Signal transmission method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a signal transmission method and apparatus. In the method, a RAN node transmits first information n times by sequentially sweeping m beams of different directions, the first information being used for indicating to a terminal that a paging message to be received is present. During the transmission of the first information, the first information in the n times of transmission is divided into a portions sequentially transmitted in discontinuous time periods. In this way, in a scenario where transmission of a paging message fails, by transmitting first information to indicate to a terminal that a paging message to be received is present, the success rate of paging the terminal in a scenario with low signal quality can be improved, thereby enhancing user experience.

Description

Signal transmission method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411641943.2, filed on November 15, 2024, entitled “Signal Transmission Method and Apparatus”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] With the development of communication technology, in order to support wider communication service coverage, radio access network (RAN) equipment needs to provide services to terminals in more diverse scenarios, especially in scenarios with relatively poor communication conditions. For example, satellite communication scenarios and basement communication scenarios.

[0004] However, in satellite communication or basement communication scenarios, environmental obstructions can cause network signal attenuation, resulting in lower signal quality. Consequently, terminals in these scenarios often fail to receive paging and system information, leading to paging failures. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a signal transmission method and apparatus in which a wireless access network node transmits first information multiple times through beams in different directions to prompt the terminal that there is a paging message to be received, thereby improving the success rate of paging terminals in scenarios with low signal quality.

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

[0007] Firstly, this application provides a signal transmission method. This method can be executed by a wireless access network node, or by a component of the wireless access network node, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the wireless access network node. It can also be implemented by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the wireless access network node. The following description uses the execution of this method by a wireless access network node as an example.

[0008] The method includes: determining first information, which is used to indicate to the terminal that there is a paging message to be received; and sending the first information n times in turn through m beams in different directions, the n first information being divided into a parts and sent sequentially in discontinuous time periods, where m is a positive integer, n is an integer greater than 1, and a is a positive integer.

[0009] Based on the method provided in the first aspect above, the wireless access network node transmits first information n times via m beams in different directions to indicate the presence of paging messages to be received. The performance gain brought by the wireless access network node transmitting first information multiple times enables the receiving end (e.g., the terminal) to receive the first information. Simultaneously, to avoid occupying transmission resources for extended periods by transmitting information multiple times in the same direction, the wireless access network node can divide the n first information transmissions into a parts and transmit them sequentially in discontinuous time periods. This avoids prolonged occupation of beams in the same direction while transmitting the n first information transmissions. In this way, the wireless access network node can indicate the presence of paging messages to be received by the terminal by transmitting first information multiple times, improving the demodulation performance of the first information received by the terminal, thereby increasing the success rate of paging terminals in scenarios with low signal quality and improving the user experience.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the time interval between the first part of the first information transmitted via the first beam and the time interval between the second part of the first information transmitted via the first beam is b time units; wherein the first part and the second part are two parts out of a parts. Based on this, during the time interval between the first and second transmissions of the first information via the first beam by the radio access network node, on the one hand, the radio access network node can transmit the first information via beams in other directions besides the first beam; on the other hand, the radio access network node can transmit other information with shorter scheduling cycles via the first beam. In this way, the radio access network node can transmit the first information multiple times, improving the success rate of the paging terminal and enhancing the user experience without affecting the transmission of other service data.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first information includes a prompt message and system information. The prompt message indicates to the terminal that a paging message awaiting reception exists, while the system information is used by the terminal to perform cell reselection. Based on this, the first information sent by the radio access network node can be encoded and transmitted together with the prompt message and the system information, or it can be encoded and transmitted independently. In this way, by instructing the terminal to receive the paging message through the prompt message and system information, the terminal can perform cell reselection and receive the paging message awaiting reception, improving the success rate of paging terminals in scenarios with low signal quality and enhancing the user experience.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the system information includes one or more of the following: tracking area information corresponding to the terminal, configuration information for prompting information, or indication information indicating a change in system information. The configuration information for prompting information is used to configure the transmission method of the first information. Based on this, the radio access network node can indicate information for cell reselection to the terminal through the tracking area information corresponding to the terminal or the indication information indicating a change in system information, and instruct the terminal on how to receive the prompt information through the configuration information for prompting information. In this way, the terminal can perform cell reselection according to the instructions of the aforementioned system information, improving the efficiency of cell reselection and enhancing the user experience.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a first synchronization signal, which indicates scheduling parameters for sending first information, and the scheduling parameters are used by the terminal to receive the first information. Based on this, when sending the first synchronization signal, the radio access network node can indicate the scheduling parameters for sending the first information through the first synchronization signal. In this way, the terminal can receive the first information according to the scheduling parameters indicated by the first synchronization signal, avoiding blind detection by the terminal and improving the success rate of the terminal receiving the first information.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the scheduling parameters include one or more of the following: frequency domain location information of the first information, time domain location information of the first information, index of the modulation and coding scheme of the first information, number of transmissions of the first information, or transmission block scaling information of the first information. Based on this, the radio access network node can indicate one or more of the above scheduling parameters through a first synchronization signal; that is, the first synchronization signal can be understood as indicating a set of scheduling parameters. The terminal can receive the first information according to the above set of scheduling parameters to avoid blind detection and improve the success rate of the terminal receiving the first information.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the time-domain location information of the first information includes a first time interval, which is the time interval between the time-domain location of the first synchronization signal and the time-domain location of the first information. Based on this, the wireless access network node uses the time-domain location of the first synchronization signal as a reference to indicate the time interval between the time-domain location for sending the first information and the time-domain location of the first synchronization signal. In this way, the terminal can determine the time-domain location for receiving the first information according to the time interval after the first synchronization signal, avoiding blind detection by the terminal and improving the success rate of the terminal receiving the first information.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the cue sequence carried in the first synchronization signal is determined from multiple candidate sequences, with different candidate sequences corresponding to different scheduling parameters. Based on this, the radio access network node can implicitly indicate the scheduling parameters for receiving the first information through different candidate sequences. The terminal can determine the scheduling parameters of the first information through the first synchronization signal, avoiding the need to consume more resources to indicate the scheduling parameters of the first information, thus saving resources for the first synchronization signal to indicate scheduling parameters and improving the efficiency of the terminal in determining the scheduling parameters of the first information.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the scheduling parameters indicated by the first synchronization signal are related to the payload of the first information. Based on this, the wireless access network node can determine the scheduling parameters corresponding to the first information according to the payload of the first information to be transmitted. Thus, the terminal can determine the payload of the first information based on the first synchronization signal and receive the first information according to the scheduling parameters corresponding to that payload. This avoids blind detection by the terminal and improves the success rate of the terminal receiving the first information.

