Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and a related apparatus. In the method, upon receipt of a synchronization signal block (SSB), a terminal device can perform beam feedback by means of first information, and determines, on the basis of whether the terminal device received a paging message or whether the paging message carries a first identifier, whether it is necessary to increase the power to perform beam feedback again. The method can reduce the serious load of a network side caused by beam scanning and the decrease in paging capability, and can allow a terminal device to determine, on the basis of whether the terminal device received a paging message or whether the paging message carries a first identifier, whether it is necessary to increase the power to perform beam feedback again, so as to improve the success of beam feedback.

Description

A communication method and related apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411807737.4, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 9, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Related Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] In a communication system, when a terminal device is in the radio resource control (RRC) idle state or RRC inactive state, it can switch to the RRC connected state through random access, thereby enabling data transmission.

[0004] Currently, random access requires searching a synchronization signal block (SSB) to obtain synchronization and system information resources. The SSB includes the primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and physical broadcast channel (PBCH). Terminal devices can receive paging messages via the paging occasion (PO) indicated by the system information block (SIB) and then perform random access. In multi-beam scenarios, the same paging message will be transmitted in all beam directions.

[0005] However, performing beam scanning on the network side within a single point of purchase (PO) can lead to a significant network load, and due to the broadcast nature of paging messages, the paging capability of each PO will also decrease. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus. After receiving an SSB, the terminal device can perform beam feedback through the first information, and determine whether to increase the power to perform beam feedback again based on whether a paging message is received or whether the paging message carries the first identifier, thereby improving the success rate of beam feedback.

[0007] This application provides a communication method in its first aspect, which can be applied to a terminal-side device, such as a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip) responsible for communication functions within the terminal. In this first aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described using an example of execution by a terminal device. In this method, the terminal-side device receives at least one synchronization signal block (SSB); transmits first information using a first power, the first information indicating a first index of a first beam, and the beam associated with at least one SSB includes the first beam. If a first condition is met, second information is transmitted using a second power; the first condition includes one or more of the following: no paging message is received within a preset time period, or the received paging message does not include a first identifier associated with the terminal device; the first identifier is associated with the first index, and the second power is greater than or equal to the first power.

[0008] Optionally, the first information can also be called beam feedback information or SSB feedback information, where the first beam is related to the paging message. Specifically, the first beam may be related to the transmission method of the paging message, and / or the first beam may be related to the content carried in the paging message. Alternatively, it can be understood as the first information being related to the paging message. Specifically, the first information may be related to the transmission method of the paging message, and / or the first information may be related to the content carried in the paging message. Alternatively, it can be understood as the first index being related to the paging message. Specifically, the first index may be related to the transmission method of the paging message, and / or the first index may be related to the content carried in the paging message. Alternatively, the purpose of the first information may be to inform the network device that a terminal device exists in a certain SSB direction. After receiving the beam feedback information, the network device sends a paging message in a specific direction (also known as directional) based on the beam feedback information. Or, the purpose of the first information may be to inform the network device that a terminal device with a first identifier exists in a certain SSB direction. After receiving the beam feedback information, the network device sends a paging message carrying only information related to the first identifier in a directional or omnidirectional manner based on the beam feedback information. If a terminal device receives a paging message, it can determine whether the network device has received beam feedback based on whether the paging message carries a first identifier. For example, if the paging message does not carry the first identifier, the terminal device determines that the network device has not received beam feedback and can retransmit the beam feedback with increased power. If the paging message carries the first identifier, the terminal device can determine that the network device has received beam feedback.

[0009] In addition, the terminal device can be in an RRC disconnected state when sending the first information. The terminal device in the RRC disconnected state can be in an RRC inactive state, an RRC idle state, a power-saving mode, a basic mode, or a default mode, etc., and there are no specific restrictions here.

[0010] Based on the above technical solution, after receiving the SSB, the terminal device can perform beam feedback using the first information. This allows the network side to send a paging message in the direction of the beam fed back by the terminal device, carrying a first identifier related to the terminal device. On one hand, the network side can send paging messages in the required beam direction based on the terminal device's beam feedback, thereby reducing the heavy load on the network side caused by beam scanning and the decrease in paging capability. On the other hand, when sending a paging message, the network side can determine whether user information can be omitted based on whether the terminal device has beam feedback, thus reducing the content carried in the paging message. Furthermore, the terminal device can determine whether to increase power and re-perform beam feedback based on whether it has received a paging message or whether the paging message carries the first identifier, thereby improving the success rate of beam feedback.

[0011] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second information mentioned above is the first information, and the second power is greater than the first power.

[0012] In this possible implementation, the terminal device can improve the success rate of the network device receiving the second information by increasing the power (i.e., using a second power greater than the first power) when sending the second information.

[0013] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned second information is used to indicate the second index of the second beam.

[0014] In this possible implementation, the beam pattern applicable to the terminal device changes, and the terminal device updates the beam feedback using second information. For example, it can be applied to scenarios where the beam pattern changes due to the terminal device's movement or scenarios where the terminal device's service requirements change.

[0015] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the terminal device described above may also receive first indication information, which is used to indicate one or more of the following: first power, second power, increment, power used for the Nth retransmission or the number of retransmissions; the increment is the difference between the second power and the first power, the number of retransmissions is used to indicate the number of times the beam index is retransmitted, and N is an integer greater than 0.

[0016] Here, the first power can also be called the initial power, and the increment can be understood as the power difference between each retransmission and the previous transmission. This increment can be a fixed value, a single increment, or multiple values, etc., and is not limited here.

[0017] In this possible implementation, the terminal device determines the transmit power used for subsequent retransmission beam feedback by receiving the first indication information. This not only enables the terminal device to determine the power used for transmitting beam feedback, but also improves the success rate of beam feedback by incrementally increasing the increment.

[0018] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned first power is related to the received power of the physical random access channel and the path loss.

[0019] In this possible implementation, the received power and path loss of the physical random access channel are introduced into the determination of the first power, thereby making the determination of the first power more reasonable.

[0020] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned first identifier related to the terminal device includes: the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the group to which the terminal device belongs.

[0021] In this possible implementation, the first identifier can be either the identifier of the terminal device itself or a group identifier. For example, using a group identifier of the terminal device can reduce the amount of information the terminal device needs to provide compared to the terminal device providing the entire terminal device identifier, thereby reducing the overhead of feedback.

[0022] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, if the terminal device retransmits the first index a number of times greater than or equal to the first threshold, then a random access procedure is performed.

[0023] In this possible implementation, multiple fallback mechanisms are introduced to avoid affecting the normal operation of the communication system. For example, if the number of times the terminal device retransmits the first index is greater than or equal to the first threshold, a random access request is sent.

[0024] A second aspect of this application provides a communication method, which is executed by a network device, or by a component (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) within the network device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. In this second aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described as being executed by a network device. In this method, the network device sends at least one synchronization signal block (SSB); if a first message is received, a paging message is sent in the direction of a first beam, the first message indicating a first index of the first beam fed back by the terminal device, the beam associated with the at least one SSB including the first beam, and the paging message including an identifier associated with the terminal device. If a second condition is met, the paging message is sent omnidirectionally; the second condition includes one or more of the following: no random access request from the terminal device is received within a first time period, no first message is received within a second time period, the terminal device fails to complete random access within a third time period, and no second message is received within a fourth time period, the second message indicating the first index, and the power of the second message being greater than or equal to the power of the first message.

[0025] Optionally, the first information can also be called beam feedback information or SSB feedback information, where the first beam is related to the paging message. Specifically, the first beam may be related to the transmission method of the paging message, and / or the first beam may be related to the content carried in the paging message. Alternatively, it can be understood as the first information being related to the paging message. Specifically, the first information may be related to the transmission method of the paging message, and / or the first information may be related to the content carried in the paging message. Alternatively, it can be understood as the first index being related to the paging message. Specifically, the first index may be related to the transmission method of the paging message, and / or the first index may be related to the content carried in the paging message. Alternatively, the purpose of the first information may be to inform the network device that a terminal device exists in a certain SSB direction. After receiving the beam feedback information, the network device sends a paging message in a specific direction (also known as directional) based on the beam feedback information. Or, the purpose of the first information may be to inform the network device that a terminal device with a first identifier exists in a certain SSB direction. After receiving the beam feedback information, the network device sends a paging message carrying only information related to the first identifier in a directional or omnidirectional manner based on the beam feedback information. If a terminal device receives a paging message, it can determine whether the network device has received beam feedback based on whether the paging message carries a first identifier. For example, if the paging message does not carry the first identifier, the terminal device determines that the network device has not received beam feedback and can retransmit the beam feedback with increased power. If the paging message carries the first identifier, the terminal device can determine that the network device has received beam feedback.

[0026] Based on the above technical solution, after sending an SSB, the network device can determine the beam feedback of the terminal device through the first information. This allows the network side to send a paging message in the direction of the beam feedback from the terminal device, carrying a first identifier related to the terminal device. On one hand, the network side can send paging messages in the required beam direction based on the terminal device's beam feedback, thereby reducing the heavy load and paging capability degradation caused by beam scanning. On the other hand, when sending a paging message, the network side can determine whether user information can be omitted based on whether the terminal device has beam feedback, thus reducing the content carried in the paging message. Furthermore, the network device can perform a fallback process based on a second condition, thereby reducing abnormal operation of the communication system due to paging failures.

[0027] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned second information is the first information, and the second power is greater than the first power.

[0028] In this possible implementation, the terminal device can improve the success rate of the network device receiving the second information by increasing the power (i.e., using a second power greater than the first power) when sending the second information.

[0029] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned second information is used to indicate the second index of the second beam.

[0030] In this possible implementation, the network device determines the beam changes of the terminal device through the second information. For example, it can be applied to scenarios where the beam changes due to the terminal device's movement or scenarios where the terminal device's service requirements change.

[0031] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the network device described above may also send first indication information, which is used to indicate one or more of the following: first power, second power, increment, power used for the Nth retransmission or the number of retransmissions; the increment is the difference between the second power and the first power, the number of retransmissions is used to indicate the number of times the beam index is retransmitted, and N is an integer greater than 0.

[0032] Here, the first power can also be called the initial power, and the increment can be understood as the power difference between each retransmission and the previous transmission. This increment can be a fixed value, a single increment, or multiple values, etc., and is not limited here.

[0033] In this possible implementation, the terminal device determines the transmit power used for subsequent retransmission beam feedback by receiving the first indication information. This not only enables the terminal device to determine the power used for transmitting beam feedback, but also improves the success rate of beam feedback by incrementally increasing the increment.

[0034] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned first power is related to the received power of the physical random access channel and the path loss.

[0035] In this possible implementation, the received power and path loss of the physical random access channel are introduced into the determination of the first power, thereby making the determination of the first power more reasonable.

[0036] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first identifier related to the terminal device mentioned above includes: the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the group to which the terminal device belongs.

[0037] In this possible implementation, the first identifier can be either the identifier of the terminal device itself or a group identifier. For example, using a group identifier of the terminal device can reduce the amount of information the terminal device needs to provide compared to the terminal device providing the entire terminal device identifier, thereby reducing the overhead of feedback.

[0038] A third aspect of this application provides a communication device, which is a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Taking the terminal device as an example, the terminal device includes a transceiver unit. Alternatively, the terminal device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. Each unit is used to perform:

[0039] The transceiver unit is used to receive at least one synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0040] The transceiver unit is also configured to transmit first information using a first power, the first information being used to indicate a first index of a first beam, and at least one beam associated with an SSB including the first beam.

[0041] The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit second information using a second power if a first condition is met; the first condition includes one or more of the following: no paging message is received within a preset time period, or the received paging message does not include a first identifier related to the terminal device; the first identifier is associated with a first index, and the second power is greater than or equal to the first power.

[0042] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned second information is the first information, and the second power is greater than the first power.

[0043] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned second information is used to indicate the second index of the second beam.

[0044] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to receive first indication information, which indicates one or more of the following: first power, second power, increment, power used for the Nth retransmission, or number of retransmissions; the increment is the difference between the second power and the first power, the number of retransmissions indicates the number of times the beam index is retransmitted, and N is an integer greater than 0.

[0045] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned first power is related to the received power of the physical random access channel and the path loss.

[0046] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned first identifier related to the terminal device includes: the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the group to which the terminal device belongs.

[0047] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned processing unit is configured to perform a random access procedure if the number of times the first index is retransmitted is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0048] A fourth aspect of this application provides a communication device, which is a network device, or a component of a network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device. Taking a network device as an example, the network device includes a transceiver unit. Alternatively, the network device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. Each unit is used to perform:

[0049] The transceiver unit is used to transmit at least one synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0050] The transceiver unit is also configured to send a paging message in the direction of the first beam if the first information is received, the first information being used to indicate the first index of the first beam fed back by the terminal device, the beam associated with at least one SSB including the first beam, and the paging message including an identifier associated with the terminal device.

