first reference signal. The indication information for initiating the transmission of the first reference signal enables the second access network node to determine whether to initiate the transmission of the first reference signal.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending first configuration information to a first access network node, the first configuration information indicating at least one resource, the at least one resource being a resource for transmitting a reference signal of the first cell, the at least one resource including aperiodic resources or semi-static resources, and the first resource belonging to at least one resource.

[0064] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can learn about at least one of the above resources so as to subsequently obtain the first resource from at least one resource.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second indication information from a first access network node, the second indication information indicating to stop transmitting the first reference signal.

[0066] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node stops sending the first reference signal according to the instruction of the first access network node, thereby reducing the overhead of the second access network node sending the reference signal.

[0067] Thirdly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the network side, such as a third access network node on the network side, modules (e.g., processors, circuits, chips, or chip systems) within the third access network node, or logical nodes, logical modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the third access network node. The third access network node can manage the first access network node and / or the second access network node.

[0068] Taking the application of this method to a third access network node as an example, the method includes: receiving a third measurement result, which is the measurement result of a terminal on a fifth reference signal in a first cell; the terminal is currently connected to the first access network node, and the first cell belongs to a second access network node; sending fourth information to the first access network node based on the third measurement result, the fourth information indicating a first resource, the first resource being a resource of the first reference signal in the first cell, the first reference signal being used by the terminal to measure the signal quality of the first cell, and the first resource being an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource; and sending fifth information to the second access network node based on the third measurement result, the fifth information instructing the second access network node to send the first reference signal on the first resource. Optionally, the fourth information is used by the first access network node to instruct the terminal to measure the first reference signal.

[0069] Based on the method provided in the third aspect above, the third access network node can determine the resource (i.e., the first resource) of the first reference signal in the first cell according to the third measurement result, and indicate the first resource to the first access network node and the second access network node, so that the second access network node transmits the first reference signal on the first resource, and the first access network node instructs the terminal to measure the first reference signal. Therefore, the first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource, so the second access network node can avoid frequently transmitting the first reference signal (such as periodically transmitting the first reference signal), thereby reducing the transmission power consumption and air interface resource consumption of the second access network node, and also reducing the measurement overhead of the terminal and saving terminal power consumption.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the fourth or fifth information includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of the first resource, resource type information of the first resource, time information for transmitting the first reference signal, number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal, or indication information for initiating transmission of the first reference signal; wherein, the resource type information of the first resource indicates that the first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0071] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node and the second access network node can obtain one or more of the above information. Taking the second access network node as an example, the identification information of the first cell enables the second access network node to determine that the fifth information is for the first cell. The identification information of the first resource enables the second access network node to determine that a reference signal should be transmitted on the first resource. The resource type information of the first resource enables the second access network node to determine the resource type of the first resource. The time information for transmitting the first reference signal enables the second access network node to determine when to transmit the first reference signal. The number of times the first reference signal is transmitted enables the second access network node to determine the number of times the first reference signal is transmitted. The time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal enables the second access network node to determine the time interval between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal. The indication information for initiating the transmission of the first reference signal enables the second access network node to determine when to initiate the transmission of the first reference signal.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the fifth reference signal is associated with the first reference signal.

[0073] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the third access network node can obtain the first resource according to the third measurement result.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the fifth reference signal is a synchronization signal; or, the resource of the fifth reference signal is a periodic resource.

[0075] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the third access network node obtains the first resource according to the measurement results of the synchronization signal, or according to the measurement results of the periodic reference signal by the terminal.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the method further includes receiving third indication information, which indicates that a fifth reference signal is associated with a first reference signal.

[0077] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the third access network node can obtain the above association relationship, and thus obtain the first resource based on the association relationship and the third measurement result.

[0078] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second configuration information, the second configuration information indicating at least one resource, the at least one resource being a resource for transmitting a reference signal of the first cell, the at least one resource including aperiodic resources or semi-static resources, and the first resource belonging to at least one resource.

[0079] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the third access network node can learn about at least one of the above resources so as to subsequently obtain the first resource from at least one resource.

[0080] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to the terminal side, such as the terminal or a communication / processing module within the terminal, or circuits or chips in the terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or circuits or chips in the terminal responsible for processing functions (such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), an artificial intelligence (AI) processor, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)). The terminal is currently connected to the first access network node.

[0081] Taking the application of this method to a terminal as an example, the method includes: receiving third configuration information, the third configuration information indicating at least one resource, the at least one resource being a reference signal resource of a first cell, the at least one resource including aperiodic resources or semi-static resources, the first cell belonging to a second access network node; receiving second information from the first access network node, the second information indicating the measurement of a first reference signal, the first reference signal being used by the terminal to measure the signal quality of the first cell, the resource of the first reference signal being aperiodic resources or semi-static resources, the resource of the first reference signal belonging to the at least one resource; and measuring the first reference signal according to the third configuration information and the second information.

[0082] Based on the method provided in the fourth aspect above, the terminal can measure the reference signal of the first cell according to the instruction of the first access network node. The resources of the first reference signal are aperiodic or semi-static resources, rather than periodic resources, thus reducing the measurement overhead of the terminal.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a second measurement result to a first access network node, the second measurement result indicating the terminal's measurement result of a fourth reference signal for the first cell, the second measurement result being used to determine the resources of the first reference signal.

[0084] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can determine the resources of the first reference signal according to the second measurement result.

[0085] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending the measurement result of the first reference signal to the first access network node.

[0086] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can determine whether to switch the terminal to the first cell based on the measurement results of the first reference signal.

[0087] Fifthly, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method provided in the first aspect. The communication apparatus can be a first access network node as described in the first aspect. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method, which can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The interface module, also referred to as an interface unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the interface module is configured to send first information to the second access network node, the first information indicating the transmission of a reference signal to the terminal; the processing module is configured to acquire a first resource, the first resource being a resource of a first reference signal in a first cell belonging to the second access network node, the first reference signal being used by the terminal to measure the signal quality of the first cell, the first resource being an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource, and the first access network node being the access network node currently accessed by the terminal; the interface module is further configured to send second information to the terminal, the second information indicating the measurement of the first reference signal.

[0090] In one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to receive third information from the second access network node or the third access network node, the third information indicating the first resource, the third access network node being used to manage the first access network node, and / or the second access network node; the processing module is also specifically configured to obtain the first resource based on the third information.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the third information includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of the first resource, indication information for confirming the transmission of the first reference signal, resource type information of the first resource, time information for transmitting the first reference signal, number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal, or indication information for initiating the transmission of the first reference signal; wherein, the resource type information of the first resource indicates that the first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0092] In one possible implementation, the first information includes a first measurement result, which is a measurement result of the terminal of a second reference signal in the first cell, the second reference signal being associated with the first reference signal.

[0093] In one possible implementation, the first information may further include one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, resource type information of the suggested reference signal measured by the terminal, time information of the suggested transmission of the reference signal, number of times the suggested transmission of the reference signal, or time interval information of the suggested transmission of the reference signal between two adjacent transmissions; wherein the resource type information of the suggested reference signal measured by the terminal indicates aperiodic resources or semi-static resources.

[0094] In one possible implementation, the second reference signal is a synchronization signal; or, the resource of the second reference signal is a periodic resource.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of the second resource, resource type information of the second resource, time information for transmitting the third reference signal in the first cell, number of times the third reference signal is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the third reference signal, or indication information for initiating transmission of the reference signal; wherein, the second resource is the resource of the third reference signal, the third reference signal is the reference signal proposed by the first access network node, and the resource type information of the second resource indicates that the second resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0096] In one possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive a second measurement result from the terminal, the second measurement result indicating the terminal's measurement result of a fourth reference signal for the first cell, the fourth reference signal being associated with the third reference signal.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the fourth reference signal is a synchronization signal; or, the resource of the fourth reference signal is a periodic resource.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive first indication information, which indicates that the fourth reference signal is associated with the third reference signal.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the first access network node first acquires the first resource, and then sends the first information to the second access network node; the first information indicates that a first reference signal should be sent to the terminal.

[0100] In one possible implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of the first resource, resource type information of the first resource, time information for transmitting the first reference signal, number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal, or indication information for initiating transmission of the first reference signal; wherein, the resource type information of the first resource indicates that the first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0101] In one possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive first configuration information from the second access network node, the first configuration information indicating at least one resource, the at least one resource being a resource of the reference signal of the first cell, the at least one resource including aperiodic resources or semi-static resources, and the first resource belonging to the at least one resource.

[0102] In one possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send a second indication message to the second access network node, the second indication message indicating to stop sending the first reference signal.

[0103] In one possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive first timing information, which indicates the synchronization deviation between the first access network node and the second access network node.

[0104] Sixthly, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method provided in the second aspect. The communication apparatus can be the second access network node in the second aspect. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method, which can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The interface module, also referred to as an interface unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0106] In one possible implementation, the interface module is configured to receive first information from a first access network node, the first information indicating the transmission of a reference signal to the terminal; the processing module is configured to acquire a first resource, the first resource being a resource of the first reference signal in a first cell belonging to the second access network node, the first reference signal being used by the terminal to measure the signal quality of the first cell, the first resource being an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource, and the first access network node being the access network node currently accessed by the terminal; the interface module is further configured to transmit the first reference signal on the first resource.

[0107] In one possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send third information to the first access network node, the third information indicating the first resource.

[0108] In one possible implementation, the third information includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of the first resource, indication information for confirming the transmission of the first reference signal, resource type information of the first resource, time information for transmitting the first reference signal, number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal, or indication information for initiating the transmission of the first reference signal; wherein, the resource type information of the first resource indicates that the first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0109] In one possible implementation, the first information includes a first measurement result, which is the measurement result of the terminal of a second reference signal in the first cell, the second reference signal being associated with the first reference signal; and a processing module, specifically configured to obtain the first resource based on the first information.

[0110] In one possible implementation, the first information may further include one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, resource type information of the suggested reference signal measured by the terminal, time information of the suggested transmission of the reference signal, number of times the suggested transmission of the reference signal, or time interval information of the suggested transmission of the reference signal between two adjacent transmissions; wherein the resource type information of the suggested reference signal measured by the terminal indicates aperiodic resources or semi-static resources.

[0111] In one possible implementation, the second reference signal is a synchronization signal; or, the resource of the second reference signal is a periodic resource.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of the second resource, resource type information of the second resource, time information for transmitting the third reference signal in the first cell, number of times the third reference signal is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the third reference signal, or indication information for initiating transmission of the reference signal; wherein, the second resource is the resource of the third reference signal, the third reference signal is the reference signal proposed by the first access network node, and the resource type information of the second resource indicates that the second resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0113] In one possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send first indication information to the first access network node, the first indication information indicating that the fourth reference signal in the first cell is associated with the third reference signal.

[0114] In one possible implementation, the fourth reference signal is a synchronization signal; or, the resource of the fourth reference signal is a periodic resource.

[0115] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates that the first reference signal is sent to the terminal; the processing module is specifically used to obtain the first resource based on the first information.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of the first resource, resource type information of the first resource, time information for transmitting the first reference signal, number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal, or indication information for initiating transmission of the first reference signal; wherein, the resource type information of the first resource indicates that the first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0117] In one possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send first configuration information to the first access network node, the first configuration information indicating at least one resource, the at least one resource being a resource for transmitting reference signals of the first cell, the at least one resource including aperiodic resources or semi-static resources, and the first resource belonging to the at least one resource.

[0118] In one possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive second indication information from the first access network node, the second indication information indicating to stop transmitting the first reference signal.

[0119] In a seventh aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method provided in the third aspect. The communication apparatus can be a third access network node as described in the third aspect. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method, which can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0120] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the third aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The interface module, also referred to as an interface unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the third aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0121] In one possible implementation, an interface module is configured to receive a third measurement result, which is a measurement result of a fifth reference signal in a first cell by a terminal. The terminal is currently connected to the first access network node, and the first cell belongs to the second access network node. A processing module is configured to control the interface module to send fourth information to the first access network node based on the third measurement result. The fourth information indicates a first resource, which is a resource of the first reference signal in the first cell. The first reference signal is used by the terminal to measure the signal quality of the first cell, and the first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource. The processing module is further configured to control the interface module to send the fifth information to the second access network node based on the third measurement result. The fifth information instructs the second access network node to transmit the first reference signal on the first resource. Optionally, the fourth information is used by the first access network node to instruct the terminal to measure the first reference signal.

[0122] In one possible implementation, the fourth or fifth information includes one or more of the following: the identification information of the first cell, the identification information of the first resource, the resource type information of the first resource, the time information for transmitting the first reference signal, the number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, the time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal, or the indication information for initiating the transmission of the first reference signal; wherein, the resource type information of the first resource indicates that the first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0123] In one possible implementation, the fifth reference signal is associated with the first reference signal.

[0124] In one possible implementation, the fifth reference signal is a synchronization signal; or, the resource of the fifth reference signal is a periodic resource.

[0125] In one possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive third indication information, which indicates that the fifth reference signal is associated with the first reference signal.

[0126] In one possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive second configuration information indicating at least one resource, which is a resource for transmitting a reference signal of the first cell, including aperiodic resources or semi-static resources, and the first resource belongs to the at least one resource.

[0127] Eighthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the fourth aspect. The communication device can be a terminal as described in the fourth aspect. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method, which can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0128] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the fourth aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The interface module, also referred to as an interface unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the fourth aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0129] In one possible implementation, an interface module is configured to receive third configuration information indicating at least one resource, which is a reference signal resource of a first cell, including aperiodic or semi-static resources, wherein the first cell belongs to a second access network node; the interface module is further configured to receive second information from the first access network node, the second information indicating the measurement of a first reference signal, which is used by the terminal to measure the signal quality of the first cell, wherein the resource of the first reference signal is aperiodic or semi-static resources, and the resource of the first reference signal belongs to the at least one resource; and a processing module is configured to measure the first reference signal according to the third configuration information and the second information.

[0130] In one possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send a second measurement result to the first access network node, the second measurement result indicating the measurement result of the terminal on the fourth reference signal of the first cell, the second measurement result being used to determine the resources of the first reference signal.

[0131] In one possible implementation, the interface module is also used to send the measurement results of the first reference signal to the first access network node.

[0132] A ninth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor; the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects by executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, and / or by means of logic circuitry. The communication device may be a first access network node as described in the first aspect; or, the communication device may be a second access network node as described in the second aspect; or, the communication device may be a third access network node as described in the third aspect; or, the communication device may be a terminal as described in the fourth aspect. Optionally, the number of processors may be one or more.

[0133] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory.

[0134] In one possible implementation, the processor and memory are integrated together; alternatively, the memory is independent of the processor.

[0135] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0136] In one possible implementation, the processor and / or memory also include an AI module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC) module. The AI ​​module could be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0137] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0138] A tenth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is configured to receive a computer program or instructions and transmit them to the processor; the processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects. The communication device may be a first access network node as described in the first aspect; or, the communication device may be a second access network node as described in the second aspect; or, the communication device may be a third access network node as described in the third aspect; or, the communication device may be a terminal as described in the fourth aspect. Optionally, the number of processors may be one or more.

[0139] In one possible implementation, the processor also includes an AI module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. The AI ​​module could be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0140] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0141] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0142] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided that, when run on a computer, enables the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0143] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising one or more of the following: a first access network node for performing the method described in the first aspect, a second access network node for performing the method described in the second aspect, a third access network node for performing the method described in the third aspect, or a terminal for performing the method described in the fourth aspect.

[0144] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspects 5 to 13 can be found in the technical effects of any one of aspects 1 to 4 above, or different possible implementations of any one of aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0145] Understandably, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other, the solutions in the above aspects can be combined. Attached Figure Description

[0146] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the communication system architecture provided in this application;

[0147] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of separating the centralized unit (CU) and the distributed unit (DU) provided in this application;

[0148] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of the architecture with separate CU and DU provided in this application;

[0149] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the communication device provided in this application;

[0150] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0151] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the location of the terminal provided in this application and the beam coverage of the reference signal 1;

[0152] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the beam corresponding to the reference signal provided in this application;

[0153] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the beam corresponding to the reference signal provided in this application (II).

[0154] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the synchronization deviation between access network node 1 and access network node 2 provided in this application;

[0155] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the communication method provided in this application (II).

[0156] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0157] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0158] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0159] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0160] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0161] Before introducing the technical solution of this application, the relevant technical terms involved in this application are explained. It is understood that these explanations are intended to make this application easier to understand and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0162] 1. Terminal

[0163] The terminal in this application is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. The terminal can be deployed on land, including indoors, outdoors, handheld, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as on ships); and it can be deployed in the air (such as on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The terminal can also be called a terminal device, which can be user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), or any device used to provide voice or data connectivity to users. Among these, UEs include joint devices that transmit and receive digital signals over ordinary telephone lines, handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, vehicle-mounted devices (e.g., cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.), or computing devices. For example, the UE can be a cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, handheld computer, mobile internet device (MID), satellite terminal, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. UE can also be a head-mounted display (HMD), virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, mixed reality (MR) device, haptic terminal device, wireless modem, point of sale (POS) machine, customer-premises equipment (CPE), intelligent robot, robotic arm, workshop equipment, smart home device (e.g., refrigerator, television, air conditioner, electricity meter, etc.), wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in autonomous driving, wireless terminal in telemedicine, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in intelligent transportation, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, vehicle terminal, roadside unit (RSU) with terminal function, or flying equipment (e.g., intelligent robot, hot air balloon, drone, airplane), etc.A terminal can also be other devices with terminal functions. For example, a terminal can also be a device that plays a terminal function in device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0164] By way of example and not limitation, in this application, the terminal can be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into a user's clothing or accessories. For example, wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also devices that achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include devices that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as devices that focus on only one type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0165] In this application, the terminal can be a terminal in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is connecting objects to networks through communication technologies, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and machine-to-machine interconnection. The terminal in this application can be a terminal in machine-type communication (MTC).

