Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application can be applied to the field of satellite communications, such as NTNs. Provided are a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: a terminal apparatus receiving first information, determining at least one candidate paging frame from a first system frame set, and receiving a first paging message over the first paging frame, wherein the first information is used for determining the first system frame set corresponding to a first beam position, system frames in the first system frame set are located within at least one first time period, which represents the duration within which the first beam position is served, and the first paging frame belongs to the at least one candidate paging frame. Since system frames in a first system frame set are located within at least one beam on-state period, a terminal apparatus only needs to determine, from the first system frame set, at least one candidate paging frame that can be used for receiving a paging message, such that the terminal apparatus can select a corresponding paging frame from the at least one candidate paging frame, so as to effectively receive the paging message in a timely manner.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411593324.0, filed on November 7, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0004] Compared to traditional terrestrial networks (such as 4G or 5G terrestrial communication systems), non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) offer wider coverage, faster speeds, and lower costs. Especially in areas where terrestrial networks cannot be directly deployed, such as oceans, deserts, and the air, they can serve as a supplement or extension to terrestrial networks. By utilizing high, medium, and low Earth orbit satellites, they can achieve wide-area seamless coverage or even global coverage, providing seamless communication services to users worldwide and effectively solving internet access problems in areas lacking communication infrastructure.

[0005] Satellite communication, as a typical scenario of NTN (Network Telecommunication), features long communication distance, large coverage area, and flexible networking. It can provide services for both fixed terminal devices and various mobile terminal devices. When satellite communication is introduced into traditional communication systems (such as 5G communication systems), base stations or parts of their functions are deployed on satellites. This not only provides seamless coverage for terminal devices but also avoids the impact of natural disasters and ensures the reliability of the communication system.

[0006] In satellite communication systems, a satellite can send paging configurations to terminal devices located within its coverage area that are in radio resource control (RRC) idle or inactive states. Upon receiving the paging configuration, the terminal device in either state can determine the corresponding paging frame. Then, it can listen for (or receive) paging messages on the paging frame, thereby enabling it to enter an RRC connected state.

[0007] However, in satellite scenarios, due to the mobile nature of satellites, the time a satellite can provide beam service to terminal devices in a specific ground area is limited, and it cannot provide beam service to terminal devices in that area for an extended period. In this case, the time when the satellite transmits a paging message may coincide with the time when the terminal device is not receiving beam service from the satellite (which can be understood as the time when it is not covered by the satellite downlink signal), thus the terminal device cannot receive the paging message. Therefore, how to enable terminal devices to effectively receive paging messages requires further research. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for enabling terminal devices to receive paging messages in a timely and effective manner.

[0009] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a terminal device. The terminal device can be a terminal equipment, or a component within the terminal equipment, such as a communication module, circuits or chips responsible for communication functions (e.g., modem chips, also known as baseband chips, or system-on-chip (SoC) chips or system-in-package (SIP) chips containing a modem core), chip systems, or processors, etc., or logic modules or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal equipment's functions. The method may include the following steps: the terminal device receives first information, wherein the first information can be used to determine a first set of system frames corresponding to a first wave bit, the system frames in the first set of system frames being located within at least one first time period, the first time period representing the duration for which the first wave bit is served, and the at least one first time period being located within a paging cycle; subsequently, the terminal device can determine at least one candidate paging frame in the first set of system frames; and then, the terminal device can receive a first paging message on the first paging frame, wherein the first paging frame belongs to at least one candidate paging frame.

[0010] In this method, since the system frames in the first system frame set are located within at least one first time period (which can be understood as the beam-on state period, the beam-lit time period, or the beam service time period), it can effectively avoid all system frames during the beam-off state period (or the beam-off time period or the beam service end duration). This allows the terminal device to determine at least one candidate paging frame that can be used to receive paging messages only in the first system frame set. As a result, the terminal device can select the corresponding paging frame from at least one candidate paging frame to receive paging messages in a timely and effective manner, which can effectively improve the probability of the terminal device receiving paging messages and ensure that the terminal device can successfully paging.

[0011] In one possible implementation provided in the first aspect, the first information can be used to indicate one of the following:

[0012] The frame number of at least one system frame included in the first time period; or,

[0013] The start and end times of the first time period, and the period of the first time period.

[0014] In the above implementation, by indicating the frame number of at least one system frame included in the first time period through the first information, the terminal device can determine the first system frame set in a timely and accurate manner based on the frame number of the system frames included in the first time period. By indicating the start and end times and the period of the first time period through the first information, the terminal device can determine the system frames included in the first time period based on the start and end times of the first time period. Then, based on a paging cycle, the system frames included in the first time period, and the period of the first time period, it can determine at least one system frame included in the first time period within a paging cycle, and then determine the first system frame set based on the at least one system frame included in the first time period. This allows for providing different methods for determining the first system frame set, offering high flexibility and meeting diverse needs.

[0015] In one possible implementation provided in the first aspect, the terminal device determines at least one candidate paging frame in the first system frame set, including:

[0016] At least one candidate paging frame can satisfy: SFN index =(Q div N)*(UE_ID mod N); (SFN+PF_offset)mod T=SFN pool (SFN index )

[0017] Among them, SFN index The index of the system frame in the first system frame set is represented by SFN, the frame number of at least one candidate paging frame is represented by SFN, Q represents the total number of system frames in the first system frame set is represented by SFN, N represents the number of packets in the first system frame set is represented by UE_ID, PF_offset is the first offset, T represents the paging period, and SFN is the index of the system frame in the first system frame set is represented by SFN. pool This represents the first system frame set, mod represents the modulo operation, and div represents the division operation.

[0018] In the above implementation, the method for calculating paging frames is obtained by adjusting the existing method for determining paging frames. This method effectively avoids (or bypasses) all system frames during beam-off states, ensuring that the paging frames calculated by the terminal device are all within the beam-on state (or, as may be called, the beam-on time period, the beam-lit time period, or the beam-service time period), thereby enabling the terminal device to receive paging messages promptly and effectively.

[0019] In one possible implementation provided in the first aspect, the value range of PF_offset can be [-x-1, x], where x is an integer greater than or equal to N. Optionally, N can be an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0020] In the above implementation, by configuring a negative value for PF_offset, the reference paging frame determined by the terminal device can be located at a later position within the beam-on period (i.e., the determined reference paging frame is located after the synchronization signal and the system frame occupied by the physical broadcast channel block SSB or SSB burst or system message). This ensures that the reference paging frame determined by the terminal device does not conflict with the system frame occupied by the SSB or SSB burst or system message received in the first 5ms of the beam-on period.

[0021] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a network device. The network device can be a network equipment or a component within a network equipment, such as a communication module, processor, chip, chip system, or circuit applicable to a first access network device. It can also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network device. The method may include the following steps: the network device sends first information, wherein the first information can be used to determine a first system frame set corresponding to a first wave bit, the system frames in the first system frame set being located within at least one first time period, the first time period representing the duration for which the first wave bit is served, and the at least one first time period being located within a paging cycle; subsequently, the network device can send a first paging message on at least one candidate paging frame, wherein the at least one candidate paging frame is located in the first system frame set.

[0022] The technical effects achievable in the second aspect are similar to those achievable in the first aspect, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0023] In one possible implementation provided in the second aspect, the first information can be used to indicate one of the following:

[0024] The frame number of at least one system frame included in the first time period; or,

[0025] The start and end times of the first time period, and the period of the first time period.

[0026] The technical effects achievable by the above implementation method can be referred to the technical effects achievable by the corresponding implementation method provided in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0027] In one possible implementation provided in the second aspect, at least one candidate paging frame can satisfy: SFN index =(Q div N)*(UE_ID mod N); (SFN+PF_offset)mod T=SFN pool (SFN index )

[0028] Among them, SFN index The index of the system frame in the first system frame set is represented by SFN, the frame number of at least one candidate paging frame is represented by SFN, Q represents the total number of system frames in the first system frame set is represented by SFN, N represents the number of packets in the first system frame set is represented by UE_ID, PF_offset is the first offset, T represents the paging period, and SFN is the index of the system frame in the first system frame set is represented by SFN. pool This represents the first system frame set, mod represents the modulo operation, and div represents the division operation.

[0029] The technical effects achievable by the above implementation method can be referred to the technical effects achievable by the corresponding implementation method provided in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0030] In one possible implementation provided in the second aspect, the value range of PF_offset can be [-x-1, x], where x is an integer greater than or equal to N.

[0031] The technical effects achievable by the above implementation method can be referred to the technical effects achievable by the corresponding implementation method provided in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0032] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a terminal device. The terminal device can be a terminal equipment, or a component within a terminal equipment, such as a communication module, circuits or chips responsible for communication functions (e.g., modem chips, also known as baseband chips, or system-on-chip (SoC) chips or system-in-package (SIP) chips containing modem cores), chip systems, or processors, etc. It can also be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal equipment. The method may include the following steps: the terminal device receives second information, then the terminal device can determine a second offset, and then the terminal device can receive a second paging message on a second paging frame. The second information can be used to determine a reference paging frame set, the second offset is the offset of the first paging frame set corresponding to the first bit group relative to the reference paging frame set, the first bit group is the bit group to which the terminal device belongs, and the second paging frame is a paging frame in the first paging frame set. The first paging frame set is determined based on the reference paging frame set and the second offset.

[0033] In this method, by assigning an offset to each bandgap group (e.g., the first bandgap group corresponds to the second offset), the terminal device within each bandgap group can accurately determine the paging frames (e.g., the paging frames included in the first paging frame set) that can be used to receive paging messages based on the reference paging frame set and the offset corresponding to that bandgap group. Furthermore, the paging frames that can be used to receive paging messages are located within the beam-on time period, thereby enabling the terminal device to receive paging messages in a timely and effective manner based on the paging frames that can be used to receive paging messages. This can effectively increase the probability of the terminal device receiving paging messages and ensure that the terminal device can successfully paging.

[0034] In one possible implementation provided in the third aspect, the terminal device determines the second offset, including:

[0035] The terminal device receives third information, which may include a second offset.

[0036] In the above implementation, by carrying the second offset in the third information, the terminal device can directly and effectively obtain the second offset without having to calculate it separately, which helps to save the power consumption of the terminal device (such as power consumption or computing resource consumption).

[0037] In one possible implementation provided in the third aspect, the terminal device determines the second offset, including:

[0038] The terminal device determines the second offset based on the system frame where the first SSB is located and the first system frame; wherein the first system frame is the nearest system frame (or reference paging frame) in the reference paging frame set that is located before the system frame where the first SSB is located.

[0039] In the above implementation, the reference paging frame set serves as the base paging frame for the terminal device to determine which paging frames can be used to receive paging messages. The terminal device can accurately calculate the second offset using the system frame containing the received first SSB and the nearest system frame (or the nearest reference paging frame) in the reference paging frame set that precedes the system frame containing the first SSB. Furthermore, the network device does not need to configure additional parameters in the system message to indicate the second offset; instead, it calculates the second offset based on information carried in the existing system message (such as the frame number of the system frame containing the first SSB), which helps save transmission overhead.

[0040] In one possible implementation provided in the third aspect, the terminal device determines the second offset, including:

[0041] The terminal device determines the second offset based on the system frame where the SSB burst to which the first SSB belongs and the second system frame; wherein the second system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that is located before the system frame where the SSB burst is located.

[0042] In the above implementation, the reference paging frame set serves as the base paging frame for the terminal device to determine which paging frames can be used to receive paging messages. The terminal device can accurately calculate the second offset using the system frame containing the received SSB burst and the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set preceding the system frame containing the SSB burst. Furthermore, the network device does not need to configure additional parameters in the system message to indicate the second offset; instead, it calculates the second offset based on information carried in the existing system message (such as the frame number of the system frame containing the SSB burst), which helps save transmission overhead. The SSB burst includes the first SSB.

[0043] In one possible implementation provided in the third aspect, the terminal device determines the second offset, including:

[0044] The terminal device determines the second offset based on the system frame where the beam-on time of the first wave group is located and the third system frame; wherein, the third system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that is located before the system frame where the beam-on time is located.

[0045] In the above implementation, in the hopping beam pattern scenario, the hopping beam pattern corresponding to each beam group can be indicated by the beam on time and beam off time directly sent by the network device. Therefore, the terminal device in a certain beam group (such as the first beam group) can effectively use the system frame where the beam on time of the corresponding beam group is located and the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that precedes the system frame where the beam on time is located to accurately calculate the offset corresponding to the beam group. Moreover, the network device does not need to send additional information to indicate the offset corresponding to the beam group, but calculates the offset corresponding to the beam group based on existing information (such as sending information carrying the beam on time and beam off time), which helps to save transmission overhead.

[0046] In one possible implementation provided in the third aspect, the terminal device determines the second offset, including:

[0047] The terminal device determines the second offset based on the beam-on time corresponding to the first wave group and the start time of the fourth system frame; wherein the fourth system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that is located before the beam-on time.

[0048] In the above implementation, in the hopping beam pattern scenario, the hopping beam pattern corresponding to each beam group can be indicated by the beam start time and beam stop time directly sent by the network device. Therefore, the terminal device within a certain beam group (such as the first beam group) can effectively utilize the beam start time corresponding to that beam group and the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that is before the beam start time to accurately calculate the offset corresponding to that beam group. Moreover, the network device does not need to send additional information to indicate the offset corresponding to that beam group, but calculates the offset corresponding to that beam group based on existing information (such as sending information carrying the beam start time and beam stop time), which helps to save transmission overhead.

[0049] In one possible implementation provided in the third aspect, the terminal device determines the second offset, including:

[0050] The terminal device determines the second offset based on the beam-on time and the start time of the hopping beam pattern period corresponding to the first beam position group; wherein, the hopping beam pattern period represents a time period constituted by the beam switching state.

[0051] In the above implementation, in the hopping beam pattern scenario, the beam-on times corresponding to at least one beam group are different, but the start times of the hopping beam pattern period corresponding to at least one beam group are the same. Therefore, the terminal device in a certain beam group (such as the first beam group) can effectively utilize the beam-on time and the start time of the hopping beam pattern period corresponding to that beam group to accurately calculate the offset corresponding to that beam group. Moreover, the network device does not need to send additional information to indicate the offset corresponding to that beam group, but calculates the offset corresponding to that beam group based on existing information (such as sending information carrying beam-on time and beam-off time), which helps to save transmission overhead.

[0052] In one possible implementation provided in the third aspect, the reference paging frame set can satisfy: (SFN'+PF_offset')mod T=(T div N')*(UE_ID mod N')

[0053] Wherein, SFN' represents the frame number in the reference paging frame set, PF_offset' is the first offset, T represents the paging period, N' represents the number of packets in the paging period, UE_ID represents the identifier of the terminal device, mod represents the modulo operation, and div represents the division operation.