[0051] The transceiver unit is also used to send a paging message omnidirectionally if the second condition is met;

[0052] The second condition includes one or more of the following: no random access request is received from the terminal device in the first time period, no first information is received in the second time period, the terminal device fails to complete random access in the third time period, and no second information is received in the fourth time period, wherein the second information is used to indicate the first index, and the power of the second information is greater than or equal to the power of the first information.

[0053] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the second information mentioned above is the first information, and the second power is greater than the first power.

[0054] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned second information is used to indicate the second index of the second beam.

[0055] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit described above is further configured to transmit first indication information, which indicates one or more of the following: first power, second power, increment, power used for the Nth retransmission, or number of retransmissions; the increment is the difference between the second power and the first power, the number of retransmissions indicates the number of times the beam index is retransmitted, and N is an integer greater than 0.

[0056] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned first power is related to the received power of the physical random access channel and the path loss.

[0057] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first identifier related to the terminal device mentioned above includes: the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the group to which the terminal device belongs.

[0058] A fifth aspect of this application provides a communication device comprising a memory and one or more processors. The memory stores part or all of a computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions described in the first aspect. The one or more processors are executable to carry out the computer program or instructions, such that when executed, the communication device implements the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect.

[0059] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0060] In one possible design, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0061] The aforementioned communication device may be a terminal, or a communication module in a terminal, or a chip in a terminal that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) containing a modem module, or a chip or a system-in-package (SIP) chip.

[0062] The sixth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one processor, and a method for the at least one processor to implement any of the possible implementations of the second aspect described above.

[0063] In one possible design, the communication device further includes at least one memory, and at least one processor is coupled to at least one memory; the at least one memory is used to store a program or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to enable the device to implement any of the possible implementations of the second aspect described above.

[0064] Understandably, at least one memory device may also be external to the communication device.

[0065] The seventh aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one logic circuit and at least one input / output interface; the logic circuit is used to perform a method as described in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect above.

[0066] The eighth aspect of this application provides a communication system, which includes a communication device that is an implementation of any of the possible embodiments of the third aspect and the fourth aspect.

[0067] The ninth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, perform a method as described in any possible implementation of either the first or second aspect above.

[0068] The tenth aspect of this application provides a computer program product (or computer program) in which, when the computer program in the computer program product is executed by the processor, the processor executes any possible implementation of either the first or second aspect described above.

[0069] The eleventh aspect of this application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the method described in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect above.

[0070] In one possible design, the chip system may further include at least one memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components. Optionally, the chip system may also include interface circuitry that provides program instructions and / or data to at least one processor.

[0071] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects three through eleven can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in aspects one or two above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0072] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the communication system involved in this application;

[0073] Figure 1B is another schematic diagram of the communication system involved in this application;

[0074] Figure 1C is another schematic diagram of the communication system involved in this application;

[0075] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of a burst set involved in this application;

[0076] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of beam scanning during paging in this application;

[0077] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method involved in this application;

[0078] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the first signal involved in this application;

[0079] Figure 5 is another schematic diagram of the first signal involved in this application;

[0080] Figure 6 is a simplified before-and-after diagram of the beam feedback and paging messages involved in this application;

[0081] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the beam feedback and the first signal involved in this application;

[0082] Figures 8 to 11 are several structural schematic diagrams of the communication device involved in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0083] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0084] First, some terms in the embodiments of this application will be explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0085] 1. Configuration and Pre-configuration: This application uses both configuration and pre-configuration. Configuration refers to the network device / server sending configuration information or parameter values ​​to the terminal via messages or signaling, so that the terminal can determine communication parameters or transmission resources based on these values ​​or information. Pre-configuration is similar to configuration; it can be parameter information or parameter values ​​pre-negotiated between the network device / server and the terminal device, parameter information or parameter values ​​specified by standard protocols for use by the base station / network device or terminal device, or parameter information or parameter values ​​pre-stored in the base station / server or terminal device. This application does not limit this.

[0086] Furthermore, these values ​​and parameters can be changed or updated.

[0087] 2. In this application, "instruction" may include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0088] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed. For example, it can be implemented through direct instruction, such as through the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also be implemented indirectly by instructing other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. Alternatively, only a part of the information to be instructed can be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent.

[0089] The information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. This application does not limit the specific sending method. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device. This configuration information can include, for example, but not limited to, one or a combination of at least two of radio resource control (RRC) signaling, medium access control (MAC) layer signaling, and physical layer signaling. MAC layer signaling includes, for example, MAC layer control elements (CE); physical layer signaling includes, for example, downlink control information (DCI), uplink control information (UCI), sidelink control information (SCI), etc.

[0090] 3. In the embodiments of this application, "sending / reporting" and "receiving" indicate the direction of signal transmission. In this application, entity A sends / reports information to entity B, either directly to B or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be radio access network (RAN) nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. The sending / reporting and receiving of information can be information interaction between RAN nodes and terminals, such as information interaction between a base station and a terminal; it can also be information interaction between two RAN nodes, such as information interaction between a CU and a DU; or it can be information interaction between different modules within a device, such as information interaction between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or information interaction between a base station chip and other modules of the base station. "Send / report" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, such as the baseband chip outputting information to the radio frequency chip, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface; for example, "send / report" can also be understood as the baseband part inside the device outputting information to the radio frequency part, and "receive" can also be understood as the radio frequency part inside the device receiving the output information from the baseband part.

[0091] 4. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, "at least one of A, B and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC. And, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority or importance of multiple objects.

[0092] 5. In this application, the terms "exemplarily," "for example," etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the term "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0093] 6. Beam

[0094] A beam is a communication resource. Beams can be wide, narrow, or other types. The technology used to form beams is called beamforming. Beamforming refers to adjusting the amplitude and / or phase of a signal so that the radiated signal through an antenna array has a certain directionality, enabling higher antenna array gain. The main lobe of the antenna array's radiation pattern can be called the beam.

[0095] Beamforming, also known as spatial filtering, works by using multiple antennas (phased arrays) to transmit identical signals and adjusting parameters such as angle and phase to greatly enhance the strength of the signal transmitted along a specified direction.

[0096] Specifically, beamforming technology includes digital beamforming (DBF), analog beamforming (ABF), and hybrid digital-analog beamforming (HBF). DBF technology adjusts the phase (or amplitude and phase) of the signal in the digital domain through each of multiple digital processing channels, giving the radiated signal through the antenna directionality. Therefore, DBF technology can achieve the function of a spatial transmission filter using multiple digital processing channels. ABF technology transmits signals simultaneously using an antenna array composed of multiple antenna elements, with each antenna element corresponding to a phase shifter. By adjusting the phase of the phase shifter corresponding to each antenna element, the radiated signal through the antenna array is made directional. Therefore, ABF technology can achieve the function of a spatial transmission filter using multiple phase shifters corresponding to multiple elements in the antenna array. HBF technology is a combination of ABF and DBF technologies, incorporating both multiple digital processing channels and multiple analog phase shifters. Therefore, for hybrid beamforming technology, the function of the aforementioned spatial transmission filter can be achieved through multiple phase shifters corresponding to multiple array elements in the antenna array and multiple digital processing channels. However, this application is not limited to this; the aforementioned spatial transmission filter can also be implemented through other technologies.

[0097] The above explains some of the terms used in this application. The following describes the communication system used in the embodiments of this application.

[0098] Please refer to Figure 1A, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 10 used in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system 10 may also include an Internet 300. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1A, collectively referred to as 110), and may also include at least one terminal device (120a-120j in Figure 1A, collectively referred to as 120). The RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1A). The terminal device 120 is wirelessly connected to the RAN node 110, and the RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the core network 200. The core network device in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 can be independent and different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of the core network device and the logical functions of the RAN node. Terminal devices and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means.

[0099] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, or a future radio access system as defined in 3GPP. RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0100] A RAN node, which can be a radio access network device, RAN entity, or access node, is used to help terminal devices access the communication system wirelessly. Furthermore, network equipment is located on the network side; this network equipment can be a RAN node or core network equipment. RAN nodes can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small cells), relay stations, access points, etc. The name of the RAN node may differ in systems employing different radio access technologies. It is understood that all or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN node.

[0101] In one application scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. A RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1A, 110a), a micro base station or an indoor station (as shown in Figure 1A, 110b), a relay node or a donor node, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Of course, in future communication systems, RAN nodes may also be wearable devices or vehicle-mounted devices, etc.

[0102] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminal devices achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control Protocol (RRCP) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RAN) and MAC layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes or integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0103] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, a RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes.

[0104] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from RAN nodes. Terminal devices can also be called user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminal devices, etc. They can be widely used in various scenarios, such as wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the terminal devices. Terminal devices typically contain communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The terminal device is also configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions.

[0105] For example, a terminal device is a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices or smart wearable devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not just hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on only one type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets, smart helmets, and smart jewelry.

[0106] For ease of description, the communication system illustrated in Figure 1A is described using the RAN node as a base station as an example. It is understood that when the communication system includes an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network, the base station can be an IAB node. It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the base station and the access network equipment can be interchanged.

[0107] Base stations and terminal equipment can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminal equipment.

[0108] The roles of base stations and terminal devices can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1A can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 120j that access the wireless access network 100 through 120i, terminal device 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal device, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, both base stations and terminal devices can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1A can be called communication devices with base station functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1A can be called communication devices with terminal device functions.

[0109] Communication between base stations and terminal devices, between base stations, and between terminal devices can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0110] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal device can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal device, or by a device that includes terminal device functions.

[0111] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. In order to communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection on a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell.

[0112] RAN100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1A, collectively referred to as 110), and may also include at least one terminal device (120a-120j in Figure 1A, collectively referred to as 120).

[0113] In one possible implementation, the communication system shown in Figure 1A can also be as shown in Figure 1B, comprising a RAN node 110 and multiple terminal devices (120A and 120B in Figure 1B). In this case, a single RAN node can transmit data or control signaling to one or more terminal devices.

[0114] In another possible implementation, the communication system shown in Figure 1A can also be as shown in Figure 1C, comprising multiple RAN nodes (110A, 110B, and 110C in Figure 1C) 110 and a terminal device 120. In this case, the multiple RAN nodes can simultaneously transmit data or control signaling to a single terminal device.

[0115] The technical solution of this application can be applied to cellular communication systems related to the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). For example, 4th generation (4G) communication systems, 5G communication systems, and communication systems beyond the 5th generation. For example, future communication systems. For example, 4th generation communication systems may include Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication systems. 5th generation communication systems may include NR communication systems. The technical solution of this application can also be applied to WiFi systems, standalone (SA) scenarios, dual connectivity (DC), macro-micro scenarios composed of base stations of different forms (e.g., scenarios with both wide-coverage and small-coverage base stations), D2D systems, V2X communication systems, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), IAB communication scenarios, reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) communication scenarios, etc., and is not specifically limited here.

[0116] Currently, random access requires searching for synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) to obtain synchronization and system information resources. The SSB is a crucial physical layer structure, primarily comprising the primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and physical broadcast channel (PBCH). Terminal devices can receive paging messages based on the paging occasion (PO) indicated by the system information block, and then initiate random access.

[0117] As described in the previous section on beamforming, SSBs can be included in bursts. For example, as shown in Figure 2A, an SSB burst includes SSBs in various beamforming directions, indicating different random access resources. The direction of the SSB is associated with the direction of paging and the preamble. Similarly, paging messages can also use beamforming technology. That is, the network side scans the entire space of the PO (Positioning Object) to paging terminal devices. As shown in Figure 2B, in this case, the terminal device will only receive paging messages within the beam.

[0118] However, performing beam scanning on the network side within a single point of purchase (PO) can lead to a significant network load, and due to the broadcast nature of paging messages, the paging capability of each PO will also decrease.

[0119] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and related apparatus. After receiving an SSB (Service Segmentation Bus), the terminal device can perform beam feedback using first information. This allows the network side to send a paging message directionally in the beam direction fed back by the terminal device, and the paging message carries a first identifier associated with the terminal device. On one hand, the network side can send paging messages in the desired beam direction based on the terminal device's beam feedback, thereby reducing the heavy load on the network side caused by beam scanning and the decrease in paging capability. On the other hand, when sending a paging message, the network side can determine whether user information can be omitted based on whether the terminal device has beam feedback, thus reducing the content carried in the paging message. Furthermore, the terminal device can determine whether to increase power and re-perform beam feedback based on whether it has received a paging message or whether the paging message carries the first identifier, thereby improving the success rate of beam feedback.

