Communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. The communication method comprises: a terminal receives first information, the first information comprising information related to a timing advance (TA), and the information related to the TA being used for a cell change process other than a primary cell handover. The present disclosure can reduce delay and increase transmission rate.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media and software products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, and program products. Background Technology

[0002] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), also known as off-ground networks, are an important technology that provides wireless resources via satellites or drones rather than terrestrial base stations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, and program products.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, the method comprising: a terminal receiving first information, the first information including information related to timing advance (TA), the TA-related information being used for other cell change processes besides primary cell handover.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, the method comprising: a network device sending first information, the first information including information related to timing advance (TA), the TA-related information being used for cell change processes other than primary cell handover.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, the method comprising: a network device sending first information to a terminal, the first information including information related to timing advance (TA), the TA-related information being used for cell change processes other than primary cell handover.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided for performing the communication method described in any one of the first and second aspects.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a communication method as described in the first aspect and any one thereof, or the second aspect and any one thereof.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, comprising at least one of a program and instructions, wherein the program and instructions, when executed by a communication device, implement the communication method described in any one of the first and second aspects.

[0011] This disclosure allows a terminal to receive first information, including information related to the Transfer Transaction (TA), for use in cell change processes other than primary cell handover. This saves on random access procedures, reduces latency, and increases transmission rates for cell change processes other than primary cell handover. This is particularly relevant for NTN scenarios to ensure communication. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication method interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication method interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of a communication method interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of a communication method interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 7b is a schematic diagram of the structure of the network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 8a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 8b is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0024] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, and program products.

[0025] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method, the method comprising: a terminal receiving first information, the first information including information related to timing advance (TA), the TA-related information being used for cell change processes other than primary cell handover.

[0026] In the above embodiments, the terminal receives first information, which includes information related to the Transfer Agent (TA), for use in cell change processes other than primary cell handover. This saves on random access procedures, reduces latency, and increases transmission rate for cell change processes other than primary cell handover. This is particularly beneficial for NTN scenarios to ensure communication.

[0027] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the process of changing other cells besides primary cell handover includes at least one of the following: handover of secondary cells; addition of secondary cells.

[0028] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the TA-related information corresponds to a target secondary TA group to which one or more target secondary cells are located, and one target secondary cell corresponds to one target secondary TA group.

[0029] In some optional embodiments of the first aspect, the TA-related information includes at least one of the following: a first value, which is zero; a second value, which is a non-zero value calculated by the network device through the preamble sent by the terminal; a first indication information, which is used to indicate a source secondary TA group; a first identifier, which is used to identify one or more of a plurality of source secondary TA groups; a second indication information, which is used to indicate a source secondary cell; and a second identifier, which is used to identify one or more of a plurality of source secondary cells.

[0030] In some optional embodiments of the first aspect, the process of changing other cells besides primary cell handover includes: adding primary and secondary cells; wherein the information related to TA corresponds to the primary TA group of the target secondary cell group.

[0031] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the information related to TA includes at least one of the following: a first value, which is zero; and a second value, which is a non-zero value calculated by the network device through the preamble sent by the terminal.

[0032] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the first information further includes: a Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state, or a beam index; wherein the TCI state or the beam index corresponds to a target secondary cell; or, the TCI state or the beam index corresponds to a target primary or secondary cell; wherein the TCI state or the beam index is used to listen to the downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0033] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the terminal receiving the first information includes: receiving the first information during the process of prior TA acquisition.

[0034] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the first information is carried by a Random Access Response (RAR) signaling.

[0035] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the terminal receiving the first information includes: receiving the first information during the process of cell changes other than primary cell handover.

[0036] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the first information is carried by at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; Media Access Control-Control Unit (MAC CE); Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0037] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the TA-related information is a TA adjustment value.

[0038] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: a network device sending first information, the first information including information related to timing advance (TA), the TA-related information being used for cell change processes other than primary cell handover.

[0039] In some optional embodiments of the second aspect, the process of changing other cells besides the primary cell handover includes at least one of the following: handover of a secondary cell; addition of a secondary cell.

[0040] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, the TA-related information corresponds to a target secondary TA group to which one or more target secondary cells are located, and one target secondary cell corresponds to one target secondary TA group.

[0041] In some optional embodiments of the second aspect, the TA-related information includes at least one of the following: a first value, which is zero; a second value, which is a non-zero value calculated by the network device through the preamble sent by the terminal; a first indication information, which is used to indicate a source secondary TA group; a first identifier, which is used to identify one or more of a plurality of source secondary TA groups; a second indication information, which is used to indicate a source secondary cell; and a second identifier, which is used to identify one or more of a plurality of source secondary cells.

[0042] In some optional embodiments of the second aspect, the process of changing other cells besides primary cell handover includes: adding primary and secondary cells; wherein the information related to TA corresponds to the primary TA group of the target secondary cell group.

[0043] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, the information related to TA includes at least one of the following: a first value, which is zero; and a second value, which is a non-zero value calculated by the network device through the preamble sent by the terminal.