[0054] The above implementation reuses the existing method of determining paging frames to calculate the reference paging frame set without adjusting the existing method of determining paging frames, thus helping to save the modification costs caused by adjusting the existing method of determining paging frames.

[0055] In one possible implementation provided in the third aspect, the value of PF_offset' can be in the range of [-x-1, x], where x is an integer greater than or equal to N'. Optionally, N' can be an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0056] In the above implementation, by configuring a negative value for PF_offset', the reference paging frame determined by the terminal device can be located at a later position within the beam-on time period (i.e., the determined reference paging frame is located after the synchronization signal and the system frame occupied by the physical broadcast channel block SSB or SSB burst or system message). This ensures that the reference paging frame determined by the terminal device does not conflict with the system frame occupied by the SSB or SSB burst or system message received in the first 5ms of the beam-on time period.

[0057] Fourthly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a network device. The network device can be a network equipment or a component within a network equipment, such as a communication module, processor, chip, chip system, or circuit applicable to a first access network device. It can also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network device. The method may include the following steps: the network device sends second information, wherein the second information can be used to determine a reference paging frame set; subsequently, the network device can send a second paging message on paging frames in a first paging frame set, wherein the first paging frame set is determined based on a reference paging frame set and a second offset, the second offset being the offset of the first paging frame set relative to the reference paging frame set, and the first paging frame set corresponding to a first bit group.

[0058] The technical effects achievable in the fourth aspect are similar to those achievable in the third aspect above, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0059] In one possible implementation provided in the fourth aspect, the method further includes:

[0060] The network device sends third information, which may include a second offset.

[0061] For the technical effects that can be achieved by the above implementation method, please refer to the technical effects that can be achieved by the corresponding implementation method provided in the third aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0062] In one possible implementation provided in the fourth aspect, the second offset is determined based on the system frame where the first SSB is located and the first system frame; wherein the first system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that precedes the system frame where the first SSB is located.

[0063] For the technical effects that can be achieved by the above implementation method, please refer to the technical effects that can be achieved by the corresponding implementation method provided in the third aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0064] In one possible implementation provided in the fourth aspect, the second offset is determined based on the system frame of the SSB burst to which the first SSB belongs and the second system frame; wherein the second system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that precedes the system frame of the SSB burst.

[0065] For the technical effects that can be achieved by the above implementation method, please refer to the technical effects that can be achieved by the corresponding implementation method provided in the third aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0066] In one possible implementation provided in the fourth aspect, the second offset is determined based on the system frame in which the beam-on time of the first bit group is located and the third system frame; wherein the third system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that precedes the system frame in which the beam-on time is located.

[0067] For the technical effects that can be achieved by the above implementation method, please refer to the technical effects that can be achieved by the corresponding implementation method provided in the third aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0068] In one possible implementation provided in the fourth aspect, the second offset is determined based on the beam-on time corresponding to the first bit group and the start time of the fourth system frame; wherein the fourth system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that precedes the beam-on time corresponding to the first bit group.

[0069] For the technical effects that can be achieved by the above implementation method, please refer to the technical effects that can be achieved by the corresponding implementation method provided in the third aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0070] In one possible implementation provided in the fourth aspect, the second offset is determined based on the beam-on time corresponding to the first beam group and the start time of the hopping beam pattern period; wherein the hopping beam pattern period represents a time period constituted by the beam-on state.

[0071] For the technical effects that can be achieved by the above implementation method, please refer to the technical effects that can be achieved by the corresponding implementation method provided in the third aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0072] In one possible implementation provided in the fourth aspect, the reference paging frame set can satisfy: (SFN'+PF_offset')mod T=(T div N')*(UE_ID mod N')

[0073] Wherein, SFN' represents the frame number in the reference paging frame set, PF_offset' is the first offset, T represents the paging period, N' represents the number of packets in the paging period, UE_ID represents the identifier of the terminal device, mod represents the modulo operation, and div represents the division operation.

[0074] For the technical effects that can be achieved by the above implementation method, please refer to the technical effects that can be achieved by the corresponding implementation method provided in the third aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0075] In one possible implementation provided in the fourth aspect, the value of PF_offset' can be in the range of [-x-1, x], where x is an integer greater than or equal to N'.

[0076] For the technical effects that can be achieved by the above implementation method, please refer to the technical effects that can be achieved by the corresponding implementation method provided in the third aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0077] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, including units or means for performing various steps of any of the implementation methods in the first or third aspects described above.

[0078] For example, the communication device may be a terminal device, such as a terminal equipment or a module within a terminal equipment (e.g., a processor, processing unit, chip system, circuit, or chip). The communication device has the functionality to implement the methods in any of the possible implementations of the first or third aspect described above. This functionality can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functionality.

[0079] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a communication apparatus, including units or means for performing the steps of any of the implementation methods in the second or fourth aspect described above.

[0080] For example, the communication device can be a network device, such as a network equipment or a module within a network equipment (e.g., a processor, processing unit, chip system, circuit, or chip). The communication device has the functionality to implement the methods in any of the possible implementations of the second or fourth aspect described above. This functionality can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functionality.

[0081] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication device that has the functions involved in the first to fourth aspects described above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means that perform the operations involved in the first to fourth aspects described above. The functions, units, or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver unit (or communication module, used for sending and receiving data). Optionally, the communication device may further include a processing unit (or processing module), wherein the transceiver unit can be used to send and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices, for example, the transceiver unit can be used to send data to other communication devices; the processing unit can be used to perform some internal operations of the communication device. The functions performed by the transceiver unit and the processing unit may correspond to the operations involved in the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processor that can be coupled to a memory. The memory can store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions described in the first to fourth aspects above. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to implement the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects above.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory of which may store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the first to fourth aspects described above. The processor may execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0085] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processor and an interface circuit (or communication interface), wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and to execute the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects described above. The interface circuit is used to enable communication between the communication device and other devices, for example, to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor of the communication device to other communication devices, such as the transmission or reception of data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0086] It is understood that, in the seventh aspect mentioned above, the processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. Furthermore, there can be one or more processors, and one or more memories. The memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory and processor can be separately configured. In specific implementations, the memory can be integrated with the processor on the same chip, or it can be configured on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the configuration of the memory and processor.

[0087] Eighthly, this application provides a possible communication system, which may include the terminal device and network device mentioned in the first, second, third, or fourth aspects above. The implementation of the relevant functions of the terminal device or network device can be found in the relevant descriptions mentioned in the first, second, third, or fourth aspects above, and will not be repeated here.

[0088] For example, the number of terminal devices or network devices can be one or more.

[0089] Ninthly, this application provides a computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device (or computer), cause the communication device (or computer) to perform the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0090] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device (or computer), cause the communication device (or computer) to perform the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0091] Eleventhly, this application provides a chip that may include a processor and may also include a memory (or the chip may be coupled to the memory). The chip executes program instructions in the memory to cause the chip to perform the methods in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects described above. Here, "coupling" refers to two components being directly or indirectly connected to each other, such as coupling referring to an electrical connection between two components.

[0092] In a twelfth aspect, this application also provides a chip system including a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing any possible implementation of the methods in any of the first to fourth aspects described above. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory for storing programs and data necessary for the computer device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0093] Based on the implementation methods provided in the above aspects, this application can be further combined to provide more implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0094] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of this application for transmitting an SSB;

[0095] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary architectural diagram of a terrestrial communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 3 illustrates a possible satellite communication system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0097] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0098] Figure 5a illustrates a possible first system frame set provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figure 5b illustrates, by way of example, another possible first system frame set provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0100] Figure 5c illustrates a schematic diagram of paging frame distribution under different first offsets provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0101] Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0102] Figure 7a illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of a beam-lit wave position group provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0103] Figure 7b illustrates, exemplarily, a schematic diagram of the offset corresponding to a wave position group provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 8a illustrates a schematic diagram of a second offset provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 8b illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of another second offset provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0107] Figure 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0108] Before introducing the technical solutions provided in this application, some of the terms used in this application will be explained in order to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0109] (1) Beam: Refers to the main lobe of the directional array pattern. Network devices (such as satellites (also known as high-altitude platforms, high-altitude aircraft, or satellite base stations)) can adjust the antenna weights so that the network device's beam can point in different directions, resulting in different coverage areas (or coverage regions or geographical coverage ranges). In this application, the beam coverage range refers to the beam's coverage area on the ground. For example, the beam coverage range can include at least one location point. As the satellite moves and the weights are adjusted, the beam coverage range will also change.

[0110] Understandably, a beam can be a wide beam, a narrow beam, or other types of beam. The technology used to form the beam can be beamforming technology or other technologies. Specifically, beamforming technology can be digital beamforming technology, analog beamforming technology, or hybrid digital / analog beamforming technology, etc. Beams can be associated with resources. For example, during beam measurement, network devices measure different beams using different resources. The terminal device reports the measured resource quality, and the network device knows the quality of the corresponding beam. In data transmission, beam information is also indicated through its corresponding resources. For example, network devices use the transmission configuration indicator (TCI) field in downlink control information (DCI) to indicate the information of the physical downlink sharing channel (PDSCH) beam on the terminal device.

[0111] For example, network devices can generate different beams pointing in different transmission directions. In downlink data transmission, when a network device sends data to a terminal device using a specific beam, it needs to inform the terminal device of the transmit beam information so that the terminal device can use the corresponding receive beam to receive the data sent by the network device.

[0112] Optionally, in some embodiments, multiple beams having the same or similar communication characteristics can be considered as a single beam. A beam may include one or more antenna ports for transmitting data channels, control channels, and probe signals, etc. One or more antenna ports forming a beam can also be considered as a set of antenna ports.

[0113] (2) Beam Position: The service area of ​​a satellite network can be divided into multiple small geographical regions based on geographic location or beam coverage direction. Each geographical region can be called a beam position. A beam position (or can be understood as the coverage area of ​​a beam, the geographical coverage range of a beam, or the physical location information of a beam) can be represented in different shapes. For example, the physical location information of a beam can include location coordinates, latitude and longitude, area identification, etc. It can be understood that a beam position can be the coverage area of ​​a beam (or the projection range of the beam on the ground). Network devices (such as satellites) can adjust the antenna weights so that the beams transmitted by the network devices can point in different directions and have different coverage areas. For example, a satellite is configured with 16 beams, each with a different coverage area, and each beam's coverage area can be a beam position.

[0114] (3) Synchronization Signal and PBCH Block (SSB) (or Synchronization Signal Block): The SSB consists of three parts: primary synchronization signals (PSS), secondary synchronization signals (SSS), and PBCH. Both PSS and SSS are synchronization signals. PSS can be used to transmit the cell number, and SSS can be used to transmit the cell group number. The cell number and cell group number together determine multiple physical cell identities (PCIs) in the communication system. Once the terminal device successfully finds the PSS and SSS, it knows the PCI corresponding to the SSB. PBCH can be used by the terminal device to obtain information about the access cell. For example, PBCH can be used to indicate the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carrying system information block 1 (SIB1), which can be used to configure random access resources. The terminal device can access the network according to the random access resources. Optionally, SIB1 can also be used to carry paging configurations, such as paging configurations for configuring parameters related to receiving paging messages.

[0115] (4) SSB Transmission: Network devices can transmit different SSBs at different times using different beams. Each beam can be indicated by an SSB, for example, by the index of the SSB transmitted on that beam. Since different beams cover different areas, the beam in "network devices can transmit different SSBs at different times using different beams" can be replaced with an area.

[0116] For example, a network device can send SSBs at regular intervals; within each interval, the network device can send SSBs for a portion of the interval's duration. For instance, as shown in Figure 1, the network device sends SSBs at 20 milliseconds (ms); within each interval, the network device can send 4 SSBs using 4 beams within 5 ms.

[0117] It should be understood that Figure 1 is merely an example, and the period for sending SSBs can also be other values, such as 10ms, 40ms, 80ms, or 160ms. The duration and number of SSBs sent by the network device within each period can also be other values, and this application does not limit them.

[0118] (5) Cell Discontinuous Transmission (Cell DTX): Cell DTX is a network energy saving (NES) technology. In this technology, network devices can configure a cell DTX pattern for terminal devices in the connected state within a cell via radio resource control (RRC) messages. If the cell DTX pattern is activated, the terminal device can perform discontinuous transmission and / or reception according to the cell DTX pattern, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device. The phrase "cell DTX pattern is activated" can be replaced with at least one of the following: cell DTX pattern configuration, or cell DTX pattern configuration information.

[0119] The cell DTX pattern may involve the following parameters: cell DTX cycle start offset (cellDTX-CycleStartOffset), cell DTX duration timer (cellDTX-onDurationTimer), or cell DTX configuration type (cellDTXconfigType), etc.

[0120] The cellDTX-CycleStartOffset can be used to configure the time window of the cell DTX pattern, including the length of each time window (also known as the period) and the starting offset of the first time window relative to the system frame, both of which can be in milliseconds.

[0121] cellDTX-onDurationTimer can be used to configure the duration of the "on duration" function, which can be in milliseconds.

[0122] The `cellDTXconfigType` option can be used to configure the type of the cell DTX pattern. In some examples, the cell DTX pattern type is DTX, and the cell DTX pattern can be referred to as a cell DTX pattern. In this example, if the cell DTX pattern is activated, the terminal device can send information (or signals) during the on-duration period; outside the on-duration period, the terminal device will not send information (or signals).

[0123] (6) The paging mechanism refers to the process whereby, when the core network or radio access network needs to send data to a terminal device, it sends a paging message to bring the terminal device, which is in the RRC idle state or RRC inactive state, into the connected state. The paging message content is sent to the terminal device via the PDSCH resource location, which is indicated by scrambling the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) with the paging radio network temporary identifier (P-RNTI). In other words, for the terminal device to receive the paging message, it must first periodically wake up to monitor the P-RNTI-scrambled PDCCH channel. Then, the terminal device parses the DCI to further obtain the time-frequency location of the PDSCH channel. Finally, the terminal device receives and parses the paging message at the time-frequency location of the PDSCH channel.

[0124] In the frequency domain, the frequency resources occupied by paging messages are specified by the PDCCH scrambled by P-RNTI. In the time domain, the terminal device will only attempt to receive paging messages during the paging occasion (PO) of a specific radio frame (which can be called a paging frame, PF) within its paging period. Optionally, a PO may have multiple slots; an LTE PO is a subframe concept. Therefore, network devices (such as gNBs) need to transmit the paging message over the air interface at that moment (i.e., PO) so that the terminal device can potentially receive the paging message at that moment.

[0125] Understandably, a PF is a radio frame, and a single PF can contain one or more POs. A PO is a collection of PDCCH monitoring occasions, which may contain multiple slots, subframes, or symbols. On this PO, there may be a PDCCH scrambled using P-RNTI and indicating a paging message.