[0166] The terminal in this application can be an on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, on-board unit (OBU), or telematics box (T-BOX) built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, on-board unit, or T-BOX. The terminal can also be a complete vehicle device. Therefore, this application can be applied to vehicle networking, such as vehicle-to-everything (V2X), long-term evolution vehicle (LTE-V), and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V).

[0167] 2. Access network node

[0168] The access network node in this application is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities that helps terminals achieve wireless access. An access network node can be, for example, a node in an access network, a node in a radio access network (RAN), or a node in an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN). An access network node can also be referred to as an access network device, RAN device, RAN node, RAN entity, access node, or network device, etc. Access network nodes include, but are not limited to: evolved base stations (NodeB, eNB, or e-NodeB) in Long Term Evolution (LTE), evolved base stations (ng-eNB) in Next Generation LTE, base stations (gNodeB or gNB) in New Radio (NR), transmitting points (TP) or transmission receiving points / transmission reception points (TRP), base stations in subsequent evolutions of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), base stations in future mobile communication systems, satellites, access points (APs) in Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) systems, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, radio network controllers (RNCs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, and non-terrestrial mobile switching center networks. Network devices in a network (NTN) communication system can be deployed on low-altitude platforms, high-altitude platforms, or satellites. Base stations can be macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small stations, relay stations, or balloon stations, etc. Multiple base stations can support networks using the same technology mentioned above, or networks using different technologies. A base station can contain one or more co-located or non-co-located TRPs. Access network nodes can also be devices that function as base stations in D2D communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Access network nodes can also be radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios.Access network nodes can also be CUs, DUs, CUs (control plane, CP), CUs (user plane, UP), radio units (RUs), RSUs with base station functions, wired access gateways, or core network elements. Access network nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, machine-to-machine communication devices, or vehicle-mounted devices. For example, in V2X technology, the access network device can be an RSU. The following explanation uses a base station as an example. The multiple access network nodes can be base stations of the same type or different types. Base stations can communicate with terminals directly or via relay stations. Terminals can communicate with multiple base stations using different technologies; for example, a terminal can communicate with a base station supporting LTE networks, or with a base station supporting 5G networks, and can also support dual connections with both LTE and 5G base stations.

[0169] In this application, the CU can implement the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer in the 3GPP standard. The CU can also implement the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer. The DU can implement the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer and the media access control (MAC) layer in the 3GPP standard. The DU can also implement some or all physical layer functions, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception functions. The CU and DU can be set up separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as in the baseband unit (BBU). It is understood that the CU can be classified as a network device in the access network or a network device in the core network; no limitation is made here. Furthermore, the CU can be further divided into CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP can implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer. CU-UP can implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0170] In this application, the RU can be included in a radio frequency (RF) device or RF unit, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). The RU can implement some physical layer functions and RF functions in the 3GPP standard. The physical layer functions implemented by the RU include one or more of the following: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH), etc.

[0171] It's understandable that BBU and RRU can be placed in different locations. For example, the RRU can be deployed remotely to a high-traffic area, while the BBU is placed in the central equipment room. Alternatively, the BBU and RRU can be placed in the same equipment room. Furthermore, the BBU and RRU can be different components within the same rack.

[0172] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0173] Understandably, in some scenarios, the roles of access network nodes and terminals are relative. For example, a helicopter or drone, which is usually configured as a terminal, can also be configured as a mobile base station, and devices accessing the RAN via a helicopter or drone are configured as terminals.

[0174] 3. Reference signal

[0175] The reference signal in this application is a known signal provided to the terminal by the access network node, so the reference signal in this application is also called the downlink reference signal.

[0176] In this application, the reference signal can be used for downlink channel estimation or downlink channel measurement, etc. For example, the reference signal may be a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), a synchronization signal block (SSB), or other reference signals used for measurement. The SSB can also be referred to as a synchronization signal and physical broadcasting channel (PBCH) block.

[0177] Taking CSI-RS as the reference signal as an example, the source access network node can configure the terminal to measure the CSI-RS of candidate cells. After measuring the CSI-RS of the candidate cells, the terminal can obtain the corresponding measurement results and send them to the source access network node so that the source access network node can determine whether to hand over the terminal to the candidate cell. The measurement results may include one or more of the following: CSI-RS identifier (such as CSI-RS ID), reference signal receiving power (RSRP), signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), or precoding matrix indicator (PMI), etc. It should be understood that, in addition to the parameters listed above, the measurement results may also include other measurement content without limitation.

[0178] Understandably, if the source access network node determines to switch the terminal to a candidate cell, then that candidate cell can also be called the target cell.

[0179] 4. Reference signal resources

[0180] In this application, the resources of the reference signal include the time-domain resources of the reference signal. Optionally, the resources of the reference signal may also include one or more of the frequency-domain resources or spatial-domain resources of the reference signal.

[0181] The resources for reference signals can be configured by the access network nodes so that the terminal can receive the reference signals sent by the access network nodes on the configured resources for downlink channel estimation or downlink channel measurement. Based on time-domain characteristics, reference signal resources can be categorized into periodic resources, aperiodic resources, or semi-static resources. Semi-static resources can also be referred to as semi-persistent resources.

[0182] The following section uses CSI-RS as an example to introduce these three types of resources.

[0183] For example, the access network node can configure the period of CSI-RS resources to the terminal via RRC signaling. Subsequently, the access network node can periodically send CSI-RS, and correspondingly, the terminal can periodically measure CSI-RS.

[0184] For example, the access network node can instruct the terminal to send an aperiodic CSI-RS transmission via downlink control information (DCI). The terminal measures the CSI-RS after receiving x time slots of the DCI, and correspondingly, the access network node also transmits CSI-RS in the corresponding time slots. Here, the value of x is configured by the access network node to the UE.

[0185] For example, the access network node configures the periodicity of semi-static CSI-RS resources for the terminal via RRC signaling. The access network node also instructs the terminal to activate the semi-static CSI-RS resources via a media access control control element (MAC-CE). Subsequently, the terminal periodically measures CSI-RS according to the configured period, and the access network node also periodically transmits CSI-RS at the corresponding times. At some later point, the access network node can also send a MAC CE to the terminal to deactivate the previously activated CSI-RS resources. Afterward, the access network node stops transmitting CSI-RS, and the terminal stops measuring CSI-RS.

[0186] It should be understood that the term "resource" in this application can be interchanged with "resource set." For example, a resource for a reference signal can be replaced with a resource set for a reference signal, a resource for a synchronization signal can be replaced with a resource set for a synchronization signal, and the identifier of a reference signal resource can be replaced with the identifier of a resource set for a reference signal. Other similar descriptions can be handled similarly and will not be elaborated further.

[0187] In this application, the resource set of reference signals can be understood as including the resources of one reference signal or the resources of multiple reference signals.

[0188] 5. Layer 1 or Layer 2 triggered mobility (LTM) handover technology

[0189] In this application, layer 1 (L1) may include the physical layer, and layer 2 (L2) may include one or more of the following: MAC layer, RLC layer, PDCP layer or SDAP layer.

[0190] In LTM handover, handover-related operations are mainly performed in L1 and L2. Specifically, after the terminal obtains the measurement results (such as L1 measurement results) from the measurement reference signal, it can send the measurement results to the access network node via physical layer control signaling. After receiving the measurement results, if the access network node determines to handover the terminal to a candidate cell, it can send the handover decision to the terminal via L2 signaling. The aforementioned physical layer control signaling can be carried on the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), and the L2 signaling can be MAC CE.

[0191] The following embodiments of this application use the LTM handover process as an example to illustrate the communication method provided in this application. However, this does not mean that the method provided in this application can only be applied to LTM handover. It should be understood that the method provided in this application can be applied to any handover scenario that requires measurement of aperiodic or semi-static reference signal resources to reduce the resource overhead of candidate cells transmitting reference signals and the measurement overhead of terminals. This will be uniformly explained here and will not be repeated later.

[0192] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0193] The method provided in this application can be used in various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, an LTE system, a 5th generation (5G) communication system, a wireless local area network (WLAN), a WiFi system, a 3GPP-related communication system, a communication system evolved after 5G, or a system integrating multiple systems, etc., without limitation. 5G can also be referred to as NR. The method provided in this application is described below using the communication system 1000 shown in Figure 1 as an example. Figure 1 is only a schematic diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solution provided in this application.

[0194] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 provided in this application. In Figure 1, the communication system 1000 includes a RAN 100, which includes at least one access network 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). The RAN 100 may also include other access network nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). The terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to the access network node 110. For a detailed description of the access network node 110 and the terminal 120, please refer to the preceding description of the access network node and the terminal.

[0195] In Figure 1, RAN 100 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN 100 can also be O-RAN, CRAN, or a WiFi system, etc. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0196] In some scenarios, access network node 110a or access network node 110b can adopt a network architecture with separate CU and DU (referred to as CU-DU separation architecture). The CU-DU separation architecture, also known as a distributed deployment architecture, means that an access network node logically includes one CU and one or more DUs. Each DU can connect to the CU through an interface (such as the F1 interface). Information exchange between different DUs can be completed based on CU forwarding, or different DUs can communicate directly without CU forwarding. Furthermore, the CU and DU can be deployed on the same physical device or on different physical devices, without restriction.

[0197] As exemplified, Figure 2A illustrates a CU-DU separation architecture provided in this application. The architecture shown in Figure 2A includes a CU 201, and DUs 202 and 203 communicatively connected to the CU 201. CU 201 and DU 202 can communicate via their F1 interface, and CU 201 and DU 203 can also communicate via their F1 interface. Information communicated between DU 202 and DU 203 can be forwarded via CU 201. Optionally, DU 202 and DU 203 have corresponding communication interfaces and can communicate directly without requiring CU 201 to forward information.

[0198] Understandably, CU 201 and DU 202 can each possess some of the functions of access network node 110a, and CU 201 and DU 203 can each possess some of the functions of access network node 110b. For example, DU 202 possesses the functions of the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer in access network node 110a; DU 203 possesses the functions of the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer in access network node 110b; and CU 201 possesses the functions of the RRC layer, SDAP layer, and PDCP layer in access network node 110a, and the functions of the RRC layer, SDAP layer, and PDCP layer in access network node 110b.

[0199] As exemplified, Figure 2B illustrates another CU-DU separation architecture provided in this application. The architecture shown in Figure 2B includes CU 211, DU 213 and CU 212 communicatively connected to CU 211, and DU 214 communicatively connected to CU 212. CU 211 and CU 212 can communicate via the Xn interface, CU 211 and DU 213 can communicate via the F1 interface between them, and CU 212 and DU 214 can communicate via the F1 interface between them. Information communicated between DU 213 and DU 214 can be forwarded via CU 211 and CU 212. Optionally, DU 213 and DU 214 have corresponding communication interfaces and can communicate directly without requiring information forwarding by CU 211 and CU 212.

[0200] Understandably, CU 211 and DU 213 can each possess some of the functions of access network node 110a, and CU 212 and DU 214 can each possess some of the functions of access network node 110b. For example, CU 211 possesses the functions of the RRC layer, SDAP layer, and PDCP layer in access network node 110a; DU 213 possesses the functions of the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer in access network node 110a; CU 212 possesses the functions of the RRC layer, SDAP layer, and PDCP layer in access network node 110b; and DU 214 possesses the functions of the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer in access network node 110b.

[0201] It should be understood that Figures 2A and 2B above are merely examples of CU-DU separation architectures. In specific applications, access network node 110a or access network node 110b may also adopt other CU-DU separation architectures, such as new CU-DU separation architectures introduced with the evolution of communication systems, without limitation.

[0202] It is understood that the communication system 1000 shown in Figure 1 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in specific implementations, the communication system 1000 may also include other devices, and the number of access network nodes and terminals may be determined according to specific needs without limitation.

[0203] Optionally, each network element or device (e.g., access network node, terminal, CU or DU, etc.) in Figures 1, 2A or 2B of this application may also be referred to as a communication device, which may be a general-purpose device or a special-purpose device. This application does not make any specific limitation in this regard.

[0204] Optionally, the functions of each network element or device (e.g., access network node, terminal, CU or DU, etc.) in Figures 1, 2A, or 2B of this application can be implemented by one device, multiple devices working together, or one or more functional modules within a single device. This application does not impose specific limitations on these functions. It is understood that the aforementioned functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0205] In practical implementation, each network element or device (e.g., access network node, terminal, CU or DU, etc.) in Figures 1, 2A, or 2B of this application can adopt the composition structure shown in Figure 3, or include the components shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device applicable to this application. It is understood that the communication device 30 includes means of necessary forms such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to execute the solution provided in this application. For example, the communication device 30 includes one or more processors 301 for implementing the method provided in this application.

[0206] Processor 301 can be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor. For example, processor 301 can be a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device 30 (such as an access network node, CU, DU, terminal, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. Optionally, in one design, processor 301 may include program 305 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on processor 301 to cause the communication device 30 to perform the methods described in the following embodiments. In yet another possible design, communication device 30 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG3) for implementing the functions of the access network node, CU, DU, or terminal in the following embodiments.

[0207] Optionally, the communication device 30 may include one or more memories 303. The memory 303 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM), cache, or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions. It may also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory provided in this application may generally be non-volatile. Optionally, the memory 303 stores a program 307 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 301 to cause the communication device 30 to perform the methods described in the following method embodiments.

[0208] Optionally, the processor 301 may include an AI module 306, and / or the memory 303 may include an AI module 308. The aforementioned AI modules are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. For example, the AI ​​module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0209] Optionally, data may also be stored in the processor 301 and / or the memory 303. The processor 301 and the memory 303 may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0210] Optionally, the communication device 30 may also include a transceiver 302 and / or an antenna 304. The processor 301, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device 30. The transceiver 302, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device 30 through the antenna 304.

[0211] It is understood that the composition shown in Figure 3 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 3, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0212] The method provided in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each network element in the following embodiments may include the components shown in Figure 3, which will not be elaborated upon further.

[0213] It is understood that in this application, the terminal and / or access network node (such as access network node 1 to access network node 5, the first access network node, the second access network node, or the third access network node, etc. in the following embodiments) may perform some or all of the steps in this application. These steps are merely examples, and this application may also perform other steps or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in this application, and it is not necessary to perform all the steps in this application.

[0214] It is understood that this application uses access network nodes (such as access network nodes 1 to 5, the first access network node, the second access network node, or the third access network node in the following embodiments) and terminals as examples to illustrate the execution subjects of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the access network node in this application can also be implemented by modules in the access network node (such as processors, circuits, chips, or chip systems), or by logic nodes, logic modules, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network node; the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be implemented by the communication / processing module in the terminal or the circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication / processing functions (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip / SIP chip containing a modem core, or a GPU / AI processor / ASIC).

[0215] Figure 4 illustrates a communication method provided in this application. In this method, access network node 1 can determine the resources of a reference signal in at least one candidate cell (such as a first cell). Therefore, the first cell can transmit the reference signal on the corresponding resources, and a terminal accessing access network node 1 can measure the reference signal on the corresponding resources so that access network node 1 can determine whether to switch the terminal to the first cell. The resources of the reference signal are aperiodic or semi-static resources, so the method shown in Figure 4 can reduce the resource overhead of the first cell transmitting the reference signal and the measurement overhead of the terminal. For example, the method may include the following steps:

[0216] S401: Access network node 1 obtains configuration information 1.

[0217] Configuration information 1 indicates at least one resource. The at least one resource is a reference signal resource of the first cell. The at least one resource includes aperiodic resources or semi-static resources. Optionally, the at least one resource also includes periodic resources. The descriptions of reference signals, reference signal resources, aperiodic resources, semi-static resources, and periodic resources can be found in the preceding descriptions of the technical terms used in this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0218] The first cell mentioned above is a candidate cell. For example, the first cell is a neighboring cell of the terminal's serving cell. The terminal's serving cell belongs to access network node 1, that is, the access network node currently accessed by the terminal is access network node 1. The method of this application can be applied to LTM handover scenarios. In LTM handover scenarios, the candidate cell can be replaced with an LTM candidate cell.

[0219] This application does not limit the number of first cells. In other words, the aforementioned at least one resource includes the resources of reference signals in a candidate cell, or the resources of reference signals in each of multiple candidate cells. These multiple candidate cells may belong to the same access network node or different access network nodes. For ease of description, this application will use an example where the number of first cells is 1 and the first cell belongs to access network node 2.

[0220] One possible design is that configuration information 1 includes information on at least one reference signal resource of the first cell.

[0221] For example, configuration information 1 includes one or more of the following: an identifier for each reference signal resource, and time-domain location information for each reference signal resource. Optionally, configuration information 1 may also include type information for each reference signal resource, frequency-domain location information for each reference signal resource, or spatial location information for each reference signal resource. The type information of any reference signal resource indicates whether the reference signal resource is an aperiodic resource, a semi-static resource, or a periodic resource. The spatial location information of any reference signal resource indicates the beam direction of the reference signal, or indicates the beam identifier corresponding to the reference signal.

