Communication method and corresponding apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application is a communication method. The method comprises: a terminal device receiving a system information block 1 (SIB1) from an access network device, wherein the SIB1 is used for indicating random access channel occasions (ROs) respectively corresponding to a plurality of operators who share a radio access network, and switching indication information; the terminal device sending a random access request message (MSG1) on the basis of an RO or a preamble sequence corresponding to a subscribed operator; and if the random access fails, the terminal device switching, on the basis of a switching policy corresponding to the switching indication information, a resource used for performing the random access again. In this way, an RO or a preamble sequence used by MSG1 initially sent and resent by a terminal device does not collide with random access resources used by terminal devices corresponding to other operators, thereby improving the random access performance of the terminal devices.

Description

A communication method and corresponding device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411642756.6, filed on November 15, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Corresponding Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] In communication systems, multiple operators can share the same radio access network (RAN), but each has its own independent core network. In this case, the RAN can also be called a multi-operator core network (MOCN).

[0004] In MOCN, terminal devices from different operators use shared random access resources from multiple operators for random access. This means that during the random access process, the random access resources used by terminal devices from different operators are very likely to collide, which in turn affects the random access performance of the terminal devices. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method to reduce the probability of random access resource collisions when a terminal device accesses a wireless network in an MOCN scenario, thereby improving the random access performance of the terminal device. This application also provides corresponding apparatus, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products.

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a first communication device. The first communication device can refer to the terminal device itself, a component within the terminal device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. The circuit or chip responsible for the communication function can be a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip. The method includes: receiving first information; wherein the first information is used to indicate the random access channel timing (RO) and handover indication information corresponding to each of multiple operators sharing a radio access network, wherein the handover indication information is used to indicate the handover strategy corresponding to random access failure; if the ROs corresponding to different operators are different, sending a random access request message based on the first RO; wherein the first RO corresponds to a first operator, and the first operator is included in multiple operators; or, if the ROs corresponding to different operators are the same, sending a random access request message based on a first preamble sequence indicated by the first information; wherein the first information is used to indicate different preamble sequences corresponding to each operator, the first preamble sequence corresponds to a first operator, and the first operator is included in multiple operators; if random access fails, switching the resource used for re-random access according to the handover strategy corresponding to the handover indication information; or, increasing the transmission power and continuing to use the first RO or the first preamble sequence to resend the random access request message.

[0007] In this application, the aforementioned handover strategy may include switching to the RO / preamble sequence corresponding to different SSBs, switching to the RO / preamble sequence corresponding to different operators, or switching to the RO / preamble sequence shared by multiple operators.

[0008] In this application, the aforementioned action of receiving the first information or sending a random access request message can be performed by the antenna in the terminal device (e.g., by the antenna port) or by the chip interface in the chip described above (e.g., by the chip I / O interface).

[0009] In this application, the first information can be information used to instruct the first communication device to send a random access request message, wherein the random access request message is also called message1 (MSG1). The first information can be system information block (SIB) 1. Of course, the first information can also be other information or messages that can instruct the terminal device to send a random access request message. If the first information is SIB1, the existing SIB1 can be extended to indicate the RO or preamble sequences corresponding to multiple operators. Specifically, the extension method can be to add fields to the existing SIB1 to indicate the RO or preamble sequences corresponding to each of the multiple operators, or it can be to use the empty fields on SIB1 to indicate the RO or preamble sequences corresponding to each of the multiple operators.

[0010] In this application, the first information can be sent by a second communication device. This second communication device can refer to the access network equipment itself, a component within the access network equipment (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. The circuit or chip responsible for the communication function can be a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip.

[0011] In this application, "multiple operators sharing a radio access network (RAN)" refers to multiple operators using the same RAN, where the same access network equipment in the RAN can provide communication services to multiple operators.

[0012] In this application, RO refers to the time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources used by the first communication device to send random access requests.

[0013] In this application, if the order of multiple operators is predetermined, the first information may not include operator identifiers, such as Public Land Mobile Network Identifiers (PLMN IDs). After receiving the first information, the first communication device can determine the corresponding RO (Original Route) based on the order of the subscribed operators among the multiple operators. The order of the multiple operators can be determined according to their respective market shares, with larger shares listed first and smaller shares listed last. These market shares can be the proportion of an operator's investment in all operators or its share of network resources. Alternatively, the order of operators can be determined in other ways, such as the size of each operator's PLMN ID or the frequency band size of the spectrum occupied by each operator.

[0014] In this application, the ROs (Original Access Registries) corresponding to multiple operators can include multiple operators each corresponding to different ROs, such as: the first operator corresponds to the first RO, the second operator corresponds to the second RO, and the first RO and the second RO are different; or it can include multiple operators corresponding to the same RO, but the preamble sequences corresponding to different operators are different, such as: the first operator and the second operator both correspond to the same RO (e.g., the third RO), but the first operator corresponds to the first preamble sequence in the third RO, and the second operator corresponds to the second preamble sequence in the third RO, and the first preamble sequence and the second preamble sequence are different. It can be understood that the first operator corresponding to the first preamble sequence in the third RO specifically means that the terminal equipment served by the first operator can use the preamble in the first preamble sequence for random access; for example, if the first operator corresponds to the first preamble sequence in the third RO, and the first preamble sequence includes three preambles A, B, and C, then the terminal equipment served by the first operator can use the preambles A, B, or C in the first preamble sequence to initiate random access. It is understood that the above examples are merely illustrative. How any terminal device served by the first operator selects the specific preamble in the first preamble sequence can be determined by network equipment or other equipment (e.g., contention-based random access or non-contention-based random access), and this application does not limit this.

[0015] In this application, a single RO can include multiple preambles, and the number of preambles included in a single RO is typically 2. n The number of preambles in an RO is specified in the application, where n is a positive integer. For example, an RO may contain 64, 128, or 256 preambles. This application does not limit the number of preambles in an RO. Multiple preambles in an RO can be divided into multiple preamble sequences based on the number of operators. For example, if an RO contains 64 preambles and there are two operators, these 64 preambles can be divided into two preamble sequences. For instance, the first operator's first 32 preambles could be the first preamble sequence, and the second operator's last 32 preambles could be the second preamble sequence. Other division methods can also be used, not limited to the equal division listed here. For example, the first operator's first 16 preambles could be the first preamble sequence, and the second operator's last 48 preambles could be the second preamble sequence. This application does not limit the division methods used in this regard.

[0016] In this application, the handover indication information can take one or more forms. Different forms can indicate different handover strategies after random access failure, such as: continuing to send random access requests using the original resources (first RO or first preamble sequence) by increasing the transmission power, or switching to the RO / preamble sequence corresponding to different SSBs, switching to the RO / preamble sequence corresponding to different operators, or switching to the RO / preamble sequence shared by multiple operators, and then resending the random access request using the RO / preamble sequence corresponding to the switched SSB, the switched operator, or the switched shared RO / preamble sequence.

[0017] In the first aspect described above, the first information indicates the respective Original Access Request (RO) and handover indication information for multiple operators sharing the radio access network. If the ROs corresponding to each operator are different, the first communication device, based on its subscribed first operator, can determine the first RO corresponding to the first operator from the ROs corresponding to the different operators indicated in the first information, and then send a random access request message based on that first RO. In this way, the RO used by the random access request message sent by the first communication device will not collide with the ROs used by random access request messages sent by terminal devices of other operators, thus improving the random access performance of the first communication device. Furthermore, if the ROs corresponding to different operators are the same, the first information indicates different preamble sequences corresponding to each operator. In this way, the first communication device can determine the first preamble sequence corresponding to the first operator, and then send a random access request message based on one of the preambles in that first preamble sequence. In this way, the preamble used by the random access request message sent by the first communication device will not collide with the preambles used by random access request messages sent by terminal devices of other operators, thus improving the random access performance of the first communication device. If random access fails, the first communication device can re-randomly access the network according to the handover strategy indicated by the handover instruction information. This can reduce the probability of resource transmission collisions between different operators during the re-random access process and improve the random access performance of the first communication device.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the switching indication information is also used to indicate an upper limit threshold for the transmit power, and / or a threshold for the number of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) used for switching, which are associated with the RO.

[0019] In this application, the upper limit threshold of the transmission power is used to indicate the upper limit of the transmission power that can be increased. The transmission power does not need to be increased to the upper limit threshold of the transmission power all at once, but can be increased in multiple times. The amount of increase in transmission power each time can be related to the maximum number of retransmissions. The maximum number of retransmissions is the maximum number of times that the first communication device can retransmit the random access request message.

[0020] In this application, the number threshold of SSBs refers to the maximum number of SSBs that can be selected.

[0021] In this possible implementation, the first communication device can adjust the transmission power according to the upper limit threshold of the transmission power, or switch the SSB according to the number threshold of SSBs. Switching the SSB means using the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to the switched SSB to resend the random access request, thereby increasing the probability of successful re-random access as much as possible.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate information about at least one operator for handover; correspondingly, the handover strategy is used to indicate that the resource for re-random access is the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to at least one operator.

[0023] In this possible implementation, the first communication device can select the corresponding RO or preamble sequence of another operator for re-random access based on information from at least one operator. This effectively utilizes the random access resources of other operators, improving the utilization rate of random access resources.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate the handover sequence of at least one operator used for the handover.

[0025] In this possible implementation, if the handover indication information is also used to indicate the handover sequence of at least one operator for handover, the first communication device can select the corresponding RO or preamble sequence of the appropriate operator according to the handover sequence. This can improve the handover speed of resources.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate access statistics of multiple operators, the access statistics being used to determine the target operator for handover, the target operator being at least one of the multiple operators; correspondingly, the handover strategy is used to indicate that the resource used for re-random access is the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to the target operator.

[0027] In this possible implementation, the first communication device can determine the target operator based on access statistics, which can improve the success rate of the re-random access process after handover.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the access statistics information includes at least one of the following: access load information of different operators, RO or preamble sequence occupancy rate information of different operators, or access success rate information of different operators.

[0029] In this possible implementation, different types of access statistics reflect the random access capabilities of different operators based on their resource loads. This allows for a more accurate selection of the target operator based on access statistics, improving the success rate of the re-random access process after handover.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate ROs shared by multiple operators; correspondingly, the handover policy is used to indicate that the resources used for re-random access are ROs shared by multiple operators.

[0031] In this possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used for resources shared by multiple operators, which can be used for re-random access by multiple operators. This can improve the success rate of the first communication device's re-random access process.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the indication information of ROs shared by multiple operators in the handover indication information is located in different groups, and each group includes the indication information of ROs shared by at least two operators.

[0033] In this possible implementation, the handover instruction information also indicates packet information. In this way, the first communication device can use the RO or preamble sequence shared by at least two operators of the corresponding packet to perform re-random access, which can improve the success rate of the re-random access process of the first communication device.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the indication information of the RO shared by multiple operators is used to indicate the offset of the RO shared by multiple operators relative to the first RO; or, the indication information of the RO shared by multiple operators is used to indicate the complete information of the RO shared by multiple operators.

[0035] In this possible implementation, the indication information for the RO shared by multiple operators can be independently configured indication information, or it can be indication information given relative to the first RO offset of the first operator. This can enrich the forms of indication information for the RO shared by multiple operators.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate that the preamble sequence in the RO shared by multiple operators corresponds to different operators.

[0037] In this possible implementation, the preamble sequences in the shared ROs of multiple operators correspond to different operators. This allows the first communication device to select the preamble sequence in the shared RO that corresponds to the first operator when retransmitting a random access request. In this way, the second communication device can determine that the first communication device using the shared RO belongs to the first operator. Therefore, when the second communication device sends a message to the first communication device, it can use the resources corresponding to the first operator without having to use the shared RO to send a message to the first communication device again, thereby reducing the occupation of the shared RO.

