Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and a related apparatus. The method comprises: receiving a first sub-block of a master indication block (MIB), a descrambling sequence corresponding to the first sub-block being a first descrambling sequence, the first sub-block comprising first information, and the first information being used for indicating the first sub-block sent within a cycle period in which the first sub-block is located; and determining a sub-block index of the first sub-block and which repetition the first sub-block belongs to, the first descrambling sequence being used for determining the sub-block index, and the first sub-block indicated by the first information being used for determining to which repetition the first sub-block belongs. By using the embodiments of the present application, a radio frame index can be determined by means of decoding of one MIB sub-block, thereby reducing the complexity of indication and determination.

Description

A communication method and related apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411593337.8, filed on November 7, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Related Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] A 3GPP project proposal outlines the standardization of existing satellite constellations. To account for the 90-millisecond (ms) frame period of existing constellations (such as the Iridium system), the proposal suggests using a 90ms frame period as a baseline for protocol development. The Iridium frame structure is shown in Figure 1. Current standards use a 10ms frame period, with each frame consisting of ten 1ms subframes. Therefore, the project proposal also proposed that the impact of the new frame period on synchronization and other aspects needs to be studied to ensure compatibility with the existing constellation's 90ms frame structure and the existing standard's 10ms frame structure. For example, Iridium proposed that a certain time slot duration (approximately 8.28ms) be used in a 90ms frame period for 3GPP-based Internet of Things (IoT) satellite communication. Since the existing standard generally uses subframes as the unit with a duration of 1ms, a 90ms frame period can use 8 consecutive downlink subframes and 8 uplink subframes for narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) satellite communication. The remaining resources can still be used for the services of the existing Iridium system. This allows the coexistence of the two systems, the Iridium system protocol (i.e., the proprietary protocol) and the 3GPP protocol (i.e., the existing protocol), in a 90ms frame period.

[0004] The existing NB-IoT Master Indication Block (MIB) uses a fixed scheduling period of 640ms, as shown in Figure 2. The MIB message is encoded into 1600 bits of data, which are divided into 8 equal-length self-decoding sub-blocks. Each sub-block is repeated 8 times. The transmission method starts from radio frame 0, and one sub-block is sent on subframe 0 of each radio frame. In this way, it takes 64 radio frames to transmit one MIB (each radio frame occupies only subframe 0). If it is a Time Division Duplex (TDD) mode, the sub-block is transmitted on subframe 9. During transmission, each sub-block uses a different scrambling sequence. The terminal can implicitly obtain the timing of the 640ms radio frame indicated by 6 bits based on the decoding result of the sub-block in the MIB, the index of the sub-block sent by the network side, and the repeated index. In addition, by adding the 4 bits of system frame number (also called radio frame) indicated in the sub-block of the MIB, the terminal can obtain the system frame number indicated by 10 bits, that is, the frame number of 1024 radio frames. Therefore, the index of each radio frame in a superframe period can be determined.

[0005] How to complete MIB transmission in a system where Iridium system protocol and 3GPP protocol coexist is a technical problem that needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application discloses a communication method and related apparatus, which can determine the radio frame index by decoding a MIB sub-block, thereby reducing the complexity of indication and determination.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0008] The first sub-block of the main information block (MIB) is received, wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the first sub-block is the first descrambling sequence, and the first sub-block includes first information. The first information is used to indicate the first sub-block sent within the cycle period (e.g., 8 720ms) in which the first sub-block is located. Optionally, a complete repetition cycle may include 8 cycles. The cycle indices of these 8 cycles are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 in chronological order, and the sub-block indices of the first sub-block sent in each cycle are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 in chronological order. Therefore, the sub-block index is the same as or has a one-to-one correspondence with the cycle index. Thus, the first information can also directly indicate the cycle index to indirectly indicate the sub-block index of the first sub-block in that cycle period.

[0009] The sub-block index of the first sub-block and the number of repetitions it belongs to are determined, wherein the first descrambling sequence is used to determine the sub-block index, and the first sub-block indicated by the first information is used to determine the number of repetitions it belongs to.

[0010] This method carries first information in the first sub-block, indicating the first sub-block transmitted within the cycle period of the first sub-block. Then, the sub-block index of the first sub-block is decrypted based on this descrambling sequence. Furthermore, the repetition number of the first sub-block is determined based on both the sub-block index and the repetition number. Obtaining the sub-block index and the repetition number is equivalent to obtaining 6 bits of information. These 6 bits (and can be combined with other bits) can then be used to identify a specific radio frame within the superframe, thus determining the radio frame boundary. In summary, under the new frame structure (i.e., a 90ms frame period), the radio frame index can be determined by decoding a single MIB sub-block, reducing the complexity of indication and determination.

[0011] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0012] The first sub-block of the main information block (MIB) is sent, wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the first sub-block is a first descrambling sequence, and the first sub-block includes first information, which is used to indicate the first sub-block sent in the cycle period in which the first sub-block is located;

[0013] Wherein, the first descrambling sequence is used to determine the sub-block index of the first sub-block, and the first sub-block indicated by the first information is used to determine which repetition the first sub-block belongs to.

[0014] This method carries first information in the first sub-block, indicating the first sub-block transmitted within the cycle period of the first sub-block. Then, the sub-block index of the first sub-block is decrypted based on this descrambling sequence. Furthermore, the repetition number of the first sub-block is determined based on both the sub-block index and the repetition number. Obtaining the sub-block index and the repetition number is equivalent to obtaining 6 bits of information. These 6 bits (and can be combined with other bits) can then be used to identify a specific radio frame within the superframe, thus determining the radio frame boundary. In summary, under the new frame structure (i.e., a 90ms frame period), the radio frame index can be determined by decoding a single MIB sub-block, reducing the complexity of indication and determination.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect or the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the sub-block index of the first sub-block and the number of repetitions are used to determine the periodic boundary of the MIB.

[0016] In another possible implementation, in conjunction with the first aspect, or the second aspect, or any of the above possible implementations, the 64 sub-blocks of the MIB are used for transmission within 8 cyclic periods, the cyclic period comprising 8 90-millisecond frame periods, each 90-millisecond frame period being used to transmit one sub-block, the first sub-block belonging to any one of the 64 sub-blocks.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, or the second aspect, or any of the above possible implementations, in yet another possible implementation, in the 64 90-millisecond frame periods within the 8 cyclic periods, the j-th 10-millisecond period of the i-th 90-millisecond frame period is mapped to one of the 64 sub-blocks of the MIB. The 64 sub-blocks are mapped sequentially, and the next sub-block mapped after the last sub-block in the 64 sub-blocks is the first sub-block in the 64 sub-blocks. Every 8 consecutive sub-blocks in the 64 sub-blocks form a group, and the sub-block in the same group has the same sub-block index. The order of the sub-block within the group represents the number of times the sub-block is repeated, where i and j are both integers.

[0018] In another possible implementation, in combination with the first aspect, or the second aspect, or any of the above possible implementations, the mapping resource for the transmitted sub-block in the 90-millisecond frame period is a 10-millisecond period, and the transmitted sub-block is a sub-block that has a mapping relationship with the 10-millisecond period.

[0019] In another possible implementation, combining the first aspect, or the second aspect, or any of the above possible implementations:

[0020] If x > z, then y = x - z + s

[0021] If x < z, then y = x - z + 8 + s

[0022] If x = z, then y = s

[0023] Where s is the starting value of the repetition order, x is the sub-block index of the first sub-block, z is the sub-block index of the first sub-block, and y is the repetition order of the first sub-block.

[0024] In another possible implementation, in conjunction with the first aspect, or the second aspect, or any of the above possible implementations, the first sub-block includes first bit information, the first bit information being used to indicate the radio frame index, the sub-block index of the first sub-block and the number of repetitions to which it belongs corresponding to second bit information, the first bit information and the second bit information being used to combine to indicate the radio frame index of the first sub-block in the superframe.

[0025] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0026] The second sub-block of the main information block (MIB) is received within the cyclic period, wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the second sub-block is the second descrambling sequence, and the cyclic period includes eight 90-millisecond frame periods, and the mapping resource for transmitting the sub-block in each 90-millisecond frame period is one 10-millisecond period;

[0027] The sub-block index of the second sub-block is determined based on the second descrambling sequence.

[0028] Using the above method, a radio frame is defined as 90ms, and the length of a subframe within a radio frame is 10ms. The cycle consists of eight 90ms frame cycles (i.e., radio frames). Each 90ms frame cycle transmits a sub-block mapping resource of one 10ms. This allows the transmission of eight MIB sub-blocks within one cycle, achieving a 3-bit indication effect. These 3 bits (and can be combined with other bits) are used to determine a specific radio frame within a superframe, thus defining the radio frame boundary. In summary, under the new frame structure (i.e., the 90ms frame cycle), the radio frame length and superframe length are redefined. Under this premise, the radio frame index can be determined by decoding a single MIB sub-block, reducing the complexity of indication and determination.