[0018] In one possible implementation, multiple candidate sequences are determined based on one or more of the following methods: initialization method for pseudo-random sequences, root method for Zadoff-Chu sequences, cyclic shift method, or orthogonal masking method. Based on this, the radio access network node can determine multiple candidate sequences for indicating the scheduling parameters of the first information according to one or more of the above methods. These multiple candidate sequences, corresponding to their respective scheduling parameters, indicate the scheduling parameters for the terminal to receive the first information, thereby improving the efficiency of the terminal receiving the first information.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the first information is transmitted n times in turn from m different directions, including: transmitting the first information n times in turn from m different directions within each of multiple time periods. Based on this, the wireless access network node can transmit the first part of the first information in the first synchronization signal period, and then transmit the second part of the first information in the second synchronization signal period, thereby improving the success rate of paging terminals in scenarios with low signal quality and enhancing the user experience.

[0020] Secondly, this application provides a signal transmission method, which can be executed by a terminal, or by a component of the terminal, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of a wireless access node, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. The following description uses the execution of this method by a terminal as an example.

[0021] The method includes: receiving n first messages, wherein the first messages are sent sequentially in non-contiguous time periods by the wireless access network in a parts, and the first messages indicate the existence of a paging message to be received, wherein m is a positive integer, n is an integer greater than 1, and a is a positive integer; merging the n first messages and obtaining the paging message to be received indicated by the first messages.

[0022] Based on the method provided in the second aspect above, the terminal receives n first messages sent by the radio access network node, and then merges the received n first messages. The transmission performance gain brought by the repeated transmission of the first message enables the terminal to receive the first message. Simultaneously, to avoid occupying transmission resources for a long time by sending information multiple times in the same direction, the radio access network node divides the n first messages into 'a' parts and sends them sequentially in discontinuous time periods. While sending the n first messages, it also avoids occupying the beam in the same direction for a long time. In this way, the radio access network node can indicate to the terminal that there is a paging message to be received by sending the first message, improving the success rate of paging the terminal in scenarios with low signal quality and enhancing the user experience.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the time interval between receiving the first part of the first information and the time interval between receiving the second part of the first information is b time units; wherein both the first and second parts are transmitted through the first beam, and the first and second parts are two of the a parts corresponding to the first information. Based on this, during the time interval between the terminal's first and second receptions of the first information, on the one hand, the radio access network node can transmit the first information through beams in other directions besides the first beam; on the other hand, the radio access network node can transmit other information with shorter scheduling periods through the first beam. In this way, the terminal's multiple receptions of the first information can improve the success rate of the paging terminal and enhance the user experience without affecting the transmission of other service data.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first information includes a prompt message and system information. The prompt message indicates to the terminal that a paging message awaiting reception exists, while the system information is used by the terminal to perform cell reselection. Based on this, the first information received by the terminal can be encoded and transmitted together with the prompt message and system information, or it can be encoded and transmitted independently. In this way, the terminal can receive the paging information based on the prompt message and system information, enabling the terminal to perform cell reselection, improving the success rate of paging the terminal in scenarios with low signal quality, and enhancing the user experience.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the system information includes one or more of the following: tracking area information corresponding to the terminal, configuration information for prompting information, or indication information indicating a change in system information. The configuration information for prompting information is used to configure the transmission method of the first information. Based on this, the terminal can determine the information used for cell reselection based on the tracking area information corresponding to the terminal or the indication information indicating a change in system information, and determine how to receive the prompt information through the configuration information for prompting information. In this way, the terminal can perform cell reselection according to the instructions of the aforementioned system information, improving the efficiency of cell reselection and enhancing the user experience.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the method further includes receiving a first synchronization signal, which indicates scheduling parameters for receiving first information. Based on this, when receiving the first synchronization signal, the terminal can determine the scheduling parameters for receiving the first information using the first synchronization signal. Thus, the terminal can receive the first information according to the scheduling parameters indicated by the first synchronization signal, avoiding blind detection and improving the success rate of receiving the first information.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the scheduling parameters include one or more of the following: frequency domain location information of the first information, time domain location information of the first information, index of the modulation and coding scheme of the first information, number of transmissions of the first information, or transmission block scaling information of the first information. Based on this, the terminal can determine one or more of the above scheduling parameters according to the first synchronization signal; that is, the first synchronization signal can be understood as corresponding to a set of scheduling parameters. The terminal can receive the first information according to the above set of scheduling parameters to avoid blind detection and improve the success rate of receiving the first information.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the time-domain location information of the first information includes a first time interval, which is the time interval between the time-domain location of the first synchronization signal and the time-domain location of the first information. Based on this, the terminal uses the time-domain location of the first synchronization signal as a reference to determine the time-domain location for receiving the first information and the time interval between the time-domain locations of the first synchronization signal. In this way, the terminal can determine the time-domain location for receiving the first information according to the time interval after the first synchronization signal, avoiding blind detection and improving the success rate of the terminal receiving the first information.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the prompt sequence carried in the first synchronization signal is determined from multiple candidate sequences, with different candidate sequences corresponding to different scheduling parameters. Based on this, the terminal can determine the scheduling parameters for receiving the first information through different candidate sequences, avoiding the need to consume more resources indicating the scheduling parameters for the first information, saving resources allocated to indicating scheduling parameters in the first synchronization signal, and improving the efficiency of the terminal in determining the scheduling parameters for the first information.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the scheduling parameters indicated by the first synchronization signal are related to the payload of the first information. Based on this, the terminal can determine the payload of the first information to be transmitted, as well as the corresponding scheduling parameters, according to the scheduling parameters. Thus, the terminal can determine the payload of the first information based on the first synchronization signal and receive the first information according to the scheduling parameters corresponding to that payload. This avoids blind detection by the terminal and improves the success rate of receiving the first information.

[0031] In one possible implementation, receiving the first information includes receiving the first information in each of multiple time periods. Based on this, the terminal can receive the first information n times within a first synchronization signal period, and then receive the first information n times again within a second synchronization signal period, thereby improving the success rate of paging terminals in scenarios with low signal quality and enhancing the user experience.