[0038] A second aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a second communication device communicating with a first communication device. The method includes: sending first information; wherein the first information is used to indicate random access channel timing (RO) and handover indication information corresponding to each of multiple operators sharing a wireless access network, wherein the handover indication information is used to indicate a handover strategy corresponding to random access failure, and the handover strategy is used to indicate resources for re-random access; receiving a random access request message; wherein the random access request message is sent by the first communication device based on a first RO when the ROs corresponding to different operators are different; or, the random access request message is sent by the first communication device based on a first preamble sequence when the ROs corresponding to different operators are the same, and the preamble sequences corresponding to different operators are different, wherein the first RO corresponds to a first operator, the first preamble sequence corresponds to a first operator, and the first operator is included in multiple operators.

[0039] In the second aspect described above, the second communication device can indicate the respective ROs and handover indication information of multiple operators sharing the radio access network in the first information. In this way, the first communication device can select the corresponding first RO or first preamble sequence to send a random access request message based on the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to each operator indicated in the first information. This prevents the RO or preamble sequence used in the random access request message sent by the first communication device from colliding with the RO or preamble sequences used in random access request messages sent by terminal devices of other operators, thereby improving the random access performance of the first communication device. Even if the random access of the first communication device fails, it can re-enter random access according to the handover strategy indicated in the handover indication information. This also reduces the probability of resource transmission collisions between different operators during the re-random access process, further improving the random access performance of the first communication device.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the switching indication information is also used to indicate an upper limit threshold for the transmit power, and / or a threshold for the number of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) used for switching, which are associated with the RO.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate information about at least one operator for handover; correspondingly, the handover strategy is used to indicate that the resource for re-random access is the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to at least one operator.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate the handover sequence of at least one operator used for the handover.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate access statistics of multiple operators, the access statistics being used to determine the target operator for handover, the target operator being at least one of the multiple operators; correspondingly, the handover strategy is used to indicate that the resource used for re-random access is the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to the target operator.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the access statistics information includes at least one of the following: access load information of different operators, RO or preamble sequence occupancy rate information of different operators, or access success rate information of different operators.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate ROs shared by multiple operators; correspondingly, the handover policy is used to indicate that the resources used for re-random access are ROs shared by multiple operators.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the indication information of ROs shared by multiple operators in the handover indication information is located in different groups, and each group includes the indication information of ROs shared by at least two operators.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the indication information of the RO shared by multiple operators is used to indicate the offset of the RO shared by multiple operators relative to the first RO; or, the indication information of the RO shared by multiple operators is used to indicate the complete information of the RO shared by multiple operators.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate that the preamble sequence in the RO shared by multiple operators corresponds to different operators.

[0049] A third aspect of this application provides a communication device, comprising: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; wherein,

[0050] The transceiver unit is used to receive first information; wherein the first information is used to indicate the random access channel timing (RO) and handover indication information corresponding to each of the multiple operators sharing the radio access network, wherein the handover indication information is used to indicate the handover strategy corresponding to the random access failure.

[0051] The transceiver unit is also configured to send a random access request message based on a first RO if different operators correspond to different ROs; wherein the first RO corresponds to a first operator, and the first operator includes multiple operators; or, if different operators correspond to the same RO, send a random access request message based on a first preamble sequence indicated by first information; wherein the first preamble sequence corresponds to a first operator, and the first operator includes multiple operators.

[0052] The processing unit is also configured to, if random access fails, switch the resources used for re-random access according to the handover strategy corresponding to the handover indication information; or, increase the transmission power.

[0053] The transceiver unit is also used to retransmit the random access request message using the first RO or the first preamble sequence based on the increased transmit power.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the switching indication information is also used to indicate an upper limit threshold for the transmit power, and / or a threshold for the number of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) used for switching, which are associated with the RO.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate information about at least one operator for handover; correspondingly, the handover strategy is used to indicate that the resource for re-random access is the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to at least one operator.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate the handover sequence of at least one operator used for the handover.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate access statistics of multiple operators, the access statistics being used to determine the target operator for handover, the target operator being at least one of the multiple operators; correspondingly, the handover strategy is used to indicate that the resource used for re-random access is the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to the target operator.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the access statistics information includes at least one of the following: access load information of different operators, RO or preamble sequence occupancy rate information of different operators, or access success rate information of different operators.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate ROs shared by multiple operators; correspondingly, the handover policy is used to indicate that the resources used for re-random access are ROs shared by multiple operators.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the indication information of ROs shared by multiple operators in the handover indication information is located in different groups, and each group includes the indication information of ROs shared by at least two operators.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the indication information of the RO shared by multiple operators is used to indicate the offset of the RO shared by multiple operators relative to the first RO; or, the indication information of the RO shared by multiple operators is used to indicate the complete information of the RO shared by multiple operators.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate that the preamble sequence in the RO shared by multiple operators corresponds to different operators.

[0063] A fourth aspect of this application provides a communication device, comprising: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; wherein,

[0064] The transceiver unit is configured to transmit first information, wherein the first information is configured to indicate the random access channel timing (RO) and handover indication information corresponding to each of the multiple operators sharing the radio access network, wherein the handover indication information is configured to indicate the handover strategy corresponding to random access failure, and the handover strategy is configured to indicate the resources used for re-random access; and to receive random access request messages, wherein the random access request message is transmitted by the first communication device based on the first RO when the ROs corresponding to different operators are different; or, the random access request message is transmitted by the first communication device based on the first preamble sequence when the ROs corresponding to different operators are the same, and the preamble sequences corresponding to different operators are different, wherein the first RO corresponds to the first operator, the first preamble sequence corresponds to the first operator, and the first operator is included in multiple operators.

[0065] In one possible implementation, a processing unit is used to determine the first information;

[0066] In one possible implementation, the switching indication information is also used to indicate an upper limit threshold for the transmit power, and / or a threshold for the number of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) used for switching, which are associated with the RO.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate information about at least one operator for handover; correspondingly, the handover strategy is used to indicate that the resource for re-random access is the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to at least one operator.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate the handover sequence of at least one operator used for the handover.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate access statistics of multiple operators, the access statistics being used to determine the target operator for handover, the target operator being at least one of the multiple operators; correspondingly, the handover strategy is used to indicate that the resource used for re-random access is the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to the target operator.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the access statistics information includes at least one of the following: access load information of different operators, RO or preamble sequence occupancy rate information of different operators, or access success rate information of different operators.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate ROs shared by multiple operators; correspondingly, the handover policy is used to indicate that the resources used for re-random access are ROs shared by multiple operators.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the indication information of ROs shared by multiple operators in the handover indication information is located in different groups, and each group includes the indication information of ROs shared by at least two operators.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the indication information of the RO shared by multiple operators is used to indicate the offset of the RO shared by multiple operators relative to the first RO; or, the indication information of the RO shared by multiple operators is used to indicate the complete information of the RO shared by multiple operators.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the handover indication information is also used to indicate that the preamble sequence in the RO shared by multiple operators corresponds to different operators.

[0075] A fifth aspect of this application provides a communication device including a processor. The processor is configured to call and run a computer program stored in a memory, causing the processor to implement as described in the first aspect or any of the implementations of the first aspect.

[0076] Optionally, the communication device also includes a transceiver; the processor is also used to control the transceiver to send and receive signals.

[0077] Optionally, the communication device includes a memory in which a computer program is stored.

[0078] The communication device mentioned in the fifth aspect above can be a device or a chip (system) in a device.

[0079] A sixth aspect of this application provides a communication device including a processor. The processor is configured to invoke and execute a computer program stored in a memory, such that the processor implements as described in the second aspect or any of the implementations in the second aspect.

[0080] Optionally, the communication device also includes a transceiver; the processor is also used to control the transceiver to send and receive signals.

[0081] Optionally, the communication device includes a memory in which a computer program is stored.

[0082] The communication device described in the sixth aspect above can be a device or a chip (system) in a device.

[0083] The seventh aspect of this application provides a communication device, which may be a first communication device or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in the first communication device that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect or any implementation of the first aspect.

[0084] The eighth aspect of this application provides a communication device, which may be a second communication device or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit) in the second communication device that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0085] The ninth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the first aspect or any of the first aspects.

[0086] The tenth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the second aspect or any of the second aspects.

[0087] The eleventh aspect of this application provides a computer program product including instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the first aspect or any of the first aspects.

[0088] The twelfth aspect of this application provides a computer program product including instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the second aspect or any of the second aspects.

[0089] The thirteenth aspect of this application provides a chip device including a processor for calling a program stored in a memory, such that the processor executes the first aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0090] Optionally, the memory may be located inside or outside the chip device.

[0091] The fourteenth aspect of this application provides a chip device including a processor for calling a program stored in a memory, such that the processor executes the second aspect or any implementation thereof described above.

[0092] Optionally, the memory may be located inside or outside the chip device.

[0093] The fifteenth aspect of this application provides a communication system, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device is used to execute the first aspect or any one of the implementations of the first aspect, and the second communication device is used to execute the second aspect or any one of the implementations of the second aspect.

[0094] The technical effects of the second, third, or fourth aspects, or any possible implementation of the second, third, or fourth aspects, and the fifth to fifteenth aspects, can be found in the first aspect or the technical effects of different possible implementations of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0095] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of an example O-RAN system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0097] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the chip structure of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0098] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of a random access process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between SIB1 and RO provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0100] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the communication method provided in this application;

[0101] Figures 4A to 4I are several example schematic diagrams illustrating the correspondence between operators and ROs provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0102] Figures 5A to 5F are several example schematic diagrams illustrating the correspondence between operators and ROs provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0103] Figure 5G is an example diagram showing the relationship between the preamble sequence and RO provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 5H is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the correspondence between operators and preamble sequences provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 5I is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the correspondence between operators and preamble sequences provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figures 6A to 6C are several schematic diagrams of the re-random access process provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0107] Figures 7A to 7E are schematic diagrams illustrating multiple correspondences between operators and multi-layer resources provided in embodiments of this application;

[0108] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the resource configuration parameters corresponding to terminal devices with different capabilities provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0109] Figures 8B and 8C are schematic diagrams showing the correspondence between terminal devices with different capabilities and different operators provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0110] Figure 8D is a schematic diagram of the configuration parameters of the resources corresponding to the main link and the supplementary link provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0111] Figures 8E and 8F are schematic diagrams showing the correspondence between the main link and supplementary link provided in the embodiments of this application and different operators;

[0112] Figures 9 to 13 are schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0113] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. As those skilled in the art will recognize, with the development of technology and the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0114] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0115] This application provides a communication method to reduce the probability of random access resource collisions when a terminal device accesses a wireless network in an MOCN scenario, thereby improving the random access performance of the terminal device. This application also provides corresponding apparatus, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products, etc., which will be described in detail below.

[0116] For ease of understanding, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application are briefly introduced below:

[0117] First, some terms used in the embodiments of this application will be explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0118] (1) Terminal device: can be a wireless terminal device that can receive network device scheduling and instruction information. The wireless terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user, or a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem.

[0119] Terminal devices can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via a radio access network (RAN). Terminal devices can be mobile terminal devices, such as mobile phones (or "cellular" phones), computers, and data cards. For example, they can be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices that exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. Examples include personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, and computers with wireless transceiver capabilities. Wireless terminal equipment can also be called subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station (MS), remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, subscriber station (SS), customer premises equipment (CPE), terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile terminal (MT), etc.

[0120] By way of example and not limitation, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices or smart wearable devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets, smart helmets, and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0121] Terminals can also be drones, robots, devices in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicles to everything (V2X) communication, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine or telehealth services, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, etc.

[0122] Furthermore, terminal devices can also be terminal devices in future communication systems beyond the fifth generation (5G) (such as 5G Advanced communication systems) or in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs). For example, 5G Advanced networks can further expand the form and function of 5G communication terminals. 5G Advanced terminals include, but are not limited to, vehicles, cellular network terminals (integrating satellite terminal functions), drones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as electronic tags or radio frequency tags.

[0123] In this embodiment, the terminal device can also obtain artificial intelligence (AI) services provided by the network device. Optionally, the terminal device can also have AI processing capabilities.