[0120] Please refer to Figure 3, a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application embodiment. This method may include steps 301 to 306. Steps 301 to 306 can be executed by a communication device, or by some components of the communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device. The following description uses execution by a communication device as an example. The processing performed by a single execution entity in steps 301 to 306 can also be divided into multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. For example, when the communication device is an access network device, the processing performed by the communication device can be divided into execution by at least one network element such as a CU, DU, or RU. This method can be applied to any of the system architectures shown in Figures 1A to 1C, and specific limitations are not specified here.

[0121] Due to the long intervals between the steps, steps 301 to 306 are briefly described here first, and then described in detail later. Step 301: The network device sends a first indication message to the terminal device. Step 302: The network device sends at least one SSB to the terminal device. Step 303: The terminal device sends a first message to the network device using a first power. Step 304: If the network device receives the first message but does not send a paging message in the direction of the first beam, Step 305: If a second condition is met, a paging message is sent omnidirectionally. Step 306: If the first condition is met, a second message is sent to the network device using a second power. The following is a detailed description of each step:

[0122] It should be noted that in this embodiment, when the terminal device sends the first information to the network device while in the RRC disconnected state, the RRC state of the terminal device in step 301 is not limited. For example, when the terminal device is in the RRC connected state, the network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device. When the terminal device is in the RRC disconnected state, the terminal device sends the first indication information to the network device. The terminal device sends the first information to the network device while in the RRC disconnected state. Another example is that the terminal device sends the second information to the network device while in the RRC disconnected state, etc., and the specific details are not limited here. The terminal device in the RRC disconnected state can be a terminal device in the RRC inactive state, a terminal device in the RRC idle state, a terminal device in power-saving mode or basic mode, or a terminal device in default mode, etc., and the specific details are not limited here. For example, when the terminal device is in the RRC idle state, the network device can specifically refer to a core network device or a RAN node. Another example is that when the terminal device is in the RRC inactive state, the network device can refer to a RAN node, etc.

[0123] Step 301: The network device sends the first instruction information to the terminal device. This step is optional.

[0124] Optionally, in step 301, the network device sends first indication information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information sent by the network device. The terminal device can be one of the terminal devices shown in Figures 1A to 1C, and the network device can be one of the RAN nodes or base stations shown in Figures 1A to 1C. The number of network devices and the number of terminal devices can be one or more; no specific limitation is made here.

[0125] Optionally, the first indication information may be carried in one or more of the following: system information block (SIB), RRC signaling, DCI, MAC CE, etc., without specific limitations here. Here, SIB can be understood as SIB1 or other system information (OSI), and OSI can be understood as at least one of SIB2-SIBX, where X is an integer greater than 1. Optionally, the first indication information may also be pre-configured, without specific limitations here. Furthermore, the SIB carrying the first indication information can be obtained through the SSB in step 303, without specific limitations here.

[0126] The first indication information in this embodiment is used to indicate the transmission power associated with the physical random access channel (PRACH) or the random access channel (RACH).

[0127] Optionally, the first indication information is used to indicate one or more of the following: first power, second power, increment, number of retransmissions, or power used in the Nth retransmission, etc., and the specific details are not limited here. The first indication information in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as power configuration information, retransmission power configuration information, or retransmission configuration information, etc.

[0128] Here, the first power can also be called the initial power, which can be understood as the transmission power of the initial transmission beam feedback. The second power can be the transmission power of the retransmission beam feedback. The second power is greater than or equal to the first power.

[0129] The increment is the amount of power added when retransmitting the beam index. The amount of power added each time can be the same or different. For example, the difference between the power of the third transmitted beam index and the power of the second transmitted beam index is A power, the difference between the power of the fourth transmitted beam index and the power of the third transmitted beam index is A power, and so on. Another example is that the difference between the power of the third transmitted beam index and the power of the second transmitted beam index is A power, the difference between the power of the fourth transmitted beam index and the power of the third transmitted beam index is A+B power, and so on. A and B are real numbers greater than 0. For example, the difference between the second power and the first power is A.

[0130] The increment can be a fixed value, an incrementing value, or multiple values, etc., and there are no specific restrictions here.

[0131] The retransmission count indicates the number of times beam feedback is retransmitted, where N is an integer greater than 0.

[0132] The power used for the Nth retransmission can be indicated by a table, or indirectly by the initial power and increment, etc., without being limited here.

[0133] Furthermore, the first indication information can be used for multiple terminal devices (e.g., subsequent general configuration) or for a specific terminal device (e.g., subsequent specific configuration), etc., without limitation here. For example, when the terminal device is in RRC disconnected state, the first indication information can be a general configuration performed through SIB or OSI (e.g., UE1 and UE2 receive the same first indication information). As another example, when the terminal device is in RRC connected state, the network device can configure the first indication information for a specific terminal device through RRC signaling (e.g., UE1 and UE2 receive different first configuration information, and the first configuration information received by UE1 carries an identifier related to UE1, while the second configuration information received by UE2 carries an identifier related to UE2). Of course, when the terminal device is in RRC connected state, the network device can also perform general / specific configurations for one or more terminal devices through RRC signaling, etc., without limitation here.

[0134] For example, the aforementioned "instruction" can be understood as configuration or configuration instruction, activation or activation instruction, or enable or enable instruction, etc., without specific limitations here. For instance, taking the first instruction information used to indicate the first power as an example, this step 301 can also be understood as the process by which the network device configures the first power for the terminal device. It can also be understood as the process by which the network device activates or enables the first power for the terminal device.

[0135] For example, when the instruction is interpreted as a configuration, the network device configures a first power for the terminal device using the first instruction information. For instance, after receiving the first instruction information, the terminal device can use the first power indicated by the first instruction information. Alternatively, after receiving the first instruction information, the terminal device may also need to receive an activation instruction before it can use the aforementioned first power, etc., but the specifics are not limited here.

[0136] For example, if the indication is interpreted as an activation indication, the network device has already configured / pre-configured the first power for the terminal device before step 301. However, the terminal device needs to receive the activation indication before using it. This can also be understood as the configuration previously provided by the network device to the terminal device not being activated; the first indication information activates the first power so that the terminal device can use it. That is, after configuration or pre-configuration, the terminal device knows that the first power can be used based on the content indicated by the first indication information.

[0137] There are various specific indication methods for the first indication information in the embodiments of this application, and the following examples are provided for illustrative description.

[0138] The first scenario is defined by a static protocol.

[0139] In this case, the association between the carrier frequency and the specific information indicated by the first indication information can be agreed upon through a static protocol.

[0140] For example, consider a scenario where the first indication information is used to indicate initial power, increment, and number of retransmissions. The relationship between the carrier frequency and the first indication information in this case can be illustrated in Table 1. Alternatively, the specific details of the first indication information can be understood as shown in Table 1.

[0141] Table 1

[0142] The power configuration information for carrier frequency bands n257, n258, or n259 is as follows: initial power of 22, increment of 1, and retransmission count of 5. The power configuration information for carrier frequency bands n260, n261, or n262 is as follows: initial power of 23, increment of 1, and retransmission coefficient of 5.

[0143] It is understandable that Table 1 is only an example of the relationship between carrier frequency and first indication information and the values ​​of each parameter. In practical applications, there may be other parameters or other values, which are not limited here.

[0144] The second scenario involves formulas.

[0145] In this case, by configuring the corresponding formula, the terminal device can calculate the specific information indicated by the first indication information based on the parameters and the formula.

[0146] Optionally, the first power is related to the received power of the PRACH and the path loss.

[0147] For example, this case is described exemplarily using the example of the initial power indicated by the first indication information. For instance, the formula related to the first indication information in this case can be as shown in Formula 1. Or it can be understood as: the initial power satisfies the following Formula 1.

[0148] Formula 1: P PRACH =P target +PL;

[0149] Among them, P PRACH P represents the initial power. targetPL represents the target received power, and PL represents the measured path loss. That is, Formula 1 can be understood as the PRACH transmit power being the sum of the target received power and the measured path loss. This path loss can be measured by one or more of the following: wake-up signal (WUS), low-power-wake-up signal (LP-WUS), low-power-synchronous signal (LP-SS), SSB, or channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), etc., without further limitation here.

[0150] Optionally, the target received power mentioned above can be configured by the base station. For example, the target received power is related to parameters such as signal format or subcarrier spacing. The signal format can refer to the preamble format or on-off keying (OOK) modulation method, etc. For example, the correlation between the target received power and the preamble format or subcarrier spacing can be shown in Table 2:

[0151] Table 2

[0152] Specifically, for signal format 0, the target received power corresponding to an OOK modulation subcarrier spacing of 15kHz is 20. For signal format 1, the target received power corresponding to an OOK modulation subcarrier spacing of 30kHz is 22.

[0153] In this case, information other than the initial power (such as increment or number of retransmissions) can be configured through static protocols, SIBs, or RRCs.

[0154] For example, consider configuring the increment and retransmission count via RRC. The first indication information includes a first field and a second field. For instance, an example of the first indication information is shown below:

[0155] BeamFeedbacklength integer -> First field (increment);

[0156] BeamFeedbackmax integer -> Second field (number of retransmissions).

[0157] The third scenario involves using paging for dynamic instructions.

[0158] In this case, the first indication information can be understood as being carried in the paging message. That is, the paging message indicates one or more of the following: initial power, increment, number of retransmissions, or power of the Nth retransmission, etc.

[0159] Optionally, the paging message includes a third field that indicates one or more of the above.

[0160] For example, the third field in a paging message is shown below:

[0161] Here, BeamFeedbackPower represents the beam feedback power. This beam feedback power can include one or more of the following: initial power, increment, number of retransmissions, or power of the Nth retransmission, etc.

[0162] In one possible implementation, when a paging message indicates multiple items, a first order can be agreed upon in advance, allowing the terminal device to determine the meaning of each item based on the first order.

[0163] For example, the first order is: number of retransmissions, first power, second power, third power, fourth power, and fifth power. Then, BeamFeedbackPower = [5,20,22,24,26,28] means that the beam feedback is performed a maximum of 5 times, with the first power being 20dBm, the second power being 22dBm, the third power being 24dBm, the fourth power being 26dBm, and the fifth power being 28dBm.

[0164] In another possible implementation, the paging message is multi-item, with some items indicated by the paging message itself and others indirectly indicated by other items. For example, the paging message indicates the number of retransmissions, the initial power, and the increment. The power for the Nth retransmission can be calculated from the initial power and the increment.

[0165] For example, BeamFeedbackPower[4,2,20] indicates a maximum of 4 beamfeedbacks with an increment of 2. The first beamfeedback has a power of 20dBm. The second beamfeedback has a power of 20+2=22dBm, the third beamfeedback has a power of 22+2=24dBm, and the fourth beamfeedback has a power of 24+2=26dBm.

[0166] In this scenario, because the network device continuously receives beam feedback uploaded by each user, it is easy to determine the path loss and detect the required identifiers related to the terminal device. Therefore, the network device can notify the user of the power to be used for each retransmission. In this case, the number of retransmissions can be agreed upon by the protocol or configured by Paging.

[0167] It is understandable that the above situations are just examples of the first indication information. In actual application, there may be other situations, which are not limited here.

[0168] Step 302: The network device sends at least one SSB to the terminal device.

[0169] In step 302, the network device sends at least one SSB to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives at least one SSB sent by the network device.

[0170] Optionally, the terminal device can measure at least one SSB and determine the SSB with the better measurement result as the first SSB. Alternatively, the terminal device can be understood as waking up before the PO according to existing protocol and searching for SSBs, for example, by searching for the optimal direction through a wake-up signal (WUS) or a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS).

[0171] Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device can determine the optimal direction by measuring the SSB, or by using WUS or LP-WUS, etc. The method by which the terminal device determines the optimal direction is not limited here.

[0172] Furthermore, the terminal device can also search for at least one SSB to obtain downlink synchronization.

[0173] Step 303: The terminal device sends the first information to the network device using the first power.

[0174] In step 303, the terminal device sends first information to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the first information sent by the terminal device. This first information is carried on the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH). That is, the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state when sending the first information.

[0175] Furthermore, the terminal device transmits the first information using a first power. This first power can be determined based on the aforementioned first indication information, or it can be determined through configuration or pre-configuration, etc., and is not limited here.

[0176] In this embodiment, the first information is used to indicate direction. For example, the direction can be indicated by the first index of the first beam or by the index of the first SSB, etc., and the specific method is not limited here. The beam associated with at least one SSB in step 302 includes the first beam. It should be noted that since beams and SSBs have a correspondence, the first information can indicate either the beam index or the SSB index. Both are equivalent, and the specific method is not limited here.