[0222] Taking CSI-RS as the reference signal as an example, configuration information 1 includes the identifiers (CSI-RS resource IDs) of one or more CSI-RS resources in the first cell, such as CSI-RS resource #1 and CSI-RS resource #2. Alternatively, configuration information 1 includes the identifiers (CSI-RS resource set IDs) of one or more CSI-RS resource sets in the first cell, and the identifiers (CSI-RS resource IDs) of the CSI-RS resources within each CSI-RS resource set. For example, configuration information 1 includes CSI-RS resource set #1 and CSI-RS resource set #2 of the first cell. If CSI-RS resource set #1 includes CSI-RS resource #1, CSI-RS resource #2, and CSI-RS resource #3, and CSI-RS resource set #2 includes CSI-RS resource #4 and CSI-RS resource #5, then for CSI-RS resource set #1, configuration information 1 also includes CSI-RS resource #1, CSI-RS resource #2, and CSI-RS resource #3, and for CSI-RS resource set #2, configuration information 1 also includes CSI-RS resource #4 and CSI-RS resource #5.

[0223] Optionally, configuration information 1 may also include one or more of the following: uplink physical channel configuration (such as time-frequency resource information of the uplink physical channel), or downlink physical channel configuration (such as time-frequency resource information of the downlink physical channel). The uplink physical channel includes one or more of the following: physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), or physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). The downlink physical channel includes one or more of the following: physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), or physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0224] It is understandable that access network node 1 and access network node 2 can be the same or different.

[0225] When access network node 1 and access network node 2 are the same, the first cell belongs to access network node 1, and access network node 1 can generate configuration information 1 on its own.

[0226] When access network node 1 and access network node 2 are different, access network node 1 can be called the source access network node, and access network node 2 can be called the candidate access network node. Access network node 1 can obtain configuration information 1 from other access network nodes. The process of access network node 1 obtaining configuration information 1 is described below with reference to Figures 1, 2A, and 2B.

[0227] Scenario 1: Access network node 1 is access network node 110a in Figure 1, access network node 2 is access network node 110b in Figure 1, and the terminal is any terminal in Figure 1 that accesses access network node 110a, such as terminal 120a.

[0228] One possible implementation is that access network node 2 sends configuration information 1 to access network node 1. Correspondingly, access network node 1 receives configuration information 1 from access network node 2.

[0229] For example, access network node 1 sends a handover request to access network node 2, instructing access network node 2 to provide configuration information for candidate cells. Upon receiving the handover request, access network node 2 sends a handover request acknowledgement message to access network node 1. The handover request acknowledgement message includes the aforementioned configuration information 1.

[0230] Optionally, in order for the resources indicated by configuration information 1 to include aperiodic resources or semi-static resources, the handover request may include corresponding indication information, instructing access network node 2 to provide aperiodic reference signal resources and / or semi-static reference signal resources.

[0231] Understandably, in scenario 1, access network node 1 is the source access network node, and access network node 2 is the candidate / target access network node.

[0232] Scenario 2: Access network node 1 is DU 202 in Figure 2A, access network node 2 is DU 203 in Figure 2A, and the terminal is any terminal accessing DU 202, such as terminal 120a in Figure 1.

[0233] One possible implementation is that access network node 2 sends configuration information 2 to access network node 3. After receiving configuration information 2, access network node 3 sends configuration information 1 to access network node 1.

[0234] Access network node 3 manages access network node 1 and access network node 2. For example, access network node 3 is CU 201 in Figure 2A. Configuration information 1 is determined based on configuration information 2. For example, configuration information 1 and configuration information 2 contain the same content, or configuration information 1 is obtained after access network node 3 performs further processing on configuration information 2 (such as deleting information, adding information, encapsulating information, or decapsulating information, etc., one or more operations).

[0235] For example, access network node 3 sends a UE context setup request message to access network node 2, instructing access network node 2 to provide configuration information for the candidate cell. Upon receiving this message, access network node 2 sends a UE context setup response message to access network node 3. The UE context setup response message includes the aforementioned configuration information 2. After receiving the UE context setup response message, access network node 3 sends configuration information 1 to access network node 1.

[0236] Optionally, in order for the resources indicated by configuration information 2 to include aperiodic resources or semi-static resources, the terminal context establishment request message may include corresponding indication information, instructing access network node 2 to provide aperiodic reference signal resources and / or semi-static reference signal resources.

[0237] Understandably, in scenario 2, access network node 1 is the source DU, access network node 2 is the candidate / target DU, and access network node 3 manages the source DU and the CU of the candidate / target DU.

[0238] Scenario 3: Access network node 1 is DU 213 in Figure 2B, access network node 2 is DU 214 in Figure 2B, and the terminal is any terminal accessing DU 213, such as terminal 120a in Figure 1.

[0239] In one possible implementation, access network node 2 sends configuration information 3 to access network node 4 (used to manage access network node 2, such as CU 212 in Figure 2B). After receiving configuration information 3, access network node 4 sends configuration information 4 to access network node 5 (used to manage access network node 1, such as CU 211 in Figure 2B). Configuration information 4 is determined based on configuration information 3. For example, configuration information 4 and configuration information 3 may contain the same content, or configuration information 4 may be obtained by access network node 4 after further processing of configuration information 3 (such as deleting information, adding information, encapsulating information, or decapsulating information, etc.). After receiving configuration information 4, access network node 5 sends configuration information 1 to access network node 1. Configuration information 1 is determined based on configuration information 4. For example, configuration information 1 and configuration information 4 may contain the same content, or configuration information 1 may be obtained by access network node 5 after further processing of configuration information 4 (such as deleting information, adding information, encapsulating information, or decapsulating information, etc.).

[0240] For example, access network node 5 sends a handover request to access network node 4 to instruct / request the provision of candidate cells. Upon receiving the handover request, access network node 4 sends a terminal context establishment request message to access network node 2, instructing access network node 2 to provide configuration information for the candidate cells. Upon receiving this message, access network node 2 sends a terminal context establishment response message to access network node 4. The terminal context establishment response message includes the aforementioned configuration information 3. Upon receiving the terminal context establishment response message, access network node 4 sends a handover request acknowledgement message to access network node 5, which includes configuration information 4. Upon receiving the handover request acknowledgement message, access network node 5 sends configuration information 1 to access network node 1.

[0241] Optionally, in order for the resources indicated by configuration information 3 to include aperiodic resources or semi-static resources, the terminal context establishment request message may include corresponding indication information, instructing access network node 2 to provide aperiodic reference signal resources and / or semi-static reference signal resources.

[0242] Understandably, in scenario 3, access network node 1 is the source DU, access network node 2 is the candidate / target DU, access network node 4 is the candidate / target CU and can manage the candidate / target DU, and access network node 5 is the source CU and can manage the source DU.

[0243] Optionally, for scenarios 1 to 3 above, configuration information 1 may include indication information 1, which may indicate that access network node 2 supports sending aperiodic reference signals or semi-static reference signals, or indication information 1 may indicate that access network node 1 triggers access network node 2 to send aperiodic reference signals or semi-static reference signals.

[0244] S402: Access network node 1 sends configuration information 1 to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives configuration information 1 from access network node 1.

[0245] In one possible implementation, in scenario 1 above, access network node 2 can send configuration information 1 to the terminal via access network node 1. For example, access network node 1 can forward / transmit the configuration information 1 sent by access network node 2 to the terminal and obtain the configuration information 1 in the process.

[0246] In one possible implementation, in scenario 2 above, access network node 3 can send configuration information 1 to the terminal via access network node 1. For example, access network node 1 can forward / transmit the configuration information 1 sent by access network node 3 to the terminal and obtain the configuration information 1 in the process.

[0247] In one possible implementation, in scenario 3 above, access network node 5 can send configuration information 1 to the terminal via access network node 1. For example, access network node 1 can forward / transmit the configuration information 1 sent by access network node 5 to the terminal and obtain the configuration information 1 in the process.

[0248] S403: Access network node 1 acquires the resources of reference signal 1 in the first cell.

[0249] The resource of reference signal 1 belongs to at least one resource indicated by configuration information 1. The resource of reference signal 1 is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0250] The acquisition of the resources of reference signal 1 by access network node 1 can be understood as access network node 1 knowing / determining the resources of reference signal 1, or access network node 1 selecting / determining the resources of reference signal 1 among at least one resources indicated by configuration information 1.

[0251] The resource of reference signal 1 is the resource of the reference signal to be measured by the terminal as determined by access network node 1, or the resource of the reference signal that access network node 1 suggests the terminal measure. Access network node 1 can obtain the resource of reference signal 1 in the following ways so that the terminal can detect reference signal 1 in subsequent measurements.

[0252] One possible implementation is that access network node 1 obtains the location information of the terminal and acquires the resources of reference signal 1 based on the terminal's location information. The beam direction of reference signal 1 points towards the terminal or its vicinity, or the terminal is located within the beam coverage area of ​​reference signal 1. For example, the location of the terminal and the beam coverage area of ​​reference signal 1 can be as shown in Figure 5A.

[0253] Another possible implementation is that the terminal sends measurement result 1 to access network node 1. After receiving measurement result 1, access network node 1 obtains the resources of reference signal 1 based on measurement result 1.

[0254] Measurement result 1 can be an L1 measurement result. Measurement result 1 indicates the terminal's measurement result of reference signal 2 in the first cell. For example, measurement result 1 includes the RSRP or SINR of reference signal 2, and the identifier of reference signal 2. The resource of reference signal 2 may or may not belong to at least one resource indicated by configuration information 1, without restriction. The measurement result of reference signal 2 meets certain conditions, for example, the RSRP / SINR of reference signal 2 is greater than or equal to a certain threshold value, that is, for the terminal, the signal quality of reference signal 2 is good.

[0255] One possible design is that reference signal 2 is associated with or corresponds to reference signal 1. For example, the beam direction of reference signal 2 is the same as or similar to the beam direction of reference signal 1.

[0256] As an example, reference signal 2 corresponds to a wide beam, and reference signal 1 corresponds to a narrow beam. For instance, reference signal 2 is a synchronization signal, such as SSB, and reference signal 1 is CSI-RS. As shown in Figure 5B, the beam of reference signal 2 is beam 1 in Figure 5B, and the beam of reference signal 1 is beam 2 or beam 3 in Figure 5B. In other words, in this example, access network node 1 can select a semi-static CSI-RS resource or an aperiodic CSI-RS resource from at least one resource based on the terminal's measurement result of the SSB of the first cell.

[0257] As another example, both reference signal 2 and reference signal 1 correspond to narrow beams. The resource of reference signal 2 is a periodic resource. For example, both reference signal 1 and reference signal 2 are CSI-RS. As shown in Figure 5C, if the beam of reference signal 2 is beam 2 in Figure 5C, then the beam of reference signal 1 is beam 1 or beam 3 in Figure 5C, or the beam direction of reference signal 1 is the same as the direction of beam 2 in Figure 5C. In other words, in this example, access network node 1 can select a semi-static CSI-RS resource or an aperiodic CSI-RS resource from at least one resource based on the terminal's measurement results of the CSI-RS resource of periodic type in the first cell.

[0258] Understandably, in order to implement the above scheme, access network node 1 also needs to obtain the association or correspondence between reference signal 2 and reference signal 1.

[0259] One possible implementation is that the aforementioned association or correspondence is pre-configured in access network node 1.

[0260] For example, access network node 1 pre-stores the association relationship between the SSB of the first cell and the CSI-RS of the first cell, or the association relationship between the CSI-RS of the first cell. Alternatively, network operations, administration and management (OAM) configures the association relationship between the SSB of the first cell and the CSI-RS of the first cell, or the association relationship between the CSI-RS of the first cell, for access network node 1.

[0261] In another possible implementation, configuration information 1 may indicate that reference signal 2 is associated with reference signal 1. For example, configuration information 1 may include indication information 2, which indicates that reference signal 2 is associated with reference signal 1.

[0262] For example, indication information 2 includes an identifier for reference signal 1 and an identifier for reference signal 2 associated with that identifier. Alternatively, indication information 2 includes an identifier for resource A and an identifier for resource (or resource set) B associated with that identifier, wherein resource A includes the resource of reference signal 1, and resource (or resource set) B includes the resource of reference signal 2. Or, indication information 2 includes an identifier for resource (or resource set) A and an identifier for resource B associated with that identifier, wherein resource (or resource set) A includes the resource of reference signal 1, and resource B includes the resource of reference signal 2.

[0263] Understandably, this application does not limit the number of reference signals 2. That is, measurement result 1 can indicate the measurement result of the terminal for one reference signal 2, or it can indicate the measurement result of the terminal for multiple reference signals 2. If measurement result 1 indicates the measurement result of the terminal for multiple reference signals 2, then access network node 1 can obtain the resource of reference signal 1 based on the reference signal 2 with the best signal quality.

[0264] Optionally, measurement result 1 may also include the measurement result of the terminal's reference signal to the serving cell (also referred to as the source cell), so that access network node 1 can determine whether to hand over the terminal to the first cell. For example, measurement result 1 may include the measurement result of the terminal's SSB to the serving cell, and / or the measurement result of the terminal's CSI-RS to the serving cell.

[0265] Understandably, if access network node 1 determines to switch the terminal to the first cell, then the first cell can also be called the target cell, and access network node 2 can be called the target access network node.

[0266] S404: Access network node 1 sends information 1 to access network node 2. Correspondingly, access network node 2 receives information 1 from access network node 1.

[0267] Information 1 is used to instruct access network node 2 to send a reference signal (such as reference signal 1). Information 1 may carry information related to the resources of reference signal 1. In the following description, "resources of reference signal 1" will be referred to as "reference signal resource 1".

[0268] One possible design is that information 1 includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of reference signal resource 1, resource type information of reference signal resource 1, time information for transmitting reference signal 1, number of times reference signal 1 is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of reference signal 1, or indication information for initiating transmission of reference signal 1.

[0269] The identification information of the first cell is used to indicate the first cell, enabling access network node 2 to determine that information 1 was sent for the first cell. For example, the identification information of the first cell includes the ID of the first cell.

[0270] The identification information of reference signal resource 1 is used to indicate reference signal resource 1, enabling access network node 2 to determine that access network node 1 recommends transmitting a reference signal on reference signal resource 1. For example, the identification information of reference signal resource 1 includes the identifier of reference signal resource 1, or includes the identifier of the resource set corresponding to reference signal resource 1.

[0271] The resource type information of reference signal resource 1 indicates whether reference signal resource 1 is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource, enabling access network node 2 to determine whether access network node 1 recommends transmitting the reference signal on an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource. For example, the resource type information includes 1 bit, where a value of "0" indicates that reference signal resource 1 is an aperiodic resource, a value of "1" indicates that reference signal resource 1 is a semi-static resource, and vice versa.

[0272] The timing information for transmitting reference signal 1 is used to indicate the time of transmission of reference signal 1, enabling access network node 2 to determine when access network node 1 recommends transmitting reference signal 1. For example, this timing information includes the start transmission time of reference signal 1. Another example is that this timing information includes one or more of the system frame number (SFN), slot ID, or time domain symbol ID corresponding to the start transmission time of reference signal 1. Yet another example is that this timing information includes the interval between the reference time domain location and the start transmission time of reference signal 1. Optionally, this timing information also includes information about the reference time domain location, such as one or more of the SFN, slot ID, or time domain symbol ID corresponding to the reference time domain location.

[0273] Optionally, the start time of reference signal 1 is related to the signal quality of the terminal in the serving cell. If the signal quality of the terminal in the serving cell is poor, access network node 1 can set the start time of reference signal 1 to be closer to the current time so that the terminal can perform measurements as soon as possible, thereby determining the cell to be handed over to.

[0274] The number of times reference signal 1 is transmitted is used to indicate the number of times reference signal 1 is transmitted (e.g., 1 time, 2 times, or 4 times), enabling access network node 2 to determine how many times access network node 1 recommends transmitting reference signal 1. For example, this number information may directly include the number of times reference signal 1 is transmitted, or it may include an identifier of that number, or it may include an identifier of the interval in which that number of transmissions occurs, etc.

[0275] Optionally, the number of times reference signal 1 is sent is related to the transmission delay between access network node 1 and access network node 2. For example, the greater the transmission delay, the more times reference signal 1 is sent, thus reserving more transmission opportunities for access network node 2 and preventing access network node 2 from being unable to send reference signal 1 after receiving information 1.

[0276] Optionally, when the resource type information of reference signal resource 1 indicates that reference signal resource 1 is an aperiodic resource, information 1 includes the aforementioned frequency information.

[0277] The time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of reference signal 1 is used to indicate the time interval between two consecutive transmissions of reference signal 1, such as 1 millisecond, 2 milliseconds, z SFNs or y time slots, so that access network node 2 can determine how long the interval is before transmitting reference signal 1 once.

[0278] Optionally, the time interval between two consecutive transmissions of reference signal 1 is related to the transmission delay between access network node 1 and access network node 2. For example, the larger the transmission delay, the larger the time interval between two consecutive transmissions of reference signal 1, so as to reserve more transmission opportunities for access network node 2 and avoid access network node 2 not having enough time to transmit reference signal 1 after receiving information 1.

[0279] Optionally, when the resource type information of reference signal resource 1 indicates that reference signal resource 1 is an aperiodic resource, information 1 includes the time interval information between two adjacent transmissions of reference signal 1.

[0280] The indication information for initiating the transmission of the reference signal is used to indicate the initiation of transmission of reference signal 1. For example, the indication information includes 1 bit, and the value of this 1 bit is "0" or "1", indicating the initiation of transmission of reference signal 1.