[0032] Thirdly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the first aspect. This communication device can be a wireless access network node-side communication device in the first aspect of the above embodiments, such as a wireless access network node or a communication module within a wireless access network node, or a circuit or chip within a wireless access network node responsible for communication functions. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The interface module, also referred to as an interface unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module may consist of an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0034] In one possible implementation, a processing module is used to determine first information, which is used to indicate to the terminal that there is a paging message to be received; an interface module is used to send the first information n times in turn through m beams in different directions, the n first information is divided into a parts, and is sent sequentially in discontinuous time periods, where m is a positive integer, n is an integer greater than 1, and a is a positive integer.

[0035] In one possible implementation, there is a time interval of b time units between the time period for transmitting the first part of the first information via the first beam and the time period for transmitting the second part of the first information via the first beam; wherein the first part and the second part are two parts out of a parts.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the first information includes prompt information and system information. The prompt information is used to indicate to the terminal that there is a paging message to be received, and the system information is used by the terminal to perform cell reselection.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the system information includes one or more of the following: tracking area information corresponding to the terminal, configuration information of the prompt information, or indication information indicating that the system information has changed, wherein the configuration information of the prompt information is used to configure the sending method of the first information.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send a first synchronization signal, which indicates scheduling parameters for sending first information, and the scheduling parameters are used by the terminal to receive the first information.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the scheduling parameters include one or more of the following: frequency domain location information of the first information, time domain location information of the first information, index of the modulation and coding scheme of the first information, number of transmissions of the first information, or transmission block scaling information of the first information.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the time-domain location information of the first information includes a first time interval, which is the time interval between the time-domain location of the first synchronization signal and the time-domain location of the first information.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the cue sequence carried by the first synchronization signal is determined from a plurality of candidate sequences, with different candidate sequences corresponding to different scheduling parameters.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the scheduling parameters indicated by the first synchronization signal are related to the payload of the first information.

[0043] In one possible implementation, multiple candidate sequences are determined based on one or more of the following methods: initialization method of pseudo-random sequence, root method of Zadoff-Chu sequence, cyclic shift method, or orthogonal mask method.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the interface module is specifically used to send the first information n times in turn through m different directions within each of multiple time periods.

[0045] Fourthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the second aspect above. This communication device can be the terminal-side communication device of the second aspect in the above embodiments, for example, a terminal or a communication module in a terminal, or a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above method, which can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The interface module, also referred to as an interface unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module may consist of an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the interface module is used to receive n first messages, where the first messages are sent sequentially in non-contiguous time periods by the wireless access network in a parts, and the first messages indicate the existence of a paging message to be received, where m is a positive integer, n is an integer greater than 1, and a is a positive integer; the processing module is used to merge the n first messages and obtain the paging message to be received indicated by the first messages.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the time interval between the first part of the first information and the time interval between the second part of the first information is b time units; wherein, both the first part and the second part are transmitted through the first beam, and the first part and the second part are two parts of the a parts corresponding to the first information.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the first information includes prompt information and system information. The prompt information is used to indicate to the terminal that there is a paging message to be received, and the system information is used by the terminal to perform cell reselection.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the system information includes one or more of the following: tracking area information corresponding to the terminal, configuration information of the prompt information, or indication information indicating that the system information has changed, wherein the configuration information of the prompt information is used to configure the sending method of the first information.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive a first synchronization signal, which indicates scheduling parameters for receiving first information, and the scheduling parameters are used to receive the first information.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the scheduling parameters include one or more of the following: frequency domain location information of the first information, time domain location information of the first information, index of the modulation and coding scheme of the first information, number of transmissions of the first information, or transmission block scaling information of the first information.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the time-domain location information of the first information includes a first time interval, which is the time interval between the time-domain location of the first synchronization signal and the time-domain location of the first information.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the cue sequence carried by the first synchronization signal is determined from a plurality of candidate sequences, with different candidate sequences corresponding to different scheduling parameters.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the scheduling parameters indicated by the first synchronization signal are related to the payload of the first information.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the interface module is specifically used to receive the first information in each of the multiple time periods.

[0057] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects by executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, and / or by means of logic circuitry. The communication device may be a wireless access network node as described in the first aspect, or a terminal as described in the second aspect. Optionally, the number of processors may be one or more.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the processor and memory are integrated together; or, the memory is independent of the processor.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the processor and / or memory also include an artificial intelligence (AI) module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC) module. The AI ​​module could be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0063] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit being configured to receive a computer program or instructions and transmit them to the processor; the processor being configured to execute the computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects. The communication device may be a wireless access network node as described in the first aspect, or a terminal as described in the second aspect.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the processor also includes an AI module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. The AI ​​module could be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0066] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0067] Eighthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0068] A ninth aspect provides a communication system comprising a wireless access network node for performing the method described in the first aspect and a terminal for performing the method described in the second aspect.

[0069] A tenth aspect provides a chip device including a processor for calling a computer program or computer instructions in memory to cause the processor to perform any of the implementations of the first or second aspect described above.

[0070] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0071] Optionally, the chip device may also include a memory that stores computer programs or computer instructions.

[0072] The technical effects of any of the possible implementations in aspects three through ten can be found in the technical effects of the different possible implementations in aspects one or two above, and will not be repeated here.

[0073] Understandably, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other, the solutions in the above aspects can be combined. Attached Figure Description

[0074] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the synchronization signal structure provided in this application;

[0075] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the paging frame configuration principle provided in this application;

[0076] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the communication system architecture provided in this application;

[0077] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the communication device provided in this application;

[0078] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the signal transmission method provided in this application.

[0079] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the transmission principle of the signal transmission method provided in this application;

[0080] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of the signal transmission method provided in this application (II).

[0081] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of information carrying in the synchronization signal provided in this application;

[0082] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the sequence generator principle provided in this application;

[0083] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0084] Before introducing the technical solution of this application, the relevant technical terms involved in this application are explained. It is understood that these explanations are intended to make this application easier to understand and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0085] 1. Synchronization Signal Block (SSB): The RAN node periodically transmits SSBs. SSBs can be used by terminals to achieve synchronization, cell discovery, mobility measurement, and other functions. Within a cell, due to the directional nature of the RAN node's transmitting antenna and the limited beamwidth, the RAN node can correspond to multiple beam directions. During SSB transmission, SSBs need to be transmitted in multiple beam directions to cover the entire cell. The transmission of SSBs from multiple beam directions at different times forms an SSB sequence (SSB burst).