[0177] Optionally, the first information can also be called beam feedback information or SSB feedback information, where the first beam is related to the paging message. Specifically, the first beam may be related to the transmission method of the paging message, and / or the first beam may be related to the content carried in the paging message. Alternatively, it can be understood as the first information being related to the paging message. Specifically, the first information may be related to the transmission method of the paging message, and / or the first information may be related to the content carried in the paging message. Alternatively, it can be understood as the first index being related to the paging message. Specifically, the first index may be related to the transmission method of the paging message, and / or the first index may be related to the content carried in the paging message. Alternatively, the purpose of the first information may be to inform the network device that a terminal device exists in a certain SSB direction. After receiving the beam feedback information, the network device sends a paging message in a specific direction (also known as directional) based on the beam feedback information. Or, the purpose of the first information may be to inform the network device that a terminal device with a first identifier exists in a certain SSB direction. After receiving the beam feedback information, the network device sends a paging message carrying only information related to the first identifier in either directional or omnidirectional directions based on the beam feedback information. Thus, network devices can not only reduce the overhead of omnidirectional paging, but also further save on the content overhead of paging messages.

[0178] The first identifier in this embodiment includes: the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the group to which the terminal device belongs. The identifier (ID) in this embodiment can also be called an index or indicator, etc., and is not specifically limited here. This first identifier can be carried by the terminal device in subsequent first information, or it can be understood as the first identifier being used by the terminal device for beam feedback.

[0179] It is understandable that the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state when it sends out its first information. That is, the amount of information sent out by the terminal device in an RRC disconnected state is relatively small. For example, network devices can reduce beam feedback overhead by grouping terminal devices and using the group index as the first identifier.

[0180] For example, the network device sends first configuration information to the terminal device, which is used to indicate a first identifier. The first configuration information will be described later and will not be elaborated here.

[0181] Furthermore, the first resource used by the terminal device to send the first information can be configured or pre-configured.

[0182] For example, the network device sends second configuration information to the terminal device. This second configuration information indicates the first resources used by the first information, and the first resources include time-frequency resources and / or frequency domain resources. Alternatively, it can be understood that the second configuration information indicates the resources used for beam feedback. The second configuration information will be described later and will not be elaborated here.

[0183] Similarly, the first information can directly indicate the first index of the first beam, or it can indirectly indicate the first index of the first beam, etc., without being limited here.

[0184] For example, the first information may directly include the first index of the first beam. Or, the first information may include a first identifier, and the first identifier is associated with the first index. Or, the first information may include a first signal, and the first signal is associated with the first index, etc., and so on. Specific details are not limited here.

[0185] It should be noted that because the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state and uplink synchronization has not been established when sending the first information, the first information can be received normally by the network device by using the first signal to indicate the beam index. The first signal is described in detail below.

[0186] The first signal in the embodiments of this application may include one or more of the following: a sequence carried on a PRACH, an on-off keying (OOK) signal (such as OOK-1, OOK-2, OOK-3, OOK-4, an overlaid sequence based on OOK, etc.), LP-WUS, a linear frequency modulated chirp signal, a low-power sequence signal (such as Gold sequence signal, M sequence signal, ZC sequence signal, chirp sequence signal, Walsh sequence signal, Golay sequence signal, Kasami sequence signal, low-density sequence signal, discrete Fourier transform (DFT) / fast Fourier transform (FFT) sequence signal, quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signal, symbol-based sequence signal, etc.), amplitude shift keying (ASK) signal, frequency shift keying (FSK) signal, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal. The first signal can be a multiplexing (OFDM) signal, or it can be a signal obtained by optimizing the above signals, etc., without any specific limitation here. In addition, the above-mentioned first signal can be a digital signal or an analog signal, without any specific limitation here.

[0187] In general, the first signal can represent the corresponding beam direction by energy, amplitude, frequency, presence or absence of the signal, or strength of the signal, etc., or represent the corresponding beam direction and the first identifier.

[0188] For ease of understanding, the following description uses the example of the first information / first signal being a sequence carried on PRACH and an OOK signal.

[0189] As mentioned earlier, the first signal can be associated with the first index of the first beam. Furthermore, the first signal can also be associated with the first identifier. That is, the first signal can be associated with the beam index, or simultaneously with both the beam index and the first identifier. The first identifier can be understood as being related to the content carried in the paging message. For example, after receiving beam feedback, the network device determines the corresponding first beam and first identifier through the first signal. On one hand, it sends a paging message in the direction (also known as directional) of the first beam. On the other hand, it sends a paging message carrying only information related to the first identifier in either directional or omnidirectional directions.

[0190] Furthermore, the first signal is described below as an example.

[0191] In the first example, the first signal is a sequence carried on PRACH.

[0192] The sequence in this example can also be a preamble, or it can be understood that the strong orthogonality of the preamble can be used to detect multiple signals superimposed.

[0193] It should be noted that the preamble included in the first piece of information is different from the preamble used in subsequent random access.

[0194] Optionally, the first information also includes indication information for beam feedback. This allows subsequent network devices, upon receiving the first information, to determine that the preamble in the first information is for beam feedback based on the indication information. This reduces the likelihood of network devices mistakenly using the preamble for beam feedback as a preamble for random access.

[0195] For example, a new type of preamble can be introduced, which can be called a preamble for beam feedback. The format and / or content of the preamble used for beam feedback can be the same as or different from the preamble used for random access.

[0196] Optionally, for each cell, SIB1 can be used to indicate that a portion of the preamble is used for random access and another portion is used for beam feedback.

[0197] Since beam feedback information needs to be associated with SSB information to transmit the SSB direction, the preamble used for beam feedback can be associated with the beam index. Optionally, the preamble used for beam feedback is configured or pre-configured with a corresponding first identifier and beam index. That is, a mapping is formed between (first identifier, SSB direction) <--> preamble used for beam feedback.

[0198] The preamble used for beam feedback is a series of orthogonal sequences. In 5G, the ZC sequence is used to generate it, but other sequences may be used in future communication systems. No specific limit is specified here.

[0199] For example, the ZC sequence is used below. The preamble used for beam feedback needs to indicate: sequence number, cyclic shift, format, frequency resources (e.g., the starting point of the SSB center carrier, subcarrier spacing (SCS)), number of repetitions (determining the transmission duration), transmission duration, etc., but the specifics are not limited here.

[0200] Understandably, the above-mentioned methods can all be used to distinguish different first identifiers or different SSBs / beams. For example, the serial numbers shown in Table 3 distinguish first identifiers. Another example is the use of cyclic shift to distinguish SSBs, as shown in Table 4. Yet another example is using frequency resources to distinguish SSBs, and so on.

[0201] Table 3

[0202] Among them, serial number 662 corresponds to group identifier 0, serial number 117 corresponds to group identifier 1, and so on.

[0203] Table 4

[0204] Among them, a cyclic shift of 0 corresponds to SSB Index 0, a cyclic shift of 32 corresponds to SSB Index 1, and so on.

[0205] For example, the protocol stipulates that sequence numbers are used to group information and cyclic shifts are used to distinguish SSBs. For example, the protocol stipulates that the frequency resources (relative to the SSB center carrier start point is 3, SCS = 1.25kHz, occupying 6 RBs) have a format of 0 and a repetition count of 8.

[0206] Optionally, different SSBs can be configured with different resources, or different resources can be allocated to different SSBs and the first identifier. For example, the second configuration information can be as follows:

[0207] [User group 0, SSBindex 0, corresponding sequence number, cyclic shift, frequency resource, format];

[0208] [User group 0, SSBindex1, corresponding sequence number, cyclic shift, frequency resource, format];

[0209] [User group 1, SSBindex0, corresponding sequence number, cyclic shift, frequency resources, format] etc.

[0210] In each of the above combinations, the parameters can be the same or different. Theoretically, this is to allow network devices to determine the beam that the terminal device should send back using these parameters. For example, at least one parameter should be different in each combination. For instance, if the terminal device is in user group 0 and the SSB index for feedback is 0, then the subsequent parameters are used to send the beam feedback. In this way, subsequent network devices can determine that the SSB index for feedback from the terminal device is 0 and that the terminal device is in user group 0 using these subsequent parameters.

[0211] In the second example, the first signal is the OOK signal.

[0212] This example can be understood as using amplitude modulation signals for beam feedback. OOK is a simple digital modulation method, which can be understood as a special form of amplitude shift keying (ASK). Taking OOK-2 as an example below, binary data is represented by the "on" and "off" states of the signal.

[0213] Optionally, the second configuration information includes multiple frequency domain unit groups arranged in the frequency domain. These multiple frequency domain unit groups correspond to one or more of the following: a first identifier, a beam index / SSB index. Each frequency domain unit group includes one or more frequency domain units that can be one or more of the following: frequency band, frequency band, bandwidth part (BWP), physical resource block (PRB), resource block (RB), resource element (RE), RE set, subcarrier (SC), subcarrier spacing (SCS), grid, bandwidth, etc. Specific details are not limited here. For ease of description, SC and SC groups will be used as examples below.

[0214] Similarly, the second configuration information can configure different resources for different SSBs, or allocate different resources to different SSBs and the first identifier. For example, the second configuration information is used to configure the mapping relationship between SSBs and SCs, or to configure the mapping relationship between SSBs and SCs and the number of symbols occupied in the time domain. For another example, the second configuration information is used to configure the mapping relationship between (first identifier, SSB index) and SC, or the mapping relationship between (first identifier, SSB index) and (SC, symbols occupied in the time domain), etc., and the specifics are not limited here. Of course, the corresponding SCS, the number of SCs included in each SC group, the number of SCs included in the end-side guard band (GB), the number of SCs included in the GB between SC groups, the starting subcarrier frequency, etc., can also be configured or pre-configured.

[0215] It is understandable that the above-mentioned configuration or pre-configuration parameters can be listed directly or calculated using formulas, etc., and no specific restrictions are made here.

[0216] For example, taking the mapping relationship between (first identifier, SSB index) and SC as an example, assuming that SCS and symbol length have been pre-configured. Starting from the SSB center carrier, the following mapping relationships can be configured through SIB1, OSI, RRC signaling, or static protocols.

[0217] [User group 0, SSB0, minimum SCS, maximum SCS];

[0218] [User group 0, SSB1, minimum SCS, maximum SCS];

[0219] [User group 1, SSB0, minimum SCS, maximum SCS] etc.

[0220] For example, if the first identifier is a group identifier (also called a user group identifier), and the terminal device is in user group 0, the returned SSB index is 0, then the subsequent SCS is used to send beam feedback. In this way, subsequent network devices can determine that the SSB index to be returned by the terminal device is 0, and that the terminal device is in user group 0, by detecting the SCS.

[0221] For example, taking the first identifier as a group identifier and the mapping relationship between the group identifier and the SC group as an example, the SSB direction can be obtained through directional reception of OOK (which can also be understood as determining the SSB direction based on whether there is a signal). Starting from the SSB center carrier, the following second configuration information can be configured through SIB1, OSI, RRC signaling, or static protocols:

[0222] [SCS, number of SCs in each SC group, number of SCs in the end-side GB, number of SCs in the GB between SC groups, starting subcarrier].

[0223] Among them, it can be agreed that user groups 0, 1, and 2 are distributed sequentially from low frequency to high frequency.

[0224] For example, taking the [15kHz, 3, 2, 1, 0] pattern shown in Figure 4 as an example, it indicates the use of a 15kHz subcarrier spacing. Each SC group occupies 3 subcarriers, the end-side guard band occupies 2 subcarriers, and each SC group is spaced 1 subcarrier apart, with the starting point being subcarrier number 0. That is, the presence of a signal on an SC group represents "1", corresponding to a certain user group. When the network device detects the presence of a signal on an SC group, it can determine the presence of a corresponding user group in a certain direction based on the SC group.

[0225] For example, the SSB index can also be indicated in the manner described above, or the SSB index can be indicated in relation to the first identifier. That is, the SC group can be used to distinguish user groups, and it can also be used to distinguish SSBs.

[0226] For example, in the case of multiple terminal devices, each of the multiple terminal devices can send 1 bit on the corresponding first resource.

[0227] It is understood that the two cases of the first signal mentioned above are just examples. In practical applications, other signals can be used to indicate different SSB directions, or to indicate different first identifiers and SSB directions. For example, the first signal can also be a frequency modulation sequence, etc., but this is not limited here.

[0228] Accordingly, after the network device sends at least one SSB, it receives the first signal on the first resource configured by the second configuration information in each beam direction before configuring each PO in SIB1.

[0229] For example, if a mapping relationship between a first identifier and a first signal is configured, the network device can receive the first signal in a directional manner. As another example, if a mapping relationship between the SSB direction and the first signal, or a mapping relationship between (first identifier, SSB direction) and the first signal, is configured, the network device can receive signals omnidirectionally or directionally.

[0230] Optionally, to reduce the overhead of network devices detecting the first signal, a detection duration T can be pre-agreed upon. As shown in Figure 5, the network device periodically sends an SSB and receives the first signal within a time window T before the PO. Here, T can be set with the start or end time of the PO as a reference point, as illustrated in the examples of T shown in Figure 5.

