Random access method and related apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a random access method and a related apparatus. The method comprises: a terminal device receiving first indication information from a network device, wherein the first indication information is used for indicating a random access resource type used by the terminal device, and the random access resource type is a first type or a second type; on the basis of the random access resource type used by the terminal device, the terminal device determining a first random access resource; and by means of the first random access resource, the terminal device initiating random access to the network device. Therefore, a terminal device initiates random access by means of one of the types of the random access.

Description

Random access method and related devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application filed on November 7, 2024, with application number 202411588001.2 and entitled "Random Access Method and Related Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Random access is a crucial step for user equipment (UE) to access the core network and is widely used in various communication scenarios, such as initial network access, network handover, and resynchronization in uplink synchronization failures. However, traditional random access mechanisms have some problems, especially when random access channels are accessed too frequently, leading to a significant increase in energy consumption.

[0004] To optimize the utilization of random access resources, a new random access resource configuration strategy is introduced, using differentiated random access resource allocation based on different types of terminal devices. Specifically, traditional UEs use a sparsely distributed set of random access resources to initiate random access. Energy-efficient UEs, on the other hand, can use a more densely distributed set of random access resources. When the network needs to further improve energy efficiency, the network operator can achieve this simply by adjusting the random access resources used by energy-efficient UEs, thus ensuring network access reliability and flexibility while reducing energy consumption.

[0005] However, for energy-efficient UEs, when multiple sets of random access resources exist, it is worth considering which set of random access resources the energy-efficient UE should use to initiate random access. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a random access method and related apparatus, for a terminal device to receive first indication information from a network device. The first indication information indicates the type of random access resource used by the terminal device. Thus, the terminal device can select the appropriate random access resource and initiate random access based on the first indication information. In other words, the terminal device can determine which type of random access resource the network device has configured for it, and determine the appropriate random access resource to initiate random access.

[0007] This application provides a random access method, which can be executed by a terminal device or by a device in the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, chip module, control unit, processing unit, or integrated circuit). The first aspect is described below using an application of this method to a terminal device as an example. The method includes: the terminal device receiving first indication information from a network device. The first indication information indicates the type of random access resource used by the terminal device, wherein the random access resource type is a first type or a second type. The terminal device determines a first random access resource based on the type of random access resource used by the terminal device; the terminal device initiates random access to the network device through the first random access resource.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the terminal device receives first indication information from the network device. The first indication information indicates the type of random access resource used by the terminal device. Thus, the terminal device can select the appropriate random access resource and initiate random access based on the first indication information. In other words, the terminal device can determine which type of random access resource the network device has configured for it and determine the appropriate random access resource to initiate random access.

[0009] A second aspect of this application provides a random access method, which can be executed by a network device or by a device within the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, chip module, control unit, processing unit, or integrated circuit). The second aspect is described below using an application of this method in a network device as an example. The method includes: the network device sending first indication information to a terminal device. The first indication information indicates the type of random access resource used by the terminal device, and the random access resource type is either a first type or a second type. Then, the network device receives a random access request initiated by the terminal device through the first random access resource, which is determined based on the type of random access resource used by the terminal device.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the network device sends first indication information to the terminal device. The first indication information indicates the type of random access resource used by the terminal device. Thus, the terminal device can select the appropriate random access resource based on the first indication information and initiate random access. Correspondingly, the network device receives the random access initiated by the terminal device through the first random access resource. This enables the terminal device to select one type of random access resource and initiate random access.

[0011] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first type of random access resource is a traditional random access resource, and the second type of random access resource is an energy-saving random access resource. In other words, the first type of random access resource is a random access resource configured for traditional terminals, and the second type of random access resource is a random access resource configured for energy-saving terminals.

[0012] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the terminal device determines the first random access resource according to the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device, including: the terminal device determining a first physical radio access channel (PRACH) configuration index, a first PRACH mask index, and first frequency domain location information corresponding to the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device; the terminal device determining the first random access resource based on the first PRACH configuration index, the first PRACH mask index, and the first frequency domain location information. Therefore, the terminal device can determine the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device based on the first indication information. Then, the terminal device determines the first random access resource based on the configuration corresponding to the random access resource type.

[0013] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the terminal device determines the first random access resource according to the first PRACH configuration index, the first PRACH mask index, and the first frequency domain location information. This includes: the terminal device determining a candidate transmission opportunity corresponding to the first PRACH configuration index according to a first mapping relationship, where the first mapping relationship indicates the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH configuration indices and candidate transmission opportunities; the terminal device determining a transmission opportunity index corresponding to the first PRACH mask index according to a second mapping relationship, where the second mapping relationship indicates the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH mask indices and transmission opportunity indices; and the terminal device using the transmission opportunity whose corresponding transmission opportunity index is the transmission opportunity index corresponding to the first PRACH mask index as the time-domain resource occupied by the first random access resource. This implementation demonstrates how the terminal device combines the first PRACH configuration index and the first PRACH mask index to determine the time-domain resource occupied by the first random access resource, facilitating the terminal device initiating random access. Optionally, the second mapping relationship includes a mapping table, where the transmission opportunity index corresponding to the first PRACH mask index is the transmission opportunity index indicated by the reserved bits in the mapping table. The reserved bits in the original mapping table are used to indicate the transmission timing index corresponding to the first PRACH mask index.

[0014] Based on the second aspect, one possible implementation further includes: the network device determining the type of random access resource used by the terminal device based on the occupancy status of the first type of random access resources and the occupancy status of the second type of random access resources. This allows the network device to allocate random access resources reasonably to the terminal device, which helps improve the success rate of the terminal device accessing the network.

[0015] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, when the value of the first indication information is true, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use a first type of random access resource; when the value of the first indication information is false, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use a second type of random access resource; or, when the value of the first indication information is true, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use a second type of random access resource; when the value of the first indication information is false, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use a first type of random access resource; or, when the value of the first indication information is 0, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use a first type of random access resource; when the value of the first indication information is 1, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use a second type of random access resource; or, when the value of the first indication information is 0, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use a second type of random access resource; when the value of the first indication information is 1, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use a first type of random access resource. This implementation illustrates the ways in which the first indication information can be valued, indicating different meanings through different values.

[0016] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first indication information is carried in a media access control control element (MAC CE), radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or downlink control information (DCI).

[0017] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first indication information is one or more reserved bits in the MAC CE or DCI, and the value of the one or more reserved bits is used to indicate the type of random access resource adopted by the terminal device. This fully utilizes the bits in the MAC CE or DCI, reducing indication overhead. There is no need to change the cell format of the MAC CE or DCI.

[0018] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first indication information is a field in RRC signaling, and the value of the field is used to indicate the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device. This achieves the indication of the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device.

[0019] Based on the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the terminal device is an energy-saving terminal.

[0020] A third aspect of this application provides a random access method, which can be executed by a terminal device or by a device within the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, chip module, control unit, processing unit, or integrated circuit). The third aspect is described below using an example of this method applied to a terminal device. The method includes: the terminal device selecting a first type of random access resource or selecting a second type of random access resource according to a first rule. Then, the terminal device initiates random access to the network device based on either the first or second type of random access resource. This enables the terminal device to select one type of random access to initiate random access. Optionally, the first rule is pre-configured, predefined, or configured by the network device for the terminal device.

[0021] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the terminal device selects either the first type of random access resource or the second type of random access resource according to the first rule. This includes the terminal device selecting a random access resource from the first and second types of random access resources that occupies an earlier or later time domain position as the random access resource used to initiate random access. For example, the terminal device selects a random access resource with an earlier time domain position to initiate random access. This helps reduce random access latency and improve access performance.

[0022] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the terminal device determining the first type of random access resource based on the second PRACH configuration index, the second PRACH mask index, and the second frequency domain location information corresponding to the first type of random access resource; and the terminal device determining the second type of random access resource based on the third PRACH configuration index, the third PRACH mask index, and the third frequency domain location information corresponding to the second type of random access resource. In this implementation, the terminal device can determine the first type of random access resource through some configurations corresponding to the first type of random access resource, and determine the second type of random access resource through some configurations corresponding to the second type of random access resource. This allows the terminal device to select one type of random access resource to initiate random access.

[0023] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the terminal device determines the first type of random access resource based on the second PRACH configuration index, the second PRACH mask index, and the second frequency domain location information corresponding to the first type of random access resource. This includes: the terminal device determining a candidate transmission opportunity corresponding to the second PRACH configuration index based on a third mapping relationship, whereby the third mapping relationship indicates the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH configuration indices and candidate transmission opportunities; the terminal device determining a transmission opportunity index corresponding to the second PRACH mask index based on a fourth mapping relationship, whereby the fourth mapping relationship indicates the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH mask indices and transmission opportunity indices; and the terminal device using the transmission opportunity whose corresponding transmission opportunity index is the transmission opportunity index corresponding to the second PRACH mask index from the candidate transmission opportunities as the first type of random access resource. This implementation demonstrates how the terminal device combines the second PRACH configuration index and the second PRACH mask index to determine the time domain resources occupied by the first type of random access resource, facilitating the terminal device's initiation of random access.

[0024] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the terminal device determines the second type of random access resource according to the third PRACH configuration index, the third PRACH mask index, and the third frequency domain location information corresponding to the second type of random access resource. This includes: the terminal device determining the candidate transmission timing corresponding to the third PRACH configuration index according to a fifth mapping relationship, where the fifth mapping relationship indicates the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH configuration indices and candidate transmission timings; the terminal device determining the transmission timing index corresponding to the third PRACH mask index according to a sixth mapping relationship, where the sixth mapping relationship indicates the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH mask indices and transmission timing indices; and the terminal device using the transmission timing corresponding to the transmission timing index of the third PRACH mask index among the candidate transmission timings as the time-domain resource occupied by the second type of random access resource. This implementation demonstrates how the terminal device combines the third PRACH configuration index and the third PRACH mask index to determine the time-domain resource occupied by the second type of random access resource, facilitating the terminal device's initiation of random access.