[0124] (2) Network equipment: This can be equipment in a wireless network. For example, network equipment can be a RAN node (or device) that connects terminal devices to the wireless network, and can also be called a base station. Currently, some examples of RAN equipment include: base station, evolved NodeB (eNodeB), gNB (gNodeB) in 5G communication systems, transmission reception point (TRP), evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), home base station (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU) or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP), terminals that perform base station functions in D2D, satellites, drones, unmanned spacecraft, communication balloons, and other non-ground equipment. In addition, in a network structure, network equipment can include central unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, or RAN equipment including CU nodes and DU nodes.

[0125] Optionally, the RAN node can also be a macro base station, micro base station, indoor station, relay node, donor node, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0126] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CUs (control plane, CP), CUs (user plane, UP), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), radio heads (RHs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0127] 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 access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN) system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0128] Communication between access network devices and terminal devices follows a specific protocol layer structure. This protocol layer may include a control plane protocol layer and a user plane protocol layer. The control plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, or physical (PHY) layer, etc. The user plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, or physical layer, etc.

[0129] The correspondence between network elements and their achievable protocol layer functions in the ORAN system can be found in Table 1 below.

[0130] Table 1

[0131] 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.

[0132] Network equipment may also include core network equipment, such as the Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Serving Gateway (S-GW), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), and Public Data Network Gateway (PDN gateway or P-GW) in 4th generation (4G) networks; and access and mobility management function (AMF), user plane function (UPF), or session management function (SMF) in 5G networks. Furthermore, this core network equipment may also include other core network equipment in 5G networks and next-generation networks of 5G networks.

[0133] In this embodiment of the application, the network device may also have network nodes with AI capabilities, which can provide AI services to terminal devices or other network devices. For example, it may be an AI node, computing power node, RAN node with AI capabilities, core network element with AI capabilities, etc. on the network side (access network or core network).

[0134] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. This device can be disposed within the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the function of the network device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0135] (3) The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. "Multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, "at least one of A, B and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC. And, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority or importance of multiple objects.

[0136] (4) In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include sending directly through the air interface or sending indirectly through the air interface by other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include receiving directly from YY through the air interface or receiving indirectly from YY through the air interface by other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0137] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, wiring, or interfaces.

[0138] It is understandable that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar statements in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0139] (5) In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" may include direct instruction and indirect instruction, as well as explicit instruction and implicit instruction. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (as described below, the instruction information) is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can only indicate a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts of the information to be instructed are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction can be implemented by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement order of various information, thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction. It is understood that for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to indicate the information to be instructed; for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be instructed.

[0140] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, methods, or implementations based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0141] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: satellite communication, 5th generation (5G) systems or new radio (NR), long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS), vehicle to everything (V2X) communication systems, and future communication networks or systems after 5G networks, etc.

[0142] In addition to having stronger communication capabilities, the aforementioned communication system can also have sensing capabilities. It can be a communication system with integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). An integrated sensing and communication system means that the communication system can communicate through communication signals (which can also be described as communication channels) and perform sensing and measurement through sensing signals (which can also be described as sensing channels).

[0143] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0144] As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system provided in this embodiment can be a communication system in which multiple operators can share the same radio access network (RAN), but each operator has an independent core network. As shown in Figure 1A, operators 1, 2, ..., s share the same RAN100, but each operator has an independent core network. For example, the core networks of operators 1, 2, ..., and s are all communicatively connected to RAN100. Each access network device in RAN100 can provide communication services to multiple operators. For example, base station 101, access point (AP) 102, and satellite 103 in RAN100 can all provide communication services to multiple operators among operators 1, 2, ..., s.

[0145] In this scenario, RAN100 can also be referred to as a multi-operator core network (MOCN). In an MOCN, the initial access process for terminal devices requires identifying the operator through the Public Land Mobile Network Identifier (PLMN ID) to select the appropriate network for connection. Multiple operators can share the same RAN, reducing infrastructure construction and operating costs while improving resource utilization, making it particularly suitable for rural areas or high-frequency network deployment scenarios.

[0146] In the communication system shown in Figure 1A, the terminal device can connect to the network device in RAN100 wirelessly, and the network device in RAN100 can connect to the core network of operator 1, the core network of operator 2, ..., the core network of operator s wirelessly or via wired means.

[0147] The aforementioned communication system can be an O-RAN system. Taking the core network of an operator in Figure 1A as an example, as shown in Figure 1B, the access network equipment communicates with the core network (CN) via a backhaul link and with terminal equipment via an air interface. The access network equipment includes a baseband unit (BBU) and a radio unit (RU). The BBU communicates with the CN via the backhaul link, and the RU communicates with at least one terminal device via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link. The BBU and RU may or may not be co-located.

[0148] The BBU includes at least one control unit (CU) and at least one distributed unit (DU), which can communicate via at least one midhaul link.

[0149] In some examples, the CU is a logical node carrying the RRC, SDAP, PDCP, and other control functions of the access network equipment. The CU connects to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, which can be interfaces like the E2 interface. Optionally, the CU may have some core network functions. The CU (e.g., PDCP layer and higher layers) connects to the DU (e.g., RLC layer and lower layers) through interfaces, which can be interfaces like the F1 interface. In some examples, these interfaces (e.g., the F1 interface) can provide control plane and user plane functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). F1AP is the application protocol for the F1 interface, defining the F1 signaling procedures in some examples. The F1 interface supports control plane F1-C and user plane F1-U.

[0150] In some examples, the CU can be split into a control unit-control plane (CU-CP) and a control unit-user plane (CU-UP). The CU-CP is a logical node carrying the RRC layer and Packet Data Convergence Layer Protocol (PDCP-C) and is used to implement the CU's control plane functions. The CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements can be Access and Mobility Function (AMF) network elements, such as the AMF in a 5G system. AMF network elements are responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover. The CU-UP is a logical node carrying the SDAP layer and Packet Data Convergence Layer Protocol (PDCP-U) and is used to implement the CU's user plane functions. The CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. In the core network, network elements used to implement user plane functions, such as the UPF in a 5G system, are responsible for forwarding and receiving data in terminal devices. The above configuration of CU and DU is merely an example; the functions of CU and DU can be configured as needed. For example, CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or to have only some protocol layer processing functions. For instance, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency, placing functions that need to meet low latency requirements in the DU and functions that do not need to meet such latency requirements in the CU.

[0151] In some examples, the DU is a logical node carrying the RLC layer, the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, the higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, the DU can control at least one RU. The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which can be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0152] In some examples, the RU is a logical node carrying both lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU can be a 3GPP transmission reception point (TRP), a remote radio head (RRH), or other similar entities. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes PHY processing functions such as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0153] The DU and RU can be co-located or not. The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a lower-layer split-control, user, and synchronization (LLS-CUS) interface through a fronthaul link. LLS-CUS may include LLS-C and LLS-U interfaces that provide the control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane), respectively. In some examples, the control plane (C-Plane) refers to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management information via an LLS-M interface on the fronthaul link; the management plane (M-Plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0154] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0155] The chip architecture of CU, DU, and RU can be understood by referring to Figure 1C. As shown in Figure 1C, the CU is the platform that performs upper-layer L2 and L3 functions. The Midhaul and Backhaul interfaces are used to carry traffic between the CU and DU, as well as between the CU and the core network. The DU performs L1 and some L2 functions, and the RU performs L1 computing and RF digital functions; the Fronthaul and Midhaul interfaces are used to carry traffic between the RU and DU, as well as between the CU and DU. If it is an integrated DU, the integrated DU includes the above-mentioned DU and RU functions.

[0156] The CU or DU hardware includes a chassis platform, motherboard, peripherals, and cooling system. The motherboard contains processing units, memory, internal I / O interfaces, and external connection ports. Its hardware accelerator is designed with interfaces, and hardware functional components include: storage for software, hardware, and system debugging interfaces, and a single-board management controller.

[0157] DU systems are typically implemented using multi-core processors and one or more hardware accelerators. Parts of the DU protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the multi-core processor; computationally intensive L1 and L2 functions can be offloaded to hardware accelerators based on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or graphics processing units (GPUs); or all L1 functions can be offloaded to FPGA- or GPU-based hardware accelerators, while other protocol stack components are implemented in software running on the processor; or the entire protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the processor. Hardware accelerators support interconnection with x86 or non-x86 processors. Similarly, accelerators have a multi-channel high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard (PCIe) interface pointing to the central processing unit (CPU) and external connections via Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) connections.

[0158] The RU consists of three parts: the O-RAN processing unit (OPU), the digital processing unit (DPU), and the O-RAN radio frequency processing unit (ORFDU).

[0159] The OPU receives enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI) frames from the O-RAN fronthaul and performs fronthaul interface, bottom layer L1 (coding, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding), synchronization, beamforming, and resource unit mapping.

[0160] The OPU can be implemented as a CPU, FPGA, or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The DPU is used to perform synchronization, digital downconversion (DDC) in the uplink (UL), digital upconversion (DUC) in the downlink (DL), peak-to-average ratio (PAPR) clipping (CFR), and digital pre-distortion (DPD). It improves power amplifier efficiency by reducing the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) or adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) of the RF front end. The DPU can be implemented as an FPGA or ASIC.

[0161] The O-RU's RF processing unit (ORFDU) includes a transceiver module, up-converter, down-converter, power amplifier (PA), low-noise amplifier (LNA), transmission (Tx) filter, and receive (Rx) unit. The transceiver module performs conversions between the analog and digital domains, such as digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and analog-to-digital converter (ADC), RF sampling, using RF in up-conversion and down-conversion, and mixing intermediate frequency (IF) and local oscillator (LO) for frequency conversion. It should be noted that the physical and logical partitions within the RF processing unit do not require specific boundaries.

[0162] In the aforementioned communication system, the random access procedure is crucial for establishing communication between the terminal device and the access network device. The random access procedure determines whether the terminal device can successfully register with the network and establish a connection with the access network device, thereby enabling subsequent data transmission and service access.

[0163] The random access process can be understood by referring to Figure 2A. As shown in Figure 2A, the random access process includes:

[0164] S201. The access network equipment sends a common signal for random access.

[0165] The common signal may include a synchronization signal (SS), or it may include the SS and the physical broadcast channel (PBCH). The SS typically includes the primary synchronization signal (PSS) and / or the secondary synchronization signal (SSS); the PBCH typically includes the Master Information Block (MIB). The SS and PBCH are also commonly referred to as the synchronization signal and PBCH block (SSB).

[0166] MIBs may include radio frame numbers, time-frequency resource configuration information of the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), or indexes of common signals, with each index value representing the resource location of the common signal and / or the direction of the transmission beam.

[0167] The common signal may also include system information block 1 (SIB1). SIB1 typically carries information related to assessing whether a terminal device is allowed to access the cell and defines the scheduling of other system information. SIB1 may indicate the time-domain and frequency-domain resources for random access, such as the random access channel occasion (RO).

[0168] S202. The terminal device sends a random access request message.

[0169] The random access request message is also called message 1 (MSG1).

[0170] Terminal devices can scan public signals to obtain information for random access, such as determining the ROs used to send random access request messages. As shown in Figure 2B, the terminal device can obtain the available ROs in the RAN network by parsing SIB1. As shown in Figure 2B, the terminal device can use the 16 ROs indicated in SIB1 to send random access request messages.

[0171] If the access network device does not receive the random access request message, then execute S203; if the access network device receives the random access request message, then execute S204.

[0172] S203. The terminal device resends the random access request message.

[0173] The terminal device resends the random access request message using the original RO.

[0174] If the access network device still does not receive the random access request message, this S203 can be repeated multiple times.

[0175] S204. The access network device sends a random access response.

[0176] If the access network device receives a random access request message sent by the terminal device, it will send a random access response (RAR) to the terminal device. This RAR can also be called message2 (MSG2).

[0177] S205. The terminal device sends a Radio Resource Control Connection Request message.

[0178] If the terminal device receives the RAR, it can send a radio resource control (RRC) connection request message, which can also be called message 3 (MSG3).

[0179] S206. The access network device sends an RRC response to the terminal device.

[0180] This RRC response can also be called message 4 (MSG4). Once the terminal device receives the RRC response, it means that the random access of the terminal device has been successful and subsequent data transmission can proceed.