[0231] Step 304: If the network device receives the first information, it sends a paging message in the direction of the first beam.

[0232] In step 304, if the network device receives the first information, it sends a paging message in the direction of the first beam.

[0233] For the retransmission mechanism, the terminal device must be able to confirm whether its beam feedback was successful. Therefore, the network device needs to report the first identifier associated with the first information (or first signal) it received in the paging message. That is, the paging message includes the first identifier carried in the first information.

[0234] Optionally, the paging message includes a fourth field that indicates the first identifier mentioned above.

[0235] For example, taking the first identifier as the identifier of the group to which the terminal device belongs, the fourth field in the paging message is as follows:

[0236] Here, PagingGroupList is a collection of indices for all terminal device packets received in this direction. There are several cases for PagingRecordList.

[0237] For example, PagingRecordList is a collection of user identifiers as shown below.

[0238] For example, since packet information needs to be transmitted, the IDs within each group do not need to be too long to serve an identification function. Therefore, user IDs (i.e., terminal device identifiers) bound to the group IDs can be designed. For example, PagingRecordList is [group ID, user 1 ID within the group, user 2 ID within the group]. In this case, the user IDs within the group can use the UE-ID used during packetization. Considering potential conflicts, conflict-free short IDs can also be configured via RRC signaling during connected mode, etc. The specifics are not limited here.

[0239] Furthermore, the paging message is related to the first information. This relationship includes one or more of the following: the first information is related to the transmission method of the paging message; the first information is related to the content carried in the paging message; etc. Alternatively, it can be understood that the transmission method of the paging message is related to the first beam; or that the transmission method of the paging message is related to the first index; or that the content carried in the paging message is related to the first beam; or that the content carried in the paging message is related to the first index.

[0240] Specifically, after receiving the first information, the network device can determine the first index of the first beam using the first information. This allows it to send a paging message in the direction of the first beam.

[0241] Furthermore, if the network device determines the first identifier based on the first information, it can determine that subsequent paging messages may not include terminal devices that are not identified by the first identifier, thereby reducing the overhead of paging messages.

[0242] Optionally, if the network device receives the first information, it sends a paging message in the direction of the first beam.

[0243] In one possible implementation, there is a mapping relationship between the first signal and (SSB direction, first identifier). Alternatively, the first signal can be understood as representing not only the SSB direction but also the first identifier. Or, different first signals correspond to different SSB directions and first identifiers.

[0244] For example, taking Figure 6 as an example, the first signal is a preamble used for beam feedback. After receiving the preamble, the network device parses it to determine the corresponding SSB direction and the first identifier. Subsequently, the paging message sent in the direction of the first beam can only carry user information related to the first identifier. For example, in Figure 6, group 0 and group 2 have beam feedback. After receiving the preamble, the network device sends a paging message in the beam direction corresponding to the preamble (e.g., the direction of paging#2 in Figure 6). Furthermore, Figure 6 also shows a comparison of the paging message before and after simplification.

[0245] For example, the unsimplified paging message includes the following fields:

[0246] PaingRecordList::={

[0247] PaingRecord UE0

[0248] PaingRecord UE1

[0249] PaingRecord UE2

[0250] PaingRecord UE3

[0251] PaingRecord UE4

[0252] PaingRecord UE5

[0253] PaingRecord UE6

[0254] PaingRecord UE7

[0255] PaingRecord UE8

[0256] PaingRecord UE9

[0257] PaingRecord UE10

[0258] PaingRecord UE11

[0259] PaingRecord UE12

[0260] ...

[0261] }

[0262] Taking the first identifier as the group identifier as an example, group 0 includes UE0, UE1, and UE2. Group 1 includes UE3, UE4, and UE5. Group 2 includes UE6, UE7, and UE8. Group 3 includes UE9, UE10, UE11, and UE12.

[0263] The simplified paging message includes the following fields:

[0264] PaingRecordList::={

[0265] PaingRecord UE0

[0266] PaingRecord UE1

[0267] PaingRecord UE2

[0268] PaingRecord UE6

[0269] PaingRecord UE7

[0270] PaingRecord UE8

[0271] ...

[0272] }

[0273] It can be seen that the simplified paging message includes information from group 0 and group 2, while omitting irrelevant terminal device information, namely the terminal devices corresponding to group 1 and group 3.

[0274] For example, taking Figure 7 as an example, if the first signal is the OOK signal, and there is a signal on each group of corresponding subcarriers, it indicates that there is a group of terminal devices in that direction, and then a paging message is sent in that direction (e.g., the direction of paging#2 in Figure 7). As shown in Figure 7, there are signals on group 0 and group 2 in Figure 7, that is, group 0 and group 2 have beam feedback.

[0275] Furthermore, similar to Figure 6, the paging message sent by the network device can include only the terminal device information for packets 0 and 2, excluding the terminal device information for packets 1 and 3. That is, the terminals in packets 1 and 3 do not perform beamback, and there is no need to send the terminal device information for packets 1 and 3 in the direction of packet 0 or packet 2. Therefore, the network device can not only reduce the overhead of omnidirectional paging, but also further save on the content overhead of the paging message.

[0276] In this approach, on the one hand, network devices can not only send paging messages in a specific direction based on the first signal, reducing energy consumption caused by omnidirectional paging, but also determine the corresponding first identifier and the terminal device associated with the first identifier through the first signal. Subsequent paging message transmissions can then only carry information about the terminal device associated with the first identifier (or, in other words, paging messages sent in a specific direction only carry information about the terminal device in that direction). Information about terminal devices unrelated to the first identifier is not included in the paging message, thereby reducing unnecessary content and transmission bits.

[0277] Step 305: If the second condition is met, the network device sends a paging message omnidirectionally.

[0278] To reduce subsequent random access failures caused by beam feedback or directional paging message failures, this application provides a fallback mechanism, which is described below.

[0279] The fallback mechanism can be understood as follows: if the second condition is met, the network device sends a paging message omnidirectionally. The second condition includes one or more of the following: no random access request is received from the terminal device in the first time period; no first information is received in the second time period; the terminal device fails to complete random access in the third time period; and no second information is received in the fourth time period. The second information is used to indicate the first index, and the power of the second information is greater than or equal to the power of the first information.

[0280] The following is a detailed description using an example of a rollback mechanism corresponding to a time period.

[0281] For example, fallback mechanism 1 includes: if the network device does not receive a random access request from the terminal device within the first time period, it sends a paging message omnidirectionally. Omnidirectional sending in this embodiment can also be understood as scanning sending.

[0282] In this example, the network device can start a timer at the same time or after sending a paging message in the direction of the first beam. If the recording duration of the timer reaches the first time period, the paging message is sent omnidirectionally.

[0283] For example, fallback mechanism 2 includes: if the network device does not receive the first information within the second time period, it sends a paging message omnidirectionally.

[0284] In this example, the network device can start a timer at the same time or after sending at least one SSB. If the timer's recording duration reaches the second time period, a paging message is sent omnidirectionally.

[0285] For example, fallback mechanism 3 includes: if the terminal device does not fully access the network randomly within the third time period, then an omnidirectional paging message is sent.

[0286] In this example, the network device may start a timer while or after sending at least one SSB, or while or after receiving the first information, or while or after sending a paging message in the direction of the first beam. If the recording duration of the timer reaches the third time period, the paging message is sent omnidirectionally.

[0287] For example, fallback mechanism 4 includes: if the network device does not receive the second information within the fourth time period, it sends a paging message omnidirectionally. The power of the second information is greater than or equal to the power of the first information.

[0288] In this example, the network device can start a timer at the same time as or after sending at least one SSB. If the timer's recording duration reaches the fourth time period, an omnidirectional paging message will be sent.

[0289] The time periods (e.g., the first time period, the second time period, the third time period, and the fourth time period) in the embodiments of this application can be set according to actual needs, and are not specifically limited here.

[0290] It is understandable that the above-mentioned rollback mechanisms are just examples; in practical applications, other rollback mechanisms may be used, which are not limited here. Furthermore, multiple rollback mechanisms can be used individually or in combination, which are also not limited here.

[0291] This application introduces a backoff mechanism to ensure that beam feedback failure or directional paging failure will not affect the normal operation of the communication system, thereby improving the stability of random access of terminal equipment.

[0292] Step 306: If the first condition is met, the terminal device sends the second information to the network device using the second power.

[0293] To improve the success rate of beam feedback reception by network devices, this application proposes a beam feedback enhancement method. The details are described below:

[0294] If the first condition is met, the terminal device sends second information to the network device using the second power. This second power is greater than or equal to the first power.

[0295] The first condition will be described first, followed by the description of the second power and the second information.

[0296] First, the first condition includes one or more of the following: no paging message is received within a preset time period, or the received paging message does not include a first identifier related to the terminal device, etc.

[0297] Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal device may or may not receive a paging message. That is, the terminal device performs blind detection on the PDCCH. If a paging message is detected, the terminal device can send a random access request to enter the random access procedure. If no paging message is detected, or the detected paging message does not contain a first identifier associated with itself, it means that the network device has not received beam feedback from the terminal device. In this case, the terminal device increases the power of the first beam feedback and re-beams, thereby increasing the probability of successful retransmission and improving the stability of the beam feedback.

[0298] Secondly, there are several cases regarding the second power and the second information, which will be described separately below.

[0299] In the first scenario, the second piece of information is the same as the first piece of information.

[0300] In this scenario, the terminal device performs a blind check on the PDCCH. If it does not detect a paging message or the detected paging message does not contain a first identifier related to itself, it means the network device has not received beam feedback from the terminal device. The terminal device then increases the power of the initial beam feedback and re-beams, thereby increasing the probability of successful retransmission and improving the stability of the beam feedback.

[0301] That is, the content of the second information is the same as that of the first information, the difference being that the second power used to send the second information is greater than the first power used to send the first information.

[0302] In the second case, the second information is used to indicate the second index of the second beam.

[0303] In this case, the second information is used to indicate the second index of the second beam. Alternatively, it can be understood that the beam feedback provided by the terminal device using the second information is different from the beam feedback provided by the first information.

[0304] Optionally, the second power used by the terminal device to send the second information can be equal to or greater than the first power; no specific limitation is made here.

[0305] For example, when the beam of a terminal device changes, the terminal device updates the beam feedback using the second information. This can be applied, for instance, to scenarios where the beam changes due to the terminal device's movement or changes in the terminal device's service requirements; specific applications are not limited here.

[0306] The following describes the aforementioned legacy first and second configuration information.

[0307] One possibility is that the network device sends the first configuration information to the terminal device.

[0308] Optionally, the network device sends first configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first configuration information sent by the network device.

[0309] Optionally, the first configuration information can be carried in one or more of the following: SIB, RRC signaling, DCI, MAC CE, etc., without specific limitations here. Here, SIB can be understood as SIB1 or OSI, and OSI can be understood as at least one of SIB2-SIBX, where X is an integer greater than 1. Optionally, the first configuration information can also be pre-configured, without specific limitations here. Furthermore, the SIB carrying the first configuration information can be obtained through the SSB in step 302, without specific limitations here.

[0310] Furthermore, the first configuration information can be for multiple terminal devices (e.g., subsequent general configuration) or for a specific terminal device (e.g., subsequent specific configuration), etc., without limitation here. For example, when the terminal device is in RRC disconnected state, the first configuration information can be a general configuration performed through SIB or OSI (e.g., UE1 and UE2 receive the same first configuration information). As another example, when the terminal device is in RRC connected state, the network device can configure the first configuration information for a specific terminal device through RRC signaling (e.g., UE1 and UE2 receive different first configuration information, and the first configuration information received by UE1 carries an identifier related to UE1, while the second configuration information received by UE2 carries an identifier related to UE2). Of course, when the terminal device is in RRC connected state, the network device can also perform general / specific configurations for one or more terminal devices through RRC signaling, etc., without limitation here.

[0311] In some embodiments, the first configuration information is used to indicate a first identifier, which includes: the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the group to which the terminal device belongs. This first identifier may be included in the first information and / or the second information described in the above embodiments, or it may be understood as the first identifier being used by the terminal device receiving the first configuration information to perform beam feedback.

[0312] Optionally, the first identifier indicates the group identifier, group index, or group indicator of the group to which the terminal device belongs. When a terminal device in an RRC non-connected state feeds back the first information, the feedback overhead can be reduced.

[0313] Optionally, the first configuration information is specifically used to indicate multiple grouping indices and a second index associated with each grouping index. For example, the group index is the group index of the group to which the terminal device belongs, and the second index is used to indicate the terminal device identifier (such as UE_ID) included in the group to which the terminal device belongs.

[0314] The second index may include the maximum index of the members in the group to which the second index is associated. Alternatively, the second index may include the minimum index of the members in the group to which the second index is associated. Or, the second index may include both the maximum and minimum indexes of the members in the group to which the second index is associated. Alternatively, the second index may include all member indexes in the group to which the second index is associated.