[0025] This application provides a fourth aspect of a random access method, which can be executed by a network device or by a device within the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, chip module, control unit, processing unit, or integrated circuit). The fourth aspect is described below using an application of this method in a network device as an example. The method includes: the network device receiving a random access request initiated by a terminal device through a first type of random access resource or a second type of random access resource. If the terminal device initiates random access through the first type of random access resource, the network device releases the second type of random access resource allocated to the terminal device; or, if the terminal device initiates random access through the second type of random access resource, the network device releases the first type of random access resource allocated to the terminal device. In this scheme, the network device can reserve both types of random access resources for the terminal device. When the terminal device selects one type of random access resource to initiate random access, the network device can release the other type of random access resource, thereby avoiding resource waste.

[0026] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, before the network device receives a random access request initiated by the terminal device through the first type of random access resource or the second type of random access resource, the method further includes: the network device reserving the first type of random access resource and the second type of random access resource for the terminal device. This facilitates the terminal device in selecting one type of random access resource to initiate random access.

[0027] Based on the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first type of random access resource is a traditional random access resource, and the second type of random access resource is an energy-saving random access resource. In other words, the first type of random access resource is a random access resource configured for traditional terminals, and the second type of random access resource is a random access resource configured for energy-saving terminals.

[0028] Based on the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the terminal device is an energy-saving terminal.

[0029] This application provides a random access method, which can be executed by a terminal device or by a device in the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, chip module, control unit, processing unit, or integrated circuit). The first aspect is described below using an example of this method applied to a terminal device. The method includes: the terminal device receiving second configuration information from a network device, the second configuration information configuring at least one random access resource of a certain characteristic, the random access resource belonging to a second type of random access resource. Then, the terminal device determines a second random access resource from the random access resource of the at least one characteristic and the random access resource of the first type based on the characteristics required by the terminal device, the random access resource of the at least one characteristic, and the random access resource of the first type. The second random access resource supports the characteristics required by the terminal device. Then, the terminal device initiates random access to the network device through the second random access resource.

[0030] In the above technical solution, the terminal device receives second configuration information from the network device. This second configuration information is used to configure at least one random access resource with a specific characteristic. This random access resource belongs to a second type of random access resource. Therefore, the network device configures the corresponding characteristics for the second type of random access resource. The terminal device can then select the appropriate random access resource from the first type of random access resource and the random access resource with the at least one characteristic, based on the characteristics required by the terminal device, and initiate random access.

[0031] A sixth aspect of this application provides a random access method, which can be executed by a network device or by a device within the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, chip module, control unit, processing unit, or integrated circuit). The sixth aspect is described below using an application of this method in a network device as an example. The method includes: the network device sending second configuration information to a terminal device, the second configuration information configuring at least one random access resource of a certain characteristic, the at least one random access resource of a certain characteristic belonging to a second type of random access resource. Then, the network device receives a random access request initiated by the terminal device through the second random access resource, the second random access resource being determined from the at least one random access resource of a certain characteristic and the first type of random access resource based on the characteristics required by the terminal device, the at least one random access resource of a certain characteristic, and the first type of random access resource.

[0032] In the above technical solution, the network device configures a second type of random access resource for the terminal device using second configuration information, and this second type of random access resource supports at least one feature. Then, the network device receives the random access request initiated by the terminal device through the second random access resource. That is, the above technical solution enables the terminal device to select the appropriate random access resource from the first type of random access resource and the random access resource with the at least one feature, based on the features required by the terminal device, and initiate random access.

[0033] Based on the fifth or sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, at least one characteristic is an energy-saving characteristic. In this implementation, the second type of random access resources supports newly defined characteristics. That is, the characteristics supported by the second type of random access resources are different from the characteristics supported by the first type of random access resources.

[0034] Based on the fifth or sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, at least one characteristic of the random access resource supports a feature that is different from the feature supported by the first type of random access resource. In this implementation, if the features supported by the second type of random access resource are existing features, then the features supported by the second type of random access resource in this implementation are different from the features supported by the first type of random access resource.

[0035] Based on the fifth or sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, at least one random access resource of a certain characteristic and a random access resource of the first type share some of the same characteristics. In this implementation, if the characteristics supported by the random access resource of the second type are existing characteristics, there may be some random access resources supporting the same characteristics as the characteristics supported by the random access resource of the first type.

[0036] Based on the fifth or sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first type of random access resource is a traditional random access resource, and the second type of random access resource is an energy-saving random access resource. In other words, the first type of random access resource is a random access resource configured for traditional terminals, and the second type of random access resource is a random access resource configured for energy-saving terminals.

[0037] Based on the fifth or sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the terminal device determines a second random access resource from the random access resources of the at least one characteristic and the random access resources of the first type according to the characteristics required by the terminal device, at least one random access resource of the characteristic, and a first type of random access resource. This includes: when both the random access resources of the at least one characteristic and the random access resources of the first type have random access resources supporting the characteristics required by the terminal device, selecting the second random access resource from the random access resources of the at least one characteristic. In this implementation, if the characteristics supported by the second type of random access resource are existing characteristics, there may be some random access resources supporting the same characteristics as those supported by the first type of random access resource. When both the random access resources of the at least one characteristic and the random access resources of the first type have random access resources supporting the characteristics required by the terminal device, the terminal device may preferentially select the second type of random access resource.

[0038] Based on the fifth or sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the second configuration information is carried in the feature combination preamble signaling. This enables the configuration of random access resources for at least one feature. There is no need to redefine the message, improving the practicality of the solution.

[0039] Based on the fifth or sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the second configuration information is an energy-saving capability combination field in the feature combination preamble signaling. In this implementation, the second configuration information can be an energy-saving capability combination field in the feature combination preamble signaling. Thus, the features supported by the random access resource are configured through the value of the energy-saving capability combination field.

[0040] Based on the fifth or sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the terminal device is an energy-saving terminal.

[0041] A seventh aspect of this application provides a communication device, comprising:

[0042] The transceiver module is used to receive first indication information from the network device. The first indication information is used to indicate the random access resource type adopted by the communication device. The random access resource type is either a first type or a second type.

[0043] The processing module is used to determine the first random access resource based on the random access resource type adopted by the communication device;

[0044] The transceiver module is also used to initiate random access to the network device through the first random access resource.

[0045] Based on the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the first type of random access resource is a traditional random access resource, and the second type of random access resource is an energy-saving random access resource.

[0046] Based on the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically used to: determine the first PRACH configuration index, the first PRACH mask index, and the first frequency domain location information corresponding to the random access resource type adopted by the communication device; and determine the first random access resource based on the first PRACH configuration index, the first PRACH mask index, and the first frequency domain location information.

[0047] Based on the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically used to: determine the candidate transmission timing corresponding to the first PRACH configuration index according to the first mapping relationship, the first mapping relationship being used to indicate the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH configuration indices and candidate transmission timings; determine the transmission timing index corresponding to the first PRACH mask index according to the second mapping relationship, the second mapping relationship being used to indicate the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH mask indices and transmission timing indexes; and use the transmission timing among the candidate transmission timings whose corresponding transmission timing index is the transmission timing index corresponding to the first PRACH mask index as the time domain resource occupied by the first random access resource.

[0048] Based on the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, when the value of the first indication information is true, the first indication information instructs the communication device to use a first type of random access resource; when the value of the first indication information is false, the first indication information instructs the communication device to use a second type of random access resource; or, when the value of the first indication information is true, the first indication information instructs the communication device to use a second type of random access resource; when the value of the first indication information is false, the first indication information instructs the communication device to use a first type of random access resource; or, when the value of the first indication information is 0, the first indication information instructs the communication device to use a first type of random access resource; when the value of the first indication information is 1, the first indication information instructs the communication device to use a second type of random access resource; or, when the value of the first indication information is 0, the first indication information instructs the communication device to use a second type of random access resource; when the value of the first indication information is 1, the first indication information instructs the communication device to use a first type of random access resource.

[0049] Based on the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the first indication information is carried in MAC CE, RRC signaling, or DCI.

[0050] Based on the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the first indication information is one or more reserved bits in the MAC CE or DCI, the value of which is used to indicate the random access resource type adopted by the communication device.

[0051] Based on the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the first indication information is a field in the RRC signaling, and the value of the field is used to indicate the random access resource type adopted by the communication device.

[0052] Based on the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device is an energy-saving terminal.

[0053] The eighth aspect of this application provides a communication device, comprising:

[0054] The transceiver module is used to send first indication information to the terminal device; wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device, and the random access resource type is a first type or a second type; and to receive random access initiated by the terminal device through the first random access resource, wherein the first random access resource is determined according to the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device.

[0055] Based on the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to: determine the type of random access resource used by the terminal device based on the occupancy status of the first type of random access resource and the occupancy status of the second type of random access resource.

[0056] Based on the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first type of random access resource is a traditional random access resource, and the second type of random access resource is an energy-saving random access resource.

[0057] Based on the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, when the value of the first indication information is true, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use a first type of random access resource; when the value of the first indication information is false, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use a second type of random access resource; or, when the value of the first indication information is true, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use a second type of random access resource; when the value of the first indication information is false, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use a first type of random access resource; or, when the value of the first indication information is 0, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use a first type of random access resource; when the value of the first indication information is 1, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use a second type of random access resource; or, when the value of the first indication information is 0, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use a second type of random access resource; when the value of the first indication information is 1, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use a first type of random access resource.

[0058] Based on the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first indication information is carried in MAC CE, RRC signaling, or DCI.

[0059] Based on the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first indication information is one or more reserved bits in the MAC CE or DCI, the value of which is used to indicate the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device.

[0060] Based on the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first indication information is a field in the RRC signaling, and the value of the field is used to indicate the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device.

[0061] Based on the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the terminal device is an energy-saving terminal.

[0062] The ninth aspect of this application provides a communication device, comprising:

[0063] The processing module is used to select a first type of random access resource or a second type of random access resource according to a first rule;

[0064] The transceiver module is used to initiate random access to the network device based on the first type of random access resources or the second type of random access resources.