[0126] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0127] The following describes the communication system architecture to which the communication method provided in this application is applicable. It should be noted that this description is for the convenience of those skilled in the art and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0128] The communication scheme provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, sidelink (SL) communication systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems or new radio access technology (NR), satellite communication systems, etc. Among them, 5G mobile communication systems can include non-standalone (NSA) and / or standalone (SA) networks. The technical solution provided in this application can also be applied to future evolving communication systems. Satellite communication systems can be satellite communication systems integrated with 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future communication systems, such as non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), etc. NTN communication systems can be, for example, satellite communication systems, or include unmanned aerial vehicles, high altitude platform stations (HAPS), and other aerial access network equipment; this application does not limit the scope of such systems.

[0129] In a communication system, one network element can send signals to or receive signals from another network element. These signals can include information, signaling, or data. The term "network element" can also be replaced with entities, network entities, devices, communication equipment, communication modules, nodes, communication nodes, etc.

[0130] For example, a terrestrial communication system may include at least one terminal device and at least one network device. The network device may send downlink signals to the terminal device, and / or the terminal device may send uplink signals to the network device. Furthermore, it is understood that if the communication system includes multiple terminal devices, the multiple terminal devices may also exchange signals with each other; that is, both the signal transmitting network element and the signal receiving network element may be terminal devices.

[0131] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary architecture diagram of a terrestrial communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. The communication system 200 may include network device 210 and terminal devices 201 to 206. It should be understood that the communication system 200 may include more or fewer network devices or terminal devices. Network devices or terminal devices may be hardware, functionally defined software, or a combination of both. Furthermore, terminal devices 204 to 206 may also form a communication system; for example, terminal device 205 may send downlink data to terminal device 104 or terminal device 206. Communication between network devices and terminal devices can occur through other devices or network elements. Network device 210 may send downlink data to terminal devices 201 to 206 and may also receive uplink data sent by terminal devices 201 to 206. Conversely, terminal devices 201 to 206 may also send uplink data to network device 210 and may also receive downlink data sent by network device 210.

[0132] Network device 210 is a node in the radio access network (RAN), also known as a base station, RAN node (or device), RAN entity, access network device, or access node, etc. Currently, some examples of access network devices include: evolved NodeB (eNodeB), access point (AP), access point (AP) in wireless fidelity (WIFI) systems, wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), next generation node B (gNB) in 5G networks, transmitting point (TP), transmission reception point (TRP), home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), macro base station, micro base station (also called small station), relay station, satellite station, base band unit (BBU), and other network devices in communication systems evolving after 5G. Network device 210 can also be other devices with network device functions, such as gNB, TRP, or TP in a 5G system, or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system. Furthermore, network device 210 can also be a device that performs base station functions in device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), Internet of Things (IoT), machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, or other communication systems. It can also include CU and DU in cloud radio access network (C-RAN) systems, and network devices in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems, and can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites. This application does not specifically limit this. For example, in a satellite communication system, the network device can be a satellite or a base station device mounted on a satellite.

[0133] For example, in some possible network architectures, network devices can be CUs, DUs, CUs (control plane, CP), CUs (user plane, UP), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). In this network architecture, signaling generated by the CU can be sent to the terminal device via the DU, or signaling generated by the terminal device can be sent to the CU via the DU. The DU can directly pass the signaling through protocol layer encapsulation without parsing it to the terminal device or CU. In this network architecture, the CU is classified as a network device on the radio access network side; alternatively, the CU can also be classified as a network device on the core network side, and this application does not impose any limitations on this. For example, the functions of the PDCP layer and above are located in the CU, while the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as the RLC layer and MAC layer) are located in the DU. It is understood that the above division of the processing functions of the CU and DU according to protocol layers is merely an example, and other methods can also be used. For instance, the functions of the protocol layers above the RLC layer are located in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below the RLC layer are located in the DU. Alternatively, the CU or DU can be divided into those with functions from more protocol layers, or even those with partial processing functions from protocol layers.

[0134] It is understood that CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names in different systems, 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 modules and hardware modules.

[0135] Optionally, if the network equipment adopts a CU-DU separation architecture, this CU-DU separation architecture can also be called a distributed deployment architecture, or it can adopt a CU-DU-RU separation architecture. For example, the network equipment can logically include one CU and one or more DUs. Each DU can be connected to the CU through an F1 interface, and information exchange between different DUs can be completed based on the forwarding of the CU. The CU and DU can be physically set together or physically separated, without limitation. The CU can support the functions of RRC layer protocols, PDCP protocol, and SDAP protocol; the DU can support RLC layer protocols, MAC layer protocols, and some or all PHY layer functions. For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. As another example, the access network equipment can logically include CU, DU, and RU. The CU and DU can be physically set together or physically separated, without limitation. The CU can support the functions of RRC layer protocols, PDCP protocol, and SDAP protocol; the DU can support the functions of RLC layer protocols and MAC layer protocols, and can also support some PHY layer protocols; the RU can support some or all PHY layer functions. For example, the DU is mainly responsible for higher-level protocol functions such as data encryption and integrity protection, while the RU is mainly responsible for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals. It can be understood that in the CU-DU-RU separation architecture, the interface between the DU and RU can be called fronthaul, the interface between the CU and DU can be called midhaul, and the interface between the CU and the core network can be called backhaul.

[0136] Terminal devices 201 to 206 are devices that provide voice or data connectivity to users. They can also be Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and are also referred to as terminals, user equipment (UE), access terminal equipment, vehicle-mounted terminals, industrial control terminals, UE units, UE stations, mobile stations, mobile stations (MS), mobile terminals (MT), remote stations, remote terminal equipment, mobile devices, UE terminal equipment, terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, UE agents, or UE devices, etc. For example, terminal devices 201 to 206 include handheld devices and vehicle-mounted devices with wireless connectivity.Currently, terminal devices 201 to 206 can be: mobile phones, tablets, customer-premises equipment (CPE), subscriber units, satellite phones, cellular phones, smartphones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, wireless data cards, personal digital assistant (PDA) computers, wireless modems, handsets, laptop computers, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), wireless terminals in industrial control, mobile internet devices (MIDs), vehicle-mounted terminal devices (e.g., cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), and self-driving cars. Wireless terminals in various fields, including driving, remote medical care, smart grids, transportation safety, smart cities, smart homes, wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.), vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, factory machinery / equipment, machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, ships, and robots. Terminal devices 201 to 206 can also be other devices with terminal functions; for example, terminal devices 201 to 206 can also function as terminals in D2D communication.

[0137] Based on the description of the terrestrial communication system architecture shown in Figure 2, this application embodiment can be illustrated by using a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system. NTN includes nodes such as satellite networks, high-altitude platforms, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and has significant advantages such as global coverage, long-distance transmission, flexible networking, convenient deployment, and no geographical limitations. It has been widely used in various fields such as maritime communication, positioning and navigation, disaster relief, scientific experiments, video broadcasting, and Earth observation. Terrestrial communication systems and NTN communication systems such as satellite networks integrate with each other, complementing each other's strengths and weaknesses, to jointly form a globally seamless, integrated sea, land, air, space, and ground communication network, meeting the ubiquitous and diverse service needs of users. In this application embodiment, NTN communication is exemplified by satellite communication, or in other words, the NTN communication system is exemplified by a satellite communication system. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a possible satellite communication system architecture applicable to this application embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, this satellite communication system architecture may include at least one terminal device (e.g., terminal device 1, terminal device 2, etc.), at least one satellite (e.g., satellite 1, satellite 2, etc.) (or a base station deployed on the satellite, such as a 5G base station), a ground station, a core network (CN) (e.g., a 5G core network), and a data network (DN). The terminal device and the satellite (or the base station deployed on the satellite) can communicate via an air interface (which can be any type of air interface, such as 5G New Radio). For example, taking terminal device 1 as an example, terminal device 1 can access satellite 1 via a 5G New Radio interface. There are wireless links (e.g., the Xn interface) between satellites (or base stations deployed on the satellite), which can be used for signaling interaction and user data transmission between base stations. For example, satellites (or base stations deployed on the satellite) can communicate via the Xn interface. The satellite and the ground station can communicate via the NG interface. The ground station can connect to the core network via the NG interface, which can be wired or wireless. The core network and the data network can communicate via the N6 interface. Satellites can typically form multiple beams, each beam similar to a cell / sector in a terrestrial mobile communication system (such as LTE / NR).

[0138] The following is a brief introduction to the equipment and interfaces included in the satellite communication system architecture.

[0139] (1) Base station: It is mainly used to provide wireless access services, schedule wireless resources to access terminal equipment, and provide reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols. For example, a base station can be regarded as a network device 210 included in the communication system 200, or a device (such as a chip or chip system) used to implement the functions of the network device 210.

[0140] (2) Core Network: Primarily used to provide functions such as user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and billing. The core network consists of multiple functional units, which can be divided into control plane network elements (or control plane functional units) and user plane network elements (or user plane processing units). User plane network elements are responsible for the transmission of service data; for example, user plane network elements may include, but are not limited to, user plane function (UPF) network elements. Control plane network elements are responsible for the management of the mobile network; for example, control plane network elements may include, but are not limited to, access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements and session management function (SMF) network elements. AMF network elements are responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. SMF network elements are responsible for terminal device session management (including session establishment, modification, and release), UPF network element selection and reselection, terminal device Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation, Quality of Service (QoS) control, and selection of UPF network elements providing packet forwarding functions. UPF is used to manage user plane data transmission, traffic statistics, and other functions.

[0141] (3) Data Network: A data network that provides business services (such as data and / or voice services) to users. Generally, the client is located on the terminal device, and the server is located on the data network. The data network can be a private network, such as a local area network, or an external network not controlled by the operator, such as the Internet, or a dedicated network jointly deployed by the operator, such as a network that provides IP multimedia core network subsystem (IMS) services.

[0142] (4) Ground station: mainly responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between satellite and core network.

[0143] (5) 5G New Radio: refers to the wireless link between the terminal device and the satellite.

[0144] (6) Xn interface: This refers to the interface between satellites (or base stations deployed on satellites), mainly used for signaling interaction such as handover.

[0145] (7) NG interface: This refers to the interface between the satellite and the core network. It mainly exchanges non-access stratum (NAS) signaling of the core network and user service data.

[0146] In this application embodiment, network devices in a terrestrial communication system and satellites in an NTN communication system can be uniformly considered as network devices. The apparatus for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the network device in implementing that function, such as a chip system, which can be installed within the network device. The following description of the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment uses a satellite as an example to illustrate the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment. It is understood that when the method provided in this application embodiment is applied to a terrestrial communication system, the actions performed by the satellite can be applied to the base station or network device for execution.

[0147] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself; it can also be a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module. This device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices. The technical solutions provided in this application embodiment are described using the example of a terminal device as the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device.

[0148] It should be noted that the communication system and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0149] The specific implementation of the communication method in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the following embodiments use a network device and a terminal device as examples to illustrate the execution of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution of the interaction. For example, a network device can be a network equipment, or a component within a network equipment, such as a communication module, processor, chip, chip system, or circuit that can be applied to a first access network device. It can also be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first access network device. A terminal device can be a terminal equipment, or a component within a terminal equipment, such as a communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core), chip system, or processor that can be applied to a terminal equipment. It can also be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal equipment.

[0150] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method is applicable to the communication system architecture shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, the method includes:

[0151] Step 401: The network device sends first information. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information from the network device.

[0152] The first information can be used to determine the first system frame set corresponding to the first wave position. The system frames in the first system frame set are located within at least one first time period. At least one first time period is located within one paging cycle. It is understood that the terminal device is located at the first wave position. In other words, the first wave position refers to the wave position (or area) where the terminal device receives the first information or paging message.

[0153] For example, consider a paging cycle comprising two first time periods (e.g., time period 1 and time period 2). Refer to Figure 5a, which is a schematic diagram of the first system frame set provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5a, time period 1 includes two system frames (radio frames, RF), namely system frame #a and system frame #b. Time period 2 includes two system frames, namely system frame #c and system frame #d. Thus, the first system frame set includes four system frames: system frame #a, system frame #b, system frame #c, and system frame #d.

[0154] The first time period can represent the duration during which a certain beam (e.g., the first beam) is served (or lit), for example, the length of the first time period can be 20ms or other values. In other words, the first time period can refer to the time from when a certain beam (e.g., the first beam) is lit (or served) until the beam leaves. Optionally, in some embodiments, the first time period can also be called the beam-on time period, the beam-lit time period, or the beam-serving time period.

[0155] For example, in some embodiments, the first time period may refer to the dwell time, which can be understood as the time the beam stays at the position (or group of positions or area) where the terminal device is located. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the first time period may refer to the duration.

[0156] The following is an introduction to the content of the first information indication.

[0157] For example, the first information can be a system message (such as SIB1), or it can be information contained within a system message (such as SIB1). For instance, when the first information is SIB1, it may also include relevant configurations needed to determine the paging frame, such as paging configuration. As another example, when the first information is information contained within SIB1, SIB1 may also include relevant configurations needed to determine the paging frame, such as paging configuration. Understandably, the paging configuration in a system message (such as SIB1) can be carried by the paging control channel (PCCH) configuration.

[0158] For example, the paging configuration can be found in Table 1 below. It should be understood that Table 1 is an example, used to illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application.

[0159] Table 1

[0160] For Table 1 above, the paging period T can be 32, 64, 128, or 256 system frames. Optionally, the paging period T can also be any other number of system frames. For example, in NR, one system frame is 10ms. N represents the number of groups in the first system frame set (or the number of groups or equal divisions of the first system frame set), which can be understood as the number of groups of multiple system frames contained in the first system frame set, i.e., the multiple system frames contained in the first system frame set are equally divided into N groups (or N parts). ns represents the number of POs contained in each PF. PF_offset represents the first offset (or the first offset value). UE_ID represents the identifier of the terminal device. In the RRC idle state, this identifier is the 5G communication system architecture temporary mobile subscriber identification number (5G-SAE-temporary mobile subscriber identifier, 5G-S-TMSI); in the RRC inactive state, this identifier is the inactive radio network temporary identifier (I-RNTI).

[0161] In one example, the first information may be used to indicate the frame number of the system frame contained in at least one first time period.

[0162] For example, consider the two first time periods (i.e., time period 1 and time period 2) shown in Figure 5a. Time period 1 includes two system frames with frame numbers a and b, respectively. Time period 2 includes two system frames with frame numbers c and d, respectively. Thus, the first information can be used to indicate the frame numbers a (i.e., SFN#a) and b (i.e., SFN#b) of the two system frames included in time period 1, and the frame numbers c (i.e., SFN#c) and d (i.e., SFN#d) of the two system frames included in time period 2.