[0044] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, the first information further includes: a Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state, or a beam index; wherein the TCI state or the beam index corresponds to a target secondary cell; or, the TCI state or the beam index corresponds to a target primary or secondary cell; wherein the TCI state or the beam index is used to listen to the downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0045] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, the network device sends the first information, including sending the first information during the advance TA acquisition process.

[0046] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, the first information is carried by a Random Access Response (RAR) signaling.

[0047] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, the network device sends the first information, including: sending the first information during the process of cell changes other than primary cell handover.

[0048] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, the first information is carried by at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; Media Access Control-Control Unit (MAC CE); Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0049] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, the TA-related information is a TA adjustment value.

[0050] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: a network device sending first information to a terminal, the first information including information related to timing advance (TA), the TA-related information being used for cell change processes other than primary cell handover.

[0051] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, the communication device being used to perform the communication method described in any one of the first and second aspects.

[0052] Fifthly, a communication system is provided, including a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0053] In a sixth aspect, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a communication method as described in the first aspect and any one thereof, or the second aspect and any one thereof.

[0054] In a seventh aspect, a program product is provided, comprising at least one of a program and instructions, wherein the program and instructions, when executed by a communication device, implement the communication method described in any one of the first and second aspects.

[0055] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0056] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described according to an optional implementation of the first or second aspect above.

[0057] It is understood that the terminals, access network devices, network elements, core network devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems involved in the various embodiments of this disclosure are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0058] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, communication systems, storage media, and program products. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "communication device" and "information processing device" and "communication device," and the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0059] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0060] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical environments of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0061] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0062] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0063] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0064] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0065] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0066] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0067] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0068] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0069] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0070] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0071] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0072] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0073] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," or "fixed station." In some embodiments, it may also be understood as "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," or "bandwidth part (BWP)."

[0074] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," etc.

[0075] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0076] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0077] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0078] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0080] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0081] In some embodiments, network device 102 may include at least one of access network device and core network device.

[0082] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0083] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0084] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0085] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of the aforementioned one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0086] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0087] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0088] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), 5G New Radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio Access (NX), Future Generation Radio Access (FX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0089] In some embodiments, the signal processing can be categorized into transparent transmission mode and regeneration mode, depending on the satellite's signal processing method. In transparent transmission mode, the NTN ground station transmits the gNB signal to the satellite. The satellite converts the signal to its own frequency band and then transmits it to the UE. Aside from frequency conversion and signal amplification, the satellite does not demodulate the gNB signal, functioning similarly to a repeater. In regeneration mode, after the NTN ground station transmits the gNB signal to the satellite, the satellite first demodulates and decodes the signal before re-encoding and modulating it (this process is called regeneration) and then transmits the regenerated signal through its own frequency band.

[0090] In some embodiments, carrier aggregation (CA) is a key technology, which can be applied, for example, to systems such as Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) and NR, but is not limited thereto. CA aims to increase the transmission bandwidth of a system by aggregating multiple component carriers (CCs), thereby improving data transmission rates and system capacity.

[0091] The following introduces the basic concepts and components of CA:

[0092] Primary Cell (PCell): Operates on the primary CC and is used for initial connection establishment and connection re-establishment processes.

[0093] Secondary Cell (SCell): Operates on the secondary CC. Once an RRC connection is established, the secondary cell can provide additional radio resources.

[0094] Serving Cell: A user equipment (UE) in the Radio Control Resource Connection (RRC_CONNECTED) state has only one Serving Cell, namely PCell, if no CA is configured; if CA is configured, the Serving Cell set consists of PCell and SCell.

[0095] In some embodiments, dual connectivity (DC) is a key technology. DC aims to enable a terminal to simultaneously utilize the unlimited resources of two different base stations while in a connected state.

[0096] The following introduces the basic concepts and components of CA:

[0097] Master Cell Group (MCG): The cell group of the master node in dual connectivity.

[0098] Secondary Cell Group (SCG): The cell group of the secondary node in dual connectivity.

[0099] In some embodiments, CA and DC technologies can be combined. For example, a primary cell group may include the primary cell of the primary node and the secondary cell of the primary node. A secondary cell group may include the primary cell of the secondary node and the secondary cell of the secondary node. The primary cell of the primary node can be abbreviated as PCell, and the primary cell of the secondary node can be referred to as primary-secondary cell, or simply PSCell. PCell and PSCell can be collectively referred to as sPCell.

[0100] In some embodiments, RACH-less handover is a technique to reduce handover latency, suitable for reducing data interruption time in mobile communications and improving user experience. RACH-less handover allows a user equipment (UE) to complete handover without a traditional random access procedure (RACH). The UE can handover from the source cell to the target cell at a pre-arranged time without performing the RACH procedure. This mechanism significantly reduces data interruption time during handover by reducing the time spent on the RACH attempt process. The implementation of RACH-less handover includes configured grant and dynamic grant. The network configures the UE through RRC Reconfiguration messages, including a Timing Advance (TA) indication for accessing the target cell and the configuration of a configured grant or dynamic grant. The UE synchronizes to the target cell by applying the TA indication. If no valid uplink configured grant is available, the UE will receive an uplink grant (UL grant) by listening to the PDCCH according to the beam indication.