[0065] Based on the ninth aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically used to: select, from the first type of random access resources and the second type of random access resources, the type of random access resources that occupy an earlier or later time domain position as the random access resources used by the communication device to initiate random access.

[0066] Based on the ninth aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to: determine the first type of random access resource based on the second PRACH configuration index, the second PRACH mask index, and the second frequency domain location information corresponding to the first type of random access resource; and determine the second type of random access resource based on the third PRACH configuration index, the third PRACH mask index, and the third frequency domain location information corresponding to the second type of random access resource.

[0067] Based on the ninth aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically used to: determine the candidate transmission timing corresponding to the second PRACH configuration index according to the third mapping relationship, the third mapping relationship being used to indicate the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH configuration indices and candidate transmission timings; determine the transmission timing index corresponding to the second PRACH mask index according to the fourth mapping relationship, the fourth mapping relationship being used to indicate the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH mask indices and transmission timing indexes; and take the transmission timing corresponding to the transmission timing index corresponding to the second PRACH mask index from the candidate transmission timings as the first type of random access resource.

[0068] Based on the ninth aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically used to: determine the candidate transmission timing corresponding to the third PRACH configuration index according to the fifth mapping relationship, the fifth mapping relationship being used to indicate the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH configuration indices and candidate transmission timings; determine the transmission timing index corresponding to the third PRACH mask index according to the sixth mapping relationship, the sixth mapping relationship being used to indicate the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH mask indices and transmission timing indexes; and use the transmission timing corresponding to the transmission timing index corresponding to the third PRACH mask index among the candidate transmission timings as the time-domain resource occupied by the second type of random access resource.

[0069] Based on the ninth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device is an energy-saving terminal.

[0070] The tenth aspect of this application provides a communication device, comprising:

[0071] The transceiver module is used to receive random access initiated by the terminal device through the first type of random access resource or the second type of random access resource;

[0072] The processing module is configured to release the second type of random access resources allocated to the terminal device by the communication device if the terminal device initiates random access through the first type of random access resources; or, release the first type of random access resources allocated to the terminal device by the communication device if the terminal device initiates random access through the second type of random access resources.

[0073] Based on the tenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to: reserve first type of random access resources and second type of random access resources for the terminal device.

[0074] Based on the ninth or tenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first type of random access resource is a traditional random access resource, and the second type of random access resource is an energy-saving random access resource.

[0075] Based on the tenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the terminal device is an energy-saving terminal.

[0076] The eleventh aspect of this application is a communication device, comprising:

[0077] The transceiver module is used to receive second configuration information from the network device. The second configuration information is used to configure at least one characteristic of the random access resource, which belongs to a second type of random access resource.

[0078] A processing module is configured to determine a second random access resource from the random access resource with at least one characteristic and the random access resource of the first type based on the characteristics required by the communication device, at least one random access resource with at least one characteristic, and a first type of random access resource; the second random access resource supports the characteristics required by the communication device.

[0079] The transceiver module is used to initiate random access to network devices through the second random access resource.

[0080] Based on the eleventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the at least one characteristic is an energy-saving characteristic.

[0081] Based on the eleventh aspect, in one possible implementation, at least one characteristic of the random access resource supports characteristics that are different from those of the first type of random access resource.

[0082] Based on the eleventh aspect, in one possible implementation, at least one random access resource with a certain characteristic and some random access resources of the first type support the same characteristic.

[0083] Based on the eleventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the first type of random access resource is a traditional random access resource, and the second type of random access resource is an energy-saving random access resource.

[0084] Based on the eleventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically used to: select a second random access resource from the random access resources with at least one characteristic when both the random access resources of at least one characteristic and the random access resources of the first type have random access resources that support the characteristics required by the communication device.

[0085] Based on the eleventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the second configuration information is carried in the feature combination preamble signaling.

[0086] Based on the eleventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the second configuration information is the energy-saving capability combination field in the feature combination preamble signaling.

[0087] Based on the eleventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device is an energy-saving terminal.

[0088] The twelfth aspect of this application provides a communication device, comprising:

[0089] The transceiver module is used to send second configuration information to the terminal device. The second configuration information is used to configure at least one random access resource with at least one characteristic, and the random access resource with at least one characteristic belongs to a second type of random access resource. The transceiver module is used to receive random access initiated by the terminal device through the second random access resource, which is determined from the random access resource with at least one characteristic and the random access resource of the first type based on the characteristics required by the terminal device, the random access resource with at least one characteristic, and the random access resource of the first type.

[0090] Based on the twelfth aspect, in one possible implementation, the at least one characteristic is an energy-saving characteristic.

[0091] Based on the twelfth aspect, in one possible implementation, at least one characteristic of the random access resource supports characteristics that are different from those of the first type of random access resource.

[0092] Based on the twelfth aspect, in one possible implementation, at least one random access resource of a certain characteristic and a random access resource of the first type partially support the same characteristic.

[0093] Based on the twelfth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first type of random access resource is a traditional random access resource, and the second type of random access resource is an energy-saving random access resource.

[0094] Based on the twelfth aspect, in one possible implementation, the second configuration information is carried in the feature combination preamble signaling.

[0095] Based on the twelfth aspect, in one possible implementation, the second configuration information is the energy-saving capability combination field in the feature combination preamble signaling.

[0096] Based on the twelfth aspect, in one possible implementation, the terminal device is an energy-saving terminal.

[0097] The thirteenth aspect of this application provides a communication device, which may be a terminal device, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, chip system, or circuit) in the terminal device that corresponds to the execution of the methods, operations, steps, or actions described in the first aspect, or a communication device that can be used in conjunction with the terminal device.

[0098] The fourteenth aspect of this application provides a communication device, which may be a network device, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, chip system, or circuit) in the network device that corresponds to the execution of the methods, operations, steps, or actions described in the second aspect, or a communication device that can be used in conjunction with the network device.

[0099] The fifteenth aspect of this application provides a communication device including a processor for calling a computer program or computer instructions in memory, such that the processor is used to execute any implementation of any of the first to sixth aspects.

[0100] Optionally, the communication device also includes a transceiver, the processor being used to control the transceiver to perform any of the implementations of any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0101] Optionally, the processor is integrated with the memory.

[0102] The sixteenth aspect of this application provides a computer program product including computer instructions, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the implementations of any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0103] The seventeenth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the implementations of any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0104] The eighteenth aspect of this application provides a chip device including a processor for calling a computer program or computer instructions in memory to cause the processor to execute any one of the implementations of the first to sixth aspects described above.

[0105] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0106] The nineteenth aspect of this application provides a communication system comprising a terminal device performing the method as shown in the first aspect and a network device performing the method as shown in the second aspect; or, the communication system comprising a terminal device performing the method as shown in the third aspect and a network device performing the method as shown in the fourth aspect; or, the communication system comprising a terminal device performing the method as shown in the fifth aspect and a network device performing the method as shown in the sixth aspect.

[0107] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the method provided in this application includes: a terminal device receiving first indication information from a network device. The first indication information is used to indicate the type of random access resource adopted by the terminal device, which is either a first type or a second type. The terminal device determines a first random access resource based on the type of random access resource adopted by the terminal device. The terminal device initiates random access to the network device through the first random access resource. Therefore, it can be seen that the terminal device receives first indication information from the network device. The first indication information is used to indicate the type of random access resource adopted by the terminal device. Thus, the terminal device can select the corresponding random access resource and initiate random access by combining the first indication information. In other words, the terminal device can determine which type of random access resource the network device has configured for it, and determine the corresponding random access resource to initiate random access. Attached Figure Description

[0108] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0109] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of random access resources configured for a traditional terminal and random access resources configured for an energy-saving terminal according to an embodiment of this application;

[0110] Figure 2B is another schematic diagram of random access resources configured for traditional terminals and random access resources configured for energy-saving terminals according to embodiments of this application;

[0111] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a four-step competitive random access process;

[0112] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a two-step contention-based random access process;

[0113] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a four-step non-contention-based random access method;

[0114] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a two-step non-contention-based random access;

[0115] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the random access method of this application;

[0116] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a MAC CE according to an embodiment of this application;

[0117] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the random access method of this application;

[0118] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the random access method of this application;

[0119] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the characteristics of random access resource support of the first type and the characteristics of random access resource support of the second type in the embodiments of this application;

[0120] Figure 12 is another schematic diagram of the characteristics of random access resource support of the first type and the characteristics of random access resource support of the second type in the embodiments of this application;

[0121] Figure 13 is another schematic diagram of the characteristics of the first type of random access resource support and the characteristics of the second type of random access resource support in the embodiments of this application;

[0122] Figure 14 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0123] Figure 15 is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0124] Figure 16 is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0125] Figure 17 is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0126] Figure 18 is a structural schematic diagram of a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0127] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0128] This application provides a random access method and related apparatus, used by a terminal device to receive first indication information from a network device. The first indication information indicates the type of random access resource used by the terminal device. Thus, the terminal device can select the appropriate random access resource and initiate random access based on the first indication information. In other words, the terminal device can determine which type of random access resource the network device has configured for it, and determine the appropriate random access resource to initiate random access.

[0129] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this application mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0130] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0131] The technical solution of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) systems, new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems, industrial Internet (IIoT) communication systems, or satellite communication systems.

[0132] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 1, the communication system includes a terminal device 101 and an access network device 102. The terminal device 101 and the access network device 102 establish a communication connection. The terminal device 101 and the access network device 102 can execute the technical solutions provided in this application.

[0133] It should be noted that the communication system shown in Figure 1 is merely an example, and this application does not limit its specific implementation. In practical applications, the communication system may also include more terminal devices and / or more access network devices.

[0134] The following section introduces terminal devices and network devices.