[0163] For example, consider the two first time periods (i.e., time period 1' and time period 2') shown in Figure 5b. Time period 1' includes two system frames with frame numbers 0 and 1, respectively. Time period 2' includes two system frames with frame numbers 16 and 17, respectively. Thus, the first information can be used to indicate the frame numbers 0 and 1 of the two system frames included in time period 1' and the frame numbers 16 and 17 of the two system frames included in time period 2'. It is understood that a time period (which can be understood as a beam-on time period) can include multiple system frames that can be used by terminal devices to receive paging messages. This allows all terminal devices belonging to the same beam group (or all terminal devices within one beam or all terminal devices across several beams) to receive paging messages on multiple system frames. This helps avoid all terminal devices belonging to the same beam group (or all terminal devices within one beam or all terminal devices across several beams) crowding onto a single system frame to receive paging messages, thus ensuring that the paging content packets sent by the network device are not too large, resulting in better demodulation performance of the paging content packets.

[0164] Optionally, when the hopping beam pattern of a cell position is indicated via cell DTX, the frame number of the system frame included in the on-duration within the cell DTX pattern period can be used as the frame number of the system frame included in the first time period. The cell DTX pattern period or on-duration is contained within a paging cycle. For example, the length of the cell DTX pattern period is 160ms. For instance, taking the hopping beam pattern shown in Figure 5a as the hopping beam pattern for the first position, in Figure 5a, time period 1 is the period when the first position is illuminated by the beam, and time period 2 is the period when the first position is illuminated again by the beam. The time interval between time period 1 and time period 2 is the hopping beam pattern period. Taking the hopping beam pattern shown in Figure 5b as the hopping beam pattern for the first position, in Figure 5b, time period 1' is the period when the first position is illuminated by the beam, and time period 2' is the period when the first position is illuminated again by the beam. The time interval between time period 1' and time period 2' is the hopping beam pattern period.

[0165] In this example, the cell DTX pattern period or beam pattern period can be consistent with (or the same as) the period of the first time segment. Thus, the period of the first time segment can also be called the cell DTX pattern period or beam pattern period. Optionally, the cell DTX pattern period and the hopping beam pattern period can also be the same. Thus, the hopping beam pattern period can also be called the cell DTX pattern period. Optionally, in some embodiments, the beam pattern period can also be called the extended SSB period, for example, the beam pattern period has a length of 160ms. The hopping beam pattern period can represent a time period constituted by the beam switching state. It is understood that a hopping beam pattern is a periodic on / off pattern, such as the time-varying beam on / off pattern of a certain beam position. The length of the hopping beam pattern period is one complete hopping beam interval. For example, the length of the hopping beam pattern period is the time period 1 (i.e., the beam on time period) + the beam off time period shown in Figure 5a, or the length of the hopping beam pattern period is the time period 1' (i.e., the beam on time period) + the beam off time period shown in Figure 5b.

[0166] In another example, the first information can be used to indicate the duration of the first time period, the period of the first time period, and the start offset of the first time period. The period of the first time period can refer to the start time and length of the period. The start offset of the first time period refers to the offset of the start time (or start moment) of the first time period relative to the start time of the period. It is understood that the first information can indicate one or more first time periods.

[0167] For example, the first information may indicate the duration and offset of at least one first time period contained within a paging cycle, as well as the period of the first time period. Thus, the first information may indicate the duration of at least one first time period, the starting offset of at least one first time period, and the period of the first time period. It should be understood that the time interval between two adjacent first time periods within at least one first time period is one time period cycle (i.e., the period of the first time period).

[0168] Optionally, the first information may also indicate the duration and offset of multiple first time periods contained within multiple paging cycles, as well as the period of the first time periods. Thus, the first information can indicate the duration of multiple first time periods, the starting offset of multiple first time periods, and the period of the first time periods. It should be understood that the time interval between two adjacent first time periods is one time period cycle (i.e., the period of the first time period). For example, the aforementioned period of the first time period may refer to the first time period cycle (which can be understood as the starting cycle of the first time period). Thus, the offset of one or more first time periods refers to the offset of the starting time of one or more first time periods relative to the starting time of the first time period cycle. Alternatively, the aforementioned period of the first time period may refer to the time period cycle corresponding to each first time period. For example, if the starting time of a period of the first time period cycle is known, then given the length of the period of the first time period cycle, the starting time of the previous period of the first time period cycle can be calculated, or the starting time of the next period of the first time period cycle can also be calculated, and so on, the starting time of one or more periods of the first time period cycle can be calculated.

[0169] For example, consider time period 1 as shown in Figure 5a. Assume the start time of time period 1 is t1, the corresponding time period period is T1, and the start time of the time period period T1 is t0. Thus, the first information can be used to indicate the duration of time period 1 (e.g., 20ms), the corresponding time period T1 (e.g., 160ms), and the starting offset of time period 1 (t1-t0). Understandably, the time period period corresponding to time period 2 shown in Figure 5a is also T1. Optionally, the first information can also be used to indicate the duration of time period 2 (e.g., 20ms) and the starting offset of time period 2 (t3-t0). Here, t3 represents the start time of time period 2.

[0170] For example, consider time period 1' as shown in Figure 5b. Assume the start time of time period 1' is t1', the corresponding time period period is T1', and the start time of the corresponding time period period T1' is t0'. Thus, the first information can be used to indicate the duration of time period 1' (e.g., 20ms), the corresponding time period T1' (e.g., 160ms), and the starting offset of time period 1' (t1'-t0'). Understandably, the time period period corresponding to time period 2' shown in Figure 5b is also T1'. Optionally, the first information can also be used to indicate the duration of time period 2' (e.g., 20ms) and the starting offset of time period 2' (t3-t0). Here, t3' represents the start time of time period 2'.

[0171] Optionally, when the beam hopping pattern of a cell position is indicated by cell DTX, the duration of the on-duration within the cell DTX pattern period can be used as the duration of the first time period, the cell DTX pattern period can be used as the period of the first time period, and the starting offset of the on-duration within the cell DTX pattern period can be used as the starting offset of the first time period. Here, the starting offset of the on-duration can refer to the offset of the on-duration's start time relative to the start time of the cell DTX pattern period.

[0172] In yet another example, the first information can be used to indicate the start and end times of the first time period, as well as the period of the first time period. It is understood that the number of first time periods indicated by the first information can be one or more.

[0173] For example, the first information may indicate the start and end times of at least one first time period contained within a paging cycle, as well as the period of the first time period. Thus, the first information may indicate the start time of at least one first time period, the end time of at least one first time period, and the period of the first time period. It should be understood that the time interval between two adjacent first time periods within the at least one first time period is one time period cycle (i.e., the period of the first time period).

[0174] Optionally, the first information may also indicate the start and end times of multiple first time periods contained within multiple paging cycles, as well as the period of each first time period. Thus, the first information can indicate the start time, end time, and period of multiple first time periods. It should be understood that the time interval between two adjacent first time periods is one period (i.e., the period of a first time period). It is understood that if the period of a first time period is known, the start time of the previous first time period can be calculated from the start time and period of one first time period, or the start time of the next first time period can be calculated, and so on, to calculate the start times of one or more first time periods. Optionally, if the length of a first time period is known, the end time of the previous first time period can be calculated by combining the start time of the previous first time period, or the start time of the next first time period can be calculated by combining the start time of the next first time period, and so on, to calculate the end times of one or more first time periods.

[0175] For example, continuing with time period 1 as shown in Figure 5a. Assume the start time of time period 1 is t1, the end time of time period 1 is t2, and the corresponding time period period is T1. Thus, the first information can be used to indicate the start time t1, the end time t2, and the corresponding time period period T1 of time period 1. Optionally, the first information can also be used to indicate the start time t3 and the end time t4 of time period 2. Understandably, the time period period corresponding to time period 2 shown in Figure 5a is also T1.

[0176] For example, continuing with the example of time period 1' shown in Figure 5b. Assume the start time of time period 1' is t1', the end time of time period 1' is t2', and the corresponding time period period is T1'. Thus, the first information can be used to indicate the start time t1', the end time t2', and the corresponding time period period T1' of time period 1'. Optionally, the first information can also be used to indicate the start time t3' and the end time t4' of time period 2'. Understandably, the time period period corresponding to time period 2' shown in Figure 5b is also T1'.

[0177] Optionally, when the hopping beam pattern of a cell position is directly indicated by the network device through the transmission of beam start time (or beam lighting start time or beam service start time) and beam stop time, the beam start time can be used as the start time of the first time period, the beam stop time can be used as the end time of the first time period, and the hopping beam pattern period can be used as the period of the first time period.

[0178] The following examples illustrate the process by which a terminal device determines the first system frame set corresponding to the first wave bit.

[0179] Example a1: Taking the first information indicating the frame number of at least one system frame included in a first time period as an example. After receiving the first information, the terminal device can obtain the frame number of at least one system frame included in the first time period based on the first information. Then, the terminal device can determine the first system frame set corresponding to the first wave position based on the frame number of the at least one system frame included in the first time period.

[0180] For example, taking time periods 1' and 2' as shown in Figure 5b, the first information indicates that time period 1' contains frame numbers 0 and 1, and time period 2' contains frame numbers 16 and 17. After receiving the first information, the terminal device can obtain frame numbers 0, 1, 16, and 17 based on the first information. Then, the terminal device can determine the first system frame set based on frame numbers 0, 1, 16, and 17, that is, the first system frame set is {SFN#0, SFN#1, SFN#16, SFN#17}.

[0181] Example a2: Taking the first information indicating the duration, period, and starting offset of the first time period as an example. After receiving the first information, the terminal device can obtain the duration, period, and starting offset of the first time period based on the first information. Then, the terminal device can determine the start time of the first time period based on the start time of the period and the starting offset of the first time period. Next, the terminal device can determine the system frames included in the first time period based on the start time, duration, and length of the system frames. Then, the terminal device can determine the first system frame set corresponding to the first wave position based on the system frames included in the first time period. It is understood that if the number of first time periods indicated by the first information is one or more, the terminal device can also determine the system frames included in one or more first time periods. In this way, the system frames in the first system frame set corresponding to the first wave position are located within one or more first time periods. Optionally, the system frames located within the first time period can also be called valid system frames, or they can have other names; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0182] Optionally, the terminal device can determine the end time of the first time period based on the start time and duration of the first time period. Then, the terminal device can determine the system frames included in the first time period based on the start time, end time, and length of the system frames. Next, the terminal device can determine the first system frame set corresponding to the first wave position based on the system frames included in the first time period. It is understood that if the number of first time periods indicated by the first information is one or more, the terminal device can also determine one or more system frames included in the first time period, thus the first system frame set corresponding to the first wave position includes one or more system frames included in the first time period.

[0183] For example, consider the terminal device determining the first system frame set for a paging cycle corresponding to the first wave position. After determining the system frames included in a first time period, the terminal device can determine at least one system frame included in the first time period within a paging cycle based on the cycle of the first time period and a paging cycle. Then, the terminal device can determine the first system frame set corresponding to a paging cycle based on the at least one system frame included in the first time period within a paging cycle.

[0184] Optionally, after determining the first system frame set within a paging cycle, the terminal device may also determine the first system frame set corresponding to multiple paging cycles based on the first system frame set within a paging cycle and multiple preset paging cycles. The first system frame set corresponding to multiple paging cycles includes at least one system frame contained in a first time period contained in each of the multiple paging cycles.

[0185] For example, taking time periods 1' and 2' as shown in Figure 5b, the first information indicates the duration of time period 1', the starting offset of time period 1', the duration of time period 2', the starting offset of time period 2', and the start time of the first time period cycle. Here, the starting offset of time period 1' refers to the offset of the start time of time period 1' relative to the start time of the first time period cycle, and the starting offset of time period 2' refers to the offset of the start time of time period 2' relative to the start time of the first time period cycle. The time interval between the start times of time period 1' and time period 2' is one time period cycle, and time periods 1' and 2' are within the same paging cycle. After receiving the first information, the terminal device can obtain the duration of time period 1', the starting offset of time period 1', the duration of time period 2', the starting offset of time period 2', and the start time of the first time period cycle from the first information. Then, the terminal device can determine the start time of time period 1' based on the starting offset of time period 1' and the start time of the first time period cycle. Next, the terminal device can determine the system frames included in time period 1' based on the start time of time period 1', the duration of time period 1', and the length of the system frames, i.e., the system frames included in time period 1' are {SFN#0, SFN#1}. Also, the terminal device can determine the start time of time period 2' based on the start offset of time period 2' and the start time of the first time period cycle. Next, the terminal device can determine the system frames included in time period 2' based on the start time of time period 2', the duration of time period 2', and the length of the system frames, i.e., the system frames included in time period 2' are {SFN#16, SFN#17}. Then, the terminal device can determine the first system frame set based on the system frames included in time period 1' and the system frames included in time period 2', i.e., the first system frame set is {SFN#0, SFN#1, SFN#16, SFN#17}.

[0186] Example a3: Taking the first information indicating the start and end times of a first time period and the period of the first time period as an example. After receiving the first information, the terminal device can obtain the start and end times of the first time period and the period of the first time period based on the first information. Then, the terminal device can determine the system frames included in the first time period based on the start time, end time, and length of the system frames. Then, the terminal device can determine the first system frame set corresponding to the first wave position based on the system frames included in the first time period. It is understood that if the number of first time periods indicated by the first information is one or more, the terminal device can also determine the system frames included in one or more first time periods. In this way, the first system frame set corresponding to the first wave position includes one or more system frames included in the first time period. It is understood that the length of the system frame can be predefined, pre-configured, or calculated based on the number of system frames included in the paging period.

[0187] For example, consider the terminal device determining the first system frame set for a paging cycle corresponding to the first wave position. After determining the system frames included in a first time period, the terminal device can determine at least one system frame included in the first time period within a paging cycle based on the cycle of the first time period and a paging cycle. Then, the terminal device can determine the first system frame set corresponding to a paging cycle based on the at least one system frame included in the first time period within a paging cycle.

[0188] Optionally, after determining the first system frame set within a paging cycle, the terminal device may also determine the first system frame set corresponding to multiple paging cycles based on the first system frame set within a paging cycle and multiple preset paging cycles. The first system frame set corresponding to multiple paging cycles includes at least one system frame contained in a first time period contained in each of the multiple paging cycles.

[0189] For example, taking time periods 1' and 2' as shown in Figure 5b, the first information indicates the start time, end time, start time, end time, and period period cycle of time period 1'. The time interval between the start time of time period 1' and the start time of time period 2' is one period cycle, and time periods 1' and 2' are within the same paging cycle. After receiving the first information, the terminal device can obtain the start time, end time, start time, end time, and period period cycle of time period 1' from the first information. Then, the terminal device can determine the system frames included in time period 1' based on the start time, end time, and system frame length of time period 1', i.e., the system frames included in time period 1' are {SFN#0, SFN#1}. Similarly, the terminal device can determine the system frames included in time period 2' based on the start time, end time, and system frame length of time period 2', i.e., the system frames included in time period 2' are {SFN#16, SFN#17}. Then, the terminal device can determine the first system frame set based on the system frames included in time period 1' and the system frames included in time period 2', that is, the first system frame set is {SFN#0,SFN#1,SFN#16,SFN#17}.