[0029] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0030] The second sub-block of the main information block (MIB) is transmitted within the cycle period, wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the second sub-block is the second descrambling sequence, and the cycle period includes eight 90-millisecond frame periods, and the mapping resource for transmitting the sub-block in each 90-millisecond frame period is one 10-millisecond period;

[0031] The second descrambling sequence is used to determine the sub-block index of the second sub-block.

[0032] Using the above method, a radio frame is defined as 90ms, and the length of a subframe within a radio frame is 10ms. The cycle consists of eight 90ms frame cycles (i.e., radio frames). Each 90ms frame cycle transmits a sub-block mapping resource of one 10ms. This allows the transmission of eight MIB sub-blocks within one cycle, achieving a 3-bit indication effect. These 3 bits (and can be combined with other bits) are used to determine a specific radio frame within a superframe, thus defining the radio frame boundary. In summary, under the new frame structure (i.e., the 90ms frame cycle), the radio frame length and superframe length are redefined. Under this premise, the radio frame index can be determined by decoding a single MIB sub-block, reducing the complexity of indication and determination.

[0033] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in yet another possible implementation, the 90-millisecond frame period is a radio frame, and the subframe length in the radio frame is 10 milliseconds.

[0034] In combination with the third aspect, or the fourth aspect, or any of the above possible implementations, in yet another possible implementation, the sub-block index of the second sub-block is used to determine the periodic boundary of the MIB.

[0035] In combination with the third aspect, or the fourth aspect, or any of the above possible implementations, in yet another possible implementation, in the eight 90-millisecond frame periods within the cycle, the j-th 10-millisecond period of the i-th 90-millisecond frame period is mapped to one of the eight sub-blocks of the MIB. The eight sub-blocks are mapped sequentially, and the next sub-block mapped after the last sub-block among the eight sub-blocks is the first sub-block among the eight sub-blocks, where i and j are both integers.

[0036] In combination with the third aspect, or the fourth aspect, or any of the above possible implementations, in yet another possible implementation, the sub-block transmitted on the 10-millisecond mapped resource is a sub-block that has a mapping relationship with the 10-millisecond resource.

[0037] In another possible implementation, in conjunction with the third aspect, or the fourth aspect, or any of the above possible implementations, the second sub-block includes first bit information, which is used to indicate the radio frame index, the sub-block index of the second sub-block corresponds to the second bit information, and the first bit information and the two bit information are used to combine to indicate the radio frame index of the second sub-block in the superframe.

[0038] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0039] The second sub-block of the main information block (MIB) is received within the cyclic period, wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the second sub-block is the second descrambling sequence, and the cyclic period includes four 90-millisecond frame periods, and the mapping resource of the sub-block is one 9-millisecond frame period in each 90-millisecond frame period.

[0040] The sub-block index of the second sub-block is determined based on the second descrambling sequence.

[0041] Using the above method, a radio frame is defined as 90ms, and the length of a subframe within a radio frame is 9ms. The cycle consists of four 90ms frame cycles (i.e., radio frames). Each 90ms frame cycle transmits one 9ms sub-block mapping resource. This allows for the transmission of eight MIB sub-blocks within one cycle, achieving a 2-bit indication effect. These 2 bits (and possibly other bits) are used to determine a specific radio frame within a superframe, thus defining the radio frame boundary. In summary, under the new frame structure (90ms frame cycle), the radio frame length and superframe length are redefined. Under this premise, the radio frame index can be determined by decoding a single MIB sub-block, reducing the complexity of indication and determination.

[0042] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0043] The second sub-block of the main information block (MIB) is transmitted within the cycle period, wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the second sub-block is the second descrambling sequence, and the cycle period includes four 90-millisecond frame periods, and the mapping resource for transmitting the sub-block in each 90-millisecond frame period is one 9-millisecond frame period.

[0044] The second descrambling sequence is used to determine the sub-block index of the second sub-block.

[0045] Using the above method, a radio frame is defined as 90ms, and the length of a subframe within a radio frame is 9ms. The cycle consists of four 90ms frame cycles (i.e., radio frames). Each 90ms frame cycle transmits one 9ms sub-block mapping resource. This allows for the transmission of eight MIB sub-blocks within one cycle, achieving a 2-bit indication effect. These 2 bits (and possibly other bits) are used to determine a specific radio frame within a superframe, thus defining the radio frame boundary. In summary, under the new frame structure (90ms frame cycle), the radio frame length and superframe length are redefined. Under this premise, the radio frame index can be determined by decoding a single MIB sub-block, reducing the complexity of indication and determination.

[0046] In conjunction with the fifth or sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the 90-millisecond frame period is a radio frame, and the subframe length in the radio frame is 10 milliseconds.

[0047] In combination with the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect, or any of the above possible implementations, in yet another possible implementation, the sub-block index of the second sub-block is used to determine the periodic boundary of the MIB.

[0048] In combination with the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect, or any of the above possible implementations, in yet another possible implementation, in the four 90-millisecond frame periods within the cycle period, the j-th 9-millisecond period of the i-th 90-millisecond frame period is mapped to one of the eight sub-blocks of the MIB. The eight sub-blocks are mapped sequentially, and the next sub-block mapped after the last sub-block among the eight sub-blocks is the first sub-block among the eight sub-blocks, where i and j are both integers.

[0049] In combination with the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect, or any of the above possible implementations, in yet another possible implementation, the sub-block transmitted on the 9-millisecond mapped resource is a sub-block that has a mapping relationship with the 9-millisecond resource.

[0050] In another possible implementation, in conjunction with the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect, or any of the above possible implementations, the second sub-block includes first bit information, the first bit information being used to indicate the radio frame index, the sub-block index of the second sub-block corresponding to the second bit information, and the first bit information and the two bit information being used together to indicate the radio frame index of the second sub-block in the superframe.

[0051] Seventhly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which can be a terminal device or a device or functional module in a terminal device, wherein:

[0052] The communication device includes a module for performing the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof;

[0053] Alternatively, the communication device may include a module for performing the method described in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof;

[0054] Alternatively, the communication device may include a module for performing the method described in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof;

[0055] Alternatively, the communication device includes a processor for performing the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0056] Alternatively, the communication device may include a processor for performing the method described in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0057] Alternatively, the communication device may include a processor for performing the method described in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0058] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which can be a network device or a device or functional module within a network device, wherein:

[0059] The communication device includes a module for performing the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof;

[0060] Alternatively, the communication device may include a module for performing the method described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect;

[0061] Alternatively, the communication device may include a module for performing the method described in the sixth aspect or any possible implementation thereof;

[0062] Alternatively, the communication device includes a processor for performing the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0063] Alternatively, the communication device may include a processor for performing the method described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0064] Alternatively, the communication device may include a processor for performing the method described in the sixth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0065] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, characterized in that it includes a logic circuit and an interface, the logic circuit and the interface being coupled; the interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information, wherein:

[0066] The logic circuit is used to perform the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or...

[0067] The logic circuit is used to execute the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or...

[0068] The logic circuit is used to execute the method described in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or...

[0069] The logic circuit is used to perform the method described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or...

[0070] The logic circuit is used to perform the method described in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or...

[0071] The logic circuit is used to perform the method described in the sixth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0072] Tenthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, wherein:

[0073] When the computer program is executed, it is capable of implementing the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or...

[0074] When the computer program is executed, it is capable of implementing the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or...

[0075] When the computer program is executed, it is capable of implementing the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, or...

[0076] When the computer program is executed, it is capable of implementing the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, or...

[0077] When the computer program is executed, it is capable of implementing the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect, or...

[0078] When the computer program is executed, it is capable of implementing the sixth aspect or any possible implementation of the sixth aspect.

[0079] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, which includes network equipment and terminal equipment, wherein:

[0080] The terminal device is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, and the network device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or...

[0081] The terminal device is configured to perform the method described in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof, and the network device is configured to perform the method described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or...

[0082] The terminal device is used to perform the method described in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect, and the network device is used to perform the method described in the sixth aspect or any possible implementation of the sixth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0083] The accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application are described below.

[0084] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of an Iridium satellite system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a MIB using a 640ms scheduling cycle provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a transparent transmission scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figures 4b and 4c are schematic diagrams of a satellite communication system in a regeneration scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0094] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0095] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0096] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used only to distinguish different objects and not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0097] The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0098] In this application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. "Or" indicates that there can be two relationships, such as only A exists or only B exists; when A and B are not mutually exclusive, it can also mean that there are three relationships, such as only A exists, only B exists, or both A and B exist simultaneously. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0099] The method provided in this application can be applied to non-terrestrial networks (NTN) communication systems, such as satellite communication systems, as shown in Figure 3. This communication system may include terminal equipment, satellites, and ground stations (also referred to as gateway stations or signaling stations). It is understood that Figure 3 only shows one satellite and one ground station; in actual use, a multi-satellite and / or multi-ground-station architecture can be adopted as needed. Each satellite can provide services to one or more terminal devices, each satellite can correspond to one or more ground stations, and each ground station can correspond to one or more satellites, etc. This application does not specifically limit the scope of the method. The methods provided in this application can be applied to Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle to X (V2X) systems, and narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems; they can also be applied to LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, 5th-generation (5G) communication systems, 6th-generation (6G) communication systems, or future communication systems, etc., and are not specifically limited in this application.