[0135] Terminal equipment, also known as UE, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), fixed wireless access (FWA), customer premises equipment (CPE), etc., refers to devices that include wireless communication capabilities (providing voice / data connectivity to users). Examples include handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, and machine-type communication (MTC) terminals. Currently, terminal devices can include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving (e.g., drones, vehicles), wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. For example, wireless terminals in self-driving can be drones, helicopters, or airplanes. For example, wireless terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) can be in-vehicle equipment, vehicle-mounted equipment, in-vehicle modules, vehicles, or ships. Wireless terminals in industrial control can be cameras, robots, or robotic arms. Wireless terminals in smart homes can be televisions, air conditioners, robot vacuums, speakers, or set-top boxes. The terminal device can also be a device or module that is connected to the communication system shown above and has corresponding communication functions. The terminal device usually contains a communication module, circuit or chip that performs the corresponding communication function, and the terminal device is also configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0136] It should be noted that the terminal device can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuitry, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the device or apparatus shown above; the specific application is not limited to any particular type. It should also be noted that in this application, when referring to a terminal device, it can refer to the terminal device itself, or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit within the terminal device that performs the method provided in this application; the specific application is not limited to any particular type.

[0137] Network devices can be devices within a wireless network. For example, a network device can be an access network node that connects terminal devices to the wireless network, also known as a base station. Currently, some examples of network devices include: base stations (gNodeB, gNB), transmission reception points (TRP), evolved Node Bs (eNB), home base stations (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), base band units (BBU), or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access points (AP) in 5G communication systems. Additionally, in a network architecture, network devices can include centralized unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, CU-control plane (CP), CU-user plane (UP), or radio units (RU), or RAN equipment including CU and DU nodes. CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as in a baseband unit (BBU). An RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open RAN (ORAN) system, CU can also be called an open CU (O-CU), DU can also be called an open DU (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open RU (O-RU). Any of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU units can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0138] Network devices can be other devices that provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or form of the network device. For ease of description, the embodiments of this application are not limited.

[0139] It should be noted that network devices can be devices or apparatuses with chips, or devices or apparatuses with integrated circuits, or chips, chip systems, modules, or control units in the devices or apparatuses shown above; this application does not impose any specific limitations. It should also be noted that in this application, the term "network device" can refer to the network device itself, or to chips, functional modules, or integrated circuits within the network device that implement the methods provided in this application; this application does not impose any specific limitations.

[0140] The communication systems to which the technical solutions provided in this application are applicable include terminal equipment and network equipment. The technical solutions of this application are executed between the terminal equipment and the network equipment. For details regarding terminal equipment and network equipment, please refer to the relevant descriptions above; they will not be repeated here.

[0141] Random access is a crucial step for terminal devices to access the core network and is widely used in various communication scenarios, such as initial network access, network handover, and resynchronization in uplink synchronization failures. However, traditional random access mechanisms have some problems, especially when random access channels are accessed too frequently, leading to a significant increase in energy consumption.

[0142] To optimize the utilization of random access resources, a new random access resource configuration strategy is introduced, using differentiated random access resource allocation based on different types of terminal devices. Specifically, legacy UEs use a sparsely distributed set of random access resources to initiate random access. Energy-saving UEs, on the other hand, can use a more densely distributed set of random access resources to initiate random access. For example, as shown in Figure 2A or Figure 2B, the random access resources allocated by the network device for legacy UEs occupy a sparser transmission time, while those allocated for energy-saving UEs occupy a more frequent transmission time.

[0143] Network devices can reduce energy consumption by dynamically adjusting PRACH settings. For example, a network device can dynamically activate or deactivate a set of random access resources configured for energy-saving terminals. When a network device activates a set of random access resources configured for an energy-saving terminal, the energy-saving terminal can use either the set of random access resources configured for a traditional terminal or the set configured specifically for the energy-saving terminal. Therefore, when multiple sets of random access resources exist, determining which set to use for the energy-saving terminal to initiate random access is a crucial consideration.

[0144] In this application, traditional terminals do not support the power-saving features defined in 3GPP Release 19, while energy-efficient terminals do. For example, energy-efficient terminals support functions such as dynamically adjusting PRACH, receiving synchronization signal and PBCH blocks (SSBs) on demand, receiving system information blocks (SIB1) on demand, dynamically adjusting paging, and dynamically adjusting SSBs. Traditional terminals do not support these functions. Therefore, it is understood that traditional terminals do not support dynamically adjusting PRACH, while energy-efficient terminals do.

[0145] Random access is divided into contention-based random access (CBRA) and contention-free random access (CFRA).

[0146] First, let's introduce contention-based random access. Contention-based random access includes four-step contention-based random access and two-step contention-based random access. These will be described separately below.

[0147] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a four-step contention-based random access process according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 3, the method includes:

[0148] 301. The UE sends message 1 (Msg1) to the base station. This Msg1 carries the preamble selected by the UE. Correspondingly, the base station receives message 1 selected by the UE.

[0149] Specifically, the UE randomly selects a preamble from the set of random access resources carried in the system message broadcast by the base station. The UE then sends this preamble to the base station. Since multiple UEs can select the same preamble, resource conflicts may occur between them.

[0150] 302. The base station sends message 2 (Msg2) to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives message 2 from the base station.

[0151] Specifically, after receiving the preamble, the base station broadcasts message 2, the random access response (RAR), to the UE. Since the preamble is shared, multiple UEs may receive the same random access response.

[0152] 303. The UE sends message 3 (Msg3) to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives message 3 from the UE.

[0153] The UE uses the allocated resources to send message 3 to the base station. Message 3 carries the UE's identity information, which is used to uniquely identify the UE. For example, if the UE has already connected to cell 1 before the cell handover, then the UE can carry the cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) assigned to the UE by cell 1 in message 3.

[0154] 304. The base station sends message 4 (Msg4) to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives message 4 from the base station.

[0155] Message 4 includes an identifier assigned to the UE by the base station. For example, the Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI). This identifier is determined based on the UE's identity information in Message 3, indicating successful random access for the UE. For UEs that fail to access the UE, the random access procedure is restarted.

[0156] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a two-step contention-based random access process according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 4, the method includes:

[0157] 401. The UE sends message A (Msg A) to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives message A from the UE.

[0158] Message A includes the preamble selected by the UE and the UE's identity information.

[0159] 402. The base station sends message B (Msg B) to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives message B from the base station.

[0160] Message B includes an identifier assigned to the UE by the base station. For example, the Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI). This identifier is determined based on the UE's identity information in message A, indicating successful random access for the UE. For UEs that fail to access the UE, the random access procedure is restarted.

[0161] The following section introduces contention-free random access (CFRA). CFRA typically relies on a pre-assigned preamble to avoid random access collisions. CFRA can effectively reduce access latency, increase access success rate, and reduce channel resource waste. CFRA is further divided into four-step and two-step CFRA.

[0162] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a four-step non-contention-based random access method according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 5, the method includes:

[0163] 501. The base station sends preamble allocation information to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the preamble allocation information from the base station.

[0164] The preamble allocation information includes a dedicated preamble allocated by the base station to the UE.

[0165] Specifically, when a UE needs to perform non-contention-based random access, the base station assigns a dedicated preamble to the UE. For example, when a UE performs cell handover, the base station assigns this dedicated preamble to the UE.

[0166] 502. The UE sends message 1 (Msg1) to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives message 1 from the UE.

[0167] The UE initiates a random access request to the base station using a dedicated preamble assigned by the base station. After receiving the dedicated preamble, the base station can determine which UE initiated the random access request because the dedicated preamble is uniquely assigned to each UE.

[0168] 503. The base station sends message 2 (Msg2) to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives message 2 from the base station.

[0169] Message 2 includes parameters related to the UE's network access, such as uplink resources and timing adjustments. The UE then uses these parameters for further communication.

[0170] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a two-step non-contention-based random access process according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 6, the method includes:

[0171] 601. The base station sends preamble allocation information to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the preamble allocation information from the base station.

[0172] Step 601 is similar to step 501 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 above. For details, please refer to the relevant description of step 501 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0173] 602. The UE sends message A to the base station. Correspondingly, the base station receives message A from the UE.

[0174] Message A includes a special preamble and PUSCH data.

[0175] 603. The base station sends message B to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives message B from the base station.

[0176] Message B includes parameters related to the UE's network access, such as uplink resources and timing adjustments. The UE then uses these parameters for further communication.

[0177] Feature combination is a technique used to optimize the selection of random access resources by a UE during random access. Random access resources can support corresponding features, meaning they can meet specific requirements. For example, network devices can configure some random access resources to support reduced capacity (RedCap) features, while others can support slicing features. Terminal devices can select appropriate random access resources based on their required features. For example, a RedCap terminal has lower antenna transmission capability and supports smaller bandwidth. Therefore, a RedCap terminal can select random access resources that support RedCap features to initiate random access. Slicing isolates a portion of network resources for use by specific terminal devices. For example, a slice for a certain service allows terminal devices requiring that service to initiate random access using random access resources that support slicing features.

[0178] Currently, terminal devices can use the PRACH Configuration Index and PRACH Mask Index to determine the timing of transmission for initiating random access.

[0179] The PRACH configuration index is used to determine the candidate transmission timings of the terminal device. For example, as shown in Table 1, each PRACH configuration index corresponds to a set of configurations, specifically including the preamble format, parameter x, parameter y, subframe number, start symbol occupied by the transmission timing, number of PRACH slots within the subframe, number of PRACH transmission timings within a PRACH slot, and PRACH duration. Parameters x and y are used together to determine the candidate system frame number, which is the frame number of the system frame used to initiate random access. For example, the candidate system frame number n... f The following relationship, as expressed in Formula 1, is satisfied: f mod x=y formula 1

[0180] As shown in Table 1, for some PRACH configuration indices, the number of PRACH slots and the number of PRACH transmission opportunities within a PRACH slot in the corresponding subframe are not specified. In this case, the number of PRACH slots and the number of PRACH transmission opportunities within a PRACH slot in the corresponding subframe can be defaulted to 0. Specifically, the terminal device can determine the candidate system frame using the x and y values ​​corresponding to the PRACH configuration index. Then, the terminal device can determine that the subframe with the subframe number corresponding to the PRACH configuration index in each candidate system frame is a candidate subframe. The terminal device determines the candidate transmission opportunity in each candidate subframe using the start symbol occupied by the transmission opportunity corresponding to the PRACH configuration index, the number of PRACH slots in the subframe, the number of PRACH transmission opportunities within a PRACH slot, and the PRACH duration. For detailed calculation methods, please refer to the relevant description in the communication protocol TS 38.211.