[0281] In this application, "suggestion" can be replaced with "expectation" or "hope", etc. This is a unified explanation here and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0282] In one possible implementation, for scenario 2 above, access network node 1 sends information 1 to access network node 2 through access network node 3. In the above process, access network node 3 can directly forward / transmit the information sent by access network node 1 to access network node 2, or it can further process the information sent by access network node 1 (such as deleting information, adding information, encapsulating information, or decapsulating information, etc., one or more operations), and send the processed information to access network node 2.

[0283] In one possible implementation, for scenario 3 above, access network node 1 sends information 1 to access network node 2 through access network nodes 5 and 4. During this process, access network node 5 can directly forward / transmit the information sent by access network node 1 to access network node 4, or it can further process the information sent by access network node 1 (such as deleting, adding, encapsulating, or decapsulating information, etc.) and send the processed information to access network node 4. Similarly, access network node 4 can directly forward / transmit the information sent by access network node 5 to access network node 2, or it can further process the information sent by access network node 5 (such as deleting, adding, encapsulating, or decapsulating information, etc.) and send the processed information to access network node 2.

[0284] Understandably, after receiving Information 1, Access Network Node 2 can directly send Reference Signal 1 based on Information 1, or Access Network Node 2 can confirm whether to use Reference Signal Resource 1 to send the reference signal. If Access Network Node 2 confirms to use Reference Signal Resource 1 to send the reference signal, it can send confirmation information of Information 1 to Access Network Node 1. If Access Network Node 2 confirms not to use Reference Signal Resource 1 to send the reference signal, or if the time, number of times, or time interval for sending the reference signal determined by Access Network Node 2 differs from the content indicated in Information 1, Access Network Node 2 can indicate the finally determined reference signal resource, the time, number of times, or time interval for sending the reference signal to Access Network Node 1. For example, Access Network Node 2 can execute S405.

[0285] S405: Access network node 2 sends information 2 to access network node 1. Correspondingly, access network node 1 receives information 2 from access network node 2.

[0286] Understandably, step S405 is optional. For example, if access network node 2 receives information 1 and determines to send reference signal 1 based on information 1, then access network node 2 may not send information 2.

[0287] Information 2 can indicate the resource of reference signal 3 in the first cell. The resource of reference signal 3 belongs to at least one resource indicated by configuration information 1. The resource of reference signal 3 is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource. Reference signal 3 and reference signal 1 can be the same or different. Taking the case where reference signal 3 and reference signal 1 are different, if the resource of reference signal 1 is already occupied, access network node 2 can indicate the resource of reference signal 3. The beam direction of reference signal 3 is similar to or the same as the beam direction of reference signal 1. Taking the case where reference signal 3 and reference signal 1 are the same, if the resource of reference signal 1 is not occupied, access network node 2 can indicate the resource of reference signal 1. In the following description, "the resource of reference signal 3" will be referred to as "reference signal resource 3".

[0288] One possible design is that information 2 includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of reference signal resource 3, indication information for confirming the transmission of reference signal 3, resource type information of reference signal resource 3, time information for transmitting reference signal 3, number of times reference signal 3 is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of reference signal 3, or indication information for initiating transmission of reference signal 3.

[0289] The identification information of the first cell is used to indicate the first cell, so that access network node 1 determines that information 2 is sent for the first cell. For example, the identification information of the first cell includes the ID of the first cell.

[0290] The identification information of reference signal resource 3 is used to indicate reference signal resource 3, enabling access network node 1 to determine that access network node 2 transmits a reference signal on reference signal resource 3. For example, the identification information of reference signal resource 3 includes the identifier of reference signal resource 3, or includes the identifier of the resource set corresponding to reference signal resource 3. Reference signal resource 3 may be the same as or different from reference signal resource 1. If reference signal resource 3 is the same as reference signal resource 1, then information 2 may not include the identification information of reference signal resource 3.

[0291] The confirmation message for transmitting reference signal 3 instructs access network node 2 to determine whether to transmit reference signal 3. For example, the confirmation message includes 1 bit, and the value of this 1 bit is either "0" or "1", instructing access network node 2 to determine whether to transmit reference signal 3.

[0292] The resource type information of reference signal resource 3 indicates whether reference signal resource 3 is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource, enabling access network node 1 to determine whether access network node 2 transmits the reference signal on an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource. For example, the resource type information includes 1 bit, where a value of "0" indicates that reference signal resource 3 is an aperiodic resource, a value of "1" indicates that reference signal resource 3 is a semi-static resource, and vice versa.

[0293] It is understandable that the resource type of reference signal resource 3 may be the same as or different from the resource type of reference signal resource 1. If the resource type of reference signal resource 3 is the same as the resource type of reference signal resource 1, then information 2 may not include the aforementioned resource type information.

[0294] The timing information for transmitting reference signal 3 is used to indicate the time of transmission of reference signal 3, enabling access network node 1 to determine when access network node 2 transmits reference signal 3. For example, this timing information includes the start transmission time of reference signal 3. Another example is that this timing information includes one or more of the SFN, time slot identifier, or time domain symbol identifier corresponding to the start transmission time of reference signal 3. Yet another example is that this timing information includes the interval between the reference time domain position and the start transmission time of reference signal 3. Optionally, this timing information also includes information about the reference time domain position, such as one or more of the SFN, time slot identifier, or time domain symbol identifier corresponding to the reference time domain position. It is understood that the start transmission time of reference signal 3 may be the same as or different from the start transmission time of reference signal 1. If the start transmission time of reference signal 3 is the same as the start transmission time of reference signal 1, then information 2 may not include the aforementioned timing information.

[0295] The number of times reference signal 3 is transmitted is used to indicate the number of times reference signal 3 is transmitted (e.g., 1 time, 2 times, or 4 times), enabling access network node 1 to determine how many times access network node 2 will transmit reference signal 3. For example, this number information may directly include the number of times reference signal 3 is transmitted, or it may include an identifier of that number, or it may include an identifier of the interval in which that number of transmissions occurs. The number of times reference signal 3 is transmitted may be the same as or different from the number of times reference signal 1 is transmitted. If the number of times reference signal 3 is transmitted is the same as the number of times reference signal 1 is transmitted, then information 2 may not include the aforementioned number information.

[0296] Optionally, when the resource type information of reference signal resource 3 indicates that reference signal resource 3 is an aperiodic resource, information 2 includes the aforementioned frequency information.

[0297] The time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of reference signal 3 indicates the time interval between two consecutive transmissions of reference signal 3, such as 1 millisecond, 2 milliseconds, z SFNs, or y time slots, so that access network node 1 can determine how long access network node 2 should transmit reference signal 3 once. The time interval of reference signal 3 can be the same as or different from the time interval of reference signal 1. If the time interval of reference signal 3 is the same as the time interval of reference signal 1, then information 2 may not include the aforementioned time interval information.

[0298] Optionally, when the resource type information of reference signal resource 3 indicates that reference signal resource 3 is an aperiodic resource, information 2 includes the time interval information between two adjacent transmissions of reference signal 3.

[0299] The indication information for initiating the transmission of reference signal 3 is used to indicate the initiation of transmission of reference signal 3. For example, the indication information includes 1 bit, and the value of this 1 bit is "0" or "1" to indicate the initiation of transmission of reference signal 3.

[0300] In one possible implementation, for scenario 2 above, access network node 2 sends information 2 to access network node 1 through access network node 3. During this process, access network node 3 can directly forward / transmit the information sent by access network node 2 to access network node 1, or it can further process the information sent by access network node 2 (such as deleting information, adding information, encapsulating information, or decapsulating information, etc., and then send the processed information to access network node 1.

[0301] In one possible implementation, for scenario 3 above, access network node 2 sends information 2 to access network node 1 through access network nodes 4 and 5. During this process, access network node 4 can directly forward / transmit the information sent by access network node 2 to access network node 5, or it can further process the information sent by access network node 2 (such as deleting, adding, encapsulating, or decapsulating information, etc.) and send the processed information to access network node 5. Similarly, access network node 5 can directly forward / transmit the information sent by access network node 4 to access network node 1, or it can further process the information sent by access network node 4 (such as deleting, adding, encapsulating, or decapsulating information, etc.) and send the processed information to access network node 1.

[0302] S406: Access network node 1 sends information 3 to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives information 3 from access network node 1.

[0303] Information 3 indicates that the terminal measures reference signal 1 or reference signal 3.

[0304] Optionally, information 3 is carried in DCI or MAC CE.

[0305] One possible implementation is that if access network node 2 executes S405, then access network node 1 sends information 3 to the terminal based on information 2. Information 3 instructs the terminal to measure reference signal 3. For example, information 3 may include identification information of reference signal 3, or resource identification information of reference signal 3, or the identifier of the reporting configuration corresponding to the resource of reference signal 3, etc. It should be understood that when there are multiple reference signals 3, access network node 1 may also instruct the terminal to measure a set of reference signal resources. For example, information 3 may include the identifier of the reference signal resource set, or the identifier of the reporting configuration corresponding to the reference signal resource set. Here, the set of reference signal resources may include resources of multiple reference signals 3.

[0306] After receiving information 3, the terminal can measure the reference signal 3 on the resource of the reference signal 3 according to information 3. Alternatively, the terminal can obtain the resource of the reference signal 3 from the resource indicated by configuration information 1 according to information 3, and measure the reference signal 3 on that resource. For example, if information 3 includes the identifier of the above-mentioned reported configuration, the terminal can obtain the resource of the reference signal 3 according to the identifier of the reported configuration, and measure the reference signal 3 on that resource.

[0307] Optionally, if information 2 includes time information for transmitting reference signal 3, access network node 1 can determine the time for transmitting information 3 based on the time information, so that the terminal can start measuring reference signal 3 at the time indicated by information 2.

[0308] Optionally, information 3 may indicate one or more of the following: the time of measuring reference signal 3, the number of times reference signal 3 is measured, or the time interval between two adjacent measurements of reference signal 3.

[0309] Another possible implementation is that if access network node 2 does not execute S405, then access network node 1 sends information 3 to the terminal according to information 1. Information 3 instructs the terminal to measure reference signal 1. For example, information 3 may include identification information of reference signal 1, or resource identification information of reference signal 1, or the identifier of the reporting configuration corresponding to the resource of reference signal 1, etc. It should be understood that when there are multiple reference signals 1, access network node 1 may also instruct the terminal to measure a set of reference signal resources. For example, information 3 may include the identifier of the reference signal resource set, or the identifier of the reporting configuration corresponding to the reference signal resource set. Here, the set of reference signal resources may include resources of multiple reference signals 1. Subsequently, the terminal can obtain the resources of reference signal 1 from the resources indicated by configuration information 1 according to information 3, and measure reference signal 1 on that resource.

[0310] Optionally, if information 1 includes the time information for transmitting reference signal 1, access network node 1 can determine the time for transmitting information 3 based on the time information, so that the terminal can start measuring reference signal 1 at the time indicated by information 1.

[0311] Optionally, information 3 may indicate one or more of the following: the time of measuring reference signal 1, the number of times reference signal 1 is measured, or the time interval between two consecutive measurements of reference signal 1.

[0312] S407: Access network node 2 transmits reference signal 3 on reference signal resource 3, and correspondingly, the terminal measures reference signal 3; or, access network node 2 transmits reference signal 1 on reference signal resource 1, and correspondingly, the terminal measures reference signal 1.

[0313] One possible implementation is that if access network node 2 executes S405, then access network node 2 transmits reference signal 3 on reference signal resource 3, and correspondingly, the terminal measures reference signal 3.

[0314] Another possible implementation is that if access network node 2 does not execute S405, access network node 2 transmits reference signal 1 on reference signal resource 1, and correspondingly, the terminal measures reference signal 1.

[0315] S408: The terminal sends measurement result 2 to access network node 1. Correspondingly, access network node 1 receives measurement result 2 from the terminal.

[0316] Measurement result 2 can be an L1 measurement result. Measurement result 2 indicates the terminal's measurement result for reference signal 1 or reference signal 3. Taking measurement result 2 indicating the terminal's measurement result for reference signal 3 as an example, measurement result 2 includes one or more of the following: the identifier of reference signal 3, the RSRP of reference signal 3, the SINR or PMI of reference signal 3.

[0317] Understandably, access network node 1 can determine whether the terminal should switch to the first cell based on measurement result 2. For example, if the RSRP of reference signal 3, or the SINR of reference signal 3, is greater than or equal to a certain threshold, access network node 1 will decide to switch the terminal to the first cell.

[0318] Understandably, if access network node 1 determines to hand over the terminal to the first cell, access network node 1 can send a handover command to the terminal, instructing the terminal to hand over to the first cell and specifying the beam direction information that the terminal can use when communicating with the first cell. This beam direction information is determined based on the beam direction of reference signal 3 (or reference signal 1). Access network node 1 can also send a cell switch notification message to access network node 2. Subsequently, the terminal can perform a handover, access the first cell, and perform uplink and downlink data transmission with the first cell after successful access. During the uplink and downlink data transmission with the first cell, the terminal can use the aforementioned beam direction information.

[0319] Optionally, access network node 1 can also instruct access network node 2 to stop transmitting reference signal 1 or stop transmitting reference signal 3. For example, access network node 1 sends indication information 3 to access network node 2. This indication information 3 instructs to stop transmitting reference signal 1 or stop transmitting reference signal 3. After receiving the indication information 3, access network node 2 stops transmitting either reference signal 1 or reference signal 3.

[0320] Based on the method shown in Figure 4, access network node 1 can determine the reference signal resources (such as reference signal resource 1 mentioned above) of a candidate cell (such as the first cell), or access network node 1 can negotiate the reference signal resources of the candidate cell (such as reference signal resource 3 mentioned above) with access network node 2, so that access network node 2 can transmit reference signals on the aforementioned reference signal resources, and the terminal can measure the reference signals transmitted by access network node 2. Since the aforementioned reference signal resources are aperiodic or semi-static resources, frequent transmission of reference signals by access network node 2 can be avoided. Based on the method shown in Figure 4, access network node 2 can transmit reference signals at the required time. Therefore, the method shown in Figure 4 can reduce the transmission power consumption and air interface resource consumption of access network node 2, and can also reduce the measurement overhead of the terminal, saving terminal power consumption.

[0321] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 4, there is a synchronization deviation between access network node 1 and access network node 2; in other words, the clocks of the two access network nodes are not synchronized. The synchronization deviation between access network node 1 and access network node 2 can also be understood as the synchronization deviation between the terminal's serving cell and the first cell. For example, as shown in Figure 6, at time t, the SFN of the terminal's serving cell is 1, and the slot ID is 1, while the SFN of the first cell is 2, and the slot ID is 2. In this example, the synchronization deviation between the two access network nodes is 1 SFN plus 1 slot. For the above scenario, access network node 1 can obtain this synchronization deviation to determine the accurate time for access network node 2 to send reference signal 1 or reference signal 3, thereby sending information 3 to the terminal at the appropriate time, and / or making the time information for sending reference signal 1 included in information 1 more accurate. The above synchronization deviation can also be called a timing deviation. The process of access network node 1 obtaining the above synchronization deviation is described below. It should be understood that access network node 1 can obtain the above synchronization deviation before S403 or before S406.

[0322] One possible implementation is that the terminal sends timing information 1 to access network node 1, which indicates the aforementioned synchronization deviation. After receiving timing information 1, access network node 1 can obtain the aforementioned synchronization deviation.

[0323] For example, the terminal measures the downlink synchronization signals of the serving cell and the first cell simultaneously to obtain timing information 1, and then sends timing information 1 to access network node 1. Timing information 1 may include synchronization deviation information between the serving cell and the first cell, such as at least one of the following: SFN deviation between the two cells, or time slot identifier deviation between the two cells. Here, the SFN deviation may be the deviation between the start frames of the serving cell and the first cell.

[0324] Optionally, the terminal can send timing information 1 to access network node 1 via an RRC message. In a CU-DU separation architecture, as in scenario 2 above, the terminal can send an RRC message to access network node 3 via access network node 1. After receiving the RRC message, access network node 3 parses the message to obtain timing information 1 and sends timing information 1 to access network node 1 via the F1 interface.

[0325] Another possible implementation is that access network node 2 sends timing information 2 to access network node 1. Timing information 2 can indicate the SFN and / or timeslot identifier information corresponding to access network node 2 at a certain time. After receiving timing information 2, access network node 1, in conjunction with its own SFN and / or timeslot identifier information corresponding to that time, determines that there is a synchronization deviation between access network node 1 and access network node 2.

[0326] Understandably, in scenario 2 above, access network node 2 can send timing information 2 to access network node 1 through access network node 3. In scenario 3 above, access network node 2 can send timing information 2 to access network node 1 through access network nodes 4 and 5.

[0327] In another possible implementation, in scenario 2 above, access network node 3 obtains the SFN and / or timeslot identifier information corresponding to a certain time from access network node 1 and access network node 2 respectively, determines the aforementioned synchronization deviation based on the obtained information, and indicates it to access network node 1. For example, access network node 3 sends timing information 3 to access network node 1, which indicates the aforementioned synchronization deviation. In scenario 3 above, access network node 4 (or access network node 5) obtains the SFN and / or timeslot identifier information corresponding to a certain time from access network node 1 and access network node 2 respectively, determines the aforementioned synchronization deviation based on the obtained information, and indicates it to access network node 1. For example, access network node 5 sends timing information 4 to access network node 1, which indicates the aforementioned synchronization deviation.