[0100] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. It can communicate with access network equipment (or access devices) in a radio access network (RAN). Terminal devices can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, user agent, or user device, etc. In one possible implementation, the terminal device can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as on a ship). In one possible implementation, the terminal device can be a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a sensor, a terminal in the Internet of Things (IoT), a terminal in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), a drone, a 5G network, or any form of terminal device in future networks, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this. For example, terminal devices can also communicate with each other via device-to-device (D2D) and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. The terminal device shown in the embodiments of this application can also be a device in the Internet of Things (IoT). This IoT network may include, for example, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) network. The communication methods in the V2X system are collectively referred to as vehicle-to-other-device (V2X), where X can represent anything. For example, V2X may include: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, etc.

[0101] Ground stations can be used to connect satellites to base stations or satellites to the core network. Satellites can provide wireless access services to terminal devices, allocate wireless resources to accessing terminal devices, and provide reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols. As an example, satellites can serve as base stations for wireless communication, such as evolved NodeBs (eNBs) and next-generation node Bs (gNBs). As another example, satellites can also act as relays for these base stations, transmitting their signals to terminal devices.

[0102] Therefore, in some implementations of this application, such as in a satellite transparent transmission scenario, the network device can be the base station shown in Figure 3 (also called a ground base station). Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a transparent transmission scenario provided by an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the terminal device can access the network through an air interface (which can be various types of air interfaces, such as 5G air interfaces), and the network device can be deployed on a ground base station. The satellite is connected to the ground station via a wireless link. The ground station and the ground base station are connected to the core network via wired or wireless means. Wireless links can exist between satellites, and in the system shown in Figure 4a, the satellite can have a transparent transmission forwarding function. In other implementations of this application, such as in a satellite regeneration scenario, the network device can be the satellite shown in Figure 3. Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a regeneration scenario provided by an embodiment of this application. For example, terminal devices can access the network via an air interface (which can be of various types, such as a 5G air interface). Network devices can be deployed on satellites (e.g., in satellite regeneration mode), such as base stations or some base station functions deployed on satellites. Satellites can complete signaling interaction and user data transmission between base stations, as shown in Figure 4c. Optionally, network devices can also be deployed on the ground, with the satellite acting as a transparent (or pass-through) node in between. In this optional case, satellites generally cannot communicate with each other, and there is no XN interface (the XN interface is the interface between base stations). Furthermore, the interface between the satellite and ground network devices (such as base stations) is not an NG interface, but rather belongs to the air interface portion.

[0103] For example, the network elements in Figures 4a to 4c and their interfaces can be as follows:

[0104] Terminal devices can access the satellite network via the air interface and initiate calls, access the internet, and perform other services. Base stations can provide wireless access services, allocate wireless resources to accessing terminal devices, and provide reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols. Ground stations can be responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between the satellite and the core network. The core network can be used for user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and billing. The core network can consist of multiple functional units, such as functional entities including control plane and data plane. For example, the core network shown in Figures 4a to 4c may include an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), and a user plane function (UPF). For instance, the AMF can be responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. The UPF can be responsible for managing user plane data transmission and traffic statistics. The air interface shown in Figures 4a to 4c can be understood as the wireless link between the terminal and the base station, or the wireless link between the satellite and the ground station; the Xn interface can be understood as the interface between base stations, mainly used for signaling interaction such as handover; the NG interface can be used as the interface between the base station and the core network, used for exchanging non-access stratum (NAS) signaling of the core network, as well as user service data. In systems with different wireless access technologies, the names of devices with base station functions may vary, and they will not be shown one by one in the embodiments of this application.

[0105] The satellite can be a geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite or a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a non-geostationary orbit (NGEO) satellite, or a high altitude platform station (HAPS), etc. This application does not limit the specific type of satellite.

[0106] In some network device deployments, the network device may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). In other network device deployments, the CU may be divided into a CU-control plane (CP) and a CU-user plane (UP). In still other network device deployments, the network device may be an open radio access network (ORAN) architecture, etc. This application embodiment does not limit the specific deployment method of the network device. For example, when the network device is an ORAN architecture, the network device shown in this application embodiment may be an access network device in ORAN, or a functional module, etc. In the ORAN system, the CU may also be called an open (O)-CU, the DU may also be called an O-DU, the CU-CP may also be called an O-CU-CP, and the CU-UP may also be called an O-CU-UP, etc. The network device deployment methods listed here are only examples; as standard technologies evolve, network devices may have other deployment forms.

[0107] The network architecture 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 and network architectures provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0108] In a system where Iridium and 3GPP protocols coexist, when transmitting MIBs, in one optional implementation, only 8ms of the 90ms frame structure is used for downlink transmission and 8ms for uplink transmission, requiring one 10ms radio frame. The other nine radio frames correspond to different MIB sub-blocks, but these sub-blocks cannot actually be transmitted and are discarded. That is, in a single 90ms frame, one 10ms frame is allocated for transmitting one MIB sub-block, and the remaining 80ms correspond to eight sub-blocks, but these eight sub-blocks are not transmitted and are discarded. Therefore, the terminal device can receive the MIB within the first 90ms frame period. 00 MIB can be received within the first 90ms frame period. 11 MIB can be received within the second 90ms frame period. 22 Therefore, by analogy, we can also receive MIB. 33 MIB 44 MIB 55 MIB 66 MIB 77 MIB 10MIB 21 MIB 32 MIB 43 MIB 54 MIB 65 MIB 76 MIB 07 MIB 18 MIB 31 MIB 42 MIB 53 MIB 64 MIB 75 MIB 06 MIB 17 MIB 20 MIB 31 Sub-blocks, where the first index of a sub-block in a MIB represents the index of the sub-block, and the second index represents the number of times it is repeated. For example, MIB 32 This indicates the second repetition of the sub-block with index 3.

[0109] As can be seen, a terminal device can only receive one sub-block (also called a coded sub-block) within a 90ms frame period. However, the number of repetitions of each sub-block is different in different 90ms frame periods. When a terminal device receives a sub-block, it can only know which sub-block it is, but it cannot determine which repetition of the sub-block it has received, because other repetitions are discarded. The terminal device cannot determine the relative position of the sub-block based on the repetition position relationship of the sub-blocks before and after it. Therefore, determining the boundary of 64 radio frames is very complex.

[0110] In view of this, the following methods are provided for determining the boundaries of wireless frames.

[0111] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be implemented based on architectures such as those shown in Figures 3, 4a, 4b, and 4c. For example, the first communication device in this method can be a terminal device or a component within that terminal device, as shown in the architectures of Figures 3, 4a, 4b, and 4c. Similarly, the second communication device in this method can be a network device or a component within that network device, as shown in the architectures of Figures 3, 4a, 4b, and 4c. Of course, this method can also be implemented based on other architectures, and includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0112] Step S501: The second communication device sends the first sub-block.

[0113] Specifically, the first sub-block is a sub-block contained in the MIB, also known as an encoded sub-block. A MIB typically includes 64 sub-blocks, with each group consisting of 8 consecutive sub-blocks, for a total of 8 groups. Sub-blocks within the same group have the same sub-block index. The order of sub-blocks within a group indicates the number of times the sub-block is repeated. For example, a sub-block can be represented as a MIB. xy Where x represents the sub-block index and y represents the number of repetitions, the order of these 64 sub-blocks is from left to right and from top to bottom, as follows:

[0114] MIB 00 MIB 01 MIB 02 MIB 03 MIB 04 MIB 05 MIB 06 MIB 07 ,

[0115] MIB 10 MIB 11 MIB 12 MIB 13 MIB 14 MIB 15 MIB 16 MIB 17 ,

[0116] MIB 20 MIB 21 MIB 22 MIB 23 MIB 24 MIB 25 MIB 26 MIB 27 ,

[0117] MIB 20 MIB 31 MIB 32 MIB 33 MIB 34 MIB 35 MIB 36 MIB 37 ,

[0118] MIB 40 MIB 41 MIB 42 MIB 43 MIB 44 MIB 45 MIB 46 MIB 47 ,

[0119] MIB 50 MIB 51 MIB 52 MIB 53 MIB 54 MIB 55 MIB 56 MIB 57 ,

[0120] MIB 60 MIB 61 MIB 62 MIB 63 MIB 64 MIB 65 MIB 66 MIB 67 ,

[0121] MIB 70 MIB 71 MIB 72 MIB 73 MIB 74 MIB 75 MIB 76 MIB 77 .