[0181] Table 1

[0182] The PRACH mask index is used by the terminal device to determine the transmission opportunity that belongs to it among the candidate transmission opportunities. As shown in Table 2, the terminal device determines the transmission opportunity index through its PRACH mask index. The terminal device then uses the transmission opportunity corresponding to that index among the candidate transmission opportunities as its own transmission opportunity.

[0183] Table 2

[0184] Two possible solutions are currently under discussion. Solution 1: The PRACH configuration index for random access resources configured for energy-saving terminals is the same as the PRACH configuration index for random access resources configured for traditional terminals. Solution 2: The PRACH configuration index for random access resources configured for energy-saving terminals is different from the PRACH configuration index for random access resources configured for traditional terminals.

[0185] The above solutions may present several possible scenarios: Scenario 1: The random access resources configured for traditional terminals and those configured for energy-saving terminals do not overlap in the time domain. Scenario 2: The random access resources configured for traditional terminals and those configured for energy-saving terminals overlap in the time domain but not in the frequency domain. Scenario 3: The random access resources configured for traditional terminals and those configured for energy-saving terminals do not overlap in either the time or frequency domain.

[0186] The technical solution of this application is described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0187] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the random access method of this application. Referring to Figure 7, the method includes:

[0188] 701. The network device sends first indication information to the terminal device. The first indication information is used to indicate the type of random access resource used by the terminal device. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information from the network device.

[0189] The random access resource type is either Type 1 or Type 2. Type 1 random access resources are traditional random access resources, i.e., random access resources configured for traditional terminals. Type 2 random access resources are energy-saving random access resources, i.e., random access resources configured for energy-saving terminals. Optionally, Type 2 random access resources can also be referred to as additional random access resources.

[0190] Optionally, the network device determines the random access resource to be used by the terminal device based on the occupancy status of the first type of random access resource and the second type of random access resource. For example, if the first type of random access resource is not occupied, but the second type of random access resource is occupied, the network device may instruct the terminal device to use the first type of random access resource.

[0191] In one possible implementation, prior to step 701 above, during cell handover, the original network device to which the terminal device is connected discovers, based on signal measurement results, that the terminal device needs to hand over to a cell covered by the network device. The original network device requests access resources from the network device and sends the resources allocated by the network device to the terminal device. Therefore, the network device can send the first instruction information shown in step 701 above to the terminal device.

[0192] In another possible implementation, before step 701 above, when the network device needs the terminal device to perform synchronous reconfiguration, the network device can send information for accessing the network device to the terminal device. During this process, the network device can send the first instruction information shown in step 701 above to the terminal device.

[0193] The following describes some possible values ​​for the first instruction information. Other values ​​are still applicable to this application, and this application does not impose any specific limitations.

[0194] 1. When the value of the first indication information is true, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use the first type of random access resources; when the value of the first indication information is false, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use the second type of random access resources. Alternatively, when the value of the first indication information is true, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use the second type of random access resources; when the value of the first indication information is false, the first indication information instructs the terminal device to use the first type of random access resources.

[0195] 2. When the value of the first indication information is 0, the first indication information indicates that the terminal device uses the first type of random access resources; when the value of the first indication information is 1, the first indication information indicates that the terminal device uses the second type of random access resources; or, when the value of the first indication information is 0, the first indication information indicates that the terminal device uses the second type of random access resources; or, when the value of the first indication information is 1, the first indication information indicates that the terminal device uses the first type of random access resources.

[0196] Optionally, the first indication information is carried in MAC CE, RRC signaling, or DCI.

[0197] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is one or more reserved bits in the MAC CE or DCI. The value of these one or more reserved bits is used to indicate the type of random access resource used by the terminal device.

[0198] For example, the DCI carries the Physical Downlink Control Channel Command (PDCCHorder). The first indication information is the reserved bits of the DCI, the value of which is used to indicate the type of random access resource used by the terminal device. For example, the format of the DCI is DCI1_0. Table 3 shows the various fields in DCI1_0, where one or more reserved bits in the reserved bit field can be used to indicate the type of random access resource used by the terminal device.

[0199] Table 3

[0200] For example, the MAC CE carries the cell switch command for the terminal device. As shown in Figure 8, the first indication information is the R field in the MAC CE. The R field in Figure 8 is enclosed in a dashed circle. The value of the R field indicates the type of random access resource used by the terminal device.

[0201] In another possible implementation, the first indication information is a field in RRC signaling. The value of this field indicates the type of random access resource used by the terminal device. For example, SIB1 is sent via RRC signaling. SIB1 carries the first indication information.

[0202] For example, SIB1 includes the SI-RequestResources information element, as shown below. This SI-RequestResources information element includes an additional-RACH-resources field, which is the first indication information. The value of this additional-RACH-resources field indicates the random access resource type used by the terminal device. The value of this additional-RACH-resources field is either true or false.

[0203] For example, SIB1 includes a CFRA information element, which is specifically shown below. This CFRA information element includes an additional-RACH-resources field, that is, the first indication information is this additional-RACH-resources field, and the value of this additional-RACH-resources field indicates the random access resource type used by the terminal device.

[0204] 702. The terminal device determines the first random access resource based on the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device.

[0205] The following describes one possible implementation of step 702. Optionally, step 702 specifically includes steps 702a and 702b.

[0206] 702a. The terminal device determines the first PRACH configuration index, the first PRACH mask index, and the first frequency domain location information corresponding to the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device.

[0207] 702b. The terminal device determines the first random access resource based on the first PRACH configuration index, the first PRACH mask index, and the first frequency domain location information.

[0208] The following describes one possible implementation of step 702b above, in conjunction with steps 1 to 3. Other implementations are still applicable to this application, and this application does not limit them.

[0209] Step 1: The terminal device determines the candidate transmission timing corresponding to the first PRACH configuration index based on the first mapping relationship.

[0210] The first mapping relationship indicates the mapping between one or more PRACH configuration indices and candidate transmission opportunities. The candidate transmission opportunity corresponding to the first PRACH configuration index refers to an available transmission opportunity. For example, the first mapping relationship can be shown in Table 1 above. The terminal device can determine the candidate transmission opportunity corresponding to the first PRACH configuration index based on the first PRACH configuration index and Table 1 above. For example, the candidate transmission opportunities corresponding to the first PRACH configuration index include: transmission opportunity 1, transmission opportunity 2, and transmission opportunity 4 on slot 0 of subframe 1 of system frame 1.

[0211] It should be noted that for the first type of random access resources, the first mapping relationship can be as shown in Table 1 above. For the second type of random access resources, the first mapping relationship can be as shown in Table 1 above, or a different mapping table can be defined to determine the candidate transmission timing corresponding to the PRACH configuration index of the second type of random access resources. In other words, for the candidate transmission timing of the two types of random access resources, the terminal device can use the same mapping table to determine it, or it can use different mapping tables; this application does not impose any specific limitations.

[0212] Step 2: The terminal device determines the transmission timing index corresponding to the first PRACH mask index according to the second mapping relationship.

[0213] The second mapping relationship is used to indicate the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH mask indices and transmission timing indices.

[0214] In one possible implementation, the terminal device uses the second type of random access resource. The first PRACH mask index is one of the PRACH mask indices shown in Table 2 above, and the transmission timing index corresponding to the first PRACH mask index is the transmission timing index indicated by one of the reserved fields shown in Table 2 above. That is, the second mapping relationship can be an extension of the mapping table obtained in Table 2, as shown in Table 4. The terminal device can determine the transmission timing index corresponding to the first PRACH mask index through Table 4.

[0215] Table 4

[0216] In this implementation, the transmission timing index corresponding to the PRACH mask index of the two types of random access resources can be determined by the same mapping table.

[0217] In another possible implementation, if the random access resource type used by the terminal device is type 1, the first PRACH mask index is one of the PRACH mask indices shown in Table 2 above, and the transmission timing index corresponding to the first PRACH mask index is the transmission timing index corresponding to that first PRACH mask index in Table 2 above. If the random access type used by the terminal device is type 2, the first PRACH mask index is one of the PRACH mask indices shown in Table 5 below, and the terminal device can determine the transmission timing index corresponding to the first PRACH mask index through Table 5.

[0218] Table 5

[0219] In this implementation, the transmission timing index corresponding to the PRACH mask index of the two types of random access resources is determined by different mapping tables.

[0220] Step 3: The terminal device uses the transmission timing index corresponding to the first PRACH mask index from the candidate transmission timing as the time domain resource occupied by the first random access resource.

[0221] For example, the candidate transmission opportunities corresponding to the first PRACH configuration index include: transmission opportunity 1, transmission opportunity 2, and transmission opportunity 4 on time slot 0 of subframe 1 of system frame 1. Therefore, the time domain resources occupied by the first random access resource include: transmission opportunity 1 on time slot 0 of subframe 1 of system frame 1.

[0222] Therefore, the first PRACH configuration index and the first PRACH mask index are used together to determine the time-domain resources occupied by the first random access resource. The terminal device determines the frequency-domain resources occupied by the first random access resource based on the first frequency-domain location information.

[0223] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG7 further includes step 701a. Step 701a may be performed before step 702a.

[0224] 701a. The network device sends third configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third configuration information from the network device.

[0225] The third configuration information is used to configure the first PRACH configuration index, the first PRACH mask index, and the first frequency domain position information.

[0226] 703. The terminal device initiates random access to the network device through the first random access resource. Correspondingly, the network device receives the random access initiated by the terminal device through the first random access resource.

[0227] Terminal devices can initiate random access to network devices through the aforementioned contention-based or non-contention-based random access methods. For details, please refer to the relevant introductions to contention-based and non-contention-based random access methods mentioned above, which will not be repeated here.