[0086] For example, referring to Figure 1, the SSB transmission period is set to 20ms. The RAN node transmits SSB bursts (e.g., SSB burstA and SSB burstB) at 20ms intervals. One SSB burst contains four SSBs (e.g., SSB 0-SSB 3), each facing a different beam direction to cover all directions of a cell. That is, every 20ms, the RAN node transmits an SSB once in each of the four beam directions. An SSB occupies the length of four orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in the time domain and 20 physical resource blocks (PRBs) in the frequency domain. SSB includes the following three types: primary synchronization signal (PSS), used for synchronization between terminals and RAN nodes, and for transmitting cell IDs; secondary synchronization signal (SSS), used for time-frequency offset adjustment, mobility measurement, channel estimation, and for transmitting cell IDs; and physical broadcast channel (PBCH), used for broadcasting master information block (MIB).

[0087] 2. Terminal Paging: When a terminal is called by another user, the RAN node sends paging information to page the terminal. Since the RAN node does not know the terminal's location or the cell it is camped in, it needs to send paging information to multiple cells and in multiple beam directions within each cell. Furthermore, operator networks are typically divided into multiple tracking areas (TAs), each containing multiple cells. When sending paging information, the RAN node can send paging information to multiple cells within a TA and in multiple beam directions within each cell to ensure that the user can receive the paging information.

[0088] Accordingly, before the paging frame arrives, the terminal first performs time-frequency synchronization with the SSB and system information. Then, the terminal detects the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) in the corresponding paging frame, obtains the time-frequency position of the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carrying paging information from the PDCCH, and then detects the paging information from the PDSCH to confirm whether it has been paging. After receiving the paging information, the terminal initiates random access, enters the connected state, and connects the call.

[0089] For example, referring to Figure 2, the network divides users within the network into multiple paging groups. Users can determine which paging group they belong to based on their ID. For instance, the network can be configured with four paging groups (e.g., paging group 0 to paging group 3), distributed over a period of 1.28 seconds. Each paging group is configured with one paging frame, and the paging frames are evenly spaced, so the interval between two adjacent paging frames is 320ms.

[0090] However, in satellite communication or basement communication scenarios, environmental obstructions can cause network signal attenuation, resulting in lower signal quality. Consequently, terminals in these scenarios often fail to receive paging and system information, leading to paging failures.

[0091] Based on this, this application provides a signal transmission method and apparatus to improve the success rate of paging terminals in scenarios with low signal quality and enhance user experience.

[0092] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] The method provided in this application can be used in various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) system, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, a 5th Generation (5G) communication system, a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) system, a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) related communication system, a future communication system evolving after 5G, or a system integrating multiple systems, etc., without limitation. Among them, 5G can also be referred to as New Radio (NR). The technical solution provided in this application can also be applied to non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems such as inter-satellite communication and satellite communication. The method provided in this application is described below using the communication system 1000 shown in Figure 3 as an example. Figure 3 is only a schematic diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solution provided in this application.

[0094] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 provided in this application. In Figure 3, the communication system 1000 includes a RAN 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 3, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 3, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 3). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to the core network 200. The core network equipment in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and wireless access network logical functions.

[0095] RAN 100 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN 100 can also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a WiFi system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0096] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in the communication system 1000 can be of the same type or different types.

[0097] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. A RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 3, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 3, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, a 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). In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, a helicopter or drone, typically configured as a terminal, can also be configured as a mobile base station, and devices accessing the RAN via the helicopter or drone are configured as terminals.

[0098] 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. Specifically, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), or radio units (RUs), etc. For example, a CU can perform the functions of the base station's radio resource control (RRC) layer and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. A CU can also perform the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer. A DU can perform the functions of the base station's radio link control (RLC) layer and medium access control (MAC) layer. A DU can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. An RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). Furthermore, the CU can be further divided into the CU-control plane (CP) and the CU-user plane (UP).

[0099] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0100] Terminal 120 is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities that can be deployed on land, including indoors, outdoors, handheld, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as on ships); and it can be deployed in the air (such as on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). A terminal can also be called a terminal device, which can be user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), or any device used to provide voice or data connectivity to a user. UE includes handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, vehicle-mounted devices (e.g., cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains), wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers), or computing devices. For example, a UE can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA, mobile internet device (MID), satellite terminal, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. UE can also be a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless modem, a point-of-sale (POS) machine, customer-premises equipment (CPE), a smart robot, a robotic arm, workshop equipment, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in autonomous driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in intelligent transportation, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, an in-vehicle terminal, an RSU with terminal functionality, or flying equipment (e.g., a smart robot, a hot air balloon, a drone, an airplane), etc. A terminal can also be other devices with terminal functionality; for example, a terminal can be a device that acts as a terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0101] By way of example and not limitation, in this application, the terminal can be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into a user's clothing or accessories. For example, wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also devices that achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include devices that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as devices that focus on only one type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0102] In this application, the terminal can be a terminal in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is connecting objects to networks through communication technologies, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and machine-to-machine interconnection. The terminal in this application can be a terminal in machine-type communication (MTC).

[0103] The terminal in this application can be an on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, on-board unit (OBU), or telematics box (T-BOX) built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, on-board unit, or T-BOX. The terminal can also be a complete vehicle device. Therefore, this application can be applied to vehicle networking, such as V2X, long-term evolution vehicle (LTE-V) communication technology, and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication.

[0104] In practical implementation, each network element or device shown in Figure 3 (e.g., RAN node 110, terminal 120, etc.) can adopt the composition structure shown in Figure 4, or include the components shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device applicable to this application. It is understood that the communication device 40 includes means of necessary forms such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to execute the solution provided in this application. For example, the communication device 40 includes one or more processors 401 for implementing the method provided in this application.

[0105] Processor 401 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, processor 401 can be a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device 40 (such as a RAN node, terminal, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. Optionally, in one design, processor 401 may include program 405 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on processor 401 to cause the communication device 40 to perform the methods described in the following embodiments. In yet another possible design, communication device 40 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG. 4) for implementing the functions of the RAN node or terminal in the following embodiments.

[0106] Optionally, the communication device 40 may include one or more memories 403. The memory 403 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM), cache, or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions. It may also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory provided in this application may generally be non-volatile. Optionally, the memory 403 stores a program 407 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 401 to cause the communication device 40 to perform the methods described in the following method embodiments.

[0107] Optionally, the processor 401 may include an AI module 406, and / or the memory 403 may include an AI module 408. The aforementioned AI modules are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. For example, the AI ​​module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0108] Optionally, data may also be stored in the processor 401 and / or the memory 403. The processor 401 and the memory 403 may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0109] Optionally, the communication device 40 may also include a transceiver 402 and / or an antenna 404. The processor 401, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device 40. The transceiver 402, 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 40 through the antenna 404.