[0328] The contents of timing information 3 and timing information 4 are similar to those of timing information 1. Please refer to the previous introduction of timing information 1.

[0329] The above describes the specific process by which access network node 1 obtains the synchronization deviation between access network node 1 and access network node 2. It should be understood that in practical applications, access network node 2 can also use a similar method to obtain the aforementioned synchronization deviation and indicate it to access network node 1.

[0330] Understandably, in the method shown in Figure 4, the aperiodic / semi-static resources of the candidate cell are determined by access network node 1, or by access network node 1 and access network node 2 negotiating the aperiodic / semi-static resources of the candidate cell, thereby enabling the terminal to measure the aperiodic / semi-static resources of the candidate cell. In specific applications, the aperiodic / semi-static resources of the candidate cell can also be determined by access network node 2, which will be explained in detail below.

[0331] As shown in Figure 7, another communication method provided in this application may include the following steps:

[0332] S701: Access network node 1 obtains configuration information 1.

[0333] S702: Access network node 1 sends configuration information 1 to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives configuration information 1 from access network node 1.

[0334] Understandably, the processes of S701 to S702 are similar to those of S401 to S402. Please refer to the above introduction of S401 to S402, and we will not repeat it here.

[0335] S703: The terminal sends measurement result 1 to access network node 1. Correspondingly, access network node 1 receives measurement result 1 from the terminal.

[0336] Measurement result 1 can be an L1 measurement result. Measurement result 1 indicates the terminal's measurement result of reference signal 1 in the first cell. For example, measurement result 1 includes the RSRP or SINR of reference signal 1, and the identifier of reference signal 1. The resource of reference signal 1 may or may not belong to at least one resource indicated by configuration information 1, without restriction. The measurement result of reference signal 1 meets certain conditions, for example, the RSRP / SINR of reference signal 1 is greater than or equal to a certain threshold value, that is, for the terminal, the signal quality of reference signal 1 is good.

[0337] Optionally, measurement result 1 may also include the measurement result of the terminal's reference signal to the serving cell, so that access network node 1 can determine whether to hand over the terminal to the first cell. For example, measurement result 1 may include the measurement result of the terminal's SSB to the serving cell, and / or the measurement result of the terminal's CSI-RS to the serving cell.

[0338] S704: Access network node 1 sends information 1 to access network node 2. Correspondingly, access network node 2 receives information 1 from access network node 1.

[0339] In this context, information 1 is used to instruct access network node 2 to send a reference signal. Here, "reference signal" is used generically. Since access network node 2 determines the aperiodic / semi-static resources of candidate cells in the method shown in Figure 7, access network node 1 does not know which reference signal access network node 2 is sending at this time. Therefore, access network node 1 can instruct access network node 2 to send a reference signal, but cannot instruct access network node 2 to specifically send which reference signal.

[0340] One possible design is that information 1 includes measurement result 2, enabling access network node 2 to determine the aperiodic / semi-static resources of candidate cells based on measurement result 2. Measurement result 2 is obtained from measurement result 1; for example, measurement result 2 may include all or part of the information in measurement result 1.

[0341] Understandingly, this application does not limit the number of reference signals 1 indicated by measurement result 1. That is, measurement result 1 can indicate the terminal's measurement result for one reference signal 1, or it can indicate the terminal's measurement result for multiple reference signals 1. If measurement result 1 indicates the terminal's measurement result for multiple reference signals 1, then access network node 1 can send the measurement result of one or more reference signals 1 with better signal quality to access network node 2, so that access network node 2 can determine the aperiodic / semi-static resources of the candidate cell. Measurement result 2 may include the measurement result of one or more reference signals 1 with better signal quality.

[0342] Optionally, Information 1 may also include a suggestion from Access Network Node 1 when determining reference signal resources for Access Network Node 2. For example, Information 1 may also include one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, resource type information of the suggested reference signal measured by the terminal, suggested time information for transmitting the reference signal, suggested number of times the reference signal is transmitted, or suggested time interval information between two adjacent transmissions of the reference signal.

[0343] The identification information of the first cell is used to indicate the first cell, enabling access network node 2 to determine that information 1 was sent for the first cell. For example, the identification information of the first cell includes the ID of the first cell.

[0344] The suggested resource type information of the reference signal measured by the terminal indicates whether it is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource, enabling access network node 2 to determine whether access network node 1 suggested access network node 2 to transmit the reference signal on an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource. For example, the resource type information includes 1 bit, where a value of "0" indicates that reference signal resource 1 is an aperiodic resource, a value of "1" indicates that reference signal resource 1 is a semi-static resource, and vice versa.

[0345] The suggested transmission reference signal timing information is used to indicate when access network node 1 suggests access network node 2 transmit the reference signal. For example, this timing information includes the start transmission time of the reference signal. Another example is that the timing information includes one or more of the SFN, time slot identifier, or time domain symbol identifier corresponding to the start transmission time of the suggested reference signal. Yet another example is that the timing information includes the interval between the reference time domain location and the start transmission time of the suggested reference signal. Optionally, the timing information also includes information about the reference time domain location, such as one or more of the SFN, time slot identifier, or time domain symbol identifier corresponding to the reference time domain location.

[0346] Optionally, the suggested start time for transmitting the reference signal is related to the signal quality of the terminal in the serving cell. If the signal quality of the terminal in the serving cell is poor, access network node 1 can suggest that the start time for transmitting the reference signal be close to the current time so that the terminal can perform measurements as soon as possible, thereby determining the cell to be handed over to.

[0347] The suggested number of times to send the reference signal is used to indicate how many times Access Network Node 1 should suggest Access Network Node 2 to send the reference signal (e.g., 1 time, 2 times, or 4 times). For example, this number information may directly include the suggested number of times to send the reference signal, or it may include an identifier of that number, or it may include an identifier of the interval in which that number of times is sent, etc.

[0348] Optionally, the recommended number of times to send the reference signal is related to the transmission delay between access network node 1 and access network node 2. For example, the greater the transmission delay, the more times the reference signal is sent, to allow the terminal more measurement opportunities and avoid the terminal not having enough time to measure the reference signal after receiving information 3.

[0349] Optionally, when the above resource type information indicates a non-periodic resource, information 1 includes the above frequency information.

[0350] The suggested time interval information between two adjacent transmissions of reference signals indicates that Access Network Node 1 suggests that Access Network Node 2 transmit two reference signals at different time intervals, such as 1 millisecond, 2 milliseconds, z SFNs, or y time slots.

[0351] Optionally, the recommended time interval between two consecutive transmissions of the reference signal is related to the transmission delay between access network node 1 and access network node 2. For example, the greater the transmission delay, the larger the recommended time interval between two consecutive transmissions of the reference signal, in order to allow the terminal more measurement opportunities and avoid the terminal not having enough time to measure the reference signal after receiving information 3.

[0352] Optionally, when the above resource type information indicates a non-periodic resource, information 1 includes the above time interval information.

[0353] One possible implementation, for scenario 2 above, is that access network node 1 sends information 1 to access network node 2 through access network node 3. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in S404 above.

[0354] One possible implementation, for scenario 3 above, is that access network node 1 sends information 1 to access network node 2 through access network nodes 5 and 4. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in S404 above.

[0355] S705: Access network node 2 sends information 2 to access network node 1. Correspondingly, access network node 1 receives information 2 from access network node 2.

[0356] In one possible implementation, after receiving information 1, access network node 2 determines the resources of reference signal 2 in the first cell based on measurement result 2, and sends information 2 back to access network node 1. Information 2 may indicate the resources of reference signal 2 in the first cell. The resources of reference signal 2 belong to at least one resource indicated by configuration information 1. The resources of reference signal 2 are aperiodic or semi-static resources. In the following description, "the resources of reference signal 2" will be referred to as "reference signal resource 2".

[0357] One possible design is that reference signal 2 is associated with or corresponds to reference signal 1. For example, the beam direction of reference signal 2 is the same as or similar to the beam direction of reference signal 1.

[0358] As an example, reference signal 1 corresponds to a wide beam, and reference signal 2 corresponds to a narrow beam. For instance, reference signal 1 is a synchronization signal, such as SSB, and reference signal 2 is CSI-RS. As shown in Figure 5B, the beam of reference signal 1 is beam 1 in Figure 5B, and the beam of reference signal 2 is beam 2 or beam 3 in Figure 5B. In other words, in this example, access network node 2 can select a semi-static CSI-RS resource or an aperiodic CSI-RS resource from at least one resource based on the terminal's measurement result of the SSB of the first cell.

[0359] As another example, both reference signal 2 and reference signal 1 correspond to narrow beams. The resource of reference signal 1 is a periodic resource. For example, both reference signal 1 and reference signal 2 are CSI-RS. As shown in Figure 5C, if the beam of reference signal 1 is beam 2 in Figure 5C, then the beam of reference signal 2 is beam 1 or beam 3 in Figure 5C, or the beam direction of reference signal 2 is the same as the direction of beam 2 in Figure 5C. In other words, in this example, access network node 2 can select a semi-static CSI-RS resource or an aperiodic CSI-RS resource from at least one resource based on the measurement results of the terminal on the CSI-RS of the periodic resource type in the first cell.

[0360] One possible implementation is that the association or correspondence between reference signal 2 and reference signal 1 is pre-configured in access network node 2.

[0361] For example, access network node 2 may pre-store the association relationship between the SSB of the first cell and the CSI-RS of the first cell, or the association relationship between the CSI-RS of the first cell. Alternatively, OAM may configure the access network node 2 with the association relationship between the SSB of the first cell and the CSI-RS of the first cell, or the association relationship between the CSI-RS of the first cell.

[0362] One possible design is that information 2 includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of reference signal resource 2, indication information for confirming the transmission of reference signal 2, resource type information of reference signal resource 2, time information for transmitting reference signal 2, number of times reference signal 2 is transmitted, or time interval information between two adjacent transmissions of reference signal 2.

[0363] The identification information of the first cell is used to indicate the first cell, so that access network node 1 determines that information 2 is sent for the first cell. For example, the identification information of the first cell includes the ID of the first cell.

[0364] The identification information of reference signal resource 2 is used to indicate reference signal resource 2, so that access network node 1 determines that access network node 2 transmits a reference signal on reference signal resource 2. For example, the identification information of reference signal resource 2 includes the identifier of reference signal resource 2, or includes the identifier of the resource set corresponding to reference signal resource 2.

[0365] The confirmation information for transmitting reference signal 2 instructs access network node 2 to determine whether to transmit reference signal 2. For example, the confirmation information includes 1 bit, and the value of this 1 bit is "0" or "1", instructing access network node 2 to determine whether to transmit reference signal 2.

[0366] The resource type information of reference signal resource 2 indicates whether reference signal resource 2 is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource, enabling access network node 1 to determine whether access network node 2 transmits the reference signal on an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource. For example, the resource type information includes 1 bit, where a value of "0" indicates that reference signal resource 2 is an aperiodic resource, a value of "1" indicates that reference signal resource 2 is a semi-static resource, and vice versa.

[0367] It is understandable that the resource type of reference signal resource 2 may be the same as or different from the resource type indicated in information 1. If the resource type of reference signal resource 2 is the same as the resource type indicated in information 1, then information 2 may not include the aforementioned resource type information.

[0368] The timing information for transmitting reference signal 2 is used to indicate the time of transmission of reference signal 2, enabling access network node 1 to determine when access network node 2 transmits reference signal 2. For example, this timing information includes the start transmission time of reference signal 2. Another example is that this timing information includes one or more of the SFN, time slot identifier, or time domain symbol identifier corresponding to the start transmission time of reference signal 2. Yet another example is that this timing information includes the interval between the reference time domain position and the start transmission time of reference signal 2. Optionally, this timing information also includes information about the reference time domain position, such as one or more of the SFN, time slot identifier, or time domain symbol identifier corresponding to the reference time domain position. It is understood that the start transmission time of reference signal 2 may be the same as or different from the timing information indicated in information 1. If the start transmission time of reference signal 2 is the same as the timing information indicated in information 1, then information 2 may not include the aforementioned timing information.

[0369] The number of times reference signal 2 is transmitted is used to indicate the number of times reference signal 2 is transmitted (e.g., 1 time, 2 times, or 4 times), enabling access network node 1 to determine how many times access network node 2 transmits reference signal 2. For example, this number information may directly include the number of times reference signal 2 is transmitted, or it may include an identifier of that number, or it may include an identifier of the interval in which that number of transmissions occurs. The number of times reference signal 2 is transmitted may be the same as or different from the number indicated in information 1. If the number of times reference signal 2 is transmitted is the same as the number indicated in information 1, then information 2 may not include the aforementioned number information.

[0370] Optionally, when the resource type information of reference signal resource 2 indicates that reference signal resource 2 is an aperiodic resource, information 2 includes the aforementioned frequency information.

[0371] The time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of reference signal 2 indicates the time interval between two consecutive transmissions of reference signal 2, such as 1 millisecond, 2 milliseconds, z SFNs, or y time slots, so that access network node 1 can determine how long access network node 2 should transmit reference signal 2 once. The time interval of reference signal 2 can be the same as or different from the time interval indicated in information 1. If the time interval of reference signal 2 is the same as the time interval indicated in information 1, then information 2 may not include the aforementioned time interval information.

[0372] Optionally, when the resource type information of reference signal resource 2 indicates that reference signal resource 2 is an aperiodic resource, information 2 includes the time interval information between two adjacent transmissions of reference signal 2.

[0373] One possible implementation, for scenario 2 above, is that access network node 2 sends information 2 to access network node 1 through access network node 3. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in S405 above.

[0374] One possible implementation, for scenario 3 above, is that access network node 2 sends information 2 to access network node 1 through access network nodes 4 and 5. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in S405 above.

[0375] S706: Access network node 1 sends information 3 to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives information 3 from access network node 1.

[0376] Information 3 instructs the terminal to measure reference signal 2. For example, information 3 may include the identification information of reference signal 2, or the resource identification information of reference signal 2, or the identifier of the reporting configuration corresponding to the resource of reference signal 2. It should be understood that when there are multiple reference signals 2, access network node 1 may also instruct the terminal to measure a set of reference signal resources. For example, information 3 may include the identifier of the reference signal resource set, or the identifier of the reporting configuration corresponding to the reference signal resource set. Here, the set of reference signal resources may include resources of multiple reference signals 2. Subsequently, the terminal can obtain the resources of reference signal 2 from the resources indicated by configuration information 1 according to information 3, and measure reference signal 2 on those resources.

[0377] Optionally, information 3 is carried in DCI or MAC CE.

[0378] Optionally, if information 2 includes the time information for transmitting reference signal 2, access network node 1 can determine the time for transmitting information 3 based on the time information, so that the terminal can start measuring reference signal 2 at the time indicated by information 2.

[0379] Optionally, information 3 may indicate one or more of the following: the time of measuring reference signal 2, the number of times reference signal 2 is measured, or the time interval between two adjacent measurements of reference signal 2.

[0380] S707: Access network node 2 transmits reference signal 2 on reference signal resource 2, and correspondingly, the terminal measures reference signal 2.

[0381] S708: The terminal sends measurement result 3 to access network node 1. Correspondingly, access network node 1 receives measurement result 3 from the terminal.

[0382] Measurement result 3 can be an L1 measurement result. Measurement result 3 indicates the terminal's measurement result of reference signal 2. For example, measurement result 3 includes one or more of the following: the identifier of reference signal 2, the RSRP of reference signal 2, the SINR of reference signal 2, or the PMI of reference signal 2.

[0383] Understandably, access network node 1 can determine whether the terminal should switch to the first cell based on measurement result 3. For example, if the RSRP of reference signal 2, or the SINR of reference signal 2, is greater than or equal to a certain threshold, access network node 1 will determine to switch the terminal to the first cell.

[0384] Understandably, if access network node 1 determines to hand over the terminal to the first cell, access network node 1 can send a handover command to the terminal, instructing the terminal to hand over to the first cell and specifying the beam direction information that the terminal can use when communicating with the first cell. This beam direction information is determined based on the beam direction of reference signal 2. Access network node 1 can also send a cell switch notification message to access network node 2. Subsequently, the terminal can perform a handover, access the first cell, and perform uplink and downlink data transmission with the first cell after successful access. During the uplink and downlink data transmission with the first cell, the terminal can use the aforementioned beam direction information.

[0385] Optionally, access network node 1 can also instruct access network node 2 to stop transmitting reference signal 2. For example, access network node 1 sends indication information 3 to access network node 2. This indication information 3 instructs to stop transmitting reference signal 2. After receiving indication information 3, access network node 2 stops transmitting reference signal 2.

[0386] Based on the method shown in Figure 7, access network node 2 can determine the reference signal resources (such as reference signal resource 2 mentioned above) of a candidate cell (such as the first cell) and indicate them to access network node 1. Subsequently, access network node 2 can transmit reference signals on the aforementioned reference signal resources, and the terminal can measure the reference signals transmitted by access network node 2. Since the aforementioned reference signal resources are aperiodic or semi-static resources, frequent transmission of reference signals by access network node 2 can be avoided. Based on the method shown in Figure 7, access network node 2 can transmit reference signals at the required time. Therefore, the method shown in Figure 7 can reduce the transmission power consumption and air interface resource consumption of access network node 2, and can also reduce the measurement overhead of the terminal, saving terminal power consumption. In addition, since the first cell belongs to access network node 2, access network node 2 is more aware of the reference signal situation of the first cell, such as the relationship between the beam directions of different reference signals in the first cell. Therefore, access network node 2 can better select suitable aperiodic / semi-static reference signal resources.