[0228] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7 above, the terminal device receives first indication information from the network device. The first indication information indicates the type of random access resource used by the terminal device, which may be a first type or a second type. The terminal device determines a first random access resource based on the type of random access resource used. The terminal device then initiates random access to the network device through the first random access resource. Therefore, it can be seen that the terminal device receives first indication information from the network device. The first indication information indicates the type of random access resource used by the terminal device. Thus, the terminal device can select the appropriate random access resource and initiate random access by combining the first indication information. In other words, the terminal device can determine which type of random access resource the network device has configured for it and determine the corresponding random access resource to initiate random access.

[0229] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7 above, the terminal device receives first indication information from the network device. This first indication information indicates the type of random access resource to be used by the terminal device. Then, the terminal device determines a first random access resource based on this random access resource type and initiates random access through the first random access resource. Optionally, the terminal device can select a random access resource and initiate random access based on corresponding rules. The following description is in conjunction with the embodiment shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the random access method of this application. Referring to Figure 9, the method includes:

[0230] 901. The terminal device selects either the first type of random access resource or the second type of random access resource according to the first rule.

[0231] For details regarding the first type of random access resources and the second type of random access resources, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0232] Optionally, step 901 above specifically includes: the terminal device selecting, from the first type of random access resource and the second type of random access resource, the type of random access resource that occupies a time domain position earlier or later as the random access resource used by the terminal device to initiate random access. For example, as shown in Figure 2A, the time domain position occupied by the first type of random access resource is earlier than that occupied by the second type of random access resource, so the terminal device can choose the first type of random access resource to initiate random access. As another example, as shown in Figure 2B, the time domain position occupied by the first type of random access resource is later than that occupied by the second type of random access resource, so the terminal device can choose the second type of random access resource to initiate random access.

[0233] The above illustrates two rules for terminal devices to select random access resources. In practical applications, terminal devices can also select random access resources using other rules, which are not limited in this application.

[0234] Optionally, the first rule is pre-configured or pre-defined, or configured by the network device for the terminal device. Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG9 further includes step 901a. Step 901a may be performed before step 901.

[0235] 901a. The network device sends first configuration information to the terminal device. The first configuration information is used to configure a first rule. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first configuration information from the network device.

[0236] 902. The terminal device initiates random access to the network device based on either the first type of random access resource or the second type of random access resource. Correspondingly, the network device receives the random access request initiated by the terminal device through either the first type of random access resource or the second type of random access resource.

[0237] For example, after the terminal device determines the first type of random access resource according to the first rule, the terminal device can initiate random access to the network device through the first type of random access resource. As another example, after the terminal device determines the second type of random access resource according to the first rule, the terminal device can initiate random access to the network device through the second type of random access resource.

[0238] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG9 further includes steps 901b and 901c. Steps 901b and 901c may be performed before step 902.

[0239] 901b. The terminal device determines the first type of random access resource based on the second PRACH configuration index, the second PRACH mask index, and the first frequency domain location information corresponding to the first type of random access resource.

[0240] Step 901b is similar to step 702b in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 above. For details, please refer to the relevant description of step 702b in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0241] 901c. The terminal device determines the second type of random access resource based on the third PRACH configuration index, the third PRACH mask index, and the third frequency domain location information corresponding to the second type of random access resource.

[0242] Step 901c is similar to step 702b in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 above. For details, please refer to the relevant description of step 702b in the embodiment shown in Figure 7 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0243] Optionally, the embodiment shown in FIG9 further includes step 901d. Step 901d may be performed before steps 901b and 901c.

[0244] 901d. The network device sends fourth configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the fourth configuration information from the network device.

[0245] The fourth configuration information is used to configure the second PRACH configuration index, the second PRACH mask index, the first frequency domain location information corresponding to the first type of random access resources, and the third PRACH configuration index, the third PRACH mask index, and the third frequency domain location information corresponding to the second type of random access resources.

[0246] Optionally, the information configured in the fourth configuration information mentioned above can be configured together with the fourth configuration information, or it can be configured separately through different signaling. This application does not limit the specific configuration.

[0247] 903. If the terminal device initiates random access using the first type of random access resources, the network device releases the second type of random access resources; or, if the terminal device initiates random access using the second type of random access resources, the network device releases the first type of random access resources.

[0248] In this embodiment, the network device reserves both a first type of random access resource and a second type of random access resource for the terminal device. When the terminal device initiates random access using the first type of random access resource, the network device can release the second type of random access resource. Conversely, when the terminal device initiates random access using the second type of random access resource, the network device can release the first type of random access resource. This avoids resource waste.

[0249] In this embodiment, the terminal device selects either a first type of random access resource or a second type of random access resource according to a first rule. Then, the terminal device initiates random access to the network device based on either the first or second type of random access resource. This allows the terminal device to select one type of random access to initiate random access.

[0250] Optionally, in this application, the network device can configure corresponding characteristics for the second type of random access resource. The terminal device can select a suitable random access resource and initiate random access by combining the characteristics required by the terminal device, the characteristics supported by the first type of random access resource, and the characteristics supported by the second type of random access resource. The following description refers to the embodiment shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the random access method of this application. Referring to Figure 10, the method includes:

[0251] 1001. The network device sends the second configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second configuration information from the network device.

[0252] The second configuration information is used to configure at least one characteristic of random access resources, which belongs to the second type of random access resources. For details on the second type of random access resources, please refer to the previous introduction; it will not be repeated here.

[0253] In one possible implementation, at least one feature is an energy-saving feature. In other words, the features supported by the second type of random access resources are distinct from those supported by the first type of random access resources; they are newly defined features. For information on the first type of random access resources, please refer to the preceding description; it will not be repeated here. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the first type of random access resources includes random access resources supporting coverage enhancement (CovEnh), random access resources supporting slicing, random access resources supporting RedCap, and random access resources supporting small data transmission (SDT). The second type of random access resources includes random access resources supporting energy conservation (NES).

[0254] In another possible implementation, the random access resources with at least one characteristic share the same characteristics with some random access resources of the first type. In other words, the characteristics supported by the second type of random access resources can be the same as those supported by the first type of random access resources, without needing to define new characteristics. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the first type of random access resources includes random access resources supporting CovEnh, random access resources supporting Slicing, random access resources supporting RedCap, and random access resources supporting SDT. The second type of random access resources includes random access resources supporting RedCap and random access resources supporting Slicing.

[0255] In another possible implementation, the random access resource supporting at least one characteristic is different from the characteristic supported by the first type of random access resource. In this implementation, the characteristics supported by the first type of random access resource and the characteristics supported by the second type of random access resource are characteristics already defined in conventional communication systems, rather than newly defined characteristics. Furthermore, the characteristics supported by the first type of random access resource are different from the characteristics supported by the second type of random access resource. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the first type of random access resource includes random access resources supporting CovEnh and random access resources supporting SDT. The second type of random access resource includes random access resources supporting RedCap and random access resources supporting Slicing.

[0256] Optionally, the second configuration information is carried in the feature combination preamble signaling. For example, as shown below, the second configuration information is the energy-saving capability combination (NES-capable-combination) field in the feature combination preamble signaling. The value of the energy-saving capability combination field is used to indicate the features supported by at least one feature's random access resources. For example, a true value for the energy-saving capability combination field indicates that the random access resources configured in FeatureCombinationPreambles-r17 below support energy-saving features.

[0257] 1002. The terminal device determines a second random access resource from the random access resources of at least one characteristic and the random access resources of the first type based on the characteristics required by the terminal device, at least one random access resource of a characteristic, and a random access resource of the first type.

[0258] The second random access resource supports the characteristics required by the terminal device. For example, when the terminal device is in sleep mode but has a small data transmission requirement, it can select a random access resource supporting SDT from at least one type of random access resource and a first type of random access resource as the second random access resource. As another example, if the terminal device is a RedCap terminal, it can select a RedCap-supporting random access resource from at least one type of random access resource and a first type of random access resource as the second random access resource.

[0259] Optionally, when both the random access resources of at least one characteristic and the random access resources of the first type contain random access resources that support the characteristics required by the terminal device, the terminal device selects a second random access resource from the random access resources of at least one characteristic. For example, as shown in Figure 12, if both the random access resources of the first type and the random access resources of the second type contain random access resources that support RedCap, and the terminal device is a RedCap terminal, the terminal device may preferentially select the random access resources of the second type that support RedCap to initiate random access.

[0260] 1003. The terminal device initiates random access to the network device through the second random access resource. Correspondingly, the network device receives the random access initiated by the terminal device through the second random access resource.

[0261] Optionally, the terminal device can initiate random access to the network device through the above two-step contention-based random access or four-step contention-based random access. For details on the two-step or four-step contention-based random access, please refer to the relevant introduction above, which will not be repeated here.

[0262] The following is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to FIG14, the communication device can be used to execute the process performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown in FIG7, FIG9 and FIG10. For details, please refer to the relevant description in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0263] The communication device 1400 includes a transceiver module 1401 and a processing module 1402.

[0264] The processing module 1402 is used for data processing. The transceiver module 1401 can implement the corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 1401 can also be called a communication interface or a communication module.

[0265] Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store program code, program instructions and / or data. The processing module 1402 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 1400 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0266] The communication device 1400 can be used to perform the actions performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10. For example, it can be the terminal device itself, a communication module within the terminal device, or a circuit or chip within the terminal device responsible for communication functions. The communication device 1400 can be the terminal device or a component configurable within the terminal device. The processing module 1402 is used to perform processing-related operations on the terminal device side in the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10. The transceiver module 1401 is used to perform receiving-related operations on the terminal device side in the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10.

[0267] Optionally, the transceiver module 1401 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the embodiments shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the embodiments shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10.

[0268] It should be noted that the communication device 1400 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 1400 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme performed by the communication device 1400 includes both transmitting and receiving actions. For example, the communication device 1400 is used to perform the actions performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10; these will not be elaborated upon here.

[0269] For example, the communication device 1400 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0270] The transceiver module 1401 is used to receive first indication information from the network device. The first indication information is used to indicate the random access resource type adopted by the communication device 1400. The random access resource type is either a first type or a second type.