[0110] It is understood that the composition shown in Figure 4 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 4, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0111] The method provided in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each network element in the following embodiments may include the components shown in Figure 4, which will not be elaborated upon further.

[0112] It is understood that in this application, RAN nodes and / or terminals may perform some or all of the steps in this application. These steps are merely examples, and this application may also perform other steps or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in this application, and it is possible that not all steps in this application need to be performed.

[0113] It is understood that the methods described below in this application use RAN nodes and terminals as examples to illustrate the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution entities of the interaction. For example, the RAN node in the methods described below can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the RAN node in implementing the method, or it can be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the RAN node's functions; similarly, the terminal in the methods provided in the embodiments below can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing the method, or it can be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal's functions.

[0114] As shown in Figure 5, a signal transmission method provided in this application may include the following steps:

[0115] S501: The RAN node determines the first information, which is used to indicate to the terminal that there is a paging message to be received.

[0116] In this application, the RAN node can be any RAN node in the communication system 1000. For example, the RAN node can be RAN node 110 in Figure 3, and the terminal can be any terminal in the communication system 1000 that can access RAN node 110. For example, the terminal can be terminal 120 in Figure 3.

[0117] Understandably, in scenarios where the RAN node fails to send a paging message to the terminal, the RAN node can determine the first information and use it to indicate to the terminal that a paging message is pending. This paging message can be the paging message mentioned in the aforementioned technical terminology. The first information can use a lower modulation and coding scheme than the paging message, allowing it to operate at a lower signal-to-noise ratio. Therefore, the RAN node can send the first information to notify the user of an incoming call.

[0118] The first piece of information includes an alert message, also known as a robust notification, which is used to indicate to the terminal that a paging message is pending. In other words, the RAN node can use the alert message to indicate to the terminal that a paging message is pending, allowing the terminal to perform cell reselection and receive the paging message after receiving the alert message.

[0119] Optionally, the first information may also include system information (Alert System Information, Alert SI), which is used by the terminal to perform cell reselection. That is, the RAN node instructs the terminal to receive paging information through the alert message, performs cell reselection based on the information carried in the system information, and receives the paging message to be received. This can improve the success rate of paging terminals in scenarios with low signal quality, thus enhancing the user experience.

[0120] S502: The RAN node sends the first information n times in turn through m beams in different directions.

[0121] Correspondingly, the terminal receives n first messages sent by the RAN node. Here, m is a positive integer, and n is an integer greater than 1.

[0122] Understandably, the RAN node sends the first information multiple times. This reduces the effective payload of the first information each time it is sent. Therefore, transmitting the first information multiple times can bring performance gains to the transmission of the first information, making it easier for the terminal to receive the first information.

[0123] Accordingly, to avoid consuming transmission resources for extended periods by sending information multiple times in the same direction, RAN nodes can divide the n initial messages into 'a' parts and send them sequentially over discontinuous time intervals. Here, 'a' is a positive integer. In other words, when sending the n initial messages, the RAN node can first send one of the 'a' parts in one direction, then switch to another direction to send the initial messages, thus avoiding prolonged occupation of transmission resources in one direction.

[0124] RAN nodes can transmit the first information n times in turn through m different directions within each of multiple time periods. For example, after transmitting the first part of the first information in the first synchronization signal period, the RAN node can transmit the second part of the first information again in the second synchronization signal period to make it easier for the terminal to receive the first information.

[0125] S503: The terminal merges the n first messages and obtains the paging message to be received indicated by the first message.

[0126] The terminal receives n first messages over discontinuous time periods and, where possible, merges the received first messages to determine the first message sent by the RAN node. This overcomes the poor signal-to-noise ratio of the terminal's environment. Then, based on the prompts and system information in the first message, the terminal performs cell reselection and receives the paging message to be received as indicated in the first message.

[0127] For ease of understanding and explanation, some specific embodiments of the present application are described below. It is understood that the aspects described below can be used individually or in combination, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0128] The following describes the system information used by the terminal for cell reselection mentioned in the aforementioned S501.

[0129] One possible design is that the system information includes one or more of the following: tracking area information corresponding to the terminal, configuration information for prompts, or indication information indicating changes in system information.

[0130] The configuration information for the prompt message is used to configure the transmission method of the first message. For example, it can configure one or more of the following: the number of times the RAN node repeatedly transmits the first message (n times), the number of parts (a parts) into which the RAN node transmits the n first messages, the period (b time units) during which the RAN node transmits different parts of the first message, or the duration (d time units) during which the RAN node transmits the first message. For example, the above configuration information may include one or more of the following: n, a, b, or d.

[0131] The tracking area information corresponding to the terminal can determine whether the tracking area where the terminal is located is synchronized with the RAN node. It is understandable that system information includes some information from all system information (such as MIB and SIB). For example, system information includes information in the MIB required by the terminal for cell reselection.

[0132] Optionally, the tracking area information corresponding to the terminal includes a tracking area identifier, which helps the terminal determine whether it has entered a new tracking area. If it has entered a new tracking area, the terminal needs to initiate random access to report the new tracking area information to the RAN node. The terminal can remind the user to move to a location with better transmission conditions via a ringtone or vibration, enabling the terminal to complete the reporting of the new tracking area information.

[0133] Optionally, the system information includes indications of changes in system information. The RAN node can use these indications to indicate whether the terminal's system information has changed. If the system information has changed, the RAN node can indicate this change and carry the modified system information. If the system information has not changed, the RAN node can directly indicate that the terminal's system information has not changed, avoiding redundant transmission and conserving transmission resources.

[0134] The following describes the method by which the RAN node sends the first information n times as mentioned in S502 above.

[0135] RAN nodes can send a parts of the first information separately within discontinuous time intervals.

[0136] One possible design is that the time interval between the RAN node transmitting the first part of the first information via the first beam and the time interval between the RAN node transmitting the second part of the first information via the first beam is b time units. Here, the first part and the second part are two parts out of a parts.

[0137] Understandably, during the time interval between the first transmission of the first information via the first beam and the second transmission of the first information via the first beam, the RAN node can, on the one hand, transmit the first information via beams in other directions besides the first beam; on the other hand, the RAN node can transmit other information with shorter scheduling cycles via the first beam to avoid affecting the transmission of other service data.

[0138] Optionally, the number of times the first information is contained in each of the a parts of the first information in n times can be the same or different.