[0122] As can be seen, each row is exactly one group, and there are a total of 8 rows, which correspond to 8 groups. In the same group, the first number x of the subscript of the 8 sub-blocks is the same, indicating that they are the same sub-block. However, the second number y of the subscript of these 8 sub-blocks is not the same, indicating that their repetition order is different.

[0123] Optionally, to accommodate the 90-millisecond (ms) frame period of constellations (such as the Iridium system), a 10-ms radio frame can be defined, with a subframe length of 1ms within each radio frame. Then, a scheme needs to be designed to transmit the aforementioned 64 sub-blocks over a 90-ms frame period. For example, these 64 sub-blocks can be transmitted over 8 cycles, each cycle comprising 8 90-ms frame periods. Specifically, the 64 sub-blocks can be transmitted over 64 90-ms frame periods. Before transmission, the following mapping relationship can be established:

[0124] For example, in the 64 90ms intervals within the 8 cycle periods, the j-th 10ms interval of the i-th 90ms interval is mapped to one of the 64 sub-blocks of the MIB. These 64 sub-blocks are mapped sequentially, with the next sub-block mapped after the last sub-block being the first sub-block. Both i and j are integers. Following this rule, it can be deduced that there are 9 10ms intervals within the 0th 90ms frame period, and these 9 10ms intervals are mapped one-to-one to the MIB.00 MIB 01 MIB 02 MIB 03 MIB 04 MIB 05 MIB 06 MIB 07 MIB 10 Within the first 90ms frame period, there are nine 10ms intervals, each of which is mapped to a MIB. 11 MIB 12 MIB 13 MIB 14 MIB 15 MIB 16 MIB 17 MIB 18 MIB 21 The second 90ms frame cycle also consists of nine 10ms memory segments, each of which is mapped to a MIB. 22 MIB 23 MIB 24 MIB 25 MIB 26 MIB 27 MIB 28 MIB 31 MIB 32 ...within the 7th 90ms frame period, there are also 9 10ms intervals, each of which is mapped to a MIB. 77 MIB 00 MIB 01 MIB 02 MIB 03 MIB 04 MIB 05 MIB 06 MIB 07 The other 90ms frame periods follow the same pattern. It can be seen that each 10ms segment of the 64 90ms frame periods maps to a sub-block.

[0125] After the mapping relationship is established, only one sub-block is actually transmitted in each 90ms frame period. That is, only one 10ms segment of each 90ms frame period is used to transmit the sub-block. For example, the 0th (or the first) 10ms segment of the 90ms frame period can be used to transmit the sub-block, or the last 10ms segment of the 90ms frame period can be used. Which 10ms segment is used is not limited here and can be set as needed. The transmitted sub-block is specifically a sub-block that has a mapping relationship with this 10ms segment. The remaining 8 10ms segments of the 90ms frame period do not need to transmit their respective sub-blocks. In this embodiment, this 10ms segment of the 90ms frame period is a mapping resource, that is, a resource configured for transmitting sub-blocks. In actual transmission, only a portion of the resource may be used, for example, only 1ms may be used to complete the transmission. Optionally, this 10ms segment can be composed of 10 1ms subframes.

[0126] Therefore, according to this transmission rule, the sub-blocks actually transmitted sequentially in the 8 cycles are as follows:

[0127] Cycle 0 (containing 8 90ms frame cycles): MIB 00 MIB 11 MIB 22 MIB 33 MIB 44 MIB 55 MIB 66 MIB 77 .

[0128] First cycle (containing 8 90ms frame cycles): MIB 10 MIB 21 MIB 32 MIB 43 MIB 54 MIB 65 MIB 76 MIB 07 .

[0129] Second cycle (containing 8 90ms frame cycles): MIB 20 MIB 31 MIB 42 MIB 53 MIB 64 MIB 75 MIB 06 MIB 17 .

[0130] The third cycle (containing eight 90ms frame cycles): MIB 30 MIB 41 MIB52 MIB 63 MIB 74 MIB 05 MIB 16 ,MIB2.

[0131] Fourth cycle (containing eight 90ms frame cycles): MIB 40 MIB 51 MIB 62 MIB 73 MIB 04 MIB 15 MIB 26 MIB 37 .

[0132] Fifth cycle (containing eight 90ms frame cycles): MIB 50 MIB 61 MIB 72 MIB 03 MIB 14 MIB 25 MIB 36 MIB 47 .

[0133] The 6th cycle (containing 8 90ms frame cycles): MIB 60 MIB 71 MIB 02 MIB 13 MIB 24 MIB 35 MIB 46 MIB 57 .

[0134] The 7th cycle (containing 8 90ms frame cycles): MIB 70 MIB 01 MIB 12 MIB 23 MIB 34 MIB 45 MIB 56 MIB 67 .

[0135] In this embodiment of the application, when transmitting sub-blocks, the second communication device scrambles each transmitted sub-block using a scrambling sequence. Sub-blocks with the same sub-block index (i.e., the same x) use the same scrambling sequence, while sub-blocks with different sub-block indices (i.e., different x) use different scrambling sequences. For example, MIB 10 MIB 11 MIB 12 MIB 13MIB 14 MIB 15 MIB 16 MIB 17 These sub-blocks use the same scrambling sequence, while MIB 01 MIB 11 MIB 21 MIB 31 MIB 41 MIB 51 MIB 61 MIB 71 The scrambling sequences used are different for each of the 64 sub-blocks. Therefore, eight different scrambling sequences are required for scrambling the 64 sub-blocks mentioned above.

[0136] In other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the sub-block index and the scrambling sequence, as illustrated in Table 1 below.

[0137] Table 1

[0138] In this embodiment, the first sub-block is any one of the 64 sub-blocks mentioned above. That is, the transmission, processing, etc. of the 64 sub-blocks can be referred to the description of the first sub-block in this embodiment.

[0139] Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first sub-block.

[0140] It should be noted that during the process of receiving the first sub-block, the first communication device will attempt to descramble the first sub-block. The descrambling sequence that descrambles the first sub-block is the first descrambling sequence.

[0141] In this embodiment, the first sub-block includes first information, which indicates the first sub-block transmitted within the cycle period (i.e., 8 90ms frame periods) of the first sub-block. As in the example given above, the first sub-block in the 0th cycle period is the MIB. 00 The corresponding sub-block index is 0, and the first sub-block in the first cycle is MIB. 10 The corresponding sub-block index is 1, and the first sub-block in the second cycle is MIB. 20 The corresponding sub-block index is 2, and the first sub-block in the third cycle is MIB. 30 The corresponding sub-block index is 3, and the first sub-block in the 4th cycle is MIB. 40 The corresponding sub-block index is 4, and the first sub-block in the 5th cycle is MIB. 50 The corresponding sub-block index is 5, and the first sub-block in the 6th cycle is MIB. 60 The corresponding sub-block index is 6, and the first sub-block in the 7th cycle is MIB.70 The corresponding sub-block index is 7. Optionally, a complete repetition cycle can include 8 cycles. The cycle indices of these 8 cycles, in chronological order, are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. The sub-block indices of the first sub-block sent in each cycle are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, respectively. Therefore, the sub-block index and the cycle index are the same or have a one-to-one correspondence. Thus, the first information can also directly indicate the cycle index to indirectly indicate the sub-block index of the first sub-block in that cycle.

[0142] Step S502: The first communication device determines the sub-block index of the first sub-block and the number of repetitions it belongs to.

[0143] If the first sub-block is descrambled using the first descrambling sequence, the index of the sub-block corresponding to the first descrambling sequence can be determined according to the correspondence (e.g., Table 1). For example, as shown in Table 1, if the first sub-block is descrambled using the descrambling sequence R2222222, then the index of the sub-block is 2, and the corresponding sub-blocks include MIB. 20 MIB 21 MIB 22 MIB 23 MIB 24 MIB 25 MIB 26 MIB 27 If the first sub-block is descrambled using the descrambling sequence R4444444, then the index of this sub-block is 4, and the corresponding sub-blocks include the MIB. 40 MIB 41 MIB 42 MIB 43 MIB 44 MIB 45 MIB 46 MIB 47 The rest follow the same pattern. Since different sub-blocks with the same sub-block index use the same scrambling sequence, the first descrambling sequence can only determine the sub-block index of the first sub-block, but cannot determine how many times the first sub-block has repeated. That is, the first descrambling sequence can determine the x of the first sub-block, but not the y of the first sub-block. It is also necessary to determine how many times the first sub-block has repeated.

[0144] The following further proposes a method for determining the repetition number of the first sub-block. Specifically, in this embodiment, the repetition number of the first sub-block can be further determined based on the first sub-block indicated by the first information. As can be seen from the eight cycle examples above, there is a pattern between the sub-block index of a certain sub-block, the sub-block index of the first sub-block in the cycle in which the sub-block is located, and the repetition number of the sub-block. Knowing any two of these two items allows us to deduce the third item.