[0190] Step 402: The terminal device determines at least one candidate paging frame in the first system frame set.

[0191] In one possible implementation, after determining the first system frame set corresponding to the first wave bit, the terminal device can determine the index of at least one system frame in the first system frame set based on the terminal device's identifier, the total number of system frames in the first system frame set, and the number of equal divisions the first system frame set is into. Then, the terminal device can determine at least one candidate paging frame (or the frame number of at least one candidate paging frame) based on the first system frame set, the index of at least one system frame in the first system frame set, the first offset (i.e., PF_offset), and the paging period. Wherein, at least one candidate paging frame includes the first paging frame, or the frame number of at least one candidate paging frame includes the frame number of the first paging frame.

[0192] In another possible implementation, after determining the first system frame set corresponding to the first wave bit, the terminal device can determine the index of a specific system frame in the first system frame set based on the terminal device's identifier, the total number of system frames in the first system frame set, and the number of equal divisions the first system frame set is into. Then, the terminal device can determine a candidate paging frame (i.e., the first paging frame) or the frame number of a candidate paging frame (i.e., the frame number of the first paging frame) based on the first system frame set, the index of that specific system frame in the first system frame set, the first offset, and the paging period.

[0193] For example, at least one of the candidate paging frames or the first paging frame satisfies the following formula: SFN index =(Q div N)*(UE_ID mod N); (SFN+PF_offset)mod T=SFN pool (SFN index )

[0194] Among them, SFN index SFN represents the index of the system frame in the first system frame set, SFN represents the frame number of at least one candidate paging frame, Q represents the total number of system frames in the first system frame set, N represents the number of equal divisions (or the number of groups) the first system frame set is divided into, UE_ID represents the identifier of the terminal device, PF_offset is the first offset, T represents the paging period, and SFN... pool This represents the first system frame set, mod represents the modulo operation, and div represents the division operation.

[0195] For example, consider the first system frame set shown in Figure 5b as {SFN#0, SFN#1, SFN#16, SFN#17}, where T represents 32 system frames, N is 4, PF_offset is 0, and the terminal device's identifier is 0. The system frames in the first system frame set are located within one paging cycle, the total number of system frames in the first system frame set is Q, and the terminal device with identifier 0 is located in the first wave position. The terminal device can determine the index of a specific system frame in the first system frame set based on its identifier 0, N=4, and Q=4, i.e., the index of that system frame = (4div 4)*(0mod 4) = 0. Then, the terminal device can determine the frame number 0 of that system frame in the first system frame set based on its index 0. Then, the terminal device can determine the frame number of the candidate paging frame based on frame number 0, T=32, and the first offset 0, i.e., (candidate paging frame number + 0) mod 32 = 0. Thus, within one paging cycle, the frame number of the candidate paging frame can be obtained as 0, i.e., SFN#0. Understandably, SFN#0 can be used as the frame number of the first paging frame.

[0196] For example, consider the first system frame set shown in Figure 5b as {SFN#0, SFN#1, SFN#16, SFN#17}, where T represents 32 system frames, N is 4, PF_offset is 0, and the terminal device identifier is 5. The system frames in the first system frame set are located within one paging cycle, the total number of system frames in the first system frame set is Q, and the terminal device with identifier 5 is located in the first wave position. The terminal device can determine the index of a specific system frame in the first system frame set based on its identifier 5, N=4, and Q=4, i.e., the index of that system frame = (4div 4)*(5mod 4) = 1. Then, the terminal device can determine the frame number 1 of that system frame in the first system frame set based on its index 1. Then, the terminal device can determine the frame number of the candidate paging frame based on frame number 1, T=32, and the first offset 0, i.e., (candidate paging frame number + 0) mod 32 = 1. Thus, within one paging cycle, the frame number of the candidate paging frame can be obtained as 1, i.e., SFN#1. Understandably, SFN#1 can be used as the frame number of the first paging frame.

[0197] For example, consider the first system frame set shown in Figure 5b as {SFN#0, SFN#1, SFN#16, SFN#17}, where T represents 32 system frames, N is 4, PF_offset is 0, and the terminal device identifier is 6. The system frames in the first system frame set are located within one paging cycle, the total number of system frames in the first system frame set is Q, and the terminal device with identifier 6 is located in the first wave position. The terminal device can determine the index of a specific system frame in the first system frame set based on its identifier 6, N=4, and Q=4, i.e., the index of that system frame = (4div 4)*(6mod 4) = 2. Then, the terminal device can determine the frame number 16 of that system frame in the first system frame set based on its index 2. Then, the terminal device can determine the frame number of the candidate paging frame based on frame number 16, T=32, and the first offset 0, i.e., (candidate paging frame number + 0) mod 32 = 16. Thus, within one paging cycle, the frame number of the candidate paging frame can be obtained as 16, i.e., SFN#16. Understandably, SFN#16 can be used as the frame number of the first paging frame.

[0198] For example, consider the first system frame set shown in Figure 5b as {SFN#0, SFN#1, SFN#16, SFN#17}, where T represents 32 system frames, N is 4, PF_offset is 0, and the terminal device identifier is 7. The system frames in the first system frame set are located within one paging cycle, the total number of system frames in the first system frame set is Q, and the terminal device with identifier 7 is located in the first wave position. The terminal device can determine the index of a specific system frame in the first system frame set based on its identifier 7, N=4, and Q=4, i.e., the index of that system frame = (4div 4)*(7mod 4) = 3. Then, the terminal device can determine the frame number 17 of that system frame in the first system frame set based on its index 3. Then, the terminal device can determine the frame number of the candidate paging frame based on frame number 17, T=32, and the first offset 0, i.e., (candidate paging frame number + 0) mod 32 = 17. Thus, within one paging cycle, the frame number of the candidate paging frame can be obtained as 17, i.e., SFN#17. Understandably, SFN#17 can be used as the frame number of the first paging frame.

[0199] It is understandable that the parameter PF_offset involved in the formula for determining candidate paging frames is subject to the fact that the existing PF_offset value range depends on the value of the number of groups N configured in the paging configuration. For example, when the value of N is determined, the value of PF_offset is 0, 1, 2, ..., N-1. However, this value method has certain drawbacks in beam-hopping scenarios. For example, please refer to Figure 5c, which is a schematic diagram of paging frame distribution under different first offsets provided by an embodiment of this application. Figure 5c is illustrated with the paging period T = 32 system frames, the beam-hopping pattern period / cell DTX pattern period / extended SSB period being 160ms, the beam-on time period (or beam-lighting time period or beam service time period) for each beam position being 20ms, and N = 2. Based on the existing PF_offset value method, when N = 2, the value of PF_offset is 0 or 1.

[0200] For example, when PF_offset is 0, based on the existing method for calculating paging frames or the method for determining candidate paging frames described above, at least one possible paging frame can be obtained as SFN#0, SFN#16, ... . As shown in Figure 5c, this at least one paging frame is located within the beam-on period. However, within each beam-on period, SSBs, SSB bursts, or system messages are very likely to occupy the first 5ms of that beam-on period for transmission. This means that the system frames occupied by SSBs, SSB bursts, or system messages are highly likely to conflict with paging frames within that beam-on period. Therefore, to avoid conflicts, it is best to configure paging frames within the beam-on period at a later position within the beam-on period.

[0201] For example, when PF_offset is 1, based on the existing method of calculating paging frames or the method of determining candidate paging frames described above, at least one possible paging frame can be obtained as SFN#15, SFN#31, ... . As shown in Figure 5c, this at least one paging frame is located within the beam-off period. However, the terminal device to be paged cannot be found on these paging frames, therefore, a PF_offset value of 1 cannot achieve the purpose of paging the terminal device.

[0202] To address the aforementioned issues, this application expands the range of the first offset (PF_offset) by introducing negative values, for example. In one possible implementation, the range of PF_offset can be [-x-1, x], where x is an integer greater than or equal to N, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. By configuring this value, the candidate paging frame determined by the terminal device can be positioned towards the end of the beam-on period (i.e., the determined candidate paging frame is after the system frame occupied by the SSB, SSB burst, or system message), thereby ensuring that the candidate paging frame determined by the terminal device does not conflict with the system frames occupied by the SSB, SSB burst, or system message received within the first 5ms of the beam-on period.

[0203] Please refer to Figure 5c. When PF_offset is -1, the paging frame can be calculated using either the existing method or the method described above for determining candidate paging frames. At least one possible paging frame can be obtained: SFN#1, SFN#17, ... As shown in Figure 5c, this at least one paging frame is located within the beam-on period and is positioned towards the end of the beam-on period. This effectively avoids conflicts between candidate paging frames within the beam-on period and system frames occupied by SSBs, SSB bursts, or system messages received within the first 5ms of the beam-on period.

[0204] Step 403: The network device sends a first paging message on at least one candidate paging frame. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first paging message on the first paging frame.

[0205] The first paging frame belongs to at least one candidate paging frame. At least one candidate paging frame is located in the first system frame set corresponding to the first wavebit. In some cases, the terminal device determines a candidate paging frame in the first system frame set, and in this case, the first paging frame is that candidate paging frame.

[0206] In this embodiment, after determining at least one terminal device to be paged within a paging cycle, the network device can determine at least one candidate paging frame according to the method described above for determining candidate paging frames. Then, the network device can send a first paging message on the at least one candidate paging frame. Finally, at least one terminal device can receive the first paging message on its respective determined first paging frame.

[0207] Understandably, when using the above-described method for determining candidate paging frames, the network device calculates at least one candidate paging frame within the paging period based on the identifier of at least one terminal device to be paging.

[0208] For example, a network device may send a first paging message at one or more paging times included in each candidate paging frame in at least one candidate paging frame. Accordingly, at least one terminal device may receive the first paging message at the paging times included in its respective determined first paging frame.

[0209] As can be seen from steps 401 to 403 above, since the system frames in the first system frame set are located within at least one first time period, the system frames during all beam-off states can be effectively avoided. This allows the terminal device to determine at least one candidate paging frame that can be used to receive paging messages from the first system frame set. As a result, the terminal device can select the corresponding paging frame from at least one candidate paging frame to receive paging messages in a timely and effective manner, and can effectively improve the probability of the terminal device receiving paging messages, ensuring that the terminal device can successfully paging.

[0210] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method is applicable to the communication system architecture shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3. As shown in Figure 6, the method includes:

[0211] Step 601: The network device sends the second information. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second information from the network device.

[0212] The second information can be used to determine the reference paging frame set. For example, after receiving the second information from the network device, a terminal device in a certain band can determine the reference paging frame set based on the second information.

[0213] For example, the second information can be a system message (such as SIB1), or it can be information contained within a system message (such as SIB1). For instance, when the second information is SIB1, the first information may also include relevant configurations needed to determine the paging frame, such as paging configuration. As another example, when the second information is information contained within SIB1, SIB1 may also include relevant configurations needed to determine the paging frame, such as paging configuration. Understandably, the paging configuration in a system message (such as SIB1) can be carried by the PCCH-config.

[0214] For example, the paging configuration can be found in Table 2 below. It should be understood that Table 2 is an example, used to illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application.

[0215] Table 2

[0216] For Table 2 above, the paging period T can be 32, 64, 128, or 256 system frames. Optionally, the paging period T can also be any other number of system frames. For example, in NR, one system frame is 10ms. N' represents the number of packets in the paging period (or the number of packets in the paging period or the number of equal divisions in the paging period), which can be understood as the number of packets of multiple system frames contained in the paging period, that is, the multiple system frames contained in the paging period are divided into N' groups (or N' parts) on average. ns represents the number of POs contained in each PF. PF_offset' represents the first offset. UE_ID represents the identifier of the terminal device. In the RRC idle state, this identifier is 5G-S-TMSI; in the RRC inactive state, this identifier is I-RNTI.

[0217] For example, consider a scenario where the second information includes a paging configuration. After receiving the second information, a terminal device within a certain frequency band can obtain the paging configuration from it. Then, the terminal device can determine a set of reference paging frames based on the paging configuration. For instance, the terminal device can determine at least one reference paging frame (or the frame number of at least one reference paging frame) based on the first offset, paging period, the terminal device's identifier, and the number of groups in the paging period. Then, the terminal device can determine the set of reference paging frames based on the at least one reference paging frame (or the frame number of at least one reference paging frame).

[0218] For example, the reference paging frame set satisfies the following formula: (SFN'+PF_offset')mod T=(T div N')*(UE_ID mod N')

[0219] Wherein, SFN' represents the frame number in the reference paging frame set, PF_offset' is the first offset, T represents the paging period, N' represents the number of packets in the paging period, UE_ID represents the identifier of the terminal device, mod represents the modulo operation, and div represents the division operation.

[0220] Understandably, with a wavelet group as the granularity, and assuming the parameters involved in determining the reference paging frame set are the same, the reference paging frame set corresponding to each wavelet group is identical. For example, taking N'=2, regardless of the UE_ID identifier value, UE_ID mod 2 takes the value of 0 or 1. Thus, with other parameters also being the same, regardless of how many terminal devices a certain wavelet group includes, the reference paging frame set corresponding to that wavelet group is the same as the reference paging frame sets corresponding to other wavelet groups.

[0221] For example, please refer to Figure 7a, which is a schematic diagram of beam-lighting beam groups provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7a, the satellite coverage area includes three beam groups: beam group u1 (or region u1), beam group u2 (or region u2), and beam group u3 (or region u3). The 16 active beams provided by the satellite first light up beam group u1, and then beam group u2 and beam group u3 are lit up sequentially. For example, based on the above three beam groups, taking T as 32 system frames, PF_offset' as 0, and N' = 2 as an example: Beam group u1 contains three terminal devices, identified as 0, 1, and 2 respectively. Beam group u2 contains two terminal devices, identified as 3 and 4 respectively. Beam group u2 contains three terminal devices, identified as 5, 6, and 7 respectively. Thus, the three terminal devices within wavelet group u1 can calculate the reference paging frame set corresponding to wavelet group u1 according to the aforementioned method for determining the reference paging frame set. That is, the reference paging frame set corresponding to wavelet group u1 is {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32, ...}. Similarly, the two terminal devices within wavelet group u2 can calculate the reference paging frame set corresponding to wavelet group u2 according to the same method. That is, the reference paging frame set corresponding to wavelet group u2 is {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32, ...}. Likewise, the two terminal devices within wavelet group u2 can calculate the reference paging frame set corresponding to wavelet group u3 according to the same method. That is, the reference paging frame set corresponding to wavelet group u3 is {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32, ...}.