[0315] For example, the aforementioned "instruction" can be understood as configuration or configuration instruction, activation or activation instruction, or enable or enable instruction, etc., and is not specifically limited here. That is, step 301 can also be understood as the process by which the network device configures the first identifier for the terminal device. It can also be understood as the process by which the network device activates or enables the first identifier for the terminal device.

[0316] For example, when the instruction is interpreted as configuration, the network device configures a first identifier for the terminal device using the first configuration information. For instance, after receiving the first configuration information, the terminal device can use the first identifier indicated by the first configuration information. Alternatively, after receiving the first configuration information, the terminal device may also need to receive an activation instruction before it can use the aforementioned first identifier, etc. Specific details are not limited here.

[0317] For example, when the instruction is interpreted as an activation instruction, the network device has previously configured / pre-configured the first identifier for the terminal device. However, the terminal device needs to receive the activation instruction before using it. This can also be understood as the configuration previously provided by the network device to the terminal device not being activated; activating the first identifier through the first configuration information allows the terminal device to use it. In other words, after configuration or pre-configuration, the terminal device knows that the first identifier can be used based on the content indicated by the first configuration information.

[0318] As mentioned above, the first identifier in the embodiments of this application includes: the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the group to which the terminal device belongs. These will be described separately below.

[0319] 1. The first configuration information indicates the identification information of the terminal device.

[0320] The first configuration information indicates the identification information of the terminal device. For example, the first configuration information can indicate the terminal device identification directly, indirectly, or through other means (such as certain intermediate parameters). The specifics are not limited here.

[0321] Optionally, different terminal devices may have different terminal device identifiers. For example, a terminal device identifier may include one or more of the following: 5G system architecture evolution-temporary mobile station identifier (5G-S-TMSI), Short-Term Mobile Subscriber Identity (S-TMSI), Inactive-Radio Network Temporary Identity (I-RNTI), Paging Radio Network Temporary Identity (P-RNTI), Power Saving Radio Network Temporary Identity (PS-RNTI), etc., or all of them. The specific identifier is not limited here.

[0322] For ease of description, this application uses different UE_IDs for different terminal device identifiers as an example. In practical applications, different terminal device identifiers can also be distinguished by index, indication, number, sorting, or intermediate parameters, etc., which are not limited here.

[0323] For example, the first configuration information includes a fifth field, which is used to indicate that the identifier of the terminal device adopts one or more of the following: some or all of the identifiers such as 5G-S-TMSI, S-TMSI, I-RNTI, P-RNTI, etc.

[0324] For example, taking the first field as an example that includes 2 bits, the relationship between the first field and the identifier used by UE_ID can be shown in Table 5A.

[0325] Table 5A

[0326] In this table, a first field of "00" indicates that the UE_ID uses the first 4 digits of the 5G-S-TMSI + the first 4 digits of the I-RNTI. A first field of "01" indicates that the UE_ID uses the first 4 digits of the S-TMSI + the first 8 digits of the I-RNTI. A first field of "10" indicates that the UE_ID uses the first 4 digits of the I-RNTI + the first 4 digits of the P-RNTI. A first field of "11" indicates that the UE_ID uses the first 4 digits of the I-RNTI + the first 8 digits of the P-RNTI. It is understood that Table 0 is merely an example; in other embodiments, the UE_ID may use other identifiers, which are not limited here.

[0327] For example, taking the fifth field as an example that includes 2 bits, the relationship between the fifth field and the identifier used by UE_ID can be shown in Table 5B.

[0328] Table 5B

[0329] In this table, the fifth field "00" indicates that the UE_ID uses the 5G-S-TMSI identifier. The fifth field "01" indicates that the UE_ID uses the S-TMSI identifier. The fifth field "10" indicates that the UE_ID uses the I-RNTI identifier. The fifth field "11" indicates that the UE_ID uses the P-RNTI identifier. It is understood that Table 1 is only an example; in practical applications, the UE_ID can use other identifiers, which are not limited here.

[0330] Of course, the first configuration information can indicate not only the identifier used by UE_ID through the fifth field, but also the first few bits of the identifier through the sixth field. Taking the sixth field as an example, which includes 2 bits, the relationship between the sixth field and the first few bits of the identifier can be shown in Table 6.

[0331] Table 6

[0332] In this table, the sixth field being "00" indicates that the UE_ID uses the first 4 bits of the identifier. The sixth field being "01" indicates that the UE_ID uses the first 8 bits of the identifier. The sixth field being "10" indicates that the UE_ID uses the last 4 bits of the identifier. The sixth field being "11" indicates that the UE_ID uses the last 8 bits of the identifier. It is understood that Table 6 is only an example. In other embodiments, the UE_ID can also use the middle bits of the identifier (e.g., the 2nd to 4th bits of the identifier, or the 5th to 8th bits of the identifier, etc.), etc., and is not limited here.

[0333] For example, with the fifth field first and the sixth field last, an example of the first configuration information is shown below:

[0334] UE_ID = 0100.

[0335] As shown in the examples in Tables 5B and 6, the first two bits "01" in "0100" indicate that the UE_ID uses the S-TMSI identifier. The last two bits "00" in "0100" indicate that the UE_ID uses the first four bits of the identifier. That is, the first configuration information uses "0100" to indicate that the UE_ID uses the first four bits of the S-TMSI identifier.

[0336] It is understood that the fifth and sixth fields mentioned above are just examples. In actual applications, the first configuration information may include only the fifth field, or it may include both the fifth and sixth fields. It may also be combined with preset rules to indicate the identifier of the terminal device, etc. There are no specific limitations here.

[0337] 2. The first configuration information indicates the identifier of the group to which the terminal device belongs.

[0338] The first configuration information can indicate the identifier of the group to which the terminal device is located, or it can indicate the identifier of the group to which the terminal device is located indirectly, or it can indicate the group identifier of the group to which the terminal device is located through other means (such as certain intermediate parameters), etc., without being limited here.

[0339] Optionally, the grouping rules for terminal devices are not limited. They can be based on business needs, the location of the terminal devices, the geographical location of the terminal devices, or the beam direction in which the terminal devices are located, etc. There are no specific limitations here.

[0340] For example, if the core network confirms that the following terminal devices (e.g., UE_IDs including AAA, BBB, and CCC) are currently performing the same service and will report data at the same time, then the aforementioned terminal devices will be configured as a group using the first configuration information.

[0341] For example, the first configuration information is as follows:

[0342] {SSBFeedbackGroupIndex AAA BBB CCC}.

[0343] In one possible implementation, the first configuration information can be applied to a specific terminal device (e.g., terminal device 1). Specifically, after terminal device 1 initiates access, the network device configures a packet identifier for terminal device 1 separately using RRC signaling, based on the packet information or paging resource configuration of terminal device 1.

[0344] For example, to add a seventh field to the RRC signaling, the seventh field can be as follows:

[0345] {SSBFeedbackGroupIndex INTEGER}.

[0346] In another possible implementation, the first configuration information can be applied to multiple terminal devices. Specifically, the first configuration information can be used to indicate the association (or mapping) between a first identifier and the identifiers of the terminal devices, such as UE_ID. That is, by configuring the mapping relationship using the identifiers of the terminal devices, such as UE_ID, the mapping relationship between the identifiers of the terminal devices, such as UE_ID, and the first identifier, can be obtained.

[0347] Currently, each terminal device is associated with a specific PO within a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle via its UE_ID. The terminal device only wakes up to receive paging information at a specific PO, which is an ID naturally supported within the protocol. For example, the first identifier is equal to 5G-S-TMSImod 1024.

[0348] In addition, for the convenience of Paging instructions, the grouping of terminal devices can be associated with the user corresponding to the PO, and user groups can be divided within a Paging Group.

[0349] Optionally, the network device can configure parameters required for the calculation method, such as the number of packets and the index of the calculation method, through the first configuration information. Alternatively, the first configuration information can be used to indicate one or more of the following: the number of packets, the index of the calculation method, and the parameters used in the calculation method. The calculation method can be understood as a calculation method that determines the first identifier based on the UE_ID. The index of this calculation method can also be associated with a table agreed upon in the protocol.

[0350] An example of a calculation method is shown in Table 7.

[0351] Table 7

[0352] In this table, an index of 0 indicates that the function used in the calculation method is the modulo function, and an index of 1 indicates that the function used is the floor function. It is understood that the two function expressions in Table 7 are merely examples; in practical applications, other forms of expressions may exist, which are not limited here. N and offset are integers greater than 0 as agreed upon in the protocol.

[0353] It is understandable that network devices can configure the number of packets using the first configuration information, and the calculation method can be determined according to the protocol. Alternatively, network devices can configure the index of the calculation method using the first configuration information, and the number of packets can be determined according to the protocol. Or, it can be understood that terminal devices can be pre-configured with one or more of the following: the number of packets, the index of the calculation method, and the parameters used in the calculation method.

[0354] In this application embodiment, there are several ways to configure multiple group indexes in the first configuration information, which are described below.

[0355] In Method 1, the first configuration information can indicate multiple group indices, and the UE_ID associated with each group index has been previously informed to the terminal device through configuration or pre-configuration. The terminal device can then determine its own group index based on its UE_ID.

[0356] For example, the first configuration information includes an eighth field, which is used to indicate multiple group identifiers. Furthermore, the eighth field can also be used to indicate whether the multiple group identifiers are consecutive. For example, the eighth field uses "C" to indicate consecutive group identifiers and "D" to indicate non-consecutive group identifiers.

[0357] For example, an example of the eighth field is shown below:

[0358] UE Group C::=SEQUENCE{

[0359] UE Group Index 0

[0360] UE Group Index 1

[0361] UE Group Index 2

[0362] …}

[0363] For example, another example of the eighth field is shown below:

[0364] UE Group D::=SEQUENCE{

[0365] UE Group Index 0

[0366] UE Group Index 2

[0367] …}

[0368] Assuming that the UE_IDs associated with UE Group Index 0 were previously configured or pre-configured as follows: UE_IDs associated with UE Group Index 0 include A and B; UE_IDs associated with UE Group Index 1 include C and D; and UE_IDs associated with UE Group Index 2 include E and F, then the association between multiple group identifiers and UE_IDs can be shown in Table 8. Here, A, B, C, and D corresponding to UE_IDs are only for distinguishing different UE_IDs. In practical applications, binary, decimal, hexadecimal, etc., can also be used as indicators; no specific limitation is made here.

[0369] Table 8

[0370] Specifically, UE Group Index 0 is associated with UE_ID A and UE_ID B. UE Group Index 1 is associated with UE_ID C and UE_ID D. UE Group Index 2 is associated with UE_ID E and UE_ID F.

[0371] Alternatively, it can be understood as follows: UE Group Index 0 <--> UE_ID A,B. UE Group Index 1 <--> UE_ID C,D. UE Group Index 2 <--> UE_ID E,F.

[0372] Alternatively, UE Group Index 0 includes UE_ID A and UE_ID B. UE Group Index 1 includes UE_ID C and UE_ID D. UE Group Index 2 includes UE_ID E and UE_ID F.

[0373] Method 2: The first configuration information is specifically used to indicate multiple grouping indices and a second index associated with each grouping indice. Alternatively, it can be understood as the first configuration information specifically used to indicate the association (or mapping) between multiple grouping indices and the second index. Or, it can be understood as the first configuration information specifically used to indicate multiple sets and the elements included in each set, or as the first configuration information specifically used to indicate multiple groups and the members included in each group.

[0374] The second index may include any of the following: all indices of multiple corresponding groups, the maximum index of multiple corresponding groups, the minimum index of multiple corresponding groups, the maximum and minimum indices of multiple corresponding groups (which can also be understood as a range), etc., without any specific limitation here.

[0375] The relationships in the embodiments of this application can be represented by arrays, sets, tables, etc., and no specific limitation is made here.

[0376] Optionally, when the second index includes the maximum or minimum index, other information can be combined to determine the UE_ID included in the group. For example, whether the indexes are consecutive, the total number of all groups, the number of groups, the preset interval between indices, etc., are not specifically limited here.

[0377] Example 1, taking the case where the second index includes all indices in its group, shows the association between multiple group indices and UE_ID specifically indicated by the first configuration information. For example, the association between the UE Group Index and UE_ID can be shown in Table 9:

[0378] Table 9

[0379] Specifically, UE Group Index 0 is associated with UE_ID 0, UE_ID 3, UE_ID 7, and UE_ID 14. UE Group Index 1 is associated with UE_ID 8, UE_ID 15, UE_ID 17, and UE_ID 19. UE Group Index 2 is associated with UE_ID 16, UE_ID 20, and UE_ID 22.