[0139] For example, the number of times the first information is contained in each of the 'a' parts of the first information in n instances can be decreased sequentially.

[0140] Optionally, the time interval between the RAN node sending the a parts can be the same or different.

[0141] For example, taking a = 3, the RAN node sends the first part in time period 1, the second part in time period 2, and the third part in time period 3. The interval between time period 2 and time period 1 is T1, and the interval between time period 3 and time period 2 is T2. T1 can be equal to T2, greater than T2, or less than T2.

[0142] Optionally, b time units can be b time slots.

[0143] Taking the first message n times divided into four parts as an example, the RAN node can first send the first part of the first message, then send the second part of the first message after b time slots, then send the third part of the first message after b time slots, and finally send the fourth part of the first message after b time slots, thus completing the transmission of the first message n times.

[0144] Referring to Figure 6, in some specific examples, the RAN node transmits the first information 16 times (n=16) through four beam directions (beam 0-beam 3). During the transmission of the first information 16 times through beam 0 (as in the first beam in the aforementioned embodiment), the RAN node divides these 16 first information transmissions into four parts (a=4), transmitting the first information 4 times in each part. There is a two-radio-frame interval (e.g., 20ms) between adjacent parts. Furthermore, after transmitting the first information 4 times through the first beam within a two-radio-frame interval, the RAN node sequentially transmits the first information 4 times through beams 1, 2, and 3 respectively. This avoids prolonged occupation of beam 0's transmission resources, which could affect the latency of other service information, while simultaneously ensuring the transmission of the first information in beams 1, 2, and 3. This process continues, ultimately resulting in the RAN node transmitting the first information 16 times through beams 0-3 within eight radio frames.

[0145] One possible design is that during the process of the RAN node sending the first information, the prompt information and system information can be encoded and sent together, or they can be encoded and sent independently.

[0146] Optionally, when the prompt information and system information are encoded and transmitted together, the RAN node will arrange the system information and prompt information together and perform cyclic redundancy check (CRC) calculation and channel coding.

[0147] For example, if the system information consists of 20 bits and the prompt information consists of 100 bits, then all 120 bits can be used together to calculate the CRC. The system information and prompt information can then be used together as input for channel coding to obtain the channel-coded bit sequence. At the receiving end, after channel decoding, the terminal separates the decoded bits into the system information portion and the prompt information portion, and receives them separately.

[0148] Optionally, when the prompt information and system information are encoded and transmitted separately, the RAN node performs CRC calculations on the system information and the prompt information separately, performs channel coding on the system information and the prompt information separately, and then transmits them separately.

[0149] The above mainly describes in detail the process of the RAN node sending the first message n times. Accordingly, the scheduling parameters of the first message will be described in detail below.

[0150] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 7, the RAN node can indicate the scheduling parameters for receiving the first information via a synchronization signal. Specifically, the method further includes the following steps:

[0151] S500: The RAN node sends a first synchronization signal, which is used to indicate the scheduling parameters for sending the first information. These scheduling parameters are used by the terminal to receive the first information.

[0152] Accordingly, the terminal receives the first synchronization signal sent by the RAN node. For example, SSB.

[0153] Optionally, the first synchronization signal can indicate the scheduling parameters corresponding to the first information through an alert sequence. In this way, the terminal can receive the first information according to the scheduling parameters indicated by the alert sequence carried in the first synchronization signal, avoiding blind detection and improving the success rate of the terminal receiving the first information.

[0154] One possible design includes scheduling parameters comprising one or more of the following: frequency domain location information of the first information, time domain location information of the first information, index of the modulation and coding scheme of the first information, number of transmissions of the first information, or transport block scaling information of the first information. In other words, the first synchronization signal indicates a scheduling parameter group consisting of one or more of the above scheduling parameters via a prompt sequence. The terminal can receive the first information according to the scheduling parameters indicated by the prompt sequence, thereby avoiding blind detection by the terminal and improving the success rate of receiving the first information.

[0155] One possible design is that the time-domain position information of the first information includes a first time interval, which is the time interval between the time-domain position of the first synchronization signal and the time-domain position of the first information. Optionally, the first time interval is the time interval between the starting time-domain position of the first synchronization signal and the starting time-domain position of the first information.

[0156] Understandably, the RAN node uses the time domain location of the first synchronization signal as a reference to indicate the time interval between the time domain location of sending the first information and the time domain location of the first synchronization signal. Accordingly, the terminal can determine the time domain location of receiving the first information according to the time interval after the first synchronization signal, avoiding blind detection by the terminal and improving the success rate of the terminal receiving the first information.

[0157] Optionally, the first time interval can be c time units.

[0158] Optionally, c time units can be c time slots.

[0159] One possible design is that the RAN node can be activated after the first synchronization signal (alert-sync). The first message is sent starting from the first slot. Specifically, the RAN node can send the message in the first slot. The first slot OFDM begins sending the first message, where n ssb It's the SSB number, which is specific to different SSBs. They can be the same or different. They can be the same or different.

[0160] Optional, It can be defined by a protocol, or configured by the network and notified to the terminal via signaling.

[0161] For example, referring to Figure 6, during the transmission of the first information by the RAN node, there are four beam directions, so four SSBs (i.e., four first synchronization signals) are set within one SSB burst. In n ssb In the case of {0, 1, 2, 3}, the corresponding... and The possible values ​​are as follows:

[0162] Accordingly, the terminal first needs to detect the first synchronization signal, determine the time slot between the first synchronization signals, and determine the corresponding n based on the SSB to which the synchronization signal belongs. SSB And according to n SSB Sure Therefore, the number of signals following the synchronization signal is determined. The first time slot OFDM position receives the time domain position of the first information.

[0163] In some embodiments, in order to indicate the scheduling parameters corresponding to the first information through the first synchronization signal, multiple candidate sequences can be configured for the first synchronization signal.

[0164] One possible design is that the cue sequence carried in the first synchronization signal is determined from multiple candidate sequences, with different candidate sequences corresponding to different scheduling parameters.

[0165] Understandably, the RAN node can indicate the scheduling parameters for receiving the first information through different candidate sequences from multiple candidate sequences. Correspondingly, the terminal can determine the scheduling parameters for the first information through the first synchronization signal. This implicit indication method saves resources that would otherwise be used to indicate scheduling parameters through the first synchronization signal, while also improving the efficiency of the terminal in determining the scheduling parameters for the first information.