[0101] Currently, RACH-less handover only supports the NTA value indicating the primary TA group (PTAG), i.e., the TAG where the target sPCell is located. This means the UE can only skip the RACH process on the sPCell cell. The NTA value is a TA-related value, such as the TA adjustment value. If the target SCell and the target sPCell are not in the same TAG, the UE needs to reacquire the TA to transmit data on the target SCell. Similarly, if a new SCell is added and belongs to a different TAG, the UE also needs to acquire the TA to communicate on the new SCell. Currently, TA acquisition on a SCell can only be achieved through the PDCCH ordered CFRA process triggered by the base station. For NTN scenarios with significant propagation delays, this will postpone data transmission on the SCell, resulting in a decrease in transmission rate. Similarly, the current PSCell addition process also requires a random access procedure, which also postpones data transmission on the PSCell.

[0102] Therefore, this disclosure provides a communication method in which a terminal receives first information, including information related to TA (Transmission Terminal Access), for use in cell change processes other than primary cell handover. This saves on random access procedures, reduces latency, and increases transmission rate for cell change processes other than primary cell handover. This is particularly useful for NTN (Network Transmission Network) scenarios to ensure communication.

[0103] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication method interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100, the method including:

[0104] In step S2101, network device 102 sends first information to terminal 101.

[0105] In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives first information sent by network device 102.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first information includes information related to TA (Transfer Aspect), which is used for cell change processes other than primary cell handover. The embodiments of this disclosure are applicable to different scenarios, such as CA (Cell-Aspect), DC (Digital Control), and a combination of CA and DC. For example, primary cell handover can be a PCell under CA technology, or an sPCell combining CA and DC technologies, where the sPCell includes both PCell and PSCell.

[0107] In some embodiments, cell change processes other than primary cell handover include at least one of the following: secondary cell handover; addition of a secondary cell.

[0108] Optionally, cell change processes other than primary cell handover include secondary cell handover. For example, the serving cell of a terminal may include a primary cell and one or more secondary cells. A terminal can handover from one secondary cell to another, and the secondary cell after handover can be called the target secondary cell. Information related to TA (Target Aspect Ratio) can correspond to the target secondary TA group to which one or more target secondary cells belong, and one target secondary cell corresponds to one target secondary TA group. Here, a secondary TA group (STAG) can be understood as the TA group to which a secondary cell belongs, that is, a cell group composed of multiple secondary cells with the same TA. The target secondary TA group to which one or more target secondary cells belong can be one target secondary TA group to which one target secondary cell belongs, or multiple target secondary TA groups to which multiple target secondary cells belong, and one target secondary cell corresponds to one target secondary TA group. For example, when a terminal hands over from secondary cell A to secondary cell B, secondary cell B is the target secondary cell, and the secondary TA group to which secondary cell B belongs is the target secondary TA group. Network devices can configure TA-related information for the secondary TA group to which secondary cell B belongs. For example, the TA-related information can be a TA adjustment value, and the terminal can adjust the TA of the secondary TA group based on the TA adjustment value. For example, when a terminal switches from secondary cells A and B to secondary cells C and D, the target secondary cells are secondary cells C and D. The target secondary TA groups are the secondary TA groups to which secondary cell C and D belong. Network devices can configure TA-related information for the secondary TA groups to which secondary cell C and D belong. Specifically, the first piece of information includes TA-related information 1 for secondary cell C and TA-related information 2 for secondary cell D. Information 1 and information 2 can be configured jointly, meaning only one TA-related information can be configured, corresponding to both secondary cells C and D. Information 1 and information 2 can also be configured independently; they can be the same or different.

[0109] Optionally, cell change processes other than primary cell handover include the addition of secondary cells. For example, a terminal's serving cell may include a primary cell and one or more secondary cells. To expand bandwidth and improve transmission rates, network devices can add secondary cells to the terminal; adding a secondary cell can also be called configuring a secondary cell. The added secondary cell can be called the target secondary cell. For example, if the terminal has secondary cell A, and secondary cell B is added to the terminal, then secondary cell B is the target secondary cell, and the secondary TA group to which secondary cell B belongs is the target secondary TA group. Network devices can configure TA-related information for the secondary TA group to which secondary cell B belongs.

[0110] In some embodiments, if the cell change process other than primary cell handover includes at least one of the following: secondary cell handover; addition of a secondary cell, the information related to the TA includes at least one of the following: a first value, which is zero; a second value, which is a non-zero value calculated by the network device through the preamble sent by the terminal; a first indication information, which is used to indicate a source secondary TA group; a first identifier, which is used to identify one or more of the multiple source secondary TA groups; a second indication information, which is used to indicate a source secondary cell; and a second identifier, which is used to identify one or more of the multiple source secondary cells.

[0111] Optionally, the information related to the TA may include a first value, which is zero, meaning the information related to the TA can be zero. For example, the network device can determine that the information related to the TA is zero based on factors such as channel state and the distance between the terminal and the network device. Another example is that the network device can control the terminal to send a preamble to obtain the TA in advance; the obtained TA may be zero. Upon receiving this information, the terminal may not adjust the TA value of the target secondary TA group.