[0271] Processing module 1402 is used to determine a first random access resource based on the random access resource type adopted by communication device 1400;

[0272] The transceiver module 1401 is also used to initiate random access to the network device through the first random access resource.

[0273] For example, the communication device 1400 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0274] Processing module 1402 is used to select a first type of random access resource or a second type of random access resource according to a first rule;

[0275] The transceiver module 1401 is used to initiate random access to the network device based on the first type of random access resources or the second type of random access resources.

[0276] For example, the communication device 1400 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0277] The transceiver module 1401 is used to receive second configuration information from the network device. The second configuration information is used to configure at least one characteristic of the random access resource, which belongs to a second type of random access resource.

[0278] Processing module 1402 is configured to determine a second random access resource from the random access resource with at least one characteristic and the random access resource of the first type based on the characteristics required by the communication device 1400, at least one random access resource with at least one characteristic, and a first type of random access resource; the second random access resource supports the characteristics required by the communication device 1400.

[0279] The transceiver module 1401 is used to initiate random access to the network device through the second random access resource.

[0280] For other implementation methods, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9 and 10, which will not be repeated here.

[0281] It should be understood that the specific procedures for each module to perform the above-mentioned corresponding processes have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0282] The processing module 1402 in the above embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. The transceiver module 1401 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The transceiver module 1401 can also be referred to as a communication module or communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0283] The following is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 15, the communication device can be used to execute the process performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0284] The communication device 1500 includes a transceiver module 1501 and a processing module 1502.

[0285] The processing module 1502 is used for data processing. The transceiver module 1501 can implement the corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 1501 can also be called a communication interface or a communication module.

[0286] Optionally, the communication device 1500 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store program code, program instructions and / or data. The processing module 1502 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 1500 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0287] The communication device 1500 can be used to perform the actions performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9. For example, it can be a network device or a communication module in a network device, or a circuit or chip in a network device responsible for communication functions. The communication device 1500 can be a network device or a component configurable in a network device. The processing module 1502 is used to perform processing-related operations on the network device side in the embodiments shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9. The transceiver module 1501 is used to perform receiving-related operations on the network device side in the embodiments shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9.

[0288] Optionally, the transceiver module 1501 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9.

[0289] It should be noted that the communication device 1500 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 1500 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the communication device 1500 includes both transmitting and receiving actions.

[0290] For example, the communication device 1500 is used to perform the actions performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9; these will not be elaborated upon here.

[0291] For example, the communication device 1500 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0292] The transceiver module 1501 is used to send first indication information to the terminal device; wherein, the first indication information is used to indicate the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device, and the random access resource type is a first type or a second type;

[0293] Processing module 1502 is used to determine the first random access resource based on the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device;

[0294] The transceiver module 1501 is also used to receive random access initiated by the terminal device through the first random access resource.

[0295] For example, the communication device 1500 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0296] The transceiver module 1501 is used to receive random access initiated by the terminal device through a first type of random access resource or a second type of random access resource;

[0297] The processing module 1502 is configured to release the second type of random access resources allocated to the terminal device by the communication device 1500 if the terminal device initiates random access through the first type of random access resources; or, release the first type of random access resources allocated to the terminal device by the communication device 1500 if the terminal device initiates random access through the second type of random access resources.

[0298] For other implementation methods, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiments shown in Figures 10 to 13 above.

[0299] It should be understood that the specific processes by which each module performs the above-mentioned corresponding processes have been described in detail in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 9, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0300] Optionally, the processing module 1502 in the above embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. The transceiver module 1501 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The transceiver module 1501 can also be referred to as a communication module or communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0301] The following is another schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Referring to FIG16, the communication device can be used to execute the process performed by the network device in the embodiment shown in FIG10. For details, please refer to the relevant description in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0302] The communication device 1600 includes a transceiver module 1601. Optionally, the communication device 1600 includes a processing module 1602.

[0303] The processing module 1602 is used for data processing. The transceiver module 1601 can implement the corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 1601 can also be called a communication interface or a communication module.

[0304] Optionally, the communication device 1600 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store program code, program instructions and / or data. The processing module 1602 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 1600 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0305] The communication device 1600 can be used to perform the actions performed by the network device in the embodiment shown in FIG10. For example, it can be a network device, a communication module within a network device, or a circuit or chip within a network device responsible for communication functions. The communication device 1600 can be a network device or a component configurable within a network device. The processing module 1602 is used to perform processing-related operations on the network device side in the embodiment shown in FIG10. The transceiver module 1601 is used to perform receiving-related operations on the network device side in the embodiment shown in FIG10.

[0306] Optionally, the transceiver module 1601 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the embodiment shown in FIG10. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the embodiment shown in FIG10.

[0307] It should be noted that the communication device 1600 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 1600 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the communication device 1600 includes both transmitting and receiving actions.

[0308] For example, the communication device 1600 is used to perform the actions performed by the network device in the embodiment shown in FIG10. For details, please refer to the relevant description in the embodiment shown in FIG10, which will not be elaborated here.

[0309] For example, the communication device 1600 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0310] The transceiver module 1601 is used to send second configuration information to the terminal device. The second configuration information is used to configure at least one random access resource with at least one characteristic, and the random access resource with at least one characteristic belongs to a second type of random access resource. The transceiver module 1601 is used to receive random access initiated by the terminal device through the second random access resource. The second random access resource is determined from the random access resource with at least one characteristic and the random access resource of the first type according to the characteristics required by the terminal device, the random access resource with at least one characteristic, and the random access resource of the first type.

[0311] For other implementation methods, please refer to the relevant description of the embodiment shown in Figure 10, which will not be repeated here.

[0312] It should be understood that the specific procedures for each module to perform the above-mentioned corresponding processes have been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0313] The processing module 1602 in the above embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. The transceiver module 1601 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The transceiver module 1601 can also be referred to as a communication module or communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0314] This application embodiment also provides a communication device 1700. Referring to FIG17, the communication device 1700 includes a processor 1710, which is coupled to a memory 1720. The memory 1720 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 1710 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions and / or data stored in the memory 1720, causing the methods in the above method embodiments to be executed. The communication device 1700 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0315] Optionally, the communication device 1700 may include one or more processors 1710.

[0316] Optionally, as shown in Figure 17, the communication device 1700 may also include a memory 1720.

[0317] Optionally, the communication device 1700 may include one or more memory 1720s.

[0318] Optionally, the memory 1720 can be integrated with the processor 1710, or it can be set separately.

[0319] Optionally, as shown in Figure 17, the communication device 1700 may further include a transceiver 1730 for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, a processor 1710 is used to control the transceiver 1730 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0320] This application also provides a communication device 1800, which can be a terminal device, a processor in the terminal device, or a chip. The communication device 1800 can be used to perform the operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0321] When the communication device 1800 is a terminal device, Figure 18 shows a simplified structural diagram of the terminal device. As shown in Figure 18, the terminal device includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The memory can store computer program code, and the transceiver includes a transmitter 1831, a receiver 1832, radio frequency circuitry (not shown in the figure), an antenna 1833, and input / output devices (not shown in the figure).

[0322] The processor is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data; control terminal devices; execute software programs; and process data from software programs.

[0323] Memory is mainly used to store software programs and data.

[0324] Radio frequency (RF) circuits are mainly used for the conversion between baseband signals and RF signals, as well as for the processing of RF signals.

[0325] Antennas are primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves.

[0326] Input / output devices can include touchscreens, displays, or keyboards. They are primarily used to receive user input and output data to the user. It should be noted that some types of terminal devices may not have input / output devices.

[0327] When data needs to be transmitted, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then processes the baseband signal and transmits it outwards as electromagnetic waves via an antenna. When data is sent to the terminal device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna. The RF circuit converts the RF signal back into a baseband signal and outputs it to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal back into data and processes the data. For ease of explanation, Figure 18 only shows one memory, processor, and transceiver. In actual terminal device products, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be independent of the processor or integrated with the processor; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0328] In this embodiment, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver function can be regarded as the transceiver module of the terminal device, and the processor with processing function can be regarded as the processing module of the terminal device.

[0329] As shown in Figure 18, the terminal device includes a processor 1810, a memory 1820, and a transceiver 1830. The processor 1810 can also be referred to as a processing unit, processing board, processing module, or processing device, etc. The transceiver 1830 can also be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver device, etc.

[0330] Optionally, the device in transceiver 1830 used to implement the receiving function can be considered a receiving module, and the device in transceiver 1830 used to implement the transmitting function can be considered a transmitting module. That is, transceiver 1830 includes a receiver and a transmitter. A transceiver may sometimes be called a transceiver unit, transceiver module, or transceiver circuit, etc. A receiver may sometimes be called a receiver unit, receiving module, or receiving circuit, etc. A transmitter may sometimes be called a transmitter, transmitting module, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0331] The processor 1810 is used to perform the processing actions on the terminal device side in the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10. The transceiver 1830 is used to perform the sending and receiving actions on the terminal device side in the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10.

[0332] It should be understood that Figure 18 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the terminal device described above, including the transceiver module and the processing module, may not depend on the structure shown in Figures 14, 17, or 18.

[0333] When the communication device 1800 is a chip, the chip includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor can be a processing module integrated on the chip, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. In the above method embodiments, the transmitting operation of the terminal device can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the terminal device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0334] Optionally, the communication device 1800 may also include a memory, which may be a memory built into the chip or a memory connected to the chip.

[0335] This application also provides a communication device 1900, which can be a network device or a chip. The communication device 1900 can be used to perform the operations performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9 and 10.

[0336] When the communication device 1900 is a network device, such as a base station, Figure 19 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a base station structure. The base station includes parts 1910, 1920, and 1930.

[0337] The 1910 section is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling the base station; the 1910 section is usually the control center of the base station, which can be called the processor, and is used to control the base station to perform the processing operations on the network device side in the above method embodiments.

[0338] The 1920 section is primarily used to store computer program code and data.