[0387] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 7, there is a synchronization deviation between access network node 1 and access network node 2. Access network node 1 can obtain this synchronization deviation to determine the accurate time for access network node 2 to send reference signal 2, thereby sending information 3 to the terminal at an appropriate time, and / or making the suggested time information for sending the reference signal included in information 1 more accurate. The process by which access network node 1 obtains this synchronization deviation can be referred to the corresponding description above.

[0388] Understandably, in the method shown in Figure 4, access network node 1 determines the aperiodic / semi-static resources of the candidate cell, or access network node 1 and access network node 2 negotiate the aperiodic / semi-static resources of the candidate cell, thereby enabling the terminal to measure the aperiodic / semi-static resources of the candidate cell. In the method shown in Figure 7, access network node 2 determines the aperiodic / semi-static resources of the candidate cell and instructs it to access network node 1, thereby enabling the terminal to measure the aperiodic / semi-static resources of the candidate cell. In specific applications, CUs (such as access network nodes 3, 4, or 5 mentioned above) can also determine the aperiodic / semi-static resources of the candidate cell, which will be explained in detail below.

[0389] First, referring to Figure 2A, we will introduce the specific process by which access network node 3 determines the aperiodic / semi-static resources of candidate cells. In the method shown in Figure 8 below, access network node 1 is the source DU, such as DU 202 in Figure 2A, access network node 2 is the candidate / target DU, such as DU 203 in Figure 2A, access network node 3 is the CU that manages access network node 1 and access network node 2, such as CU 201 in Figure 2A, and the terminal can be any terminal accessing DU 202, such as terminal 120a in Figure 1.

[0390] As shown in Figure 8, another communication method provided in this application may include the following steps:

[0391] S801: Access network node 3 sends a terminal context establishment request message to access network node 2. Correspondingly, access network node 2 receives the terminal context establishment request message from access network node 3.

[0392] The terminal context establishment request message can instruct access network node 2 to provide configuration information for candidate cells.

[0393] Optionally, in order to ensure that the resources indicated by configuration information 1 in S802 include aperiodic resources or semi-static resources, the terminal context establishment request message may include corresponding indication information, instructing access network node 2 to provide aperiodic reference signal resources and / or semi-static reference signal resources.

[0394] S802: Access network node 2 sends a terminal context establishment response message to access network node 3. Correspondingly, access network node 3 receives the terminal context establishment response message from access network node 2.

[0395] The terminal context establishment response message includes configuration information 1. For a detailed description of configuration information 1, please refer to the corresponding description in S401 above.

[0396] S803: Access network node 3 sends configuration information 2 to access network node 1. Correspondingly, access network node 1 receives configuration information 2 from access network node 3.

[0397] Configuration information 2 is obtained from configuration information 1. For example, configuration information 2 is the same as configuration information 1, or the access network node 3 performs further processing on configuration information 1 (such as deleting information, adding information, encapsulating information, or decapsulating information, etc.) to obtain configuration information 2.

[0398] S804: Access network node 1 sends configuration information 3 to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives configuration information 3 from access network node 1.

[0399] Configuration information 3 is obtained from configuration information 2. For example, configuration information 3 is the same as configuration information 2, or access network node 1 performs further processing on configuration information 2 (such as deleting information, adding information, encapsulating information, or decapsulating information, etc.) to obtain configuration information 3.

[0400] S805: The terminal sends measurement result 1 to access network node 1. Correspondingly, access network node 1 receives measurement result 1 from the terminal.

[0401] Measurement result 1 can be a layer 3 (L3) measurement result. Measurement result 1 indicates the terminal's measurement result of reference signal 1 in the first cell. For example, measurement result 1 includes the RSRP or SINR of reference signal 1, and the identifier of reference signal 1. The resource of reference signal 1 may or may not belong to at least one resource indicated by configuration information 1, without restriction. The measurement result of reference signal 1 meets certain conditions, for example, the RSRP / SINR of reference signal 1 is greater than or equal to a certain threshold value, that is, for the terminal, the signal quality of reference signal 1 is good.

[0402] Optionally, measurement result 1 may also include the measurement result of the terminal's reference signal to the serving cell, so that access network node 1 or access network node 3 can determine whether to hand over the terminal to the first cell. For example, measurement result 1 may include the measurement result of the terminal's SSB to the serving cell, and / or the measurement result of the terminal's CSI-RS to the serving cell.

[0403] Understandably, L3 measurement results refer to measurement results sent by the RRC layer. Therefore, access network node 1 can send measurement result 1 to access network node 3 for parsing.

[0404] S806: Access network node 1 sends measurement result 1 to access network node 3. Correspondingly, access network node 3 receives measurement result 1 from access network node 1.

[0405] One possible implementation is that access network node 1 sends measurement result 1 to access network node 3 via the F1 interface.

[0406] S807: Access network node 3 sends information 1 to access network node 2. Correspondingly, access network node 2 receives information 1 from access network node 3.

[0407] In one possible implementation, after receiving measurement result 1, access network node 3 determines the resources of reference signal 2 in the first cell based on measurement result 1 and sends information 1 to access network node 2. Information 1 may indicate the resources of reference signal 2 in the first cell. The resources of reference signal 2 belong to at least one resource indicated by configuration information 1. The resources of reference signal 2 are aperiodic or semi-static resources. In the following description, "the resources of reference signal 2" will be referred to as "reference signal resource 2".

[0408] One possible design is that reference signal 2 is associated with or corresponds to reference signal 1. For example, the beam direction of reference signal 2 is the same as or similar to the beam direction of reference signal 1.

[0409] As an example, reference signal 1 corresponds to a wide beam, and reference signal 2 corresponds to a narrow beam. For instance, reference signal 1 is a synchronization signal, such as SSB, and reference signal 2 is CSI-RS. As shown in Figure 5B, the beam of reference signal 1 is beam 1 in Figure 5B, and the beam of reference signal 2 is beam 2 or beam 3 in Figure 5B. In other words, in this example, access network node 2 can select a semi-static CSI-RS resource or an aperiodic CSI-RS resource from at least one resource based on the terminal's measurement result of the SSB of the first cell.

[0410] As another example, both reference signal 2 and reference signal 1 correspond to narrow beams. The resource of reference signal 1 is a periodic resource. For example, both reference signal 1 and reference signal 2 are CSI-RS. As shown in Figure 5C, if the beam of reference signal 1 is beam 2 in Figure 5C, then the beam of reference signal 2 is beam 1 or beam 3 in Figure 5C, or the beam direction of reference signal 2 is the same as the direction of beam 2 in Figure 5C. In other words, in this example, access network node 2 can select a semi-static CSI-RS resource or an aperiodic CSI-RS resource from at least one resource based on the measurement results of the terminal on the CSI-RS of the periodic resource type in the first cell.

[0411] Understandably, in order to implement the above scheme, access network node 3 also needs to obtain the association or correspondence between reference signal 2 and reference signal 1.

[0412] One possible implementation is that the association or correspondence between reference signal 2 and reference signal 1 is pre-configured in access network node 3.

[0413] For example, the access network node 3 may pre-store the association relationship between the SSB of the first cell and the CSI-RS of the first cell, or the association relationship between the CSI-RS of the first cell. Alternatively, the OAM may configure the access network node 3 with the association relationship between the SSB of the first cell and the CSI-RS of the first cell, or the association relationship between the CSI-RS of the first cell.

[0414] Another possible implementation is that configuration information 1 can indicate that reference signal 2 is associated with reference signal 1. For example, configuration information 1 includes indication information 2, which indicates that reference signal 2 is associated with reference signal 1. Specifically, refer to the corresponding description in S403 above.

[0415] One possible design is that information 1 includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of reference signal resource 2, resource type information of reference signal resource 2, time information for transmitting reference signal 2, number of times reference signal 2 is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of reference signal 2, or indication information for initiating transmission of reference signal 2. For details, please refer to the description of information 2 in S705 above.

[0416] In addition, the indication information for initiating the transmission of reference signal 2 is used to indicate the initiation of transmission of reference signal 2. For example, the indication information includes 1 bit, and the value of this 1 bit is "0" or "1" to indicate the initiation of transmission of reference signal 2.

[0417] Optionally, access network node 2 sends a response to information 1 to access network node 3. After receiving the response, access network node 3 can determine that access network node 2 has received information 1, or determine that access network node 2 has confirmed the transmission of reference signal 2.

[0418] S808: Access network node 3 sends information 2 to access network node 1. Correspondingly, access network node 1 receives information 2 from access network node 3.

[0419] Information 2 can indicate the resources of reference signal 2 in the first cell, i.e., reference signal resource 2.

[0420] One possible design is that information 2 includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of reference signal resource 2, resource type information of reference signal resource 2, time information for transmitting reference signal 2, number of times reference signal 2 is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of reference signal 2, or indication information for initiating transmission of reference signal 2. For details, please refer to the description of information 2 in S705 above.

[0421] In addition, the indication information for initiating the transmission of reference signal 2 is used to indicate the initiation of transmission of reference signal 2. For example, the indication information includes 1 bit, and the value of this 1 bit is "0" or "1" to indicate the initiation of transmission of reference signal 2.

[0422] One possible implementation is that after receiving the response information of information 1, access network node 3 sends information 2 to access network node 1.

[0423] Understandably, this application does not restrict the execution order of S805 and S806. For example, S805 can be executed first, followed by S806, or S806 can be executed first, followed by S805, or both S805 and S806 can be executed simultaneously.

[0424] S809: Access network node 1 sends information 3 to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives information 3 from access network node 1.

[0425] S810: Access network node 2 transmits reference signal 2 on reference signal resource 2, and correspondingly, the terminal measures reference signal 2.

[0426] S811: The terminal sends measurement result 3 to access network node 1. Correspondingly, access network node 1 receives measurement result 3 from the terminal.

[0427] Understandably, the specific processes of S809 to S811 are similar to those of S706 to S708 above. You can refer to the corresponding descriptions in S706 to S708, and will not repeat them here.

[0428] Based on the method shown in Figure 8, access network node 3 can determine the reference signal resources (such as reference signal resource 2 mentioned above) of a candidate cell (such as the first cell) and indicate them to access network node 1 and access network node 2. Subsequently, access network node 2 can transmit reference signals on the aforementioned reference signal resources, and the terminal can measure the reference signals transmitted by access network node 2. Since the aforementioned reference signal resources are aperiodic or semi-static resources, frequent transmission of reference signals by access network node 2 can be avoided. Based on the method shown in Figure 8, access network node 2 can transmit reference signals at the required time. Therefore, the method shown in Figure 8 can reduce the transmission power consumption and air interface resource consumption of access network node 2, and can also reduce the measurement overhead of the terminal, saving terminal power consumption. In addition, compared with scenario 2 in the method shown in Figure 4 and scenario 2 in the method shown in Figure 7, the number of signaling interactions between access network node 1, access network node 2, and access network node 3 is less, which can save signaling overhead.

[0429] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 8, there is a synchronization deviation between access network node 1 and access network node 2. Access network node 1 can obtain this synchronization deviation to determine the accurate time for access network node 2 to send reference signal 2, thereby sending information 3 to the terminal at the appropriate time. The process by which access network node 1 obtains this synchronization deviation can be referred to the corresponding description above.

[0430] The following describes the specific process by which access network node 5 determines the aperiodic / semi-static resources of candidate cells, with reference to Figure 2B. In the method shown in Figure 9 below, access network node 1 is the source DU, for example, DU 213 in Figure 2B; access network node 2 is the candidate / target DU, for example, DU 214 in Figure 2B; access network node 4 is the CU (also called candidate / target CU) that manages access network node 2, for example, CU 212 in Figure 2B; access network node 5 is the CU (also called source CU) that manages access network node 1, for example, CU 211 in Figure 2B; and the terminal can be any terminal of access DU 202, such as terminal 120a in Figure 1.

[0431] As shown in Figure 9, another communication method provided in this application may include the following steps:

[0432] S901: Access network node 5 sends a handover request to access network node 4. Correspondingly, access network node 4 receives the handover request from access network node 5.

[0433] Access network node 4 manages access network node 2. A handover request can indicate / request the relevant configuration of a candidate cell.

[0434] S902: Access network node 4 sends a terminal context establishment request message to access network node 2. Correspondingly, access network node 2 receives the terminal context establishment request message from access network node 4.

[0435] The terminal context establishment request message can instruct access network node 2 to provide configuration information for candidate cells.

[0436] Optionally, in order to ensure that the resources indicated by the configuration information 1 of S903 include aperiodic resources or semi-static resources, the terminal context establishment request message may include corresponding indication information, instructing the access network node 2 to provide aperiodic reference signal resources and / or semi-static reference signal resources.

[0437] S903: Access network node 2 sends a terminal context establishment response message to access network node 4. Correspondingly, access network node 4 receives the terminal context establishment response message from access network node 2.

[0438] The terminal context establishment response message includes configuration information 1. For a detailed description of configuration information 1, please refer to the corresponding description in S401 above.

[0439] S904: Access network node 4 sends a handover request confirmation message to access network node 5. Correspondingly, access network node 5 receives the handover request confirmation message from access network node 4.

[0440] The handover request confirmation message includes configuration information 2. Configuration information 2 is obtained from configuration information 1. For example, configuration information 2 is the same as configuration information 1, or the access network node 4 performs further processing on configuration information 1 (such as deleting information, adding information, encapsulating information, or decapsulating information, etc.) to obtain configuration information 2.

[0441] S905: Access network node 5 sends configuration information 3 to access network node 1. Correspondingly, access network node 1 receives configuration information 3 from access network node 5.

[0442] Configuration information 3 is obtained from configuration information 2. For example, configuration information 3 is the same as configuration information 2, or the access network node 5 performs further processing on configuration information 2 (such as deleting information, adding information, encapsulating information, or decapsulating information, etc.) to obtain configuration information 3.

[0443] S906: Access network node 1 sends configuration information 4 to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives configuration information 4 from access network node 1.

[0444] Configuration information 4 is obtained from configuration information 3. For example, configuration information 4 is the same as configuration information 3, or access network node 1 performs further processing on configuration information 3 (such as deleting information, adding information, encapsulating information, or decapsulating information, etc.) to obtain configuration information 4.

[0445] S907: The terminal sends measurement result 1 to access network node 1. Correspondingly, access network node 1 receives measurement result 1 from the terminal.

[0446] Measurement result 1 can be an L3 measurement result. Measurement result 1 indicates the terminal's measurement result of reference signal 1 of the first cell. For a detailed description of measurement result 1, please refer to the corresponding description in S805 above.

[0447] S908: Access network node 1 sends measurement result 1 to access network node 5. Correspondingly, access network node 5 receives measurement result 1 from access network node 1.

[0448] One possible implementation is that access network node 1 sends measurement result 1 to access network node 5 via the F1 interface.

[0449] S909: Access network node 5 sends information 1 to access network node 2 through access network node 4. Correspondingly, access network node 2 receives information 1 from access network node 5 through access network node 4.

[0450] One possible implementation is that after receiving measurement result 1, access network node 5 determines the resources of reference signal 2 in the first cell based on measurement result 1 and sends information 1. After receiving information 1, access network node 4 can forward information 1 to access network node 2, or perform further processing on information 1, such as deleting information, adding information, encapsulating information, or decapsulating information, and then send the processed information to access network node 2.

[0451] Information 1 can indicate the resources of reference signal 2 in the first cell. The resources of reference signal 2 belong to at least one resource indicated by configuration information 2. The resources of reference signal 2 are aperiodic resources or semi-static resources. For a description of information 1, please refer to the description of information 1 in S807 above.

[0452] One possible design is that reference signal 2 is associated with or corresponds to reference signal 1. For example, the beam direction of reference signal 2 is the same as or similar to the beam direction of reference signal 1. Detailed descriptions of reference information 2 and reference signal 1 can be found in the corresponding description in S807 above.

[0453] Understandably, access network node 5 can also obtain the correlation or correspondence between reference signal 2 and reference signal 1.

[0454] One possible implementation is that the association or correspondence between reference signal 2 and reference signal 1 is pre-configured in access network node 5. Alternatively, configuration information 2 can indicate that reference signal 2 is associated with reference signal 1. For example, configuration information 2 includes indication information 2, which indicates that reference signal 2 is associated with reference signal 1. Specifically, refer to the corresponding description in S403 above.

[0455] Optionally, access network node 2 sends a response to information 1 to access network node 5 through access network node 4. After receiving the response, access network node 5 can determine that access network node 2 has received information 1, or determine that access network node 2 has confirmed the transmission of reference signal 2.

[0456] S910: Access network node 5 sends information 2 to access network node 1. Correspondingly, access network node 1 receives information 2 from access network node 5.

[0457] Information 2 can indicate the resources of reference signal 2 in the first cell, i.e., reference signal resource 2.

[0458] One possible design is that information 2 includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of reference signal resource 2, resource type information of reference signal resource 2, time information for transmitting reference signal 2, number of times reference signal 2 is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of reference signal 2, or indication information for initiating transmission of reference signal 2. For details, please refer to the description of information 2 in S705 above.

[0459] In addition, the indication information for initiating the transmission of reference signal 2 is used to indicate the initiation of transmission of reference signal 2. For example, the indication information includes 1 bit, and the value of this 1 bit is "0" or "1" to indicate the initiation of transmission of reference signal 2.