[0145] Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, the sub-block index x of the first sub-block, the sub-block index z of the first sub-block in the cycle period in which the first sub-block is located, and the nth repetition (e.g., the yth repetition) to which the first sub-block belongs satisfy the following relationship:

[0146] If x > z, then y = x - z + s

[0147] If x < z, then y = x - z + 8 + s

[0148] If x = z, then y = s

[0149] Where s is the starting value of the repetition order. For example, if the number of repetitions is 8 and the order of these 8 repetitions is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, then s = 0; or if the number of repetitions is 8 and the order of these 8 repetitions is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, then s = 1.

[0150] For example, if s = 0, the sub-block index of the first sub-block is 2, and the sub-block index of the first sub-block in the cycle containing the first sub-block is 1, then we can determine the repetition order of the first sub-block: y = 2 - 1 + 0 = 1, which is the first repetition. Therefore, the first sub-block is a sub-block MIB. 21 .

[0151] As can be seen, by using the above method, it is possible to determine which of the eight sub-block indices the sub-block index is, and which of the eight repetitions the first sub-block order is. The eight sub-blocks can be represented by three bits, and the eight repetition orders can also be represented by three bits. Therefore, the sub-block index corresponds to three bits of information, and the repetition order corresponds to three bits of information. Thus, by determining the sub-block index of the first sub-block and which repetition it belongs to, the first communication device has determined six bits of information. Therefore, these six bits of information can be used to determine a specific radio frame (or radio frame index) in the superframe. Different values ​​of these six bits result in different determined radio frames.

[0152] In one alternative scheme, the first sub-block further includes first bit information, which indicates the radio frame index. The sub-block index and the number of repetitions to which the first sub-block belongs correspond to second bit information (i.e., 6 bits). The first bit information and the second bit information are used together to indicate the radio frame index of the first sub-block in the superframe. For example, if the first bit information is 4 bits, plus the 6 bits of the second bit information, a total of 10 bits, it can be understood that if a superframe contains 1024 10ms radio frames, then these 10 bits can indicate or determine the first radio frame (or the 0th radio frame, or the valid radio frame) in the 1024 90ms frame periods. That is to say, by using the sub-block index and the number of repetitions to which the first sub-block belongs, as determined above, and superimposing the first bit information carried in the first sub-block, it can be used to indicate or determine the first radio frame in the 1024 90ms frame periods. When the received first sub-blocks are different, the first radio frame in different 90ms frame periods can be determined accordingly. Therefore, by transmitting different sub-blocks, the first radio frame (or the 0th radio frame, or the valid radio frame) within 1024 90ms frame periods can be determined, that is, the radio frame boundary can be determined.

[0153] Using the above method, first information is carried in the first sub-block, indicating the first sub-block transmitted within the cycle period of the first sub-block. Then, the sub-block index of the first sub-block is decrypted based on the descrambling sequence, and the repetition number of the first sub-block is determined based on the sub-block index and the repetition number. Obtaining the sub-block index and the repetition number is equivalent to obtaining 6 bits of information. These 6 bits (which can be combined with other bits) can be used to determine a specific radio frame in the superframe, i.e., to determine the radio frame boundary. In summary, under the new frame structure (i.e., a 90ms frame period), the radio frame index can be determined by decoding one MIB sub-block, reducing the complexity of indication and determination.

[0154] Please refer to Figure 6, which is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be implemented based on architectures such as those shown in Figures 3, 4a, 4b, and 4c. For example, the first communication device in this method can be a terminal device or a component within that terminal device, as shown in the architectures of Figures 3, 4a, 4b, and 4c. The second communication device in this method can be a network device or a component within that network device, as shown in the architectures of Figures 3, 4a, 4b, and 4c. Of course, this method can also be implemented based on other architectures, and the method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0155] Step S601: The second communication device sends the second sub-block.

[0156] Specifically, this second sub-block is a sub-block contained within the MIB, also known as an encoded sub-block. A MIB typically includes 8 sub-blocks. For example, a sub-block can be represented as a MIB. x Where x represents the sub-block index, the order of these 8 sub-blocks is from left to right, as follows:

[0157] MIB0, MIB1, MIB2, MIB3, MIB4, MIB5, MIB6, MIB7.

[0158] Optionally, to accommodate the 90-millisecond (ms) frame period of constellations (such as the Iridium system), a 90-millisecond frame can be defined as a radio frame, with each subframe within the radio frame being 10ms in length. Then, a scheme needs to be designed to transmit the aforementioned eight sub-blocks within the 90-millisecond frame period. For example, these eight sub-blocks can be transmitted within a cyclic period, which includes eight 90-millisecond frame periods. Specifically, the following mapping relationship can be established before transmission:

[0159] For example, in the eight 90ms intervals within the cycle, the j-th 10ms of the i-th 90ms interval is mapped to one of the eight sub-blocks of the MIB. The eight sub-blocks are mapped sequentially, and the next sub-block mapped after the last sub-block in the eight sub-blocks is the first sub-block in the eight sub-blocks. Both i and j are integers. According to this rule, we can see that the 0th 90ms frame period contains nine 10ms segments, which are mapped to MIB0, MIB1, MIB2, MIB3, MIB4, MIB5, MIB6, MIB7, and MIB0 respectively. The 1st 90ms frame period also contains nine 10ms segments, which are mapped to MIB1, MIB2, MIB3, MIB4, MIB5, MIB6, MIB7, MIB0, and MIB1 respectively, and so on. The 7th 90ms frame period also contains nine 10ms segments, which are mapped to MIB7, MIB0, MIB1, MIB2, MIB3, MIB4, MIB5, MIB6, and MIB7 respectively. It can be seen that each 10ms segment in the eight 90ms frame periods is mapped to a sub-block.

[0160] After the mapping relationship is established, only one sub-block is actually transmitted in each 90ms frame period. That is, only one 10ms segment of each 90ms frame period is used to transmit the sub-block. For example, the 0th (i.e., the first) 10ms segment of the 90ms frame period can be used to transmit the sub-block, or the last 10ms segment of the 90ms frame period can be used. Which 10ms segment is used is not limited here and can be set as needed. The transmitted sub-block is specifically a sub-block that has a mapping relationship with this 10ms segment. The remaining 8 10ms segments of the 90ms frame period do not need to transmit their respective sub-blocks. In this embodiment, this 10ms segment of the 90ms frame period is a mapping resource, that is, a resource configured for transmitting sub-blocks. In actual transmission, only a portion of the resource may be used, for example, only 1ms may be used to complete the transmission. Optionally, this 10ms segment can be composed of 10 1ms subframes.

[0161] Therefore, according to this transmission rule, the sub-blocks actually transmitted sequentially in this cycle (containing 8 90ms frame cycles) are as follows:

[0162] MIB0, MIB1, MIB2, MIB3, MIB4, MIB5, MIB6, MIB7.

[0163] In this embodiment of the application, when transmitting sub-blocks, the second communication device scrambles each transmitted sub-block with a scrambling sequence. Sub-blocks with different sub-block indices use different scrambling sequences. For example, sub-blocks MIB0, MIB1, MIB2, MIB3, MIB4, MIB5, MIB6, and MIB7 are scrambled using eight different scrambling sequences respectively.

[0164] In other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the sub-block index and the scrambling sequence, as illustrated in Table 2 below.

[0165] Table 2

[0166] In this embodiment, the second sub-block is any one of the above 8 sub-blocks. That is, the transmission, processing, etc. of the above 8 sub-blocks can refer to the description of the second sub-block in this embodiment.

[0167] Optionally, in this application embodiment, 90ms is defined as a radio frame, and the length of a subframe within a radio frame is 10ms.

[0168] Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the second sub-block.

[0169] It should be noted that the first communication device will attempt to descramble the second sub-block during the process of receiving the second sub-block. The descrambling sequence that descrambles the second sub-block is the second descrambling sequence.

[0170] Step S602: The first communication device determines the sub-block index of the second sub-block according to the second descrambling sequence.

[0171] If the second sub-block is descrambled using the second descrambling sequence, the index of the sub-block corresponding to the second descrambling sequence can be determined according to the correspondence (e.g., Table 2). For example, as shown in Table 2, if the second sub-block is descrambled using the descrambling sequence R2222222, then the index of the sub-block is 2, and the corresponding sub-block includes MIB2; if the second sub-block is descrambled using the descrambling sequence R4444444, then the index of the sub-block is 4, and the corresponding sub-block includes MIB4; and so on.

[0172] As can be seen, by using the above method, it is possible to determine which of the eight sub-block indices the sub-block index of the second sub-block is. The eight sub-blocks can be represented by three bits, so the sub-block index corresponds to three bits of information. Therefore, the first communication device determines the sub-block index of the second sub-block, which can be used to determine a specific radio frame (or radio frame index) in the superframe. Different values ​​of these three bits will result in different determined radio frames.