[0181] In the MOCN scenario described in Figure 1A above, the random access process of the terminal device not only needs to determine the random access resources based on SSB, PDCCH, SIB1, etc., but also needs to identify the PLMN ID so that the terminal device can access the network of the corresponding operator.

[0182] Access network devices can broadcast multiple PLMN IDs in SIB1, and terminal devices can access the core network of the corresponding operator through the information of the subscribed operator. However, in the RAN, because multiple operators share the RAN, terminal devices corresponding to different operators may use basically the same random access resources to access the RAN. This leads to a high probability of resource collisions during the random access process, affecting the random access performance of the terminal devices.

[0183] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can reduce the probability of resource collisions between terminal devices corresponding to different operators during the random access process in MOCN scenarios by designing the relationship between random access resources used for random access and various operators, thereby improving the random access performance of terminal devices.

[0184] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The communication process includes a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device can refer to the terminal device itself, a component within the terminal device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. The circuit or chip responsible for the communication function can be a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip. The second communication device can refer to the access network device itself, a component within the access network device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. The circuit or chip responsible for the communication function can be a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip.

[0185] As shown in Figure 3, the communication method provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0186] S301. The second communication device sends first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate the random access channel timing (RO) and handover indication information corresponding to each of the multiple operators sharing the radio access network. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first information from the second communication device.

[0187] In this application, the first information can be information used to instruct the first communication device to send a random access request message, wherein the random access request message is also referred to as MSG1. In one possible implementation, the first information can be system information block (SIB) 1, or simply SIB1. Alternatively, the first information can be other information or messages that can instruct the terminal device to send a random access request message, such as RRC, MAC CE, etc. (It is understood that when the first information is RRC or MAC CE, the subsequent processing method can be the same as when the first information is SIB1). Wherein, if the first information is SIB1, the existing SIB1 can be extended to indicate the RO or preamble sequences corresponding to multiple operators. Specifically, the extension method can be to add fields to the existing SIB1 to indicate the RO or preamble sequences corresponding to each of the multiple operators, or it can be to use the empty fields on SIB1 to indicate the RO or preamble sequences corresponding to each of the multiple operators.

[0188] In this application, the ROs corresponding to multiple operators in the first information can be understood with reference to Figure 4A. As shown in Figure 4A, SIB1 indicates the RO corresponding to the first operator and the RO corresponding to the second operator. It is understood that this is only an example using the first and second operators. If there are more operators, SIB1 can indicate the ROs corresponding to different operators.

[0189] The handover indication information is used to indicate the handover policy when random access fails. If random access fails, the handover policy can be used to re-randomly access the network.

[0190] S302. If different operators correspond to different ROs, the first communication device sends a random access request message based on the first RO. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the random access request message.

[0191] It is understandable that, in one possible implementation, after acquiring the first information, the first communication device can parse the first information and obtain the corresponding content, such as obtaining the ROs corresponding to each of the multiple operators sharing the wireless access network by parsing the first information.

[0192] In this application, the first information indicating the ROs corresponding to different operators can be indicated in multiple ways. The indication methods described in this application can be broadly divided into two categories: the first category is where the number of ROs corresponding to different operators is the same, and the second category is where the number of ROs corresponding to different operators is not entirely the same. These will be described separately below:

[0193] Category 1: Different operators have the same number of ROs;

[0194] 1.1: The first information includes indication information for indicating the number of ROs;

[0195] In this application, if the order of multiple operators is predetermined, after the first communication device parses the number N of ROs corresponding to each operator from the first information, it can determine the corresponding RO based on the order of the PLMN IDs of the operators it has subscribed to among the multiple operators. Of course, the RO corresponding to an operator is also related to the resource allocation method of the RO, such as: allocating ROs according to the time domain, allocating ROs according to the frequency domain, allocating ROs according to a mixture of time and frequency domains, or allocating ROs according to the code domain.

[0196] The order of multiple operators can be determined by their market share, with larger shares listed first and smaller shares listed last. Market share can be the proportion of an operator's investment in all operators or its share of network resources. Alternatively, the order can be determined by other methods, such as the size of each operator's PLMN ID or the size of the spectrum band occupied by each operator.

[0197] As shown in Figure 4B, the method of dividing ROs according to the time domain, with N=2, is illustrated below. Each SSB in Figure 4B corresponds to 4 ROs. Taking SSB0 as an example, RO1 and RO2 have the same time domain but different frequency domains, and RO3 and RO4 have the same time domain but different frequency domains. Each SSB is associated with ROs from two operators. Based on the time domain division method, ROs located in the same time domain correspond to the same operator. If the operators are ordered in a predefined order, with the first operator preceding the second operator, and if the first communication device subscribes to the first operator, then the first two ROs with the same time domain corresponding to each SSB correspond to the first operator, such as RO1 and RO2 corresponding to SSB0. If the first communication device subscribes to the second operator, then the last two ROs with the same time domain corresponding to each SSB correspond to the second operator, such as RO3 and RO4 corresponding to SSB0.

[0198] Of course, Figure 4B is just an example with two operators. If there are more operators, the number of ROs corresponding to each SSB can be increased, or the number of ROs corresponding to each SSB can remain unchanged, for example, still 4. Then the scheduling cycle of each operator to the SSB can be increased. For example, if there are 4 operators, N=2, then as shown in Figure 4C, the ROs of the first and second operators can be associated in SSB0, and the ROs of the third and fourth operators can be associated in SSB1.

[0199] As shown in Figure 4D, the method of dividing ROs according to the frequency domain, with N=2, is illustrated below. Each SSB in Figure 4D corresponds to 4 ROs. Taking SSB0 as an example, RO1 and RO3 have the same frequency domain but different time domains, and RO2 and RO4 have the same frequency domain but different time domains. Each SSB is associated with ROs from two operators. Based on the frequency domain division, ROs located in the same frequency domain correspond to the same operator. If the operators are ordered in a predefined order, with the first operator preceding the second operator, and if the first communication device subscribes to the first operator, then the first two ROs with the same frequency domain corresponding to each SSB correspond to the first operator, such as RO1 and RO3 corresponding to SSB0. If the first communication device subscribes to the second operator, then the last two ROs with the same frequency domain corresponding to each SSB correspond to the second operator, such as RO2 and RO4 corresponding to SSB0.

[0200] Of course, Figure 4D is just an example with two operators. If there are more operators, the number of ROs corresponding to each SSB can be increased, or the number of ROs corresponding to each SSB can remain unchanged, for example, still 4. Then the scheduling cycle of each operator to the SSB can be increased. For example, if there are 4 operators, N=2, then as shown in Figure 4E, the ROs of the first and second operators can be associated in SSB0, and the ROs of the third and fourth operators can be associated in SSB1.

[0201] As shown in Figure 4F, the method of dividing ROs according to a mixed time and frequency domain, with N=2, is illustrated. Each SSB in Figure 4F corresponds to 4 ROs. Taking SSB0 as an example, RO1 and RO4 have different frequency and time domains, and RO2 and RO3 also have different frequency and time domains. Two operators' ROs are associated with each SSB. Dividing them according to the mixed time and frequency domain method, ROs with different frequency and time domains within the same SSB correspond to the same operator. If the operators are ordered in a pre-defined order, with the first operator preceding the second operator, and if the first communication device subscribes to the first operator, the ROs corresponding to the first operator can be determined according to the principle of first operator {T:1, F:1; T:2, F:2}, second operator {T:1, F:2; T:2, F:1}. For example, RO1 and RO4 corresponding to SSB0 correspond to the first operator. If the first communication device subscribes to the second operator, RO2 and RO3 corresponding to SSB0 correspond to the second operator.

[0202] Of course, Figure 4F is just an example with two operators. If there are more operators, the number of ROs corresponding to each SSB can be increased, or the number of ROs corresponding to each SSB can remain unchanged, for example, still 4. Then the scheduling cycle of each operator to the SSB can be increased. For example, if there are 4 operators, N=2, then as shown in Figure 4G, the ROs of the first and second operators can be associated in SSB0, and the ROs of the third and fourth operators can be associated in SSB1.

[0203] If the order of multiple operators is predetermined, the first information does not need to include the operator's identifier. If the order of operators is not predetermined, then the first information must include the operator's identifier, i.e., the PLMN ID. Different PLMN IDs can be associated with different ROs. The correspondence between PLMN IDs and ROs can be determined based on the order of operators in the first information to determine the corresponding RO for each operator. For an understanding of the correspondence between operators and ROs in this case, please refer to Figures 4B to 4G.

[0204] In the above description, if the number of ROs corresponding to each operator is the same, then the indication information of the number of ROs in the first information can enable the terminal devices corresponding to different operators to determine the corresponding ROs, thus reducing the indication overhead of the first information.

[0205] 1.2: The first piece of information includes the index of ROs corresponding to different operators;

[0206] In this application, for cases where different operators have the same number of ROs, there are multiple indication methods. One method is to directly indicate the index of the ROs corresponding to different operators in the first information. As shown in Figure 4H, the first information includes PLMN ID1, PLMN ID2, and PLMN ID3 arranged in sequence, and the indexes of 6 ROs arranged in sequence. The first communication device can determine, by parsing the first information, that PLMN ID1 corresponds to RO1 and RO2, PLMN ID2 corresponds to RO3 and RO4, and PLMN ID3 corresponds to RO5 and RO6. In this application, the correspondence between PLMN IDs and ROs in the first information can also be understood with reference to Figure 4I. As shown in Figure 4I, if PLMN ID1 is followed by RO1 and RO2 in the first information, it means that PLMN ID1 corresponds to RO1 and RO2; if PLMN ID2 is followed by RO3 and RO4, it means that PLMN ID2 corresponds to RO3 and RO4; if PLMN ID3 is followed by RO5 and RO6, it means that PLMN ID3 corresponds to RO5 and RO6.

[0207] Of course, this application may also indicate the correspondence between the operator and the RO in the first information in other ways, and this application does not limit this.

[0208] The second category: The number of ROs corresponding to different operators is not entirely the same;

[0209] 2.1: The first information includes the indication information of the starting RO corresponding to each operator, as well as the RO offset;

[0210] In this application, the starting RO refers to the first RO among one or more ROs corresponding to the operator. The number of ROs corresponding to the operator can be determined based on the offset. If the offset of the RO is 0, it means that the operator only corresponds to the starting RO. If the offset is 1, it means that the operator corresponds to the starting RO and the next RO that is consecutive to the starting RO. Similarly, if the offset is greater than 1, it means that the operator corresponds to the starting RO and multiple ROs that are consecutive to the starting RO.

[0211] In this application, the first information also indicates the partitioning method of the RO, such as partitioning by time domain or partitioning by frequency domain. For example, if the first information includes T: {1, 2}, it means that the partitioning is done according to time domain, with the starting RO starting from 1 and continuing for two ROs. If the first information includes F: {3, 2}, it means that the partitioning is done according to frequency domain, with the starting RO starting from 3 and continuing for two ROs.

[0212] Regarding the time-domain division, the correspondence between different operators and ROs included in the first information is as follows: If the first information includes PLMN ID1, PLMN ID2, and PLMN ID3, and T: {1, 2}, T: {3, 3}, and T: {6, 1}, then as shown in Figure 5A, the ROs corresponding to PLMN ID1 are RO1 and RO2, the ROs corresponding to PLMN ID2 are RO3, RO4, and RO5, and the RO corresponding to PLMN ID3 is RO6. If the first information includes PLMN ID1, PLMN ID2, and PLMN ID3, and F: {1, 2}, F: {3, 3}, and F: {6, 1}, then as shown in Figure 5B, the ROs corresponding to PLMN ID1 are RO1 and RO2, the ROs corresponding to PLMN ID2 are RO3, RO4, and RO5, and the RO corresponding to PLMN ID3 is RO6.

[0213] Of course, the ROs in the first information can also be indicated in a mixed time-domain and frequency-domain manner. For example, if the first information includes PLMN ID1, PLMN ID2, and PLMN ID3, and {T: {1, 2}, F: {1, 2}}, {T: {3, 3}, F: {1, 2}}, and {T: {6, 1}, F: {1, 2}}, then as shown in Figure 5C, the ROs corresponding to PLMN ID1 are RO1, RO2, RO7, and RO8, the ROs corresponding to PLMN ID2 are RO3, RO4, RO5, RO9, RO10, and RO11, and the ROs corresponding to PLMN ID3 are RO6 and RO12.