[0112] Optionally, the information related to the TA may include a second value, which is a non-zero value calculated by the network device from the preamble sent by the terminal. For example, the network device can control the terminal to send a preamble to obtain the TA in advance. The network device can calculate the second value based on the preamble sent by the terminal, and the second value is non-zero. Upon receiving this information, the terminal can adjust the TA value of the target auxiliary TA group according to the second value.

[0113] Optionally, the information related to the TA may include first indication information, which indicates the source secondary TA group. For example, when a terminal switches from secondary cell A to secondary cell B, the secondary TA group to which secondary cell A belongs can be called the source secondary TA group, and the secondary TA group to which secondary cell B belongs is the target secondary TA group. As another example, if a terminal has secondary cell A, and the network device adds secondary cell B to the terminal, the secondary TA group to which secondary cell A belongs can be called the source secondary TA group, and the secondary TA group to which secondary cell B belongs is the target secondary TA group. The terminal can use the TA value of the source secondary TA group as the TA value of the target secondary TA group. For example, when there is only one source secondary TA group, the information related to the TA may only include the first indication information, indicating the category of the source secondary TA group, without indicating which specific source secondary TA group.

[0114] Optionally, the information related to the TA (Transfer Target) may include a first identifier, which identifies one or more of multiple source secondary TA groups. For example, when a terminal switches from secondary cell A to secondary cell B, the secondary TA group to which secondary cell A belongs can be called the source secondary TA group, and the secondary TA group to which secondary cell B belongs can be called the target secondary TA group. As another example, if a terminal has a secondary cell A, and the network device adds a secondary cell B to the terminal, the secondary TA group to which secondary cell A belongs can be called the source secondary TA group, and the secondary TA group to which secondary cell B belongs can be called the target secondary TA group. The terminal can use the TA value of the source secondary TA group as the TA value of the target secondary TA group. For example, when there are multiple source secondary TA groups, the information related to the TA may include the first identifier to indicate which source secondary TA group's TA value to reference when determining the TA value of the target secondary TA group; that is, the terminal can adjust the TA value of the target secondary TA group to the TA value of the source secondary TA group corresponding to the first identifier.

[0115] Optionally, the information related to the TA may include second indication information, which indicates the source secondary cell. For example, when a terminal switches from secondary cell A to secondary cell B, secondary cell A can be called the source secondary cell, and secondary cell B can be called the target secondary cell. As another example, if a terminal has secondary cell A, and the network device adds secondary cell B to the terminal, secondary cell A can be called the source secondary cell, and secondary cell B can be called the target secondary cell. The terminal can use the TA value corresponding to the source secondary cell as the TA value corresponding to the target secondary cell. For example, when there is only one source secondary cell, the information related to the TA may only include the second indication information, indicating the category of source secondary cell, without indicating which specific source secondary cell.

[0116] Optionally, the information related to the TA may include a second identifier, which identifies one or more of a plurality of source secondary cells. For example, when a terminal switches from secondary cell A to secondary cell B, secondary cell A can be called the source secondary cell, and secondary cell B can be called the target secondary cell. As another example, if the terminal has secondary cell A, and the network device adds secondary cell B to the terminal, secondary cell A can be called the source secondary cell, and secondary cell B can be called the target secondary cell. The terminal can use the TA value corresponding to the source secondary cell as the TA value corresponding to the target secondary cell. For example, when there are multiple source secondary cells, the information related to the TA may include a second identifier to indicate which source secondary cell's TA value is referenced to determine the TA value corresponding to the target secondary cell; that is, the terminal can adjust the TA value corresponding to the target secondary cell to the TA value corresponding to the source secondary cell corresponding to the first identifier.

[0117] In some embodiments, cell change processes other than primary cell handover include the addition of primary and secondary cells. For example, if a terminal has primary and secondary cells A, and the network device can add primary and secondary cell B to the terminal, then primary and secondary cell B becomes the target primary and secondary cell. It can be understood that the cell group of a secondary node is called the secondary cell group, and the TA group of the primary cell of the secondary node can be called the primary TA group of the secondary cell group. Primary and secondary cell B is the primary cell of the secondary node, and the cell group to which primary and secondary cell B belongs is the target secondary cell group. The network device can configure TA-related information for the primary TA group of the target secondary cell group.

[0118] In some embodiments, if the cell change process other than primary cell handover includes the addition of a primary or secondary cell, the information related to TA includes at least one of the following: a first value, which is zero; and a second value, which is a non-zero value calculated by the network device through the preamble sent by the terminal. The explanations of the first and second values ​​can be found in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0119] In some embodiments, the terminal may receive the first information during the TA acquisition process in advance.

[0120] In some embodiments, the signaling carrying the first information may be Random Access Response (RAR) signaling. It is understood that if the terminal receives the first information during the prior TA acquisition process, the first information can be carried by RAR, without the network device needing to additionally send the first information via signaling.