[0380] Or understood as, UE Group Index 0<-->UE_ID 0, UE_ID 3, UE_ID 7, UE_ID 14. UE Group Index 1<-->UE_ID 8, UE_ID 15, UE_ID 17, UE_ID 19. UE Group Index 2<-->UE_ID 16, UE_ID 20, UE_ID 22.

[0381] Alternatively, UE Group Index 0 includes: UE_ID 0, 3, 7, 14. UE Group Index 1 includes: UE_ID 8, 15, 17, 19. UE Group Index 2 includes: UE_ID 16, 20, 22.

[0382] For example, the first configuration information under Example 1 is as follows:

[0383] UE Group::=SEQUENCE{

[0384] UE Group Index 0 0,3,7,14

[0385] UE Group Index 1 8,15,17,19

[0386] UE Group Index 2 16,20,22

[0387] …}

[0388] Example 2: Assuming multiple group indices are consecutive, taking the second index including the largest and smallest indices within its group (or understood as the first configuration information indicating multiple groups via intervals) as an example. For instance, the association between the UE Group Index and UE_ID can be shown in Table 10:

[0389] Table 10

[0390] Specifically, UE Group Index 0 is associated with UE_ID 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7. UE Group Index 1 is associated with UE_ID 8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15. UE Group Index 2 is associated with UE_ID 16,17,18,19,20,21,22.

[0391] Alternatively, it can be understood as follows: UE Group Index 0 <--> UE_ID 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7. UE Group Index 1 <--> UE_ID 8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15. UE Group Index 2 <--> UE_ID 16,17,18,19,20,21,22.

[0392] Alternatively, UE Group Index 0 includes: UE_ID 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7. UE Group Index 1 includes: UE_ID 8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15. UE Group Index 2 includes: UE_ID 16,17,18,19,20,21,22.

[0393] For example, the first configuration information for Example 2 is as follows:

[0394] UE Group C::=SEQUENCE{

[0395] UE Group Index 0 0,7

[0396] UE Group Index 1 8,15

[0397] UE Group Index 2 16,22

[0398] …}

[0399] Example 3: Assume multiple group indices are consecutive, and the number of configured or pre-configured groups is 3. Taking the second index including the smallest index within its group as an example, the association between the UE Group Index and UE_ID can be shown in Table 11:

[0400] Table 11

[0401] Specifically, UE Group Index 0 is associated with UE_ID 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7. UE Group Index 1 is associated with UE_ID 8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15. UE Group Index 2 is associated with UE_ID 16,17,18,19,20,21,22.

[0402] Alternatively, it can be understood as follows: UE Group Index 0 <--> UE_ID 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7. UE Group Index 1 <--> UE_ID 8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15. UE Group Index 2 <--> UE_ID 16,17,18,19,20,21,22.

[0403] Alternatively, UE Group Index 0 includes: UE_ID 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7. UE Group Index 1 includes: UE_ID 8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15. UE Group Index 2 includes: UE_ID 16,17,18,19,20,21,22.

[0404] For example, the first configuration information for Example 3 is as follows:

[0405] UE Group C::=SEQUENCE{

[0406] UE GroupIndex0 0

[0407] UE GroupIndex1 8

[0408] UE GroupIndex2 16

[0409] …}

[0410] In method 3, the index is continuous, and the first configuration information can also specifically indicate the number of multiple groups.

[0411] In this approach, the first configuration information can be used to indicate multiple packets in various ways. For example, the first configuration information may specifically indicate the number of multiple packets and the total number of packets included in all packets. Alternatively, the first configuration information may specifically indicate the number of multiple packets, while the network device may have pre-configured or pre-configured the total number of packets included in all packets for the terminal device.

[0412] Optionally, the first configuration information includes a ninth field, which indicates the number of multiple groups. This ninth field may also be referred to as the group number field (UE GroupNumber).

[0413] Optionally, the first configuration information can also be used to indicate grouping rules, which can be used to determine the specific items included in each group based on the total number. For example, the grouping rule is uniform distribution. Alternatively, if the total number cannot be evenly distributed, it can be specified that the group with the larger index includes more items than the group with the smaller index. Or, it can be specified that the group with the larger index includes fewer items than the group with the smaller index. Another example is that the same number is first evenly distributed to each group, and then the excess is randomly placed into a group, or the excess is placed into the group with the largest group index, or the excess is placed into the group with the smallest group index, etc. The specific grouping rule is not limited here.

[0414] In this way, after receiving the first configuration information, the terminal device can determine multiple groups based on the number of groups and the grouping rules.

[0415] For example, let A be the quantity of multiple groups and B be the quantity of multiple groups. If A is divisible by B (i.e., A / B = C), then the quantity in each of the B groups is C. If A / B = C with a remainder of D, then the quantity in the B-1 groups is C, and the quantity in the 1 group is D. Here, A, B, C, and D are integers greater than 0.

[0416] For example, if the total number of items is A = 30, and the total number of groups is B = 3, then the number of items included in each group is A / B = C = 10. Assuming the 30 indices include UE_ID 0-29, an example of 3 groups can be shown in Table 12:

[0417] Table 12

[0418] Specifically, UE Group Index 0 is associated with UE_ID 0-9. UE Group Index 1 is associated with UE_ID 10-19. UE Group Index 2 is associated with UE_ID 20-29.

[0419] Alternatively, it can be understood as follows: UE Group Index 0 <--> UE_ID 0-9. UE Group Index 1 <--> UE_ID 10-19. UE Group Index 2 <--> UE_ID 20-29.

[0420] Alternatively, UE Group Index 0 includes UE_ID 0-9. UE Group Index 1 includes UE_ID 10-19. UE Group Index 2 includes UE_ID 20-29.

[0421] For example, if the quantity of multiple groups is A = 30, and the quantity of multiple groups is B = 4, then the quantity included in each group is C remainder D, i.e., 30 / 4 = 7 remainder 2. Assume the two larger groups are assigned to the two groups with the smallest index, and the 30 indexes include UE_ID 0-29. Then, an example of 4 groups can be shown in Table 13:

[0422] Table 13

[0423] Specifically, UE Group Index 0 is associated with UE_ID 0-7. UE Group Index 1 is associated with UE_ID 8-15. UE Group Index 2 is associated with UE_ID 16-22. UE Group Index 3 is associated with UE_ID 23-29.

[0424] Alternatively, it can be understood as follows: UE Group Index 0 <--> UE_ID 0-7. UE Group Index 1 <--> UE_ID 8-15. UE Group Index 2 <--> UE_ID 16-22. UE Group Index 3 is associated with UE_ID 23-29.

[0425] Alternatively, UE Group Index 0 includes UE_ID 0-7. UE Group Index 1 includes UE_ID 8-15. UE Group Index 2 includes UE_ID 16-22. UE Group Index 3 includes UE_ID 23-29.

[0426] It is understandable that the first configuration information can also be configured through static protocol agreements or other means. For example, the protocol can stipulate that, based on the UE_ID configured during initial access or RRC connection state, the terminal device directly obtains the first identifier through a specific calculation method. For example, taking the modulo function in Table 7 above as an example, the UE_ID (e.g., UE_ID = 5G-S-TMSI mod 1024) is divided into N groups, i.e., (UE_ID + offset) mod N.

[0427] In addition, when the first identifier includes the identifier of the group to which the terminal device belongs, the first configuration information may also indicate the grouping rules, the number of groups, etc. For example, uniform distribution, first even distribution and then assigning the extra members to certain groups, interval distribution, odd-even distribution (e.g., odd-numbered UE_IDs belong to one group, even-numbered UE_IDs belong to another group), etc., the specifics are not limited here.

[0428] It is understood that the information transmitted in each step of this embodiment may be sent once or multiple times. If it is sent multiple times, the number of times can be set by a period or by other conditions, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0429] Another possibility is that the network device sends a second configuration information to the terminal device.

[0430] Optionally, the network device sends second configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second configuration information sent by the network device. This second configuration information indicates the first resources used by the first information, and the first resources include time-frequency resources and / or frequency domain resources. Alternatively, it can be understood that the second configuration information indicates the resources used for beam feedback.

[0431] Similarly, the second configuration information can be carried in one or more of the following: SIB, RRC signaling, DCI, MAC CE, etc., without specific limitations here. Here, SIB can be understood as SIB1 or OSI, and OSI can be understood as at least one of SIB2-SIBX, where X is an integer greater than 1. Optionally, the second configuration information can also be pre-configured, without specific limitations here. Furthermore, the second configuration information can be the same as or different from the first configuration information in step 301. The SIB of the second configuration information can be obtained through the SSB in step 302, without specific limitations here.

[0432] Optionally, the second configuration information can directly indicate the first resource or indirectly indicate the first resource; no specific limitation is made here.

[0433] Furthermore, when the second configuration information indirectly indicates the first resource, the second configuration information may be related to the content included in the first information. Step 303 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 above has been described and will not be repeated here.

[0434] Optionally, the second configuration information includes at least one of the following parameters: sequence number, cycle offset, format, frequency resources, and sequence length type; at least one parameter is used to distinguish one or more of the following: different first identifiers, different SSB indexes, or different beam indexes. Similarly, this part is related to the content included in the subsequent first information, and step 303 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 has been described above, so it will not be repeated here.

[0435] Optionally, the second configuration information includes multiple frequency domain unit groups arranged in the frequency domain, with each frequency domain unit group corresponding to a different first identifier. Similarly, this part is related to the content included in the subsequent first information, and step 303 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 has already been described, so it will not be repeated here.

[0436] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus. After receiving an SSB (Service Segmentation Bus), a terminal device can perform beam feedback using first information. This allows the network side to send a paging message directionally in the beam direction fed back by the terminal device, and the paging message carries a first identifier associated with the terminal device. On one hand, the network side can send paging messages in the required beam direction based on the terminal device's beam feedback, thereby reducing the heavy load on the network side caused by beam scanning and the decrease in paging capability. On the other hand, when sending a paging message, the network side can determine whether user information can be omitted based on whether the terminal device has beam feedback, thereby reducing the content carried in the paging message. Furthermore, the terminal device can determine whether to increase power and re-perform beam feedback based on whether a paging message has been received or whether the paging message carries the first identifier, thereby improving the success rate of beam feedback and reducing the paging scanning overhead caused by the fallback mechanism.

[0437] The communication methods in the embodiments of this application have been described above. The communication devices in the embodiments of this application are described below. Please refer to Figure 8, which shows an embodiment of the communication device 800 in this application. This communication device 800 can implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In this application embodiment, the communication device 800 can be a communication device, or it can be an integrated circuit or component inside the communication device, such as a chip. The communication device 800 includes a transceiver unit 801. Alternatively, the communication device 800 includes a transceiver unit 801 and a processing unit 802, wherein the transceiver unit 801 is used to perform operations related to the transmission and reception of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 802 is used to perform other operations of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments besides the transmission and reception operations.

[0438] In one possible implementation, the communication device 800 is the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 1A to 7 above, in which case the functions of each unit are as follows:

[0439] The transceiver unit is used to receive at least one synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0440] The transceiver unit is also configured to transmit first information using a first power, the first information being used to indicate a first index of a first beam, and at least one beam associated with an SSB including the first beam.

[0441] The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit second information using a second power if a first condition is met; the first condition includes one or more of the following: no paging message is received within a preset time period, or the received paging message does not include a first identifier related to the terminal device; the first identifier is associated with a first index, and the second power is greater than or equal to the first power.

[0442] Optionally, the second information is the first information, and the second power is greater than the first power.

[0443] Optionally, the second information is used to indicate the second index of the second beam.

[0444] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive first indication information, which indicates one or more of the following: first power, second power, increment, power used for the Nth retransmission, or number of retransmissions; the increment is the difference between the second power and the first power, the number of retransmissions indicates the number of times the beam index is retransmitted, and N is an integer greater than 0.

[0445] Optionally, the first power is related to the received power of the physical random access channel and the path loss.

[0446] Optionally, the first identifier associated with the terminal device includes: the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the group to which the terminal device belongs.

[0447] Optionally, the processing unit is configured to perform a random access procedure if the number of times the first index is retransmitted is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0448] In this embodiment, the operations performed by each unit in the communication device are similar to those described in the terminal devices shown in the embodiments of Figures 1A to 7 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0449] In this embodiment, after receiving the SSB, the transceiver unit 801 can perform beam feedback using the first information. This allows the network side to send a paging message directionally in the beam direction fed back by the terminal device, and the paging message carries a first identifier related to the terminal device. On one hand, the network side can send the paging message in the required beam direction based on the terminal device's beam feedback, thereby reducing the heavy load on the network side caused by beam scanning and the decrease in paging capability. On the other hand, when sending a paging message, the network side can determine whether user information can be omitted based on whether the terminal device has beam feedback, thereby reducing the content carried in the paging message. Furthermore, the terminal device can determine whether to increase power and re-perform beam feedback based on whether it has received a paging message or whether the paging message carries the first identifier, thereby improving the success rate of beam feedback.