[0166] One possible design involves the terminal and RAN node pre-configuring the association between different candidate sequences and the scheduling parameters of the first information. Then, the scheduling parameters of the first information are dynamically indicated using different candidate sequences.

[0167] For example, referring to Figure 8, the terminal and RAN node can configure four candidate sequences of length M for the first synchronization signal, namely s0 = {s 0，1 s 0，2 , ..., s 0，M}, s1={s 1，1 s 1,2 ,...,s 1，M}, s2={s 2,1 s 2,2 ,...,s 2，M}, s3={s 3,1 s 3，2 , ..., s 3，M The configuration is as follows: s0 represents 00; s1 represents 01; s2 represents 10; and s3 represents 11. In this way, the RAN node can select one of the candidate sequences to send via the first synchronization signal based on the first information to be transmitted. When the terminal detects the first synchronization signal, it correlates each of the four candidate sequences with the prompt sequence in the received first synchronization signal, and only one sequence will show a correlation peak. Therefore, the terminal can determine the scheduling parameters corresponding to the first information through the prompt sequence carried in the first synchronization signal.

[0168] Optionally, the scheduling parameters indicated by the first synchronization signal are related to the payload of the first information. That is, the RAN node can determine the corresponding candidate sequence based on the payload of the first information to be transmitted and indicate the scheduling parameters of the first information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal can determine the payload of the first information based on the prompt sequence carried by the first synchronization signal and receive the first information according to the scheduling parameters corresponding to that payload.

[0169] The above mainly explains the use of multiple candidate sequences in the scheduling parameter process that indicates the first information. The following introduces several methods for generating multiple candidate sequences.

[0170] In some embodiments, the RAN node may determine multiple candidate sequences by one or more of the following methods: initialization method of pseudo-random sequence, root method of Zadoff-Chu sequence, cyclic shift method, or orthogonal mask method.

[0171] One possible design is that the RAN node generates multiple candidate sequences using a pseudo-random sequence initialization method.

[0172] Optionally, RAN nodes can generate multiple pseudo-random sequences as candidate sequences using Gold sequences or M sequences.

[0173] Taking the generation of multiple candidate sequences from a Gold sequence as an example, see Figure 9. In the Gold sequence generator, each box represents a shift register. This sequence generator satisfies the following relationship: c(n)=(x1(n+N) c )+x2(n+N c ))mod 2 x1(n+31)=(x1(n+3)+x1(n))mod 2 x2(n+31)=(x2(n+3)+x2(n+2)+x2(n+1)+x2(n))mod 2

[0174] Where, N c It is a bias, for example, N c =1600.

[0175] When a RAN node generates a sequence using the Gold sequence generator, it first needs to initialize sequences x1(n) and x2(n). When different initialization sequences are used, the generated Gold sequence c(n) will also be different. Therefore, in order to generate different candidate sequences, the protocol can specify multiple sets of initial sequences for initializing x1(n) and / or x2(n), thus generating multiple different candidate sequences c(n).

[0176] One possible design is that the RAN node generates multiple candidate sequences using the root method of the Zadoff-Chu sequence.

[0177] RAN nodes can generate multiple candidate sequences from Zadoff-Chu (ZC) sequences. This sequence generation method satisfies the following relationship:

[0178] Where, N ZC Let q be the length of the ZC sequence, and q be the root of the ZC sequence, where 1 ≤ q. <N ZC x q (m) is a ZC sequence with root q.

[0179] RAN nodes can generate multiple candidate sequences by selecting different root sequences for the ZC sequence. For example, with root = {5, 10, 15, 20}, the generated ZC sequences can serve as multiple candidate sequences.

[0180] One possible design is that the RAN node generates multiple candidate sequences using a cyclic shift method.

[0181] When a RAN node generates multiple candidate sequences using a cyclic shift method, the sequence generation method satisfies the following relationship:

[0182] in, This is called the root sequence, e jαn This is called a cyclic shift sequence. For the same root sequence, multiplying by different cyclic shift sequences e... jαn Different candidate sequences can also be generated.

[0183] One possible design is that the RAN node generates multiple candidate sequences using an orthogonal masking method.

[0184] RAN nodes can carry information from multiple candidate sequences using orthogonal codes, and sending the first synchronization signal occupies two consecutive OFDM symbols.

[0185] In one case, the orthogonal code [+1,+1] is used to multiply the two OFDM symbols. That is, the sequence transmitted by the first symbol is multiplied by 1, and the sequence transmitted by the second symbol is also multiplied by 1. The signal transmitted in this way represents information bit 0.

[0186] In another case, the orthogonal code multiplied by the two OFDM symbols is [+1, -1]. That is, the sequence transmitted by the first symbol is multiplied by 1, and the sequence transmitted by the second symbol is multiplied by -1. The signal transmitted in this way represents information bit 1.

[0187] One possible design is to combine several of the methods mentioned above to generate multiple candidate sequences. For example, multiple candidate sequences can be generated using a pseudo-random sequence initialization method, and then further processed using an orthogonal masking method; no limitations are imposed here.

[0188] The various embodiments mentioned above in this application can be combined without contradiction, and no limitation is imposed.

[0189] The above mainly describes the solution provided in this application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. Correspondingly, this application also provides a communication device, which can be a RAN node in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the above RAN node, or a component usable in a RAN node; or, the communication device can be a terminal in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the above terminal, or a component usable in a terminal. It is understood that the above RAN node or terminal, etc., includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function in order to achieve the above functions. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the unit and algorithm operations of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0190] This application can divide RAN nodes or terminals into functional modules based on the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It is understood that the module division in this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0191] For example, when functional modules are integrated, Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of a communication device 110. The communication device 110 includes an interface module 1001 and a processing module 1002. The interface module 1001, also called an interface unit, is used to perform transmit and receive operations; for example, it can be an interface circuit, transceiver, or communication interface. The processing module 1002, also called a processing unit, is used to perform operations other than transmit and receive operations; for example, it can be a processing circuit or a processor.

[0192] In some embodiments, the communication device 110 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG10) for storing program instructions and data.

[0193] In one example, the communication device is a RAN node, which can be used to implement any of the methods executed by the RAN node in the foregoing embodiments.

[0194] For example, processing module 1002 is used to determine first information, which is used to indicate to the terminal that there is a paging message to be received; interface module 1001 is used to send the first information n times in turn through m beams in different directions, the n first information being divided into a parts, which are sent sequentially in discontinuous time periods, where m is a positive integer, n is an integer greater than 1, and a is a positive integer. For example, processing module 1002 is used to execute S501 in the aforementioned embodiment, and interface module 1001 is used to execute S502 in the aforementioned embodiment, which will not be elaborated here.