[0222] For example, taking the three terminal devices included in the aforementioned wavelet group u1 as an example: The terminal device identified as 0 can determine the frame number of at least one reference paging frame according to the aforementioned method for determining the reference paging frame set, based on the terminal device's identifier 0, first offset 0, N'=2, and T=32. That is, the frame number of at least one reference paging frame can be SFN#0, SFN#32, ... The terminal device identified as 1 can determine the frame number of at least one reference paging frame according to the aforementioned method for determining the reference paging frame set, based on the terminal device's identifier 1, first offset 0, N'=2, and T=32. That is, the frame number of at least one reference paging frame can be SFN#16, SFN#48, ... The terminal device identified as 2 can determine the frame number of at least one reference paging frame according to the aforementioned method for determining the reference paging frame set, based on the terminal device's identifier 2, first offset 0, N'=2, and T=32. That is, the frame number of at least one reference paging frame can be SFN#0, SFN#32, ...

[0223] Understandably, the beam patterns of the three beam groups are different, meaning the beam-on and beam-off times of beam groups u1, u2, and u3 are all different. However, the reference paging frame sets corresponding to the three beam groups are the same. Therefore, to prevent terminal devices in some beam groups from missing paging messages from the network device, it is necessary to delay the position of the reference paging frames corresponding to these beam groups so that the terminal devices in these beam groups can receive paging messages from the network device on the delayed reference paging frames. Thus, each of the three beam groups can correspond to an offset. For example, beam group u1 corresponds to offset v1, beam group u2 corresponds to offset v2, and beam group u3 corresponds to offset v3. Here, offset v1 refers to the offset of the candidate (or available) paging frame set (i.e., the first paging frame set p1) corresponding to beam group u1 relative to the reference paging frame set. Offset v2 refers to the offset of the candidate (or available) paging frame set (i.e., the first paging frame set p2) corresponding to wave group u2 relative to the reference paging frame set. Offset v3 refers to the offset of the candidate (or available) paging frame set (i.e., the first paging frame set p3) corresponding to wave group u3 relative to the reference paging frame set.

[0224] For example, please refer to Figure 7b, which is a schematic diagram of the offset corresponding to a wave group provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7b is illustrated using the following example: offset v1 = 0 system frames for wave group u1, offset v2 = 8 system frames for wave group u2, and offset v3 = 16 system frames for wave group u3. Thus, since the offset v1 = 0 for wave group u1, based on the reference paging frame set {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32, ...} and the offset v1 = 0, the first paging frame set p1 corresponding to wave group u1 can be determined to be {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32, ...}. Since the offset v2 = 8 corresponding to wave group u2, based on the reference paging frame set {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32, ...} and offset v2 = 8, the first paging frame set p2 corresponding to wave group u2 can be determined to be {SFN#8, SFN#24, SFN#40, ...}. Since the offset v3 = 16 corresponding to wave group u3, based on the reference paging frame set {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32, ...} and offset v3 = 16, the first paging frame set p3 corresponding to wave group u3 can be determined to be {SFN#16, SFN#32, SFN#48, ...}.

[0225] Based on Figure 7b above, let's take a terminal device within a certain wave group (e.g., wave group u2) as an example. Wave group u2 contains two terminal devices, identified as 3 and 4 respectively. The terminal device identified as 3, after determining the offset v2 = 8 corresponding to wave group u2 and the frame number {SFN#16, SFN#48, ...} of at least one reference paging frame, can determine the paging frame number as {SFN#24, SFN#56, ...} based on the offset 8 corresponding to wave group u2 and the frame number {SFN#16, SFN#48, ...} of at least one reference paging frame. After determining the offset v2 = 8 corresponding to the wave group u2 and the frame number {SFN#0, SFN#32, ...} of at least one reference paging frame, the terminal device identified as 4 can determine the paging frame number as {SFN#8, SFN#40, ...} based on the offset 8 corresponding to the wave group u2 and the frame number {SFN#0, SFN#32, ...} of at least one reference paging frame. Then, the paging frame number {SFN#24, SFN#56, ...} determined by the terminal device identified as 3 and the paging frame number {SFN#8, SFN#40, ...} determined by the terminal device identified as 4 can form the paging frame set {SFN#8, SFN#24, SFN#40, SFN#56, ...} corresponding to the wave group u2.

[0226] Understandably, regarding the parameter PF_offset' involved in the formula for determining the reference paging frame set, the existing value range of PF_offset' depends on the value of the number of groups N' configured in the paging configuration. For example, when the value of N' is determined, the value of PF_offset' is 0, 1, 2, ..., N'-1. However, this method of value determination has certain drawbacks in beam-hopping scenarios. For example, referring to Figure 5c, Figure 5c is based on a paging period T = 32 system frames, a beam-hopping pattern period / cell DTX pattern period / extended SSB period of 160ms, a beam-on time period of 20ms for each beam position, and N' = 2. Based on the existing method of PF_offset' value determination, when N' = 2, the value of PF_offset' is either 0 or 1.

[0227] For example, when PF_offset' is 0, the reference paging frames are calculated according to the above method for determining the reference paging frame set, resulting in at least one possible reference paging frame: SFN#0, SFN#16, ... As shown in Figure 5c, this at least one reference paging frame is located within the beam-on period. However, within each beam-on period, SSBs, SSB bursts, or system messages are highly likely to occupy the first 5ms of that period for transmission. This means that the system frames occupied by SSBs, SSB bursts, or system messages are very likely to conflict with the reference paging frames within that beam-on period. Therefore, to avoid conflicts, it is best to configure the reference paging frames within the beam-on period at a later position within the beam-on period.

[0228] For example, when PF_offset' is 1, the reference paging frames are calculated according to the method described above for determining the reference paging frame set. At least one possible reference paging frame is SFN#15, SFN#31, ... . As shown in Figure 5c, this at least one reference paging frame is located within the beam-off period. However, the terminal device to be paged cannot be found on these reference paging frames; therefore, a value of PF_offset' of 1 cannot achieve the purpose of paging the terminal device.

[0229] To address the aforementioned issues, this application expands the range of values ​​for the first offset (PF_offset'), for example, by introducing negative values. In one possible implementation, the range of PF_offset' can be [-x-1, x], where x is an integer greater than or equal to N, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. By configuring this value, the reference paging frame determined by the terminal device can be positioned towards the end of the beam-on period (i.e., the determined reference paging frame is after the system frame occupied by the SSB, SSB burst, or system message), thereby ensuring that the reference paging frame determined by the terminal device does not conflict with the system frames occupied by the SSB, SSB burst, or system message received within the first 5ms of the beam-on period.

[0230] Please refer to Figure 5c. When PF_offset' is -1, the reference paging frames are calculated according to the method described above for determining the reference paging frame set. At least one possible reference paging frame can be obtained as SFN#1, SFN#17, ... As shown in Figure 5c, this at least one reference paging frame is located within the beam-on period and is positioned towards the end of the beam-on period. This effectively avoids conflicts between the reference paging frame within the beam-on period and the system frames occupied by SSBs, SSB bursts, or system messages received within the first 5ms of the beam-on period.

[0231] Step 602: The terminal device determines the second offset.

[0232] For example, taking the first wavelet group as the wavelet group to which the terminal device belongs, the second offset can be the offset of the first paging frame set corresponding to the first wavelet group relative to the reference paging frame set. Alternatively, the second offset can also be understood as the offset of the beam-on time (or beam-lighting time or beam service start time) corresponding to the first wavelet group compared to the beam-on time corresponding to the first lit wavelet group (which can be understood as the first wavelet group lit by the beam provided by the network device). The first paging frame set corresponding to the first wavelet group can be used by the terminal device located within the first wavelet group to receive paging messages from the network device on the paging frames included in the first paging frame set. The second offset corresponds to the first wavelet group. It should be understood that other wavelet groups also correspond to an offset. For example, the first wavelet group may include one or more wavelets. The aforementioned terminal device may be located in one of these one or more wavelets.

[0233] The following describes the process by which the terminal device determines the second offset corresponding to the first wave group through several possible implementation methods. It is understood that the methods for determining the corresponding offset for terminal devices belonging to other wave groups can refer to methods B1 to B6 below, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0234] Method B1: The network device sends third information. This third information may include a second offset corresponding to the first bit group. The terminal device then receives the third information from the network device. The terminal device can then obtain the second offset corresponding to the first bit group from the third information.

[0235] For example, third information can be included in a system message. Alternatively, third information can be independent of a system message and be a separate message sent by the network device.

[0236] Optionally, the second offset corresponding to the first wave group can be determined by the network device with reference to one of the methods B2 to B6 below.

[0237] For example, taking the number of system frames as the unit of the second offset corresponding to the first bit group, and assuming the first bit group is bit group u1, u2, or u3: When the first bit group is bit group u1, and the second offset v1 corresponding to bit group u1 = 0 system frames, the third information includes the second offset v1 corresponding to bit group u1. When the first bit group is bit group u2, and the second offset v2 corresponding to bit group u2 = 8 system frames, the third information includes the second offset v2 corresponding to bit group u2. When the first bit group is bit group u3, and the second offset v3 corresponding to bit group u3 = 16 system frames, the third information includes the second offset v3 corresponding to bit group u3.

[0238] Method B2: The terminal device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first bit group based on the first SSB and the first system frame. The first system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that precedes the system frame containing the first SSB.

[0239] The first SSB can be received during the time period when the beam position of the terminal device is illuminated by the beam (i.e., the beam illumination period). For example, the first SSB can be received within the first 5ms of the beam illumination period. It can be understood that the first SSB is sent by the network device when providing beam service to the first beam position group. Optionally, the network device may also send corresponding SSBs when providing beam service to other beam position groups.

[0240] Optionally, the frame number of the system frame occupied by the first SSB can be carried in the system message. After receiving the system message from the network device, the terminal device can obtain the frame number of the system frame occupied by the first SSB from the system message.

[0241] For example, the terminal device can receive the first SSB within the first 5ms of the time period when its position is illuminated by the beam. Afterward, the terminal device can parse the main information block (MIB) or PBCH in the first SSB to obtain the frame number of the system frame occupied by the first SSB.

[0242] The implementation process of method B2 described above is illustrated below through several possible examples.

[0243] Example c1: The terminal device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first bit group based on the start time of the system frame where the first SSB is located and the start time of the first system frame. For example, the second offset σ1 = |SFN SSB The corresponding start time - the start time corresponding to SFN1, can be seen in Figure 8a. Here, represents SFN... SSB The first SSB occupies the system frame number, SFN1 represents the first system frame number.

[0244] Example c2: The terminal device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first bit group based on the frame number of the system frame where the first SSB is located and the frame number of the first system frame. For example, the second offset σ1′=|SFN SSB -SFN1|.

[0245] For example, taking the first wavelet group as wavelet group u2, the system frame number of the first SSB as frame 8, and the reference paging frame set as {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32, ...}, the terminal device can determine the nearest frame number before frame number 8 in the reference paging frame set {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32, ...} as 0, based on the system frame number 8 of the system frame where the first SSB is located. The reference paging frame with frame number 0 is then taken as the first system frame. Afterwards, the terminal device can determine the second offset corresponding to wavelet group u2 as 8 - 0 = 8 based on the system frame number 8 of the system frame where the first SSB is located and the frame number 0 of the first system frame.

[0246] Method B3: The terminal device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first wavelet group based on the system frame and the second system frame to which the first SSB burst belongs. The second system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that precedes the system frame to which the SSB burst originates.

[0247] Specifically, the SSB burst belonging to the first SSB can be received during the time period when the beam position of the terminal device is illuminated by the beam. For example, the SSB burst belonging to the first SSB can be received within the first 5ms of the beam illumination period. It can be understood that the SSB burst belonging to the first SSB is sent by the network device when providing beam service to the first beam position group. Optionally, the network device may also send corresponding SSB bursts when providing beam service to other beam position groups.

[0248] Optionally, the frame number of the system frame occupied by the SSB burst to which the first SSB belongs can be carried in the system message. After receiving the system message from the network device, the terminal device can obtain the frame number of the system frame occupied by the SSB burst to which the first SSB belongs from the system message.

[0249] For example, the terminal device can receive the SSB burst of the first SSB within the first 5ms of the time period when its current position is illuminated by the beam. Afterwards, the terminal device can parse the MIB or PBCH in the SSB burst to obtain the frame number of the system frame occupied by the SSB burst.

[0250] The implementation process of method B3 described above is illustrated below through several possible examples.

[0251] Example d1: The terminal device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first wave group based on the start time of the system frame in which the SSB burst to which the first SSB belongs and the start time of the second system frame. For example, the second offset σ2 = |SFN SSB突发 The corresponding start time - the start time corresponding to SFN2 can be seen in Figure 8b. Here, represents SFN... SSB突发The first SSB belongs to the system frame number occupied by the SSB burst, and SFN2 represents the frame number of the second system frame.

[0252] Example d2: The terminal device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first bit group based on the frame number of the system frame in which the SSB burst to which the first SSB belongs and the frame number of the second system frame. For example, the second offset σ2′=|SFN SSB突发 -SFN1|.

[0253] For example, taking the first wavelet group as wavelet group u2, the system frame number of the SSB burst to which the first SSB belongs is 8, and the reference paging frame set is {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32, ...}. The terminal device can determine the nearest frame number before frame number 8 in the reference paging frame set {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32, ...} based on the system frame number 8 of the system frame to which the first SSB belongs. The reference paging frame with frame number 0 is then taken as the first system frame. Afterwards, the terminal device can determine the second offset corresponding to wavelet group u2 as 8 - 0 = 8 based on the system frame number 8 of the system frame to which the first SSB belongs and the frame number 0 of the first system frame. It is understandable that the first SSB and the SSB burst to which the first SSB belongs typically occupy the same system frame.

[0254] Optionally, the second offset corresponding to the first bit group can also be determined based on the second offset and the third offset determined in Example d1 or Example d2 above. The third offset is determined based on the system frame in which the SSB burst to which the first SSB belongs and the system frame in which the first SSB is located. In one example, the second offset corresponding to the first bit group can be equal to the second offset σ2+|SFN determined in Example d1 above. SSB Corresponding start time - SFN SSB突发 The corresponding start time. In another example, the second offset corresponding to the first wave group can be equal to the second offset σ2′+|SFN determined in example d2 above. SSB -SFN SSB突发 |

[0255] Method B4: The terminal device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first beam-on time group based on the system frame containing the beam-on time and the third system frame. The third system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set preceding the system frame containing the beam-on time.