[0214] 2.2: The first information includes the indication information for each RO corresponding to each operator;

[0215] In this application, the indication information for each RO can be an index of each RO corresponding to the operator.

[0216] In this case, the correspondence between each operator and RO in the first information can be understood by referring to Figures 4H and 4I. The difference is that the number of ROs corresponding to each operator is not all the same, as shown in Figure 5D or Figure 5E. The ROs corresponding to PLMN ID1 are RO1 and RO2, the ROs corresponding to PLMN ID2 are RO3, RO4 and RO5, and the RO corresponding to PLMN ID3 is RO6.

[0217] 2.3: The first piece of information includes the activation period of the RO corresponding to each operator, and the offset of the RO within the activation period;

[0218] In this application, the activation period of a RO refers to the fact that the operator can use an RO once every M synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), where M is a positive integer. The offset of the RO within the activation period refers to the position of the operator's RO among multiple ROs associated with an SSB.

[0219] In this case, if the first information includes PLMN ID1, PLMN ID2, and PLMN ID3, and {2, 0, 1}, {3, 1, 1}, {1, ..., ...}, then PLMN ID1 in the first information corresponds to {2, 0, 1}, indicating that the activation cycle corresponding to PLMN ID1 is 2, meaning that the terminal device corresponding to every 2 SSBs PLMN ID1 can use RO once. In this SSB, the time domain offset of the corresponding RO is 0, and the frequency domain offset is 1. Of course, the positions of the time domain offset and the frequency domain offset can also be interchanged. As shown in Figure 5F, the ROs corresponding to PLMN ID1 are RO1 and RO2 corresponding to SSB0, and RO1 and RO2 corresponding to SSB2.

[0220] The PLMN ID2 in the first information corresponds to {3, 1, 1}, indicating that the activation cycle for PLMN ID2 is 3. That is, the terminal device corresponding to every 3 SSBs PLMN ID2 can use RO once. In this SSB, the time domain offset of the corresponding RO is 1, and the frequency domain offset is 1. Of course, the positions of the time domain offset and the frequency domain offset can also be interchanged. As shown in Figure 5F, the ROs corresponding to PLMN ID2 are RO3 and RO3 corresponding to SSB0, and RO3 and RO4 corresponding to SSB3.

[0221] The PLMN ID3 in the first information corresponds to {1, ..., ...}, which indicates that the activation period for PLMN ID3 is 1. That is, the terminal device corresponding to each SSB PLMN ID3 can use an RO once. Moreover, the time domain offset and frequency domain offset are not given, which means that all ROs except those occupied by other operators can correspond to PLMN ID3. As shown in Figure 5F, the ROs corresponding to PLMN ID3 are distributed in each SSB. Except for RO1, RO2, RO3, and RO4 corresponding to PLMN ID1 and PLMN ID2 in SSB0, SSB2, and SSB3, all other ROs can correspond to PLMN ID3.

[0222] As can be seen from the above introductions in Figures 5A to 5F, if the number of ROs corresponding to each operator is not exactly the same, multiple indication methods can be used to indicate the ROs corresponding to different operators, increasing the diversity and flexibility of operator-RO correspondence.

[0223] Additionally, it should be noted that the above-mentioned RO index is merely an example given in the embodiments of this application. The RO index can also be numbered starting from 0, and is not limited to numbering starting from 1 as described above. Of course, the RO index can also be given in other ways, and this application does not limit this.

[0224] In this application, the operator corresponding to the first communication device can be the first operator, and the first RO corresponds to the first operator. The first operator is included in multiple operators. Thus, based on the description in Figures 4A to 5F above, it can be seen that the first communication device can determine the corresponding RO as the first RO based on the PLMN ID of the first operator, and then use the first RO to send a random access request message.

[0225] S303. If the ROs corresponding to different operators are the same, the first communication device sends a random access request message based on the first preamble sequence. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the random access request message.

[0226] Figures 4A to 5F illustrate the scenario where different operators correspond to different ROs. If different operators correspond to the same RO, the first information is used to indicate the different preamble sequences corresponding to each operator. This method is also called RO division according to code domain. For example, the first operator and the second operator both correspond to the same RO (e.g., the third RO), but the first operator corresponds to the first preamble sequence in the third RO, and the second operator corresponds to the second preamble sequence in the third RO. The first and second preamble sequences are different. It can be understood that the first operator corresponding to the first preamble sequence in the third RO specifically means that the terminal equipment served by the first operator can use the preamble in the first preamble sequence for random access; for example, if the first operator corresponds to the first preamble sequence in the third RO, and this first preamble sequence includes three preambles A, B, and C, then the terminal equipment served by the first operator can use the preambles A, B, or C in the first preamble sequence to initiate random access. It is understood that the above examples are merely illustrative. How any terminal device served by the first operator selects the specific preamble in the first preamble sequence can be determined by network equipment or other equipment (e.g., contention-based random access or non-contention-based random access), and this application does not limit this.

[0227] In this application, a single RO can include multiple preambles, and the number of preambles included in a single RO is typically 2. n The number of preambles in an RO is specified in the application, where n is a positive integer. For example, an RO may contain 64, 128, or 256 preambles. The number of preambles in an RO is not limited in this application. Multiple preambles in an RO can be divided into multiple preamble sequences based on the number of operators. For example, if an RO contains 64 preambles and there are two operators, these 64 preambles can be divided into two preamble sequences. For instance, the first operator's first 32 preambles could be the first preamble sequence, and the second operator's last 32 preambles could be the second preamble sequence. Other division methods can also be used, not limited to the equal division listed here. For example, the first operator's first 16 preambles could be the first preamble sequence, and the second operator's last 48 preambles could be the second preamble sequence. This application does not limit the division methods used in this regard.

[0228] The correspondence between preambles, preamble sequences, and ROs can be understood by referring to Figure 5G. As shown in Figure 5G, an RO includes multiple preamble sequences, such as: a first preamble sequence, a second preamble sequence, a third preamble sequence, and a fourth preamble sequence. Specifically, the first preamble sequence can include multiple preambles, such as preamble 0, preamble 1, ..., preamble x; the second preamble sequence can include multiple preambles, such as preamble x+1, preamble x+2, ..., preamble y; the third preamble sequence can include multiple preambles, such as preamble y+1, preamble y+2, ..., preamble m; and the fourth preamble sequence can include multiple preambles, such as preamble m+1, preamble m+2, ..., preamble n.

[0229] The correspondence between preambles in ROs and operators can be understood by referring to Figure 5H. As shown in Figure 5H, if one SSB corresponds to one RO, the preambles in the RO can be divided into preambles for contention-based random access (CBRA) and preambles for contention-free random access (CFRA). For example, SSB0 corresponds to RO1, SSB1 corresponds to RO2, and the preambles in RO1 and RO2 are both classified as CBRA and CFRA preambles, respectively.

[0230] The preamble used for CBRA can be divided into preambles corresponding to the first operator and preambles corresponding to the second operator. As shown in Figure 5H, in the RO (RO1 or RO2) corresponding to each SSB, the first operator's preamble for CBRA corresponds to preambles 0 to x, where preambles 0 to x can be classified as the first preamble sequence; the second operator's preamble for CBRA corresponds to preambles x+1 to y, where preambles x+1 to y can be classified as the second preamble sequence. Similarly, the first operator's preamble for CFRA corresponds to preambles y+1 to m, where preambles y+1 to m can be classified as the third preamble sequence; the second operator's preamble for CFRA corresponds to preambles m+1 to n, where preambles m+1 to n can be classified as the third preamble sequence. Here, x, y, m, and n are all positive integers, and 0 < x < y < m < n.

[0231] The above describes the correspondence between operators and ROs when different operators have different ROs, and the correspondence between operators and preambles when different operators have the same RO. In practice, when allocating preambles to different operators according to code domain division, the preamble in one RO may not meet the preamble requirements of multiple operators. To address this, different ROs can be used to provide different preambles for multiple operators, as shown in Figure 5I. The preamble in RO1 is used for the CBRA and CFRA of the first and second operators; in RO2, the preamble used for CBRA by the third operator corresponds to the preamble from 0 to x; the preamble used for CBRA by the fourth operator corresponds to the preamble from x+1 to y. The preamble used for CFRA by the third operator corresponds to the preamble from y+1 to m; the preamble used for CFRA by the fourth operator corresponds to the preamble from m+1 to n. In other words, the preamble in RO2 is used for the CBRA and CFRA of the third and fourth operators.

[0232] In the scenario shown in Figure 5I, the first operator and the second operator may belong to the same corresponding RO, but the preamble (preamble sequence) corresponding to each of them in the corresponding RO may be different; the first operator (or the second operator) and the third operator (or the fourth operator) may belong to different corresponding RO.

[0233] It is understood that the numbers S302 and S303 in the above steps are merely descriptive and do not limit the execution order in this scheme; that is, S303 can be executed before S302, after S302, or simultaneously with S302.

[0234] In this application, the operator corresponding to the first communication device can be a first operator, and the first preamble sequence corresponds to the first operator. The first operator includes multiple operators. For example, the first preamble sequence can be preamble 0 to preamble x or preamble y+1 to preamble m in Figure 5H above. The selection of the first preamble sequence is related to the first communication device's selection of CBRA or CFRA. The first communication device can select a preamble from the corresponding first preamble sequence to send a random access request message based on CBRA or CFRA.

[0235] In general, the communication method provided in this application embodiment allows the second communication device to indicate the random access resources corresponding to each operator in the first information (SIB1), such as the available RO or preamble sequence allocated to each operator, and then to randomly access the network based on their respective RO or preamble sequence.

[0236] The random access process includes CBRA and / or CFRA. For example, if three major operators, A, B, and C, share a RAN base station, operator A is allocated to P1 resource (which can be RO or preamble) for random access, operator B is allocated to P2 resource (which can be RO or preamble) for random access, and operator C is allocated to P3 resource (which can be RO or preamble) for random access, where P1 + P2 + P3 <= all available resources of the RAN base station. For operator A, random access initiated on P1 resources can be CBRA only, CFRA only, or CBRA+CFRA. For example, if UE1, UE2, and UE3 corresponding to operator A all need to access the RAN base station, UE1 and UE2 use CBRA, and UE3 uses CFRA, then operator A can reserve a portion of the preamble in P1 resources for CFRA and use the rest for CBRA. For example, if there are 64 available preambles in P1 resources, the RAN base station can reserve 4 preambles for UE3 using CFRA and allocate the remaining 60 preambles to UE1 and UE2 using CBRA.

[0237] It is understandable that the number of preambles available in P1 resources is related to the indication information in SIB1. When SIB1 indicates the ROs available to each operator, the available preambles in the resources (e.g., P1) available to each operator are unrestricted (they can be the maximum value agreed upon in the protocol, so each operator is time-division, and therefore the available preambles are unrestricted). When the indication information in SIB1 indicates the number of preambles available to each operator (at this time, each operator is code-division, and the available preambles are constrained by the allocation results in SIB1), the available preambles in the resources (e.g., P1) available to each operator are the number indicated in SIB1.

[0238] S304. If random access fails, switch the resource used for re-random access according to the handover strategy corresponding to the handover indication information; or, increase the transmission power and continue to retransmit the random access request message using the first RO or the first preamble sequence.

[0239] In this application, the aforementioned handover strategy may include switching to the RO / preamble sequence corresponding to different SSBs, switching to the RO / preamble sequence corresponding to different operators, or switching to the RO / preamble sequence shared by multiple operators.