[0195] In another example, the communication device is a terminal, which can be used to implement any of the methods executed by the terminal in the foregoing embodiments.

[0196] For example, interface module 1001 is used to receive n first messages, where each n first messages is sent sequentially in non-contiguous time periods by the wireless access network in a parts. Each first message indicates the existence of a paging message to be received, where m is a positive integer, n is an integer greater than 1, and a is a positive integer. Processing module 1002 is used to merge the n first messages and obtain the paging message to be received indicated by the first messages. For example, interface module 1001 executes S801 in the aforementioned embodiment, and processing module 1002 executes S802 in the aforementioned embodiment; these details will not be elaborated upon here.

[0197] When the communication device is used to implement the functions of a RAN node or terminal, other functions that the communication device 110 can implement can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9, which will not be elaborated further.

[0198] In a simplified embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication device 110 can take the form shown in FIG4. For example, the processor 401 in FIG4 can invoke computer execution instructions stored in memory 403 to cause the communication device 110 to perform the method described in the above-described method embodiment.

[0199] For example, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1002 and interface module 1001 in FIG10 can be implemented by the processor 401 in FIG4 calling the computer program 407 stored in the memory 403. Alternatively, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1002 in FIG10 can be implemented by the processor 401 in FIG4 calling the computer program 407 stored in the memory 403, and the functions / implementation processes of the interface module 1001 in FIG10 can be implemented by the transceiver 402 in FIG4.

[0200] It is understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or it can be a stand-alone semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0201] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0202] Optionally, this application also provides a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0203] Optionally, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program can include the processes described in the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device in any of the foregoing embodiments, such as the hard disk or memory of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the communication device, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the communication device. Further, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can include both internal storage units and external storage devices of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium is used to store the aforementioned computer program and other programs and data required by the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0204] Optionally, this application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the above computer program product, and when executed, it can include the processes described in the above method embodiments.

[0205] Optionally, this application also provides computer instructions. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions instructing related hardware (such as a computer, processor, terminal, or RAN node). The program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium or the aforementioned computer program product.

[0206] Optionally, this application also provides a communication system, including: the RAN node and terminal shown in the embodiment of FIG5.

[0207] Optionally, this application also provides a communication system, including: the RAN node and terminal shown in the embodiment of FIG7.

[0208] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0209] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0210] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0211] 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.

[0212] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A signal transmission method, characterized in that, The method includes: First information is determined, which is used to indicate to the terminal that there is a paging message to be received; The first information is transmitted n times in turn by beams from m different directions. The first information is divided into a parts and transmitted sequentially in non-contiguous time periods, where m is a positive integer, n is an integer greater than 1, and a is a positive integer.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The time interval between the first part of the information transmitted via the first beam and the time interval between the second part of the information transmitted via the first beam is b time units; wherein the first part and the second part are two parts among the a parts.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information includes prompt information and system information. The prompt information is used to indicate to the terminal that there is a paging message to be received, and the system information is used by the terminal to perform cell reselection.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The system information includes one or more of the following: tracking area information corresponding to the terminal, configuration information of the prompt information, or indication information indicating that the system information has changed. The configuration information of the prompt information is used to configure the sending method of the first information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: A first synchronization signal is sent, which is used to indicate the scheduling parameters for sending the first information, and the scheduling parameters are used by the terminal to receive the first information.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The scheduling parameters include one or more of the following: the frequency domain location information of the first information, the time domain location information of the first information, the index of the modulation and coding scheme of the first information, the number of times the first information is transmitted, or the transport block scaling information of the first information.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The time-domain location information of the first information includes a first time interval, which is the time interval between the time-domain location of the first synchronization signal and the time-domain location of the first information.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that, The prompt sequence carried in the first synchronization signal is determined from multiple candidate sequences, and different candidate sequences correspond to different scheduling parameters.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The scheduling parameters indicated by the first synchronization signal are related to the payload of the first information.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The plurality of candidate sequences are determined based on one or more of the following methods: initial values ​​of pseudo-random sequences, roots of Zadoff-Chu sequences, cyclic shifts, or orthogonal masks.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The step of sending the first information n times in turn from m different directions includes: Within each of the multiple time periods, the first information is sent n times in turn through the m different directions.

12. A signal transmission method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first information is received q times. The first information is included in n times when the wireless access network node is divided into a parts and sent in turn by beams in m different directions, and sent sequentially in discontinuous time periods. The first information indicates that there is a paging message to be received. Here, m is a positive integer, q and n are integers greater than 1, and q is less than or equal to n. a is a positive integer. The first information is merged q times, and the paging message to be received indicated by the first information is obtained.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The time interval between the first part of the first information and the time interval between the second part of the first information is b time units; wherein, both the first part and the second part are transmitted through the first beam, and the first part and the second part are two parts of the a parts corresponding to the first information.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The first information includes prompt information and system information. The prompt information is used to indicate that there is a paging message to be received, and the system information is used by the terminal to perform cell reselection.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, The system information includes one or more of the following: tracking area information corresponding to the terminal, configuration information of the prompt information, or indication information indicating that the system information has changed. The configuration information of the prompt information is used to configure the sending method of the first information.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that, The method further includes: A first synchronization signal is received, which is used to indicate the scheduling parameters for receiving the first information, and the scheduling parameters are used to receive the first information.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The scheduling parameters include one or more of the following: the frequency domain location information of the first information, the time domain location information of the first information, the index of the modulation and coding scheme of the first information, the number of times the first information is transmitted, or the transport block scaling information of the first information.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The time-domain location information of the first information includes a first time interval, which is the time interval between the time-domain location of the first synchronization signal and the time-domain location of the first information.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16-18, characterized in that, The prompt sequence carried in the first synchronization signal is determined from multiple candidate sequences, and different candidate sequences correspond to different scheduling parameters.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The scheduling parameters indicated by the first synchronization signal are related to the payload of the first information.

21. The method according to any one of claims 12-20, characterized in that, The receiving of the first information n times includes: Within each of the multiple time periods, the n first messages are received.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, or a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 12-21.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer program instructions, which, when executed, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, or the method as described in any one of claims 12-21.

24. A computer program product containing instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a computer, it causes the method as described in any one of claims 1-11 to be implemented, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 12-21 to be implemented.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a program or instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-11, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 12-21.

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