[0256] For example, the frame number (or start time) of the system frame containing the beam activation time corresponding to the first bit group can be sent by the network device. For instance, the network device can carry the frame number (or start time) of the system frame containing the beam activation time corresponding to the first bit group in the system message, or the network device can generate a separate message and send it, which includes the frame number (or start time) of the system frame containing the beam activation time corresponding to the first bit group.

[0257] Optionally, when the first position group includes one position, the beam-on time corresponding to the first position group is also the beam-on time corresponding to that position. In this case, the second offset corresponding to the first position group is also the second offset corresponding to that position.

[0258] The implementation process of method B4 described above is illustrated below through several possible examples.

[0259] Example e1: The terminal device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first bit group based on the start time of the system frame in which the beam activation time of the first bit group is located and the start time of the third system frame. For example, the second offset σ3 corresponding to the first bit group is |SFN a1 The corresponding start time - the start time corresponding to SFN3 | where SFN a1 SFN3 indicates the frame number of the system frame in which the beam-on time corresponding to the first beam group is located, and SFN3 indicates the frame number of the third system frame.

[0260] Example e2: The terminal device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first bit group based on the frame number of the system frame in which the beam-on time of the first bit group is located and the frame number of the third system frame. For example, the second offset σ3′ corresponding to the first bit group is |SFN a1 -SFN3|.

[0261] For example, taking the first beamforming group as beamforming group u2, and the frame number of the system frame where the beam activation time of beamforming group u2 is located as frame 8, and the reference paging frame set as {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32,…}, the terminal device can determine the nearest frame number before frame number 8 in the reference paging frame set {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32,…} as 0, based on the frame number of the system frame where the beam activation time of the first beamforming group is located. The reference paging frame with frame number 0 is then taken as the first system frame. Afterwards, the terminal device can determine the second offset corresponding to beamforming group u2 as 8 - 0 = 8 based on the frame number 8 of the system frame where the beam activation time of beamforming group u2 is located and the frame number 0 of the first system frame.

[0262] Method B5: The terminal device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first wavelet group based on the beam-on time corresponding to the first wavelet group and the start time of the fourth system frame. The fourth system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that precedes the beam-on time.

[0263] For example, the beam activation time corresponding to the first bit group can be sent by the network device. For instance, the network device can carry the beam activation time corresponding to the first bit group in a system message, or the network device can generate a separate message that includes the beam activation time corresponding to the first bit group.

[0264] For example, the second offset σ4 corresponding to the first wave group is |t s -SFN4 corresponds to the start time|. Where t s This indicates the beam-on time corresponding to the first beam group (i.e., the start time during beam on), and SFN4 indicates the frame number of the fourth system frame.

[0265] Method B6: The terminal device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first beam position group based on the beam on time and the start time of the hopping beam pattern period corresponding to the first beam position group. The hopping beam pattern period can represent a time period constituted by the beam switching state.

[0266] For example, the beam-on time and hopping beam pattern period corresponding to the first bit group can be sent by the network device. For instance, the network device can carry the beam-on time and hopping beam pattern period corresponding to the first bit group in a system message, or the network device can generate a separate message and send it, which includes the beam-on time and hopping beam pattern period corresponding to the first bit group.

[0267] In one possible implementation, multiple beamgroups share the same start time for their hopping beam pattern periods, but their beam-on times (e.g., the start time of on duration or dwell time) differ. In this case, the terminal device can determine the offset corresponding to the beamgroup (e.g., the first beamgroup) based on its beam-on time and the start time of the hopping beam pattern period.

[0268] For example, consider three beam groups: beam group u1, beam group u2, and beam group u3. The beam-on time corresponding to beam group u1 is t. u1 The beam-on time corresponding to beam position group u2 is t. u2 The beam-on time corresponding to beam position group u3 is t. u3Taking the start time of the hopping beam pattern period as t0' as an example, when the terminal device belongs to the beam group u1, the terminal device can determine the beam opening time corresponding to beam group u1 as t0'. u1 And the start time t0' of the hopping beam pattern period, determine the second offset corresponding to beam position group u1, that is, the second offset corresponding to beam position group u1 = |t u1 -t0'|。 When the terminal device belongs to the waveband group u2, the terminal device can determine the beam activation time t corresponding to waveband group u2. u2 And the start time t0' of the hopping beam pattern period, determine the second offset corresponding to beam position group u2, that is, the second offset corresponding to beam position group u2 = |t u2 -t0'|。 When the terminal device belongs to the waveband group u3, the terminal device can determine the beam activation time t corresponding to waveband group u3. u3 And the start time t0' of the skip beam pattern period, determine the second offset corresponding to beam position group u3, that is, the second offset corresponding to beam position group u3 = |t u3 -t0'|.

[0269] Step 603: The network device sends a second paging message on a paging frame in the first paging frame set. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second paging message on the second paging frame.

[0270] The first paging frame set corresponds to (or is associated with) the first wavelet group. This correspondence can be understood as a correspondence (or mapping) between the first paging frame set and the first wavelet group. In other words, each wavelet group corresponds to one paging frame set.

[0271] For example, the second paging frame is one paging frame in the first paging frame set corresponding to the first wavelet group. Optionally, the second paging frame can also be multiple paging frames in the first paging frame set corresponding to the first wavelet group. It is understood that on the network side, the first paging frame set corresponding to the first wavelet group is determined by the network device based on a reference paging frame set and a second offset corresponding to the first wavelet group. On the terminal side, the first paging frame set corresponding to the first wavelet group is determined by the terminal device belonging to the first wavelet group based on a reference paging frame set and a second offset corresponding to the first wavelet group. It is understood that by adding the offset corresponding to each wavelet group to the reference paging frame set, the paging frame set corresponding to each wavelet group can be obtained separately.

[0272] In this embodiment, after determining at least one terminal device to be paged within a paging cycle, the network device can determine a reference paging frame set according to the method described above for determining the reference paging frame set. Then, the network device can determine the paging frame sets corresponding to at least one wavelet group based on the offset corresponding to the at least one wavelet group to which the at least one terminal device belongs and the reference paging frame set. The paging frame sets corresponding to the at least one wavelet group include the first paging frame set corresponding to the first wavelet group. If the network device needs to provide a beam to the first wavelet group (which can be understood as the network device providing beam service to the first wavelet group), the network device can send a second paging message on a paging frame in the first paging frame set. Then, the terminal device belonging to the first wavelet group can receive the second paging message on a paging frame in the first paging frame set. For example, one or more terminal devices belonging to the first wavelet group can receive the second paging message on a paging frame (such as the second paging frame) in the first paging frame set.

[0273] Understandably, when using the above-described method for determining the reference paging frame set, the network device calculates the reference paging frame set based on the identifier of at least one terminal device to be paging.

[0274] In one example, the network device may send a second paging message on a paging frame in a first paging frame set. Subsequently, a terminal device belonging to the first bit group may receive the second paging message on that paging frame.

[0275] For example, a network device may send a second paging message at one or more paging times included in a paging frame within a first paging frame set. Subsequently, a terminal device belonging to the first bit group may receive the second paging message at one or more paging times included in that paging frame.

[0276] In another example, the network device may send a second paging message on multiple paging frames in the first paging frame set. Subsequently, a terminal device belonging to the first bit group may receive the second paging message on those multiple paging frames, or a terminal device belonging to the first bit group may receive the second paging message on one or more of those multiple paging frames.

[0277] For example, a network device may send a second paging message at one or more paging times included in each of the multiple paging frames in a first paging frame set. Subsequently, a terminal device belonging to a first waveband group may receive the second paging message at one or more paging times included in each of the multiple paging frames, or a terminal device belonging to the first waveband group may also receive the second paging message at one or more paging times included in each of the multiple paging frames.

[0278] Optionally, some terminal devices belonging to the first wavelet group may also receive the second paging message on one or more of the multiple paging frames, and other devices belonging to the first wavelet group may also receive the second paging message on one or more other paging frames, and so on. They will not be listed here.

[0279] The following section uses a specific wavelet group (e.g., the first wavelet group) as an example to illustrate the process by which the network device determines the second offset corresponding to the first wavelet group. Understandably, the methods for determining the offsets corresponding to other wavelet groups can refer to methods F1 to F5 below, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0280] Method F1: The network device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first bit group based on the first SSB and the first system frame. The first system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that precedes the system frame containing the first SSB.

[0281] The first SSB can be sent during the time period when the band position where the network device is located is illuminated by the beam. For example, the first SSB can be sent by the network device within the first 5ms of the beam illumination period. It can be understood that the first SSB is sent by the network device when providing beam service to the first band position group. Optionally, the network device may also send corresponding SSBs when providing beam service to other band position groups.

[0282] Optionally, the frame number of the system frame occupied by the first SSB can be carried in the system message.

[0283] The following examples illustrate the implementation process of method F1 described above.

[0284] Example g1: The network device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first bit group based on the start time of the system frame containing the first SSB and the start time of the first system frame. For example, the second offset σ1 = |SFN SSB The corresponding start time - the start time corresponding to SFN1, can be seen in Figure 8a. Here, represents SFN... SSB The first SSB occupies the system frame number, SFN1 represents the first system frame number.

[0285] Example g2: The network device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first bit group based on the frame number of the system frame where the first SSB is located and the frame number of the first system frame. For example, the second offset σ1′=|SFN SSB -SFN1|.

[0286] For example, taking the first wavelet group as wavelet group u2, the frame number of the system frame containing the first SSB as 8, and the reference paging frame set as {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32, ...}, the network device can determine the nearest frame number before frame number 8 in the reference paging frame set {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32, ...} as 0, based on the frame number 8 of the system frame containing the first SSB. The reference paging frame with frame number 0 is then taken as the first system frame. Afterwards, the network device can determine the second offset corresponding to wavelet group u2 as 8 - 0 = 8 based on the frame number 8 of the system frame containing the first SSB and the frame number 0 of the first system frame.

[0287] Method F2: The network device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first bit group based on the system frame of the SSB burst to which the first SSB belongs and the second system frame. The second system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that precedes the system frame of the SSB burst.

[0288] Specifically, the SSB burst belonging to the first SSB can be transmitted during the time period when the band position where the network device is located is illuminated by the beam. For example, the SSB burst belonging to the first SSB can be transmitted by the network device within the first 5ms of the beam illumination period. It can be understood that the SSB burst belonging to the first SSB is transmitted by the network device when providing beam service to the first band position group. Optionally, the network device may also transmit corresponding SSB bursts when providing beam service to other band position groups.

[0289] Optionally, the frame number of the system frame occupied by the SSB burst to which the first SSB belongs can be carried in the system message.

[0290] The following examples illustrate the implementation process of method F2 described above.

[0291] Example h1: The network device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first bit group based on the start time of the system frame containing the SSB burst to which the first SSB belongs and the start time of the second system frame. For example, the second offset σ2 = |SFN SSB突发 The corresponding start time - the start time corresponding to SFN2 can be seen in Figure 8b. Here, represents SFN... SSB突发 The first SSB belongs to the system frame number occupied by the SSB burst, and SFN2 represents the frame number of the second system frame.

[0292] Example h2: The network device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first bit group based on the frame number of the system frame in which the SSB burst belongs and the frame number of the second system frame. For example, the second offset σ2′=|SFN SSB突发 -SFN1|.

[0293] For example, taking the first wavelet group as wavelet group u2, the system frame number of the SSB burst to which the first SSB belongs is 8, and the reference paging frame set is {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32, ...}. The network device can determine the nearest frame number before frame number 8 in the reference paging frame set {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32, ...} based on the system frame number 8 of the system frame to which the first SSB belongs. The reference paging frame with frame number 0 is then taken as the first system frame. Afterwards, the network device can determine the second offset corresponding to wavelet group u2 as 8 - 0 = 8 based on the system frame number 8 of the system frame to which the first SSB belongs and the frame number 0 of the first system frame. It is understandable that the first SSB and the SSB burst to which the first SSB belongs typically occupy the same system frame.

[0294] Optionally, the second offset corresponding to the first bit group can also be determined based on the second offset and the third offset determined in example h1 or example h2 above. The third offset is determined based on the system frame in which the SSB burst to which the first SSB belongs and the system frame in which the first SSB is located. In one example, the second offset corresponding to the first bit group can be equal to the second offset σ2+|SFN determined in example h1 above. SSB Corresponding start time - SFN SSB突发 The corresponding start time. In another example, the second offset corresponding to the first wave group can be equal to the second offset σ2′+|SFN determined in example h2 above. SSB -SFN SSB突发 |

[0295] Method F3: The network device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first bit group based on the system frame in which the beam-on time of the first bit group is located and the third system frame. The third system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that precedes the system frame in which the beam-on time is located.

[0296] For example, the frame number (or start time) of the system frame containing the beam activation time corresponding to the first bit group can be sent by the network device. For instance, the network device can carry the frame number (or start time) of the system frame containing the beam activation time corresponding to the first bit group in the system message, or the network device can generate a separate message and send it, which includes the frame number (or start time) of the system frame containing the beam activation time corresponding to the first bit group.

[0297] Optionally, when the first position group includes one position, the beam-on time corresponding to the first position group is also the beam-on time corresponding to that position. In this case, the second offset corresponding to the first position group is also the second offset corresponding to that position.

[0298] The following examples illustrate the implementation process of method F3 described above.

[0299] Example k1: The network device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first bit group based on the start time of the system frame in which the beam activation time of the first bit group is located and the start time of the third system frame. For example, the second offset σ3 corresponding to the first bit group is |SFN a1 The corresponding start time - the start time corresponding to SFN3 | where SFN a1 SFN3 indicates the frame number of the system frame in which the beam-on time corresponding to the first beam group is located, and SFN3 indicates the frame number of the third system frame.

[0300] Example k2: The network device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first bit group based on the frame number of the system frame in which the beam activation time of the first bit group is located and the frame number of the third system frame. For example, the second offset σ3′ corresponding to the first bit group is |SFN a1 -SFN3|.

[0301] For example, taking the first beamforming group as beamforming group u2, and the frame number of the system frame where the beam activation time of beamforming group u2 is located as frame 8, and the reference paging frame set as {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32, ...}, the network device can determine the nearest frame number before frame number 8 in the reference paging frame set {SFN#0, SFN#16, SFN#32, ...} as 0, based on the frame number of the system frame where the beam activation time of the first beamforming group is located. The reference paging frame with frame number 0 is then taken as the first system frame. Afterwards, the network device can determine the second offset corresponding to beamforming group u2 as 8 - 0 = 8 based on the frame number 8 of the system frame where the beam activation time of beamforming group u2 is located and the frame number 0 of the first system frame.

[0302] Method F4: The network device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first bit group based on the beam-on time corresponding to the first bit group and the start time of the fourth system frame. The fourth system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that precedes the beam-on time.

[0303] For example, the beam activation time corresponding to the first bit group can be sent by the network device. For instance, the network device can carry the beam activation time corresponding to the first bit group in a system message, or the network device can generate a separate message that includes the beam activation time corresponding to the first bit group.