[0240] In the above-described scheme provided in this application embodiment, the first information indicates the respective ROs and handover indication information of multiple operators sharing the radio access network. If the ROs corresponding to each operator are different, the first communication device, based on its subscribed first operator, can determine the first RO corresponding to the first operator from the ROs corresponding to different operators indicated in the first information, and then send a random access request message based on the first RO. In this way, the RO used by the random access request message sent by the first communication device will not collide with the ROs used by the random access request messages sent by terminal devices of other operators, thereby improving the random access performance of the first communication device. Furthermore, if the ROs corresponding to different operators are the same, the first information indicates different preamble sequences corresponding to each operator. In this way, the first communication device can determine the first preamble sequence corresponding to the first operator, and then send a random access request message based on a preamble in the first preamble sequence. In this way, the preamble used by the random access request message sent by the first communication device will not collide with the preamble used by the random access request messages sent by terminal devices of other operators, thereby improving the random access performance of the first communication device. If random access fails, the first communication device can re-randomly access the network according to the handover strategy indicated by the handover instruction information. This can reduce the probability of resource transmission collisions between different operators during the re-random access process and improve the random access performance of the first communication device.

[0241] In this application, the handover indication information can take one or more forms. Different forms can indicate different handover strategies after a random access failure. For example, it can continue to send a random access request using the original resources (first RO or first preamble sequence) by increasing the transmission power, or it can switch the resources used to send the random access request (these resources may include random access resources corresponding to other operators, or resources shared by multiple operators, etc.), and then use the switched resources to send the random access request. These are described below:

[0242] 1. The switching indication information is also used to indicate the upper limit threshold of the transmit power;

[0243] Correspondingly, the handover strategy can be to continue sending random access request messages by increasing the transmit power and using the original resources (first RO or first preamble sequence).

[0244] In this case, the first communication device can adjust the transmission power appropriately and retransmit the random access request message using the first RO or the first preamble sequence.

[0245] 2. The switching indication information is also used to indicate the threshold number of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) used for switching.

[0246] Correspondingly, the handover strategy can be to switch the SSB and resend the random access request message using the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to the switched SSB.

[0247] The first communication device can randomly select a switchable SSB, or it can select the SSB with the best signal quality for switching, which can improve the success rate of random access.

[0248] 3. The handover indication information is also used to indicate information about at least one operator used for the handover;

[0249] Correspondingly, the handover policy is used to indicate that the resource used for re-random access is at least one operator-specific RO or preamble sequence.

[0250] In this situation, the first communication device can retransmit the random access request message using the RO or preamble sequence from another operator.

[0251] Regarding the selection of the operator, an operator can be randomly selected from the information of at least one operator indicated in the handover instruction information, or, when there are many operators, the operator with better signal quality can be selected. If the handover instruction information also indicates the handover order of at least one operator used for handover, the first communication device needs to perform the handover according to the handover order. If the resources of the first operator after the handover are still not successfully accessed, then the next operator will be switched.

[0252] The re-random access process involving increasing transmission power, switching SSBs, or switching operators can be understood by referring to Figure 6A. As shown in Figure 6A, the following steps can be followed:

[0253] S601. Increase transmission power;

[0254] If the first communication device does not reach the upper limit threshold of transmission power and the maximum number of retransmissions, the first communication device increases the transmission power and continues to use the first RO or the first preamble sequence to reselect and send random access request messages.

[0255] The S601 can be executed repeatedly.

[0256] S602. Switch SSB;

[0257] If the first communication device has reached the upper limit threshold of the transmission power and the maximum number of retransmissions but has still not successfully accessed the network, the first communication device can select an SSB with better signal quality, reset the transmission power, and then resend the random access request message on the resource corresponding to the switched SSB.

[0258] If the connection fails on the first attempt, S601 can be executed repeatedly until the maximum number of retransmissions is reached.

[0259] S603. Switch to resources corresponding to other operators;

[0260] If the above steps S601 and S602 are still unsuccessful, you can switch to the resources corresponding to other operators and reset the transmit power, then resend the random access request message using the resources corresponding to the switched operator.

[0261] If the connection fails on the first attempt, S601 can be executed repeatedly until the maximum number of retransmissions is reached.

[0262] If the connection is still unsuccessful after repeating S601, S602 and S603, the first communication device may wait for a period of time (random backoff time) and then restart the entire process.

[0263] 4. The handover indication information is also used to indicate access statistics for multiple operators;

[0264] In this application, access statistics are used to determine the target operator for handover, and the target operator is at least one of multiple operators; correspondingly, the handover strategy is used to indicate that the resource used for re-random access is the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to the target operator.

[0265] In this application, the access statistics information includes at least one of the following: access load information of different operators, RO or preamble sequence occupancy rate information of different operators, or access success rate information of different operators.

[0266] The access load information for different operators can be a sorting of the access load of different operators. The load can be calculated based on the total number of access attempts and the success rate over a period of time.

[0267] Among them, the RO or preamble sequence occupancy information of different operators can be the sorting of the RO or preamble sequence occupancy of different operators, which can be calculated from the number of access attempts and the bandwidth size.

[0268] Among them, the access success rate information for different operators can be the success rate of the first random access of the terminal devices corresponding to each operator.

[0269] The access statistics information in this application may be broadcast by the access network device according to the signaling period. For example, the access network device may broadcast and update these access statistics information according to a certain time domain configuration, which may be periodic, semi-periodic, or dynamically triggered.

[0270] Different types of access statistics reflect the random access capabilities of different operators for their respective resource loads. Therefore, selecting a target operator based on access statistics is more accurate, which can improve the success rate of the re-random access process after handover.

[0271] The re-random access process in this situation can be understood by referring to Figure 6B. As shown in Figure 6B, the process includes:

[0272] S611. The first communication device determines that random access has failed;

[0273] S612. The first communication device determines the target operator for handover based on access statistics;

[0274] The target operator can be the operator with the lowest load among multiple operators identified by access statistics, or the operator with the lowest RO or preamble sequence occupancy rate, or the operator with the highest access success rate.

[0275] S613. The first communication device retransmits the random access request message based on the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to the target operator.

[0276] In the solution provided in this application embodiment, the first communication device can determine the target operator based on access statistics information, which can improve the success rate of the re-random access process after handover.

[0277] 5. The handover indication information is also used to indicate ROs shared by multiple operators; correspondingly, the handover policy is used to indicate that the resources used for re-random access are ROs shared by multiple operators.

[0278] In this application, the indication information for ROs shared by multiple operators in the handover indication information is located in different groups, and each group includes indication information for ROs shared by at least two operators. Operators located in the same group may have closer frequency bands, which is more conducive to improving the success rate of re-random access.

[0279] In this application, the indication information of RO shared by multiple operators is used to indicate the offset of the RO shared by multiple operators relative to the first RO; by giving the RO shared by multiple operators in the manner of offset relative to the first RO, the indication overhead of the first information can be reduced.

[0280] The indication information of RO shared by multiple operators is used to indicate the complete information of RO shared by multiple operators. This complete information can be understood as the indication information of RO shared by multiple operators, which can be independently configured indication information. The independently configured indication information can be understood by referring to the indication information of RO corresponding to each operator in the first information introduced above.

[0281] In this application, the handover indication information is also used to indicate that the preamble sequence in the RO shared by multiple operators corresponds to different operators. The correspondence between the preamble sequence and the operator can be understood by referring to Figure 5H.

[0282] The re-random access process for using a shared RO from multiple operators can be understood by referring to Figure 6C.

[0283] S621. The first communication device sends a random access request message MSG1 on the first RO or the first preamble sequence corresponding to the first operator.

[0284] The first RO or the first preamble sequence is the initial uplink resource corresponding to the first operator.

[0285] S622. If random access fails, the first communication device increases its transmission power and retransmits the random access request message on the first RO or the first preamble sequence.

[0286] S623. If random access fails, the first communication device retransmits the random access request message on the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to the SSB after the handover.

[0287] S624. If random access fails, the first communication device retransmits the random access request message on the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to the target operator after the handover.

[0288] S625. If random access fails, the first communication device retransmits the random access request message on the preamble sequence corresponding to the first operator in the RO shared by multiple operators.

[0289] If the second communication device receives a random access request message through the preamble sequence corresponding to the first operator in the RO shared by multiple operators, then S626 is executed.

[0290] S626. The second communication device transmits MSG2 on the initial downlink resources corresponding to the first operator.

[0291] S627. The first communication device sends MSG3 on the initial uplink resources corresponding to the first operator.

[0292] S628. The second communication device sends MSG4 on the initial downlink resources corresponding to the first operator.

[0293] In the solution provided in this application embodiment, the preamble sequence in the shared RO of multiple operators corresponds to different operators. This allows the first communication device to select the preamble sequence in the shared RO corresponding to the first operator when retransmitting the random access request. In this way, the second communication device can determine that the first communication device using the shared RO belongs to the first operator. Therefore, when the second communication device sends a message to the first communication device, it can use the resources corresponding to the first operator without having to use the shared RO to send a message to the first communication device again, thereby reducing the occupation of the shared RO.

[0294] The ROs (Resources of Serving Cell) for each of the various operators described above can be included in at least one of the following resources: serving cell configuration resources, uplink configuration resources, or initial uplink bandwidth; wherein, at least one of the serving cell configuration resources, uplink configuration resources, or initial uplink bandwidth differs for different operators. The uplink configuration resources may further include initial frequency resources. In this application, the initial frequency resources can be the frequency range used for random access.

[0295] The relationship between serving cell configuration resources, uplink configuration resources, initial uplink bandwidth part (ULBWP), initial frequency resources, and RO can be understood by referring to Figure 7A. Each PLMN ID can correspond to a set of resources shown in Figure 7A. Serving cell configuration resources can include uplink configuration resources, which can include initial uplink bandwidth and initial frequency resources. Initial uplink bandwidth can include RO.

[0296] For example: the serving cell configuration resources can be A, including B, C and D; the uplink configuration resources can be B, including C1, C2 and D; the initial uplink bandwidth can be C1; the initial frequency resources can be C2; ​​the initial uplink bandwidth C1 can include D; and RO can be D.

[0297] Regarding the resources described in Figure 7A above, each can carry corresponding configuration parameters in the first information. The configuration parameters of these four layers of resources can be described as four-layer configuration parameters. The correspondence between these four-layer configuration parameters and PLMN ID can have several different forms as shown in Figures 7B to 7E. Among them, different forms of correspondence express different indication rules, which will be introduced below:

[0298] As shown in Figure 7B, the configuration parameters of the serving cell corresponding to the PLMN ID indicate that the resources corresponding to different operators are different from the serving cell resource configuration layer. In this way, resource collisions between terminal devices from different operators can be minimized.

[0299] As shown in Figure 7C, the PLMN ID corresponds to the uplink configuration parameters, indicating that the resources corresponding to different operators differ starting from the uplink configuration resource layer. Some parameters in the serving cell configuration parameters of the next higher layer can be the same, such as different operators having the same serving cell identifier but different uplinks within that cell. In this way, multiple operators can share some serving cell parameters, reducing the overhead of initial information indication.

[0300] As shown in Figure 7D, the PLMN ID corresponds to the configuration parameters of the initial uplink bandwidth and the initial frequency resources. This indicates that the resources corresponding to different operators differ starting from the initial uplink bandwidth and initial frequency resources layer. The configuration parameters of the serving cell and uplink in the upper two layers can share some parameters. For example, different operators may have the same uplink, but different operators may have different initial uplink bandwidth and / or initial frequency resources. In this way, multiple operators can share some parameters of the serving cell and some parameters of the uplink, further reducing the indication overhead of the first information.

[0301] As shown in Figure 7E, the PLMN ID corresponds to the configuration parameters of the random access channel. This indicates that the resources corresponding to different operators only differ from the RO layer onwards. The configuration parameters of the serving cell, uplink, initial uplink bandwidth, and initial frequency in the first three layers will share some parameters. For example, different operators may have the same initial frequency and initial uplink bandwidth, but different ROs. In this way, multiple operators can share more configuration parameters, which can greatly reduce the indication overhead of the first information.

[0302] Regarding the different initial uplink bandwidth or initial frequency resources corresponding to different operators, the first information will contain corresponding indication information. There can be multiple correspondences between the indication information of initial uplink bandwidth or initial frequency resources and the PLMN ID. Several possible examples are introduced below.

[0303] 1. Indicated by PLMN-ID and an index or number of the initial uplink bandwidth or initial frequency resource;

[0304] Whether the first information includes the PLMN-ID can be understood by referring to the corresponding introductions in Figures 4A to 5F above. If the order of multiple operators is predetermined, the first information may not include the PLMN-ID. If the order of multiple operators is not predetermined, the first information includes the PLMN-ID.