[0173] In one alternative scheme, the second sub-block further includes a first bit of information, which indicates the radio frame index. The sub-block index of the second sub-block corresponds to the second bit of information (i.e., 3 bits). The first bit and the second bit are combined to indicate the radio frame index of the second sub-block in the superframe. For example, if the first bit is 4 bits, plus the 3 bits of the second bit, a total of 7 bits can be used. This means that if a superframe contains 128 radio frames, these 7 bits can indicate or determine any one of the radio frames in the superframe. For example, 7 bits can indicate any one of the radio frames in a superframe consisting of 128 90ms radio frames. In other words, the sub-block index of the second sub-block, determined above, combined with the first bit of information carried in the second sub-block, can be used to indicate or determine a radio frame in the superframe. Different received second sub-blocks can correspond to different radio frames in the superframe. Therefore, by transmitting different sub-blocks, each radio frame (or radio frame index) within the superframe period can be determined, i.e., the radio frame boundary can be determined.

[0174] Using the above method, a radio frame is defined as 90ms, and the length of a subframe within a radio frame is 10ms. The cycle consists of eight 90ms frame cycles (i.e., radio frames). Each 90ms frame cycle transmits a sub-block mapping resource of one 10ms. This allows the transmission of eight MIB sub-blocks within one cycle, achieving a 3-bit indication effect. These 3 bits (and can be combined with other bits) are used to determine a specific radio frame within a superframe, thus defining the radio frame boundary. In summary, under the new frame structure (i.e., the 90ms frame cycle), the radio frame length and superframe length are redefined. Under this premise, the radio frame index can be determined by decoding a single MIB sub-block, reducing the complexity of indication and determination.

[0175] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be implemented based on architectures such as those shown in Figures 3, 4a, 4b, and 4c. For example, the first communication device in this method can be a terminal device or a component within that terminal device, as shown in the architectures of Figures 3, 4a, 4b, and 4c. The second communication device in this method can be a network device or a component within that network device, as shown in the architectures of Figures 3, 4a, 4b, and 4c. Of course, this method can also be implemented based on other architectures, and the method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0176] Step S701: The second communication device sends the second sub-block.

[0177] Specifically, this second sub-block is a sub-block contained within the MIB, also known as an encoded sub-block. A MIB typically includes 8 sub-blocks. For example, a sub-block can be represented as a MIB. x Where x represents the sub-block index, the order of these 8 sub-blocks is from left to right, as follows:

[0178] MIB0, MIB1, MIB2, MIB3, MIB4, MIB5, MIB6, MIB7.

[0179] Optionally, to accommodate the 90-millisecond (ms) frame period of constellations (such as the Iridium system), a 90-ms frame can be defined as a radio frame, with a subframe length of 9ms within each frame. Then, a scheme needs to be designed to transmit the aforementioned 8 sub-blocks within the 90-ms frame period. For example, these 8 sub-blocks can be transmitted within a cyclic period, which includes four 90-ms frame periods. Specifically, the following mapping relationship can be established before transmission:

[0180] For example, in the four 90ms intervals within the loop period, the j-th 9ms of the i-th 90ms interval is mapped to one of the eight sub-blocks of the MIB. These eight sub-blocks are mapped sequentially, and the next sub-block mapped after the last sub-block is the first sub-block of the eight sub-blocks. Both i and j are integers. Following this rule, we can conclude that:

[0181] Within the 0th 90ms frame period, there are 10 9ms segments, which are mapped to MIB0, MIB1, MIB2, MIB3, MIB4, MIB5, MIB6, MIB7, MIB0, and MIB1 respectively.

[0182] The first 90ms frame cycle also consists of 10 9ms intervals in memory, which are mapped to MIB2, MIB3, MIB4, MIB5, MIB6, MIB7, MIB0, MIB1, MIB2, and MIB3 respectively.

[0183] The second 90ms frame cycle also consists of 10 9ms intervals in memory, which are mapped to MIB4, MIB5, MIB6, MIB7, MIB0, MIB1, MIB2, MIB3, MIB4, and MIB5 respectively.

[0184] The memory for the third 90ms frame cycle is also divided into 10 9ms intervals, which are mapped to MIB6, MIB7, MIB0, MIB1, MIB2, MIB3, MIB4, MIB5, MIB6, and MIB7 respectively.

[0185] It can be seen that each 9ms segment of the four 90ms frame periods is mapped to a sub-block.

[0186] After the mapping relationship is established, only one sub-block is actually transmitted in each 90ms frame period. That is, only one 9ms segment of each 90ms frame period is used to transmit the sub-block. For example, the 0th (i.e., the first) 9ms segment of the 90ms frame period can be used to transmit the sub-block, or the last 9ms segment of the 90ms frame period can be used. Which 9ms segment is used for the sub-block is not limited here and can be set as needed. The transmitted sub-block is specifically a sub-block that has a mapping relationship with this 9ms segment. The remaining 9ms segments of the 90ms frame period do not need to transmit their respective sub-blocks. In this embodiment, this 9ms segment of the 90ms frame period is a mapping resource, that is, a resource configured for transmitting sub-blocks. In actual transmission, only a portion of the resource may be used, for example, only 1ms may be used to complete the transmission. Optionally, this 9ms segment can be composed of 9 1ms subframes.

[0187] Therefore, according to this transmission rule, the sub-blocks actually transmitted sequentially in this cycle (including four 90ms frame cycles) are as follows:

[0188] MIB0, MIB2, MIB4, MIB6.

[0189] In this embodiment of the application, when transmitting sub-blocks, the second communication device scrambles each transmitted sub-block with a scrambling sequence. Sub-blocks with different sub-block indices use different scrambling sequences. For example, sub-blocks MIB0, MIB2, MIB4, and MIB6 are scrambled using four different scrambling sequences respectively.

[0190] In other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the sub-block index and the scrambling sequence, as illustrated in Table 3 below.

[0191] Table 3

[0192] In this embodiment, the second sub-block is any one of the four sub-blocks mentioned above. That is, the transmission, processing, etc. of the four sub-blocks can be referred to the description of the second sub-block in this embodiment.

[0193] Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the second sub-block.

[0194] It should be noted that the first communication device will attempt to descramble the second sub-block during the process of receiving the second sub-block. The descrambling sequence that descrambles the second sub-block is the second descrambling sequence.

[0195] Step S702: The first communication device determines the sub-block index of the second sub-block according to the second descrambling sequence.

[0196] If the second sub-block is descrambled using the second descrambling sequence, the index of the sub-block corresponding to the second descrambling sequence can be determined according to the correspondence (e.g., Table 3). For example, as shown in Table 3, if the second sub-block is descrambled using the descrambling sequence R2222222, then the index of the sub-block is 2, and the corresponding sub-blocks include MIB2; if the second sub-block is descrambled using the descrambling sequence R6666666, then the index of the sub-block is 6, and the corresponding sub-blocks include MIB6; and so on.

[0197] As can be seen, by using the above method, it is possible to determine which of the four sub-block indices the sub-block index of the second sub-block is. The four sub-blocks can be represented by two bits, so the sub-block index corresponds to two bits of information. Therefore, the first communication device determines the sub-block index of the second sub-block, which can be used to determine a specific radio frame (or radio frame index) in the superframe. Different values ​​of these two bits will result in different determined radio frames.

[0198] In one alternative scheme, the second sub-block further includes a first bit of information. This first bit indicates the radio frame index, and the sub-block index of the second sub-block corresponds to the second bit of information (i.e., 2 bits). The first bit and the second bit are combined to indicate the radio frame index of the second sub-block within the superframe. For example, if the first bit is 4 bits, plus the 2 bits of the second bit, a total of 6 bits can be used. This means that if a superframe contains 64 radio frames, these 6 bits can indicate or determine any one of the radio frames in that superframe. For example, they can indicate any one of the radio frames in a superframe consisting of 64 90ms radio frames. In other words, the sub-block index of the second sub-block, determined above, combined with the first bit of information carried in the second sub-block, can be used to indicate or determine a radio frame within the superframe. Different received second sub-blocks can correspond to different radio frames within the superframe. Therefore, by transmitting different sub-blocks, each radio frame (or radio frame index) within the superframe period can be determined, i.e., the radio frame boundary can be determined.

[0199] Using the above method, a radio frame is defined as 90ms, and the length of a subframe within a radio frame is 9ms. The cycle consists of four 90ms frame cycles (i.e., radio frames). Each 90ms frame cycle transmits one 9ms sub-block mapping resource. This allows for the transmission of eight MIB sub-blocks within one cycle, achieving a 2-bit indication effect. These 2 bits (and can be combined with other bits) are used to determine a specific radio frame within a superframe, thus defining the radio frame boundary. In summary, under the new frame structure (90ms frame cycle), the radio frame length and superframe length are redefined. Under this premise, the radio frame index can be determined by decoding a single MIB sub-block, reducing the complexity of indication and determination.

[0200] The above describes the method embodiments of this application. The device embodiments of this application are described below.

[0201] This application divides the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiments. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It should be noted that the module division in this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. The communication device of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 8 to 10.

[0202] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the communication device includes a processing module 801 and a transceiver module 802. The transceiver module 802 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing module 801 is used for data processing. The transceiver module 802 can also be referred to as an interface, a communication interface, or a communication module, etc.