[0121] In some embodiments, the terminal may receive the first information during cell changes other than primary cell handover.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first information is carried by at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; Medium Access Control Control Element (MAC CE); and Downlink Control Information (DCI). For example, the first information may be carried by an RRC reconfiguration message. As another example, the first information may be carried by a MAC CE or DCI for a PSCell addition process triggered by Layer 1 or Layer 2 (L1 / L2) or lower layer signaling. For example, the network device pre-configures some candidate PSCells for the terminal, and when specific conditions are met, the network device triggers the terminal to access a target PSCell via a MAC CE or DCI.

[0123] In step S2102, terminal 101 sends an uplink signal to network device 102 based on the first information.

[0124] In some embodiments, network device 102 receives an uplink signal sent by terminal 101, the uplink signal being sent by the terminal based on first information. For example, based on TA-related information included in the first information, the terminal can determine the TA value corresponding to the target secondary cell or the target primary / secondary cell, and thus, based on the TA value, can send an uplink signal on the target secondary cell or the target primary / secondary cell. For example, based on the TA value, the uplink signal can be sent at an appropriate time to ensure uplink synchronization, avoid communication conflicts, and improve communication efficiency.

[0125] In step S2103, terminal 101 listens to PDCCH based on the first information.

[0126] In some embodiments, the terminal can determine the TA value corresponding to the target secondary cell or the target primary / secondary cell based on the TA-related information included in the first information, and then transmit uplink signals on the target secondary cell or the target primary / secondary cell based on the TA value. However, to communicate with the secondary cell or the primary / secondary cell, the terminal also needs to listen to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). Therefore, the first information may further include: Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI state), or beam index; wherein the TCI state or beam index corresponds to the target secondary cell; or, the TCI state or beam index corresponds to the target primary / secondary cell; wherein the TCI state or beam index is used to listen to the PDCCH.

[0127] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2103. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0128] In some embodiments, steps S2102 and S2103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0129] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2 may be referred to.

[0130] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by terminal 101, the method including:

[0131] Step S3101: Obtain the first information.

[0132] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0133] In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives first information sent by network device 102, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive first information sent by other entities.

[0134] In some embodiments, terminal 101 obtains first information as defined by the protocol.

[0135] In some embodiments, terminal 101 obtains first information from upper layer(s).

[0136] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 processes the information to obtain the first information.

[0137] In some embodiments, step S3101 is omitted, and terminal 101 autonomously implements the function indicated by the first report, or the above function is default or default.

[0138] Step S3102: Send an uplink signal.

[0139] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0140] In some embodiments, the uplink signal is transmitted based on the first information.

[0141] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may send uplink signals to network device 102, but is not limited thereto, and may also send uplink signals to other entities.

[0142] Step S3103: Listen to PDCCH.

[0143] The optional implementation of step S3103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0144] In some embodiments, PDCCH is based on first information listening.

[0145] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3103. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0146] In some embodiments, steps S3102 and S3103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0147] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG3.

[0148] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a network device 102, the method comprising:

[0149] Step S4101: Send the first message.

[0150] The optional implementation of step S4101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0151] In some embodiments, network device 102 may send first information to terminal 101, but is not limited thereto; it may also send first information to other entities.

[0152] Step S4102: Obtain the uplink signal.

[0153] The optional implementation of step S4102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0154] In some embodiments, network device 102 receives uplink signals sent by terminal 101, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive uplink signals sent by other entities.

[0155] In some embodiments, network device 102 acquires uplink signals as defined by a protocol.

[0156] In some embodiments, network device 102 obtains uplink signals from upper layer(s).

[0157] In some embodiments, network device 102 processes data to obtain uplink signals.

[0158] In some embodiments, step S4102 is omitted, and the network device 102 autonomously implements the function indicated by the first report, or the above function is defaulted or set to default.

[0159] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4102. For example, step S4101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0160] In some embodiments, step S4102 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0161] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to Figure 4.

[0162] Figure 5 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0163] In step S5101, network device 102 sends first information to terminal 101.

[0164] In some embodiments, the above methods may include the methods of the embodiments related to the communication system 100, terminal 101, and network device 102, which will not be described again here.

[0165] This disclosure provides a communication method as follows:

[0166] In some embodiments, a RACH-less SCell replacement / configuration process is introduced.

[0167] In some embodiments, during SCell replacement / configuration, the network indicates an NTA value for one or more target STAGs containing one or more target SCells. The indicated NTA value can be one of the following:

[0168] Zero;

[0169] Source STAG (if there is only one Source STAG);

[0170] The TA group identifier (TAG-id) of the Source STAG (if there are multiple Source STAGs);

[0171] Source SCell (if there is only one SCell);

[0172] Source SCell's cell index (if there are multiple SCells);

[0173] The specific NTA value can be obtained by the UE in advance through a TA with the target SCell (for example, the UE sends a preamble on the target SCell, and the network obtains the UE's NTA value by receiving the preamble).

[0174] In some embodiments, the SCell replacement / configuration process may be to replace / configure only the SCell, or it may occur together with the spCell replacement process.