[0305] The correspondence between PLMN-ID and the index or number of the initial uplink bandwidth or initial frequency resource can be understood by referring to Table 2.

[0306] Table 2: Correspondence between PLMN-ID and the index or number of initial uplink bandwidth or initial frequency resource

[0307] In Table 2, PLMN-ID1 corresponds to 4, indicating that the index or number of the initial uplink bandwidth corresponding to the operator of PLMN-ID1 is 4, or the index or number of the initial frequency resource is 4; PLMN-ID2 corresponds to 2, indicating that the index or number of the initial uplink bandwidth corresponding to the operator of PLMN-ID2 is 2, or the index or number of the initial frequency resource is 2. PLMN-ID can be 46000, 46001, 46002, or the identifier of other operators.

[0308] The first information may include {4, 2}, or the first information may include {PLMN-ID1, PLMN-ID2}; {4, 2}; or {PLMN-ID1, 4}; {PLMN-ID2, 2}.

[0309] 2. The first piece of information implicitly indicates the correspondence between the PLMN-ID and the initial uplink bandwidth or initial frequency resources;

[0310] The first information may not include indications of initial uplink bandwidth or initial frequency resources. Instead, it may indicate the initial uplink bandwidth or initial frequency resources according to a pre-defined operator order or a pre-defined PLMN ID size.

[0311] For example, different initial uplink bandwidths correspond to different starting frequency points based on the PLMN ID size. If the starting frequency points are the same, they are matched in order of bandwidth size. For example, {46000, 46001, 46002} corresponds to {InitialULBWP#0, InitialULBWP#1, InitialULBWP#2}. Different initial frequencies corresponding to different PLMN ID sizes can be, for example, {46000, 46001, 46002} corresponding to {frequencyInfoUL#0, frequencyInfoUL#1, frequencyInfoUL#2}.

[0312] 3. Indicate or enumerate the PLMN-ID in the configuration parameters described in Figures 7A to 7E above;

[0313] For example: if the uplink configuration parameters can include: UplinkConfigCommonSIB::=SEQUENCE{

[0314] PLMN-ID1, OPTIONAL

[0315] frequencyInfoUL#0-SIB,

[0316] initialUplinkBWP#0BWP-UplinkCommon,

[0317] …}

[0318] In this case, the PLMN-ID corresponding to the configuration parameter can be determined by parsing the corresponding configuration parameter from the first information. If the configuration parameter can be shared by multiple operators, the above parameters may also include the identifiers of other operators besides PLMN-ID1.

[0319] The four-layer resources described in Figures 7A to 7E above can correspond to terminal devices with different capabilities. The first information can also indicate the RO information corresponding to terminal devices with different capabilities. In this application, terminal devices with different capabilities can refer to terminal devices with different bandwidth capabilities. For example, terminal devices with different capabilities can include terminal devices with normal capabilities, terminal devices with reduced capability (RedCap) capabilities, or Internet of Things (IoT) terminal devices, etc. Of course, terminal devices with different capabilities can also refer to terminal devices with different functions, such as whether they support multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO); or, terminal devices with different capabilities can also refer to terminal devices that support different modulation methods, such as whether they support carrier aggregation; or, terminal devices with different capabilities can also refer to terminal devices with different power consumption, etc.

[0320] Typically, terminal devices with different capabilities can use the same Layer 1 resources, while other Layer resources can differ. Of course, the number of Layers of resources corresponding to terminal devices with different capabilities can also differ; however, this application does not impose any limitations on this. The configuration parameters corresponding to RedCap's terminal devices are described below with reference to Figure 8A.

[0321] As shown in Figure 8A, the configuration parameters of the serving cell may include the uplink configuration parameters of terminal devices with conventional capabilities, as well as the uplink configuration parameters of terminal devices of RedCap. Among them, the uplink configuration parameters of terminal devices of RedCap may include the configuration parameters of initial uplink bandwidth and / or the configuration parameters of initial frequency resources. The configuration parameters of initial uplink bandwidth may include the configuration parameters of random access channels.

[0322] For an understanding of the correspondence between terminal devices with different capabilities and the resources of various operators, please refer to Figures 8B and 8C.

[0323] As shown in Figure 8B, the first information can distinguish the indication information of terminal devices with different capabilities. Then, for each capability of the terminal device, PLMN-ID is further subdivided, and each PLMN-ID corresponds to a corresponding resource. For example, terminal devices with regular capabilities correspond to PLMN-ID1, PLMN-ID2, ..., PLMN-IDs, and then PLMN-ID1, PLMN-ID2, ..., PLMN-IDs each correspond to their respective resources. Terminal devices with lightweight capabilities correspond to PLMN-ID1, PLMN-ID2, ..., PLMN-IDs, and then PLMN-ID1, PLMN-ID2, ..., PLMN-IDs each correspond to their respective resources.

[0324] As shown in Figure 8C, the first information can distinguish different PLMN-IDs, and then each PLMN-ID can be further subdivided into terminal devices with different capabilities. Each type of terminal device then corresponds to a specific resource. For example: PLMN-ID1 corresponds to terminal devices with standard capabilities and terminal devices with lightweight capabilities; terminal devices with standard capabilities correspond to corresponding resources, and terminal devices with lightweight capabilities correspond to corresponding resources; ...; PLMN-IDs correspond to terminal devices with standard capabilities and terminal devices with lightweight capabilities; terminal devices with standard capabilities correspond to corresponding resources, and terminal devices with lightweight capabilities correspond to corresponding resources.

[0325] In this application, terminal devices with different capabilities can select the RO corresponding to their capability to send a random access request message based on their own capabilities. For example, if the first information indicates that a terminal device with RedCap capability uses RO1 for random access, while a terminal device without RedCap capability uses RO2, then the terminal device with RedCap capability will use RO1 for random access based on the instruction. Similarly, if the first information indicates that a terminal device with MIMO capability uses RO3 for random access, while a terminal device without MIMO capability uses RO4, then the terminal device without MIMO capability will use RO4 for random access based on the instruction. This reduces the probability of resource collisions between terminal devices with different capabilities from different operators.

[0326] The four-layer resources illustrated in Figures 7A to 7E can be resources for the primary link or resources for the supplementary link. The first information can also indicate information about the supplementary link. In this application, the supplementary link typically refers to the supplementary uplink. It is understood that the supplementary link information can be information indicating whether to use the supplementary link, and / or information indicating supplementary link resources.

[0327] Typically, the first-layer resources of the supplementary link are the same as those of the primary link, while the resources of other layers can differ. Of course, some resources of other layers can also be the same, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this. The relationship between the configuration parameters of the supplementary link and the configuration parameters of the primary link can be understood by referring to Figure 8D.

[0328] As shown in Figure 8D, the configuration parameters of the serving cell may include the configuration parameters of the uplink of the primary link and the configuration parameters of the uplink of the supplementary link; wherein, the configuration parameters of the uplink of the supplementary link may include the configuration parameters of the initial uplink bandwidth and / or the configuration parameters of the initial frequency resources, and the configuration parameters of the initial uplink bandwidth may include the configuration parameters of the random access channel.

[0329] For an understanding of the correspondence between the main link, supplementary link, and the resources of each operator, please refer to Figures 8E and 8F.

[0330] As shown in Figure 8E, the first information can distinguish between the main link and the supplementary link. Then, the PLMN-IDs are further subdivided for the main link and the supplementary link, and each PLMN-ID corresponds to a specific resource. For example, the main link corresponds to PLMN-ID1, PLMN-ID2, ..., PLMN-IDs, and then PLMN-ID1, PLMN-ID2, ..., PLMN-IDs correspond to their respective resources. Similarly, the supplementary link corresponds to PLMN-ID1, PLMN-ID2, ..., PLMN-IDs, and then PLMN-ID1, PLMN-ID2, ..., PLMN-IDs correspond to their respective resources.

[0331] As shown in Figure 8F, the first piece of information can distinguish different PLMN-IDs, and then each PLMN-ID can be further subdivided into main links and supplementary links, with the main links and supplementary links corresponding to specific resources. For example: PLMN-ID1 corresponds to main links and supplementary links; the main links correspond to specific resources, and the supplementary links correspond to specific resources; ...; PLMN-IDs correspond to main links and supplementary links; the main links correspond to specific resources, and the supplementary links correspond to specific resources.

[0332] In this application, if the main link fails to provide random access, the resources of the supplementary link can be used for random access. Of course, the resources of the supplementary link can also be used directly for random access, which increases the flexibility of random access.

[0333] The communication system and communication method in the embodiments of this application have been described above. The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0334] Referring to Figure 9, this application embodiment provides a communication device 900. This communication device 900 can implement the functions of the first or second communication device in the above method embodiments, and therefore also achieves the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In this application embodiment, the communication device 900 can be the first or second communication device, or it can be an integrated circuit or component within the first or second communication device, such as a chip, baseband chip, modem chip, SoC chip (e.g., an SoC chip containing a modem core), SIP chip, communication module, chip system, processor, etc.

[0335] It should be noted that the transceiver unit 902 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, which are used to perform transmitting and receiving respectively.

[0336] In one possible implementation, when the device 900 is used to execute the method performed by the first communication device in FIG3 and related embodiments, the device 900 includes a processing unit 901 and a transceiver unit 902; the transceiver unit 902 is used to receive first information and handover indication information, wherein the handover indication information is used to indicate the handover strategy corresponding to the random access failure, and the first information is used to indicate the respective ROs of multiple operators sharing the radio access network; the transceiver unit 902 is also used to send a random access request message. The processing unit 901 is also used to, if random access fails, switch the resources used for re-random access according to the handover strategy corresponding to the handover indication information; or, increase the transmission power; the transceiver unit 902 is also used to continue to retransmit the random access request message using the first RO or the first preamble sequence.

[0337] In one possible implementation, when the device 900 is used to execute the method performed by the second communication device in FIG3 and related embodiments, the device 900 includes a processing unit 901 and a transceiver unit 902; optionally, the processing unit 901 is used to determine first information; the transceiver unit 902 is used to send the first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate the respective RO and handover indication information of multiple operators sharing the radio access network, wherein the handover indication information is used to indicate the handover policy corresponding to random access failure, the handover policy is used to indicate the resources for re-random access, and to receive random access request messages.

[0338] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a terminal device or a communication module within a terminal, the function of the processing unit 901 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, a SoC chip (such as a SoC chip containing a modem core), or a SIP chip. The function of the transceiver unit 902 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0339] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a terminal device, such as a modem chip, a SoC chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 901 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the transceiver unit 902 can be implemented by the interface circuitry or data transceiver circuitry on the aforementioned chip.

[0340] It should be noted that the information execution process of the unit of the above-mentioned communication device 900 can be specifically described in the method embodiment shown above in this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0341] Please refer to Figure 10, which is another schematic structural diagram of the communication device 1000 provided in this application. The communication device 1000 includes a logic circuit 1001 and an input / output interface 1002. The communication device 1000 can be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0342] In Figure 9, the transceiver unit 902 can be a communication interface, which can be the input / output interface 1002 in Figure 10. The input / output interface 1002 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication interface can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0343] In one possible implementation, when the device 1000 is used to execute the method performed by the first communication device in FIG3 and related embodiments, the input / output interface 1002 is used to receive first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate the respective RO and handover indication information of multiple operators sharing the radio access network, wherein the handover indication information is used to indicate the handover strategy corresponding to the random access failure. The input / output interface 1002 is used to send a random access request message. The logic circuit 1001 is also used to switch the resources used for re-random access according to the handover strategy corresponding to the handover indication information if random access fails; or, increase the transmission power; the input / output interface 1002 is also used to continue to retransmit the random access request message using the first RO or the first preamble sequence.

[0344] In one possible implementation, when the device 1000 is used to execute the method performed by the second communication device in FIG3 and related embodiments, optionally, the logic circuit 1001 is used to determine first information; the input / output interface 1002 is used to send the first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate the respective RO and handover indication information of multiple operators sharing the wireless access network, wherein the handover indication information is used to indicate the handover strategy corresponding to random access failure, the handover strategy is used to indicate the resources for re-random access, and to receive random access request messages.