[0460] One possible implementation is that after receiving the response information of information 1, access network node 5 sends information 2 to access network node 1.

[0461] Understandably, this application does not restrict the execution order of S909 and S910. For example, S909 can be executed first, followed by S910, or S910 can be executed first, followed by S909, or both S909 and S910 can be executed simultaneously.

[0462] S911: Access network node 1 sends information 3 to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives information 3 from access network node 1.

[0463] S912: Access network node 2 transmits reference signal 2 on reference signal resource 2, and correspondingly, the terminal measures reference signal 2.

[0464] S913: The terminal sends measurement result 3 to access network node 1. Correspondingly, access network node 1 receives measurement result 3 from the terminal.

[0465] Understandably, the specific processes of S911 to S913 are similar to those of S706 to S708, and can be referred to the corresponding descriptions in S706 to S708, so they will not be repeated here.

[0466] Based on the method shown in Figure 9, access network node 5 can determine the reference signal resources (such as reference signal resource 2 mentioned above) of a candidate cell (such as the first cell) and indicate them to access network node 1 and access network node 2. Subsequently, access network node 2 can transmit reference signals on the aforementioned reference signal resources, and the terminal can measure the reference signals transmitted by access network node 2. Since the aforementioned reference signal resources are aperiodic or semi-static resources, frequent transmission of reference signals by access network node 2 can be avoided. Based on the method shown in Figure 9, access network node 2 can transmit reference signals at the required time. Therefore, the method shown in Figure 9 can reduce the transmission power consumption and air interface resource consumption of access network node 2, and can also reduce the measurement overhead of the terminal, saving terminal power consumption.

[0467] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 9, there is a synchronization deviation between access network node 1 and access network node 2. Access network node 1 can obtain this synchronization deviation to determine the accurate time for access network node 2 to send reference signal 2, thereby sending information 3 to the terminal at the appropriate time. The process by which access network node 1 obtains this synchronization deviation can be referred to the corresponding description above.

[0468] Understandably, in specific applications, access network node 4 can also determine the reference signal resources of candidate cells. For example, in the method shown in Figure 9, after receiving measurement result 1 in S908, access network node 5 can send measurement result 1 to access network node 4. After receiving measurement result 1, access network node 4 can determine the resources of reference signal 2 in the first cell based on measurement result 1, and send information 1 to access network node 2, and send information 2 to access network node 1 through access network node 5. The contents of information 1 and information 2 can be referred to in the method shown in Figure 9. Subsequent steps can be as shown in S911 to S913.

[0469] Optionally, access network node 5 may also send one or more of the following information to access network node 4 so that access network node 4 can determine the resources of the aforementioned reference signal 2: identification information of the reference signal resources suggested by access network node 5, resource type information suggested by access network node 5, time information of sending reference signals suggested by access network node 5, number of times of sending reference signals suggested by access network node 5, or time interval information of two adjacent transmissions of reference signals suggested by access network node 5, etc.

[0470] It is understood that the actions of access network nodes 1 to 5 or the terminal in the above steps can be executed by the processor 301 in the communication device 30 shown in Figure 3 calling the application code stored in the memory 303. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0471] The methods shown in Figure 4 and Figures 7-9 above illustrate the methods provided in this application in specific communication scenarios. However, it should be understood that the methods provided in this application are not limited to the above communication scenarios. To better understand the core idea of ​​this application, further explanation is provided below with reference to Figures 10 and 11. In the method shown in Figure 10 or Figure 11, the first access network node corresponds to access network node 1 mentioned above, the second access network node corresponds to access network node 2 mentioned above, and the third access network node corresponds to access network node 3, access network node 4, or access network node 5 mentioned above. The terminal is currently connected to the first access network node.

[0472] As shown in Figure 10, another communication method provided in this application may include the following steps:

[0473] S1001: The first access network node sends first information to the second access network node. Correspondingly, the second access network node receives the first information from the first access network node.

[0474] The first information instruction sends a reference signal to the terminal.

[0475] Understandably, the first information can explicitly instruct the second access network node to send a reference signal to the terminal. For example, the first information may include an indication that instructs the second access network node to send a reference signal to the terminal. Alternatively, the first information can implicitly instruct the second access network node to send a reference signal to the terminal. For example, the first information may include the terminal's measurement result of the reference signal in the first cell of the second access network node. After receiving the first information, the second access network node detects that the first information includes the aforementioned measurement result and can determine that the first access network node has instructed to send a reference signal to the terminal.

[0476] Understandably, the reference signal indicated by the first information can be a general reference signal or a specific reference signal. For example, the first access network node may suggest a reference signal to be sent, or a resource for sending a reference signal, to the second access network node. In this case, the first information may indicate a specific reference signal suggested by the first access network node. Alternatively, the first access network node may not suggest a reference signal to be sent, or a resource for sending a reference signal, to the second access network node. In this case, the reference signal indicated by the first information is a general reference signal. The following sections will elaborate on these two scenarios.

[0477] Case 1: The first access network node proposes to the second access network node a resource for sending a reference signal (as described below as the second resource).

[0478] One possible implementation is that the first access network node acquires the second resource and indicates the second resource to the second access network node through the first information; that is, the first information can indicate the second resource.

[0479] The second resource is the resource of the third reference signal in the first cell. The second resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource. The third reference signal is the reference signal proposed by the first access network node.

[0480] One possible design includes one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of the second resource, resource type information of the second resource, time information for transmitting the third reference signal in the first cell, number of times the third reference signal is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the third reference signal, or indication information for initiating reference signal transmission. The resource type information of the second resource indicates whether the second resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0481] For example, the second resource is the resource of reference signal 1 in the method shown in Figure 4 (i.e., reference signal resource 1), the third reference signal is reference signal 1 in the method shown in Figure 4, and the first information is information 1 in the method shown in Figure 4. For a detailed description of the second resource and the first information, please refer to the description of reference signal resource 1 and information 1 in the method shown in Figure 4; it will not be repeated here.

[0482] Scenario 2: The first access network node does not suggest resources for sending reference signals to the second access network node.

[0483] One possible design involves the first information including a first measurement result, which enables the second access network node to determine the resources for transmitting the reference signal based on the first measurement result. The first measurement result is the terminal's measurement result of a second reference signal in the first cell.

[0484] Optionally, the first information may further include one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, resource type information of the suggested terminal-measured reference signal, suggested time information for transmitting the reference signal, suggested number of times the reference signal is transmitted, or suggested time interval information between two adjacent transmissions of the reference signal. Wherein, the suggested resource type information of the terminal-measured reference signal indicates aperiodic resources or semi-static resources.

[0485] For example, the first information is information 1 in the method shown in Figure 7, the first measurement result is measurement result 2 in the method shown in Figure 7, and the second reference signal is reference signal 1 in the method shown in Figure 7. For a detailed description of the first information and the first measurement result, please refer to the description of information 1 and measurement result 2 in the method shown in Figure 7; it will not be repeated here.

[0486] S1002: The first access network node and the second access network node acquire the first resource.

[0487] Here, the first resource is the resource of the first reference signal in the first cell. The first reference signal is used by the terminal to measure the signal quality of the first cell; for example, the first reference signal is used by the terminal to measure the signal quality in the beam direction corresponding to the first reference signal. The first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0488] The specific process of S1002 is described below for situations 1 and 2.

[0489] In scenario 1 above: the second access network node can determine whether to use the second resource to send a reference signal.

[0490] If the second access network node determines that it will use the second resource to transmit the reference signal, it can send an acknowledgment message to the first access network node, indicating confirmation that the second resource will be used to transmit the reference signal. For example, the acknowledgment message may include one bit, where the value of the one bit is either "0" or "1," indicating confirmation that the second resource will be used to transmit the reference signal. In this case, the second resource is the same as the first resource, and the first reference signal is the same as the third reference signal. After receiving the acknowledgment message, the first access network node can determine the first resource.

[0491] If the second access network node determines that it will not use the second resource to send a reference signal, the second access network node can acquire the first resource and indicate the first resource to the first access network node.

[0492] One possible implementation is that the second access network node sends third information to the first access network node. This third information indicates the first resource. Upon receiving the third information, the first access network node can then acquire the first resource based on that information.

[0493] One possible design includes one or more of the following third information: identification information of the first cell, identification information of the first resource, indication information for confirming the transmission of the first reference signal, resource type information of the first resource, time information for transmitting the first reference signal, number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal, or indication information for initiating the transmission of the first reference signal. The resource type information of the first resource indicates whether the first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0494] For example, the first resource is the resource of reference signal 3 in the method shown in Figure 4 (i.e., reference signal resource 3), the first reference signal is reference signal 3 in the method shown in Figure 4, and the third information is information 2 in the method shown in Figure 4. For a detailed description of the first resource and the third information, please refer to the description of reference signal resource 3 and information 2 in the method shown in Figure 4, which will not be repeated here.

[0495] For scenario 2 above: the second access network node can determine the first resource based on the first information (such as the first measurement result in the first information).

[0496] One possible design is that the second reference signal is associated with the first reference signal. In this way, the second access network node can determine the resource of the first reference signal (i.e., the first resource) based on the terminal's measurement result of the second reference signal (i.e., the first measurement result). Understandably, the beam direction of the first reference signal is similar to or the same as the beam direction of the second reference signal.

[0497] Optionally, the second reference signal is a synchronization signal, such as an SSB; or, the resource of the second reference signal is a periodic resource.

[0498] Understandably, after the second access network node determines the first resource, it can indicate the first resource to the first access network node.

[0499] One possible implementation is that the second access network node sends third information to the first access network node. This third information indicates the first resource. Upon receiving the third information, the first access network node can then acquire the first resource based on that information.

[0500] One possible design includes one or more of the following third information: identification information of the first cell, identification information of the first resource, indication information confirming the transmission of the first reference signal, resource type information of the first resource, time information for transmitting the first reference signal, number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, or time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal. The resource type information of the first resource indicates whether the first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0501] For example, the first resource is the resource of reference signal 2 in the method shown in Figure 7 (i.e., reference signal resource 2), the first reference signal is reference signal 2 in the method shown in Figure 7, the second reference signal is reference signal 1 in the method shown in Figure 7, and the third information is information 2 in the method shown in Figure 7. For a detailed description of the first resource and the third information, please refer to the description of reference signal resource 2 and information 2 in the method shown in Figure 7; it will not be repeated here.

[0502] In addition to the methods described above, the first access network node and the second access network node can also obtain the first resource from the third access network node. The third access network node is used to manage the first access network node and / or the second access network node. In this scenario, the method shown in Figure 10 may exclude S1001; that is, the first access network node may not send the first information to the second access network node.

[0503] One possible implementation involves a third access network node acquiring a third measurement result and determining a first resource based on that result. Subsequently, the third access network node can indicate the first resource to the first and second access network nodes. The third measurement result is the terminal's measurement of the fifth reference signal in the first cell.

[0504] One possible design is that the fifth reference signal is associated with the first reference signal. In this way, the third access network node can determine the resource of the first reference signal (i.e., the first resource) based on the terminal's measurement result of the fifth reference signal (i.e., the third measurement result). Understandably, the beam direction of the first reference signal is similar to or the same as the beam direction of the fifth reference signal.

[0505] Optionally, the fifth reference signal may be a synchronization signal, such as an SSB; or the resource of the fifth reference signal may be a periodic resource.

[0506] Optionally, the third access network node can obtain the correlation between the fifth reference signal and the first reference signal, and then determine the first resource based on this correlation and the third measurement result. For example, the second access network node sends third indication information to the third access network node. Correspondingly, the third access network node receives the third indication information from the second access network node. The third indication information indicates that the fifth reference signal is associated with the first reference signal.

[0507] After the third access network node determines the first resource, it can send fourth information to the first access network node. The fourth information indicates the first resource. Upon receiving the fourth information, the first access network node can obtain the first resource based on it. Optionally, the fourth information can be used by the first access network node to instruct the terminal to measure the first reference signal.

[0508] After the third access network node determines the first resource, it sends fifth information to the second access network node. The fifth information indicates the first resource, or instructs the second access network node to send a first reference signal on the first resource. Upon receiving the fifth information, the second access network node can acquire the first resource based on it. Subsequently, the second access network node can also send a first reference signal on the first resource.

[0509] One possible design includes the fourth or fifth information comprising one or more of the following: identification information of the first cell, identification information of the first resource, resource type information of the first resource, time information for transmitting the first reference signal, number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal, or indication information for initiating transmission of the first reference signal. The resource type information of the first resource indicates whether the first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

[0510] As an example, the third access network node is access network node 3 in the method shown in Figure 8, the third measurement result is measurement result 1 in the method shown in Figure 8, the fifth reference signal is reference signal 1 in the method shown in Figure 8, the first resource is the resource of reference signal 2 (i.e., reference signal resource 2) in the method shown in Figure 8, the fourth information is information 2 in the method shown in Figure 8, the fifth information is information 1 in the method shown in Figure 8, and the third indication information is indication information 2 in the method shown in Figure 8. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in the method shown in Figure 8.

[0511] As another example, the third access network node is access network node 4 or access network node 5 in the method shown in Figure 9, the third measurement result is measurement result 1 in the method shown in Figure 9, the fifth reference signal is reference signal 1 in the method shown in Figure 9, the first resource is the resource of reference signal 2 in the method shown in Figure 9 (i.e., reference signal resource 2), the first reference signal is reference signal 2 in the method shown in Figure 9, the fourth information is information 2 in the method shown in Figure 9, the fifth information is information 1 in the method shown in Figure 9, and the third indication information is indication information 2 in the method shown in Figure 9. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in the method shown in Figure 9.

[0512] S1003: The first access network node sends the second information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the second information from the first access network node.

[0513] The second information indicates the measurement of the first reference signal. This second information can be information 3 from the methods shown in Figure 4 or Figures 7-9; for details, please refer to the corresponding descriptions in the aforementioned methods.

[0514] S1004: The second access network node transmits a first reference signal on the first resource. Correspondingly, the terminal measures the first reference signal.

[0515] Optionally, the terminal measures the first reference signal to obtain the measurement result. The terminal can also send the measurement result to the first access network node so that the first access network node can determine whether to switch the terminal to the first cell.

[0516] Optionally, the first access network node sends a second indication message to the second access network node. Correspondingly, the second access network node receives the second indication message from the first access network node. The second indication message indicates that the transmission of the first reference signal should be stopped.

[0517] For example, after receiving the measurement result of the first reference signal, the first access network node sends a second indication message to the second access network node to instruct the second access network node to stop sending the first reference signal, so as to save the overhead of the second access network node sending the reference signal.

[0518] Based on the method shown in Figure 10, the first access network node and the second access network node can acquire the first resource, and the first access network node can also instruct the terminal to measure on the first resource. Subsequently, the second access network node can transmit a first reference signal on the first resource, and the terminal can measure the first reference signal on the first resource. Since the first resource is an aperiodic or semi-static resource, frequent transmission of the first reference signal by the second access network node can be avoided. Based on the method shown in Figure 10, the second access network node can transmit the reference signal at the required time. Therefore, the method shown in Figure 10 can reduce the transmission power consumption and air interface resource consumption of the second access network node, and can also reduce the measurement overhead of the terminal, saving terminal power consumption.

[0519] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 10, for case 1 above, the first access network node obtains the measurement result of the terminal's reference signal for the first cell from the terminal, and obtains the second resource based on the measurement result. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the method shown in Figure 10 further includes the following steps:

[0520] S1000a: The terminal sends the second measurement result to the first access network node. Correspondingly, the first access network node receives the second measurement result from the terminal.

[0521] The second measurement result indicates the terminal's measurement result of the fourth reference signal of the first cell. The fourth reference signal is associated with the third reference signal. The fourth reference signal is a synchronization signal, such as an SSB; or the resource of the fourth reference signal is a periodic resource.

[0522] For example, the second measurement result is measurement result 1 in the method shown in Figure 4, the fourth reference signal is reference signal 2 in the method shown in Figure 4, the third reference signal is reference signal 1 in the method shown in Figure 4, and the second resource is the resource of reference signal 1 in the method shown in Figure 4 (i.e., reference signal resource 1). Specifically, refer to the corresponding description in the method shown in Figure 4.

[0523] Understandably, the specific process of S1000a can be referred to the corresponding description in S403 above.

[0524] Understandably, besides the methods described above, the first access network node can also obtain the second resource based on the terminal's location information. Specifically, refer to the process in S403 where access network node 1 obtains the resource of reference signal 1.

[0525] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 10, for case 1 above, the first access network node can obtain the correlation between the third reference signal and the fourth reference signal, so as to obtain the second resource based on the correlation and the second measurement result. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the method shown in Figure 10 further includes the following steps:

[0526] S1000b: The second access network node / third access network node sends a first indication message to the first access network node. Correspondingly, the first access network node receives the first indication message.

[0527] The first indication information indicates that the fourth reference signal is associated with the third reference signal. For example, the first indication information is indication information 2 in the method shown in Figure 4.

[0528] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 10, the first access network node can obtain the configuration of the reference signal resources of the first cell, so that the first access network node can determine the first resource based on the configuration. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the method shown in Figure 10 further includes the following steps:

[0529] S1000c: The second access network node / third access network node sends the first configuration information to the first access network node. Correspondingly, the first access network node receives the first configuration information.

[0530] The first configuration information indicates at least one resource. The at least one resource is a resource of the reference signal of the first cell. The at least one resource includes aperiodic resources or semi-static resources. It is understood that the aforementioned first resource belongs to at least one resource.