[0175] In some embodiments, the signaling indicating the NTA value can be RRC signaling, such as the RRCReconfiguration message (used to configure or replace the SCell); it can also be MAC CE or DCI, used for the SCell replacement / configuration process triggered by L1 / L2 or lower layer signaling (for example, the network pre-configures some candidate SCells for the UE, and when certain conditions are met, the network triggers the UE to access one or more target SCells through MAC CE or DCI, which can be signaling used only for SCell configuration or replacement, or it can be extended to MAC CE or DCI signaling used for spCell mobility (LTM).

[0176] In some embodiments, in addition to the NTA value, the network may also indicate TCI state or beam index information for the target SCell, which the UE uses to listen to the PDCCH on the target SCell.

[0177] In some embodiments, if the UE has performed a TA acquisition procedure with the target SCell in advance and has obtained the NTA value of the target SCell (e.g., the UE receives a RAR sent by the target SCell), the network does not need to additionally indicate the NTA value via signaling. After receiving the SCell change / configuration signaling, the UE uses the obtained NTA value to send uplink signals on the target SCell.

[0178] In some embodiments, a RACH-less PSCell addition process is introduced.

[0179] In some embodiments, during the PSCell addition process, the network indicates an NTA value for the PTAG of the target SCG. The indicated NTA value can be one of the following:

[0180] Zero;

[0181] The specific NTA value can be obtained by the UE in advance through a TA with the target PSCell (for example, the UE sends a preamble on the target PSCell, and the network obtains the UE's NTA value by receiving the preamble).

[0182] In some embodiments, the signaling indicating the NTA value can be RRC signaling, such as the RRCReconfiguration message (used to add a PSCell); or it can be MAC CE or DCI, used for the PSCell addition process triggered by L1 / L2 or lower layer signaling (for example, the network pre-configures some candidate PSCells for the UE, and when specific conditions are met, the network triggers the UE to access a target PSCell through MAC CE or DCI).

[0183] In some embodiments, in addition to the NTA value, the network may also indicate TCI state or beam index information for the target PSCell, and the UE uses this information to listen to the PDCCH on the target PSCell.

[0184] In some embodiments, if the UE performs a TA acquisition procedure with the target PSCell in advance and obtains the NTA value of the target PSCell (e.g., the UE receives a RAR sent by the target PSCell), the network does not need to additionally indicate the NTA value via signaling. After receiving the PSCell add signaling, the UE uses the obtained NTA value to send uplink signals on the target PSCell.

[0185] Figure 6a is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6a, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0186] In step S6101, during the SCell replacement or configuration process, network device 102 indicates the NTA value to terminal 101 for one or more target STAGs where one or more target SCells are located.

[0187] In some embodiments, NTA can be understood as a value associated with TA.

[0188] In some embodiments, the indicated NTA value may be one of the following:

[0189] Zero;

[0190] Source STAG (if there is only one Source STAG);

[0191] The TA group identifier (TAG-id) of the Source STAG (if there are multiple Source STAGs);

[0192] Source SCell (if there is only one SCell);

[0193] Source SCell's cell index (if there are multiple SCells);

[0194] The specific NTA value can be obtained by the UE in advance through a TA with the target SCell (for example, the UE sends a preamble on the target SCell, and the network obtains the UE's NTA value by receiving the preamble).

[0195] In some embodiments, the SCell replacement / configuration process may be to replace / configure only the SCell, or it may occur together with the spCell replacement process.

[0196] In some embodiments, the signaling indicating the NTA value can be RRC signaling, such as the RRCReconfiguration message (used to configure or replace the SCell); it can also be MAC CE or DCI, used for the SCell replacement / configuration process triggered by L1 / L2 or lower layer signaling (for example, the network pre-configures some candidate SCells for the UE, and when certain conditions are met, the network triggers the UE to access one or more target SCells through MAC CE or DCI, which can be signaling used only for SCell configuration or replacement, or it can be extended to MAC CE or DCI signaling used for spCell mobility (LTM).

[0197] In some embodiments, if the UE has performed a TA acquisition procedure with the target SCell in advance and has obtained the NTA value of the target SCell (e.g., the UE receives a RAR sent by the target SCell), the network does not need to additionally indicate the NTA value via signaling. After receiving the SCell change / configuration signaling, the UE uses the obtained NTA value to send uplink signals on the target SCell.

[0198] In step S6102, network device 102 instructs TCI state or beam index information for the target SCell.

[0199] In step S6103, terminal 101 uses TCI state or beam index information to listen to PDCCH on the target SCell.

[0200] Figure 6b is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6b, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0201] In step S6201, during the PSCell addition process, network device 102 indicates the NTA value to terminal 101 for the PTAG of the target SCG.

[0202] In some embodiments, NTA can be understood as a value associated with TA.

[0203] In some embodiments, the indicated NTA value may be one of the following:

[0204] Zero;

[0205] The specific NTA value can be obtained by the UE in advance through a TA with the target PSCell (for example, the UE sends a preamble on the target PSCell, and the network obtains the UE's NTA value by receiving the preamble).