[0203] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device is the first communication device mentioned above. This communication device can be used to perform the actions performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device can be the terminal device itself or a chip or functional module configurable in the terminal device. In other embodiments of this application, the communication device is the second communication device mentioned above. This communication device can be used to perform the actions performed by the network device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device can be the network device itself or a chip or functional module configurable in the network device. Specifically, the transceiver module 802 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 801 is used to perform the processing-related operations in the above method embodiments. The processing module 801 can perform corresponding operations by calling a computer program or by performing corresponding operations through corresponding hardware circuits. The transceiver module 802 can perform transceiver operations independently or under the control of the processing module 801.

[0204] For example, the communication device shown in FIG8 can be a terminal device or a component (e.g., a chip) in a terminal device. The processing module 801 and the transceiver module 802 in the communication device can respectively perform the following operations:

[0205] The transceiver module 802 is used to receive the first sub-block of the main information block (MIB), wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the first sub-block is a first descrambling sequence, the first sub-block includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate the first sub-block sent in the cycle period in which the first sub-block is located;

[0206] Processing module 801 is used to determine the sub-block index of the first sub-block and the number of repetitions it belongs to, wherein the first descrambling sequence is used to determine the sub-block index, and the first sub-block indicated by the first information is used to determine the number of repetitions it belongs to.

[0207] For specific implementation details and principles, please refer to the relevant description of the method embodiment shown in Figure 5.

[0208] Reusing Figure 8, in some other embodiments of this application, exemplaryly, the communication device network device or the device (e.g., chip) in the network device shown in Figure 8, the processing module 801 and the transceiver module 802 in the communication device can respectively perform the following operations:

[0209] The transceiver module 802 is used to send the first sub-block of the main information block (MIB), wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the first sub-block is a first descrambling sequence, the first sub-block includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate the first sub-block sent in the cycle in which the first sub-block is located;

[0210] Wherein, the first descrambling sequence is used to determine the sub-block index of the first sub-block, and the first sub-block indicated by the first information is used to determine which repetition the first sub-block belongs to.

[0211] For specific implementation details and principles, please refer to the relevant description of the method embodiment shown in Figure 5.

[0212] Reusing Figure 8, in some other embodiments of this application, exemplaryly, the communication device terminal equipment or the device (e.g., chip) in the terminal equipment shown in Figure 8, the processing module 801 and the transceiver module 802 in the communication device can respectively perform the following operations:

[0213] The transceiver module 802 is used to receive the second sub-block of the main information block (MIB) within a cycle period, wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the second sub-block is the second descrambling sequence, and the cycle period includes eight 90-millisecond frame periods, wherein the mapping resource for transmitting the sub-block in each 90-millisecond frame period is one 10-millisecond period.

[0214] Processing module 801 is used to determine the sub-block index of the second sub-block based on the second descrambling sequence.

[0215] For specific implementation details and principles, please refer to the relevant description of the method embodiment shown in Figure 6.

[0216] Reusing Figure 8, in some other embodiments of this application, exemplaryly, the communication device network device or the device (e.g., chip) in the network device shown in Figure 8, the processing module 801 and the transceiver module 802 in the communication device can respectively perform the following operations:

[0217] The transceiver module 802 is used to transmit the second sub-block of the main information block (MIB) within a cycle period, wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the second sub-block is the second descrambling sequence, and the cycle period includes eight 90-millisecond frame periods, wherein the mapping resource for transmitting the sub-block in each 90-millisecond frame period is one 10-millisecond period.

[0218] The second descrambling sequence is used to determine the sub-block index of the second sub-block.

[0219] For specific implementation details and principles, please refer to the relevant description of the method embodiment shown in Figure 6.

[0220] Reusing Figure 8, in some other embodiments of this application, exemplaryly, the communication device terminal equipment or the device (e.g., chip) in the terminal equipment shown in Figure 8, the processing module 801 and the transceiver module 802 in the communication device can respectively perform the following operations:

[0221] The transceiver module 802 is used to receive the second sub-block of the main information block (MIB) within a cycle period, wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the second sub-block is the second descrambling sequence, and the cycle period includes four 90-millisecond frame periods, wherein the mapping resource for transmitting the sub-block in each 90-millisecond frame period is one 9-millisecond frame period.

[0222] Processing module 801 is used to determine the sub-block index of the second sub-block based on the second descrambling sequence.

[0223] For specific implementation details and principles, please refer to the relevant description of the method embodiment shown in Figure 7.

[0224] Reusing Figure 8, in some other embodiments of this application, exemplaryly, the communication device network device or the device (e.g., chip) in the network device shown in Figure 8, the processing module 801 and the transceiver module 802 in the communication device can respectively perform the following operations:

[0225] The transceiver module 802 is used to transmit the second sub-block of the main information block (MIB) within a cycle period, wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the second sub-block is the second descrambling sequence, and the cycle period includes four 90-millisecond frame periods, wherein the mapping resource for transmitting the sub-block in each 90-millisecond frame period is one 9-millisecond frame period.

[0226] The second descrambling sequence is used to determine the sub-block index of the second sub-block.

[0227] For specific implementation details and principles, please refer to the relevant description of the method embodiment shown in Figure 7.

[0228] The specific descriptions of the transceiver module and processing module shown in the above embodiments are merely examples. For the specific functions or execution steps of the transceiver module and processing module, please refer to the above method embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0229] The communication device according to the embodiments of this application has been described above. The following describes possible product forms of the communication device. Any product possessing the functions of the communication device described in FIG8 above falls within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0230] The following description is merely an example and does not limit the product form of the communication device in the embodiments of this application to this.

[0231] In one possible implementation, in the communication device shown in FIG8, the processing module 801 can be one or more processors, and the transceiver module 802 can be a transceiver, or the transceiver module 802 can also be a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module can be a transmitter, and the receiving module can be a receiver. The transmitting module and the receiving module are integrated into one device, such as a transceiver. In the embodiments of this application, the processor and the transceiver can be coupled, etc., and the connection method of the processor and the transceiver is not limited in the embodiments of this application. In the process of executing the above method, the process of sending information in the above method can be the process of the processor outputting the above information. When outputting the above information, the processor outputs the above information to the transceiver so that the transceiver can transmit it. After the above information is output by the processor, it may need to undergo other processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, the process of receiving information in the above method can be the process of the processor receiving the input above information. When the processor receives the input information, the transceiver receives the above information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the above information, the above information may need to undergo other processing before being input into the processor.

[0232] As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 90 includes one or more processors 920 and transceivers 910. Exemplarily, the transceiver 910 is used to perform the functions or steps implemented by the transceiver module 802 shown in Figure 8, and the processor 920 is used to perform the functions or steps implemented by the processing module 801 shown in Figure 8. Detailed descriptions of the processor 920 and transceiver 910 can be found in Figure 8 or the method embodiments shown above, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0233] The descriptions of the relevant steps and information in the above embodiments can be found in the descriptions of the method embodiments above, and will not be detailed here.

[0234] In various implementations of the communication device shown in Figure 9, the transceiver may include a receiver for performing a receiving function (or operation) and a transmitter for performing a transmitting function (or operation). The transceiver is also used to communicate with other devices / appliances via a transmission medium.

[0235] Optionally, the communication device 90 may further include one or more memories 930 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memories 930 are coupled to the processor 920. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 920 may operate in conjunction with the memories 930. The processor 920 may execute program instructions stored in the memories 930. Optionally, at least one of the aforementioned memories may be included in the processor.

[0236] This embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the transceiver 910, processor 920, and memory 930. In Figure 9, the memory 930, processor 920, and transceiver 910 are connected via a bus 940, indicated by a thick line. The connection methods between other components are merely illustrative and not intended to be limiting. The bus can be an address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 9, but this does not indicate that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0237] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc., and can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0238] In this application embodiment, the memory may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory such as hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), read-only memory (ROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any storage medium capable of carrying or storing program code having instruction or data structure forms, and capable of being read and / or written by a computer (such as the communication device shown in this application), but is not limited to this. The memory in this application embodiment may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store program instructions and / or data.

[0239] The processor 920 is primarily used for processing communication protocols and data, controlling the entire communication device, executing software programs, and processing software program data. The memory 930 is primarily used for storing software programs and data. The transceiver 910 may include control circuitry and an antenna. The control circuitry is primarily used for converting baseband signals to radio frequency signals and processing radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are primarily used for receiving user input data and outputting data to the user.

[0240] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 920 can read the software program in the memory 930, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 920 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 920. The processor 920 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0241] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be set up independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be arranged remotely, independent of the communication device.

[0242] The communication device shown in this application embodiment may also have more components than those in Figure 9, and this application embodiment does not limit this. The methods executed by the processor and transceiver shown above are only examples, and the specific steps executed by the processor and transceiver can be referred to the methods described above.