[0339] Section 1930 is primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals, as well as converting RF signals to baseband signals. Section 1930 is commonly referred to as a transceiver module, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver unit. The transceiver module of section 1930, also known as a transceiver or transceiver unit, includes antenna 1933 and RF circuitry (not shown in the figure), where the RF circuitry is mainly used for RF processing. Optionally, the device in section 1930 used for receiving can be considered a receiver, and the device used for transmitting can be considered a transmitter; that is, section 1930 includes receiver 1932 and transmitter 1931. The receiver can also be called a receiving module, receiver circuit, or receiving circuit, and the transmitter can be called a transmitting module, transmitter unit, or transmitting circuit.

[0340] Sections 1910 and 1920 may include one or more circuit boards, each of which may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processors are used to read and execute programs from the memories to implement baseband processing functions and control the base station. If multiple circuit boards exist, they can be interconnected to enhance processing capabilities. As an alternative implementation, multiple circuit boards may share one or more processors, multiple circuit boards may share one or more memories, or multiple circuit boards may simultaneously share one or more processors.

[0341] For example, in one implementation, the transceiver module in section 1930 is used to execute the transceiver-related processes performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10. The processor in section 1910 is used to execute the processing-related processes performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10.

[0342] It should be understood that Figure 19 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the network devices described above, including processors, memory, and transceivers, may not depend on the structures shown in Figures 15, 16, or 19.

[0343] When the communication device 1900 is a chip, the chip includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit on the chip. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. In the above method embodiments, the transmitting operation of the network device can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the network device in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0344] Optionally, the communication device 1900 may also include a memory, which may be a memory built into the chip or a memory connected to the chip.

[0345] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by a terminal device or a network device in the above method embodiments.

[0346] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the methods executed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0347] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in the above method embodiments, which is executed by a terminal device or a network device.

[0348] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a terminal device and a network device. The terminal device is used to perform some or all of the operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10 above, and the network device is used to perform some or all of the operations performed by the network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10 above.

[0349] This application also provides a chip device, including a processor, for calling computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the methods provided in the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9 and 10 above.

[0350] In one possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the receiving operation in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9 and 10, and the output of the chip device corresponds to the transmitting operation in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9 and 10.

[0351] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0352] Optionally, the chip device may also include a memory that stores computer programs or computer instructions.

[0353] The processor mentioned above can be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of a program for controlling the method provided in any of the embodiments shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10. The memory mentioned above can be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0354] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the above-mentioned devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0355] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units through some interfaces, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0356] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0357] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0358] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the essential contribution of the technical solution of this application, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0359] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A random access method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first indication information from network device, the first indication information being used to indicate the random access resource type adopted by terminal device, the random access resource type being a first type or a second type; The first random access resource is determined according to the random access resource type used by the terminal device; Initiate random access to the network device through the first random access resource.

2. A random access method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send first indication information to the terminal device, the first indication information being used to indicate the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device, the random access resource type being a first type or a second type; The terminal device initiates random access through a first random access resource, which is determined based on the type of random access resource used by the terminal device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first type of random access resource is a traditional random access resource, and the second type of random access resource is an energy-saving random access resource.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The step of determining the first random access resource based on the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device includes: Determine the first physical radio access channel (PRACH) configuration index, the first PRACH mask index, and the first frequency domain location information corresponding to the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device; The first random access resource is determined based on the first PRACH configuration index, the first PRACH mask index, and the first frequency domain location information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Determining the first random access resource based on the first PRACH configuration index, the first PRACH mask index, and the first frequency domain location information includes: The candidate transmission timing corresponding to the first PRACH configuration index is determined according to the first mapping relationship, wherein the first mapping relationship is used to indicate the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH configuration indices and candidate transmission timings; The transmission timing index corresponding to the first PRACH mask index is determined according to the second mapping relationship, and the second mapping relationship is used to indicate the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH mask indices and transmission timing indices; The transmission timing corresponding to the transmission timing index of the first PRACH mask index among the candidate transmission timings is used as the time-domain resource occupied by the first random access resource.

6. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The type of random access resource used by the terminal device is determined based on the occupancy status of the first type of random access resource and the occupancy status of the second type of random access resource.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first indication information is carried in the Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE), Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, or Downlink Control Information (DCI).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first indication information is one or more reserved bits in the MAC CE or the DCI, and the value of the one or more reserved bits is used to indicate the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device; or, The first indication information is a field in the RRC signaling, and the value of the field is used to indicate the random access resource type adopted by the terminal device.

9. A random access method, characterized in that, The method includes: Choose either the first type of random access resource or the second type of random access resource according to the first rule; Initiate random access to the network device based on the first type of random access resource or the second type of random access resource.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step of selecting the first type of random access resource or the second type of random access resource according to the first rule includes: The random access resource selected from the first type of random access resource and the second type of random access resource, with the one occupying an earlier or later time domain position, shall be used as the random access resource for the terminal device to initiate random access.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first rule is pre-configured or predefined; or, the method further includes: Receive first configuration information from the network device, the first configuration information being used to configure the first rule.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The first type of random access resource is a traditional random access resource, and the second type of random access resource is an energy-saving random access resource.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first type of random access resource is determined based on the second PRACH configuration index, the second PRACH mask index, and the second frequency domain location information corresponding to the first type of random access resource. The random access resources of the second type are determined based on the third PRACH configuration index, the third PRACH mask index, and the third frequency domain location information corresponding to the random access resources of the second type.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The step of determining the random access resource of the first type based on the second PRACH configuration index, the second PRACH mask index, and the second frequency domain location information corresponding to the random access resource of the first type includes: The candidate transmission timing corresponding to the second PRACH configuration index is determined according to the third mapping relationship, wherein the third mapping relationship is used to indicate the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH configuration indices and candidate transmission timings; The transmission timing index corresponding to the second PRACH mask index is determined according to the fourth mapping relationship, wherein the fourth mapping relationship is used to indicate the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH mask indices and transmission timing indices; The candidate transmission timings, whose corresponding transmission timing index is the transmission timing index corresponding to the second PRACH mask index, are used as the first type of random access resources.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The step of determining the second type of random access resource based on the third PRACH configuration index, third PRACH mask index, and third frequency domain location information corresponding to the second type of random access resource includes: The candidate transmission timing corresponding to the third PRACH configuration index is determined according to the fifth mapping relationship, wherein the fifth mapping relationship is used to indicate the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH configuration indices and candidate transmission timings; The transmission timing index corresponding to the third PRACH mask index is determined according to the sixth mapping relationship, which is used to indicate the mapping relationship between one or more PRACH mask indices and transmission timing indices; The transmission timing corresponding to the transmission timing index of the candidate transmission timing is the transmission timing index corresponding to the third PRACH mask index, which is used as the time domain resource occupied by the second type of random access resource.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The receiving terminal device initiates random access through a first type of random access resource or a second type of random access resource; If the terminal device initiates random access through the first type of random access resources, then the second type of random access resources allocated to the terminal device by the network device are released; or, if the terminal device initiates random access through the second type of random access resources, then the first type of random access resources allocated to the terminal device by the network device are released.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, Before the receiving terminal device initiates random access via a first type of random access resource or a second type of random access resource, the method further includes: Reserve random access resources of the first type and random access resources of the second type for the terminal device.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive second configuration information from a network device, the second configuration information being used to configure at least one characteristic of a random access resource, the random access resource being of a second type of random access resource; A second random access resource is determined from the random access resources of the at least one characteristic and the random access resources of the first type based on the characteristics required by the terminal device, the random access resources of the at least one characteristic, and the random access resources of the first type, wherein the second random access resource supports the characteristics required by the terminal device. Initiate random access to the network device through the second random access resource.

19. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send second configuration information to the terminal device, the second configuration information being used to configure at least one characteristic of random access resources, the at least one characteristic of random access resources belonging to a second type of random access resources; The terminal device initiates random access through a second random access resource, which is determined from the random access resource of the at least one characteristic and the random access resource of the first type based on the characteristics required by the terminal device, the random access resource of the at least one characteristic, and the random access resource of the first type.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The at least one characteristic is an energy-saving characteristic; or, The characteristics supported by the random access resource of the at least one characteristic are different from the characteristics supported by the random access resource of the first type; or, Among the random access resources of the first type, some of the random access resources with the at least one characteristic support the same characteristics.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that, The first type of random access resource is a traditional random access resource, and the second type of random access resource is an energy-saving random access resource.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18, 20, and 21, characterized in that, The step of determining a second random access resource from the random access resources of the at least one characteristic and the random access resources of the first type based on the characteristics required by the terminal device, the random access resources of the at least one characteristic, and the random access resources of the first type includes: When both the random access resource with the at least one characteristic and the random access resource of the first type have random access resources that support the characteristics required by the terminal device, the second random access resource is selected from the random access resources with the at least one characteristic.

23. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that, The second configuration information is carried in the feature combination preamble signaling.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The second configuration information is the energy-saving capability combination field in the feature combination preamble signaling.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module; The transceiver module is used to perform the transceiver operation of the method as described in any one of claims 1, 3 to 5, 7, and 8; the processing module is used to perform the processing operation of the method as described in any one of claims 1, 3 to 5, 7, and 8; or, The transceiver module is used to perform the transceiver operation of the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 15, and the processing module is used to perform the processing operation of the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 15; or, The transceiver module is used to perform the transceiver operation of the method as described in claim 16 or 17, and the processing module is used to perform the processing operation of the method as described in claim 16 or 17; or, The transceiver module is used to perform the transceiver operation of the method as described in any one of claims 18, 20 to 24, and the processing module is used to perform the processing operation of the method as described in any one of claims 18, 20 to 24; or, The transceiver module is used to perform the transceiver operation of the method as described in any one of claims 19 to 21, 23, and 24, and the processing module is used to perform the processing operation of the method as described in any one of claims 19 to 21, 23, and 24.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a transceiver module, which is used to perform the transceiver operation of the method as described in any one of claims 2, 3, 6 to 8.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor for executing a computer program or computer instructions stored in a memory to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

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