[0206] In some embodiments, the signaling indicating the NTA value can be RRC signaling, such as the RRCReconfiguration message (used to add a PSCell); or it can be MAC CE or DCI, used for the PSCell addition process triggered by L1 / L2 or lower layer signaling (for example, the network pre-configures some candidate PSCells for the UE, and when specific conditions are met, the network triggers the UE to access a target PSCell through MAC CE or DCI).

[0207] In some embodiments, if the UE performs a TA acquisition procedure with the target PSCell in advance and obtains the NTA value of the target PSCell (e.g., the UE receives a RAR sent by the target PSCell), the network does not need to additionally indicate the NTA value via signaling. After receiving the PSCell add signaling, the UE uses the obtained NTA value to send uplink signals on the target PSCell.

[0208] In step S6202, network device 102 indicates TCI state or beam index information to terminal 101 for the target PSCell.

[0209] In step S6203, the terminal uses TCI state or beam index information to listen to the PDCCH on the target PSCell.

[0210] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0211] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0212] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0213] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 7a, the terminal 7100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 7101 and a processing module 7102. The transceiver module 7101 is used to receive first information, which includes information related to timing advance (TA). The TA-related information is used for cell change processes other than primary cell handover.

[0214] In some embodiments, cell change processes other than primary cell handover include at least one of the following: secondary cell handover; addition of a secondary cell.

[0215] In some embodiments, the information related to TA corresponds to the target secondary TA group to which one or more target secondary cells belong, and one target secondary cell corresponds to one target secondary TA group.

[0216] In some embodiments, the information related to TA includes at least one of the following: a first value, which is zero; a second value, which is a non-zero value calculated by the network device through a preamble sent by the terminal; a first indication information, which is used to indicate a source secondary TA group; a first identifier, which is used to identify one or more of a plurality of source secondary TA groups; a second indication information, which is used to indicate a source secondary cell; and a second identifier, which is used to identify one or more of a plurality of source secondary cells.

[0217] In some embodiments, cell change processes other than primary cell handover include: adding primary and secondary cells; wherein, the information related to TA corresponds to the primary TA group of the target secondary cell group.

[0218] In some embodiments, the information related to TA includes at least one of the following: a first value, which is zero; and a second value, which is a non-zero value calculated by the network device through the preamble sent by the terminal.

[0219] In some embodiments, the first information further includes: Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state, or beam index; wherein the TCI state or beam index corresponds to the target secondary cell; or, the TCI state or beam index corresponds to the target primary and secondary cells; wherein the TCI state or beam index is used to listen to the downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0220] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7101 receives the first information in the following manner: during the TA acquisition process in advance, the first information is received.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first information is carried by the Random Access Response (RAR) signaling.

[0222] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7101 receives the first information in the following manner: during the process of cell changes other than primary cell handover, the first information is received.

[0223] In some embodiments, the first information is carried by at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; Media Access Control-Control Unit (MAC CE); Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0224] In some embodiments, the information associated with TA is the TA adjustment value.

[0225] Figure 7b is a schematic diagram of the network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 7b, the network device 7200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 7201 and a processing module 7202. The transceiver module 7201 is used to transmit first information, which includes information related to timing advance (TA). The TA-related information is used for cell change processes other than primary cell handover.

[0226] In some embodiments, cell change processes other than primary cell handover include at least one of the following: secondary cell handover; addition of a secondary cell.

[0227] In some embodiments, the information related to TA corresponds to the target secondary TA group to which one or more target secondary cells belong, and one target secondary cell corresponds to one target secondary TA group.

[0228] In some embodiments, the information related to TA includes at least one of the following: a first value, which is zero; a second value, which is a non-zero value calculated by the network device through a preamble sent by the terminal; a first indication information, which is used to indicate a source secondary TA group; a first identifier, which is used to identify one or more of a plurality of source secondary TA groups; a second indication information, which is used to indicate a source secondary cell; and a second identifier, which is used to identify one or more of a plurality of source secondary cells.

[0229] In some embodiments, cell change processes other than primary cell handover include: adding primary and secondary cells; wherein, the information related to TA corresponds to the primary TA group of the target secondary cell group.

[0230] In some embodiments, the information related to TA includes at least one of the following: a first value, which is zero; and a second value, which is a non-zero value calculated by the network device through the preamble sent by the terminal.

[0231] In some embodiments, the first information further includes: Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state, or beam index; wherein the TCI state or beam index corresponds to the target secondary cell; or, the TCI state or beam index corresponds to the target primary and secondary cells; wherein the TCI state or beam index is used to listen to the downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0232] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7201 sends the first information in the following manner: during the TA acquisition process in advance, the first information is sent.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first information is carried by the Random Access Response (RAR) signaling.

[0234] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7201 sends the first information in the following manner: during the process of cell changes other than primary cell handover, the first information is sent.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first information is carried by at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; Media Access Control-Control Unit (MAC CE); Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0236] In some embodiments, the information associated with TA is the TA adjustment value.