[0450] In another possible implementation, the communication device 800 is a network device in the embodiments shown in Figures 1A to 7 above, in which case the functions of each unit are as follows:

[0451] The transceiver unit is used to transmit at least one synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0452] The transceiver unit is also configured to send a paging message in the direction of the first beam if the first information is received, the first information being used to indicate the first index of the first beam fed back by the terminal device, the beam associated with at least one SSB including the first beam, and the paging message including an identifier associated with the terminal device.

[0453] The transceiver unit is also used to send a paging message omnidirectionally if the second condition is met;

[0454] The second condition includes one or more of the following: no random access request is received from the terminal device in the first time period, no first information is received in the second time period, the terminal device fails to complete random access in the third time period, and no second information is received in the fourth time period, wherein the second information is used to indicate the first index, and the power of the second information is greater than or equal to the power of the first information.

[0455] Optionally, the second information is the first information, and the second power is greater than the first power.

[0456] Optionally, the second information is used to indicate the second index of the second beam.

[0457] Optionally, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit first indication information, which indicates one or more of the following: first power, second power, increment, power used for the Nth retransmission, or number of retransmissions; the increment is the difference between the second power and the first power, the number of retransmissions indicates the number of times the beam index is retransmitted, and N is an integer greater than 0.

[0458] Optionally, the first power is related to the received power of the physical random access channel and the path loss.

[0459] Optionally, the first identifier associated with the terminal device includes: the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the group to which the terminal device belongs.

[0460] In this embodiment, the operations performed by each unit in the communication device are similar to those described in the network devices shown in the embodiments of Figures 1A to 7 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0461] In this embodiment, after sending the SSB, the transceiver unit 801 can determine the beam feedback of the terminal device through the first information. This allows the network side to send a paging message in the beam direction fed back by the terminal device, and the paging message carries a first identifier related to the terminal device. On one hand, the network side can send the paging message in the required beam direction based on the beam feedback of the terminal device, thereby reducing the heavy load on the network side caused by beam scanning and the decrease in paging capability. On the other hand, when sending a paging message, the network side can determine whether user information can be omitted based on whether the terminal device has beam feedback, thereby reducing the content carried in the paging message. Furthermore, the network device can perform a fallback process based on a second condition, thereby reducing abnormal operation of the communication system due to paging failure.

[0462] Please refer to Figure 9, which is another schematic structural diagram of the communication device 900 provided in this application. The communication device 900 includes a logic circuit 901 and an input / output interface 902. The communication device 900 can be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0463] The transceiver unit 801 shown in Figure 8 can be a communication interface, which can be the input / output interface 902 in Figure 9. The input / output interface 902 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication interface can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit. The processing unit 802 shown in Figure 8 can be the logic circuit 901 in Figure 9.

[0464] The logic circuit 901 and the input / output interface 902 can also perform other steps performed by the network device or terminal device in any embodiment and achieve corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0465] For example, when the communication device 900 is a terminal device, the input / output interface 902 can be used for one or more of the following: receiving first configuration information, receiving second configuration information, receiving first indication information, receiving at least one SSB, transmitting first information using first power, receiving paging messages, transmitting second information using second power, etc. The logic circuit 901 can be used to measure SSB / beam, determine the first index corresponding to the first beam, etc.

[0466] For example, when the communication device 900 is a network device, the input / output interface 902 can be used for one or more of the following: sending first configuration information, sending second configuration information, sending first indication information, sending at least one SSB, receiving first information, sending a paging message, receiving second information, etc. The logic circuit 901 can be used to determine the sending method of the paging message based on the first information, determine the content of the paging message based on the first information, etc.

[0467] Optionally, the logic circuit 901 can be a processing device, the functions of which can be partially or entirely implemented in software.

[0468] Optionally, the processing apparatus may include a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor reads and executes the computer program stored in the memory to perform the corresponding processing and / or steps in any of the method embodiments.

[0469] Optionally, the processing device may consist of only a processor. A memory for storing computer programs is located outside the processing device, and the processor is connected to the memory via circuitry / wires to read and execute the computer programs stored in the memory. The memory and processor may be integrated together or physically independent of each other.

[0470] Optionally, the processing device may be one or more chips, or one or more integrated circuits. For example, the processing device may be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-chips (SoCs), central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other integrated chips, or any group of the above chips or processors.

[0471] Please refer to Figure 10, which shows the communication device 1000 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the communication device 1000 can be a communication device that serves as a network device or a terminal device in the above embodiments, or it can be a chip or functional module in a network device or a terminal device.

[0472] The present invention provides a possible logical structure diagram of the communication device 1000, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one processor 1001 and a communication port 1002.

[0473] In Figure 8, the transceiver unit 801 can be a communication interface, which can be the communication port 1002 in Figure 10. The communication port 1002 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication port 1002 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit, or it can be the input / output interface of a chip.

[0474] Optionally, the device may further include at least one of a memory 1003 and a bus. In embodiments of this application, the at least one processor 1001 is used to control the operation of the communication device 1000. The memory 1003 is used to store device program code and / or data.

[0475] For example, when the communication device 1000 is a terminal device, the communication port 1002 can be used for one or more of the following: receiving first configuration information, receiving second configuration information, receiving first indication information, receiving at least one SSB, transmitting first information using first power, receiving paging messages, transmitting second information using second power, etc. At least one processor 1001 can be used to measure SSB / beams, determine the first index corresponding to the first beam, etc.

[0476] For example, when the communication device 1000 is a network device, the communication port 1002 can be used for one or more of the following: sending first configuration information, sending second configuration information, sending first indication information, sending at least one SSB, receiving first information, sending a paging message, receiving second information, etc. At least one processor 1001 can be used to determine the sending method of the paging message based on the first information, determine the content of the paging message based on the first information, etc.

[0477] Furthermore, the processor 1001 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0478] It is understood that this application does not limit the number of the various components shown in Figure 10. For example, the number of processors 1001, the number of communication ports 1002, and the number of memory 1003 can each be one or more, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0479] It should be noted that the communication device 1000 shown in Figure 10 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the network device or terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments and achieve the corresponding technical effects. The specific implementation of the communication device shown in Figure 10 can be referred to the description in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0480] Please refer to Figure 11, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 1100 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the communication device 1100 can be a communication device as a network device in the above embodiments, and the structure of the communication device can be referred to the structure shown in Figure 11.

[0481] The communication device 1100 includes at least one processor 1111 and at least one network interface 1114. Optionally, the communication device further includes at least one memory 1112, at least one transceiver 1113, and one or more antennas 1115. The processor 1111, memory 1112, transceiver 1113, and network interface 1114 are connected, for example, via a bus. In this embodiment, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment is not limited thereto. The antenna 1115 is connected to the transceiver 1113. The network interface 1114 enables the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 1114 may include a network interface between the communication device and core network equipment, such as an S1 interface; the network interface may also include a network interface between the communication device and other communication devices (e.g., other network devices or core network equipment), such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0482] In Figure 11, the transceiver unit 1101 can be a communication interface, which can be the network interface 1114 in Figure 11. The network interface 1114 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the network interface 1114 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0483] The processor 1111 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs, for example, to support the actions described in the embodiments of the communication device. The communication device may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is primarily used to control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. The processor 1111 in Figure 11 can integrate the functions of both a baseband processor and a CPU. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and CPU can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that the communication device may include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and multiple CPUs to enhance its processing capabilities. The various components of the communication device can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The CPU can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored in memory as a software program, which is then executed by the processor to implement the baseband processing function.

[0484] The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data. The memory 1112 can exist independently or be connected to the processor 1111. Optionally, the memory 1112 can be integrated with the processor 1111, for example, integrated into a single chip. The memory 1112 can store program code that executes the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 1111. The various types of computer program code being executed can also be considered as drivers for the processor 1111.

[0485] Figure 11 shows only one memory and one processor. In actual communication devices, there can be multiple processors and multiple memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be a storage element on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or it can be a separate storage element; the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0486] Transceiver 1113 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency signals between a communication device and a terminal. Transceiver 1113 can be connected to antenna 1115. Transceiver 1113 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 1115 can receive radio frequency signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 1113 is used to receive the radio frequency signals from the antennas, convert the radio frequency signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, and provide the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals to processor 1111 so that processor 1111 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, such as demodulation and decoding. In addition, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 1113 is also used to receive the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals from processor 1111, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals into radio frequency signals, and transmit the radio frequency signals through one or more antennas 1115. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of downmixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the radio frequency signal to obtain a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The order of these downmixing and IF conversion processes is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of upmixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband signal or digital IF signal to obtain a radio frequency signal. The order of these upmixing and IF conversion processes is also adjustable. The digital baseband signal and the digital IF signal can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0487] The transceiver 1113 can also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver device, etc. Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit that performs the receiving function can be regarded as the receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit that performs the transmitting function can be regarded as the transmitting unit. That is, the transceiver unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit can also be called a receiver, input port, receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit can be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0488] For example, transceiver 1113 can be used for one or more of the following: sending first configuration information, sending second configuration information, sending first indication information, sending at least one SSB, receiving first information, sending paging messages, receiving second information, etc.

[0489] It should be noted that the communication device 1100 shown in Figure 11 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the network device in the aforementioned method embodiments and achieve the corresponding technical effects of the network device. The specific implementation of the communication device 1100 shown in Figure 11 can be referred to the description in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0490] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the terminal, information sent to the terminal by the base station; or, the terminal chip sends information to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the terminal, information sent to the base station by the terminal. For example, the terminal sending information can be understood as the process of the terminal's chip outputting information.

[0491] When the aforementioned communication device is a module applied to a base station, the base station module implements the functions of the base station in the above method embodiments. The base station module receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station, information sent by the terminal to the base station; or, the base station module sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station, information sent by the base station to the terminal. Here, the base station module can be the baseband chip of the base station, or a DU (Digital Unit) or other modules. The DU can be a DU under an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture. For example, the base station sending information can be understood as the process of the base station's chip outputting information.

[0492] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0493] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0494] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

Claims

A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: Receive at least one synchronization signal block (SSB); First information is transmitted using a first power, the first information being used to indicate a first index of a first beam, the beam associated with the at least one SSB including the first beam; If the first condition is met, the second power is used to send the second information; the first condition includes one or more of the following: no paging message is received within a preset time period, or the received paging message does not include a first identifier related to the terminal device; the first identifier is associated with the first index, and the second power is greater than or equal to the first power. The method of claim 1, wherein The second information is the first information, and the second power is greater than the first power. The method of claim 1, wherein The second information is used to indicate the second index of the second beam. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further includes: Receive first indication information, which indicates one or more of the following: first power, second power, increment, power used for the Nth retransmission or number of retransmissions; the increment is the difference between the second power and the first power, and the number of retransmissions indicates the number of times the beam index is retransmitted, where N is an integer greater than 0. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The first power is related to the received power of the physical random access channel and the path loss. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The first identifier associated with the terminal device includes: the identifier of the terminal device and / or the identifier of the group to which the terminal device belongs. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The method further includes: If the number of times the first index is resent is greater than or equal to the first threshold, then a random access procedure is performed. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: Send at least one synchronization signal block (SSB); If the first information is received, a paging message is sent in the direction of the first beam. The first information is used to indicate the first index of the first beam fed back by the terminal device. The beam associated with the at least one SSB includes the first beam. The paging message includes an identifier associated with the terminal device. If the second condition is met, the paging message is sent omnidirectionally; The second condition includes one or more of the following: no random access request is received from the terminal device in the first time period, no first information is received in the second time period, the terminal device fails to complete random access in the third time period, and no second information is received in the fourth time period, wherein the second information is used to indicate the first index, and the power of the second information is greater than or equal to the power of the first information. The method of claim 8, wherein The second information is the first information, and the second power is greater than the first power. The method of claim 8, wherein The second information is used to indicate the second index of the second beam. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that The method further includes: Send a first indication message, which indicates one or more of the following: the first power, the second power, the increment, the power used for the Nth retransmission or the number of retransmissions; the increment is the difference between the second power and the first power, and the number of retransmissions indicates the number of times the beam index is retransmitted, where N is an integer greater than 0. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that The first power is related to the received power of the physical random access channel and the path loss. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that The first identity related to the terminal device comprises an identity of the terminal device and / or an identity of a group in which the terminal device is located. A communication device characterized by comprising: comprising means for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 13. A communication device characterized by comprising: comprising at least one processor configured to execute computer programs or instructions in a memory to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 13. A chip or chip system, characterized in that The chip or chip system is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 13. A readable storage medium characterized by, The storage medium has stored therein computer programs or instructions which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 13. A computer program product, characterized in that comprising computer programs or instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

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