[0531] For example, the first configuration information is configuration information 1 in the method shown in Figure 4, or configuration information 1 in the method shown in Figure 7, or configuration information 2 in the method shown in Figure 8, or configuration information 3 in the method shown in Figure 9.

[0532] Optionally, after receiving the first configuration information, the first access network node may send third configuration information to the terminal so that the terminal can determine the first resource in conjunction with the second information. The third configuration information is obtained based on the first configuration information. For example, the first access network node may further process the first configuration information, such as deleting information, adding information, encapsulating information, or decapsulating information, to obtain the third configuration information.

[0533] It is understandable that the third configuration information and the first configuration information can be the same or different.

[0534] For example, the third configuration information is configuration information 1 in the method shown in Figure 4, or configuration information 1 in the method shown in Figure 7, or configuration information 3 in the method shown in Figure 8, or configuration information 4 in the method shown in Figure 9.

[0535] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 10, the third access network node can obtain the configuration of the reference signal resources of the first cell, so that the third access network node can determine the first resource based on the configuration, or so that the third access network node can send the first configuration information to the first access network node. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the method shown in Figure 10 further includes the following steps:

[0536] S1000d: The second access network node sends the second configuration information to the third access network node. Correspondingly, the third access network node receives the second configuration information from the second access network node.

[0537] The second configuration information indicates at least one resource. The at least one resource is a resource of the reference signal of the first cell. The at least one resource includes aperiodic resources or semi-static resources. It is understood that the aforementioned first resource belongs to at least one resource.

[0538] For example, the second configuration information is configuration information 1 in the method shown in Figure 8, or configuration information 1 in the method shown in Figure 9.

[0539] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 10, there is a synchronization deviation between the first access network node and the second access network node. The first access network node can obtain this synchronization deviation to determine the accurate time when the second access network node sends the first reference signal, thereby sending the second information to the terminal at an appropriate time, and / or making the time information included in the first information more accurate. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the method shown in Figure 10 further includes the following steps:

[0540] S1000e: The terminal / second access network node / third access network node sends the first timing information to the first access network node. Correspondingly, the first access network node receives the first timing information.

[0541] The first timing information indicates the synchronization deviation between the first access network node and the second access network node.

[0542] For example, the first timing information can be timing information 1, timing information 2, timing information 3, or timing information 4 in the methods shown in Figure 4, Figures 7 to 9.

[0543] Understandably, this application does not restrict the execution order of S1000a to S1000e. Provided that there is no logical contradiction, the execution order of S1000a to S1000e can be arbitrarily changed.

[0544] It is understood that the actions of the first access network node, the second access network node, the third access network node, or the terminal in the above steps can be executed by the processor 301 in the communication device 30 shown in Figure 3 calling the application code stored in the memory 303. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0545] It should be understood that in this application, the methods shown in Figure 4 and the steps or technical features with the same function in the methods shown in Figures 7 to 11 can be referenced and learned from each other.

[0546] The various embodiments mentioned above in this application can be combined without contradiction, and no limitation is imposed.

[0547] The above mainly describes the solution provided in this application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. Correspondingly, this application also provides a communication device, which can be a terminal in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the terminal, or a component usable in a terminal; or, the communication device can be an access network node in the above method embodiments (such as access network node 1 to access network node 5, the first access network node, the second access network node, or the third access network node, etc. in the above embodiments), or a device containing the access network node, or a component usable in an access network node. It is understood that the above-mentioned terminal or access network node, etc., includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function in order to achieve the above functions. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the unit and algorithm operations of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware 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.

[0548] This application can divide the terminal or access network node into functional modules based on the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It is understood that the module division in this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0549] For example, when functional modules are integrated, Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of a communication device 1200. The communication device 1200 includes an interface module 1201 and a processing module 1202. The interface module 1201, also called an interface unit, is used to perform transmit and receive operations; for example, it can be an interface circuit, transceiver, or communication interface. The processing module 1202, also called a processing unit, is used to perform operations other than transmit and receive operations; for example, it can be a processing circuit or a processor.

[0550] In some embodiments, the communication device 1200 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG12) for storing program instructions and data.

[0551] In some embodiments, the communication device 1200 may further include an AI module (not shown in FIG12) for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the AI ​​module includes an RIC module. Optionally, the AI ​​module and the storage module are integrated into one module, or the AI ​​module and the processing module 1202 are integrated into one module.

[0552] For example, the communication device 1200 is used to implement the functions of a first access network node. The communication device 1200 is, for example, the first access network node described in the embodiment shown in FIG10, or the embodiment shown in FIG11.

[0553] The interface module 1201 is used to send first information to the second access network node. For example, the interface module 1201 can be used to execute S1001.

[0554] Processing module 1202 is used to acquire the first resource. For example, processing module 1202 can be used to execute S1002.

[0555] Interface module 1201 is also used to send second information to the terminal. For example, interface module 1201 is also used to execute S1003.

[0556] When used to implement the functions of the first access network node, other functions that the communication device 1200 can implement can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown in FIG10 or FIG11, which will not be elaborated further.

[0557] Alternatively, by way of example, the communication device 1200 is used to implement the functions of a second access network node. The communication device 1200 is, for example, the second access network node described in the embodiment shown in FIG10 or the embodiment shown in FIG11.

[0558] The interface module 1201 is used to receive first information from the first access network node. For example, the interface module 1201 can be used to execute S1001.

[0559] Processing module 1202 is used to acquire the first resource. For example, processing module 1202 can be used to execute S1002.

[0560] Interface module 1201 is also used to send a first reference signal on the first resource. For example, interface module 1201 is also used to execute S1004.

[0561] When used to implement the functions of the second access network node, other functions that the communication device 1200 can implement can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown in FIG10 or FIG11, which will not be elaborated further.

[0562] Alternatively, by way of example, the communication device 1200 is used to implement the functions of a third access network node. The communication device 1200 is, for example, the third access network node described in the embodiment shown in FIG10 or the embodiment shown in FIG11.

[0563] The interface module 1201 is used to receive the third measurement result.

[0564] The processing module 1202 is used to control the interface module 1201 to send the fourth information to the first access network node based on the third measurement result.

[0565] The processing module 1202 is also used to control the interface module 1201 to send the fifth information to the second access network node based on the third measurement result.

[0566] When used to implement the functions of a third access network node, other functions that the communication device 1200 can implement can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown in FIG10 or FIG11, which will not be elaborated further.

[0567] Alternatively, by way of example, the communication device 1200 is used to implement the functions of a terminal. The communication device 1200 is, for example, the terminal described in the embodiment shown in FIG10 or the embodiment shown in FIG11.

[0568] The interface module 1201 is used to receive third configuration information.

[0569] The interface module 1201 is also used to receive second information from the first access network node.

[0570] The processing module 1202 is used to measure the first reference signal based on the third configuration information and the second information.

[0571] When used to implement the functions of a terminal, other functions that the communication device 1200 can implement can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown in FIG10 or FIG11, which will not be elaborated further.

[0572] In a simplified embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication device 1200 can take the form shown in FIG3. For example, the processor 301 in FIG3 can invoke computer execution instructions stored in memory 303 to cause the communication device 1200 to perform the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0573] For example, the functions / implementation processes of the interface module 1201 and processing module 1202 in Figure 12 can be implemented by the processor 301 in Figure 3 calling computer execution instructions stored in the memory 303. Alternatively, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1202 in Figure 12 can be implemented by the processor 301 in Figure 3 calling computer execution instructions stored in the memory 303, and the functions / implementation processes of the interface module 1201 in Figure 12 can be implemented by the transceiver 302 in Figure 3.

[0574] It is understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a SoC or ASIC, or it can be a separate semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes the software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0575] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0576] Optionally, this application also provides a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0577] Optionally, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program can include the processes described in the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device in any of the foregoing embodiments, such as the hard disk or memory of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the communication device, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the communication device. Further, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can include both internal storage units and external storage devices of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium is used to store the aforementioned computer program and other programs and data required by the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0578] Optionally, this application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the above computer program product, and when executed, it can include the processes described in the above method embodiments.

[0579] Optionally, this application also provides computer instructions. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions instructing related hardware (such as a computer, processor, terminal, or access network node). The program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium or the aforementioned computer program product.

[0580] Optionally, this application also provides a communication system, including at least one of the following: access network node 1, access network node 2, or terminal in the method shown in FIG4.

[0581] Optionally, this application also provides a communication system, including at least one of the following: access network node 1, access network node 2, or terminal in the method shown in FIG7.

[0582] Optionally, this application also provides a communication system, including at least one of the following: access network node 1, access network node 2, access network node 3, or a terminal in the method shown in FIG8.

[0583] Optionally, this application also provides a communication system, including at least one of the following: access network node 1, access network node 2, access network node 4, access network node 5, or a terminal in the method shown in FIG9.

[0584] Optionally, this application also provides a communication system, including at least one of the following: a first access network node, a second access network node, or a terminal as shown in the method of FIG10.

[0585] Optionally, this application also provides a communication system, including at least one of the following: a first access network node, a second access network node, a third access network node, or a terminal as shown in the method of FIG11.

[0586] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0587] It is understood that the message names between various network elements or the names of various parameters in the messages in the above embodiments of this application are just examples, and other names may be used in the specific implementation. This application does not make any specific limitations on this.

[0588] It is understood that in this application, " / " can indicate that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" can be used to describe three relationships between the related objects. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Here, A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, expressions like "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" are generally used to indicate any of the following: A exists alone; B exists alone; C exists alone; A and B exist simultaneously; A and C exist simultaneously; B and C exist simultaneously; A, B, and C exist simultaneously. The above examples using three elements (A, B, and C) illustrate the optional entries for this item. When the expression contains more elements, its meaning can be obtained according to the aforementioned rules.

[0589] To facilitate the description of the technical solutions of this application, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish technical features with the same or similar functions. The terms "first" and "second" do not limit the number or execution order, nor do they imply that they are necessarily different. In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. The use of "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0590] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply a sequential order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of this application.

[0591] It is understood that in this application, "for indicating" can include direct and indirect indication, as well as explicit and implicit indication. When describing a certain indication information for indicating A, it can include whether the indication information directly or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication information carries A. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (such as the first indication information mentioned above) is called the information to be indicated. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be indicated, such as the information to be indicated itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be indicated by indicating other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be indicated. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the indication of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing the indication overhead to some extent.

[0592] It is understood that in this application, "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require that there must be a judgment action when implemented, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0593] In this application, "simultaneously" can be understood as at the same point in time, within a period of time, or within the same cycle.

[0594] It is understood that some optional features in this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution upon which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus provided in this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0595] It is understood that the same step or step with the same function or technical feature in this application can be referenced and learned from each other in different embodiments.

[0596] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or 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 device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0597] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0598] Furthermore, 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. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0599] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope 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 method, characterized in that, Applied to a first access network node, the method includes: Send first information to the second access network node, wherein the first information indicates that a reference signal is sent to the terminal; The terminal acquires a first resource, which is a resource of a first reference signal in a first cell. The first cell belongs to the second access network node. The first reference signal is used by the terminal to measure the signal quality of the first cell. The first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource. The first access network node is the access network node currently accessed by the terminal. A second message is sent to the terminal, the second message indicating that the first reference signal is measured.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acquisition of the first resource includes: Receive third information from the second access network node or the third access network node, the third information indicating the first resource, the third access network node being used to manage the first access network node, and / or the second access network node; The first resource is obtained based on the third information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The third information includes one or more of the following: the identification information of the first cell, the identification information of the first resource, the indication information for confirming the transmission of the first reference signal, the resource type information of the first resource, the time information for transmitting the first reference signal, the number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, the time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal, or the indication information for initiating the transmission of the first reference signal. The resource type information of the first resource indicates whether the first resource is a non-periodic resource or a semi-static resource.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first information includes a first measurement result, which is the measurement result of the terminal on a second reference signal in the first cell, and the second reference signal is associated with the first reference signal.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first information also includes one or more of the following: the identification information of the first cell, the resource type information of the suggested reference signal measured by the terminal, the suggested time information for transmitting the reference signal, the suggested number of times the reference signal is transmitted, or the suggested time interval information between two adjacent transmissions of the reference signal. The resource type information of the reference signal measured by the terminal in the proposed method indicates aperiodic or semi-static resources.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The second reference signal is a synchronization signal; or, The resource of the second reference signal is a periodic resource.

7. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first information includes one or more of the following: the identification information of the first cell, the identification information of the second resource, the resource type information of the second resource, the time information for transmitting the third reference signal in the first cell, the number of times the third reference signal is transmitted, the time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the third reference signal, or the indication information for starting the transmission of the reference signal. Wherein, the second resource is the resource of the third reference signal, the third reference signal is the reference signal suggested by the first access network node, and the resource type information of the second resource indicates that the second resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal receives a second measurement result, which indicates the terminal's measurement result of a fourth reference signal for the first cell, the fourth reference signal being associated with the third reference signal.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fourth reference signal is a synchronization signal; or... The resources of the fourth reference signal are periodic resources.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first indication information, which indicates that the fourth reference signal is associated with the third reference signal.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives first configuration information from the second access network node, the first configuration information indicating at least one resource, the at least one resource being a resource of the reference signal of the first cell, the at least one resource including aperiodic resources or semi-static resources, and the first resource belonging to the at least one resource.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second indication message to the second access network node, the second indication message indicating to stop sending the first reference signal.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second access network node, the method includes: Receive first information from the first access network node, the first information indicating to send a reference signal to the terminal; The terminal acquires a first resource, which is a resource of a first reference signal in a first cell. The first cell belongs to the second access network node. The first reference signal is used by the terminal to measure the signal quality of the first cell. The first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource. The first access network node is the access network node currently accessed by the terminal. Send the first reference signal on the first resource.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message to the first access network node, the third message indicating the first resource.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The third information includes one or more of the following: the identification information of the first cell, the identification information of the first resource, the indication information for confirming the transmission of the first reference signal, the resource type information of the first resource, the time information for transmitting the first reference signal, the number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, the time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal, or the indication information for initiating the transmission of the first reference signal. The resource type information of the first resource indicates whether the first resource is a non-periodic resource or a semi-static resource.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The first information includes a first measurement result, which is the measurement result of the terminal on a second reference signal in the first cell, and the second reference signal is associated with the first reference signal; The acquisition of the first resource includes: The first resource is obtained based on the first information.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first information also includes one or more of the following: the identification information of the first cell, the resource type information of the suggested reference signal measured by the terminal, the suggested time information for transmitting the reference signal, the suggested number of times the reference signal is transmitted, or the suggested time interval information between two adjacent transmissions of the reference signal. The resource type information of the reference signal measured by the terminal in the proposed method indicates aperiodic or semi-static resources.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The second reference signal is a synchronization signal; or, The resource of the second reference signal is a periodic resource.

19. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The first information includes one or more of the following: the identification information of the first cell, the identification information of the second resource, the resource type information of the second resource, the time information for transmitting the third reference signal in the first cell, the number of times the third reference signal is transmitted, the time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the third reference signal, or the indication information for starting the transmission of the reference signal. Wherein, the second resource is the resource of the third reference signal, the third reference signal is the reference signal suggested by the first access network node, and the resource type information of the second resource indicates that the second resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first indication message to the first access network node, the first indication message indicating that the fourth reference signal in the first cell is associated with the third reference signal.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The fourth reference signal is a synchronization signal; or... The resources of the fourth reference signal are periodic resources.

22. The method according to any one of claims 13-21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first configuration information to the first access network node. The first configuration information indicates at least one resource. The at least one resource is a resource for transmitting reference signals of the first cell. The at least one resource includes aperiodic resources or semi-static resources. The first resource belongs to the at least one resource.

23. The method according to any one of claims 13-22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a second indication message from the first access network node, the second indication message indicating to stop sending the first reference signal.

24. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a third access network node, the third access network node being used to manage a first access network node, and / or a second access network node, the method includes: The terminal receives a third measurement result, which is the measurement result of the terminal on the fifth reference signal in the first cell. The terminal is currently connected to the first access network node, and the first cell belongs to the second access network node. The fourth information is sent to the first access network node according to the third measurement result. The fourth information indicates a first resource, which is a resource of a first reference signal in the first cell. The first reference signal is used by the terminal to measure the signal quality of the first cell. The first resource is an aperiodic resource or a semi-static resource. Based on the third measurement result, a fifth message is sent to the second access network node, the fifth message instructing the second access network node to send the first reference signal on the first resource.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The fourth or fifth information includes one or more of the following: the identification information of the first cell, the identification information of the first resource, the resource type information of the first resource, the time information for transmitting the first reference signal, the number of times the first reference signal is transmitted, the time interval information between two consecutive transmissions of the first reference signal, or the indication information for starting the transmission of the first reference signal. The resource type information of the first resource indicates whether the first resource is a non-periodic resource or a semi-static resource.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that, The fifth reference signal is associated with the first reference signal.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The fifth reference signal is a synchronization signal; or... The resources of the fifth reference signal are periodic resources.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third indication information, which indicates that the fifth reference signal is associated with the first reference signal.

29. The method according to any one of claims 24-28, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second configuration information, the second configuration information indicating at least one resource, the at least one resource being a resource for transmitting the reference signal of the first cell, the at least one resource including aperiodic resources or semi-static resources, and the first resource belonging to the at least one resource.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 23, or units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 24 to 29.

31. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a program or instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 23, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 29.

32. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 23, or the method as described in any one of claims 24 to 29.

33. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method of any one of claims 13 to 23, or the method of any one of claims 24 to 29.

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