[0237] Figure 8a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 8100 can be a network device, a terminal, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods; alternatively, the network device can be an access network device, a core network device, etc. Optionally, the terminal can be a user equipment, etc. The communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0238] As shown in Figure 8a, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device, execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 8100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the communication device can be a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU, or a CU, etc.

[0239] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8102 may also be located outside the communication device 8100.

[0240] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8103. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8103, the transceivers 8103 perform communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, such as steps S2101 and S2102, and the processor 8101 performs other steps.

[0241] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0242] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuit 8104 is connected to the memory 8102, and the interface circuit 8104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 8102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 8102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8104 can read instructions stored in the memory 8102 and send the instructions to the processor 8101.

[0243] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG8a. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0244] Figure 8b is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 8200 shown in Figure 8b, but it is not limited thereto.

[0245] Chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0246] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, the interface circuit 8202 is connected to memory 8203, and the interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive signals from memory 8203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 8202 can be used to send signals to memory 8203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8202 can read instructions stored in memory 8203 and send the instructions to processor 8201.

[0247] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, such as steps S2101 and S2102, while the processor 8201 performs other steps.

[0248] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0249] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8203 may be located outside of chip 8200.

[0250] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 8100, cause the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0251] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0252] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method includes: The terminal receives first information, which includes information related to timing advance (TA). The TA-related information is used for cell change processes other than primary cell handover.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The cell change process other than primary cell handover includes at least one of the following: secondary cell handover; addition of secondary cells.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The information related to TA corresponds to one or more target secondary cells belonging to a target secondary TA group, and one target secondary cell corresponds to one target secondary TA group.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The information related to TA includes at least one of the following: The first value, the first value is zero; The second value is a non-zero value calculated by the network device through the preamble sent by the terminal. First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate the source auxiliary TA group; A first identifier, which is used to identify one or more of a plurality of source auxiliary TA groups; The second indication information is used to indicate the source and secondary cells; The second identifier is used to identify one or more of the multiple source and secondary cells.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The cell change processes other than primary cell handover include: Addition of primary and secondary residential areas; The information related to TA corresponds to the primary TA group of the target secondary cell group.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The information related to TA includes at least one of the following: The first value, the first value is zero; The second value is a non-zero value calculated by the network device through the preamble sent by the terminal.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first information also includes: Transmission Configuration Indicator Status (TCIstate), or beam index; Wherein, the TCIstate or the beamindex corresponds to the target secondary cell; or, the TCIstate or the beamindex corresponds to the target primary and secondary cells; The TCIstate or beamindex is used to monitor the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The terminal receives first information, including: During the TA acquisition process, the first information is received.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The first information is carried by the Random Access Response (RAR) signaling.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The terminal receives first information, including: During the process of cell changes other than primary cell handover, the first information is received.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The first information is carried by at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; Media Intervention Control - Control Unit MAC CE; Downlink Control Information (DCI).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The information related to TA is the TA adjustment value.

13. A communication method, comprising: The method includes: The network device sends first information, which includes information related to timing advance (TA). The TA-related information is used for cell change processes other than primary cell handover.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The cell change process other than primary cell handover includes at least one of the following: secondary cell handover; addition of secondary cells.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The information related to TA corresponds to one or more target secondary cells belonging to a target secondary TA group, and one target secondary cell corresponds to one target secondary TA group.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, The information related to TA includes at least one of the following: The first value, the first value is zero; The second value is a non-zero value calculated by the network device through the preamble sent by the terminal. First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate the source auxiliary TA group; A first identifier, which is used to identify one or more of a plurality of source auxiliary TA groups; The second indication information is used to indicate the source and secondary cells; The second identifier is used to identify one or more of the multiple source and secondary cells.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein, The cell change processes other than primary cell handover include: Addition of primary and secondary residential areas; The information related to TA corresponds to the primary TA group of the target secondary cell group.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The information related to TA includes at least one of the following: The first value, the first value is zero; The second value is a non-zero value calculated by the network device through the preamble sent by the terminal.

19. The method according to any of claims 13-18, characterized by, The first information also includes: Transmission Configuration Indicator Status (TCIstate), or beam index; Wherein, the TCIstate or the beamindex corresponds to the target secondary cell; or, the TCIstate or the beamindex corresponds to the target primary and secondary cells; The TCIstate or beamindex is used to monitor the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH).

20. The method of any of claims 13-18, wherein, The network device sends first information, including: During the TA acquisition process, the first information is sent.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The first information is carried by the Random Access Response (RAR) signaling.

22. The method of any of claims 13-19, wherein, The network device sends first information, including: During the process of cell changes other than primary cell handover, the first information is sent.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, The first information is carried by at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; Media Intervention Control - Control Unit MAC CE; Downlink Control Information (DCI).

24. The method of any of claims 13-23, wherein, The information related to TA is the TA adjustment value.

25. A communications device, characterized by The communication device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1-12 and 13-24.

26. A communication system, characterized by The device includes a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method of claims 1-12, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method of claims 13-24.

27. A storage medium, characterized by The storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-12 and 13-24.

28. A program product, characterized by It includes at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program and instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1-12 and 13-24.

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