[0345] The logic circuit 1001 and the input / output interface 1002 can also perform other steps performed by the first or second communication device in any embodiment and achieve corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0346] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 901 shown in FIG9 can be the logic circuit 1001 in FIG10.

[0347] Optionally, the logic circuit 1001 can be a processing device, the functions of which can be partially or entirely implemented in software.

[0348] Optionally, the processing apparatus may include a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor reads and executes the computer program stored in the memory to perform the corresponding processing and / or steps in any of the method embodiments.

[0349] Optionally, the processing device may consist of only a processor. A memory for storing computer programs is located outside the processing device, and the processor is connected to the memory via circuitry / wires to read and execute the computer programs stored in the memory. The memory and processor may be integrated together or physically independent of each other.

[0350] Optionally, the processing device may be one or more chips, or one or more integrated circuits. For example, the processing device may be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-chips (SoCs), central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic controllers (PLDs), or other integrated chips, or any combination of the above chips or processors.

[0351] Please refer to Figure 11, which shows the communication device 1100 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the communication device 1100 can be the communication device as a terminal device in the above embodiments. The example shown in Figure 11 is that the terminal device is implemented through the terminal device (or the components in the terminal device).

[0352] The present invention provides a possible logical structure diagram of the communication device 1100, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one processor 1101 and a communication port 1102.

[0353] In Figure 9, the transceiver unit 902 can be a communication interface, which can be the communication port 1102 in Figure 11. The communication port 1102 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication port 1102 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0354] Further optionally, the device may also include at least one of a memory 1103 and a bus 1104. In the embodiments of this application, the at least one processor 1101 is used to control the operation of the communication device 1100.

[0355] Furthermore, the processor 1101 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0356] It should be noted that the communication device 1100 shown in Figure 11 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiment and achieve the corresponding technical effects of the terminal device. The specific implementation of the terminal device shown in Figure 11 can be referred to the description of the first communication device or the second communication device in the aforementioned method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0357] Please refer to Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 1200 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. The communication device 1200 can specifically be a communication device as a network device in the above embodiments. The example shown in Figure 12 is that the network device is implemented through a network device (or a component in the network device). The structure of the communication device can refer to the structure shown in Figure 12.

[0358] The communication device 1200 includes at least one processor 1211 and at least one network interface 1214. Optionally, the communication device further includes at least one memory 1212, at least one transceiver 1213, and one or more antennas 1215. The processor 1211, memory 1212, transceiver 1213, and network interface 1214 are connected, for example, via a bus. In this embodiment, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment is not limited thereto. The antenna 1215 is connected to the transceiver 1213. The network interface 1214 enables the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 1214 may include a network interface between the communication device and core network equipment, such as an S1 interface; the network interface may also include a network interface between the communication device and other communication devices (e.g., other network devices or core network equipment), such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0359] In Figure 9, the transceiver unit 902 can be a communication interface, which can be the network interface 1214 in Figure 12. The network interface 1214 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the network interface 1214 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0360] The processor 1211 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data from these programs, for example, to support the actions described in the embodiments of the communication device. The communication device may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is primarily used to control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process data from these programs. The processor 1211 in Figure 12 can integrate the functions of both a baseband processor and a CPU. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and CPU can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that a terminal device may include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and multiple CPUs to enhance its processing capabilities. Various components of the terminal device can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The CPU can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored in memory as a software program, which is then executed by the processor to implement the baseband processing function.

[0361] The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data. The memory 1212 can exist independently or be connected to the processor 1211. Optionally, the memory 1212 can be integrated with the processor 1211, for example, integrated within a single chip. The memory 1212 can store program code that executes the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 1211. The various types of computer program code being executed can also be considered as drivers for the processor 1211.

[0362] Figure 12 shows only one memory and one processor. In actual terminal devices, there may be multiple processors and multiple memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be a storage element on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or it can be a separate storage element; this application does not limit this.

[0363] Transceiver 1213 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency signals between a communication device and a terminal. Transceiver 1213 can be connected to antenna 1215. Transceiver 1213 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 1215 can receive radio frequency signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 1213 is used to receive the radio frequency signals from the antennas, convert the radio frequency signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, and provide the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals to processor 1211 so that processor 1211 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, such as demodulation and decoding. In addition, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 1213 is also used to receive the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals from processor 1211, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals into radio frequency signals, and transmit the radio frequency signals through one or more antennas 1215. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of downmixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the radio frequency signal to obtain a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The order of these downmixing and IF conversion processes is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of upmixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband signal or digital IF signal to obtain a radio frequency signal. The order of these upmixing and IF conversion processes is also adjustable. The digital baseband signal and the digital IF signal can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0364] The transceiver 1213 can also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver device, etc. Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit that performs the receiving function can be regarded as the receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit that performs the transmitting function can be regarded as the transmitting unit. That is, the transceiver unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit can also be called a receiver, input port, receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit can be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0365] It should be noted that the communication device 1200 shown in Figure 12 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the network device in the aforementioned method embodiment and achieve the corresponding technical effects of the network device. The specific implementation of the communication device 1200 shown in Figure 12 can be referred to the description of the first communication device or the second communication device in the aforementioned method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0366] Please refer to Figure 13, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0367] It is understood that the communication device 1300 includes, for example, modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to execute the technical solutions provided in this application. The communication device 1300 may be the terminal device or network device described above, or a component (e.g., a chip) within these devices, used to implement the methods described in the following method embodiments. The communication device 1300 includes one or more processors 1301. The processor 1301 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (e.g., RAN node, terminal, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0368] Optionally, in one design, processor 1301 may include program 1303 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which may be executed on processor 1301 to cause communication device 1300 to perform the methods described in the embodiments below. In yet another possible design, communication device 1300 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG13).

[0369] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may include one or more memories 1302 storing a program 1304 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 1301 to cause the communication device 1300 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0370] Optionally, the processor 1301 and / or memory 1302 may include AI modules 1307 and 1308, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio intelligence control (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0371] Optionally, the processor 1301 and / or memory 1302 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0372] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may further include a transceiver 1305 and / or an antenna 1306. The processor 1301, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device (e.g., a RAN node or terminal). The transceiver 1305, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device through the antenna 1306.

[0373] In Figure 9, the processing unit 901 can be a processor 1301. The transceiver unit 902 shown in Figure 9 can be a communication interface, which can be the transceiver 1305 in Figure 13. The transceiver 1305 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the transceiver 1305 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0374] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor performs the method described in the possible implementations of the first or second communication device in the foregoing embodiments.

[0375] This application also provides a computer program product (or computer program) that, when executed by a processor, executes the method described above for the possible implementation of the first or second communication device.

[0376] This application also provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the functions involved in the possible implementations of the communication device described above. Optionally, the chip system further includes an interface circuit that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor. In one possible design, the chip system may also include a memory for storing the program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices, wherein the communication device may specifically be the first communication device or the second communication device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0377] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the first communication device in any of the above embodiments.

[0378] Optionally, the communication system may also include a second communication device.

[0379] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0380] 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.

[0381] 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. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes, 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, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first communication device, and the method includes: Receive first information; wherein the first information is used to indicate the random access channel timing (RO) and handover indication information corresponding to each of the multiple operators sharing the radio access network, wherein the handover indication information is used to indicate the handover strategy corresponding to random access failure; If different operators correspond to different Remote Access Requests (ROs), a random access request message is sent based on the first RO; wherein the first RO corresponds to a first operator, and the first operator is included in the plurality of operators; or... If different operators have the same RO, a random access request message is sent based on the first preamble sequence indicated by the first information; wherein, the first information is used to indicate the different preamble sequences corresponding to each operator, the first preamble sequence corresponds to the first operator, and the first operator is included in the plurality of operators; If random access fails, the resource used for re-random access is switched according to the handover strategy corresponding to the handover indication information; or, the transmit power is increased, and the first RO or the first preamble sequence is used to retransmit the random access request message. The method of claim 1, wherein The switching indication information is also used to indicate an upper limit threshold for the transmit power, and / or a threshold for the number of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) used for switching, the SSBs being associated with the RO. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The handover indication information is also used to indicate information about at least one operator used for handover; Correspondingly, the handover strategy is used to indicate that the resource used for re-random access is the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to the at least one operator. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The handover indication information is also used to indicate the handover sequence of at least one operator used for the handover. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The handover indication information is also used to indicate the access statistics information of the multiple operators, and the access statistics information is used to determine the target operator for handover, wherein the target operator is at least one of the multiple operators; Correspondingly, the handover strategy is used to indicate that the resource used for re-random access is the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to the target operator. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The access statistics information includes at least one of the following: access load information of different operators, RO or preamble sequence occupancy rate information of different operators, or access success rate information of different operators. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The handover indication information is also used to indicate the RO shared by the multiple operators; Correspondingly, the handover policy is used to indicate that the resources used for re-random access are the ROs shared by the multiple operators. The method of claim 7, wherein The indication information of the RO shared by the multiple operators in the handover indication information is located in different groups, and each group includes indication information of RO shared by at least two operators. The method of claim 8, wherein The indication information of the RO shared by the multiple operators is used to indicate the offset of the RO shared by the multiple operators relative to the first RO; or, The indication information of the RO shared by the multiple operators is used to indicate the complete information of the RO shared by the multiple operators. The method according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that The handover indication information is also used to indicate that the preamble sequence in the RO shared by the multiple operators corresponds to different operators. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a second communication device that communicates with a first communication device, and the method includes: Send first information; wherein the first information is used to indicate the random access channel timing (RO) and handover indication information corresponding to each of the multiple operators sharing the radio access network, wherein the handover indication information is used to indicate the handover strategy corresponding to the random access failure, and the handover strategy is used to indicate the resources used for re-random access; Receive a random access request message; wherein the random access request message is sent by the first communication device based on a first RO when the ROs corresponding to different operators are different; or, the random access request message is sent by the first communication device based on a first preamble sequence when the ROs corresponding to different operators are the same and the preamble sequences corresponding to different operators are different, wherein the first RO corresponds to the first operator, the first preamble sequence corresponds to the first operator, and the first operator is included in the plurality of operators. The method of claim 11, wherein The switching indication information is also used to indicate an upper limit threshold for the transmit power, and / or a threshold for the number of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) used for switching, the SSBs being associated with the RO. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that The handover indication information is also used to indicate information about at least one operator used for handover; Correspondingly, the handover strategy is used to indicate that the resource used for re-random access is the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to the at least one operator. The method of claim 13, wherein The handover indication information is also used to indicate the handover sequence of at least one operator used for the handover. The method according to any one of claims 11-14, characterized in that The handover indication information is also used to indicate the access statistics information of the multiple operators, and the access statistics information is used to determine the target operator for handover, wherein the target operator is at least one of the multiple operators; Correspondingly, the handover strategy is used to indicate that the resource used for re-random access is the RO or preamble sequence corresponding to the target operator. The method of claim 15, wherein The access statistics information includes at least one of the following: access load information of different operators, RO or preamble sequence occupancy rate information of different operators, or access success rate information of different operators. The method according to any one of claims 11-16, characterized in that The handover indication information is also used to indicate the RO shared by the multiple operators; Correspondingly, the handover policy is used to indicate that the resources used for re-random access are the ROs shared by the multiple operators. The method of claim 17, wherein The indication information of the RO shared by the multiple operators in the handover indication information is located in different groups, and each group includes indication information of RO shared by at least two operators. The method of claim 18, wherein The indication information of the RO shared by the multiple operators is used to indicate the offset of the RO shared by the multiple operators relative to the first RO; or, The indication information of the RO shared by the multiple operators is used to indicate the complete information of the RO shared by the multiple operators. The method according to any one of claims 17-19, characterized in that The handover indication information is also used to indicate that the preamble sequence in the RO shared by the multiple operators corresponds to different operators. A communication device, characterized by It includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 20. A communication device, characterized by It includes at least one processor, said at least one processor being configured to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, or said at least one processor being configured to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized by, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 20. A computer program product, characterized in that It includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or implement the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 20.

Images