[0304] Optionally, when the first position group includes one position, the beam-on time corresponding to the first position group is also the beam-on time corresponding to that position. In this case, the second offset corresponding to the first position group is also the second offset corresponding to that position.

[0305] For example, the second offset σ4 corresponding to the first wave group is |t s -SFN4 corresponds to the start time|. Where t s This indicates the beam-on time corresponding to the first beam group (i.e., the start time during beam on), and SFN4 indicates the frame number of the fourth system frame.

[0306] Method F5: The network device can determine the second offset corresponding to the first beam group based on the beam-on time and the start time of the hopping beam pattern period corresponding to the first beam group. The hopping beam pattern period can represent a time period constituted by the beam-on / off states.

[0307] For example, the beam-on time and hopping beam pattern period corresponding to the first bit group can be sent by the network device. For instance, the network device can carry the beam-on time and hopping beam pattern period corresponding to the first bit group in a system message, or the network device can generate and send a separate message including the beam-on time and hopping beam pattern period corresponding to the first bit group. It is understandable that the hopping beam pattern corresponding to each bit group is different, that is, the beam-on time and beam-off time corresponding to each bit group are different.

[0308] Optionally, when the first position group includes one position, the beam-on time corresponding to the first position group is also the beam-on time corresponding to that position. In this case, the second offset corresponding to the first position group is also the second offset corresponding to that position.

[0309] In one possible implementation, multiple beamgroups share the same start time for their hopping beam pattern periods, but their beam-on times (e.g., the start time of on duration or dwell time) differ. In this case, the network device can determine the offset corresponding to a beamgroup based on the beam-on time of its respective beamgroup (e.g., the first beamgroup) and the start time of the hopping beam pattern period.

[0310] As can be seen from steps 601 to 603 above, by making each bandgap group correspond to an offset (for example, the first bandgap group corresponds to the second offset), the terminal device in each bandgap group can accurately determine the paging frames (for example, the paging frames included in the first paging frame set) that can be used to receive paging messages based on the reference paging frame set and the offset corresponding to the bandgap group. Moreover, the paging frames that can be used to receive paging messages are located within the beam-on time period, thereby enabling the terminal device to receive paging messages in a timely and effective manner based on the paging frames that can be used to receive paging messages, and effectively improving the probability of the terminal device receiving paging messages, ensuring that the terminal device can successfully paging.

[0311] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the terminal device and network device include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, 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 scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0312] Figures 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of terminal devices or network devices in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device can be a terminal device as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3, a network device as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3, or a module (such as a chip) applied to a terminal device or network device.

[0313] The communication device 900 shown in Figure 9 includes a transceiver unit 910 (or a communication module, used for sending and receiving data). Optionally, the communication device 900 shown in Figure 9 may further include a processing unit 920 (or a processing module). The communication device 900 can be used to implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the method embodiments shown in Figures 4 or 6 above. For example, the transceiver unit 910 can perform the receiving and sending actions performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments. The processing unit 920 can perform other actions besides the sending and receiving actions performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0314] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG4 above: the transceiver unit 910 is used to receive first information. The first information is used to determine a first system frame set corresponding to a first wave position, wherein the system frames in the first system frame set are located within at least one first time period, the first time period representing the duration for which the first wave position is served, and the at least one first time period is located within a paging cycle. The processing unit 920 is used to determine at least one candidate paging frame in the first system frame set. The transceiver unit 910 is also used to receive a first paging message on the first paging frame. The first paging frame belongs to at least one candidate paging frame.

[0315] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the functions of the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG4 above: the transceiver unit 910 is used to send first information. The first information is used to determine the first system frame set corresponding to the first wave position. The system frames in the first system frame set are located within at least one first time period, where the first time period represents the duration for which the first wave position is served, and the at least one first time period is located within a paging cycle. The transceiver unit 910 is also used to send a first paging message on at least one candidate paging frame. The at least one candidate paging frame is located in the first system frame set. The processing unit 920 is used to perform corresponding processing operations, such as calling the transceiver unit 910 to execute the transceiver actions required by the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG4 above, or generating the first information, etc.

[0316] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG6 above: the transceiver unit 910 is used to receive second information. The second information can be used to determine a reference paging frame set. The processing unit 920 is used to determine a second offset. The second offset is the offset of the first paging frame set corresponding to the first bit group relative to the reference paging frame set, where the first bit group is the bit group to which the terminal device belongs. The transceiver unit 910 is also used to receive a second paging message on the second paging frame. The second paging frame is a paging frame in the first paging frame set, which is determined based on the reference paging frame set and the second offset.

[0317] When the communication device 900 is used to implement the functions of the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG. 6: the transceiver unit 910 is used to send second information. The second information can be used to determine a reference paging frame set. The transceiver unit 910 is also used to send a second paging message on paging frames in the first paging frame set. The first paging frame set is determined based on the reference paging frame set and a second offset, where the second offset is the offset of the first paging frame set relative to the reference paging frame set, and the first paging frame set corresponds to a first bit group. The processing unit 920 is used to perform corresponding processing operations, such as calling the transceiver unit 910 to execute the transceiver actions required by the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG. 6, or generating the second information, etc.

[0318] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 920 and the transceiver unit 910, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown in Figure 4 or Figure 6 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0319] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 910 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by an interface circuit or interface circuit-related circuit components, and the processing unit 920 can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components.

[0320] It should be noted that the module division in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, exist as separate physical entities, or have two or more units integrated into one unit. The integrated units described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional units.

[0321] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, or a server, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0322] The communication device 1000 shown in Figure 10 includes a processor 1020 and an interface circuit 1010. The processor 1020 and the interface circuit 1010 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1010 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may also include a memory 1030 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1020, or storing input data required by the processor 1020 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1020 executes instructions.

[0323] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the method embodiment shown in FIG4 or FIG6, the processor 1020 is used to implement the function of the processing unit 920, and the interface circuit 1010 is used to implement the function of the transceiver unit 910.

[0324] For example, taking the terminal device as the UE and the network device as the base station as an example. When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to the UE, the UE chip implements the functions corresponding to the UE in the above method embodiments. For example, when the UE chip receives information from the base station, it can be understood that the information is first received by other modules in the UE (such as radio frequency modules or antennas), and then sent to the UE chip by these modules. When the UE chip sends information to the base station, it can be understood that the information is first sent to other modules in the UE (such as radio frequency modules or antennas), and then sent to the base station by these modules.

[0325] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a base station, the base station chip implements the functions corresponding to the base station in the above method embodiments. For example, when the base station chip receives information from the UE, it can be understood that the information is first received by other modules in the base station (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the base station chip by these modules. When the base station chip sends information to the UE, it can be understood that the information is sent down to other modules in the base station (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the UE by these modules.

[0326] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be terminal devices or network devices, or modules within those devices. For example, consider terminal devices and network devices. Information transmission and reception can be between a terminal device and a network device, such as between a UE and a base station. Information transmission and reception can also be between two base stations, such as between a CU and a DU. Furthermore, information transmission and reception can be between different modules within a single device, such as between a UE chip and other UE modules, or between a base station chip and other modules within that base station.

[0327] Based on the same concept, this application also provides a possible communication system. This communication system may include one or more terminal devices or network devices. The terminal device can be used to implement the technical solutions related to the terminal device in the above embodiments, and the network device can be used to implement the technical solutions related to the network device in the above embodiments.

[0328] Based on the same concept, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a communication device (or computer), cause the communication device (or computer) to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0329] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device (or computer), cause the communication device (or computer) to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0330] The storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access. For example, but not limited to, a computer-readable medium can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0331] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a chip, which may include a processor and a memory (or the chip may be coupled to the memory). The processor executes program instructions in the memory to cause the chip to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments. Here, "coupling" means that two components are directly or indirectly connected to each other, such as coupling can refer to an electrical connection between two components.

[0332] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a chip system, which includes a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing the functions involved in the terminal device or network device in the above embodiments. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory for storing necessary programs and data of the computer device. This chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0333] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0334] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC can reside in a terminal device or a network device. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can exist as discrete components in the terminal device or network device.

[0335] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. A computer program is a set of instructions that directs each step of an action of an electronic computer or other device with message processing capabilities. It is typically written in a programming language and runs on a target architecture. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed, in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium can be volatile or non-volatile, or it can include both types of storage media.

[0336] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0337] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects.

[0338] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: Receive first information, the first information being used to determine a first system frame set corresponding to a first wave position, the system frames in the first system frame set being located within at least one first time period, the first time period representing the duration for which the first wave position is served, the at least one first time period being located within a paging cycle; At least one candidate paging frame is determined from the first system frame set; A first paging message is received on a first paging frame, the first paging frame belonging to the at least one candidate paging frame.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate one of the following: The frame number of the system frame included in the at least one first time period; or... The start and end times of the first time period, and the period of the first time period.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Determining at least one candidate paging frame in the first system frame set includes: The at least one candidate paging frame satisfies: SFN index =(Q div N)*(UE_ID mod N); (SFN+PF_offset)mod T=SFN pool (SFN index ) Among them, SFN index The index of the system frame in the first system frame set is represented by SFN, the frame number of the at least one candidate paging frame is represented by Q, the total number of system frames in the first system frame set is represented by N, the number of packets in the first system frame set is represented by UE_ID, the identifier of the terminal device is represented by PF_offset, the first offset is represented by T, and the paging period is represented by SFN. pool This represents the first system frame set, mod represents the modulo operation, and div represents the division operation.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The value range of PF_offset is [-x-1, x], where x is an integer greater than or equal to N.

5. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a network device, the method includes: Send first information, the first information being used to determine the first system frame set corresponding to the first wave position, the system frames in the first system frame set being located within at least one first time period, the first time period representing the duration for which the first wave position is served, the at least one first time period being located within a paging cycle; A first paging message is sent on at least one candidate paging frame, the at least one candidate paging frame being located in the first system frame set.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate one of the following: The frame number of the system frame included in the at least one first time period; or... The start and end times of the first time period, and the period of the first time period.

7. The method as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The at least one candidate paging frame satisfies: SFN index =(Q div N)*(UE_ID mod N); (SFN+PF_offset)mod T=SFN pool (SFN index ) Among them, SFN index The index of the system frame in the first system frame set is represented by SFN, the frame number of the at least one candidate paging frame is represented by Q, the total number of system frames in the first system frame set is represented by N, the number of packets in the first system frame set is represented by UE_ID, the identifier of the terminal device is represented by PF_offset, the first offset is represented by T, and the paging period is represented by SFN. pool This represents the first system frame set, mod represents the modulo operation, and div represents the division operation.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The value range of PF_offset is [-x-1, x], where x is an integer greater than or equal to N.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: Receive second information, which is used to determine a reference paging frame set; Determine a second offset, which is the offset of the first paging frame set corresponding to the first wavelet group relative to the reference paging frame set, and the first wavelet group is the wavelet group to which the terminal device belongs; A second paging message is received on a second paging frame, which is a paging frame in the first paging frame set, which is determined based on the reference paging frame set and the second offset.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Determining the second offset includes: Receive third information, the third information including the second offset.

11. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Determining the second offset includes: The second offset is determined based on the first synchronization signal, the system frame where the physical broadcast channel PBCH block SSB is located, and the first system frame; Wherein, the first system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that precedes the system frame where the first SSB is located.

12. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Determining the second offset includes: The second offset is determined based on the system frame and the second system frame to which the first SSB belongs; The second system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that precedes the system frame containing the SSB burst.

13. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Determining the second offset includes: The second offset is determined based on the system frame and the third system frame in which the beam turn-on time corresponding to the first beam group is located; The third system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that precedes the system frame containing the beam-on time.

14. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Determining the second offset includes: The second offset is determined based on the beam-on time corresponding to the first beam group and the start time of the fourth system frame; The fourth system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that is located before the beam-on time.

15. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Determining the second offset includes: The second offset is determined based on the beam-on time and the start time of the hopping beam pattern period corresponding to the first beam position group. The hopping beam pattern period represents a time period constituted by the beam switching state.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9-15, characterized in that, The reference paging frame set satisfies: (SFN'+PF_offset')mod T=(T div N')*(UE_ID mod N') Wherein, SFN' represents the frame number in the reference paging frame set, PF_offset' is the first offset, T represents the paging period, N' represents the number of packets in the paging period, UE_ID represents the identifier of the terminal device, mod represents modulo operation, and div represents division operation.

17. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The value of PF_offset' ranges from [-x-1, x], where x is an integer greater than or equal to N'.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a network device, the method includes: Send a second message, which is used to determine the reference paging frame set; A second paging message is sent on a paging frame in a first paging frame set, the first paging frame set being determined based on the reference paging frame set and a second offset, the second offset being the offset of the first paging frame set relative to the reference paging frame set, the first paging frame set corresponding to a first bit group.

19. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message, which includes the second offset.

20. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The second offset is determined based on the system frame where the first SSB is located and the first system frame; wherein the first system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that is located before the system frame where the first SSB is located.

21. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The second offset is determined based on the system frame and the second system frame to which the first SSB belongs; wherein the second system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that precedes the system frame to which the SSB belongs.

22. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The second offset is determined based on the system frame in which the beam-on time of the first beam group is located and the third system frame; wherein the third system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that is located before the system frame in which the beam-on time is located.

23. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The second offset is determined based on the beam-on time corresponding to the first wavelet group and the start time of the fourth system frame; wherein the fourth system frame is the nearest system frame in the reference paging frame set that is located before the beam-on time corresponding to the first wavelet group.

24. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The second offset is determined based on the beam-on time corresponding to the first beam position group and the start time of the hopping beam pattern period; wherein, the hopping beam pattern period represents a time period constituted by the beam switching state.

25. The method according to any one of claims 18-24, characterized in that, The reference paging frame set satisfies: (SFN'+PF_offset')mod T=(T div N')*(UE_ID mod N') Wherein, SFN' represents the frame number in the reference paging frame set, PF_offset' is the first offset, T represents the paging period, N' represents the number of packets in the paging period, UE_ID represents the identifier of the terminal device, mod represents modulo operation, and div represents division operation.

26. The method as described in claim 25, characterized in that, The value of PF_offset' ranges from [-x-1, x], where x is an integer greater than or equal to N'.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-4, or modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 5-8, or modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 9-17, or modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 18-26.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, Including processor and interface circuitry; The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices. The processor is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-4, or the method as described in any one of claims 5-8, or the method as described in any one of claims 9-17, or the method as described in any one of claims 18-26, through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-4, or the method as described in any one of claims 5-8, or the method as described in any one of claims 9-17, or the method as described in any one of claims 18-26 to be implemented.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-4, or the method as described in any one of claims 5-8, or the method as described in any one of claims 9-17, or the method as described in any one of claims 18-26 to be implemented.

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