[0243] In another possible implementation, in the communication device shown in Figure 8, the processing module 801 can be one or more logic circuits, and the transceiver module 802 can be an input / output interface, or a communication interface, or an interface circuit, or an interface, etc. Alternatively, the transceiver module 802 can also be a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module can be an output interface, and the receiving module can be an input interface. The transmitting module and the receiving module are integrated into one module, such as an input / output interface. As shown in Figure 10, the communication device shown in Figure 10 includes a logic circuit 1001 and an interface 1002. That is, the above-mentioned processing module 801 can be implemented using the logic circuit 1001, and the transceiver module 802 can be implemented using the interface 1002. Among them, the logic circuit 1001 can be a chip, a processing circuit, an integrated circuit, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip, etc., and the interface 1002 can be a communication interface, an input / output interface, pins, etc. For example, Figure 10 uses the above-mentioned communication device as a chip, which includes the logic circuit 1001 and the interface 1002.

[0244] In this embodiment, the logic circuit and the interface can also be coupled to each other. The specific connection method of the logic circuit and the interface is not limited in this embodiment. For example, the logic circuit 1001 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the processing module 801 shown in FIG8, and the interface 1002 can be used to execute the functions or steps implemented by the transceiver module 802 shown in FIG8. For a detailed description of the logic circuit 1001 and the interface 1002, please refer to FIG8 or the method embodiment shown above, which will not be detailed here.

[0245] The above description of the communication device is only an example. For a detailed description of the communication device shown in Figure 10, please refer to the above method embodiment or Figure 8 or Figure 9. It will not be described in detail here.

[0246] The communication device shown in the embodiments of this application can implement the method provided in the embodiments of this application in hardware form, or it can implement the method provided in the embodiments of this application in software form, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit it in this way.

[0247] The descriptions of relevant steps and information in the above embodiments can be found in the method embodiments described above, and will not be detailed here. For the specific implementation methods of the embodiments shown in Figure 10, please also refer to the above embodiments, which will not be detailed here.

[0248] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a terminal device and a network device. The interaction between the terminal device and the network device can be used to execute all or part of the steps in any of the foregoing method embodiments.

[0249] In addition, this application also provides a computer program for implementing the operations and / or processes performed by various communication devices in the method provided in this application.

[0250] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer code that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the operations and / or processes performed by various communication devices in the methods provided in this application.

[0251] This application also provides a computer program product comprising computer code or a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the operations and / or processes performed by various entities in the method provided in this application to be executed.

[0252] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices, or units, or it may be an electrical, mechanical, or other form of connection.

[0253] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the technical effects of the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0254] Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0255] If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module 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 readable storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned readable storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0256] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive the first sub-block of the main information block (MIB), wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the first sub-block is a first descrambling sequence, the first sub-block includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate the first sub-block sent in the cycle period in which the first sub-block is located; The sub-block index of the first sub-block and the number of repetitions it belongs to are determined, wherein the first descrambling sequence is used to determine the sub-block index, and the first sub-block indicated by the first information is used to determine the number of repetitions it belongs to.

2. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first sub-block of the main information block (MIB) is sent, wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the first sub-block is a first descrambling sequence, and the first sub-block includes first information, which is used to indicate the first sub-block sent in the cycle period in which the first sub-block is located; Wherein, the first descrambling sequence is used to determine the sub-block index of the first sub-block, and the first sub-block indicated by the first information is used to determine which repetition the first sub-block belongs to.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sub-block index of the first sub-block and the number of repetitions are used to determine the periodic boundary of the MIB.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The 64 sub-blocks of the MIB are used for transmission within 8 cycles, each cycle consisting of 8 90-millisecond frame cycles. Each 90-millisecond frame cycle is used to transmit one sub-block, and the first sub-block belongs to any one of the 64 sub-blocks.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the 64 90-millisecond frame periods within the 8 cyclic periods, the j-th 10-millisecond period of the i-th 90-millisecond frame period is mapped to one of the 64 sub-blocks of the MIB. The 64 sub-blocks are mapped sequentially, and the sub-block mapped after the last sub-block in the 64 sub-blocks is the first sub-block in the 64 sub-blocks. Every 8 consecutive sub-blocks in the 64 sub-blocks form a group, and the sub-blocks in the same group have the same sub-block index. The order of the sub-blocks in the group is the repeating order of the sub-blocks. i and j are both integers.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the 90-millisecond frame period, the mapping resource for the transmitted sub-block is one 10-millisecond period, and the transmitted sub-block is a sub-block that has a mapping relationship with the one 10-millisecond period.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: If x > z, then y = x - z + s If x < z, then y = x - z + 8 + s If x = z, then y = s Where s is the starting value of the repetition order, x is the sub-block index of the first sub-block, z is the sub-block index of the first sub-block, and y is the repetition order of the first sub-block.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first sub-block includes a first bit information, which is used to indicate the radio frame index. The sub-block index of the first sub-block and the number of repetitions it belongs to correspond to a second bit information. The first bit information and the second bit information are used to combine to indicate the radio frame index of the first sub-block in the superframe.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The second sub-block of the main information block (MIB) is received within the cyclic period, wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the second sub-block is the second descrambling sequence, and the cyclic period includes eight 90-millisecond frame periods, and the mapping resource for transmitting the sub-block in each 90-millisecond frame period is one 10-millisecond period; The sub-block index of the second sub-block is determined based on the second descrambling sequence.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The second sub-block of the main information block (MIB) is transmitted within the cycle period, wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the second sub-block is the second descrambling sequence, and the cycle period includes eight 90-millisecond frame periods, and the mapping resource for transmitting the sub-block in each 90-millisecond frame period is one 10-millisecond period; The second descrambling sequence is used to determine the sub-block index of the second sub-block.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The 90-millisecond frame period is one radio frame, and the subframe length in the radio frame is 10 milliseconds.

12. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The sub-block index of the second sub-block is used to determine the periodic boundary of the MIB.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9-12, characterized in that, In the eight 90-millisecond frame cycles within the cycle, the j-th 10-millisecond period of the i-th 90-millisecond frame cycle is mapped to one of the eight sub-blocks of the MIB. The eight sub-blocks are mapped sequentially, and the sub-block that is mapped next to the last sub-block among the eight sub-blocks is the first sub-block among the eight sub-blocks. i and j are both integers.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The sub-block transmitted on the 10-millisecond mapped resource is a sub-block that has a mapping relationship with the 10-millisecond resource.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9-14, characterized in that, The second sub-block includes a first bit information, which is used to indicate the radio frame index. The sub-block index of the second sub-block corresponds to the second bit information. The first bit information and the second bit information are used together to indicate the radio frame index of the second sub-block in the superframe.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The second sub-block of the main information block (MIB) is received within the cyclic period, wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the second sub-block is the second descrambling sequence, and the cyclic period includes four 90-millisecond frame periods, and the mapping resource of the sub-block is one 9-millisecond frame period in each 90-millisecond frame period. The sub-block index of the second sub-block is determined based on the second descrambling sequence.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The second sub-block of the main information block (MIB) is transmitted within the cycle period, wherein the descrambling sequence corresponding to the second sub-block is the second descrambling sequence, and the cycle period includes four 90-millisecond frame periods, and the mapping resource for transmitting the sub-block in each 90-millisecond frame period is one 9-millisecond frame period. The second descrambling sequence is used to determine the sub-block index of the second sub-block.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The 90-millisecond frame period is one radio frame, and the subframe length in the radio frame is 10 milliseconds.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16-18, characterized in that, The sub-block index of the second sub-block is used to determine the periodic boundary of the MIB.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16-19, characterized in that, In the four 90-millisecond frame cycles within the cycle, the j-th 9-millisecond period of the i-th 90-millisecond frame cycle is mapped to one of the eight sub-blocks of the MIB. The eight sub-blocks are mapped sequentially, and the next sub-block mapped after the last sub-block among the eight sub-blocks is the first sub-block among the eight sub-blocks. i and j are both integers.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The sub-block transmitted on the 9-millisecond mapped resource is a sub-block that has a mapping relationship with the 9-millisecond resource.

22. The method according to any one of claims 16-21, characterized in that, The second sub-block includes a first bit information, which is used to indicate the radio frame index. The sub-block index of the second sub-block corresponds to the second bit information. The first bit information and the second bit information are used together to indicate the radio frame index of the second sub-block in the superframe.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1, 3-9, 11-16, 18-22; or, the communication device includes a processor for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1, 3-9, 11-16, 18-22.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 2-8, 10-15, and 17-22; or, the communication device includes a processor for performing the method as described in any one of claims 2-8, 10-15, and 17-22.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes logic circuits and interfaces, wherein the logic circuits and interfaces are coupled; The interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information, and the logic circuit is used for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-22.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program, which, when executed, performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-22.

27. A communication system, characterized in that, The method includes network devices and terminal devices, wherein the network devices are used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 2-8, 10-15, and 17-22, and the terminal devices are used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1, 3-9, 11-16, and 18-22.

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